Multi-Tool Punching Head With Rotatable Lower Forming Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-tool punching heads cannot mount and efficiently manage a plurality of forming tools, particularly lower forming tools, due to limitations in receiving, moving, and angularly orienting them for optimal forming and deformation workings on workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A punching apparatus with a punch holder unit and die holder unit that allows for the selection, angular orientation, and activation of multiple upper and lower forming tools, utilizing driving means to move and rotate these tools along and about the working axis, enabling efficient and compact deformation workings on workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-tool punching head is used to perform multiple forming operations, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases because existing designs cannot efficiently mount and manage multiple lower forming tools
Solution Approach 1:
The forming tools are segmented into multiple discrete lower forming tools (32) that can be independently selected and positioned. Each tool is housed in a separate tool holder element (34) that can be individually manipulated by the beating element (15), allowing selective activation without requiring the entire tool assembly to be complex and cumbersome.
Solution Approach 2:
The die holder unit (12) is designed with universal capability to accommodate multiple different types of lower forming tools (32) through standardized tool holder elements (34). The beating element (15) serves multiple functions: it selects tools, positions them angularly, and activates them, replacing the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lower forming tools are mounted in the die holder unit, then versatility of forming operations increases, but the ease of operation decreases due to difficulty in selecting, orienting, and activating specific tools
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of tool selection, angular orientation, and activation are merged into a single beating element (15) that performs all three operations sequentially. This consolidation simplifies the operation compared to having separate mechanisms for each function, while still enabling versatile tool management.
Solution Approach 2:
The die holder unit (12) is designed to be rotatable about the working axis (X), allowing dynamic repositioning of the lower forming tools (32) to different angular orientations. This dynamic capability enables easy selection and orientation of the desired tool without complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the die holder unit is designed to receive and move multiple lower forming tools, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms required for tool management
Solution Approach 1:
The beating element (15) is designed to automatically perform the sequence of selecting, orienting, and activating the appropriate lower forming tool (32) through its own motion and positioning. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional external control systems and complex actuation mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Productivity
If quick selection and angular orientation of forming tools is achieved, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to driving means required for tool movement and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The driving means (25, 26) operates in a periodic sequence: first moving the beating element (15) to select the tool, then rotating the die holder unit (12) to orient it angularly, and finally activating the tool. This periodic, cyclic operation enables quick tool changes and orientation adjustments without requiring complex continuous control systems, balancing productivity gains with acceptable device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A punching apparatus for forming workings on a workpiece has a punch holder unit, which includes an upper support body rotatable about a working axis, a punch holder body that houses a plurality of upper forming tools and an upper beating element movable parallel to the working axis to selectively interact with an established upper forming tool, and a die holder unit that includes a lower support body rotatable about the working axis, a die holder body that houses a plurality of lower forming tools and a lower beating element movable linearly along and rotatably about the working axis to selectively interact with an established lower forming tool. The lower beating element is movable linearly between an non-operative position, a first operative position, and a second operative position.