Machining Center Control Board Side-by-Side Door Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining centers face challenges with increased installation space due to the arrangement of control and operation boards, which complicates delivery and operator workability, as the control board is often positioned at the rear, elongating the machine in the X-axis direction and requiring a larger installation area.
Innovation Solution
The machining center design features a control board arranged parallel to the side surface of the table sliding portion and integrated with an openable/closable door for the operator, allowing the operation board to be positioned on the control board, reducing the X-axis width and enabling the control board to be placed at the operator's left side, thus shortening the installation area and improving operator workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control board is arranged at the rear area of the machine in parallel with the Z-axis, then the control board can be positioned away from the operator, but the X-axis length increases and installation area becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The control board is repositioned from the conventional rear area arrangement to the front side of the column's movable zone, changing its spatial dimension from parallel to Z-axis to parallel to the side surface of the table sliding portion. This dimensional change allows the control board to be arranged in a different spatial plane, reducing the X-axis length while maintaining operational accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the control board at the rear area as in conventional designs, the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning it at the front side of the column's movable zone. This inversion fundamentally changes the spatial relationship between the control board and other components, enabling compact X-axis dimensions while preserving functionality
2Length of stationary object
If the control board is arranged at the front side of the movable zone of the column, then the X-axis length is reduced, but the operation board positioning becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operation board is integrated with the control board by positioning it on the control board's front surface facing the operator. This merging of functions allows both boards to occupy the same spatial location, simplifying the overall arrangement while maintaining compact X-axis dimensions. The integration eliminates the need for separate positioning of operation and control boards
3Ease of manufacture
If the control board is arranged parallel to the rear portion of the bed, then the machine structure is simplified, but the installation area increases and delivery becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control board is repositioned from parallel to the rear portion of the bed to parallel with the side surface of the table sliding portion at the front side of the column's movable zone. This dimensional repositioning reduces the X-axis footprint while maintaining structural simplicity, enabling both easy manufacturing and compact installation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the control board parallel to the rear portion of the bed as in conventional designs, the invention inverts this arrangement by positioning it at the front side of the column's movable zone parallel to the table sliding portion's side surface. This inversion fundamentally changes the spatial configuration, reducing installation area while preserving manufacturing simplicity
4Ease of operation
If the operator door is positioned at the rear end portion, then operator access is improved, but the control board arrangement becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The operation board is merged with the control board by positioning it on the control board's front surface. This integration allows the control board to be arranged freely in terms of X-axis position without compromising operator access, as the operation board remains accessible through the door while being physically integrated with the control board
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into two functional components: the control board for processing and the operation board for user interaction. This segmentation allows the control board to be positioned optimally for compact arrangement while the operation board maintains accessibility through integration with the door structure
Data Source
AI summary
A machining center wherein improved workability of a control board, a widened movable zone of a column and a reduced installation space are achieved. The machining center includes a column movably supported on a column sliding portion in an X-axis direction, a work table movably supported on a table sliding portion in a Z-axis direction, a main spindle head slidably supported on the column in a Y-axis direction, and an automatic tool changer disposed at an inner side of the column sliding portion. The control board is arranged at an opposite side of the automatic tool changer and is provided in parallel with a side surface of a front portion of a table sliding portion and is arranged side by side with an openable/closable door for an operator provided on a side surface of a cover in a vicinity of a rear end portion of the side surface of the table sliding portion.