TELESCOPIC COVER FOR A MACHINE TOOL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a telescopic cover for a machine tool, wherein the telescopic cover has the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] WO 2004 / 096490 A2 describes a telescopic cover of the type mentioned above. The channel-shaped sections, arranged on both sides of the arc-shaped sections and open laterally towards these sections, are rectangular in shape, with the two channel-shaped sections of one telescopic member engaging in and being guided within the two channel-shaped sections of the telescopic member adjacent to it radially outwards with respect to the direction of travel.

[0003] From WO 01 / 15852 A1, a telescopic cover is known which has several telescopic sections which, guided in a direction of travel, are arranged to be movable back and forth relative to each other over a travel path, wherein the telescopic sections overlap each other with respect to the direction of travel and are arranged one above the other in a step-like manner with respect to a first transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, from the first telescopic section in a direction of travel to the last telescopic section in that direction of travel, wherein each telescopic section has a flat section. The flat sections of the telescopic sections are guided by an actuating device arranged below them.

[0004] JP S 606394 A discloses a telescopic cover with several telescopic sections which, guided in a direction of travel, are arranged to be movable back and forth relative to each other over a travel path, the telescopic sections being arranged to overlap each other with respect to the direction of travel. Each telescopic section has a flat portion which engages in guide grooves of laterally arranged guide blocks on its two sides facing transversely with respect to the direction of travel.The telescopic sections can be considered as extended telescopic sections, each consisting of paired telescopic sections arranged at a distance from the other in the direction of travel. With respect to a zero position, in which they are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the direction of travel, the two outermost telescopic sections with respect to the plane of symmetry, and, stepwise towards the plane of symmetry, the adjacent telescopic sections, are connected to each other via their lateral sections. Thus, the lateral sections of the connected telescopic sections are extended towards each other and combined into a unit that has a uniform cross-section over its entire axial extent with respect to the direction of travel.

[0005] A similar design of a telescopic cover with the features mentioned above with regard to JP S 606394 A, but without paired telescopic sections connected by lateral sections, is known from JP S 4822884 U.

[0006] EP 2 708 318 A1 discloses a telescopic cover for a machine tool, wherein the telescopic cover has several telescopic sections which, guided in a direction of travel, are arranged to be movable back and forth relative to each other over a travel path, wherein the telescopic sections overlap each other with respect to the direction of travel and are arranged one above the other in a continuously step-like manner with respect to a first transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, from the first telescopic section in a direction of travel to the last telescopic section in the direction of travel. The telescopic sections are each guided laterally in two guide rails extending in the direction of travel and spaced parallel to each other at a distance. The telescopic sections are box-shaped and have lateral walls that extend along lateral guide planes and are connected to each other by transverse walls.Furthermore, they have flat sections connected to the side walls via the transverse walls. Depending on the embodiment, these flat sections are provided on both sides with flanges extending outwards in the direction of travel and parallel to the transverse walls, or with grooves extending in the direction of travel and opening into laterally U-shaped sections of the side walls. The flanges or grooves of a telescopic section are assigned as guide rails to an internally adjacent telescopic section and, in the installed position, simultaneously rest against the flanges or in the grooves of an externally adjacent telescopic section for guidance. On one side of the box-shaped telescopic sections facing a specific direction of travel, second flat sections extending in this direction of travel are arranged on the transverse walls.These are connected to the telescopic sections via the transverse walls and, depending on the embodiment, have guide flanges or guide channels on both sides, as with the telescopic sections. The second flat sections with the flanges or channels can themselves be considered further telescopic sections, which, through their connection to the telescopic sections, form telescopic sections that are each extended and spaced apart from one another with respect to the direction of travel. With respect to a zero position, in which they are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the direction of travel, the two outermost telescopic sections with respect to the plane of symmetry are connected, and, stepwise towards the plane of symmetry, the telescopic sections adjacent to this plane are connected to each other.

[0007] Box-shaped telescopic elements with a basic U-shaped cross-section are disclosed in DE000008910253U1, DE000003831477A1 and DE000002020109A. These are complex, difficult to assemble, and require significant force to move.

