Abstract: A semi-contact guide apparatus includes a bed as a first member, a column as a second member, a plural number of oil-hold portions and an oil-supply device. The column is movably guided on the bed. A sliding surface is formed on the column. The plural number of oil-hold portions is formed on the sliding surface. Dimensions of the oil-hold portions are defined according to load distribution of the weight of the column. The oil-supply device supplies lubricant oil to the oil-hold portions. The amount of lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion is defined according to each of dimensions of the oil-hold portions. Since the dimensions such as areas of the oil-hold portions and the amount of the lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion are defined as above, inclination of the column on the bed is prevented, and the column can be smoothly moved on the bed.

Abstract: A semi-contact guide apparatus includes a bed as a first member, a column as a second member, a plural number of oil-hold portions and an oil-supply device. The column is movably guided on the bed. A sliding surface is formed on the column. The plural number of oil-hold portions is formed on the sliding surface. Dimensions of the oil-hold portions are defined according to load distribution of the weight of the column. The oil-supply device supplies lubricant oil to the oil-hold portions. The amount of lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion is defined according to each of dimensions of the oil-hold portions. Since the dimensions such as areas of the oil-hold portions and the amount of the lubricant oil supplied to the oil-hold portion are defined as above, inclination of the column on the bed is prevented, and the column can be smoothly moved on the bed.

Abstract: In a machine tool having a worktable feed mechanism of the type that a worktable is moved in a horizontal direction relative to a tool spindle along a pair of guideways in parallel with the horizontal direction, there is provided a cutting chips collection space formed between the pair of guideways fixed to a base. A pair of ball screws are arranged outside of the cutting chips collection space for moving the worktable relative to the tool spindle in the horizontal direction. The cutting chips and coolant generated by contacting a tool with a workpiece drop into the cutting chips collection space directly without being heaped onto a cover mechanism of the worktable feed mechanism.