Tool-Less Multi-Punch Assembly for Turret Press Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turret presses lack full indexability and flexibility, requiring tools for punch and die changes, leading to slower setup and repair, and often result in workpiece marking due to non-selected punches and inadequate stripper systems.
Innovation Solution
A fully-indexable multi-tool assembly with tool-less punch and die interchange, adjustable punch length, and a precision stripper retention system that allows for angular orientation and easy replacement of punches and strippers, eliminating the need for tools and reducing workpiece marking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-tool assemblies are used in turret presses, then multiple punches can be held at a single station, but the system lacks full indexability and requires tools for punch changes, reducing flexibility and increasing setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-tool assembly is divided into separable components: the striker body with punch carrier can be independently removed from the press station. The punch carrier itself is segmented to hold multiple punches that can be individually accessed. This segmentation enables quick tool-less changes by allowing the operator to remove only the punch carrier or individual punches without affecting other components, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining full indexability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a rotating mechanism that allows the punch carrier to be dynamically repositioned to any angular position around the striker body. This dynamic rotation capability provides full indexability, enabling the operator to select and position any punch at any angle relative to the workpiece. The dynamic nature of the system allows for rapid reconfiguration without requiring tools, thus reducing setup time while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing multi-tool designs are used, then multiple punches are available at one station, but wrenches or tools are required to remove the upper portion, slowing down repair and setup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The striker body and punch carrier are designed with self-servicing features that eliminate the need for external tools. The punch carrier includes self-retaining mechanisms such as spring-loaded latches or cam-locked interfaces that can be manually released and resecured without wrenches. The upper portion of the multi-tool assembly is designed to be easily disassembled by hand, allowing operators to perform maintenance and punch changes quickly and independently, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining multi-punch capability.
3Productivity
If conventional multi-tool assemblies are used, then punching operations can be performed, but non-selected punches may mark workpieces and stripper features are not readily replaceable
Solution Approach 1:
The stripper features are designed as separate, removable components that can be easily extracted from the punch carrier and replaced independently. This extraction capability allows worn or damaged strippers to be quickly swapped without affecting the punching operation or requiring special tools. By separating the stripper function from the main punch assembly, the system maintains high productivity while eliminating workpiece marking caused by worn strippers, as fresh strippers can be installed rapidly.
4Productivity
If traditional punch press systems are used, then punching operations can be performed, but setup and repair operations are slowed due to tool requirements and limited flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The punch press system is segmented into modular components: the striker body, punch carrier, individual punches, and stripper features are all designed as separable units. This segmentation enables rapid repair operations by allowing operators to remove and replace only the specific component that requires maintenance, rather than disassembling the entire assembly. The tool-less design of these segmented components further accelerates repair speed, while the modular architecture maintains overall system productivity by minimizing downtime during maintenance activities.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A multiple punch and die assembly adapted to be placed in a punch press having a punch ram for imparting movement to a selected punch assembly for carrying out a punching or forming operation comprises a punch assembly for holding a plurality of selectively operable punches mounted for independent movement in the punch assembly so as to selectively engage a workpiece. The punch assembly has a punch carrier for reciprocal motion within a punch guide and a striker body engaging the punch carrier, said striker body being selectively, toollessly connectable to the punch carrier by a pair of tabs located on a lower circumference of the striker body, said pair of tabs located on a lower circumference of the striker body with a radial separation other than 180 degrees. A circumferential lip in the punch carrier receives the pair of tabs and has corresponding radially separated reliefs for allowing the pair of tabs to pass the circumferential lip, the engagement of the pair of tabs by the circumferential lip thereby locking the striker body to the punch carrier while permitting relative rotation of the striker body and punch carrier to select a punch for engagement by the striker. A detent means releasably positions the striker body in one of a plurality of operating positions, at which a punch is positioned for being struck selectively by the ram via the striker body such that one punch is driven to an operating position when at least one other punch is in inactive, hi another embodiment the assembly has a stripper retainer that has precision pockets for holding strippers corresponding to the selectively operable punches.