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a generic telescopic cover that is less complex in design, easier to manufacture and easier to move.

[0009] The problem stated is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.Based on WO 2004 / 096490 A2, the problem is already solved by the fact that, in a telescopic cover of the type mentioned above, the telescopic sections are combined in pairs to form an extended telescopic section and are spaced apart from each other with respect to the direction of travel, with respect to a zero position in which they are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the direction of travel, the two outermost telescopic sections with respect to the plane of symmetry and, stepwise towards the plane of symmetry, the telescopic sections adjacent to each other are firmly connected to each other via the two channels assigned to them, the channels being extended towards each other in the direction of travel and combined into a unit which has the same cross-section over its entire axial extent with respect to the direction of travel.

[0010] This proposes a structurally simple yet mechanically stable form for the telescopic section, due to its arc shape, which effectively covers a machine opening. The term "continuous arc shape" means that the shape is mathematically continuous and thus has no edges, breaks, steps, or the like. Advantageously, the curvature of the arc shape is continuous, particularly constant. The arc shape can be segment-like, elliptical, or ellipsoidal, preferably corresponding to a segment with the smaller diameter of an ellipse. The arc shape can be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to a second transverse direction perpendicular to the first transverse direction and to the direction of travel.

[0011] The gap is thus bridged perpendicular to the direction of travel. Here, "gap" is synonymous with spacing, distance, or the formation of an intermediate space. The section can be equal to or approximately equal to the spacing of the guide rails of a guide pair. This section can be a middle section with respect to the first transverse direction.

[0012] Advantageously, the overlap is maintained over the entire travel distance, ensuring at least the sealing of the telescopic sections as described below.

[0013] Furthermore, the telescopic sections can be arranged parallel to each other, spaced apart and transverse to the direction of travel. The guidance of the telescopic sections along the travel path can be linear or arcuate, in particular circular arcs.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the telescopic cover, the telescopic sections can be arranged perpendicular to a second transverse direction or approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel and parallel to the first transverse direction. Furthermore, at least in the section bridging the gap between the guide rails, the telescopic sections can each have a lamellar shape with two larger side surfaces parallel to each other in the first transverse direction. The lamellar shape can be thin or sheet-like, particularly in relation to the other dimensions of the section. Advantageously, one of the two larger side surfaces can be concave and the other convex. This lamellar shape is lighter than the box shape according to the cited prior art and thus has a low mass to be accelerated. Thanks to its arc shape, it is mechanically stable, and in particular dimensionally stable.Within the limits of the material properties and dimensions, the inventive measure allows for a spring-like elastic movement, particularly in the second transverse direction, similar to a leaf spring, to compensate for possible deformation, for example, due to acceleration. Both measures enable easier movement of the telescopic elements.

[0015] Advantageously, the concave side surface can be designed to define the interior space of the machine tool, and the convex side surface to define the area surrounding the interior space of the machine tool. When installed accordingly in the machine tool, the concave side surface defines an interior space from which the working head protrudes, and the convex side surface defines an area surrounding the machine tool into which the working head projects through the machine cover. Naturally, the reverse configuration of the side surfaces, defining the interior space and surrounding area respectively, is also within the scope of the invention.

[0016] The telescopic sections are arranged in a simple, stepped configuration along the first transverse direction. The sequence of these sections is continuous along this first transverse direction. In its installed position, the first telescopic section in this continuous, stepped sequence thus defines the interior of the machine tool with its entire concave side surface, while the last telescopic section in this continuous, stepped sequence defines the area surrounding the tool family with its entire convex side surface.

[0017] As is customary, at least the telescopic section arranged centrally or approximately centrally with respect to the direction of travel can have a window opening for passing a working head of the machine tool through its interior. The window opening refers to a conventional through-opening for a telescopic cover. Preferably, in the case of an odd number of telescopic sections, at least the telescopic section centrally with respect to the sequence has the window opening.

