Rotary Table Integrated Rail for High Run-Out Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary table systems face challenges in achieving high axial and radial run-out accuracy, high resolution, and are unable to satisfactorily meet demands for thin and medium- or large-sized systems due to discontinuities in the endless track rail and asymmetrical rolling element grooves, leading to torque fluctuations and reduced precision.
Innovation Solution
A rotary table system featuring a ring-shaped integrated rail with a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configuration and guide blocks assembled from opposing surfaces, equipped with a detecting mechanism using a tape scale and rolling element rolling surfaces, and end plates for recirculation passages, ensuring continuous guidance and high accuracy without torque fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an integrated endless track rail is used, then axial and radial run-out accuracy is improved, but the rail surface must be machined to form bolt holes, causing torque fluctuations when guide blocks pass the machined portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mounting function from the sliding surface by providing a separate flange portion that extends axially from the cylindrical portion. The flange portion contains the bolt holes for mounting guide blocks, while the cylindrical portion maintains a smooth, uninterrupted sliding surface. This separation eliminates torque fluctuations caused by guide blocks passing over machined portions with bolt holes.
2Device complexity
If conventional rotary table systems are used, then structure is simpler, but axial and radial run-out accuracy and resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cylindrical portion with a circular cross-section instead of conventional rectangular or flat guide ways. This curved geometry provides continuous rotational support and eliminates the run-out errors associated with linear guide segments. The cylindrical shape naturally accommodates radial and axial load components while maintaining high rotational accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If the endless track rail has asymmetrical rolling element grooves for assembly, then guide blocks can be assembled to the rail, but high accuracy cannot be obtained due to asymmetrical structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces asymmetry in the form of an axial flange portion that extends from the cylindrical portion. This asymmetrical feature provides a dedicated mounting surface for guide blocks while keeping the cylindrical sliding surface symmetrical and uninterrupted. The flange portion's asymmetry facilitates assembly without compromising the symmetry and accuracy of the rotational guide function.
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 system achieves high axial and radial run-out accuracy, high resolution, and minimal torque, with improved rigidity and reduced axial and radial vibrations, enabling precise rotation control and maintaining accuracy even in larger sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rolling element rolling surfaces (21-1, 21-2, 22-1, 22-2) formed on the rail (11)... load rolling element rolling surfaces (32-1, 32-2, 33-1, 33-2) formed on the guide block (12)... rolling element rolling passages (R1, R2, R3, R4)
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary table system having high axial and radial run-out accuracy, high resolution, and thin and medium- or large-sized system. The rotary table system includes a guide apparatus and a rotary table mounted on the guide apparatus. The guide apparatus includes a ring-shaped integrated rail having no discontinuity in the travel direction thereof, and a plurality of guide blocks assembled to the rail from the direction of their surfaces opposing the rail. The surface of the rail opposite to the surface thereof opposing the guide blocks and the underside of the rotary table are joined together. The rail has an L-shaped cross-sectional configuration formed from a vertical portion and a horizontal portion extending from the upper end of the vertical portion in the radial direction of the rotary table. A tape scale that is detected by a detecting mechanism is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rail.