Machine Tool Gripper Cleaning via Air Nozzle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools with automatic transfer machines face issues with chips and cutting fluid adhering to the gripper, leading to a risk of the workpiece slipping and not being gripped reliably, potentially damaging the workpiece and causing corrosion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a removal unit, such as a fluid-flow generator, electromagnetic field generator, or wiper, within the exterior cover to remove scattered matter from the gripper before it attempts to grip the workpiece, ensuring reliable gripping and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automatic transfer machine is installed inside the exterior cover to enable workpiece replacement, then workpiece replacement efficiency is improved, but scattered matter such as chips and cutting fluid adheres to the hand, causing unreliable gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The removal unit is activated before the hand grips the workpiece to remove scattered matter in advance. The control unit determines based on the relationship between the hand position and machining area whether to activate the removal unit, ensuring the hand is clean before gripping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal unit acts as an intermediary between the machining area and the hand, removing scattered matter that would otherwise directly contaminate the hand and compromise gripping reliability.
2Speed
If the hand remains in the machining area for workpiece replacement, then replacement speed is improved, but the hand is exposed to scattered matter increasing adhesion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the hand position relative to the machining area and dynamically controls the removal unit activation, creating a feedback loop that adapts to the current operational state to balance speed and cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal unit is activated in advance when the hand approaches or is in the machining area, preventing scattered matter adhesion before it compromises gripping reliability.
3Productivity
If scattered matter adheres to the hand, then gripping reliability deteriorates, but continuous operation without interruption is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The removal unit operates continuously or periodically based on hand position feedback, ensuring scattered matter is constantly removed from the hand during the workpiece replacement process, maintaining gripping reliability throughout 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
The solution enables the automatic transfer machine to grip the workpiece reliably, preventing slipping and damage, while also reducing corrosion and shortening workpiece replacement time.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-flow generator unit configured to use a fluid to remove the scattered matter adhering at least to the hand
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic field generator unit configured to remove the scattered matter adhering at least to the hand by use of an electric field or a magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic field generator unit configured to remove the scattered matter adhering at least to the hand by use of an electric field or a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes: an exterior cover covering a machining area where a workpiece on a worktable is machined by a machining tool; an articulated robot arranged inside the exterior cover and configured to replace the workpiece on the worktable; a controller configured to control a posture of the articulated robot and a coordinate point at which a hand of the articulated robot is positioned; and an air nozzle arranged inside the exterior cover and configured to remove scattered matter that has been generated during machining of the workpiece and has adhered at least to the hand when the articulated robot is set at a predetermined posture or when the hand is moved to a predetermined coordinate point.