Machine Tool Steady Rest Unit for Shaft Workpiece Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in achieving high machining accuracy for shaft-shaped workpieces while maintaining easy loading and unloading of workpieces, as the steady rest used for stabilization often impedes the process.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a steady rest unit that can be moved linearly in the y and z directions, allowing it to be repositioned out of the way during loading and unloading, and equipped with clamping jaws for precise support and vibration prevention, enabling support of workpieces of varying lengths and diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a steady rest is used to support workpieces for high machining accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loading and unloading of workpieces becomes significantly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The steady rest unit is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in different locations along the workpiece length and retracted from the loading/unloading path when not needed, thus resolving the contradiction between providing support during machining and allowing easy workpiece handling
2Manufacturing precision
If a steady rest is positioned to support long workpieces, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the steady rest hinders the movement of workpieces during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The steady rest unit can be moved along the workpiece length and retracted from the loading/unloading path, allowing it to provide support during machining while being clear of the workpiece during handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The steady rest unit is given movement freedom in multiple dimensions (along the workpiece length and in/out of the working area), allowing it to occupy the support position during machining and the clear position during loading/unloading, resolving the spatial conflict
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine tool (1) has a workpiece spindle (4) for holding to-be- machined workpieces. A workpiece receiver (13) is rotated around an axis extending parallel to a vertical z-direction axis of rotation (14). A rotatable counter-holder (5) is arranged oppositely to the workpiece spindle on a machine frame (3). The counter-holder and workpiece spindle are linearly moved in the z-direction relative to each other. A bezel unit (8) to support the workpieces, is arranged in a machine frame recess portion which is horizontally extended in a y-direction in the machine frame.