Machine Tool Cover Slope for Chip Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tools, chips adhere to or are deposited inside metal plate covers, potentially causing trouble by entering the drive system or washing away lubricants with cutting fluid, existing solutions only partially address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool cover structure with a sloping bottom part that inclines outward from the bed, featuring intersecting curved surfaces and cutting fluid supply passages to direct chips away from the drive system components and into a collection device, preventing chip accumulation and lubricant washaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the metal plate cover is shaped with the center portion at the lowest level to collect chips, then chip collection is improved, but chips may enter the drive system components and lubricant may be washed away by cutting fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple functional regions: a chip collection region at the center with the lowest level, and a drive system protection region at the periphery with higher levels. This segmentation allows chips to be collected in the center while preventing them from reaching the drive system components in the peripheral region.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover design utilizes vertical height variation (z-dimension) in addition to the horizontal plane to create a three-dimensional chip collection and containment structure. The center is lowered and peripheral portions are elevated, forming a chip collection well that gravitationally directs chips to the center while containing them there, preventing horizontal spread to the drive system.
2Productivity
If the cover center is lowered to collect chips and cutting fluid, then chip collection is improved, but cutting fluid splashes and washes away lubricant from the drive system
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into a chip collection zone at the center and a drive system protection zone at the periphery. The peripheral portion is elevated to form a barrier that contains cutting fluid within the machining area, preventing it from reaching and washing away lubricant from the drive system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated peripheral portion of the cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the chip collection area and the drive system. This intermediate structure intercepts and contains cutting fluid, preventing direct contact between the cutting fluid and the drive system components, thereby protecting the lubricant.
3Reliability
If the cover is designed to prevent chip accumulation near the drive system, then drive system protection is improved, but chip discharge efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chip collection function is extracted and concentrated in a dedicated central region of the cover, separated from the drive system protection function which is provided by the elevated peripheral portions. This extraction allows chips to be efficiently collected and discharged from the center while the periphery remains dedicated to protecting the drive system, optimizing both functions simultaneously.
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
Effectively prevents chip entry into drive system components and maintains lubricant integrity by ensuring chips are collected and discharged outside the machining area, reducing machine tool failures.
Implementation Method 1
At least a part of the bottom part comprises a slope that inclines outward from the side of the bed
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool has a cover structure adapted for the discharge of chips. The cover is composed of a front cover, left and right side covers, and a bottom part. The bottom part is connected to a bed through the respective lower ends of the front cover and the side covers. Further, at least a part of the bottom part includes a slope gradually inclining from the side connected to the bed toward the outer periphery. Even if the chips produced during machining adhere to members inside the cover, they are washed away by a cutting fluid and discharged into a cutting fluid supply device through a channel located farthest from the central portion of the machine tool.