Processing Machine Line Cover Interlock for Chip Box Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators often forget to remove the chip receiving box from the automatic workpiece transfer machine in processing machine lines, leading to potential contamination and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A removable chip receiving box attached to an installation bracket that protrudes from the lower section cover, preventing the front cover from closing properly if not removed, thus alerting the operator to its presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a chip receiving box is temporarily arranged at the automatic workpiece transfer machine, then the configuration becomes simple and handling becomes easy, but the operator may forget to remove it
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding section is installed in advance on the installation bracket to prevent the upper section cover from closing properly when the chip receiving box is left in place. This preliminary anti-action mechanism ensures that the operator cannot complete the closing operation without first removing the chip receiving box, thereby preventing forgetful omission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a wound sheet is provided to collect coolant and chips, then contamination is prevented, but the configuration becomes complicated and the sheet may get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The chip receiving box is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be temporarily placed in the conveyance space when needed for cutting adjustments, and then removed afterward. This extraction approach provides contamination prevention without requiring a permanently installed complex collection system.
3Ease of operation
If the processing module is pulled forward towards the machine body front for cutting adjustments, then operator work becomes easier, but coolant or chips may fall and contaminate the automatic workpiece transfer machine
Solution Approach 1:
The operator performs cutting adjustments by pulling the processing module forward to a predetermined position where the conveyance robot operates. The chip receiving box is then temporarily installed in this conveyance space before the adjustment work begins, creating a protective barrier against coolant and chip contamination during the entire adjustment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine line including multiple processing modules arranged in a width direction and loaded on a base where a machine body is movable in a front-rear direction; an automatic workpiece transfer machine to perform transferring of a workpiece by moving a conveyance robot in front of the base; an external cover to cover the processing module; a front cover to form a conveyance space of the conveyance robot, the front cover being provided with, for each processing module, an upper section cover that is open-and-closable in a lifting up manner, and a lower section cover configuring a cover front surface with the upper section cover; and a chip receiving box to be removable and attachable by being attached between the lower section cover and the base via an installation bracket that is attachable and removable with respect to a top section of the lower section cover.