[0018] The guide rails are each designed as a channel. In its installed position, this channel is laterally open towards the respective telescopic section. The channel is radially open laterally inwards with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the telescopic cover extending in the direction of travel. For secure guidance, they may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with respect to the direction of travel.

[0019] The telescopic sections each have an additional section on both sides, relative to the first transverse direction, for engagement with the groove of the respective guide rails. This additional section can thus be designed as a guide section. The additional section extends away from the arc-shaped section in the first transverse direction. Advantageously, the additional section of the telescopic sections can be adapted to the cross-section of its associated guide rail.

[0020] In another particular embodiment of the telescopic cover, the further section of the telescopic elements is designed as a laterally open channel with an annular cross-section relative to the direction of travel. The channel extends away from the arc-shaped section in the first transverse direction. The two channels of a telescopic element are assigned as guide rails to the telescopic element radially inwardly adjacent to it with respect to the direction of travel of the telescopic cover. The two channels of a telescopic element can thus be assigned to the telescopic element adjacent to it, whose convex side surface faces it or whose convex side surface curves toward it.

[0021] In its installed position, the two grooves of one telescopic section engage with the two grooves of the adjacent telescopic section radially outwards with respect to the direction of travel of the telescopic cover, thus guiding the section. The two grooves can therefore be assigned to the adjacent telescopic section whose concave side faces it, or whose convex side faces away from it.

[0022] The telescopic sections are grouped in pairs to form extended telescopic sections. These paired sections can be spaced apart from each other with respect to the direction of travel. A zero position can be provided along the travel path, in which the telescopic sections are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a central plane of symmetry perpendicular to the direction of travel. Advantageously, the two outermost telescopic sections relative to the plane of symmetry can be rigidly connected to each other along their remaining sections to form the extended telescopic section. Subsequently, the telescopic sections adjacent to the outermost sections can also be grouped together to form an extended telescopic section. Following this, the telescopic sections adjacent to the plane of symmetry can be grouped together to form an extended telescopic section, and so on.Since two telescopic sections are combined to form an extended telescopic section, the optimal number of telescopic sections in the telescopic cover should be an even number. This allows the inner extended telescopic section, formed from the two inner sections, to have the window opening for the machine head. In the other extended telescopic sections, which are arranged radially further outwards in the direction of travel, the corresponding two telescopic sections are expediently spaced apart at a distance greater than the axial extent of the window opening in the direction of travel.

[0023] To bridge the gap, the two corresponding additional sections are connected. For this purpose, these additional sections are extended relative to each other in the direction of travel and formed as a single unit. Thus, the two additional sections are combined into one unit. This unit has a uniform cross-section along its entire axial extent with respect to the direction of travel. The axial distance can be equal to the distance between the unconnected telescopic sections equivalent to the paired telescopic sections in the zero position. Therefore, each extended telescopic section has a through-opening, which, however, is larger with respect to the direction of travel than the window opening of the inner extended telescopic section.

[0024] Typically, the telescopic sections can be arranged to seal against the adjacent telescopic sections in the second transverse direction and / or against their respective guide rails. At least one of two adjacent telescopic sections can have a sealing lip, preferably on both sides, with respect to the direction of travel. In its installed position, this sealing lip can abut the other telescopic section and / or the respective guide rail in the telescopic cover. Furthermore, the sealing lip can abut the guide rail at its base. The sealing lip of each telescopic section can extend in one direction parallel or approximately parallel to the second transverse direction from its concave side surfaces to the convex side surface of the adjacent telescopic section.

[0025] In particular, the telescopic sections can be spaced apart from each other by a gap in the second transverse direction. The sealing lip acting between the adjacent telescopic sections can bridge this gap. In its installed position, it can abut the other telescopic section and / or the respective guide rails. The gap width can be smaller than, preferably smaller than half the width of, the telescopic sections in the second transverse direction.

