Bar Connection Mechanism for Press Machine Die Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece transfer devices in press machines have complex structures and increased component counts, making die replacement inefficient due to the lack of a simple and effective method for separating and reconnecting bars and connecting members during die changes.

Innovation Solution

A workpiece transfer device with a pair of bars, a workpiece holder, and a bar driving mechanism that includes a slide member, a movable member, and a connecting portion with an engaging and engaged portion, allowing for orthogonal engagement and disengagement without the need for additional actuators or disconnecting devices, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional connecting device with wedge-shaped member and engaging claw is used to connect bars, then the bars can be connected and separated, but the device structure becomes complicated and the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebar connection and separation capabilityVSAvoidconnecting device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the wedge-shaped member and disconnecting device from the connecting mechanism. The engaging portion is designed to be directly opened by the bar driving mechanism moving the fixed bar, removing the need for separate wedge-shaped members and disconnecting devices that complicated the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bar driving mechanism serves dual functions: it both drives the bars in lift/clamp directions and simultaneously opens the engaging portion to separate the movable bar from the fixed bar. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate disconnecting devices and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional disconnecting devices are provided to separate the connecting device, then bar separation is enabled, but the number of components increases and control and maintenance become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebar separation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bar driving mechanism is designed to perform both its original function of driving bars in lift/clamp directions and the additional function of opening the engaging portion. This eliminates the need for separate disconnecting devices, simplifying control systems and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the disconnecting function into the existing bar driving mechanism. The same mechanism that moves the fixed bar in lift and clamp directions also opens the engaging portion, combining multiple functions into a single device and reducing the total number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex connecting device with multiple components is used, then bar connection is achieved, but die replacement time increases due to inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebar connection functionVSAvoiddie replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bar driving mechanism simultaneously performs bar positioning in lift/clamp directions and opening of the engaging portion. This coordinated action enables rapid bar separation without sequential operations, significantly reducing die replacement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bar structure is segmented into a fixed bar and a movable bar that can be independently separated. The engaging portion is designed to open easily, allowing the movable bar to be quickly detached from the fixed bar, facilitating rapid die replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates easy detachment and reattachment of bars, reducing the complexity and cost of the device, improving maintenance efficiency and shortening die replacement time by eliminating the need for complex connecting devices and hydraulic systems.

Implementation Method 1

a feed driving source that is provided on the fixed bar and moves the movable member in the workpiece transfer direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a bar driving mechanism that drives the pair of bars at least either in a lift direction or in a clamp direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7721584B2Work conveyance device, press machine and bar removal method

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 KOMATSU SANKI

AI summary

A plurality of workpiece holders 52 are attached on a slide plate 71 on a bar 14 and connected to a movable plate 72 by a plate connecting portion 73. The plate connecting portion 73 includes an engaging portion 731 that is provided on the movable plate 72 and an engaged portion 732 that is provided on the slide plate 71 and engaged with the engaging portion 731. By moving a fixed bar 141 downward relative to a movable bar 142, the movable bar 142 is detached and the engagement of the engaging portion 731 with the engaged portion 732 is released. Since both of the movable bar 142 and the slide plate 71 can be detached by a single downward movement of the fixed bar 141, no actuator is required, thereby simplifying the structure.