A high-precision linear actuator (1) comprises: a first straight-guide mechanism (11A, 11B, 11C), which guides movements of an actuator element (4) and a working device (6) relative to an actuator housing (3); a pressing mechanism (7, 8, 9), which in a pressing-contact condition presses the actuator frame (2) and the actuator housing (3) with a predetermined force against one another; and a second straight-guide mechanism (12A, 12B), which guides movements of the actuator housing relative to the actuator frame between said pressing-contact condition and released-contact conditions in which the pressing mechanism presses the actuator frame and the actuator housing towards one another. The invention provides a safety mechanism which automatically reinstates negative consequences of unforeseen collisions in the working environment. In addition the invention allows for a compact and light-weight design of the actuator element and the working device, which improves operational speed and effectivity of the linear actuator.

A pressing tool for plastically deforming a workpiece is described. The pressing tool includes a housing and an electric motor for actuating the pressing tool. The pressing tool also includes an instrument seat which is adapted to receive an interchangeable instrument head at the housing. The pressing tool also includes a mechanical safety element which is arranged in a manner that is movable from an open position, in which an instrument head may be inserted into the instrument seat, into a closed position, in which the instrument head is locked in the instrument seat. The pressing tool additionally includes a mechanical actuating element which may interact with the safety element in order to be able to cause the pressing tool to be enabled for a pressing process.

A pressing tool for plastically deforming a workpiece is described. The pressing tool includes a housing and an electric motor for actuating the pressing tool. The pressing tool also includes an instrument seat which is adapted to receive an interchangeable instrument head at the housing. The pressing tool also includes a mechanical safety element which is arranged in a manner that is movable from an open position, in which an instrument head may be inserted into the instrument seat, into a closed position, in which the instrument head is locked in the instrument seat. The pressing tool additionally includes a mechanical actuating element which may interact with the safety element in order to be able to cause the pressing tool to be enabled for a pressing process.

A system is placed upon a target object and a machining tool. The system comprises a variety of sensors to detect adverse relative movement and position loss of the target object as it is affected by the machining tool. The system further comprises portable sensors in communication with a printed control board, configured to communicate position data to a remote computing device. The remote computing device may receive the position data, process it, and present output to a display. The system may detect position, kinematic, and mechanical issues present during the machining process by comparing the position data to thresholds, including position loss, and automatically adjust the operation of the machining tool in response.

A machine tool for detecting a brake failure more reliably in a mechanism that stops the rotation of a vertical shaft by at least two brakes includes a ball screw extended in a vertical direction, a driving motor that rotates the ball screw, a movable part that vertically moves along the ball screw in accordance with the rotation of the ball screw driven by the driving motor, at least two brakes that prevent a fall of the movable part while power supply to the driving motor is stopped, a brake controller that releases at least one of the at least two brakes while power supply to the driving motor is stopped, and a detector that detects presence/absence of a fall of the movable part or a fall distance of the movable part resulting from the release of the at least one brake, thereby detecting a trouble of an unreleased one of the at least two brakes.

A machine tool for detecting a brake failure more reliably in a mechanism that stops the rotation of a vertical shaft by at least two brakes includes a ball screw extended in a vertical direction, a driving motor that rotates the ball screw, a movable part that vertically moves along the ball screw in accordance with the rotation of the ball screw driven by the driving motor, at least two brakes that prevent a fall of the movable part while power supply to the driving motor is stopped, a brake controller that releases at least one of the at least two brakes while power supply to the driving motor is stopped, and a detector that detects presence/absence of a fall of the movable part or a fall distance of the movable part resulting from the release of the at least one brake, thereby detecting a trouble of an unreleased one of the at least two brakes.

A system and method for collaborative manufacturing system operation for a linear motor conveyor system including one or more moving elements. The system includes: at least two safety gates arranged on the linear motor conveyor system creating a collaborative area between the safety gates. Each safety gate includes: a body; two doors, one on each side of the body; an interlock connecting the two doors such that only one door can remain open at a time; and a control system to control the safety gates in coordination with the linear motor conveyor system. The method includes: configuring an operating status, which may be non-collaborative, collaborative, or semi-collaborative modes; monitoring a safety trigger and, if activated, performing a safety action and controlling according to the type of safety trigger; monitoring if the safety trigger is removed; and if the safety trigger is removed, return to operating in the configured mode.

A system and method for collaborative manufacturing system operation for a linear motor conveyor system including one or more moving elements. The system includes: at least two safety gates arranged on the linear motor conveyor system creating a collaborative area between the safety gates. Each safety gate includes: a body; two doors, one on each side of the body; an interlock connecting the two doors such that only one door can remain open at a time; and a control system to control the safety gates in coordination with the linear motor conveyor system. The method includes: configuring an operating status, which may be non-collaborative, collaborative, or semi-collaborative modes; monitoring a safety trigger and, if activated, performing a safety action and controlling according to the type of safety trigger; monitoring if the safety trigger is removed; and if the safety trigger is removed, return to operating in the configured mode.

To provide an arrangement capable of detecting spindle failure in a machine tool using an existing servo control device, without providing separate external sensors, a failure analysis device or the like. A servo control device (22), which detects failure of a spindle of a machine tool including the spindle, a feed shaft, and a positioning servomotor that is installed to the feed shaft and is for deciding the position of the spindle, includes: a feedback acquisition unit (222) that acquires a feedback signal of the positioning servomotor; and an analysis/detection unit 226 that analyzes the feedback signal acquired to detect failure of the spindle.

To provide an arrangement capable of detecting spindle failure in a machine tool using an existing servo control device, without providing separate external sensors, a failure analysis device or the like. A servo control device (22), which detects failure of a spindle of a machine tool including the spindle, a feed shaft, and a positioning servomotor that is installed to the feed shaft and is for deciding the position of the spindle, includes: a feedback acquisition unit (222) that acquires a feedback signal of the positioning servomotor; and an analysis/detection unit 226 that analyzes the feedback signal acquired to detect failure of the spindle.