Double-station die forging equipment capable of realizing self-driven die changing

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of forging equipment technology and discloses a dual-station forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing. It includes two forging units mounted on a base and a die pushing mechanism located between the two forging units. The die pushing mechanism includes a push-pull unit and a conveying unit connected to the push-pull unit. The push-pull unit is used to connect to the drive mechanism of the forging unit in forging operation. The conveying unit is used to connect the upper or lower die to be replaced in the other forging unit. The die mounting mechanism includes a mounting base. A sliding component and a zipper-like adaptive guide unit are provided between the mounting base and the upper or lower die. This invention allows for automatic die changing and adaptive correction at one station while normal forging continues at the other station, improving production cycle time and operational redundancy, and maintaining stable equipment operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of forging equipment technology, and relates to die forging equipment suitable for aerospace forgings, specifically to a dual-station die forging equipment that can achieve self-driven die changing. Background Technology

[0002] In the flexible manufacturing of aerospace forgings, die forging presses need to frequently change dies of different specifications and with different process requirements. Therefore, rapid and reliable die-changing capability has become one of the core performance indicators of the equipment. The rapid die-changing process of large die forging presses typically includes: unloading the old die, conveying and transferring the new die, guiding and fitting the die, and finally, precise positioning and locking.

[0003] Patent application CN201310704446.8 discloses a method for rapid mold changing, which involves fabricating a mold fixture consisting of a connecting plate and a load-bearing plate, and a translation tooling consisting of a transport trolley and a frame structure. During mold removal, two mold fixtures are hoisted to the front and rear sides of the mold respectively and secured to the mold with bolts; then, the two translation tooling pieces are pushed to the corresponding mold fixture positions and locked to the fixtures using upper and lower latches. By pushing and pulling the translation tooling, the entire mold is moved off the worktable. Simultaneously, another set of mold fixtures and translation tooling are pre-assembled with the new mold in the same manner, so that after the old mold is removed, the new mold can be quickly transferred to the worktable, achieving rapid mold changing. However, this method cannot maintain the continuity and reliability of the mold changing process under abnormal impacts, deviations, or obstructed power chains; it also does not consider the toughness design issues related to impacts, deviations, and guidance during mold changing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art by providing a dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing. This equipment allows for automatic die replacement and adaptive correction at the other station while normal forging continues at one station, improving production cycle time and operational redundancy. Furthermore, this invention considers deviations, impacts, or dynamic disturbances encountered during die changing / forging processes, maintaining stable equipment operation through toughness design.

[0005] Specifically, this invention utilizes the motion of the forging press itself as the primary force and sets up redundant power paths. The die-pushing mechanism, used for rapid die changing, can still complete basic die-changing actions even when power is limited or interference occurs, achieving self-driven flexible die changing without external power. Furthermore, in terms of rapid die changing, this invention introduces a zipper-like adaptive guiding unit, electro-permanent magnet adsorption positioning, and retractable tracks to achieve automatic die alignment, rapid fitting, and reliable locking. Combined with energy-absorbing structures such as tracks and rollers, the die-changing process can effectively isolate abnormal impacts and protect critical components. Therefore, this invention significantly improves the safety, stability, and flexible manufacturing capabilities of large-scale forging equipment under complex working conditions.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions.

[0007] This invention provides a dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing, comprising: a base, two forging units mounted on the base, and a die pushing mechanism located between the two forging units; The forging unit includes a main frame, an upper die, a lower die, and a drive mechanism; the upper die and the lower die are symmetrically mounted on the main frame through a die mounting mechanism; the drive mechanism is driven to the upper die or the lower die, and under the drive of the drive mechanism, the upper die and the lower die reciprocate relative to each other; The mold pushing mechanism includes a push-pull unit and a conveying unit connected to the push-pull unit; the push-pull unit is used to connect to the drive mechanism of the forging unit in the forging working state; the conveying unit is used to connect to the upper or lower mold to be replaced of another forging unit. The mold mounting mechanism includes a mounting base; a sliding component and a zipper-like adaptive guide unit are provided between the mounting base and the upper or lower mold; the sliding component is used to guide the upper or lower mold into or out of the mounting base; the zipper-like adaptive guide unit is used to connect the upper or lower mold to the mounting base; the zipper-like adaptive guide unit includes a first tooth groove and a second tooth groove respectively arranged symmetrically on the upper or lower mold and the mounting base; a guide block is fixed at the end of the second tooth groove.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the push-pull unit includes push-pull rods and a push assembly, the push assembly being connected to a conveying unit; the number of push-pull rods is two, each hinged to a drive mechanism of one of the two forging units, and the other end of the push-pull rods is used to connect to the push assembly.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the pushing component includes a pushing block, a gear assembly, and a guide plate; the upper surface of the pushing block is provided with a rack that meshes with the gear assembly; the pushing block is embedded in a guide groove fixedly connected to the guide plate; and the gear assembly is kinetically connected to the push-pull rod.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the conveying unit includes a connector and a connecting block hinged thereto; the connector is detachably connected to the upper or lower mold to be replaced; the connecting block is fixedly connected to the push block via a transmission rod.

