Automatic Tool Changer Cover Layout for Clean, Compact Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines face issues with cutting oil and chips adhering to automatic tool changers, and there is a challenge in miniaturizing the machine while maintaining effective tool change operations.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine with a splash guard that defines a processing area, an automatic tool changer movable between positions, and a cover body that enters the processing area during tool changes, along with coupling mechanisms to prevent contamination and reduce size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the automatic tool changer is positioned at the standby position inside the processing area, then the tool change operation can be performed, but cutting oil and chips adhere to the automatic tool changer
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic tool changer is extracted from the processing area when not in use for tool changing. The standby position is located outside the processing area, separating the tool changer from the harmful environment of cutting oil and chips during standby operations, while still allowing quick access when tool change is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover body is introduced as an intermediary element that can be positioned between the automatic tool changer and the processing area. The cover body opens to allow tool change operations and closes to protect the automatic tool changer from cutting oil and chips when positioned at the standby location outside the processing area.
2Ease of operation
If a shutter is provided in the splash guard to enable tool change, then tool change between tool spindle and tool changing unit is enabled, but the machine tool size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The cover body is designed to be movable rather than a fixed shutter. It can dynamically open to allow tool change operations and close to protect the processing area, eliminating the need for a large fixed shutter structure and reducing overall machine tool size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover body serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier when closed, and opens to facilitate tool change operations. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate shutter mechanisms, reducing the overall size of the machine tool while maintaining tool change capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the automatic tool changer moves between standby position outside processing area and tool changing position inside processing area, then contamination is prevented, but the movement time affects productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic tool changer is positioned at the standby location outside the processing area in advance, ready for tool change operations. This preliminary positioning allows the system to be prepared without contamination risk, and the quick access to the processing area minimizes the time penalty for movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement between standby position and tool changing position is performed quickly, rushing through the transition period. The system minimizes the time spent in movement by optimizing the path and speed, reducing the impact on overall productivity while still achieving contamination prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine includes a splash guard, a tool spindle that is provided inside a processing area and holds a tool, and an automatic tool changer that is movable between an internal-side tool changing position inside the processing area and a standby position outside the processing area and changes the tool held by the tool spindle at the internal-side tool changing position. The splash guard includes a cover body that is coupled to the automatic tool changer, defines and forms the processing area when the automatic tool changer is positioned at the standby position, and enters the processing area when the automatic tool changer moves from the standby position to the internal-side tool changing position.