Tool Magazine Chip Guide Layout for Compact Chip Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large machine tools, the increased number and types of tools to be changed complicate the collection of chips fallen from the tool magazine, as there is limited space for a slope or discharge port, making it difficult to secure a space for chip collection and cleaning, especially when multiple tool transport units are installed side by side.
Innovation Solution
A tool magazine device with a tool transport unit that includes a chip guide with a guide surface to collect chips and a chip container, along with a cleaner that leads chips into the container as the tool pots circulate, allowing for efficient chip collection without scattering, and a cleaner held in one of the tool pots to facilitate easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the size of tool transport unit is increased to accommodate more tools, then the number of tools to be changed is increased, but it becomes difficult to secure space for chip collection and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The chip guide extends in the radial direction of the tool transport unit, utilizing the radial space that would otherwise be unused. This allows chip collection functionality to be added without increasing the axial height or compromising the tool storage capacity, effectively solving the space conflict by operating in a different dimensional plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip guide is positioned within the annular trajectory space of the tool transport unit, nesting the chip collection function inside the existing tool circulation path. The chip guide occupies the central region while tools circulate around it, allowing both functions to coexist in a compact configuration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a door is installed on the magazine cover for chip collection, then chips can be collected, but the cleaning work becomes complicated and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The chip guide is designed as a detachable component that can be removed from the magazine cover. This allows the chip collection function to be maintained during operation, while enabling easy access to the chip collection area for cleaning by simply removing the chip guide rather than opening a narrow door space.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip guide's guide surface naturally directs chips toward the collection region through its geometric configuration, reducing the need for additional active collection mechanisms. The structure itself performs the chip guiding function passively, simplifying both operation and maintenance.
3Productivity
If multiple tool transport units are installed side by side, then tool changing capacity is increased, but chip collection and cleaning becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each tool transport unit is equipped with its own independent chip guide, creating modular chip collection systems. This segmentation allows each unit to be cleaned and maintained independently without affecting adjacent units, significantly reducing the complexity of chip collection and cleaning when multiple units are installed side by side.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool magazine device including: a tool transport unit in which a plurality of tool pots are disposed at predetermined intervals on the outer periphery of the tool transport unit and which is configured to circulate and transport each tool pot along a trajectory that circulates in up-and-down direction; and a chip guide disposed along a tip trajectory of a tool held in the tool pots and including a guide surface that receives and guides chips separated from the tool. According to the tool magazine device, chips and the like fallen from the tool held in the tool pots can be easily collected.