BR-102024020814-B1 - Machine for separating cut parts with micro-joints

Abstract

SEPARATING MACHINE FOR CUT PARTS WITH MICRO-JOINTS. Electromechanical equipment, with servo-motorized, geared motors, vibratory motors and hydraulic drives. Composed of four elements: (a) Gripper assembly that secures the sheet to aid in separating the parts. After separation, the grippers open and retract, releasing the skeleton onto the discharge conveyor; (b) Impact assembly consisting of a carriage with servo-motorized movements on the X, Y and Z axes, mounted on a gantry on linear guides. The carriage's movement on the X and Y axes is done by servo-motors and racks. The impact system (impact punch), Z axis, is driven by a servo-motor that drives a ball screw that moves the impact punch, causing the necessary impact to separate the cut part from the sheet, breaking the micro-joint. The operation is by CNC control and receives the same cutting programming to process the impact location on each piece individually; (c) Elevating Conveyor Assembly consisting of a conveyor belt specially made to withstand impacts and driven by a servomotor, operating at two different heights, where one receives the parts separated from the sheet and the other the skeleton (leftover (...).

Inventors

• ODINERTO MONROE LOEWE

Assignees

• ODINERTO MONROE LOEWE

Dates

Publication Date

20260310

Application Date

20241007

Claims (6)

1. 1. The Micro-Joint Parts Separator Machine, designed for the automated separation of metal parts cut by laser or plasma cutting processes, is characterized by a controlled impact system, driven by a servomotor and guided by a ball screw, mounted on an X-Y movement carriage. This allows for precise actuation at the micro-joint points of the parts to be separated, where the CNC system reprocesses the data from the previously executed cut, determining the exact points of impact application. Meanwhile, an adjustable lifting conveyor positions the sheet at different levels to optimize the separation process, allowing loose parts to fall by gravity onto a motorized conveyor belt, guiding them to the collection tray. The remaining sheet, called the skeleton, is also transported to a specific compartment, ensuring an automated, efficient, and highly precise process in the separation of the cut parts.
2. 2. The Micro-Joint Parts Separating Machine, as claimed in claim 1, characterized by having a hammer device with an interchangeable tip, allowing the impact to be adapted according to the thickness and material of the processed sheet, ensuring greater efficiency in separating the parts and avoiding unwanted deformations during the procedure.
3. 3. Parts Separating Machine with Microjoints according to claim 1, characterized by using precision sensors to monitor the position of the parts during the separation process, ensuring greater accuracy in impact.
4. 4. Parts Separating Machine with Microjoints according to claim 1, characterized by a clamping gripper system actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic systems, which stabilizes the sheet during the separation process, ensuring precision and efficiency.
5. 5. Parts Separating Machine with Microjoints according to claim 1, characterized by a geared motor that drives the motorized conveyor system, efficiently transporting the separated parts to the storage tray or drawer.
6. 6. Parts Separating Machine with Microjoints according to claim 1, characterized by an automatic disposal system for the remaining sheet metal ("Skeleton"), ensuring a continuous and organized production flow.

Description

Field of invention [001] The technical sector to which the equipment refers is the Metalworking sector, specifically the production of sheet metal parts cut by Laser or Plasma cutting machines. Fundamentals of the invention [002] Separating parts cut by processes such as laser cutting and plasma cutting is a critical challenge in the metallurgical industry, directly impacting production efficiency and the quality of final products. Currently, traditional methods for removing these parts often involve manual or semi-automated operations, which require intensive human intervention and present risks of inaccuracy and mechanical contamination of the parts. [003] In the context of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) cutting systems, cutting precision is highly controlled, but when micro-joints are used to hold parts together on the master sheet during the process, subsequent separation becomes a critical step. Conventional techniques include the use of mechanical vibration, pneumatic separators, and compressed air blowing systems, which can assist in removal, but generally require manual calibrations and have limitations regarding the variety of thicknesses and materials processed. [004] Currently, some solutions use controlled impact systems, applied indirectly or with energies not optimized for uniform and predictable separation. In addition, misalignment of parts during removal can compromise the subsequent assembly and forming process. The absence of precise control over sheet positioning during separation can also result in lost productivity and increased scrap. [005] Given this scenario, the need for a more advanced solution is evident. The proposed machine introduces an innovative automatic separation system that combines a high-precision beater device, driven by a servomotor and guided by a ball screw, with a CNC system that reprocesses the cutting data for precise control of the impact points. This allows for efficient and reproducible separation of parts, reducing interference in the production flow and optimizing the yield of materials used. [006] The inefficiency of conventional methods in separating parts with micro-joints results in time-consuming manual processes, a high risk of damage to the parts, and material waste. The lack of a specific automated system for this function compromises productivity and the final quality of the cut parts. [007] The invention presented solves this problem by employing a CNC-controlled and programmed impact separation system, ensuring precision in the removal of parts without the need for manual intervention. Unlike existing solutions, which use vibration or compressed air blasting, the machine's hammer mechanism acts directly on strategic points of the micro-joint, promoting efficient and homogeneous separation. [008] Direct action at separation points reduces damage and ensures uniformity, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and reducing processing time. In addition, the system reduces waste generation and increases the utilization of cut sheets. Integration with CNC cutting software provides a continuous and uninterrupted production flow, resulting in less need for specialized labor and less material waste. [009] With these innovations, the micro-joint parts separator machine stands out as an efficient and differentiated technical solution in the market, promoting significant advances in the metallurgical and manufacturing industry. Brief description of the drawings [0010] Image 1 represents a full isometric view of the machine. [0011] Image 2 represents the Front View of the machine. [0012] Image 3 represents the Side View of the machine. [0013] Image 4 represents the Top View of the machine. [0014] Image 5 highlights the View of the Beating Device. [0015] Image 6 shows the isometric cutaway view of the conveyor belt with lifting system and the beater device. Description of the invention [0016] The Micro-Joint Parts Separator Machine is equipment designed to automatically separate metal parts cut on laser or plasma cutting machines. These parts remain partially attached to the sheet due to the presence of micro-joints, small material connections, usually 0.5 mm, which prevent unwanted displacement during cutting. The machine's objective is to eliminate these micro-joints automatically, ensuring precision and efficiency in the process without the need for manual intervention. [0017] The machine's operation begins when the cut sheet is removed from the cutting machine by an automated manipulator, which positions it on the conveyor belt of the Separating Machine. This conveyor belt has a lifting system that allows it to move between two positions: an upper position, where the sheet is accessible to the clamping system, and a lower position, where the processed materials are deposited. At the beginning of the cycle, the conveyor belt is raised to the upper position, allowing the clamping grippers – actuated by hydraulic or pneumatic systems – to stabilize the