Machine Tool Cradle Design for Swarf Discharge and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face issues with swarf dischargeability and operator accessibility due to swarf accumulation and reduced rigidity in their designs, particularly in machining centers with cantilevered structures that hinder efficient swarf collection and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a trough for swarf collection with a moving body composed of beam members and a cradle that allows swarf to fall directly into the trough, maintaining structural rigidity while enabling easy operator access for cleaning, by using a rotating cradle supported by beam members and incorporating slant covers to guide swarf into the trough.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cantilevered tilt table structure is used to improve swarf dischargeability, then swarf can be discharged more easily, but the rigidity of the tilt shaft rotating body is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a cantilevered structure that extends outward from the bed, the invention inverts the support arrangement by providing supports at both ends of the tilt table. The tilt shaft is positioned between the supports, creating a balanced structure that maintains rigidity while enabling the tilting motion needed for swarf discharge. This inverted support configuration eliminates the rigidity problems of cantilevered designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the supports at both ends of the tilt table to counterbalance each other, creating a structurally stable configuration. The dual-support arrangement acts as a counterweight system where the supports on either side of the tilt shaft balance the loads, preventing the rigidity loss that would occur with a single-sided cantilevered support.
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 design enhances swarf dischargeability and operator accessibility without compromising rigidity, ensuring efficient swarf collection and improved operational ease during cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
a cradle (33) including a workpiece table (35) on which a workpiece is mounted, the cradle (33) being supported at both ends by the first beam member (27c) and the second beam member (27d) so as to be rotatable inside the cavity (H) of the moving body (27) through a rotating shaft which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the trough (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a trough which collects chips; a mobile unit which is located above the trough and moves in the longitudinal direction of the trough on a bed, is configured from a first beam member, a second beam member, and a connecting member connecting the first beam member and the second beam member, and is formed with a hollow that opens toward the trough from above; a first guide which supports the mobile unit in such a manner that the mobile unit is movable in the longitudinal direction of the trough; a second guide which faces the first guide across the trough, and supports the mobile unit in such a manner that the mobile unit is movable in the longitudinal direction of the trough; and a cradle, both ends of which are supported by the first beam member and the second beam member.