Workpiece Separator With Lateral Stirrup Ejection for Rolling Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tool separators struggle with efficiently distributing parts with tubular or spherical shapes due to rolling issues, leading to uneven and unpredictable batch distribution.
Innovation Solution
A part separator system featuring a belt conveyor with stirrups and actuators that translate laterally to eject parts from the conveyor belt, using electromagnets for actuation and centering mechanisms to ensure precise part handling, allowing for compact design and reliable distribution into multiple receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separators with inclined stop surfaces are used, then parts can be separated into batches, but tubular or spherical parts roll onto the conveyor belt causing uneven and unpredictable distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical inclined stop surface system with a magnetic field-based separation system. Electromagnets mounted on the conveyor belt create magnetic fields that attract and hold ferromagnetic parts in specific positions, eliminating the rolling problem that occurs with inclined surfaces. This substitution of mechanical action with magnetic action ensures reliable and predictable part distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or property used for separation from mechanical contact (inclined surfaces) to magnetic attraction. By utilizing the magnetic property of ferromagnetic parts, the system can control part position and movement without relying on friction or gravity-based inclined surfaces, thereby preventing unwanted rolling behavior.
2Measurement precision
If complicated and bulky separation mechanisms are used to handle rolling parts, then distribution accuracy improves, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation mechanisms with a simpler electromagnetic system. Instead of using bulky mechanical devices to prevent rolling, the system uses electromagnets that can be easily mounted on the conveyor belt to control part position through magnetic attraction, significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it transports parts and simultaneously provides mounting surfaces for electromagnets that perform the separation function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate separation mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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
The system ensures reliable and compact distribution of parts into batches, reducing the risk of parts rolling and damage, and eliminating the need for compressed air, resulting in efficient and predictable batch formation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electromagnets carried by the carriage, one electromagnet per stirrup, a control unit, configured to selectively power the different electromagnets, each electromagnet passing, during a translation of the carriage above a stirrup, the stirrups each comprising, on their upper end, a magnetic member configured to interact with the electromagnet of the carriage passing above the stirrup when the latter is powered
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a parts separator configured for receiving and separating parts (10) exiting a machine tool, comprising: - a belt conveyor (5), on which the parts (10) exiting the machine tool are received, - at least two receptacles (20) into which the received parts (10) are distributed, with an ejector (7) comprising: * at least one stirrup (15) with two substantially longitudinal side walls (17) perpendicular to the belt conveyor (5), * actuators (9, 11, 13, 19), configured to translate the stirrup (15) transversely between a central rest position, in which the side walls (17) of the stirrup (15) are located on either side of the conveyor belt (5), and two ejection positions, laterally off the conveyor belt (5), so as to drive, by means of its side walls (17) a part (10) during its translation,and to eject the part (10) to the side of the conveyor belt (5), the parts (10) ejected to one side or the other of the conveyor belt (5) being collected in different receptacles (20).