Rotary Dual-Conveyor Work Reversal for Compact Press Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work reversing apparatuses for press machines are inefficient in reversing and transporting works due to limitations in design, such as requiring space for work rotation and difficulty in downsizing, which hinders productivity and operation time reduction in press transporting lines.
Innovation Solution
A work reversing apparatus comprising a first conveyor and a second conveyor, both capable of holding works regardless of their directions, integrated with a rotary driving unit that rotates both conveyors to efficiently carry works in and out, allowing for efficient work reversal and transportation without the need for additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a work adsorption unit moves around a sprocket to reverse work, then the work can be reversed, but it makes it difficult to use for long works and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal sprocket-based rotation system to a vertical conveyor belt system. The work is reversed by moving it vertically along the conveyor belts in the width direction of the press line, rather than rotating it horizontally around a sprocket. This dimensional change eliminates the need for large horizontal rotation space while maintaining the ability to handle works of various lengths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panel receivers reciprocate and rotate to transfer panels, then panels can be reversed, but the next panel cannot be supplied until the receiver returns to position, increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by having multiple conveyor belts working simultaneously in parallel. While one conveyor belt is reversing a panel, another conveyor belt can be receiving or transporting the next panel. This eliminates the idle time required for reciprocating receivers to return to their starting positions, as the system maintains continuous work flow through parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the panel reversal function into multiple independent conveyor belts, each capable of operating autonomously. Instead of a single receiver handling all panels sequentially, multiple conveyors segment the work flow, allowing simultaneous reversal of one panel while preparing or transporting others, thus eliminating waiting time.
3Device complexity
If work must turn around a sprocket for reversal, then the reversal mechanism is simple, but it makes it difficult to downsize the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the horizontal sprocket rotation mechanism with vertical conveyor belt transport. The work is reversed by moving it up and down along the conveyor belts rather than rotating it around a sprocket. This vertical arrangement significantly reduces the horizontal footprint of the apparatus while maintaining the reversal function, enabling downsizing of the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A work reversing apparatus includes: a first conveyor that transports a work; a second conveyor that transports a work; and a rotary driving unit that integrally rotates the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The rotary driving unit rotates the first conveyor and the second conveyor around a rotation center axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to a transporting direction of a work on the first conveyor and the second conveyor. By driving the rotary driving unit, a work can be reversed around the rotation center axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the transporting direction.