[0026] The telescopic sections can be connected to each other, for example, via drive mechanisms. In this case, the telescopic sections can be driven one after the other by the adjacent, leading telescopic section when the latter is fully extended. A disadvantage of this arrangement is the potential for impact impulses. Preferably, the telescopic sections are arranged in a motion-coupled manner with respect to the direction of travel. The telescopic sections can be motion-coupled to each other via a scissor mechanism with at least one articulated chain. Using the scissor mechanism, all sections can be moved simultaneously, thus preventing impact impulses. As is known, the motion coupling via the scissor mechanism allows the movement of the individual telescopic sections to be synchronized.

[0027] The telescopic cover may have a frame to which the guide rails and the outer telescopic sections are securely held in the correct position.

[0028] To save weight, the telescopic sections can each have a rib-like reinforcing structure, at least on their concave side surface. This measure reduces the weight to be accelerated and also increases the torsional stiffness of the reinforcing ribs.

[0029] Advantageous from both a manufacturing and assembly perspective, the telescopic sections can each be manufactured in one piece from plastic. Furthermore, they can each be produced using additive manufacturing. In principle, the telescopic sections can be manufactured using all known additive manufacturing processes, particularly for plastics. These include stereolithography, poly-jetting, fused deposition modeling (FDM), and laser sintering.

[0030] Selective laser sintering (SLS) is preferably used to manufacture the telescopic sections. For this purpose, powdered material can be applied to a build platform step by step or layer by layer. The layer contour of the telescopic section to be created is sintered or melted into each powder layer by a laser. Advantages of selective laser sintering compared to other additive manufacturing processes include, for example, the ease with which undercuts (undercut contours) can be manufactured and the fact that no additional support structures are required to produce the component contour. The use of selective laser sintering thus allows for the straightforward realization of even complex shapes.

[0031] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below, without limiting the scope of protection, by the description of the features set forth in the Figures 6A-6G and 7A - / EThe embodiment shown is evident. The one in the Figures 1A-1G , 2A-2E , 3A-3E , 4A-4C and 5A-5C The embodiments of telescopic covers illustrated and described in the relevant descriptive texts are considered not to belong to the present invention. They serve only to illustrate features that arise in the embodiment described in the Figures 6A-6G and 7A-7E The illustrated embodiment can be found again. In the description, all terms used to describe a location, such as above, below, front, back, right, and left, are meant as they are shown in the respective figure itself, unless otherwise specifically defined. FIG. 1A-1 In different views and partial views, each shows an embodiment of a telescopic cover with several telescopic sections and associated guide rails; FIG. 2A-2 In different views and partial views, each shows a telescopic section of the telescopic cover according to Figures 1A-1G , FIG.2E a side view of a telescopic element similar to the telescopic element according to Figures 2A-2D , however with a structured surface, FIG.3A-3 Different views and partial views each represent a middle telescopic element of the telescopic cover according to Figures 1A-1GFIG. 4A-4 Side view or partial view of another embodiment of the telescopic cover, FIG. 4C An end view of guide rails combined into a block, FIG. 5A-5 Side view or partial view of another embodiment of the telescopic cover, FIG. 5C An end view of guide rails combined into a block, FIG. 6A-6 In different views and partial views, each a representation of an embodiment of a telescopic cover belonging to the invention with several telescopic sections, and FIG. 7A-7 In different views and partial views, each a representation of a telescopic section of the telescopic cover according to Figures 6A-6G .

[0032] In the Figures 1-7Different embodiments of a telescopic cover 1, or components thereof, for a machine tool not shown here are depicted in various side views, partial views, sectional views, and detailed views. The telescopic cover 1 has several telescopic sections 2, which are guided linearly relative to each other in a travel direction v over a travel path w and are arranged to move back and forth. They are arranged to overlap each other with respect to the travel direction v. The overlap is maintained over the entire travel path w. The telescopic sections 2 are each guided laterally in two guide rails 3 extending in the travel direction v. The guide rails 3 are arranged parallel to each other at a distance a transverse to the travel direction v.

