Lathe Ejector Unit with Fluid Flow Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ejection systems for lathes face inefficiencies due to opposite directions of workpiece clamping and removal, leading to increased cycle times, potential damage from collisions, and frequent cleaning needs, which reduce lathe utilization and increase the risk of workpiece damage.
Innovation Solution
An ejection device utilizing a fluid line connected to a fluid reservoir, with flow directing means to select the fluid flow direction through either the discharge pipe or clamping device, allowing for controlled ejection of workpieces without contact and continuous removal of chips and abrasion, while lubricating the discharge pipe to prevent damage and cleaning needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workpieces are moved through the discharge tube by being pushed forward by subsequent workpieces, then the ejection function is achieved, but workpieces collide and can become damaged or wedged together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inner tube as an intermediary component between the discharge tube and workpieces. The inner tube is displaceable along the longitudinal axis and has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of workpieces, providing guided contact that prevents collision damage while maintaining the pushing ejection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge tube is segmented into an inner tube and an outer discharge tube structure. The inner tube can be displaced independently along the longitudinal axis, allowing it to interact with workpieces separately from the outer tube, thereby controlling the ejection process and preventing workpiece-to-workpiece contact
2Productivity
If the discharge tube is completely filled with workpieces, then the ejection capacity is maximized, but a relatively high amount of energy is required to move them
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is designed to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis rather than fixed. This dynamic structure allows the inner tube to move with the workpieces during ejection, reducing friction and energy requirements compared to a static discharge tube structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional fixed mechanical discharge tube with a displaceable inner tube system that can move independently. This substitution reduces the mechanical energy required to eject workpieces by allowing the tube itself to participate in the ejection motion
3Productivity
If workpieces are guided in the discharge tube, then they can be ejected efficiently, but they are not guided optimally and can tilt slightly causing them to become wedged together
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube's inner diameter is specifically adapted to match the outer diameter of workpieces, creating a precise local fit that provides optimal guidance. This localized dimensional matching ensures workpieces remain aligned and prevented from tilting or becoming wedged during ejection
4Productivity
If the discharge tube is used for ejection, then workpieces can be removed continuously, but abrasion occurs which contaminates the tube requiring regular cleaning that reduces lathe utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube acts as a protective intermediary between workpieces and the outer discharge tube. By containing workpiece movement within the inner tube, abrasion and contamination of the outer discharge tube are minimized, reducing cleaning requirements and maintaining continuous operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces cycle times, minimizes workpiece damage, and eliminates the need for separate cleaning, enhancing lathe utilization by ensuring efficient and flexible ejection of workpieces with reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid conveys and ejects the machined workpiece through the discharge pipe or the clamping device depending on the selected flow direction
Implementation Method 2
the fluid leaves the cavity either through the discharge pipe or through the clamping device
Implementation Method 3
lubricating the discharge pipe to prevent damage and cleaning needs
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ejection device for ejecting workpieces (17) manufactured in a lathe (10), wherein the lathe (10) has a housing (14), a clamping device (16) rotatably mounted on the housing (14) for clamping the workpiece (17) during machining, and a discharge tube (20) extending through the housing (14) with a first end (22) and a second end (24), and the clamping device (16) encloses a cavity (26) to which the discharge tube (20) is connected via the first end (22), and the machined workpiece (17) can be passed through the discharge tube (20) from the first end (22) to the second end (24) for ejection from the lathe (10), and the ejection device (12) can be connected to a fluid line (36) which is equipped with a fluid reservoir (38) for holding a fluid.and the cavity (26), which is in communication with a conveying unit (40) for conveying the fluid from the fluid reservoir (38) into the cavity (26), and comprises flow guides (50) with which the flow direction of the fluid from the cavity (26) can be selected such that the fluid leaves the cavity (26) either through the discharge pipe (20) or through the clamping device (16), wherein the fluid conveys and ejects the machined workpiece (17) through the discharge pipe or the clamping device (16), depending on the selected flow direction. The invention further relates to a corresponding lathe and a corresponding method.