Compact Machine Tool Slide Table with Nested Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machine tools, such as transverse machining centers, require a slide table to be horizontally slidable on a guide rail above a bed, increasing the height and size of the machine tool due to the need for additional structural components and space for rotational drive mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design where the slide table is housed within a recessed space in the main body, allowing the motor to be positioned below the slide table, and utilizing point-symmetrically disposed motors directly coupled to the rotary table, eliminating the need for a speed reduction mechanism and reducing the overall size by integrating the motor and drive components within the machine's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the slide table is supported on a guide rail above the bed, then the slide table can be horizontally slidable, but the height and size of the machine tool increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slide table is positioned within a housing space formed in the bed, nesting the slide table structure inside the bed rather than placing it above. This allows the slide table to maintain horizontal slidability while reducing the overall height of the machine tool by utilizing the internal volume of the bed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of supporting the slide table from below via a guide rail above the bed (vertical arrangement), the invention repositions the slide table within the horizontal volume of the bed. This dimensional reorganization reduces the vertical height requirement while preserving the horizontal movement capability.
2Ease of operation
If a speed reduction mechanism is provided in the slide table, then the rotary table can be rotated, but the size of the slide table and machine tool increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical speed reduction mechanism with a direct-drive motor system. The motor is directly coupled to the rotary table, eliminating the need for intermediate speed reduction gears. This substitution reduces the volume of the slide table while maintaining the rotational capability of the rotary table.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed reduction mechanism is extracted and removed from the slide table structure. By eliminating this unnecessary mechanical component, the slide table volume is reduced while the rotary table's rotational function is maintained through direct motor coupling.
3Reliability
If additional structural components and space for rotational drive mechanisms are provided, then the rotary table can be supported and rotated, but the overall size of the machine tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is integrated directly into the slide table structure and coupled directly to the rotary table, merging the drive function with the supporting structure. This eliminates separate structural components for support and rotation, reducing the overall machine tool volume while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide table structure serves multiple functions: it supports the rotary table, provides horizontal movement, and houses the motor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components, reducing the overall size of the machine tool while ensuring reliable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a slide table supported by an upper portion of a main body of the machine tool so as to be horizontally slidable, a rotary table provided on the slide table so as to be rotationally indexable about a vertical axis extending in the direction that is orthogonal to the direction of horizontal slide movement of the slide table, and a motor provided in the slide table to rotate the rotary table. A housing space is formed in the main body to house a lower portion of the slide table. At least a part of the motor provided in the slide table is placed in the housing space.