Machine Tool Partition and Drain Capture for Clean Tool Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

During machining, cutting fluid splashes and chips contaminate or damage the tool storage chamber when the shutter is opened to change tools, as they can flow into the chamber from the machining chamber.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool design featuring a U-shaped receiving member and inclined partition walls to direct and collect cutting fluid and chips away from the tool storage chamber, with a shutter drive mechanism and pneumatic pressure for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shutter is opened to change tools, then tool exchange is enabled, but cutting fluid and chips flow into the tool storage chamber causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool exchange capabilityVSAvoidcontamination of tool storage chamber

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A receiving member with a U-shaped cross-section is introduced as an intermediary component between the machining chamber and tool storage chamber. This receiving member captures cutting fluid and chips that flow along the partition wall, preventing them from entering the tool storage chamber while allowing the shutter to remain open for tool exchange operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined wall member is designed to utilize the natural flow of cutting fluid and chips along the partition wall and redirect them into the receiving member. What would normally be harmful contamination is converted into a controlled flow that is captured and contained, preventing damage to the tool storage chamber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the shutter is positioned behind the partition wall to prevent cutting fluid entry, then contamination is suppressed, but the shutter size is enlarged and tool transfer complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting fluid entry preventionVSAvoidshutter and tool transfer system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful element (cutting fluid and chips) is extracted from the potential contamination path by intercepting it at the partition wall surface. The receiving member is positioned to capture the fluid-flow before it can reach the tool storage chamber, removing the harmful factor from the system without requiring complex shutter repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3511116B1Machine tool

Publication Date: 2021.06.16 MAKINO MILLING MASCH CO LTD

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AI summary

This machine tool (11) is provided with: a partition (71) that partitions a machining chamber (45) and a tool storage chamber (46) and that has an opening (79); a shutter (58); and a receiving member (85) that is formed so as to receive cutting fluid. The partition (71) includes a sidewall member (73a) that extends in the vertical direction and an inclined wall member (74) inclined in such a manner so as to become lower from the sidewall member (73a) to the interior of the machining chamber (45). At least part of the opening (79) is formed in the inclined wall member (74). The receiving member (85) is positioned beneath the shutter (58), and in such a position so as to receive cutting fluid that drops down along the sidewall member (73a) when the shutter is opened (58).