Flexible Cutting Slot Closing Device for Swarf Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cutting machines face issues with swarf residues falling into the cutting slot, causing damage and operational problems, especially in automatic machines where manual removal is not feasible, and existing solutions are either ineffective or unsuitable for larger machines.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cutting slot closing device with a trapezoidal belt that slides under the cutting slot and is constrained to the saw carriage, allowing trimming residues to be easily removed without interfering with gripper operation and maintaining mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid closing plate is used to close the cutting slot, then swarf is prevented from falling into the machine, but the plate cannot be handled in cutting machines with cutting lengths up to 6-7 meters and would project outwards from the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid closing plate with a flexible closing strip that can be contained within the machine structure even for large cutting lengths. The flexible strip is guided by guide segments and can be wound onto a winding device, allowing it to adapt to the machine size while still closing the cutting slot effectively to prevent swarf from falling in.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing system transitions from a static rigid plate to a dynamic flexible strip that can move, be wound, and unwound. The strip is guided through guide segments and can be actively controlled by a winding device, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the machine size and operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible closing strip is used that is wound and slides on guide segments, then the system can be contained within the machine, but the upper surface of the closing strip is arranged at a lower level creating a channel that collects swarf
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible closing strip is designed to be self-cleaning through its sliding movement on the guide segments. As the strip moves back and forth to close and open the cutting slot, it automatically sweeps away swarf and trimming residues, preventing accumulation in the channel without requiring additional manual or automated cleaning systems.
3Ease of operation
If the closing strip is arranged at a lower level to avoid interfering with gripper bottom fingers, then gripper operation is maintained, but a channel is formed that collects trimming residues
Solution Approach 1:
The closing strip performs a dual function: it closes the cutting slot to prevent swarf from falling in, and simultaneously acts as a cleaning element that sweeps away trimming residues through its sliding movement on the guide segments, eliminating the need for separate residue removal mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If manual removal of swarf is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot be performed in automatic machines
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves automatic operation through the self-cleaning action of the flexible closing strip. As the strip moves during normal cutting operations, it automatically sweeps away swarf and residues, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining system simplicity without adding complex automated cleaning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The cutting machine (10) comprises a support structure (11) provided with a working table (100), a saw carriage (CRR) comprising at least one circular blade (SC), which is suited to slide along a cutting slot (FT) obtained on the working table (100), and at least one pusher device (14) for the positioning of the material to be cut (P, P1), which is provided with at least one gripper (PZn), whose bottom finger (APn) is suited to slide inside proper grooves (SCN) provided on the working table (100). The cutting machine (10) comprises, furthermore, a closing device (200) to close the cutting slot (FT), which comprises a flexible closing element (201) to close the cutting slot (FT), which has a linear extension and is constrained to the saw carriage (CRR). The upper surface (201A) of a first end side (LP) of the flexible closing element (201) is arranged nearly at the same level as the upper surface (SS) of the working table (100), whereas a second end side (LA), which is opposite to the first end side (LP), slides under the upper surface (SS) of the working table (100), so as to permit the passage of the bottom fingers (APn) or of other apparatuses through the cutting slot (FT) and above the second end side (LA), when the saw carriage (CRR) is in at least one given position along its stroke.