Multi-Spindle Turret Torque Motor Thermal Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-spindle turning machines face challenges in achieving accurate and efficient machining due to thermal effects from torque motors, which affect precision and stability, and lack flexible tool movement capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A compact multi-spindle turning machine design with a torque motor positioned away from the workspace, featuring independent spindle and tool movement in multiple directions, and a position locking mechanism with an absolute encoder for precise positioning, along with a bar loader for efficient workpiece handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the torque motor is arranged in the center portion of the turret body, then the drive mechanism is compact, but thermal effects affect machining accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive mechanism compactnessVSAvoidmachining accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The torque motor is extracted from the turret body and relocated to the machine frame. This separation removes the heat source from the machining area, eliminating thermal effects on machining accuracy while the drive mechanism remains integrated and compact through the coupling of the torque motor to the turret body's rotational axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the torque motor is kept energized to lock the drum position, then positioning stability is improved, but thermal effects increase due to continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrum position stabilityVSAvoidtorque motor temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous electromagnetic locking mechanism is replaced with a mechanical positioning system using indexing mechanisms and mechanical stops. The torque motor operates only during indexing movements and remains de-energized during machining operations, providing positioning stability through mechanical means rather than continuous electromagnetic force, thereby eliminating continuous heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If independent spindle movement in Z-direction is provided, then machining flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining flexibilityVSAvoidspindle drive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The turret body is segmented into multiple independent spindle units, each equipped with its own Z-direction drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each spindle to move independently for flexible machining operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design, where each segment uses standardized drive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If tool assemblies move in radial and tangential directions, then machining capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining capabilityVSAvoidtool assembly mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool assemblies are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing movement in radial (X-direction) and tangential (Y-direction) directions relative to the turret body. This dynamic configuration enables versatile machining operations including facing, turning, and grooving, while the movement mechanisms use standardized linear guides and drive motors to maintain reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances machining accuracy, stability, and flexibility by minimizing thermal interference and enabling precise spindle positioning, while allowing for efficient and flexible tool and workpiece handling.

Implementation Method 1

a torque motor (80) configured to drive a rotational movement of the turret body (20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a position locking mechanism (92) for locking a rotational position of the turret body (20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

with an absolute encoder for precise positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical encoding:

Data Source

PatentUS10786882B2Machine tool, in particular multi-spindle turning machine

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 GILDEMEISTER ITALIANA SPA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a machine tool, in particular multi-spindle turning machine, comprising a machine frame, a turret body being rotatably supported by the machine frame, a plurality of workpiece spindles being arranged on the turret body, each of the workpiece spindles having a workpiece receiving portion for receiving a respective workpiece on one side of the turret body facing a working space of the machine tool, and a torque motor for driving a rotation of the turret body. The torque motor is arranged at a back end portion of the turret body opposite to the side of the turret body facing the working space of the machine tool, and a position locking mechanism for locking a rotational position of the turret body is arranged at a front end portion of the turret body on the side of the turret body facing the working space of the machine tool.