[0011] In one possible implementation, mounting plates are provided on two opposite sides of the upper or lower mold; the sliding assembly includes a guide rail forming a sliding pair and one or more rollers; the rollers are mounted on the outer side of the mounting plate; the guide rails are mounted on the mounting base on the outer side of the mounting plate corresponding to the outer side of the mounting plate.

[0012] The mold pushing mechanism also includes a conveying track for placing the upper mold or lower mold; the conveying track is coaxial with the guide track on the mounting base corresponding to the upper mold or lower mold to be replaced; the push-pull unit and the conveying track are both placed on a base that can rotate and lift.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the guide rail is fixed to the mounting base by a floating rod assembly; the floating rod assembly includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod nested together and elastically connected; the end of the first connecting rod away from the second connecting rod is fixedly connected to the guide rail; the end of the second connecting rod away from the first connecting rod is fixedly connected to the mounting base via a third connecting rod.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the roller end face has a honeycomb structure.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first tooth groove is arranged symmetrically on the mounting plate and the mounting base; the guide block has a hollow structure and is provided with a herringbone-shaped guide structure along the length direction of the second tooth groove; the top and bottom sides of the guide block are provided with inwardly extending protrusions, which are adapted to the sliding grooves provided along the length direction of the first and second tooth grooves.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the zipper-like adaptive guide unit further includes a reset spring for resetting the guide block; the reset spring is disposed in the groove of the mounting base along the length direction of the second tooth groove and is connected between the guide block and the inner wall of the groove.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the mold mounting mechanism further includes a locking unit for locking the upper mold or the lower mold to the mounting base; the locking unit includes a plurality of electro-permanent magnet chucks arranged in an array on the surface of the mounting base and metal adsorption parts arranged at corresponding positions of the upper mold or the lower mold.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes a loading hydraulic cylinder and a pressure plate fixedly connected to the output end of the loading hydraulic cylinder; the pressure plate is sleeved on the support column of the main frame; the upper mold is fixed to the bottom of the pressure plate by a mold mounting mechanism; and the lower mold is fixed to the bottom of the main frame by a mold mounting mechanism.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the dual-station die forging equipment with self-driven die changing provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] (1) The present invention can still stably complete the mold changing action without external power: The present invention uses the stroke of the forging unit itself as the main force and completes the mold changing through the mold pushing mechanism, without relying on independent hydraulic cylinders, motors or external power systems; moreover, when the main force is blocked, the storage spring can be used as redundant power to automatically intervene and compensate the thrust, so that the push and pull action remains continuous; even if the power chain fails, friction increases suddenly or there is slight interference, the present invention can still complete the minimum mold changing action, significantly improving the equipment's fault resistance and reliability.

[0021] (2) The present invention significantly improves the impact resistance and structural safety: The present invention adopts a graded energy absorption design of sacrificial rollers and guide rails, so that when the equipment is subjected to high-impact disturbance events such as eccentric push-pull and interference collision, the sacrificial parts can absorb energy first, avoiding overload of key components such as the main frame, guide structure and push mechanism; The present invention reduces the probability of structural damage to important components such as the frame, and improves the overall safety and durability of the equipment under complex working conditions.

[0022] (3) The present invention improves the success rate of mold changing and the ability to adapt to deviations: The present invention can gradually converge the lateral deviation and posture error of the mold during the introduction process by setting the zipper-like adaptive guide unit. Thus, even under the circumstances of local wear of the guide track, unstable roller posture, thermal deformation of equipment or interference of oxide scale, the present invention can still achieve stable and reliable introduction. The present invention significantly reduces jamming, repeated alignment or manual intervention caused by deviations, and improves the success rate of mold changing in flexible manufacturing environment.

[0023] (4) Forming a multi-layered synergistic toughness system of "energy absorption - adaptation - recovery": The present invention can construct a complete multi-layered toughness structure system through guide rails and rollers, zipper-like adaptive guide units, mold pushing mechanisms and locking units. These systems are synergistic in function and behavior, forming a toughness response mechanism of "impact absorption, error adaptation, sustainable action, guaranteed positioning and damage isolation". As a result, the equipment can maintain stable operation and continuous mold changing capability in complex manufacturing environments such as deviation and impact, which improves the toughness of the forging equipment and can effectively meet the requirements of multi-variety, small-batch and continuous production of aerospace forgings.

