Robot Hand Protector for Machine Tool Chip Adherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools with automatic transfer machines face issues with scattered matter such as chips and cutting fluid adhering to the hand, leading to potential workpiece slipping and incorrect gripping, as well as corrosion and damage.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool configuration that includes an exterior cover, an automatic transfer machine, a controller, and a protector (such as a protective cover, movable wall, fluid flow generator, or electromagnetic field generator) to prevent scattered matter from adhering to the hand, ensuring reliable gripping and protecting the machine components from corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automatic transfer machine is used to replace workpieces, then productivity is improved, but scattered matter (chips, cutting fluid) adheres to the hand causing workpiece slipping and gripping failures
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the hand and the scattered matter. The cover allows the hand to grip and transfer workpieces while preventing chips and cutting fluid from adhering to the hand surface, thus maintaining gripping reliability without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is designed as a flexible or thin-walled structure that can conform to the hand shape and move with it during workpiece manipulation. This flexible shell provides continuous protection against scattered matter while allowing the hand to perform its gripping and transfer functions
2Productivity
If the hand operates in the machining area, then workpiece handling is efficient, but scattered matter adheres to the hand causing corrosion and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover serves as a mediator that shields the hand from direct contact with harmful scattered matter including chips and cutting fluid. This allows the hand to operate efficiently in the machining area while the cover prevents corrosion and damage to the hand components
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover may be designed with pneumatic or hydraulic actuation to open and close automatically based on the hand's position and operation state, providing dynamic protection that adapts to the workpiece handling cycle while maintaining operational efficiency
3Reliability
If a protective cover is added to protect the hand, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is merged with the existing hand structure or integrated into the transfer machine's control system. The cover's opening and closing actions are combined with the hand's gripping and releasing cycles, so that a single control command accomplishes both protection and workpiece handling functions
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the hand from scattered matter, guides the workpiece into the correct position for gripping, and may assist in the transfer motion itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components
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; a controller configured to control the posture of the articulated robot and the coordinate point at which a hand of the articulated robot is positioned; and a protective cover arranged inside the exterior cover and configured to protect at least the hand from scattered matter arising due to machining of the workpiece when the articulated robot is set at a predetermined posture or when the hand is moved to a predetermined coordinate point.