Punch Press Die Lifter Mechanism for Workpiece Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In punch presses with multiple dies, there is a risk of damage to workpieces due to contact with the dies during conveyance, as the back surface of the workpiece may collide with the upper end surfaces of the dies.
Innovation Solution
The punch press design incorporates a die supporter mechanism that lifts the die to be used up to the work path line while keeping unnecessary dies below, using a lift ram and die-supporting attachments to prevent contact and facilitate efficient punching and waste ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple dies are positioned at the work path line for punching operations, then punching efficiency is improved, but the risk of workpiece damage during conveyance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The die positioning system is made dynamic through the lift ram mechanism that can vertically adjust die height. Dies are dynamically positioned at the work path line during punching operations and lowered below the path line during conveyance, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The die positioning follows a periodic cycle: during conveyance phases, dies are positioned below the work path line to prevent damage; during punching phases, the required die is lifted to the path line through the lift ram mechanism. This periodic switching between safe positioning and operational positioning resolves the contradiction.
2Speed
If all dies are kept at the work path line, then punching operations can be performed quickly, but workpiece damage occurs during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
Only the specific die required for the current punching operation is extracted and lifted to the work path line through the lift ram mechanism, while other dies remain positioned below the path line. This selective extraction allows fast punching when needed while maintaining safety during conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift ram mechanism serves as an intermediary device that mediates between the stored dies and the work path line. It selectively raises individual dies to the working position only when required, acting as a buffer that enables both rapid punching and safe conveyance by controlling die accessibility.
3Reliability
If dies are lowered below the work path line for safety, then workpiece damage is prevented, but access to dies for punching becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lift ram mechanism is integrated into the existing press structure and automatically positions the required die to the work path line when needed. The system serves itself by using the same mechanical infrastructure to both protect workpieces during conveyance and enable rapid die access during punching, without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift ram mechanism performs multiple functions: it protects workpieces by keeping dies below the path line during conveyance, enables rapid punching by lifting the required die to the path line, and maintains structural integration with the existing press framework. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the added safety feature.
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
This solution effectively prevents damage to the workpiece by ensuring only the requisite die is lifted to the work path, allowing for safe punching operations and efficient waste management, while maintaining the dies at a lower level during conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
a lift ram (65) for lifting up the die (D2)
Implementation Method 2
a die-supporting attachment (67) for supporting the die (D2) lifted up by the lift ram (65)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A punch press includes plural dies and plural punches, and punches a work by a punch and a die that are set at a work position. The punch press includes a lifter for lifting the die to be set at the work position up to a path line of the work, a die-support member movably provided on a die-side of the lifter, and a die supporter provided on the die-support member for supporting the die set at the work position in a state where the die has been selectively lifted up to the path line by the lifter. According to the punch press, contacts between a work and dies while conveying the work can be prevented.