Machine Tool Cover Layout for Collision-Free Tool Changing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools face challenges during tool changes, as the tool changer risks colliding with the workpiece or clamping means, and the process is time-consuming due to the need to move the work spindle to a specific position within the work space.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design that moves a first cover to expand the work space, allowing the tool changer to operate outside the work space, with a separate drive for the cover enabling parallel movements and reducing tool changing time, and incorporating scrapers to remove chips and lubricants, while maintaining a compact structure for increased precision and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tool changer is positioned within the work space to change tools on the work spindle, then the tool changing operation can be performed, but the tool changer risks colliding with the workpiece or clamping means, causing damage and reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool changing safetyVSAvoidtool changer accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool changer is extracted from the work space and positioned outside of it. The cover is movable to provide access to the work spindle when needed, while maintaining separation between the tool changer and the workpiece during normal operation, thereby eliminating collision risks while preserving tool changing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a movable component that can open to expose the work spindle for tool changing and close to separate the work space from the tool changer. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between operational modes (machining vs. tool changing) without permanent structural changes, resolving the contradiction between safety and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the work spindle is moved to a specified position within the work space for each tool change, then the tool change can be performed at a fixed location, but the processing time increases due to additional movement operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool changing speedVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool changer is extracted from the work space and positioned outside of it. The cover is movable to provide access to the work spindle when needed, while maintaining separation between the tool changer and the workpiece during normal operation, thereby eliminating collision risks while preserving tool changing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is moved to the open position in advance before the tool changing operation begins, and remains open throughout the tool change process. This preliminary action eliminates the need to repeatedly move the cover and work spindle during tool changing, reducing cyclical movement time and increasing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the machine tool structure is made compact to increase precision and dynamics, then manufacturing accuracy improves, but the tool changer may not have sufficient space to operate without risking collision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine precisionVSAvoidtool changing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of expanding the machine tool structure horizontally to accommodate the tool changer, the solution utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the tool changer above or below the work space and using a movable cover for access. This dimensional reorganization maintains compact horizontal footprint while providing adequate space for tool changing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a movable component that can open to expose the work spindle for tool changing and close to separate the work space from the tool changer. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between operational modes (machining vs. tool changing) without permanent structural changes, resolving the contradiction between safety and accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11911864B2Machine tool for processing a workpiece and method for processing the workpiece

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 DMG MORI SEEBACH GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine tool (100) for machining a workpiece, said machine tool (100) comprising a machine table (10) for clamping the workpiece, a work spindle (20) for receiving a tool for machining the workpiece, a work space (70) substantially defined by the machine table (10) and at least one first cover (30), and a tool changer (50) arranged outside the work space (70) and configured to change the tool received in the work spindle (20), wherein the machine tool (100) is further configured such that, during a tool change, the first cover (30) is moved, as a result of which the work space (70) of the machine tool (100) is expanded by a tool changing area (80) and an access surface (42), through which the tool changer (50) can be moved into the tool changing area (80), is exposed, and the work spindle (20) is positioned in the tool changing area (80) such that the tool changer (50) is able to change the tool received by the work spindle (20) within the tool changing area (80).