Machine Tool Cover Layout for External Tool Change Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges during tool changes, as the tool changer may collide with the workpiece or clamping devices, and the process is inefficient due to the need for the work spindle to be moved to a fixed position, increasing machining time.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design where the tool changer is positioned outside the work space, with a movable cover that expands the work space to include a tool change area, allowing the tool changer to move in without interfering with the workpiece, and a separate drive for the cover enables parallel movement, reducing tool change time and chip-to-chip time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tool changer is positioned inside the working area to perform tool changes, then the tool changing operation can be performed, but the tool changer may collide with the workpiece or clamping devices causing damage and increasing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The tool changer is extracted from the working area and positioned outside it. The cover is movable to provide access when needed, but during normal operation the tool changer remains separated from the workpiece area, eliminating collision risks while maintaining tool changing capability when required.
2Ease of operation
If the work spindle is moved to a fixed position for tool changes, then tool changes can be performed at a stationary tool magazine, but the machining time increases due to additional movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static tool magazine configuration to a dynamic one where the tool changer moves with the work spindle. This allows tool changes to occur at any position along the machining path, eliminating the need to return to a fixed tool change location and reducing non-productive movement time.
3Manufacturing precision
If the machine tool is designed with a compact structure, then the machine dynamics and precision are improved, but the tool changer may interfere with the work area during tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The tool changer is positioned in a different spatial dimension (outside the working area) rather than competing for space within the same plane. The movable cover mechanism provides temporal access when needed while maintaining spatial separation during operation, resolving the conflict between compact design and tool changing requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool (100) for processing a workpiece, said machine tool (100) comprising a machine table (10) for clamping the workpiece, a working spindle (20) for receiving a tool for processing the workpiece, a working chamber (70) delimited substantially by the machine table (10) and at least one first cover (30), and a tool changer (50) arranged outside the working chamber (70) and designed for changing the tool received in the working spindle ((20), wherein the machine tool (100) is also designed such that the first cover (30) is moved during a tool change, whereby the working chamber (70) of the machine tool (100) is extended by a tool change region (80) and an access surface (42) is released, through which the tool changer (50) can be moved into the tool change region (80), and the working spindle (20) is positioned in the tool change region (80) in such a way that the tool changer (50) can change the tool received by the working spindle (20) within the tool change region (80).