Segmented Transfer Press Conveyors for High-Speed Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece conveying systems for transfer press machines face inefficiencies in production due to the need for frequent replacement of workpiece holding tools, which slows down production and limits conveyance speed due to the weight and resonance issues with long, heavy feed bars.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece conveying system with a beam extending in the feed direction, featuring independently controllable workpiece conveying apparatus with a feed device, raising and lowering device, and a clamp device, including a shaft-shaped clamp part with spiral and spline grooves, allowing for precise positioning and posture adjustment of workpiece holding tools without requiring tool replacement, and enabling high-speed conveyance by minimizing the weight and length of the conveying apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If feed bars are made long and heavy to support workpiece holding tools for multiple stages, then the workpiece conveying apparatus can support tools for respective stages, but the feed bars resonate at high conveyance speeds, hindering further speed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single long feed bar into multiple independent feed bars, each supporting only one workpiece holding tool. This segmentation eliminates the resonance problem of long feed bars at high speeds while maintaining the ability to support tools for multiple stages. Each feed bar can be independently controlled, allowing high-speed reciprocating motion without the resonance issues that plague long, heavy feed bars.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fingers are replaced to accommodate different workpiece sizes and shapes, then the apparatus can handle various workpiece specifications, but the replacement process takes time and increases stoppage time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs workpiece holding tools with universal gripping mechanisms that can adapt to different workpiece sizes and shapes without requiring physical replacement. The fingers are designed to be adjustable or reconfigurable, allowing the same feed bar and tool structure to handle various workpiece specifications. This eliminates the time-consuming replacement process while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece holding tools incorporate dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the fingers to change their configuration or position based on the workpiece being held. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to handle different workpiece sizes and shapes without stopping for tool replacement, as the tools can be quickly reconfigured during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of fingers is increased to cover all stages, then all workpieces can be held simultaneously, but the weight of the feed bar increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the feed bar system into multiple independent feed bars, each carrying only one workpiece holding tool, the patent eliminates the need for a single heavy feed bar supporting all stages. Each lightweight feed bar supports only its designated tool, dramatically reducing the moving weight while maintaining the capability to hold workpieces at all stages through coordinated operation of multiple feed bars.
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece conveying system for a transfer press machine includes: a beam provided to extend in a feed direction of a workpiece; and a plurality of workpiece conveying apparatus supported by the beam. The workpiece conveying apparatus each include: a feed device including a first carrier that is movable relative to the beam in the feed direction; a raising and lowering device including a second carrier that is movable relative to the first carrier in a raising and lowering direction; a clamp device including a third carrier that is movable relative to the second carrier in a clamp direction of the workpiece; and a workpiece holding tool, which is supported at a distal end of the third carrier, and is configured to hold and release the workpiece.