[0033] The telescopic sections 2 each bridge the distance a perpendicular to the direction of travel v. For example, the Figures 1A, 1C , 2A, 2B and3A Each of the removable telescopic sections 2 has a section 21 with which it bridges the distance a between the two guide rails 3 associated with it. The bridging occurs transversely to the direction of travel v. It is achieved by forming a continuously arc-shaped cross-section with respect to a first transverse direction q1 perpendicular to the direction of travel v. The arc shape is flat and continuous, i.e., without interruptions, edges, breaks, or jumps. The arc shape is elliptical, specifically corresponding to a region of an ellipse where the ellipse has the smaller diameter. It has a Figure 2B The indicated height h is a multiple of its extent in the second transverse direction q2. For example, according to... Figure 2BThe extent e in the second transverse direction q2 is approximately ten times the height h. The arc shape is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane of symmetry S1 perpendicular to the first transverse direction q1. This section 21 is a central section with respect to the first transverse direction q1. The telescopic sections 2 are arranged parallel to each other with respect to the second transverse direction q2. The telescopic sections 2 remain overlapping with respect to the direction of travel over the entire travel path v. The telescopic sections 2 each have a rectangular plan view with respect to the second transverse direction q2.

[0034] The telescopic elements 2 have a flat, lamellar shape in section A for bridging the distance a between the guide rails 3, with two larger side surfaces 22 parallel to each other with respect to the first transverse direction q1. Due to the elliptical curvature, one side surface 22 is designed as a concave side surface 221 and the other side surface 22 as a convex side surface 222. The concave side surface 222 is designed to delimit an interior space of the machine tool (not shown here), and the convex side surface 221 is designed to delimit an area surrounding the interior space of the machine tool. In the embodiments of the machine cover 1 shown here, according to the Figures 1-5 The telescopic element 2, which is central with respect to the direction of travel v, has a window opening 23 for the passage of a provided working head of the machine tool through the cover 1.

[0035] The telescopic sections 2 are arranged in a continuous, step-like sequence above one another with respect to the first transverse direction q1. This is in accordance with the Figures 1A and 6A The lower telescopic element 2 is designed, in its installed position, to define the interior of the machine tool with its entire concave side surface 222 on its underside, specifically section 21. Accordingly, this is in accordance with the Figures 1A and 6A The upper telescopic element 2 is designed, in its installed position, to limit the environment to the machine tool with its entire upwardly facing convex side surface 221 of its section 21.

[0036] In the embodiments of the telescopic cover 1 shown here, the telescopic sections 2 are coupled to each other with respect to the direction of travel v. This synchronizes the movement of the telescopic sections 2 in the direction of travel v. They are coupled to each other via a conventional scissor mechanism 6. Thanks to the scissor mechanism 6, all telescopic sections 2 can be moved simultaneously. The scissor mechanism 6 here comprises two parallel, co-acting articulated chains 61 made up of scissor lever elements 62 arranged in a row in the direction of travel v. Each of these is formed as a lever from two rods 64 pivotally mounted at an intersection point 63. The scissor lever elements 62 are rotatably connected to each other at the ends of the rods 64. Each individual telescopic section 2 connected to the scissor mechanism 6 is connected to the intersection point 63 of its associated scissor lever element 62.For this purpose, the telescopic links 2 have a pivot point 66 for each intersection point 63 of the articulated chains 61, on which the associated intersection point is rotatably mounted. The intersection points 63 are clipped onto the pivot points 66 for ease of assembly. Since two parallel articulated chains 61 are provided, the telescopic links 2 each have two pivot points 66 for each scissor element 62 of the articulated chains 61. A longitudinal projection 65 extending in the first transverse direction q1 is provided on each telescopic link 2. A pivot point 66 is arranged on each end of this projection, with the pivot points 66 being spaced apart from each other in the first transverse direction q1 and arranged symmetrically with respect to a central longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of travel v. The scissor mechanism 6 is arranged on the concave side surfaces 222 of the telescopic links 2. Thus, in its installed position, it is protected inside the machine tool (not shown here).

[0037] In the embodiments of the machine cover 1 according to the Figures 1-5 The guide rails 3 are each designed as groove 31 and according to the Figures 6-7 Each is designed as a channel 32. In its installed position, this channel is open laterally towards the telescopic sections 2 and towards each other within the machine cover 1. It has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with respect to the direction of travel. The telescopic sections 2 are slidably guided linearly in the guide rails 3. As is customary, the two outermost telescopic sections 2 are fixed in position relative to the guide rails 3 in the direction of travel.

