Rotary Joint and Jig Plate Layout for Faster Seal Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotation indexing devices require labor-intensive operations to detach and reattach the jig unit when replacing the seal member of the rotary joint, leading to increased time and effort for operators.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where the jig plate is directly attached to the main shaft, allowing the shaft to be detached without removing the jig unit, and an adapter communicates the supply path of the shaft with the flow path of the jig plate, simplifying fluid supply and reducing the need for complex flow path configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the shaft is detached to replace the seal member, then the seal member can be replaced, but the jig unit must be detached and reattached which increases labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: the jig unit (including jig plate and jigs) can be independently detached from the main shaft, while the shaft remains attached to the distributor. This allows the seal member on the shaft to be replaced without affecting the jig unit, eliminating the need to detach and reattach the jig unit during seal replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the distributor assembly. The shaft can be detached from the distributor to access and replace the seal member, while the jig unit remains mounted on the main shaft. This extraction allows maintenance of the seal without disrupting the jig unit configuration.
2Ease of operation
If multiple flow paths are provided in the jig plate to supply pressure fluid to each jig, then each jig can receive pressure fluid, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow path functions are merged into the distributor component. The distributor, which is already part of the rotary joint assembly, incorporates multiple flow paths that can supply pressure fluid to multiple jigs simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate flow paths in the jig plate, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the capability to supply pressure fluid to each jig.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor serves multiple functions: it acts as part of the rotary joint mechanism and simultaneously provides multiple flow paths for pressure fluid supply to various jigs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated flow path structures in the jig plate, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Ease of repair
If the shaft is detached from the rotation indexing device, then the seal member can be replaced, but the jig unit configuration must be readjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented such that the shaft is a separate module that can be detached from the distributor for seal replacement, while the jig unit remains firmly mounted on the main shaft. This segmentation ensures that detaching the shaft for maintenance does not disrupt the jig unit configuration, eliminating the need for readjustment operations.
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
Enables the replacement of the seal member without detaching the jig unit, reducing operator burden and preventing device enlargement, while maintaining efficient fluid supply to the jigs.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure fluid is supplied to each jig on the jig plate mounted on the circular table, so that the workpiece is held on the jig plate (circular table)
Implementation Method 2
the rotary joint is attached with a rotary seal (seal member) such as an O-ring in a form of being inserted and attached on an inner peripheral surface of the shaft, so as to prevent leakage of the pressure fluid between the plurality of flow paths between the distributor and the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation indexing device (1) where a shaft (54) of a rotary joint (50) is configured so that an outlet (54f) of a supply path (54c) opens to a lower surface of a flange part (54b), a jig plate (42) is formed to have a through-hole (42b) in which the flange part (54b) of the shaft (54) is arranged and a flow path (42c) formed so that an inlet (42e) opens to a lower surface of the jig plate, and the jig plate (42) is directly attached to a main shaft (20). Also, the rotation indexing device (1) includes an adapter (60) that is provided in contact with the flange part (54b) of the shaft (54) and the jig plate (42) and has a communication path (60b) for communicating the outlet (54f) of the supply path (54c) in the shaft (54) and the inlet (42e) of the flow path (42c) in the jig plate (42) each other.