Divided Press Brake Upper Tool Mounting Between Spaced Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing divided upper tools to upper tool holders spaced at intervals in a press brake's upper table require manual intervention and are not compatible with configurations assuming automated tool exchange, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a tool changer with a rod-shaped finger to engage and position divided upper tools between upper tool holders, allowing for automated installation by temporarily positioning the tool between the supporting portion and clamp, then fixing it to the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple upper tool holders are provided spaced at intervals in the left-right direction, then tool holder capacity and versatility are improved, but manual intervention is required for tool installation reducing automation
Solution Approach 1:
The upper tool holder is divided into multiple independently operable units, each with its own clamp and pressing actuator. This segmentation allows automated individual operation of each tool holder unit while maintaining overall system versatility for holding different tool configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each upper tool holder unit is equipped with its own pressing actuator that automatically performs the clamping operation when the clamp moves from the open position to the closed position. The system self-automates the tool installation process without requiring external manual intervention for each individual holder.
2Productivity
If automated tool changer is used, then installation speed and productivity are improved, but compatibility with existing tool holder configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper tool holder design incorporates universal features that accommodate both automated tool changers and manual operation. The standardized clamp mechanism, pressing actuator interface, and multi-position clamp design allow the same holder configuration to work with different automation levels and tool changing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to move between open and closed positions dynamically, with the ability to be actuated either manually or automatically by pressing actuators. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt its operation mode while maintaining compatibility with various automation configurations.
3Extent of automation
If pressing actuator is provided in each upper tool holder, then automated clamping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing actuator system is segmented into individual units for each upper tool holder, allowing independent automated control of each clamp. This modular approach to automation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the automated clamping function into manageable, standardized components that can be independently controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
In an installing method for installing divided upper tools to upper tool holders disposed to be spaced at an appropriate interval in a left-right direction in a lower portion of an upper table of a press brake, by using a tool changer, a round bar-shaped finger provided in the tool changer is engaged in a circular engagement hole provided at a central portion in the lateral direction of each divided upper tool. The divided upper tool is temporarily positioned in a gap between an upper tool holder to which the divided upper tool is to be installed, and an adjacent upper tool holder. The temporarily positioned divided upper tool is moved in the left-right direction to be installed to the upper tool holder to which the divided upper tool is to be installed.