[0024] Instruction manual illustrations

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of part A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mold pushing mechanism.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mold mounting mechanism.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second connecting rod structure;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged diagram of section B;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting base structure;

[0032] In the diagram, 1-base; 2-forging unit; 21-main frame; 211-upper top plate; 212-lower bottom plate; 213-support column; 22-upper mold; 23-lower mold; 24-loading hydraulic cylinder; 25-pressure plate; 26-buffered hydraulic cylinder; 3-mold pushing mechanism; 31-push-pull unit; 311-push-pull rod; 312-push block; 313-gear assembly; 3131-rotating shaft; 3132-gear; 3133-end plate; 314-guide plate; 3141-guide groove; 3142-Ear seat; 315-Rack; 316-Storage spring; 32-Transmission unit; 321-Connector; 322-Connecting block; 323-Transmission rod; 33-Transmission track; 34-Base; 4-Mold mounting mechanism; 41-Mounting seat; 42-Sliding assembly; 421-First guide track; 421′-Second guide track; 422-Roller; 423-First connecting rod; 424-Second connecting rod; 425-Third connecting rod; 43-Imitation zipper adaptive guide unit; 431-First tooth groove; 4311-Sliding groove; 432-Second tooth groove; 433-Guide block; 434-Guide structure; 435-Reset spring; 436-Groove; 44-Electro-permanent magnet chuck; 45-Metal adsorption part. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of various embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] This embodiment provides a dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a base 1, two forging units 2 mounted on the base 1, and a die pushing mechanism 3 located between the two forging units 2. The device adopts a symmetrical arrangement of two sets of workstations on the left and right sides, so that when the die is changed on one side, the forging operation can be continuously performed on the other side, thereby forming operational redundancy at the equipment level and improving the continuity and production cycle of the overall production line.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the forging unit 2 includes a main frame 21, an upper die 22, a lower die 23, and a drive mechanism.

[0037] The main frame 21 is a frame structure, including an upper top plate 211 and a lower bottom plate 212; a support column 213 is fixed between the upper top plate 211 and the lower bottom plate 212. The drive mechanism includes a loading hydraulic cylinder 24 and a pressure plate 25 fixedly connected to the output end of the loading hydraulic cylinder 24. The pressure plate 25 is sleeved on the support column 213. A buffer hydraulic cylinder 26 is also provided between the pressure plate 25 and the lower bottom plate 212. The upper mold 22 is fixed to the bottom of the pressure plate 25 by a mold mounting mechanism 4; the lower mold 23 is fixed to the lower bottom plate 212 at the bottom of the main frame 21 by a mold mounting mechanism 4. Driven by the drive mechanism, the upper mold 22 and the lower mold 23 reciprocate relative to each other. Mounting plates 5 are provided on two opposite sides of the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23.

[0038] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the die pushing mechanism 3 is used to import and export dies (upper or lower dies) in a dual-station die forging equipment. Its structure is arranged between two forging units, using the downward pressing motion of the forging units as its main power source. The die pushing mechanism 3 includes a push-pull unit 31, a conveying unit 32, and a conveying track 33. The push-pull unit 31 is used to connect to the drive mechanism of the forging unit in the forging operation state. The conveying unit 32 is used to connect the upper or lower die to be replaced in the other forging unit. The conveying track 33 is used to place the upper or lower die to be replaced.

[0039] like Figures 2-3As shown, the push-pull unit 31 includes a push-pull rod 311 and a pushing assembly, which is connected to the conveying unit 32. There are two push-pull rods 311, each hinged to the drive mechanism of one of the two forging units 2 (i.e., the side of the pressure plate in this embodiment). The other end of each push-pull rod 311 is used to connect to the pushing assembly. The pushing assembly includes a pushing block 312, a gear assembly 313, and a guide plate 314. The gear assembly 313 is connected to the push-pull rod 311 and converts the oscillating motion of the push-pull rod into the linear motion of the rack 315. The gear assembly 313 includes a rotating shaft 3131 and a gear 3132 fixed to the middle of the rotating shaft 3131. End plates 3133 with eccentric mounting holes are provided at both ends of the rotating shaft 3131. The end plates 3133 are connected to the push-pull rod 311 via the eccentric mounting holes and a connecting rod. The gear 3132 has teeth along its circumferential direction, meaning it is an incomplete gear. The upper surface of the push block 312 is provided with a rack 315 that meshes with the gear 3132. The guide plate 314 is L-shaped, and its horizontal part is provided with a guide groove 3141 for accommodating the push block 312, and is provided with lugs 3142 symmetrically arranged along the guide groove; the shaft 3131 of the gear assembly 313 is rotatably mounted on the lugs 3141. Furthermore, one end of the push block 312 is used to connect to the conveying unit 32, and a storage spring 316 is installed between the end away from the conveying unit 32 and the inner wall opposite to the guide groove 3141. In this way, the push-pull rod and the push assembly cooperate to form a transmission mechanism.

[0040] The conveying unit 32 includes a connector 321 and a connecting block 322 hinged thereto. The connecting block 322 is fixedly connected to the pushing block 312 via a transmission rod 323 passing through the vertical part of the guide plate 314. The connector 321 is detachably connected to the upper or lower mold to be replaced, for example, by a snap-fit ​​method achieved through a matching hanging hole or hook, so that the conveying unit can selectively engage with the mold at different working stages to complete the pushing or pulling action.

[0041] Furthermore, both the push-pull unit 31 and the conveyor track 33 are mounted on the base 34. The base 34 adopts a rotatable and liftable turntable structure, which achieves the switching and alignment of the upper and lower dies between the left and right forging units through rotation and lifting actions. For example, the base 34 can be mounted on a rotating platform and driven to rotate by a rotary motor. At the same time, the rotating platform is mounted on the output end of a lifting hydraulic cylinder, which drives the rotating platform to achieve the lifting and lowering of the base 34.