[0038] For engagement with the respective guide rail 3, the telescopic elements 2 each have a further section 24 on both sides with respect to the first transverse direction q1. This extends away from the arc-shaped central section 21 in the first transverse direction q1. The further section 24 of the telescopic elements 2 is adapted to the cross-section of the guide rail 3 to which it is assigned.

[0039] The embodiments of the telescopic cover 1 according to the Figures 2-4 In this respect, the further section 24 of the telescopic elements 2 is rib-like. This is shown in the enlarged details ID, IVB and VB in 1D Figures , 4B and 5B out of Figures 1C , 4Aor 5A. According to these, the further section 24 has a rectangular cross-section with respect to the first transverse direction Q1. Furthermore, the guide rails 3, which here are designed as parallel grooves 31, are simply grouped in blocks. One of the two guide rails 3 provided for each telescopic section 2 is arranged in a block 3a, and the other of the two guide rails 3 provided for each telescopic section (2) is arranged in another block 3b. Blocks 3a and 3b are identical in construction. Furthermore, the telescopic cover 1 has an odd number of telescopic sections 2, here seven telescopic sections 2, with the middle telescopic section 2 in the sequence, here the third telescopic section 2, having the window 23. The window 23 is arranged centrally with respect to the first transverse direction q1 and the direction of travel v.

[0040] To further simplify the telescopic cover 1, the telescopic sections 2 are arranged according to the Figures 6-7The two telescopic elements 2 are combined in pairs to form an extended telescopic section 25. Each pair consists of the two telescopic sections 2, which are arranged symmetrically to each other in a zero position with respect to a central plane of symmetry S2 perpendicular to the direction of travel v. How Figure 7Removable, the two outer telescopic sections with respect to the plane of symmetry S2 are combined to form an extended telescopic section 25. This extended telescopic section 25 is fixed in place. Furthermore, the two adjacent telescopic sections 2 are progressively and rigidly connected to each other via their further sections 24. In all cases, the further sections 24 in the extended telescopic section 25 are extended towards each other in the direction of travel v and are integrally connected. The axial distance A with respect to the direction of travel v, by which the two telescopic sections 2 are spaced apart in the zero position, remains unchanged in the extended telescopic section 25.

[0041] Furthermore, the additional section 24 of the telescopic sections 2 is in accordance with the Figure 6 and 7The telescopic section 2 is designed as a laterally open channel 32 with a ring-shaped cross-section in the direction of travel v. The two channels 32 of a telescopic section 2 serve as guide rails 2 for the telescopic section 2 that is radially inwardly adjacent to the telescopic cover 1 with respect to the direction of travel v. That is, the innermost telescopic section 2 is arranged in a sliding and linear manner in the further sections 24 of the outermost telescopic section 2, which are designed as channels 32. Thus, the further sections 24 of a radially outermost telescopic section 2 form the guide rails 2 or the channels 32 for the telescopic section 2 that is radially inwardly adjacent to it. The outermost section 2 with respect to the direction of travel v, or theWith respect to the second transverse direction q2, the rear telescopic element 2 is statically arranged in the telescopic cover 1, while the remaining telescopic elements 2 are arranged in the telescopic cover 1 so as to be movable relative to each other in the displacement direction v. The two grooves 32 of a telescopic element 2 are thus assigned to the telescopic element adjacent to it, whose convex side surface 221 faces it. The two grooves 32 of a telescopic element 2 are assigned to the telescopic element 2 adjacent to it, whose convex side surface 221 curves towards it. Thus, the grooves 32 are nested within each other, with an inner groove 32 nesting into the outer groove 32 adjacent to it in the installed position.

