Vertical Machining Center Splash Cover and Extendable Cover Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical machining centers face issues with coolant and chip dispersion from the machining zone to the non-machining zone, leading to poor operability and maintainability due to adherence of debris on hoses and cables.
Innovation Solution
A vertical machining center design that separates the machining zone from the non-machining zone using a splash cover with a recessed part and an extendable cover to contain the Z-axis guiding and driving mechanisms, preventing coolant and chip dispersion by exposing these components partially through the machining zone and using a scraper to clean the spindle head opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hoses and electric cables are hung in the machining zone to connect the spindle head, then the spindle head can be supplied with coolant, lubricating oil, and electrical signals, but chips and coolant adhere to the hoses and cables making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The machine tool is divided into two separate zones: a machining zone where chips and coolant are generated, and a non-machining zone where hoses and cables are located. This spatial segmentation prevents contamination of the hoses and cables while maintaining their functional connectivity to the spindle head.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoses and electric cables are extracted from the machining zone and relocated to the non-machining zone. This extraction removes the vulnerable components from the harmful environment, eliminating the adhesion problem while preserving their essential supply functions through the splash cover structure.
2Ease of operation
If the machining zone is open to allow access to the spindle head and tools, then tool exchange and machining operations are facilitated, but coolant and chips disperse to the non-machining zone
Solution Approach 1:
A splash cover structure acts as a flexible barrier that defines the machining zone boundary. The splash cover includes a back side cover, upper side cover, and peripheral cover that can accommodate spindle head movement while preventing coolant and chip dispersion to the non-machining zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable cover serves as an intermediary component between the machining zone and non-machining zone. It selectively covers the Z-axis guiding rail and Z-axis driving device, allowing controlled access while blocking the spread of coolant and chips.
3Ease of repair
If Z-axis guiding rail and Z-axis driving device are fully exposed for easy access, then maintenance is easier, but coolant and chips can adhere to these components
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable cover provides dynamic, selective coverage of the Z-axis guiding rail and Z-axis driving device. It can be positioned to cover these components during machining to prevent contamination, and repositioned or removed during maintenance to provide access, adapting to different operational states.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Provided is a vertical machining center (1) including: a splash cover (5) fixed to a base (11), the splash cover defining a machining chamber (2) to enclose a machining zone (R) ; a column (13) vertically standing on the base; a Z-axis guiding rail (2) disposed on the column and being vertically directed toward the base, the Z-axis guiding rail partially exposed to the machining zone; a Z-axis driving device (3) disposed in the column, the Z-axis driving device partially exposed to the machining zone ; a spindle head (4) to be driven vertically by the Z-axis driving device; a spindle head opening (6) formed in the splash cover so that the spindle head can pass through the spindle head opening; and an extendable cover (8) provided between an edge of the spindle head opening and the spindle head and configured to cover parts of the Z-axis guiding rail and the Z-axis driving device, the parts being exposed to the machining zone.