NC Lathe Tool Post Layout for More Tools in Less Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lathes face challenges in downsizing while accommodating an increasing number of tools on the second tool post, leading to expanded machine size and increased moving ranges, which hampers efficiency and productivity in high-mix low-volume production.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a tool post with multiple mounting parts aligned at intervals, allowing for tool selection and positioning that overlaps with a functional member, such as a product receiver, to reduce the overall size and moving range of the lathe by optimizing the relative positions of the tool post and spindle, and utilizing space efficiently with a coolant nozzle below the slope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of tools attached to the second tool post is increased to meet high-mix low-volume production needs, then the versatility and functionality of the lathe is improved, but the size of the tool post and the entire lathe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging tools in a single linear row to a two-dimensional grid arrangement with multiple rows and columns of tool mounting parts. This dimensional change allows significantly more tools to be accommodated within the same tool post footprint, increasing versatility without expanding the lathe's overall size proportionally
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are arranged side by side on the second tool post to increase tool capacity, then the adaptability is improved, but the moving range of the chucking apparatus must be expanded, increasing the lathe size
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing tools in a multi-row grid pattern rather than a single extended row, the patent reduces the linear distance any single tool must traverse. The chucking apparatus only needs to move across a compact two-dimensional workspace rather than along a long one-dimensional path, thereby reducing the required moving range while still providing access to numerous tools
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional members are attached to the second tool post in positions aligned with tools, then the functionality is improved, but the tool post size and chucking apparatus moving range must be further increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates functional members directly into the tool post structure at shared positions with tool mounting parts. Specific tool mounting positions are designated to accommodate both tools and functional members interchangeably, merging their spatial requirements rather than allocating separate spaces, thereby avoiding additional size expansion
Data Source
AI summary
An NC lathe including a first spindle, a second spindle capable of holding a cut-off workpiece delivered from the first spindle, a second tool post on which a plurality of tools are attachable to machine the workpiece held by the second spindle, a product receiver provided on the second tool post, a Y2-axis motor capable of moving at least one of the second tool post and the second spindle in a Y2-axis direction, and an X2-axis motor capable of moving at least one of the second tool post and the second spindle in an X2-axis direction. The second tool post has a plurality of tool mounting parts where the tools are attachable. The tool mounting parts are aligned at intervals in the Y2-axis direction. At least one of the tool mounting parts is arranged in a position overlapping the product receiver with respect to the X2-axis direction.