Machining Unit Support with Zero Backlash Rotary Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carriers for machining units in machine tools lack precise position control and adjustable rotary feed rates, leading to inaccuracies and limitations in aligning processing units during machining.
Innovation Solution
A controller is integrated with the drive motor to enable position-controlled rotation of the carrier head, allowing for precise angular positioning and adjustable rotary feed rates, using a high-ratio backlash-free gearing and sensors for accurate position detection, enabling continuous adjustment and holding of specified positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-ratio gearing is used to rotate the carrier head, then the positioning precision is improved, but the response speed and adjustability of rotary feed rates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical positioning system with a numerically controlled drive system. The numerically controlled rotary drive unit enables precise angular positioning through digital control signals while maintaining high-speed response and continuous adjustability of rotary feed rates, eliminating the trade-off between precision and speed inherent in mechanical gearing systems alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives position information from sensors (such as encoders or resolvers on the rotary drive unit) and continuously adjusts the drive signals to achieve precise angular positioning. This closed-loop control enables both high positioning accuracy and dynamic speed adjustment without the limitations of open-loop mechanical systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the carrier head is fixed in specific rotational positions using mechanical fixation, then the positioning stability is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability of alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static mechanical fixation to dynamic numerical control. The carrier head can be positioned at any angular location and held stable through active control by the numerically controlled rotary drive unit, enabling both positioning stability and unlimited adaptability for different machining configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The numerically controlled rotary drive unit provides universal positioning capability, allowing the carrier head to be aligned with any angular position required for different machining operations. This single system replaces multiple fixed mechanical configurations, providing both stability during operation and flexibility for reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If traditional rotary drives without position control are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (encoders or resolvers) on the rotary drive unit that provide real-time position feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables high positioning accuracy by continuously monitoring and correcting the actual position, justifying the increased control system complexity through significant gains in precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical indexing mechanisms with a numerically controlled drive system that uses digital signals and feedback control to achieve precise positioning. This substitution increases control complexity but enables manufacturing precision that cannot be achieved with traditional mechanical systems alone.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support for machining units of a machine tool, comprising a support housing and a support head which can be rotated on the support housing about a rotational axis, and a rotational drive for rotating the support head about the rotational axis relative to the support housing. The aim of the invention is to improve said support in such a manner that the machining units of the support head can be used as optimally as possible. The invention is characterized in that the rotational drive comprises a drive motor and a zero backlash transmission which is geared down and which rotates the support head.