Automated Chip Removal Robot for Machining Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processing machines face inefficiencies in chip removal during machining, particularly in dry and semi-dry processes, as existing solutions require manual intervention or specialized apparatuses, leading to reduced production efficiency and inability to achieve automated operation.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine system equipped with a robot having a chip collecting hand and a control unit that assesses chip deposition amounts and regions using visual sensors, allowing for automated chip collection after processing is completed, thereby minimizing unnecessary interruptions and improving production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chips are removed periodically by manual intervention, then chip deposition problems are avoided, but production efficiency is lowered and automated production is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The processing machine is equipped with a chip conveyor that automatically removes chips from the machining area without requiring manual intervention. The chip conveyor operates continuously during machining, transporting chips away from the work area and maintaining automated production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical chip removal process is replaced with an automated chip conveyor system. The chip conveyor uses mechanical belts or chains to transport chips automatically, eliminating the need for operators to manually stop and clear chips.
2Quantity of substance
If a special chip pressing apparatus is added to compress chips, then chips can be discharged in lump form, but device complexity increases and scattered chips outside specific area cannot be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The chip conveyor is designed to perform multiple functions: it collects chips from the machining area, transports them along a defined path, and discharges them externally. This single device handles the entire chip removal process without requiring separate pressing or collection apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip conveyor extends the chip collection capability into a three-dimensional space by creating a transport path that leads chips from the machining area to an external discharge location, effectively removing chips from the confined machining space.
3Speed
If suction nozzle is located close to machining tool to suck chips during processing, then real-time chip removal is achieved, but suction force is unidirectional and chips scattered over broad area cannot be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The chip removal function is segmented into multiple collection points along the chip conveyor path. Instead of relying on a single suction nozzle, chips are collected at various locations as they are generated and transported along the conveyor, enabling coverage of a broader machining area.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip conveyor acts as an intermediary transport mechanism between the machining area and the external discharge location. It receives chips from various points in the machining area and transports them systematically, overcoming the limitation of unidirectional suction.
4Reliability
If chip collection is performed continuously, then all chips are removed without omission, but idle time increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chip conveyor operates continuously during the machining process, maintaining constant chip removal capability without interrupting production. Chips are transported away as they are generated, ensuring complete collection without requiring periodic stopping of the machining operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine system includes a processing machine having a machining table, a robot that removes chips produced from processing of the work, a chip collecting hand attached to a distal end portion of the robot to collect the chips, and a robot control unit. The robot control unit acquires a deposition amount of the chips deposited on the machining table, decides whether it is necessary to collect the chips on the basis of the acquired deposition amount. When the chip collection is necessary, the robot control unit operates the robot so as to collect the chips with the chip collecting hand, after the processing is finished.