Tool Magazine Fluid Cleaning During Machine Tool Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools face challenges in effectively removing machining dust from tool magazines, which can lead to defective machining and malfunctions due to accumulated dust.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a cleaning mechanism that uses a nozzle and fluid circulation system to spray cutting fluid onto the tool magazine during tool exchange, removing adhering dust and preventing accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tool magazine is used to hold multiple tools, then tool exchange capability is improved, but machining dust accumulates on the tool magazine causing defective machining and malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool exchange capabilityVSAvoidmachining dust accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning mechanism performs preliminary action by spraying fluid onto the tool magazine before dust accumulation reaches harmful levels. The controller activates the cleaning mechanism periodically or based on detected dust levels, preventing dust buildup that would otherwise cause defective machining or malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting dust accumulation on the tool magazine and triggering the cleaning mechanism without external intervention. The controller monitors the tool magazine condition and autonomously activates the fluid spray system to maintain cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cleaning mechanism is added to remove dust, then dust accumulation is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust accumulation preventionVSAvoidcleaning mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning mechanism utilizes hydraulics by employing a fluid spray system to remove dust from the tool magazine. The fluid circulation system pumps and directs fluid through spray nozzles, providing an effective yet relatively simple cleaning approach compared to mechanical brushing or vacuum systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid acts as an intermediary medium between the cleaning mechanism and the dust particles. The fluid circulation system uses fluid as a mediator to transport and remove dust from the tool magazine surface, simplifying the direct contact between cleaning components and the dust-laden surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively prevents machining dust accumulation on the tool magazine, ensuring accurate machining and preventing malfunctions by periodically cleaning the tool magazine with the cutting fluid.

Implementation Method 1

a cleaning mechanism configured to remove adhering objects adhered to the tool magazine by spraying fluid to the tool magazine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS11207754B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A machine tool includes a spindle configured to hold a tool, a tool magazine configured to hold a plurality of tools and to exchange the tools with the spindle, and a cleaning mechanism configured to remove adhering objects adhered to the tool magazine by spraying fluid to the tool magazine.