Conveyor System With Movable Support Members for Laser Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems for processing workpieces using laser beams face issues where the laser beam can damage the support table or support members, and efficient assist gas discharge is hindered, limiting continuous processing and flexibility in workpiece handling.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with movable support members that are arranged parallel to the workpiece supporting surface, allowing them to avoid laser irradiation and enabling continuous processing by using a drive unit and guide units to position the support members intersecting the conveying direction, thus preventing damage and enhancing flexibility in handling different workpiece dimensions and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support members are fixed on a belt conveyor and raised/lowered by selectively energizing electromagnets, then the laser beam damage risk to support members is reduced, but the belt conveyor must move at very slow speed or stop temporarily, making continuous processing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are made movable in the conveying direction by the drive unit, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position to avoid laser beam irradiation while maintaining continuous conveyor movement. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need to slow down or stop the belt conveyor, thereby preserving continuous processing capability while protecting support members from laser damage.
2Reliability
If support pins are provided on a belt conveyor to be raised and lowered selectively, then laser beam damage to support pins is reduced, but the degree of freedom in disposition of support pins is largely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are configured to be movable not only vertically but also in the conveying direction, providing enhanced degrees of freedom in positioning. This allows support members to be disposed at various positions along the conveying direction to avoid laser beam irradiation while maintaining flexibility in supporting workpieces of different dimensions and positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor system is provided with a plurality of support members which are erected and spaced apart from each other, a plurality of holding units on which the plurality of support members are held, and a drive unit that moves the holding units in a conveying direction. A supporting plane on which a workpiece is supported and conveyed is formed by distal end portions of the support members. The support members are movable in parallel with respect to the supporting plane.