Machining Head Fixing With Vacuum Hold and Chip Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing workpieces during machining, particularly thin-walled items like metal sheets and pipes, are time-consuming and prone to surface scratches, and inefficient in removing machining residues.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device attached to a machining head that uses a suction or magnetic force to locally fix the workpiece from the machining side, allowing for automatic counter-holding against machining forces and incorporating an extracting device to remove residues, preventing scratches and deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a retractable matrix or counter-bearing system is used to fix the workpiece, then the workpiece position stability is improved, but the machining time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is fixed to the machining head before the machining operation begins. The fixing head with vacuum holders or magnetic holders is positioned and activated in advance, so that when machining starts, the workpiece is already securely held without requiring time-consuming setup of retractable matrices or counter-bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system transitions from a static, time-consuming mechanical setup (retractable matrix) to a dynamic, quickly activatable system. The vacuum holders can be activated and deactivated rapidly through vacuum pressure control, and magnetic holders can be engaged and disengaged instantly through magnetic field control, enabling fast fixing and releasing cycles.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cooling/lubrication system with liquid is used to transport shavings, then shavings removal is achieved, but the workpiece surface may be scratched
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using liquid cooling/lubrication systems that can cause surface scratches, the invention employs a pneumatic extraction system. Compressed air or vacuum is used to create airflow that lifts and removes shavings from the machining area and workpiece surface, eliminating the scratching problem while effectively removing machining residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful shavings are extracted directly from the machining area using pneumatic fields (airflow or vacuum) before they can cause surface damage. The extraction system removes shavings through the air stream, separating them from the workpiece without contact that could cause scratches.
3Force
If the workpiece is pressed from above onto a counter-bearing, then fixing is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical pressing system onto counter-bearings is replaced with field-based fixing mechanisms. Vacuum holders use vacuum pressure (a pneumatic field) to create holding force, while magnetic holders use magnetic fields to generate holding force. These field-based systems can be activated and deactivated instantly, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical pressing and releasing operations.
4Quantity of substance
If shavings are stored in a container before removal, then shavings are collected, but surface scratches may occur during storage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing shavings in a container where they may scratch the workpiece surface during storage, the invention rushes through the shavings removal process continuously. The pneumatic extraction system actively removes shavings immediately after they are generated, creating a continuous flow from generation to removal without intermediate storage that could cause surface damage.
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 provides stable positioning of workpieces, reduces tool wear, and enhances machining accuracy by maintaining the underside of the workpiece free from fixing devices, while efficiently removing machining residues through vacuum or air flow.
Implementation Method 1
The fixing head (110) is provided with at least one vacuum holder (130) arranged for generating a vacuum holding force on the machining side (310) of the workpiece (300) to fix the workpiece locally
Implementation Method 2
The fixing head (110) is provided with at least one magnet (100) arranged for generating a magnetic holding force on the machining side (310) of the workpiece (300) to fix the workpiece locally
Implementation Method 3
The fixing head (110) or the machining head (200) comprises at least one compressed air inlet (140) for producing an air flow (L) around a central machining axis (A) and at least one air outlet (150)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device (100) arranged for fastening to a machining head (200), in particular a drill head, of a machine tool (400) for machining workpieces (300), in particular metal sheets at a machining point, wherein the workpieces (300) can be machined from a machining side (310), comprising: - a fastening device (120) adapted for fastening the fixing device (100) to the machining head (200); - a fixing head (110) adapted for releasably, locally fixing the workpiece (300) on the machining side (310) thereof and adjacent to the machining point by exerting a holding force (H) which is directed to the fixing device (100) and to the machining head (200); - a controller configured to control the fixing and releasing of the fixing head (110) on a workpiece (300); and - a suctioning and/or extracting device for dirt and/or residues arising during machining.