Machine Tool Slide Lubrication Layout for Longer Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools require complex lubricant piping systems due to the need for oil grooves on both the moving and supporting units, limiting the slidable range of the moving unit and causing potential oil leakage or chip biting issues.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring oil grooves on unexposed portions of both the moving and supporting units, where lubricant is supplied through an inlet on one oil groove and distributed to the other, eliminating the need for separate inlets and simplifying the oil feeding system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oil grooves are formed on exposed portions of sliding surfaces, then lubrication is improved, but oil leakage and chip biting occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface is divided into exposed portions and unexposed portions. Oil grooves are selectively formed only on unexposed portions, segmenting the lubrication function from the exposed areas to prevent oil leakage and chip biting while maintaining lubrication efficiency on the unexposed portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sliding surface are given different properties: exposed portions are kept free of oil grooves to prevent harmful effects, while unexposed portions are equipped with oil grooves for effective lubrication. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between lubrication needs and prevention of oil leakage.
2Reliability
If separate oil feeding systems are provided for both fixed guide unit and middle base, then lubrication coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil feeding systems of the fixed guide unit and middle base are merged into a single integrated system. A common oil supply source feeds both units through shared piping, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive lubrication coverage for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil supply system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single oil inlet and piping system serves dual purposes by lubricating both the fixed guide unit and the middle base. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate independent feeding systems.
3Reliability
If oil grooves are formed on exposed surfaces, then lubrication is enhanced, but slidable range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding surface is segmented into exposed and unexposed portions. Oil grooves are placed only on unexposed portions, allowing the exposed portions to extend freely and increase the slidable range without being constrained by oil groove formations.
Solution Approach 2:
Lubrication is applied locally only where needed (unexposed portions) rather than across the entire sliding surface. This localized approach allows the exposed portions to be extended for greater travel distance without compromising lubrication quality on the unexposed areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design expands the slidable range of the moving unit without complicating the oil feeding system, ensuring efficient lubrication and preventing oil leakage or chip biting, applicable to various machine tools like NC lathes.
Implementation Method 1
lubricant fed through the oil inlet is supplied to the other of the first oil groove and the second oil groove
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a machine tool capable of expanding the slidable range of the moving unit without making the oil feeding system complicated. A machine tool in which a moving unit slides against a supporting unit with a sliding surface of the supporting unit facing a sliding surface of the moving unit, comprises a first oil groove formed on an unexposed portion of the sliding surface of the supporting unit; a second oil groove formed on an unexposed portion of the sliding surface of the moving unit; and an oil inlet formed on one of the first oil groove and the second oil groove. Lubricant fed through the oil inlet is supplied to the other of the first oil groove and the second oil groove.