Bending Press Tool Feeding with Aligned Guide Rails and Intermediate Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending press tool changing devices are complex, space-consuming, and inefficient, with limited storage capacity, leading to increased time and risk of collisions during tool changes, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with a clipboard and guide rails that allows bending tools to be moved along aligned guide rails without removal, using a transfer device that operates within the guide rails to enhance storage density and simplify the loading process, reducing the risk of collisions and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a separate holding structure (e.g., hook) is required for each bending tool in the tool storage, then each tool can be individually stored and retrieved, but the storage density is very limited and a lot of space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage is segmented into multiple guide rails that can be independently positioned. Each guide rail acts as a separate storage lane, allowing multiple tools to be stored in a linear sequence along each rail. This segmentation enables higher storage density by organizing tools in rows along guide rails rather than requiring separate three-dimensional holding structures for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from storing tools in separate three-dimensional holding structures to arranging them in linear sequences along guide rails. By organizing tools in rows along the length of guide rails and using multiple rails stacked or arranged in space, the system achieves higher storage density by efficiently utilizing linear space rather than requiring volumetric space for each individual tool holder.
2Ease of operation
If the tool storage and transfer device are complex and space-consuming, then tool changing can be performed, but the storage density is limited and the device requires a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the storage function and transfer function into an integrated system where guide rails serve both as storage structures and as transfer paths. The clipboard acts as a shared interface between storage and transfer operations. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex holding structures and transfer mechanisms, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining full tool changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails serve multiple functions: they store bending tools in sequences, enable manual access to tools, and provide transfer paths for the clipboard and transfer device. The clipboard itself is multi-functional, serving as both a temporary storage location and an active transfer mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate components, thereby reducing total device footprint.
3Ease of operation
If bending tools are moved individually one after the other, then tool changing can be performed, but a lot of time is required and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Bending tools are pre-arranged in sequences along the guide rails in the tool storage before they are needed. The clipboard can be positioned to align with specific guide rails in advance, and tools are already in the correct order for retrieval. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for individual tool-by-tool manipulation during the actual changing process, significantly reducing tool changing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The clipboard serves as an intermediary that can hold multiple tools simultaneously and transfer them efficiently. Instead of moving tools individually from storage to the bending press, the clipboard can capture multiple tools at once from aligned guide rails and deliver them together, or serve as a buffer that allows parallel preparation and transfer operations, thereby reducing overall tool changing time.
4Ease of operation
If the transfer device moves and pivots in the direction of the tool holder, then tools can be transferred, but a complex sequence of movements is required and the risk of collision is high
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are arranged and positioned to create aligned transfer paths between tool storage, clipboard, and bending press. By positioning guide rails at appropriate heights and orientations, the system creates equipotential transfer zones where tools can be moved horizontally along aligned rails without requiring complex vertical pivoting or repositioning of the transfer device, thereby simplifying the movement sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The clipboard is designed to be movable relative to the tool storage along guide rails, allowing dynamic positioning to align with different storage locations. This dynamic capability enables the clipboard to adapt its position to match aligned guide rails without requiring the entire transfer device to undergo complex pivoting sequences, reducing movement complexity while maintaining flexible tool transfer capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a feeding device (10), in particular an exchanging device, for feeding bending tools (1) to a bending press (20) and/or for exchanging one or more bending tools used in a bending press (20), comprising a tool store (3) having at least two, preferably a plurality of guide rails (4, 5) for retaining and guiding bending tools (1, 2) and comprising at least one first transfer device (11) for sliding the bending tools (1, 2) along a guide rail (4, 5, 7, 8, 21), characterized by an intermediate store (6) having at least one guide rail (7, 8) for retaining and guiding bending tools (1, 2), wherein the tool store (3) and the intermediate store (6) can be moved in relation to each other and wherein at least one guide rail (7, 8) of the intermediate store is aligned flush with another guide rail (4, 5) of the tool store (3) in various relative positions of the tool store (3) and the intermediate store (6).