Vertical Lathe Counter-Spindle Pivoting for Simultaneous Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical lathes experience significant non-productive times due to changes in workpiece and tool clamping, require additional space and cost for grippers, and have inefficient drive designs, leading to suboptimal productivity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A vertical lathe design with a main spindle and counter-spindle that allows linear movement of the main spindle and pivotable counter-spindle with limited pivoting positions, enabling simultaneous machining and compact layout, reducing cycle times and installation space through coordinated axis movements and tool arrangement on a tool turret.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vertical lathe uses traditional workpiece clamping and tool clamping changes on the main spindle, then the machine can perform machining operations, but considerable non-productive times occur which negatively affect productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into two independent spindles (main spindle and counter-spindle), each capable of holding and machining workpieces independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing where one spindle is machining while the other prepares or transfers workpieces, eliminating idle time and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-spindle design enables continuous machining operations. While one spindle is engaged in machining, the other can be loading new workpieces or preparing the next operation. The counter-spindle can also perform machining operations simultaneously, ensuring that the machine is constantly productive without non-productive transition times.
2Ease of operation
If a vertical lathe uses a gripper to remove workpieces from the counter-spindle and feed them to storage, then workpiece transfer is enabled, but the machine cost increases and additional installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-spindle is designed to automatically transfer workpieces to the storage station without requiring an external gripper. The spindle itself performs the transfer function through its movement capabilities, eliminating the need for separate transfer mechanisms and reducing both cost and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-spindle serves multiple functions: it holds workpieces for machining, performs machining operations itself, and automatically transfers finished workpieces to storage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated transfer devices like grippers, simplifying the overall machine design.
3Ease of operation
If a vertical lathe uses pivoting spindles arranged next to each other for workpiece transfer, then workpiece pickup and placement is enabled, but both spindles must be pivoted requiring significant technical effort and powerful drives
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pivoting both spindles to achieve transfer, the design pivots only the counter-spindle while the main spindle remains stationary. This inverted approach simplifies the drive system by eliminating the need for powerful drives on the main spindle, reducing technical complexity while maintaining transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-spindle is designed with dynamic pivoting capability to change its orientation for workpiece transfer and machining operations. This dynamic element allows flexible workpiece handling and machining from different angles without requiring the entire spindle assembly or main spindle to be moved, reducing drive requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The lath has a counter spindle (12) pivotable from a position in which a workpiece (4) is transferred from a main spindle (2) into the counter spindle by coincidence of a spindle axis (Z power 1) of the main spindle with a spindle axis of the counter spindle, into another position. The workpiece held by the counter spindle is processed by a tool in the latter position. An orientation direction of a pivot axis and/or the spindle axis of the counter spindle in the latter position is linear independent of the spindle axis and a travelling direction of the main spindle along a machine bed.