Machine Tool Tool Conveyance Layout for Safe External Tool Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machine tool configuration requires workers to access high places or enter the machining chamber for tool setup, leading to poor working efficiency and safety concerns, especially when the tool stocker is positioned on the ceiling.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool design includes a tool conveyance mechanism that can move the tool holding unit to a position outside the machining area, allowing workers to perform tool setup from a safe and accessible location, with the tool stocker positioned outside the cover body to prevent coolant and chip contamination and reduce safety measure costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the tool stocker is positioned on the ceiling to save floor space, then the floor area is increased, but the worker must access high places leading to poor working efficiency and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
A tool conveyance mechanism acts as an intermediary between the ceiling-mounted tool stocker and the machining area. This mechanism includes a tool holding unit that can be moved to a tool change position inside the machining chamber, a stocker position inside the tool stocker, and a position for work outside the machining area, allowing workers to perform tool setup from a safe and accessible location without directly accessing the ceiling
Solution Approach 2:
The tool conveyance mechanism moves the tool holding unit along a predetermined three-dimensional path that connects the ceiling-mounted tool stocker to the machining area and external work position. This spatial arrangement allows the tool stocker to be positioned on the ceiling while providing external access points for tool setup, resolving the contradiction between floor space utilization and worker accessibility
2Ease of operation
If the worker enters the machining chamber to perform tool setup, then the tool setup can be completed, but the worker's safety is compromised and working efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool conveyance mechanism serves as an intermediary system that enables tool setup operations without requiring the worker to enter the machining chamber. The mechanism transports tools between the stocker, machining area, and external work position, allowing the worker to perform tool setup from outside the machining chamber where safety conditions are improved
3Ease of operation
If the tool stocker is positioned inside the machining area, then the tool setup is accessible, but coolant and chip contamination occurs reducing tool cleanliness
Solution Approach 1:
The tool stocker is extracted from the machining area and positioned on the ceiling outside the covered machining area. The cover body surrounding the machining area separates the machining environment from the tool storage location, preventing coolant and chip contamination of stored tools while maintaining accessibility through the external work position
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool (1) includes a spindle (2) for detachably attaching a tool (T2) thereto, a tool stocker (8) storing the tool (T2) to be attached to the spindle (2), a tool conveyance mechanism (50) having a tool holding unit (59) for detachably holding the tool (T2) and moving the tool holding unit (59) along a predetermined path, and a conveyance control unit controlling driving of the tool conveyance mechanism (50). The tool conveyance mechanism (50) is configured to be able to move the tool holding unit (59) at least to a tool change position, a stocker position, and a position for work. The tool change position is a position allowing the tool (T2) to be transferred between the spindle (2) and the tool holding unit (59), the stocker position is a position allowing the tool (T2) to be transferred between the tool stocker (8) and the tool holding unit (59), and the position for work is a position for allowing a worker (W) to access the tool holding unit (59) and perform attachment/removal of the tool (T2) from a predetermined working area set outside the machine tool (1).