Machine Tool Spindle and Tool Mount Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools face challenges in achieving compact dimensions in both the left and right directions and up and down directions, while also making tool mount replacement operations difficult due to overlapping spindle and tool mount arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The tool mount is arranged on the operator side with its rotary member axis positioned below the spindle axis, incorporating an indexing motor connected via a power transmission mechanism, allowing for compact machine design and easy tool mount replacement by preventing interference with the spindle and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the tool mount is arranged on the upper or lower side of the spindle to overlap with the spindle, then the dimension of the machine in the up and down direction becomes large, but the arrangement is compact in the left and right direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (tool mount above/below spindle) to a horizontal arrangement where the tool mount is positioned on the left or right side of the spindle. This dimensional repositioning reduces the vertical dimension while increasing the horizontal footprint, effectively trading one dimension for another to achieve a more compact overall machine size.
2Length of stationary object
If the tool mount is arranged on the spindle side, then the dimension of the machine in the up and down direction is reduced, but the replacement operation of the tool mount is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tool mount from its conventional position near the spindle and relocates it to the operator side of the machine. This separation allows the tool mount to be independently accessed and replaced without interfering with the spindle assembly, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining a compact vertical dimension.
3Length of stationary object
If the tool mount is arranged on the left side portion or right side portion of the spindle, then the dimension of the machine in the up and down direction is more compact, but the dimension in the left and right direction cannot be made more compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool mount installation portion with the operator side structure of the machine. By positioning the tool mount on the operator side rather than adjacent to the spindle, the design consolidates the operator interface and tool management functions in one location, achieving compact vertical dimensions while optimizing the horizontal layout for operator accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a spindle equipped with a workpiece gripping portion arranged so as to face an operator side, the spindle being configured to rotatably drive a workpiece gripped by the workpiece gripping portion, and a tool mount equipped with a rotary member supporting a plurality of tools in a rotatably indexable manner about an axis parallel to an axis of the spindle. The tool mount is arranged at a tool mount installation portion formed to be positioned on the operator side in a manner such that the rotary member faces a workpiece gripping portion side.