Machine Tool Protective Cover Structure for Z-Axis Chip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in protecting moving mechanisms from chips during machining, particularly when the Z-axis cover interferes with other structures, leading to increased costs due to the need for extended Z-axis covers and complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A protective member comprising a first and second protective part, where the first part is fixed to the support body and moves with it, and the second part moves relatively to cover exposed areas, using elastic members and guiding structures to ensure reliable coverage and mitigate impact, thus preventing chip adherence and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Z-axis cover is extended to protect the moving mechanism when the main shaft head movement range is expanded, then the protective coverage is improved, but the cover interferes with other structures on the bed at the lowest position
Solution Approach 1:
The Z-axis cover is divided into a fixed cover attached to the column and a moving cover attached to the main shaft head that moves dynamically with the shaft head position. This dynamic configuration ensures continuous protective coverage without interfering with bed structures at extreme positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is segmented into multiple parts: a fixed cover portion and a moving cover portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function independently - the fixed part provides stable protection while the moving part adjusts to maintain coverage without collision.
2Ease of operation
If a bellows-shaped or nested cover is used for the Z-axis cover to avoid interference, then the structural interference is eliminated, but the number of parts increases resulting in higher machine tool cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex bellows-shaped or nested structures, the invention employs a simple moving cover that translates linearly with the main shaft head. This dynamic but simple structure achieves the same interference-free operation without increasing part count or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving cover function is extracted as a separate component attached to the main shaft head, independent of the fixed cover on the column. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex nested or bellows configurations.
3Reliability
If the Z-axis cover is extended to ensure continuous protection, then the protective coverage is improved, but the cost of the machine tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic configuration of the moving cover eliminates the need for an excessively long fixed cover, reducing material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining continuous protection through the coordinated movement of both cover parts.
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
The solution effectively prevents chip adherence to moving mechanisms while maintaining a cost-effective design by ensuring comprehensive coverage and durability through the use of elastic members and guided movement, enhancing the machine tool's operational efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that mitigates an impact between the first protective part and the second protective part
Data Source
AI summary
In the disclosure, a plate-shaped fixing cover (30) is fixed to a lower part of a main shaft head (6). The fixing cover (30) protects a moving mechanism inside a column (5) from chips and the like. When the main shaft head (6) is positioned at an uppermost end of a movement range, a moving cover (40) covers and protects a portion of the column (5) that is exposed and not covered by the fixing cover (30). When the main shaft head (6) moves to the bottom end of the movement range, the moving cover (40) abut against the engagement projections (55A, 55B) and is restricted from moving downward. As the main shaft head (6) descends, the moving cover (40) moves upward relatively with respect to the fixing cover (30) and is housed on a back surface side of the fixing cover (30).