[0042] like Figure 4As shown, the mold mounting mechanism 4 includes a mounting base 41. A sliding assembly 42, a zipper-like adaptive guide unit 43, and a locking unit are disposed between the mounting base 41 and the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23. The sliding assembly 42 is used to guide the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23 into or out of the mounting base 41. The zipper-like adaptive guide unit 43 is used to mate the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23 with the mounting base 41, improving the fault tolerance and adaptability of the mold introduction process. The locking unit is used to lock the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23 to the mounting base 41.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the sliding assembly 42 includes a guide rail forming the sliding pair and one or more rollers 422. The guide rail is mounted on the mounting base 41 on the outer side corresponding to the mounting plate 5, and is used to support the upper or lower mold to be replaced. The guide rail is coaxial with the conveyor rail 33. The guide rail structure is as follows. Figure 4 The first guide rail 421 and the second guide rail 421' are shown in the diagram. For the lower mold 23, the first guide rail 421 can be designed as a U-shaped structure; for the upper mold 22, the second guide rail 421' can be designed as an embedded track structure that covers the roller 422.

[0044] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the guide rail is fixed to the mounting base 41 via a floating rod assembly. The floating rod assembly includes a first connecting rod 423 and a second connecting rod 424; further, the first connecting rod 423 is a spring rod, and its movable end (i.e., the spring end sleeved on the rod) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the second connecting rod. The end of the first connecting rod 423 away from the second connecting rod is fixedly connected to the guide rail 421; the end of the second connecting rod 424 away from the first connecting rod is inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting base 41 via a third connecting rod 425 fixedly connected to it, thereby forming a support connection between the guide rail and the mounting base.

[0045] Roller 422 is mounted on the outer side of mounting plate 5 to form rolling contact with the guide rail during mold changing. Furthermore, the end face of the roller has a honeycomb structure.

[0046] like Figure 4 , Figure 6As shown, the zipper-like adaptive guide unit 43 includes a first toothed groove 431 and a second toothed groove 432 respectively arranged symmetrically on the mounting plate 5 and the mounting base 41; a guide block 433 is fixed to the end of the second toothed groove 432. The guide block 433 has a hollow structure, and a herringbone-shaped guide structure 434 is provided inside it along the length direction of the second toothed groove 432; the herringbone-shaped guide structure 434 is composed of a first guide inclined surface and a second guide inclined surface that are relatively inclined, forming an angle structure between the first guide inclined surface and the second guide inclined surface, and is used to guide and correct the mold during the mold introduction process along the direction in which the upper mold or lower mold is introduced into the mounting base 41. The inclination angle of the first guide inclined surface is 10-20°, preferably 15°; the inclination angle of the second guide inclined surface is 10-20°, preferably 15°. The guide block has inwardly extending protrusions 4331 on both its top and bottom sides, which are adapted to sliding grooves provided along the length direction of the first tooth groove 431 and the second tooth groove 432, thereby limiting the zipper-like adaptive guide unit to the mounting base. The zipper-like adaptive guide unit 43 also includes a return spring 435 for resetting the guide block 433; the return spring 435 is provided in the groove 436 of the mounting base 41 along the length direction of the second tooth groove, and is connected between the guide block 433 and the inner wall of the groove 436.

[0047] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the locking unit includes a plurality of electro-permanent magnetic chucks 44 arranged in an array on the surface of the mounting base 41 and metal adsorption parts 45 arranged at corresponding positions on the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23. For example, for the lower mold mounting base, the locking unit includes a plurality of electro-permanent magnetic chucks 44 arranged in an array on the upper surface of the mounting base 41 and metal adsorption parts 45 arranged at corresponding positions on the lower surface of the lower mold 23.

[0048] The aforementioned dual-station die forging equipment that can achieve self-driven die changing allows the two forging units to operate independently or simultaneously according to a set forging process. Furthermore, the forging process of one forging unit can be used to achieve flexible die changing for the other forging unit.

[0049] The specific process of flexible mold changing is as follows:

[0050] (1) Rotate the push-pull unit of the mold pushing mechanism to the side of the forging unit in the forging state, and at the same time adjust the base to the same height as the guide rail where the upper or lower mold to be replaced is located; then connect the push-pull rod on the pressure plate of the forging unit in the forging state to the gear assembly.

[0051] (2) As the forging unit moves downward, the connecting parts of the conveying unit move to the position of the upper or lower die to be replaced and connect with it;

[0052] (3) Further, as the forging unit returns upward, the upper or lower die to be replaced is exported to the conveyor track;

[0053] (4) Place the new upper or lower die to be replaced on the conveyor track. As the forging unit forges downward, push the new upper or lower die onto the corresponding mounting base.

[0054] (5) The upper or lower mold is corrected by the zipper-like adaptive guide unit to achieve the fit between the upper or lower mold and the corresponding mounting base.

[0055] (6) The upper or lower mold that has been replaced is electro-magnetically attracted by the electro-magnetic chuck of the locking unit to achieve locking.

