Counter-holder Separation Device for Sheet Metal Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and automatic removal of workpiece components from remaining workpieces during separation operations, such as punching or cutting of metal sheets, is challenging due to overlapping components and the risk of getting stuck, leading to production interruptions and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a lifting apparatus and a counter-holder that can switch between a fixing and releasing state, allowing for perpendicular movement of the workpiece component relative to the support plane, ensuring parallel orientation and preventing tilting or deformation, while the counter-holder forms a rigid abutment to secure the component during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction gripper is used to hold the workpiece component during removal, then the workpiece component can be securely held and moved, but the suction gripper cannot laterally protrude beyond the workpiece component boundaries to avoid vacuum interference with the remaining workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent holding elements: a suction gripper for initial attachment and a counter-holder for support during removal. This segmentation allows each element to have optimized dimensions and functions without the constraints of a single integrated gripper, resolving the contradiction between reliable holding and dimensional limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-holder acts as an intermediary support element that takes over the holding function after the workpiece component is lifted. This intermediary structure enables the suction gripper to maintain its compact dimensions while still providing reliable removal capability through the coordinated action of both elements.
2Productivity
If the workpiece component is removed perpendicular to the support plane, then separation from the remaining workpiece is achieved efficiently, but the component may tilt or deform during the removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-holder provides a counterbalancing support force that opposes the lifting action of the suction gripper. This counter-support prevents tilting and deformation by distributing the mechanical stresses evenly across the workpiece component, maintaining its orientation stability during perpendicular removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter-holder is positioned and prepared in advance before the removal operation begins. By pre-establishing the support geometry and position, the system ensures that the workpiece component maintains stable orientation throughout the lifting process, preventing tilting and deformation while achieving efficient perpendicular removal.
3Reliability
If the suction gripper is positioned to match the workpiece component dimensions precisely, then lateral overhang is avoided and vacuum interference is prevented, but the gripper has limited adaptability to different workpiece sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-holder serves multiple functions: it supports the workpiece component during removal, provides a reference for positioning, and enables the suction gripper to maintain consistent dimensions. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various workpiece geometries while maintaining reliable vacuum sealing, as the counter-holder adapts to different component sizes and shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for separating two workpiece parts, e.g., metal sheets, from one another are described and include a workpiece mounting, a lifting device arranged on one side of the workpiece mounting, and a counter-holder arranged on the opposite side of the workpiece mounting. The counter-holder can be transferred into a fixing state and into a releasing state. One of the workpiece parts to be separated from one another is provided as a removal part, the other as a remaining part. For separating the two workpiece parts, the removal part, which is acted upon by the lifting device and supported by the counter-holder, can be moved by means of the lifting device perpendicular to the mounting in relation to the remaining part by a removal movement. At least in the releasing state, the counter-holder forms a rigid abutment in the lifting direction for the removal part. The rigid abutment has the effect that the removal part is aligned parallel to the mounting. Machine-based systems include a processing unit for producing two workpiece parts from a sheet-like workpiece and a separating device as described herein. Methods for separating two workpiece parts of a sheet-like workpiece are carried out by means of the devices described herein and can be part of a machine-based process.