Automatic Tool Changer Cover Structure for Chip-Safe Compact Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines face issues with cutting oil and chips adhering to automatic tool changers, and there is a need for miniaturization without compromising the protection of these components.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine with a splash guard that includes a cover body coupled to an automatic tool changer, forming a processing area when the changer is at a standby position, and entering the area during tool changes, along with coupling mechanisms to maintain area definition and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the automatic tool changer is positioned at the standby position outside the processing area, then the machine size can be reduced, but cutting oil and chips may adhere to the tool changer
Solution Approach 1:
The cover body is designed to move dynamically with the automatic tool changer, transitioning from a retracted position during tool changing to an extended position that defines the processing area boundary when the tool changer is at the standby position. This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to serve different functions at different operational states, preventing contamination while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover body acts as an intermediary element between the automatic tool changer and the processing area. When extended, it serves as a protective barrier that prevents cutting oil and chips from reaching the tool changer at the standby position, while allowing the tool changer to move freely during operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shutter is provided in the splash guard to enable tool change, then the tool changer can be protected, but the machine size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The cover body is merged with the automatic tool changer as an integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate shutters in the splash guard. The cover body itself performs the dual function of defining the processing area boundary and protecting the tool changer, while moving synchronously with the tool changer to maintain effectiveness throughout the operation cycle.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A processing machine includes a splash guard (181), a tool spindle (121) that is provided inside a processing area (110) and holds a tool, and an automatic tool changer (141) that is movable between an internal-side tool changing position (Pb) inside the processing area (110) and a standby position (Pa) outside the processing area (110) and changes the tool held by the tool spindle (121) at the internal-side tool changing position (Pb). The splash guard (181) includes a cover body (612) that is coupled to the automatic tool changer (141), defines and forms the processing area (110) when the automatic tool changer (141) is positioned at the standby position (Pa), and enters the processing area (110) when the automatic tool changer (141) moves from the standby position (Pa) to the internal-side tool changing position (Pb).