Main Shaft Gear Switching for High-Speed, Low-Speed, and C-Axis Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in operating a main shaft that can efficiently switch between high-speed, low-speed, and C-axis modes due to issues like increased production costs, complex configurations, thermal deformation, backlash, and inability to perform miniaturization, leading to reduced machining precision and productivity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a single main shaft that operates in high-speed, low-speed, and C-axis modes by adjusting the engagement of gears between the input, transmission, and output units through rectilinear reciprocation, minimizing backlash and allowing for compact design, reduced assembly time, and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a combination of worm gear and servo motor is used to operate the main shaft, then the main shaft can operate in multiple modes (high-speed, low-speed, and C-axis modes), but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single servo motor to perform multiple functions by changing the gear engagement configuration. The same motor can drive the main shaft in high-speed mode, low-speed mode, and C-axis mode by selectively engaging different gears (first gear, second gear, third gear) with the transmission unit, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function and thereby reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable transmission unit that can reciprocate between the input unit and output unit along the transfer shaft. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to switch between different gear engagement states, enabling the main shaft to operate in different modes using the same motor, thus avoiding the need for multiple motors and reducing overall production cost.
2Reliability
If the power shaft and driving shaft are provided coaxially to operate the main shaft, then the transmission efficiency is improved, but machine interference occurs and structural properties of multi-tasking turning center cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement where the power shaft and driving shaft are disposed parallel to each other along the transfer shaft direction. The transmission unit reciprocates in the direction of the transfer shaft to transmit power between these parallel shafts, enabling effective power transmission without coaxial alignment while accommodating the multi-tasking structural requirements of modern turning centers.
3Speed
If gears and servo motor are used for rotational speed control, then the main shaft can operate in high-speed and low-speed modes, but severe heat is generated causing thermal deformation and deterioration in machining precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based speed control method with a gear engagement-based system. Instead of relying on friction between mechanical components which generates heat, the system uses precise gear meshing (first gear, second gear, third gear) to transmit power at different ratios, enabling rotational speed control without significant heat generation and thereby preventing thermal deformation that would affect machining precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If expensive gears such as taper gear or worm gear are used for main shaft operation, then the main shaft can operate in multiple modes, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard spur gears (first gear, second gear, third gear) instead of expensive specialized gears like taper gears or worm gears. These conventional gears are more cost-effective and widely available, yet they can still achieve the required multiple operation modes through different engagement configurations, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining functionality.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated configuration is used to operate the main shaft in multiple modes, then the main shaft can switch between high-speed, low-speed, and C-axis modes, but the apparatus cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gear engagement mechanisms into a single integrated transmission unit that can reciprocate along the transfer shaft. Instead of having separate mechanisms for each mode switching, the transmission unit integrates the functionality of engaging different gears (first gear, second gear, third gear) with the input unit and output unit, thereby achieving multiple operation modes in a compact configuration that can be miniaturized.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces manufacturing costs, enhances machining precision, improves productivity, and increases consumer satisfaction by maintaining or eliminating backlash, preventing thermal deformation, and enabling stable operation across multiple modes.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission unit disposed in parallel with the input unit and the output unit so as to be capable of rectilinearly reciprocating between the input unit and the output unit and configured to transmit the power from the input unit to the output unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for operating a main shaft of a machine tool, the apparatus including: an input unit configured to transmit power for operating the main shaft; an output unit disposed in parallel with the input unit and configured to operate the main shaft with the power from the input unit; and a transmission unit disposed in parallel with the input unit and the output unit so as to be capable of rectilinearly reciprocating between the input unit and the output unit and configured to transmit the power from the input unit to the output unit, wherein the main shaft is capable of operating in a high-speed mode, a low-speed mode, or a C-axis mode in accordance with the rectilinear reciprocation of the transmission unit.