Press Brake Upper Tool Holder Clamp Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing upper tool holder systems for press brakes fail to ensure sufficient fixation of the upper tool when the screw member is not returned to its original state after tool exchange, leading to insufficient clamping and potential tool dropping during operation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed upper tool holder incorporates an open restriction member positioned between the clamp and the holder main body, which restricts the clamp from opening excessively, allowing the pushing member to maintain the clamp's position for secure tool fixation, and includes a lock pin mechanism to prevent involuntary opening, ensuring the clamp remains closed for constant tool fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamp is allowed to open widely to exchange the upper tool from beneath, then the upper tool can be exchanged from beneath of the upper tool holder, but the screw member cannot be retracted and contacts with the piston rod preventing proper clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp opening motion is segmented into two distinct phases: a first opening phase where the clamp opens to a limited extent without retracting the screw member, and a second opening phase where the clamp opens fully after the screw member is retracted. This segmentation allows tool exchange from beneath while preventing interference between the screw member and piston rod, ensuring both operational ease and clamping reliability.
2Productivity
If the screw member is not returned to its original state after tool exchange, then tool exchange is simplified, but the clamp cannot close properly leading to insufficient fixation
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the screw member position and the clamp control system. The sensor detects whether the screw member is in its retracted state and provides feedback to control the clamp opening/closing sequence. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the clamp only closes properly when the screw member is correctly positioned, maintaining fixation reliability while allowing efficient tool exchange operations.
3Reliability
If the clamp is restricted from opening widely, then the screw member can be retracted properly, but the upper tool cannot be exchanged from beneath the upper tool holder
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp opening restriction is made dynamic rather than static. The system adapts the opening restriction based on the operational phase: during normal operation, the clamp is restricted to prevent unintended opening, but during a controlled second opening phase, the restriction is released to allow full opening for tool exchange. This dynamic adaptation enables both clamping reliability and tool exchange flexibility.
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 configuration ensures the upper tool is securely fixed and can be exchanged safely, maintaining the clamp's position for effective tool holding and preventing dropping, even when the screw member is not returned to its original state, thereby enhancing operational safety and tool exchange efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pressure cylinder that has a piston rod for pushing an upper portion of the clamp forward. The fluid pressure cylinder is able to stroke the piston rod backward and forward
Implementation Method 2
a wedge piece attached to the lower portion of the clamp engages with a drop prevention groove formed laterally on the upper tool, and thereby the upper tool is held laterally-slidably by the upper tool holder
Data Source
AI summary
An upper tool holder for holding an upper tool of a press brake exchangeably, includes a holder main body; an attachment portion provided on an upper portion of the holder main body; a support portion provided on a lower portion of the holder main body; a clamp provided swingably at a vertically intermediate position of the holder main body; an actuator that includes a pushing member for pushing the upper portion of the clamp to fix the upper tool with the support portion; and an open restriction member that has an open restriction portion for restricting the clamp. The open restriction member is provided at a position distanced from a pushed position of the upper portion of the clamp by the pushing member. According to the upper tool holder, the upper tool can be held firmly by the clamp.