Workpiece Gripper Automatic Tooling Change Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece gripping devices for large-scale transfer presses require complex and labor-intensive manual tooling changes, which hinder efficient automation and increase the weight and complexity of the transfer device.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece gripping device with a mechanical locking device in the coupling system that can be actuated using existing drive axes, allowing for automatic tooling changes without the need for active clutches or locks, utilizing a button-activated mechanism for locking and unlocking, and a linear guide for precise movement and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tooling changes are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the productivity and automation level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to automatically lock and unlock itself using the existing drive device movements. The mechanical locking device with button and stop mechanism allows the carrier's own transverse movement to actuate the locking/unlocking action, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing overall system complexity while enabling automatic tooling changes
Solution Approach 2:
The existing drive device, originally intended only for moving the carrier along its path, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also actuate the locking/unlocking mechanism through transverse movement. This allows one device to serve multiple purposes: transport and tooling change activation, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Extent of automation
If active clutches or locks with remote-controlled actuators are used, then the automation level improves, but the device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the heavy active clutch mechanism and remote-controlled actuators from the system. Instead, it uses a passive mechanical locking device that leverages the existing drive device movements to achieve automatic locking and unlocking, thereby maintaining automation while significantly reducing the weight of the coupling device
Solution Approach 2:
The button and stop mechanism serve as a simple mechanical intermediary that converts the carrier's transverse movement into locking/unlocking action. This intermediary mechanism is much lighter than active clutches or locks with actuators, yet achieves the same automation function by mediating between the drive device and the locking mechanism
3Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used, then the reliability of tooling change improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking device operates automatically through the carrier's own transverse movement, requiring no manual intervention for locking or unlocking. The button is simply pressed against the stop, and the system self-actuates the locking mechanism, making operation extremely simple while ensuring reliable mechanical engagement through the locking bolt and recess design
Data Source
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AI summary
Workpiece gripper system for large presses, e.g. for car bodywork, has connectors which link the grippers to a supporting arm. These consist of two halves (36, 37), one of which carries a pin (38) which fits into a bore (41) in the other and is held in place by a spring-loaded bolt (45, 46) on it.