Expanded Punch Die Mechanism for Flange Clearance and Beam Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of an optical safety device with press brakes complicates the configuration and size of punch tools with expanded portions, as existing solutions either block monitoring beams or require larger, more complex air cylinder systems.
Innovation Solution
A punch tool with an expanded portion that excludes actuators and allows unobstructed monitoring beams by using a tension spring and cam follower mechanism to align and move the movable punch relative to the fixed punch, avoiding interference with side flanges without the need for air cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an air cylinder system is used to move the movable punch, then the punch tool can avoid interference with side flanges, but the configuration becomes more complex and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the air cylinder actuator from the system entirely. Instead of using pneumatic power to move the movable punch, the design extracts this function and replaces it with a passive mechanical linkage system consisting of a coupling link and cam mechanism that utilizes the fixed punch's motion to automatically position the movable punch.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable punch positioning system serves itself by using the motion of the fixed punch during the bending operation to automatically move the movable punch into the correct position. The coupling link transfers motion from the fixed punch to the movable punch, creating a self-actuating system that requires no external power source.
2Reliability
If the movable punch is positioned to align with the fixed punch before contact, then the monitoring beam is not blocked, but the expanded portion may interfere with side flanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning of the movable punch relative to the fixed punch. Before workpiece contact, the movable punch aligns with the fixed punch for optimal optical monitoring. During the bending operation, the coupling link and cam mechanism dynamically adjust the movable punch position laterally to avoid side flange interference, then return to alignment after the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable punch periodically shifts position in sync with the bending operation cycle. The cam mechanism converts the continuous vertical motion of the fixed punch into periodic lateral displacement of the movable punch, creating a rhythmic positioning pattern that alternates between alignment mode (for monitoring) and avoidance mode (for side flange clearance).
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
Enables stable monitoring operations with the optical safety device while maintaining a compact and simplified configuration, preventing interference between the punch tool's expanded portion and side flanges during box bending.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring provided between the fixed punch and the operation member
Implementation Method 2
a cam follower that is capable of being moved in the lateral direction by way of a relative ascending and descending motion of the movable punch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A punch tool with an expanded portion (14) is provided with a fixed punch (26), a movable punch (36) provided on the fixed punch (26) so as to be able to move up and down in a direction along an inclined portion (16g) and including an expanded portion (36e), and an interlocking member (50) configured to interlock with a relative ascending and descending motion of the movable punch (36) with respect to the fixed punch (26). The punch tool with an expanded portion (14) is provided with an operation member (60) provided on the fixed punch (26) so as to be movable in the lateral direction, configured to move in the lateral direction by means of a moving motion of an external operation member (30), and including an abutting element (62) capable of being abutted with the interlocking member (50), and an urging member (66) configured to urge the operation member (60) toward the inside in the lateral direction such that the abutting element (62) is abutted with the interlocking member (50). Before coming into contact with a plate-shaped workpiece (W), a distal end of the movable punch (36) is aligned with a distal end of the fixed punch (26) with the abutting element (62) being abutted with the interlocking member (50).