Universal Machine Tool Chip Collection via Channel Bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal machine tools face challenges in compact design and efficient chip collection and removal without compromising the rigidity of the machine frame, particularly when the workpiece table moves horizontally.
Innovation Solution
A channel-shaped chip space is integrated into the machine bed with a linear motor positioned laterally above it, and guide rails on both sides of the motor ensure efficient chip collection and protection, allowing optimal positioning of workpiece tables and enabling direct chip fall into the collection space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a chip collection space is provided in the machine bed, then chip collection and removal is improved, but the rigidity of the machine bed may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The machine bed is segmented into multiple sections, with the chip collection space integrated as a specific zone within the bed structure. This allows the bed to maintain its overall rigidity while providing a dedicated area for chip collection that does not compromise the structural integrity of the entire machine bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip collection space is designed as a channel-shaped structure that extends in the longitudinal direction of the machine bed. By utilizing the longitudinal dimension and creating a three-dimensional chip collection zone rather than a simple surface depression, the design achieves effective chip collection while maintaining the bed's structural rigidity through optimized spatial arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece table can be moved horizontally on the machine bed, then machining versatility is improved, but reliable chip collection and removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The channel-shaped chip space is designed to extend along the entire longitudinal direction of the machine bed, creating a universal collection zone that remains effective regardless of the workpiece table's horizontal position. This multi-functional design allows the chip collection system to serve all machining positions along the bed, ensuring reliable chip removal while maintaining table mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel-shaped chip space acts as an intermediary structure between the machining area and the chip removal system. It provides a dedicated pathway that collects chips from any position along the machine bed and directs them toward the removal mechanism, ensuring reliable chip collection regardless of where the workpiece table is positioned horizontally.
3Productivity
If the machine structure is designed with a sloping bed for fast chip disposal, then chip removal speed is improved, but the machine becomes more complex and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The chip collection channel is merged with the machine bed structure itself, creating an integrated design where the chip collection and removal functionality is combined with the bed's structural elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex chip disposal structures while maintaining efficient chip removal capabilities through the longitudinal channel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine bed serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the machine, guides the workpiece table movement, and simultaneously houses the channel-shaped chip collection space. This multi-functional design achieves fast chip disposal without requiring additional complex structures, as the bed itself is designed to fulfill both mechanical and chip management roles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This arrangement ensures reliable and efficient chip collection and removal without affecting the machine's stability, allowing for compact and precise machining with NC or swiveling rotary tables, maintaining high rigidity and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontal linear guide for a workpiece table and a linear motor for moving a workpiece table in the horizontal linear guide with a further coordinate axis Z
Implementation Method 2
a work spindle, which can be moved by a motor in guides along two coordinate axes X and Y
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Machine tool for machining workpieces with a rigid machine frame, a work spindle (12) which is motor-driven in guides (6-10) on the machine frame (5) in two coordinate axes (X, Z) for holding a machining tool, a machine bed (2) arranged on the end face of the machine frame (5), on the top of which a horizontal linear guide (13-15) for a workpiece table (16) is arranged, and a linear motor (17) for moving a workpiece table (16) in the horizontal linear guide (13-15) in a further coordinate axis (Z).In this arrangement, a channel-shaped chip chamber (19) for collecting chips generated during the machining of the workpiece is integrated into the top of the machine bed (2), the longitudinal axis of which extends in the direction of the further coordinate axis (Z), and the linear motor (17) is arranged laterally parallel to the channel-shaped chip chamber (19) on the top of the machine bed (2), wherein a first and a second guide rail (14, 15) of the horizontal linear guide (13-15) for guiding a workpiece table are arranged on opposite sides of the linear motor (17).