[0056] As can be seen, the dual-station die forging equipment for self-driven die changing provided in this embodiment realizes a multi-layer toughness system integrating power, energy absorption, self-adaptation, locking and self-recovery performance. Through the mutual coordination between the components, the die changing process can still maintain stability and recoverability when encountering impact, deviation, jamming or dynamic disturbance, so as to meet the flexible manufacturing needs of aerospace forgings under complex working conditions such as high temperature, strong impact and eccentric load.

[0057] (a) Main power and redundant power paths

[0058] This embodiment, through the mold pushing mechanism 3, combined with the configured main power path and redundant power path, provides stable mold pushing and pulling capabilities under normal and abnormal working conditions, improving the reliability and self-recovery capability of the equipment during mold changing. It is a key structure for achieving flexible mold changing and toughness recovery.

[0059] (1) Main power path

[0060] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment utilizes the mechanical energy generated during the descent of the pressure plate 25 of the forging unit 2 in the forging state. Through the push-pull unit 31, the linear stroke of the upper die is converted into the reciprocating driving force of the die pushing mechanism 3, thereby realizing the automatic advancement and extraction of the upper or lower die in another forging unit 2 between different stations. This die-changing process is entirely driven by the movement of the forging unit 2 itself, giving it a high degree of energy independence. At the same time, the push-pull action is naturally synchronized with the forging cycle, requiring no additional linkage control, which helps to improve the overall stability and reliability of the system.

[0061] In practical operation, when one of the forging units 2 performs the forging pressing motion, its corresponding push-pull rod 311 swings under the action of the pressure plate 25, driving the gear assembly to rotate. The rotation of the gear assembly further drives the rack meshing with it to move horizontally, thereby pushing the push block 312 back and forth, realizing the push-in or pull-out operation of the mold of another forging unit. In this way, while forging is being performed in one forging unit, the mold replacement of another forging unit can be completed simultaneously, improving the overall operational continuity of the equipment. When the gear assembly uses incomplete gears, the push-pull force can be implemented in segments, which helps to convert continuous driving force into segmented loading, thereby reducing instantaneous impact, reducing structural stress concentration, and improving the stability and reliability of the push-pull mechanism.

[0062] When the push-pull rod 311 is not involved in the push-pull operation, it can be lifted and fixed above the main frame 21 to avoid interference with the main forging motion and other mechanisms.

[0063] (2) Redundant power path

[0064] To prevent the self-driven push-pull mechanism from failing to complete its stroke under high resistance due to factors such as mold interference, track impurities, and posture deviations, this embodiment sets up a redundant power path outside the main power chain. This is achieved by using a accumulating spring structure.

[0065] Under normal circumstances, the energy storage spring does not participate in the drive. However, during the rotation of the gear assembly, the push block stretches or compresses the energy storage spring 316 located in the guide groove 3141 while completing the push-pull action, causing the spring to enter an energy storage state. When the push-pull unit 31 becomes stuck, has insufficient stroke, or insufficient driving force due to disturbance, increased resistance, or component failure, the energy storage spring 316 can release energy as a redundant power source and automatically intervene to continue providing auxiliary driving force to the push-pull unit 31, allowing the mold changing action to continue, thereby preventing the mold from stopping due to power interruption during the mold changing process.

[0066] During normal operation, the main power path driven by the upper mold completes all push-pull movements; the redundant power is in a preloaded or standby state and does not participate in the operation. When encountering obstacles or interference, the resistance of the push-pull mechanism increases significantly; the redundant power is triggered, providing additional thrust or displacement compensation. After returning to normal, the redundant path returns to the standby state, and the main power path regains its dominant position. This cooperative mode has the characteristics of uninterrupted, recoverable, and interference-resistant resilient driving.

[0067] Therefore, the mold pushing mechanism in this embodiment improves the robustness of the equipment because it does not rely on external power; and it can still automatically complete the action chain after encountering obstacles, which not only reduces manual intervention but also maintains the overall equipment operating rhythm; it is the key guarantee for realizing the equipment's resilience of "self-driving, self-compensating, and self-recovering".

[0068] (ii) Energy absorption performance

[0069] To enable forging equipment to absorb impact, isolate damage, and prevent structural failure during die introduction, transfer, and rapid die change, this embodiment achieves energy absorption through replaceable guide rails, rollers, and floating rod assemblies installed in the dual-station forging equipment. Under normal operating conditions, the rollers and guide rails serve to transport the die. When the forging press is subjected to high-impact disturbances, the rollers and guide rails act as the first line of defense in the toughness system, dealing with complex disturbances such as die misalignment, jamming, eccentric impacts, and transfer interference, effectively blocking the impact load at the end component, thereby protecting core components such as the main frame.

