Ram Spindle Cooling and Hydraulic Gib Load Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools using box guideways for ram spindle transfer suffer from thermal deformation due to frictional heat, leading to decreased machining precision, increased costs, and safety risks, with existing cooling and load compensation systems being complex, costly, and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A cooling unit that cools the friction part between the ram spindle and saddle, combined with a hydraulic pressure closed circuit to automatically compensate for loads applied to gibs, maintaining constant surface pressure despite thermal deformation, using a system of gibs and hydraulic pressure flow paths to stabilize the machine tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a box guideway is used to transfer the ram spindle, then the transfer mechanism is simple and robust, but thermal deformation occurs due to frictional heat, decreasing machining precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful frictional heat into a beneficial cooling mechanism by introducing coolant flow paths directly into the box guideway structure. The coolant absorbs the frictional heat generated during ram spindle transfer, transforming the thermal problem into a controlled cooling process that maintains machining precision while preserving the simplicity of the box guideway design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coolant as an intermediary substance between the friction surfaces of the box guideway. The coolant circulates through dedicated flow paths, absorbing heat from the friction interfaces and transferring it away, thereby mediating the thermal interaction and preventing thermal deformation that would compromise machining precision
2Manufacturing precision
If cooling systems are added to address thermal deformation, then machining precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling system with the existing box guideway structure by integrating coolant flow paths directly into the guideway components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external cooling apparatus, reducing device complexity while effectively addressing thermal deformation to maintain machining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The box guideway structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support and guidance for the ram spindle while simultaneously housing internal coolant flow paths for thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated cooling components, simplifying the overall system while improving machining precision
3Stability of the object's composition
If load compensation is implemented for gib load changes, then surface pressure stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service load compensation mechanism where the hydraulic system automatically adjusts gib loading based on thermal deformation conditions. The system uses the machine's own hydraulic infrastructure to sense and compensate for load changes, maintaining surface pressure stability without requiring external complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic pressure compensation to maintain stable surface pressure on the gibs. By utilizing the machine's existing hydraulic system, the patent creates a load compensation mechanism that automatically adjusts gib loading in response to thermal deformation, achieving pressure stability without adding complex mechanical or electronic control apparatus
4Force
If multiple gibs are used for load distribution, then load capacity increases, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load support function into multiple separate gibs distributed at different locations on the saddle. Each gib independently supports a portion of the ram spindle weight and compensates for local thermal deformation, collectively providing enhanced load capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular arrangement
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
The solution enhances machining precision, reduces costs and maintenance time, improves stability and reliability, and prevents safety accidents by maintaining consistent surface pressure, thus improving the overall performance and efficiency of the machine tool.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit cools a friction part between a ram spindle and a saddle when the ram spindle, which is transferred by means of the box guideway, is thermally deformed
Implementation Method 2
a load applied to a gib is automatically compensated in case that the load applied to the gib is changed by the thermal deformation of the ram spindle, such that surface pressure applied to the gib is constantly and automatically maintained
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cooling a ram spindle and compensating for a load and a machine tool including the same, in which a cooling unit cools a friction part between a ram spindle and a saddle when the ram spindle, which is transferred by means of the box guideway, is thermally deformed, and a hydraulic pressure closed circuit automatically compensates for a load applied to a plurality of gibs, which is provided inside the saddle and installed between the saddle and the ram spindle, except for a reference surface with which the ram spindle is in close contact, so as to correspond to the reference surface in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction in case that a load applied to the gib is changed by thermal deformation of the ram spindle even though the cooling unit is used, such that the surface pressure applied to the gib is automatically and constantly maintained, which makes it possible to improve machining precision of the machine tool, reduce machining costs by preventing a waste of resources, improve productivity by increasing a non-machining time, and improve stability and reliability of the machine tool.