Spindle Support Ventilation for Compact Machine Tool Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools with vertically movable spindles face challenges in integrating a cooling structure without increasing the machine's size, as space is limited for cooling devices.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a ventilation hole through the support body between opposing surfaces, allowing air to flow towards the spindle, combined with a blower to forcibly circulate cooling air, enables effective spindle cooling without enlarging the machine tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling structure is provided for the spindle, then the spindle cooling effect is improved, but the machine tool size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling structure is merged with the support body by forming ventilation holes directly within it. The support body serves dual functions: supporting the spindle and providing the cooling pathway. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling devices, achieving spindle cooling without increasing overall machine tool size.
Solution Approach 2:
The support body is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical support of the spindle and thermal management through integrated ventilation holes. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both structural and thermal requirements, avoiding additional space-consuming cooling systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spindle is made movable in the vertical direction, then the processing versatility is improved, but the space for cooling structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation holes are integrated into the support body structure itself, combining the support function and cooling function in one component. This eliminates the need for separate cooling devices that would compete for space with the spindle moving mechanism, resolving the space conflict caused by vertical movability.
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
This configuration allows for efficient spindle cooling, preventing heat deformation and maintaining processing accuracy without increasing the machine tool's size, while also cooling the moving mechanisms, thus ensuring precise operations.
Implementation Method 1
the support body is provided with a ventilation hole extending through the support body between the support surface and a surface facing in the direction opposite to the support surface, to open toward the spindle
Implementation Method 2
a blower for forcibly flowing air through the ventilation hole
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A machine tool (1) includes a spindle (32) supported on a support surface (37a) of a support body (37) with such an orientation that the longitudinal axis of the spindle extends along the support surface (37a). The spindle (32) is movable in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle (32). The support body (37) is provided with a ventilation hole (80) extending through the support body (37) between the support surface (37a) and a surface (37b) facing in the direction opposite to the support surface (37a), to open toward the spindle (32).