Sheet Metal Turning Unit With Integrated Manipulator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal processing systems require separate manipulators for conveying workpieces to turning units, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to incorrect alignment and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sheet metal processing system with a turning unit that includes a conveyor and a manipulator designed to lift and turn workpieces on a receiving surface, using a manipulator with gripping devices to flip the workpiece from bottom to top, allowing for precise, space-saving, and efficient turning processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate manipulator is provided to convey workpiece from press station to turning unit, then workpiece conveying is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conveying function and turning function into a single integrated turning unit. The manipulator is positioned directly at the turning unit, eliminating the need for separate conveying manipulators. This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a turning station and a conveying destination. The manipulator at the turning unit can handle workpieces directly from the conveyor, making the turning unit a multi-functional element that reduces the need for dedicated conveying equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If workpiece is moved between workpiece carriers during turning, then turning operation is completed, but risk of damage and misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turning operation is divided into two distinct stages: first, the workpiece is turned between carriers while supported; second, the manipulator at the turning unit performs final positioning and alignment. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function, reducing overall risk of damage and misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning unit acts as an intermediary station between the workpiece carriers. Instead of direct transfer between carriers, the workpiece is transferred to the turning unit where the manipulator can precisely control positioning and alignment, reducing the risk of damage during transfer.
3Manufacturing precision
If complete turning unit is rotated by 180° for turning, then turning operation is achieved, but space requirements and cycle time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is pre-positioned on the conveyor in the correct orientation before reaching the turning unit. The manipulator at the turning unit only needs to perform minor adjustments and final positioning rather than complete 180° rotation, significantly reducing cycle time while maintaining turning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning unit employs dynamic, multi-axis manipulator movements instead of rigid 180° rotation of the entire unit. The manipulator can perform quick, precise adjustments in multiple directions, reducing the time required for turning operations while maintaining accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional conveyors and multi-axis robots are used for turning, then turning capability is achieved, but operating costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the turning capability into the existing conveyor system by positioning a manipulator at the turning unit. This eliminates the need for separate multi-axis robots and additional conveyors, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile turning capability through the manipulator's multi-degree-of-freedom movements.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
The invention relates to a sheet-metal processing installation comprising: a conveying means (2), which conveying means (2) defines, in a conveying plane (3), a receiving surface (8) for a workpiece (5) and a conveying direction (4) and is configured to convey the workpiece (5), which workpiece (5) has an underside (6) and a top side (7), a turning unit (9), which turning unit (9) is configured to turn the workpiece (5) received by the receiving surface (8) from the underside (6) to the top side (7), characterized in that the turning unit (9) comprises a manipulator (10), which manipulator (10) is configured to lift the underside (6) of the workpiece (5) off the receiving surface (8), to carry out a workpiece (5) turning operation and to lay the top side (7) of the workpiece (5) on the receiving surface (8) of the conveying means (2).