Machine Tool Chip Scraper for Guide Member Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tool chip removal methods, such as using wipers or lubricating oil, are inefficient and require complex structures or frequent maintenance, leading to chip buildup and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A chip intrusion prevention cover and scraper system is integrated into the machine tool, where the scraper moves with the table or saddle, scraping chips through a clearance without sliding contact, reducing wear and allowing for adjustable installation for effective chip removal even at short travel distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a wiper is placed in contact with a sliding surface to keep out chips, then chip prevention effect is improved, but the wiper suffers abrasion from pinching and sliding requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The chip scraping function is extracted from the sliding surface contact system. The scraper is mounted on the movable table/saddle and scrapes chips from the guide member surface without the scraper itself contacting the sliding surface during normal operation, eliminating the abrasion problem while maintaining chip prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper acts as an intermediary between the movable table/saddle and the guide member. It temporarily contacts the guide member to scrape chips during the motion cycle, then returns to a non-contact position, mediating the chip removal function without continuous sliding contact
2Object-generated harmful factors
If lubricating oil is supplied to wash away chips from inside the wiper space, then chip removal is achieved, but a complicated large-scale structure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The chip removal function is extracted from the lubricating oil washing system. The scraper mechanically removes chips from the guide member surface directly, eliminating the need for complex oil washing infrastructure while achieving effective chip clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper system is self-service in that it uses the existing motion of the table/saddle to perform chip scraping automatically during normal operation, without requiring separate washing systems or additional complex mechanisms
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the table is moved to the farthest end of motion range to scrape out chips completely, then chip removal is improved, but machining efficiency is reduced due to extended travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper performs partial chip scraping action during the normal machining travel distance. It scrapes chips continuously along the guide member surface without requiring the table to reach the farthest end position, achieving effective chip removal while maintaining machining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper provides continuous chip scraping action throughout the machining operation. As the table or saddle moves during normal machining, the scraper continuously scrapes chips from the guide member surface, eliminating the need for separate chip removal trips to the farthest end position
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a chip scraper is fixed to contact the saddle or bed for scraping chips, then chip scraping function is achieved, but sliding resistance causes abrasion and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper system is made dynamic by mounting it on the movable table/saddle rather than fixing it to the stationary bed. The scraper contacts the guide member only when needed during motion, then returns to a non-contact position, creating a dynamic system that eliminates continuous sliding resistance and abrasion
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping action is extracted from continuous contact and converted to intermittent contact. The scraper is removed from the saddle/bed contact system and applied only to the guide member surface where chips accumulate, performing the scraping function without the maintenance issues of continuous sliding contact
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a saddle supported by a guide member installed on a bed and configured to move relative to the bed in a first direction and a table supported by a guide member installed on the saddle and configured to move relative to the saddle in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The machine tool further includes a protective cover installed on a side face of the table or the saddle which is parallel to a travel direction of the table or the saddle and adapted to protect the guide member from chips and a scraper installed on the protective cover and adapted to scrape out chips built up in a neighborhood of the guide member.