Pressing Element Transfer with Alternating Blocking Slides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer devices in sheet metal processing tools are prone to disruptions and errors during the handover of pressing elements, particularly at high press stroke speeds and high numbers of presses, due to the lack of reliable locking mechanisms for precise and reproducible positioning.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with a lower clutch device and an upper coupling unit, featuring first and second blocking slides that automatically operate to lock and release the handover channel, ensuring a defined number of pressing elements are transferred reliably, using a mechanical locking mechanism and spring-loaded components for precise positioning and funding pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing transfer devices are used for handing over pressing elements, then the basic transfer function is achieved, but the devices are prone to disruptions and errors during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of pressing element transferVSAvoidcomplexity of transfer device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is divided into two separate clutch devices (upper and lower), each with its own blocking slide mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control and locking of the handover channel at both ends, improving reliability by ensuring precise positioning and preventing disruptions during the transfer of pressing elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high press stroke speeds and high numbers of presses are used to increase productivity, then output is improved, but transfer errors and disruptions increase due to lack of reliable locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress stroke speed and press numberVSAvoidtransfer accuracy at high speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking slides are automatically actuated during the closing movement of the sheet metal processing tool, before the actual handover of pressing elements occurs. This preliminary locking action ensures that the handover channel is securely positioned and locked in advance, enabling reliable transfer even at high press stroke speeds and high press numbers without transfer errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If automatic locking mechanisms are added to ensure precise positioning, then transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of pressing element positioningVSAvoidnumber of locking components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking slides are automatically actuated by the closing movement of the sheet metal processing tool itself, utilizing the existing mechanical motion of the tool. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate control systems or additional actuating devices, achieving precise positioning and reliable locking without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables a process-proof, highly reliable, and error-free transfer of pressing elements, even at high speeds and high press numbers, with the locking mechanism ensuring exact handover per press cycle, and the mechanical structure being robust and resistant to disorders without requiring electrical or electronic monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

first operational passage lock for the handover channel and that the upper clutch device has a second actuators for the takeover channel, whereby these are automatically operated during contact or during the contact of the coupling facilities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The further promotion of the pressed pressing elements in the top of the tool is accomplished by the feed unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2631031B1Transfer device for pushing press in elements to a sheet processing tool and sheet processing tool with such a transfer device
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2631031B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2631031B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2631031B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The transfer device (100) has lower clutch unit (200) containing a first actuatable passage barrier for transfer channel, and an upper clutch unit (300) comprising a second actuatable passage barrier for assumption channel. The passage barriers are automatically operated alternately in order to transfer the defined number of nuts (M) along the transfer channel and assumption channel, when the lower clutch unit contacts the upper clutch unit. An independent claim is included for sheet metal working tool.