Press Machine Slide Lock Pin Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide lock apparatuses for press machines are complex, costly, and prone to reliability issues due to their intricate construction and lack of effective locking mechanisms for pin members, which can lead to erroneous operation and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A slide lock apparatus with locking engagement portions on pin members and drive mechanisms that securely hold pin members in both retracted and advanced positions, using a simple structure with annular locking members and detection systems to ensure reliable operation and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing slide lock apparatuses with complex construction are used, then locking function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple pin members (at least two) that can be independently positioned, with each pin having locking engagement portions that can engage with corresponding features on the gear. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable locking through multiple simpler elements rather than one complex locking unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex ball locking mechanisms and multiple oil chambers from the locking units found in prior art. Instead, it uses a simplified pin-based system where pins are directly actuated by actuators without requiring complex internal locking mechanisms within each locking unit.
2Reliability
If multiple locking units with complex internal mechanisms are provided, then locking reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex locking units with cheaper, simpler pin members that can be easily manufactured. The pins are basic mechanical elements without complex internal mechanisms, making them more cost-effective while maintaining reliability through the use of multiple pins working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple complex locking units into a coordinated system of simpler pins. The pins work together in unison, actuated by corresponding actuators, to achieve the same locking function that previously required multiple complex independent locking units, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If locking pins are supported in a cantilevered manner, then结构简单性 is improved, but durability of locking pins and reception holes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting the pins from one end in a cantilevered manner, the invention inverts the support approach by providing support at both ends of each pin. The pins are supported from the rear by the actuators and from the front by the gear, creating a balanced support structure that eliminates the durability issues of cantilevered support while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A slide lock apparatus that locks the slide of a press machine includes: a flange member fixed over the exterior of a shaft member that rotates together with raising and lowering operation of the slide, and having a flange portion that is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the axis of the shaft member; an annular main member fixed to the main frame of the press machine, and having an annular member facing the flange portion with a gap between them; a plurality of reception holes formed in the annular member; a plurality of pin members installed in the plurality of reception holes so as to be shiftable therein; a plurality of actuators that are capable of driving the plurality of pin members between retracted positions in which they are not advanced toward the flange portion and advanced positions in which they are advanced to states in which they penetrate into introduction holes in the flange portion; a first locking member that is capable of locking the plurality of pin members in their retracted positions; a first drive means that is capable of rotationally driving this first locking member between a locking position and an unlocking position; a second locking member that is capable of locking the plurality of pin members in their advanced positions; and a second drive means that is capable of rotationally driving this second locking member between a locking position and an unlocking position.