[0070] (1) Load transfer mechanism under normal operating conditions

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, taking the lower mold introduction as an example, after the lower mold enters the workstation via rollers and the first guide rail, the electro-permanent magnet matrix arranged on the base activates its adsorption, causing the lower mold to gradually conform to the precision positioning surface of the base. As the electro-permanent magnet adsorption force gradually builds up, the bottom of the lower mold gradually conforms to the positioning surface of the lower mold mounting base. The floating rod assembly below the first guide rail then undergoes compressive displacement, causing the main load-bearing path of the lower mold to gradually shift from the roller-guide rail structure to the lower mold mounting base structure. At this point, the rollers and the first guide rail no longer bear the main forging load, maintaining only auxiliary contact. This load transfer method ensures that the lower mold is rigidly supported by the base under normal forging conditions, thereby avoiding continuous impact loads on the rollers and the first guide rail during forging, reducing their fatigue damage risk, and ensuring that the forging accuracy is not affected by the quick mold changing mechanism structure.

[0072] (2) Multi-stage energy absorption response under abnormal operating conditions

[0073] During the introduction of the upper or lower die and the forging process, the equipment may be affected by overload impact disturbances. In the upper or lower die introduction stage, the guide rail primarily undertakes the functions of die transportation and primary guidance, forming an elastic support relationship with the mounting base through the floating rod assembly. When the equipment is subjected to a large impact or abnormal load, a graded structure responds gradually, forming a three-level response mechanism consisting of energy absorption through elastic deformation of the floating rod assembly, energy absorption through deformation of the honeycomb structure inside the rollers, and the sacrifice of the guide rail due to overload. Under different disturbance levels, each layer of the structure functions sequentially, allowing the impact energy to be released and isolated step by step, thereby preventing the impact load from being directly transmitted to critical structures such as the main frame, and providing a reliable structural foundation for subsequent adaptive and recovery coordination.

[0074] Under normal mold-changing conditions, the floating rod assembly can stably support the guide rail. Under external disturbances or eccentric loads, it can preferentially undergo elastic displacement, thereby absorbing part of the impact energy and forming the first layer of energy absorption path. In this way, minor disturbances are confined within the track connection structure, preventing impact loads from being directly transmitted to the workstation base or frame structure.

[0075] When the upper or lower mold moves in its normal guide or guide state, the roller maintains its overall shape and does not affect its rolling performance. When the disturbance load increases, the honeycomb internal structure preferentially undergoes local collapse or compression deformation, thereby absorbing impact energy and forming a second energy-absorbing path. After the honeycomb structure deforms, the roller still maintains its basic outline, allowing the upper or lower mold to degenerate from a rolling state to a sliding state during subsequent movements, preventing the mold from getting stuck in the guide path due to roller damage. Through the above structural design, the roller plays an energy-absorbing and buffering role under moderate disturbance conditions, while creating conditions for the further release of higher-level disturbances.

[0076] Furthermore, a third connecting rod positioned between the floating rod assembly and the mounting base serves as an overload release mechanism for the track. This third connecting rod is installed within the mounting base via a plug-in connection and bears the primary support function of the guide rail under normal operating conditions. When external disturbances exceed the energy absorption capacity of the first and second layers, the load on the floating rod assembly increases further, causing the third connecting rod to break. This results in the guide rail detaching or sinking, exiting its original load-bearing path. In this way, the guide rail achieves a third-layer sacrificial response through structural failure, preventing the impact load from continuing to be transmitted to the mounting base, main frame, and mold pushing mechanism, thus avoiding damage to critical structures due to rigid impact resistance. After overload release occurs, the system can be restored to normal operation by replacing the broken third connecting rod and guide rail module, demonstrating good maintainability and recoverability.

[0077] Furthermore, these sacrificial structures also serve as structural condition indicators. When the guide rail experiences structural failure due to overload loosening or connector breakage, it indicates that external disturbances have exceeded the design bearing capacity under normal mold-changing conditions, falling under high-impact load conditions. This sacrificial state can serve as a structural indicator of the equipment's operating status, providing a clear basis for subsequent inspection and maintenance, thereby preventing continued operation under potentially risky conditions and the resulting cumulative damage to the main frame, mold mounting mechanism, or mold pushing mechanism.

[0078] (3) Rapid recovery characteristics of sacrificial parts

[0079] Since the guide rails and rollers are not subjected to major impacts under normal operating conditions, their wear and tear only comes from abnormal events, resulting in a significantly extended lifespan. At the same time, these components can be quickly replaced after damage, enabling the equipment to quickly regain its working capacity after encountering abnormal impacts, demonstrating the "rapid recovery" characteristic of the resilience system.

[0080] (III) Adaptive Performance

[0081] The guiding behavior of the zipper-like adaptive guide unit 43 is similar to the step-by-step meshing process of a zipper, which can achieve step-by-step guidance, automatic fitting and posture correction during the mold advancement process.