[0042] The middle extended telescopic section 25, with respect to the direction of travel v, has the window opening 23. Likewise, the other extended telescopic sections 25 each have a through-opening 231 as a result of the spacing of the paired telescopic sections 2 that form them. However, the axial extent of each through-opening 231 with respect to the direction of travel v is greater than the axial extent of the window 23 of the inner extended telescopic section 25. This is dimensioned such that the window opening 23 of the middle extended telescopic section 25 is not partially obscured by any of the other extended telescopic sections 25 in any position along the travel path w.

[0043] Adjacent telescopic sections 2 are spaced apart from each other by a gap 4. The gap 4 is sealed by a seal 5. On each of the two telescopic sections 2 arranged in a sealing manner, a sealing lip 51 is provided on both sides with respect to the direction of travel v. In the installed position, this sealing lip rests against the other telescopic section 2 and also against the two associated guide rails 3. The sealing lip 51 of each telescopic section 2 extends in one direction parallel or approximately parallel to the second transverse direction q2 from its concave side surfaces 222 to the convex side surface 221 of the telescopic section 2 adjacent in the second transverse direction q2.

[0044] Furthermore, the sealing lip 51 rests against the guide rail 2 at its base, from which it extends, thus sealing the surface. A sealing effect is achieved in the embodiment according to the Figure 1 and 2 or Figures 5 and6 This is achieved by adapting the cross-section of the further section 24 to that of the groove 31 or the channel 32. How Figures 1C and 1D The sealing lip 51, which is removable, has a step 52 on both sides with an edge 54 extending in the direction of travel v with respect to the first transverse direction q1.

[0045] According to Figures 1C and 1D The upper surface 311 of a wall 312 bounding the associated groove 31 is designed as a sealing surface against which the sealing lip 51 with its shoulder 52 abuts in a sealing manner. According to Figures 4A-4C This upper surface 311 is chamfered towards the mirror symmetry plane E1, with the sealing lip 51 engaging the chamfered upper surface 311 with its edge 54 in a sealing manner. According to Figures 5A-5CAdditional sealing lips 51 are provided on both inner surfaces 313 of the grooves 31, which laterally seal against the further section 24 of the associated telescopic element 2. To indicate possible combinations of these three sealing measures, a further element is also located in Figures 5A-5C the sealing lip 51, as in Figure 1C-1D , with its paragraph 52 sealing against the upper 311.

[0046] All telescopic sections 2; 25 are manufactured in one piece. They are each produced in one piece from plastic using additive manufacturing.

[0047] In the Figures 2D and 2E Each figure shows a side view of an embodiment of a telescopic member 2. Its concave side surface 222 can be described as follows: 2D Figure smooth or, according to Figure 2E, with a reinforcing structure 7, here formed from a network of parallel ribs 71. In both cases, the projection 65 extends in the second transverse direction q2. This projection is also provided with a reinforcing structure 7 to save material. Reference symbol list

[0048] 1 Telescopic cover 2 Telescopic link 21 Section 22 Side surface 221 Convex side surface 222 Concave side surface 23 Window opening 231 Passage opening 24 Further section 25 Extended telescopic link 3 Guide rail 3a Block 3b Block 31 Groove 311 Top 312 Wall 313 Inner side surface 32 Gutter 4 Gap 5 Seal 51 Sealing lip 52 Further sealing lip 53 Shoulder 54 Edge 6 Scissor mechanism 61 Joint chain 62 Scissor lever element 63 Intersection point 64 Rod 65 Projection 66 Pivot point 7 Reinforcement structure 71 Rib A Distance a Distance S1 Mirror symmetry plane S2 Symmetry plane q1 First transverse direction q2 Second transverse direction v Direction of travel

