Interlocked Tool Holder Locking for Safe Hydraulic Press Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press machines lack a reliable mechanism to ensure that the interchangeable tool head is correctly secured in the tool holder, posing a risk of machine damage and user safety hazards due to the potential for incorrect tool head insertion during operation.
Innovation Solution
A press machine equipped with a mechanical securing element that moves from an open to a closed position to securely hold the tool head, interacting with a mechanical actuating element to prevent the machine from being actuated unless the tool head is correctly inserted, and a sensor system that allows the machine to be released for a pressing process only when the securing element is in its closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical securing element is added to ensure correct tool head insertion, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a securing element with securing position and release position, a actuating element with first position and second position, and a sensor system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element must be moved to the securing position before the tool head can be correctly inserted and before the pressing machine can be actuated. This preliminary action ensures that the tool head is properly secured before operation, preventing incorrect insertion and enhancing safety without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If a sensor system is implemented to detect securing element position, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex electronic sensors or multiple switches, the invention employs a simple sensor that detects the position of the actuating element, which is mechanically coupled to the securing element. This mechanical linkage combined with a simple sensor provides reliable position detection while minimizing electronic complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element automatically moves between positions in response to the securing element's position, and the sensor automatically detects this position to control machine operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or manual verification, improving operational reliability through automatic safety interlocking.
3Ease of operation
If the tool holder is made rotatable for flexible positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is designed to be rotatable relative to the housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of the tool head position during operation. This rotational freedom provides flexibility for different working positions and orientations while maintaining a simple mechanical connection that does not significantly increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a press machine (10) for plastically deforming a workpiece, comprising a housing (12) and an electric motor (18) for actuating the press machine; a tool holder (30) which is provided on the housing (12) for receiving an interchangeable tool head (50); a mechanical locking element (40) which is movably arranged from an open position, in which a tool head (50) can be inserted into the tool holder (30), to a closed position, in which the tool head (50) is secured in the tool holder (30), and wherein a hydraulic piston actuates the tool head and a roller mechanism is provided at the actuating end of the hydraulic piston, which can interact with correspondingly designed actuating surfaces of the tool head and allows movement of the tools of the tool head when the hydraulic piston is moved forward.