[0082] When the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23 moves to the guide block 433 under the action of the sliding component 42, the zipper-like adaptive guiding unit 43 can be passively adjusted under the action of force as the upper mold 22 or the lower mold 23 is introduced, resulting in relative sliding and limited displacement. Figures 6-7 As shown, when the upper mold 22 or lower mold 23 enters the end position of the station along the track, its bottom V-shaped guide surface first contacts the "V"-shaped guide structure of the guide block. As the upper mold 22 or lower mold 23 continues to advance, the zipper-like structure gradually converts the lateral deviation of the upper mold 22 or lower mold 23 into longitudinal guiding motion through the oblique component force of the contact surface, thereby achieving automatic correction of position and angle errors. The first tooth groove 431 and the second tooth groove 432 located in front of the guiding direction gradually contact and mesh with the corresponding teeth during the mold advancement process. The component force generated by the contact surface acts on the guide block, causing the guide block to slide in the opposite direction to the guiding direction under the action of this component force, thereby achieving the step-by-step meshing of the guide structure until the first tooth groove 431 and the second tooth groove 432 are fully meshed. This structure can enable the mold to be smoothly guided into the station and complete the fitting and positioning even under conditions of certain deviation, local unevenness of the track, or changes in the posture of the rollers without relying on manual posture adjustment.

[0083] (iv) Locking performance

[0084] To achieve rapid fitting, precise positioning, and stable locking of the mold after it enters the workstation, this embodiment incorporates a locking unit. Specifically, a matrix-type electro-permanent magnet chuck 441 is installed on the mounting base; a metal adsorption part 442 is installed at the corresponding position of the upper mold 22 or lower mold 23 to form a stable magnetic adsorption circuit with the electro-permanent magnet module. This structure undertakes the final positioning and bearing tasks of the mold and is a key link in the closed loop of rapid mold changing.

[0085] When the upper mold 22 or lower mold 23 is fed into the workstation via the mold pushing mechanism 3 and gradually enters the bonding position through the zipper-like adaptive guide unit, the electro-permanent magnet module is activated. Its magnetic circuit is quickly established, causing the bottom adsorption reference surface of the mold to adhere to the surface of the mounting base under the action of magnetic force, realizing a flexible adsorption connection between the mold and the workstation. During the magnetic adsorption process, the mold is allowed to undergo slight positional adjustments under the action of magnetic force, thereby further eliminating residual positional errors and achieving self-correction of the final positioning accuracy. After locking, the mold is completely supported by the workstation base, and the rollers and tracks are in an unloaded state.

[0086] The locking unit not only completes the final positioning of the mold but also undertakes the "stability retention" function in the multi-layer toughness system. The locking unit uses electro-permanent magnet adsorption to stably fix the mold in the workstation, forming the final stable state of the mold changing process. The electro-permanent magnet structure has the characteristic of power failure retention, which can maintain the locking state of the mold even in the event of brief power fluctuations or control system abnormalities, preventing the mold from accidentally loosening and improving the safety and toughness of equipment operation.

[0087] When mold replacement or recovery action is required, the magnetic adsorption state can be quickly released by applying reverse excitation or releasing excitation to the electro-permanent magnet module, causing the locking force between the mold and the mounting base to disappear rapidly. Since the unlocking process does not rely on mechanical engagement or high-friction contact, the release process is smooth and reliable, and will not cause impact to the mold or mounting base, providing conditions for the push-pull mechanism to continue driving the mold to exit or the recovery layer to reverse lift.

[0088] In the event of energy absorption triggering a sacrificial response or adaptive passive adjustment, the electro-permanent magnet flexible locking structure can still tolerate a certain residual deviation through magnetic bonding, avoiding assembly interference caused by rigid locking. When the equipment enters the recovery action stage (i.e., mold pull-out), the locking unit can release the locking state in a short time and work with the recovery action to complete the safe withdrawal of the mold.

[0089] (v) Self-healing performance

[0090] The mold pushing mechanism continues to function as the main actuator during recovery, applying a reverse pushing or pulling force to the mold after the locking is released, thereby enabling the mold to be ejected.

[0091] When the guide rail sinks or detaches due to overload, the support of the mold bottom for the original guide rail disappears. At this time, under its own weight and the reverse traction of the mold pushing mechanism, the bottom of the mold comes into contact with the guide structure of the zipper-like adaptive guide unit. As the mold moves along the output direction, the component force generated by the contact converts part of the horizontal motion into a vertical component force, thereby generating a passive reverse lifting effect on the mold. In this way, the mold can regain the necessary support height without the need for an additional lifting device, enabling the mold to safely exit the workstation along the predetermined path and detach from the sacrificed or damaged track area even if the guide rail fails, the rollers degenerate into a slipping state, or there is a lack of local support.

[0092] Through the guide structure symmetrically arranged along the center line of the mold guide path in the zipper-like adaptive guide unit, the mold maintains force balance during reverse lifting and ejection, avoiding jamming or secondary impact caused by unilateral lifting or tilting.

