Press Tool Handling Device with Integrated Transfer Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing press handling devices block access to one or both sides of the press, requiring significant time for tool changes and interrupting production, as they are not designed to work in masked time, especially when changing tools or replacing defective ones.

Innovation Solution

A compact and versatile handling device with two transfer mechanisms integrated into the press, allowing tools to be moved between standby and working positions without blocking access, using drive fingers and mechanical transmissions for precise and reproducible trajectories, suitable for both new and existing presses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handling device is installed to enable tool changes, then tool change operations can be performed, but production is interrupted and masked time working is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool change operationVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device enables preliminary preparation of tools in advance. Tools can be pre-positioned on tool holders during idle periods or between presses, and the automated transfer mechanism allows quick swapping during production. This preliminary organization of tools enables masked time working where tool preparation occurs concurrently with production cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device operates continuously to maintain tool availability. The automated transfer mechanisms run parallel to production cycles, continuously positioning tools for immediate use. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions by ensuring tools are ready before they are needed, maintaining uninterrupted production flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Quantity of substance

If a handling device with large size is used, then tool handling capability is sufficient, but the device blocks access to both sides of the press

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool handling capacityVSAvoidside access

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device is nested within the press frame structure. The transfer mechanisms are integrated into the lateral spaces of the press, utilizing existing structural voids and spaces. This nesting approach provides full tool handling capacity while keeping the device footprint minimal, preventing blockage of side access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3318397B1Method for handling a load, in particular a press tool, corresponding handling device and press provided with such a device

Publication Date: 2020.03.18 DIMECO S AS

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4A

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling device (10) for a load, such as a tool (2), by pushing and pulling in a transfer plane (T). It comprises two transfer mechanisms (11, 12) integrated into the press (1), on either side of the press table (5) in a gap (I) existing between the press table (5) and the side columns (6) of the frame (4) of the press (1). Each transfer mechanism (11, 12) includes a hooking member (40) arranged to cooperate with a receiving member (60) provided in the base (3) of the tool (2), and drive means (80) for selectively moving the hooking member (40) in translation in one direction or the opposite direction between two extreme positions located outside the press table (5) and near its two accessible sides. The drive means (80) of the two transfer mechanisms (11, 12) are coupled to operate synchronously.Thus, the tool trajectory is reduced to a minimum and tool change times are optimized.