Press-In Element Transfer Channel for High-Speed Sheet Metal Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal working tools face challenges in feeding press-in elements to the upper tool part, particularly at high-speed presses, due to collisions with gripper devices and restrictions on working speed, and previous solutions for pushing conveyance are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a lower and upper coupling device forms a continuous, barrier-free transfer channel, allowing press-in elements to be shot from the lower to the upper tool part using existing kinetic energy, enabling efficient conveyance during the press cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If press-in elements are fed to the upper part of the tool using conventional feed systems, then the elements can be supplied to punching heads, but the feed hoses collide with gripper devices and working speed is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The feed system is segmented into two independent parts: a lower feed device that supplies elements to the lower tool part, and an upper feed device that supplies elements to the upper tool part. The transfer device acts as an intermediary that connects these segments during the press cycle, eliminating the need for long feed hoses that collide with gripper devices and restrict working speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device is designed to be dynamically engaged and disengaged based on the press cycle. During the closing stroke, the coupling devices engage to form a temporary transfer channel. During the opening stroke, they disengage to avoid interference with gripper devices. This dynamic operation enables high-speed pressing without the constraints of conventional fixed feed systems.
2Productivity
If a transfer device with pushing conveyance is used to transfer press-in elements from lower to upper tool part, then transfer is enabled during press cycle, but the pushing conveyance method is inefficient and has various disadvantages
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device utilizes the existing kinetic energy of the press-in elements and the natural motion of the press cycle to accomplish the transfer. The elements are conveyed through the transfer channel formed by the engaged coupling devices without requiring additional pushing mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates the energy losses and inefficiencies associated with active pushing conveyance systems.
3Reliability
If press-in elements are transferred using conventional pushing methods, then transfer is possible, but the method is subject to various disadvantages and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the transfer function from the complex pushing conveyance system and implements it through a simple coupling mechanism. The coupling devices create a temporary barrier-free passage that allows elements to pass through freely during the press cycle, eliminating the need for complex pushing mechanisms while maintaining reliable transfer.
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
The solution allows for seamless and wear-free transfer of press-in elements from the lower to the upper tool part, enhancing working speed and reducing collisions, while utilizing existing kinetic energy for efficient conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
allowing press-in elements to be shot from the lower to the upper tool part using existing kinetic energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2I~2III
AI summary
The transfer device has a lower coupling unit held at a tool lower section (110), and an upper coupling unit held at a tool upper section (120). The coupling units are interlocked during press cycle-controlled closing of the sheet processing tool. The coupling devices form a continuous and barrier-free transfer channel (D) during interlocking, through which a press-fit element (S) to be transferred is shot through. The transfer channel has a vertical orientation. An independent claim is included for a sheet processing tool with a holding-down device.