Self-Guided Tool Unit for Fast Press Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
The exchange and setup of tools in fast-operating presses, such as embossing presses for coins and medals, are time-consuming due to the need for precise orientation and frequent tool replacement during wear, leading to significant downtime.
Innovation Solution
A tool unit with a tool carrier that allows for exchangeable connection to the press, featuring a tool guide device for relative movement and orientation of tools, a coupling device for ram movement, and a clamping mechanism for secure attachment, enabling quick and efficient tool changes with minimal downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tools are exchanged separately and oriented relative to one another in the press, then precise embossing results can be obtained, but the exchange and setup process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first tool (female die) and second tool (male die) into a single integrated tool unit that is exchanged as one complete assembly. The tool unit includes a holder with a hollow space for the first tool and a ram supporting the second tool, both pre-positioned and pre-oriented relative to each other. This merging eliminates the time-consuming separate exchange and orientation operations while maintaining precise embossing results through the pre-established spatial relationship between the tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tools are pre-oriented and pre-positioned relative to one another during the manufacturing of the tool unit itself, before insertion into the press. The holder and ram are designed with predetermined geometric relationships that ensure correct alignment. This preliminary action of orienting the tools during assembly rather than during press operation significantly reduces setup time while guaranteeing precise embossing results.
2Productivity
If tools are exchanged frequently due to wear, then continuous operation can be maintained, but downtime increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By combining both tools into a single exchangeable tool unit, the patent enables rapid replacement of the entire assembly when wear occurs. Instead of exchanging tools separately and reorienting them, the complete tool unit is removed and replaced as one unit, dramatically reducing downtime while maintaining the ability to perform continuous operation through frequent exchanges if needed.
3Device complexity
If the second tool uses the guide device of the ram for movement, then the structure is simpler, but the tool unit cannot be easily exchanged and re-oriented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guidance function from the ram structure by providing a separate, dedicated guide device for the second tool that is integrated into the tool unit itself rather than relying on the press's ram guide. This segmentation allows the tool unit to be self-contained and easily exchanged as a complete assembly, while the guide device ensures proper movement and orientation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary guide device that mediates between the second tool and the press structure. This guide device is part of the tool unit and provides the necessary guidance for the second tool's movement during embossing operations, eliminating the need for the second tool to directly interface with the press's ram guide while still enabling controlled movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool unit 20 and a press 21, particularly an embossing press. The tool unit 20 is simply and quickly arranged in or removed from a holder 23 of the press 21 in order to carry out a quick tool change with short downtime of press 21. For this purpose the tool unit 20 comprises a first tool 45 and a second tool 46 that are arranged along a tool axis A on a tool carrier 31. By means of a tool guide device 47, the second tool 46 is movably supported in a guided manner relative to the tool carrier 31 and the first tool 45, independent from guide devices of press 21. Therefore, the tool unit 20 can be prepared and set up during the ongoing operation of press 21. If desired or necessary, the prepared tool unit 20 is exchanged against the presently used tool unit 20.