Machine Tool Spindle Carrier and Lower Slide System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face limitations in the mobility and positioning of workpiece spindle units and lower tool carrier units relative to each other, restricting flexibility and efficiency during machining, especially when handling long parts or shafts.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves fixing one spindle carrier on the machine bed's upper side and providing two lower tool carrier units with Z-directional movement capabilities, allowing them to be positioned outside the machining area, enabling independent movement and positioning of lower tool carrier units relative to workpiece spindle units, and utilizing linear guides on the machine bed for enhanced mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lower tool carrier units are provided with Z-directional movement capabilities, then the flexibility and positioning independence of tool carrier units relative to workpiece spindle units is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool divides the tool carrier system into multiple independent lower tool carrier units (at least two), each with its own Z-directional movement capability. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently within the machining area, providing flexibility in positioning and tool selection without requiring a single complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower tool carrier units are equipped with Z-directional movement capabilities through slide systems, transforming them from static to dynamic components. This enables real-time repositioning of tool carriers relative to workpiece spindle units, allowing the system to adapt to different machining requirements and part geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lower slide systems are movable to reach parking position outside machining area, then the ability to machine long parts without collision is improved, but the required space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution utilizes the Z-direction (vertical dimension) to create parking positions for lower slide systems outside the machining area. By moving tool carriers vertically above or below the machining zone, the system accommodates long workpieces in the horizontal X-direction without requiring additional horizontal space, effectively using a different spatial dimension to resolve the conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower slide systems are designed to move tool carriers to predetermined parking positions outside the machining area before machining operations begin or between machining steps. This preliminary positioning prevents potential collisions with long workpieces and allows the system to prepare tool configurations in advance.
3Measurement precision
If lower slide systems are guided on linear guides extending in Z direction, then the precision and control of tool carrier positioning is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Linear guides serving as intermediary components are introduced between the lower slide systems and the machine bed structure. These guides provide precise geometric constraints and support for Z-directional movement, enabling accurate positioning of tool carriers without requiring complex active control mechanisms. The linear guides act as passive precision elements that simplify the overall control system.
Data Source
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AI summary
To improve a machine tool with a machine frame comprising a machine bed having a longitudinally extending machine bed body, which has a bottom surface facing the installation surface of the machine tool, a top surface opposite the bottom surface and facing away from the bottom surface, and a front surface extending transversely to the bottom surface between the bottom surface and the top surface, with two workpiece spindle units arranged on the machine bed, which are held by spindle carriers and of which each has a workpiece holder rotatable about a respective spindle axis, wherein the workpiece spindle units are arranged on the machine bed such that the spindle axes are coaxially aligned with each other at least in one workpiece transfer position, and with at least one lower tool carrier unit arranged on the machine bed and supported by a lower slide system,To ensure optimal mobility of the workpiece spindle units and the lower tool carrier units relative to each other, it is proposed that the spindle carriers holding the workpiece spindle units be held on the top of the machine bed body and that the at least one lower slide system be arranged on the front of the machine bed body and guided on linear guides extending in the Z direction.