Bending Tool Storage Rails for Faster Press Tool Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool storage systems for metal sheet free-form bending in production facilities are inefficient, with complex and time-consuming tool replacement processes hindering continuous bending operations.
Innovation Solution
A tool storage system featuring upper and lower storage rails with independent manipulation devices allows for precise, rapid relocation and replacement of bending tools through parallel and vertical movements along guide arrangements, enabling flexible and efficient tool provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a paternoster elevator system is used for tool storage and replacement, then tool components can be brought to a manipulation device, but the tool replacement process takes a rather long time
Solution Approach 1:
The tool storage system is segmented into multiple independent storage units (first storage unit with bending punches, second storage unit with bending dies) that can be manipulated separately. Each storage unit has its own manipulation device that can independently relocate tools, allowing parallel operations rather than sequential processing through a single paternoster elevator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single vertical paternoster elevator to a two-dimensional arrangement with separate upper and lower storage units positioned at different vertical levels. Each level has independent manipulation devices that can operate simultaneously, adding spatial dimensionality to the tool replacement process and enabling parallel tool changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a combined displacement and pivoting movement carrier is used for tool replacement, then individual components can be replaced, but the replacement process is rather complicated and bending cannot proceed for an extended period
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation system is divided into separate upper and lower manipulation devices, each responsible for specific tool components (bending punches and bending dies respectively). This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex carrier that must perform both displacement and pivoting movements, replacing it with simpler, dedicated manipulation devices at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex pivoting movement function is extracted from the storage system entirely. Instead of using a pivoting carrier to replace tools, the system uses separate fixed-position manipulation devices at upper and lower levels that can independently relocate tools without requiring pivoting movements, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Area of stationary object
If tools are stored in a single storage unit behind the bending press, then space is utilized, but rapid tool replacement and flexible provisioning cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system expands from a single storage location to a two-level vertical arrangement with upper and lower storage units. This dimensional expansion allows multiple tools to be stored and manipulated simultaneously at different heights, enabling rapid tool replacement by selecting from multiple storage locations rather than retrieving from a single queue.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tool components are pre-positioned in separate storage units at upper and lower levels before the bending operation begins. The independent manipulation devices can quickly retrieve the required tools from their respective storage locations without waiting for sequential processing, thereby enabling rapid tool replacement and maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool storage system (32) as well as to a production facility (1) for free-form bending of workpieces (2) made from a metal sheet, by means of a bending press (3), comprising a tool storage unit (30), a tool manipulation unit (31), and a provisioning unit (55) having provisioning rails (56, 57). The tool storage unit (30) has an upper and lower storage rail (34, 35), which are disposed spaced apart from one another at a vertical distance, as well as locally fixed in place relative to one another. The tool manipulation unit (31) has tool manipulation devices (36, 37), wherein each of the same comprises a working rail (38, 42), an auxiliary rail (39, 43), a drawing-in device (40, 44), as well as a pushing-out device (41, 45). Each of the tool manipulation devices (36, 37) can be displaced laterally next to the storage rails (34, 35), along a longitudinal guide arrangement (46, 47). Furthermore, the invention also comprises a method for manipulation of at least one bending tool (4) in such a tool storage system (32).