Sliding Punch Holders for Compact Stamping Press Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic punch holders used for punching holes in motor vehicle sheet metal are too bulky to be installed in standard stamping presses, and existing solutions require hydraulic systems that complicate the operation and make it difficult to deactivate the punching mechanism when not needed.
Innovation Solution
A device with punch holders that slide between active and inactive positions using complementary guide means, controlled by the movement of the upper frame, eliminating the need for a hydraulic system and allowing for easy installation and deactivation of the punching mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pneumatic punch holders are used for punching holes in sheet metal, then punching capability is achieved, but the device becomes too bulky to be installed in standard stamping presses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hydraulic control system from the punch holder assembly, separating the punching function from the bulky hydraulic infrastructure. The guide means are designed to be integrated directly into the press structure, leaving the punch holders themselves compact and installation-friendly while maintaining full punching capability through the guide means' mechanical control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means are nested within the press structure, with guide elements integrated into the press frame and punch holder assembly. This nested arrangement allows the punching mechanism to be compact while still providing full functionality, as the guide means are contained within the existing press geometry rather than adding external bulk
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic systems are used to control punch holders, then punching operation is enabled, but the system becomes complex and difficult to deactivate when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are designed to be self-actuating through the press operation itself. As the press cycle progresses, the guide means automatically engage and control the punch holder movement without requiring external hydraulic activation. The system serves itself through the mechanical interaction between the guide elements and the press motion, eliminating the need for complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the hydraulic control system with a purely mechanical guide means mechanism. The guide elements use direct mechanical contact and geometric constraints to control punch holder movement, substituting fluid power systems with simpler mechanical linkages that are inherently easier to control and deactivate when not needed
3Productivity
If multiple punch holders are mounted in the upper frame, then multiple punching operations are enabled, but the press structure becomes overly complex with required pneumatic connections
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are designed as universal mechanical components that can control multiple punch holders through a single integrated structure. Rather than requiring separate pneumatic connections for each punch holder, the guide means provide a unified mechanical control system that serves multiple punching operations simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device for punching a sheet metal part positioned on a stamping press comprising a lower frame (2) and an upper frame movable towards the lower frame (2), as well as several punch holders (3) each carrying a punch, characterized in that each of said punch holders (3) is mounted to slide relative to the lower frame (2) by means of complementary guiding means comprising a part (5) integral with the punch holder (3) and a part (6) integral with the lower frame (2), each of the punch holders (3) being able to slide between an inactive position and a working position relative to the sheet metal part, the sliding of each punch holder (3) being controlled by the movement of the upper frame towards the lower frame (2),the part (6) of said guide means integral with the lower frame (2) being movable between an active position in which said part (6) of the guide means is engaged relative to said part (5) of the guide means integral with the punch holder (3) and an inactive position in which said parts (5, 6) are free relative to each other.