Servo Die Cushion Control System for Press Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional die cushion mechanisms using servomotors struggle to simultaneously control multiple die cushions effectively, leading to mechanical distortions and reduced accuracy in press machining due to the inability to suitably switch between force and position control modes across all cushions.

Innovation Solution

A control system with multiple control devices for each die cushion, capable of generating position and force commands, includes a switch judging part to determine when to switch control modes based on predetermined criteria, with a switching signal generating part coordinating the mode changes across all devices to prevent simultaneous position and force control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple die cushions are independently controlled by individual control devices, then each die cushion can be controlled separately, but mechanical distortion occurs in the cushion pad due to simultaneous position and force control

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent control capabilityVSAvoidPress machining accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control modes of multiple die cushions by introducing a central control device that coordinates the switching between position control and force control across all die cushions. This ensures that all die cushions operate in the same control mode simultaneously, preventing mechanical distortion while maintaining independent controllability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device monitors the operational state of each die cushion and uses feedback signals to determine when to switch between control modes. Based on detected parameters such as cushion pad position and force, the system automatically switches from position control to force control or vice versa, ensuring coordinated operation across all die cushions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If force control is applied to all die cushions simultaneously, then pressure can be maintained, but the system cannot adapt to varying drawing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePressure maintenanceVSAvoidDrawing process adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically switches between position control and force control modes based on the operational phase and requirements. During initial stages, position control ensures precise positioning; during drawing operations, force control maintains appropriate pressure. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to meet both reliability and adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from position to force (or vice versa) based on detected conditions such as cushion pad displacement and applied force. This parameter switching enables the system to maintain pressure when needed while adapting to varying drawing requirements through mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If position control is used for all die cushions, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but force application becomes excessive leading to mechanical distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning accuracyVSAvoidApplied force control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions from position control to force control when the cushion pad reaches a predetermined position or when excessive force is detected. This prevents continuous excessive force application while maintaining positioning accuracy during the approach phase, thereby eliminating mechanical distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device detects when position control is causing excessive force and preemptively switches to force control mode before mechanical distortion occurs. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect of excessive force while maintaining the benefits of accurate positioning during the approach phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP1743718B1Control system for servo die cushion
Publication Date: 2012.12.12 FANUC LTD
  • EP1743718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1743718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1743718B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control system (10), for a press machine including a plurality of die cushions (4), by which force control and position control may be suitably switched from one to another in each control device for each of the die cushions. The control system includes a plurality of control devices for controlling a servomotor (5) of each die cushion and a switching signal generating part capable of collecting the judgment result of each control device. The switching signal generating part transmits a switching signal to each control device, in order to switch the control mode of each control device.