In-Chamber Robot Cleaning for Precision Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tools where a robot is provided in the machining chamber, the adhering dust and swarf can obstruct the robot's movement and reduce precision, as it cannot be effectively cleaned while the machining chamber is closed, limiting the robot's capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning mechanism is integrated within the machining chamber to remove adhering substances from the robot, which can include ejection, contact removal, or cutting mechanisms, allowing the robot to be cleaned while maintaining its operational effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot is provided in the machining chamber, then the robot can access the tool or workpiece during machining operations, but the adhering dust and swarf obstruct the robot's movement and reduce precision
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism performs preliminary cleaning actions on the robot before dust and swarf accumulation affects movement precision. The system proactively removes adhering substances during idle periods or between machining operations, ensuring the robot maintains optimal performance for subsequent tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system includes an integrated cleaning mechanism that automatically cleans the robot without external intervention. The cleaning mechanism is self-contained within the machining chamber and operates autonomously to maintain the robot's operational capability, effectively making the system self-maintaining.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the machining chamber is closed for safety, then operator safety is protected, but the robot cannot be cleaned effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the closed machining chamber environment and the robot cleaning requirement. It provides a means to clean the robot within the confined space without requiring chamber opening, using intermediate cleaning components such as brushes, nozzles, or suction devices that can reach the robot surfaces through the closed chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism is nested within the machining chamber structure, with cleaning components integrated into the chamber walls or ceiling. The cleaning mechanism itself may contain nested sub-components (e.g., retractable brushes, foldable arms) that allow access to the robot from limited spaces within the closed chamber.
3Reliability
If the robot is cleaned by opening the machining chamber door, then the robot can be cleaned thoroughly, but the machining operation must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism enables continuous machining operations by performing cleaning actions during idle periods, tool changes, or between workpieces without requiring chamber opening. The system maintains continuous productive action by integrating cleaning into the normal operational cycle rather than requiring separate intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism operates periodically during predefined intervals in the machining cycle, such as during tool changes, workpiece loading/unloading, or scheduled maintenance windows. This periodic cleaning maintains robot performance while minimizing interruption to overall machining productivity.
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
The cleaning mechanism ensures the robot's capabilities are maintained by removing adhering dust and swarf, preventing obstruction and maintaining precision during machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
the cleaning mechanism may comprise an ejection mechanism that ejects fluid with respect to the robot, so as to remove the adhering substance
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning mechanism may comprise a contact removal mechanism that contacts at least one of the robot and the adhering substance, to remove the adhering substance
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool which removal-machines a workpiece by a tool includes an in-machine robot provided in a machining chamber, and a cleaning mechanism that cleans the in-machine robot by removing an adhering substance adhering to the in-machine robot. When the in-machine robot is cleaned, the in-machine robot moves relative to the cleaning mechanism and positions in proximity to the cleaning mechanism.