Transfer Press Gripper and Thrust Rod Timing for Delicate Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transfer presses face challenges in reliably transporting workpieces between processing stations at high cycle rates without deforming sensitive metallic components, requiring precise control and adjustment of transport paths to prevent malfunctions and material deformation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control group comprising a gripper rod and a thrust rod, both displaceable only in the longitudinal direction, with the thrust rod controlling the transverse movement of gripper elements via a cam mechanism, allowing synchronized and controlled transport of workpieces, even at high cycle rates and with delicate materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transfer apparatuses operate at high cycle rates to increase productivity, then output per unit time improves, but workpieces may be deformed and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control elements (gripper rod and thrust rod) displaceable exclusively in the longitudinal direction, allowing them to adapt their position dynamically during the transport cycle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain precise control at high cycle rates while preventing workpiece deformation through optimized timing and positioning of gripping and thrusting actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by synchronizing the movement of the gripper rod and thrust rod through a cam mechanism. This parameter synchronization ensures that the thrust rod activates at the precise moment when the workpiece is securely gripped, enabling high-speed operation without compromising workpiece integrity or transport reliability.
2Productivity
If mechanical coupling is used to drive transport rods for high stroke rates, then productivity improves, but collisions between press tool and transport means may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary between the press drive and the transport control elements. This cam mechanism acts as a mediator that translates the press stroke into controlled longitudinal displacement of the gripper rod and thrust rod, enabling high stroke rates while preventing direct mechanical coupling that could cause collisions between the press tool and transport means.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise control of transport path is implemented to prevent workpiece deformation, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of the gripper rod and thrust rod by coupling them through a cam mechanism. This combination allows both elements to be controlled simultaneously with a single driving motion, achieving precise workpiece positioning and transport path control while avoiding the complexity of separate control systems for each element.
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
This solution enables reliable and precise transport of workpieces between processing stations, preventing deformation and ensuring optimal alignment and timing of gripper engagement and release, thereby reducing machine downtime and improving processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
with the thrust rod controlling the transverse movement of gripper elements via a cam mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for the clocked longitudinal transport of workpieces (11) between processing stations in a transfer press. The apparatus has, at least on one side, a first (2) and a second (3) longitudinally movable control element as a control group (2, 3), wherein two control elements (2, 3) are mounted to be movable relative to each other solely in the longitudinal direction, and the control elements (2, 3) are driven via a common shaft (58). The first control element is a gripper rod (2) for the longitudinal transport of workpieces (11) between the processing stations, and gripper elements (4), offset in the longitudinal direction by the distance between the processing stations, are mounted in the gripper rod (2) and can be moved solely in the transversal direction. The second control element is a thrust rod (3) which forcibly controls the transversal movement of the at least two gripper elements (4).