Press Brake Divided Upper Tool Fitting 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 are not compatible with both manual and automatic tool changers, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method using a tool changer with a rod-shaped finger to engage and position divided upper tools between upper tool holders, allowing installation through a tool stocker and upper tool holder, enabling both manual and automatic tool changer compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If upper tool holders are spaced at intervals in the left-right direction, then multiple tools can be installed, but manual installation is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The upper tool holder is divided into multiple holders spaced at intervals in the left-right direction, allowing independent installation and operation on each holder while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A clamp serving as an intermediary component is introduced to facilitate tool installation. The clamp can be operated manually or automatically to press the attachment portion against the upper tool holder, enabling both manual and automated operation modes
2Productivity
If a tool changer is used for automatic tool installation, then installation speed increases, but compatibility with existing spaced holder configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with multi-functionality to serve both manual and automatic operation modes. It can be operated manually by workers or automatically by a tool changer, making it compatible with both installation methods and various holder configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp introduces dynamic operation capability where the pressing action can be activated either manually or automatically. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt between different operation modes and maintain compatibility with spaced holder configurations while enabling automatic installation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the upper tool installing portion spans the entire width, then tool stability is improved, but it cannot accommodate spaced holder configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The upper tool holder is segmented into multiple independent holders spaced at intervals, with each holder providing localized support and stability through the clamp mechanism, eliminating the need for a continuous spanning structure
Data Source
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AI summary
In an installing method for installing divided upper tools (17) to upper tool holders (15) disposed to be spaced at an appropriate interval in a left-right direction in a lower portion of an upper table (11) of a press brake (1), by using a tool changer (20), a round bar-shaped finger (53) provided in the tool changer (20) is engaged in a circular engagement hole (51) provided at a central portion in the lateral direction of each divided upper tool (17). The divided upper tool (17) is temporarily positioned in a gap between an upper tool holder (15) to which the divided upper tool (17) is to be installed, and an adjacent upper tool holder (15). The temporarily positioned divided upper tool (17) is moved in the left-right direction to be installed to the upper tool holder (15) to which the divided upper tool (17) is to be installed.