[0093] The self-recovery capability of this equipment allows it to remove the mold without manual intervention or disassembly in the event of high-impact disturbances, sacrificial component failure, or damage to the guide path, thus avoiding the risk of fault propagation and downtime. This invention incorporates the "sacrifice-exit-recovery" principle into its design, with components working in synergy to ensure that even after abnormal disturbances or structural damage, the equipment can still safely remove the mold and restore it to a maintainable state, significantly improving its operational resilience and safety in complex manufacturing environments.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein are intended to help the reader understand the principles of the invention, and should be understood that the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to such specific statements and embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various other specific modifications and combinations based on the technical teachings disclosed in this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, and these modifications and combinations are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing, characterized in that, It includes a base (1), two forging units (2) mounted on the base (1), and a mold pushing mechanism (3) located between the two forging units (2); The forging unit (2) includes a main frame (21), an upper mold (22), a lower mold (23), and a driving mechanism; the upper mold (22) and the lower mold (23) are symmetrically mounted on the main frame (21) through a mold mounting mechanism (4); the driving mechanism is driven to connect with the upper mold (22) or the lower mold (23), and under the drive of the driving mechanism, the upper mold (22) and the lower mold (23) reciprocate relative to each other; The mold pushing mechanism (3) includes a push-pull unit (31) and a transmission unit (32) connected to the push-pull unit (31); the push-pull unit (31) is used to connect to the drive mechanism of the forging unit in the forging working state; the transmission unit (32) is used to connect to the upper or lower mold to be replaced of another forging unit. The mold mounting mechanism (4) includes a mounting base (41); a sliding component (42) and a zipper-like adaptive guide unit (43) are provided between the mounting base (41) and the upper mold (22) or the lower mold (23); the sliding component (42) is used to guide the upper mold (22) or the lower mold (23) into or out of the mounting base (41); the zipper-like adaptive guide unit (43) is used to connect the upper mold (22) or the lower mold (23) with the mounting base (41); the zipper-like adaptive guide unit (43) includes a first tooth groove (431) and a second tooth groove (432) respectively arranged symmetrically on the upper mold (22) or the lower mold (23) and the mounting base (41); a guide block (433) is fixed at the end of the second tooth groove (432).

2. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-pull unit includes a push-pull rod (311) and a push assembly. The push assembly is connected to the transmission unit (32). There are two push-pull rods (311), which are respectively hinged to the drive mechanism of the two forging units (2). The other end of the push-pull rod (311) is used to connect to the push assembly.

3. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pushing component includes a pushing block (312), a gear assembly (313), and a guide plate (314); the upper surface of the pushing block (312) is provided with a rack (315) that meshes with the gear assembly (313); the pushing block (312) is embedded in a guide groove (3141) that is fixedly connected to the guide plate (314); the gear assembly (313) is connected to the push-pull rod (311) in a transmission connection.

4. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying unit (32) includes a connector (321) and a connecting block (322) hinged thereto; the connector (321) is detachably connected to the upper or lower mold to be replaced; the connecting block (322) is fixedly connected to the push block (312) via a transmission rod (323).

5. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Mounting plates (5) are provided on two opposite sides of the upper mold (22) or lower mold (23); the sliding assembly (42) includes a guide rail forming a sliding pair and one or more rollers (422); the rollers (422) are mounted on the outer side of the mounting plate (5); the guide rail is mounted on the mounting base (41) on the outer side corresponding to the mounting plate (5); The mold pushing mechanism (3) also includes a conveying track (33) for placing the upper mold or the lower mold; the conveying track (33) is coaxial with the guide track on the mounting base (41) of the upper mold or the lower mold to be replaced; the push-pull unit (31) and the conveying track (33) are both placed on the base (34) which has both rotation and lifting functions.

6. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide rail is fixed to the mounting base (41) by a floating rod assembly; the floating rod assembly includes a first connecting rod (423) and a second connecting rod (424) nested together and elastically connected; the end of the first connecting rod (423) away from the second connecting rod is fixedly connected to the guide rail; the end of the second connecting rod (424) away from the first connecting rod is fixedly connected to the mounting base (41) via a third connecting rod (425).

7. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end face of the roller has a honeycomb structure.

8. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first tooth groove (431) is arranged symmetrically on the mounting plate (5) and the mounting base (41); the guide block (433) has a hollow structure and is provided with a "V"-shaped guide structure (434) along the length direction of the second tooth groove (432); the top and bottom sides of the guide block are provided with inwardly extending protrusions (4331), which are adapted to the sliding grooves provided along the length direction of the first tooth groove (431) and the second tooth groove (432).

9. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The zipper-like adaptive guide unit (43) also includes a reset spring (435) for resetting the guide block (433); the reset spring (435) is disposed in the groove (436) of the mounting base (41) along the length direction of the second tooth groove, and is connected between the guide block (433) and the inner wall of the groove (436).

10. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold mounting mechanism (4) further includes a locking unit for locking the upper mold (22) or the lower mold (23) to the mounting base (41); the locking unit includes a plurality of electro-permanent magnet chucks (44) arranged in an array on the surface of the mounting base (41) and metal adsorption parts (45) arranged at corresponding positions on the upper mold (22) or the lower mold (23).

11. The dual-station die forging equipment capable of self-driven die changing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a loading hydraulic cylinder (24) and a pressure plate (25) fixedly connected to the output end of the loading hydraulic cylinder (24); the pressure plate (25) is sleeved on the support column (213) of the main frame (21); the upper mold (22) is fixed to the bottom of the pressure plate (24) by the mold installation mechanism (4); the lower mold (23) is fixed to the bottom of the main frame (21) by the mold installation mechanism (4).

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