Press Brake Tool Changer With Linear Chain and Position Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool changing devices for forming presses, such as press brakes, are physically demanding and time-consuming, especially for heavy tools, and automated solutions like robotic arms are complex and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A compact tool changing device utilizing a drivable linear chain for transmitting compressive and tensile forces, equipped with a coupling device and a measuring system for precise positioning, and a control system for fully automatic operation, allowing for simultaneous transfer of stamping tools and counter-tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tool changing is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced and physical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex robotic arms with a simplified linear chain transmission system. The linear chain, driven by a motor, directly transfers tools between the tool magazine and press brake using basic mechanical components (chain, sprockets, couplings) rather than complex robotic mechanisms, achieving automation with reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential function of tool transfer from complex robotic systems. By using a dedicated linear chain mechanism that performs solely the tool transfer function between fixed points (magazine and press), it eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining automated tool changing capability
2Productivity
If robotic arms are used for automated tool changing, then productivity is improved, but the device requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the three-dimensional movement space required by robotic arms to a one-dimensional linear path using a chain transmission system. The tools are transferred along a straight line between the magazine and press brake, dramatically reducing the spatial envelope needed for tool changing operations
3Ease of operation
If heavy forming tools are handled manually, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation deteriorates due to physical demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling operations with an automated linear chain transmission system. The motor-driven chain mechanically transfers heavy tools without human physical intervention, eliminating the physical demand while using simple, maintainable mechanical components rather than complex robotic systems
4Loss of time
If manual tool changing is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases during batch production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous tool changing operations through the automated linear chain system. Tools can be transferred immediately when needed without the interruptions and delays inherent in manual changing, allowing batch production to proceed with minimal downtime between tool changes
Solution Approach 2:
The linear chain transmission system is designed to be self-operating under motor control, automatically transferring tools between magazine and press brake without requiring operator intervention, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual tool changing cycles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Tool changing device (1) for a forming press (2), in particular for a press brake, with at least one tool magazine (3, 4) and at least one transmission device (5, 6) for transferring the forming tools (7, 8) that can be stored in the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) from the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) to the forming press (2) and in the reverse direction, wherein the at least one transmission device (5, 6) comprises a driveable push chain (9, 10) for transmitting compressive and tensile forces.