Machine Tool Spindle Support for Large Machining Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools are often oversized due to the need to accommodate large machining tools, leading to increased acquisition costs and reduced energy efficiency, especially when predominantly small tools are used.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a support ring and external bearing system that absorbs axial and radial forces, allowing large machining tools to be used without enlarging the spindle head or tool holder, combined with a variable support element and spring elements to manage tolerances and forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine tool is designed to accommodate large machining tools, then large machining tools can be clamped for selected individual machining steps, but the machine tool size and acquisition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple independent components: support ring, support element, support pins, and external bearing. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function and be optimized independently, enabling large tool support without requiring the entire machine tool to be oversized
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is positioned at a distance from the spindle head in the axial direction, creating a new spatial dimension for force distribution. This axial separation allows the external bearing to absorb forces away from the spindle bearing, enabling large tool accommodation without increasing spindle head size
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine tool is designed to accommodate large machining tools, then large machining tools can be clamped, but acquisition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support function into separate components (support ring, support element, external bearing) rather than requiring a monolithic oversized spindle head, the invention reduces manufacturing complexity and acquisition costs while maintaining the capability to clamp large tools
Solution Approach 2:
The support system components serve multiple functions: the support ring provides structural support, the support element transmits forces, the external bearing absorbs axial and radial forces, and the spring element compensates for tolerances. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, lowering overall system cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine tool is designed to accommodate large machining tools, then large machining tools can be clamped, but energy efficiency during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented support system allows the machine tool to use a compact spindle head optimized for small tools during majority operations, only engaging the external bearing support when large tools are required, thus maintaining energy efficiency for most machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides dynamic tolerance compensation that adapts to different tool sizes and machining conditions, allowing the system to optimize its support characteristics in real-time without requiring a permanently oversized design
4Force
If the support ring is positioned between the machining head and the clamping area, then forces are effectively absorbed, but machining capabilities may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is positioned in the axial direction at a distance from the spindle head, creating spatial separation that allows force absorption without interfering with the radial machining capabilities of the tool
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring is pre-positioned on the machining tool before clamping, and the support element is pre-positioned in the spindle head, allowing the force absorption mechanism to be ready without restricting tool insertion or clamping operations
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
Enables the use of larger machining tools for specific steps without increasing the machine tool's size, reducing the load on the spindle bearing and maintaining processing depth, thereby improving energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element may be arranged between the support ring and the spindle head. This measure can compensate for any tolerances in the tool holder
Implementation Method 2
The axial and radial forces occurring with large machining tools, and the associated bending moments, can be absorbed by the support ring or the external bearing
Implementation Method 3
Depending on the advantageous design, the external bearing can be configured as a rolling bearing. Rolling bearings can transmit high forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool (1), comprising: a spindle head (3), having a housing (5) and a tool spindle (4), which is rotatably held in the housing (5) by means of a spindle bearing (6), the tool spindle (4) having a tool receptacle (8); a machining tool (9) for machining workpieces (2). The machining tool (9) has a machining head (10) having at least one cutting edge (11) and has a clamping region (13) for being held in the tool receptacle (8) of the tool spindle (4). A support ring (14) is formed on the machining tool (9). Furthermore, at least one bearing (15) is provided, which is arranged between the support ring (14) and the spindle head (3), whereby the support ring (14) is supported on the spindle head (3).