Claims

1. A telescopic cover (1) for a machine tool, wherein the telescopic cover (1) has a plurality of telescopic members (2) which are guided in a direction of travel (v) and are reciprocable relative to each other over a travel distance (w), wherein the telescopic members (2) are arranged in mutually overlapping relationship with respect to the direction of travel and are superimposed in a continuous step-like arising manner with respect to a first transverse direction (q1) perpendicular to the direction of travel from a telescopic member (2) which is first in the direction of travel to a telescopic member (2) which is last in the direction of travel and are respectively guided laterally in two guide rails (3) which extend in the direction of travel (v) and are spaced from each other in parallel relationship at a spacing (a), wherein the telescopic members (2) each have a portion (21) with which they bridge over the spacing (a) of the guide rails (3) associated therewith forming a continuously arcuate cross-section in the first transverse direction (q1) and each have a further portion (24) at both ends with respect to the first transverse direction (q1) which extends in the first transverse direction (q1) away from the arcuate portion (21) and which is configured as a channel (32) which is, in the installed position, laterally open towards the respective associated telescopic member (2) and has a cross-section in the manner of a ring portion with respect to the direction of travel, wherein the two channels (32) of a telescopic member (2) are associated with the telescopic member (2) which is radially inwardly adjacent with respect to the direction of travel of the telescopic cover (1) as guide rails (3) and, in the installed position, at the same time engage for their guidance into the two channels (32) of the telescopic member (2) which is adjacent radially outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the telescopic cover (1), characterized in that the telescopic members (2) are combined together in paired relationship respectively to provide an enlarged telescopic member (25) and are arranged spaced apart from one another with respect to the direction of travel (v), wherein, with respect to a neutral position in which the telescopic members (2) are arranged in mirror-image symmetrical relationship with each other with respect to a plane of symmetry (S2) which is perpendicular to the direction of travel (v), the two telescopic members (2) which are outward relative to the plane of symmetry (S2) and further stepwise towards the plane of symmetry (S2) the two respective telescopic members (2) which are respectively adjacent thereto are arranged connected fixedly together by way of the associated channels (32), wherein the channels (32) are adapted to extend in prolonged fashion relative to each other in the direction of travel (v) and are combined together to constitute a unit which has an constant cross-section over its entirely axial extent which respect to the direction of travel.

2. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) are arranged with respect to a second transverse direction (q2) perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the direction of travel (v) and relative to the first transverse direction (q1) parallel to each other and at least in the portion (21) for bridging the spacing (a) between the guide rails (3) are of a lamellar form with two larger side surfaces which are parallel to each other with respect to the first transverse direction and of which one is in the form of a concave side surface (222) and the other is in the form of a convex side surface (221).

3. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in claim 2 characterised in that the concave side surface (222) is adapted to delimit an internal space in the machine tool and the convex side surface (221) is adapted to delimit a surroundings relative to the internal space in the machine tool.

4. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 3 characterised in that at least the telescopic member (2) which is arranged centrally or approximately centrally with respect to the direction of travel (v) has a window opening (23) for passing therethrough a working head of the machine tool out of the internal space thereof.

5. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 4 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) are respectively arranged in sealing relationship with the telescopic members (2) which are adjacent in the second transverse direction (q2) and / or are arranged sealingly in relation to the respectively associated guide rails (3).

6. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 5 characterised in that there are provided at least on one of two telescopic members (2) which are arranged in sealing relationship with each other at both ends with respect to the direction of travel (v) a respective sealing lip (51) which in the installation position respectively bears sealingly against the other telescopic member (2) and / or sealingly against the respectively associated guide rail (3).

7. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in claim 6 characterised in that the sealing lip (51) bears at the foot side sealingly against the guide rail (3).

8. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in claim 7 characterised in that the sealing lip (51) of each telescopic member (2) extends in a direction parallel or approximately parallel to the second transverse direction (q2) from its concave side surface (222) towards the convex side surface (221) of the adjacent cover member (2).

9. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 5 through 8 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) are arranged spaced by way of a gap (4) relative to the respectively adjacent telescopic members (2) with respect to the second transverse direction (q2), wherein the sealing lip (51) sealingly bridges over the gap (4).

10. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 9 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) are sealingly coupled together.

11. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 10 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) are motionally coupled together by way of a scissor mechanism (6).

12. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 11 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) respectively have a rib-like reinforcing structure (7) at least at their concave side surface (222).

13. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 12 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) are respectively made in one piece from plastic.

14. A telescopic cover (1) as set forth in one of claims 1 through 13 characterised in that the telescopic members (2) are produced by means of additive manufacture.