Transfer Device with Adjustable Gripper Pitch for Conveyor Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently coordinating the transfer of sleeve-shaped workpieces between different conveyor devices with varying pitch configurations, leading to inefficiencies in production lines.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device equipped with a linear drive and gear arrangement, featuring pivoting workpiece grippers and an adjusting mechanism, allows for precise alignment and adaptation to different conveyor device pitches, enabling seamless transfer of sleeve-shaped workpieces between parallel-aligned mandrels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pitch conveyor system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different workpiece pitches and conveyor configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device employs a dynamically adjustable mechanism where the distance between the first and second workpiece grippers can be varied. This is achieved through a positioning device that can change the relative position of the grippers along the conveying direction, allowing the system to adapt to different pitch configurations between workpieces and between first and second conveyors while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameter (distance) between the workpiece grippers to adapt to different pitch configurations. By adjusting this distance parameter through the positioning device, the transfer device can accommodate various workpiece spacings and conveyor pitch variations without requiring complete redesign of the system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between workpiece grippers is fixed, then the device is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different pitch configurations of conveyors
Solution Approach 1:
The gear arrangement incorporates a positioning device that enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between the first and second workpiece grippers. This positioning device may include mechanisms such as adjustable linkages, movable mounting positions, or reconfigurable gear configurations that allow the system to adapt to different pitch requirements while maintaining synchronized operation of the grippers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If workpieces are transferred without pitch adjustment, then the transfer process is faster, but it cannot handle different conveyor divisions and pitches
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is designed to adjust the distance between workpiece grippers in advance, before the actual workpiece transfer operation begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures that the grippers are properly positioned for the specific pitch configuration, allowing subsequent transfer operations to proceed efficiently without delays during the transfer itself.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transfer device (20) for removing sleeve-shaped workpieces (2) from a first conveying device (3) and for pushing the sleeve-shaped workpieces (2) onto a second conveying device (40), with a linearly movable connecting rod (23) to which a gear arrangement (25) is assigned, which comprises a pivoting body (27) pivotally mounted about an axis of motion (24), on which a first workpiece gripper (28) and a second workpiece gripper (29) are arranged and which are rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (30), wherein the gear arrangement (25) comprises an adjusting device (50) for initiating an adjusting movement to set a distance (38) between a first gripping area (35) of the first workpiece gripper (28) arranged radially away from the axis of motion (24) and a second gripping area (36) of the second workpiece gripper (29) arranged radially away from the axis of motion (24),as well as with a rotary drive (16) for controlling the positioning device (50) for initiating a forced rotary movement onto the first workpiece gripper (28) associated with the rotary movement of the rotary body (27).