Multiple-Spindle Turning Machine Drum with Cross Slides
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior multiple-spindle turning machines face limitations in operating flexibility and workpiece length due to the need for large mechanical assemblies and restricted working regions, leading to insufficient machining capabilities and potential damage to slender workpieces, which restricts proper tolerance achievement and efficient unloading.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-spindle turning machine design featuring a rotary drum with parallel guides supporting cross slides and vertically movable slides with tool holders, allowing independent control for machining both front and rear sides of workpieces without occupying additional space, enabling machining of slender workpieces of varying lengths without bending or flexural issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional mechanical assemblies are provided for machining operations in the tangential direction, then machining capabilities are improved, but the machine tool working region is greatly reduced and the machine structure becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slides are designed to perform multiple functions: they can machine workpieces in the radial direction (X axis), longitudinal direction (Z axis), and tangential direction (Y axis) through controlled movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical assemblies for different machining directions, thereby maintaining machining versatility while avoiding structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cross slides are made dynamically controllable through numerical control equipment, allowing them to adapt their movement paths and machining operations in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the same mechanical components to perform various machining operations that would otherwise require dedicated fixed assemblies, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine tool structure is greatly modified to include multiple working places for machining workpiece rear parts, then machining flexibility is improved, but the machine size increases and adjusting operations become very long and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding working places in the traditional horizontal plane, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting tools on vertically movable slides. This allows machining operations on workpiece rear parts to be performed in a different spatial dimension, achieving machining flexibility without increasing the machine's horizontal footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The vertically movable slides with tool holders are numerically controlled to dynamically position tools for machining workpiece rear portions. This dynamic positioning capability provides the flexibility of multiple working places while maintaining a compact machine structure, as the same physical space is utilized through controlled movement rather than permanent structural additions
3Productivity
If workpieces of larger lengths are machined, then productivity is improved, but the workpieces are subjected to damaging flexures and proper tolerances cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cross slides and vertically movable slides are equipped with numerical control equipment that dynamically adjusts their positions and movements during machining. This dynamic control allows for real-time compensation of flexures in long workpieces, maintaining manufacturing precision even as workpiece length increases for improved productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The numerical control system provides feedback control for the cross slides and vertically movable slides, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of machining parameters. This feedback mechanism compensates for workpiece flexures during machining, allowing longer workpieces to be processed while maintaining proper tolerances
4Area of stationary object
If the machine tool working region is restricted, then machine compactness is maintained, but it becomes very difficult to properly unload the machined workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension for workpiece unloading by employing vertically movable slides that can move tools and workpieces in the vertical direction. This dimensional approach allows workpieces to be removed from the machining area without requiring additional horizontal space, maintaining machine compactness while facilitating easy unloading operations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A multiple-spindle turning machine has an upright structure supporting a rotary drum which, in turn, supports a plurality of workpiece supporting spindles. On the upright, at each spindle, a cross slide adapted to support a plurality of machining tools to be used for machining the front portion of a workpiece is provided. The machine tool further comprises, in front of the rotary drum, parallel guides which are arranged crosswise of the machine bed, on the guides being slidably mounted two slides each including a workpiece supporting spindle. On the two sides of the machine tool, near each spindle, a vertical slide adapted to support a plurality of machining tools for machining the rear portion of the workpiece is arranged.