Sliding Cover Structure for Machine Tool Moving Range Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machine tools require cumbersome and time-consuming procedures to switch between using and not using a guide bush, affecting the moving range of the moving unit, which complicates operations and increases machine size.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design incorporating a moving-side cover, a supporting-side cover, and a slide cover that allows for easy switching between moving ranges by forming a clearance between the covers, which is then closed by the slide cover to protect the driving apparatus and reduce machine dimensions, enabling simple operations to change between use states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the second front cover is removed from the front end supporting unit and attached to the rear end supporting unit to enable the moving unit to move in a second moving range, then the moving range of the moving unit is extended, but the device complexity and operation time increase due to the need to detach and reattach the cover using screws
Solution Approach 1:
The second front cover is configured to be slidable relative to the rear end supporting unit, allowing it to be nested within or extended from the supporting unit. This sliding mechanism eliminates the need for detachment and reattachment operations, enabling the cover to transition between covering the driving mechanism in the first moving range and exposing it in the second moving range, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between extended moving range and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second front cover is designed with dynamic positioning capability through a sliding mechanism that allows it to move between different positions along the spindle axis direction. This dynamic adjustment enables the cover to adapt to different operating states (first and second moving ranges) without requiring complex detachment and reattachment operations, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining extended moving range capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second front cover is removed and reattached when switching between guide bush usage states, then the moving range can be adjusted, but the operation time and productivity are reduced due to the cumbersome switching procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The second front cover incorporates a sliding mechanism that enables dynamic repositioning along the spindle axis direction, allowing operators to quickly transition between covering and exposed states without detaching the cover. This dynamic adjustment significantly reduces the time required to switch between guide bush usage states while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism is pre-configured to allow the second front cover to be quickly positioned in either the covering or exposed state without requiring intermediate detachment steps. This preliminary arrangement of the sliding mechanism enables operators to perform state switching in a single continuous motion, thereby reducing operation time and improving productivity
3Device complexity
If the second front cover is permanently attached to the front end supporting unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the moving range is limited to the first moving range and cannot be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The second front cover is designed with a sliding mechanism that allows it to move dynamically along the spindle axis direction relative to the rear end supporting unit. This dynamic capability enables the cover to extend beyond the first moving range position when in the exposed state, thereby providing the extended second moving range while maintaining a relatively simple overall cover structure without requiring multiple separate covers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a machine tool capable of facilitating the work of switching the moving ranges of the moving unit. A moving-side cover 40 provided on the moving unit (10) covers part of a position of the driving apparatus 20 in the moving direction D1. A supporting-side cover 50 is provided in a position on a side of the first moving range 110 of an end 41 of the moving-side cover 40 on a side of the second moving range 120 in the moving direction D1 to continuously cover the part of the position of the driving apparatus 20 in the moving direction D1 in cooperation with the moving-side cover 10 in the first use state ST1. The supporting-side cover 50 forms a clearance CL1 in the moving direction D1 with respect to the moving-side cover 40 in the second use state ST2. A slide cover 60 is mounted on one of supporting-side cover 50 and the moving-side cover 40 slidably in the moving direction D1 to close the clearance CL1 when slidably drawn out in the moving direction D1.