Press Brake Tool Position Sensing for Automated Tool Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bending systems fail to accurately recognize the actual positions of tools in the left-right direction on tool holders, leading to issues such as failed tool engagement, displacement, and manual repositioning, which disrupts the automatic operation of tool transportation and exchange.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a moving body with a position detector and information reader to detect and acquire the position of engagement holes and tool dimensions, using photoelectric sensors and two-dimensional code readers to accurately identify tool positions on tool holders and stockers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional bending system is used without position detection, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of tool positioning is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical detection system. Photoelectric sensors detect the position of engagement holes on tools, and the control device calculates actual positions based on detection signals, substituting human-operated mechanical positioning with an automated sensing and calculation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces photoelectric sensors as intermediary detection devices between the tool and the control system. These sensors detect the position of engagement holes and transmit detection signals to the control device, which then calculates the actual tool positions, serving as a mediator that bridges the physical tool and the control system.
2Reliability
If manual tool layout is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of tool positioning is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the bending system to automatically detect and correct tool positioning deviations. The photoelectric sensors detect engagement hole positions, the control device calculates actual positions, and the system automatically determines correction amounts, enabling the system to self-correct without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the photoelectric sensors continuously detect tool positions, the control device calculates deviations from intended positions, and the system uses this feedback information to determine correction amounts, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors and adjusts tool positioning.
3Productivity
If tool positions are not detected, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to manual repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting tool positions before tool exchange operations are performed. The photoelectric sensors detect engagement hole positions in advance, allowing the control device to calculate actual positions and determine correction amounts before the tool exchange unit operates, preventing positioning errors from occurring in the first place.
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
Enables precise recognition of tool positions, allowing for stable and automated tool transportation and exchange processes, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistent tool layout.
Implementation Method 1
a hole detector provided on the moving body and configured to detect an engagement hole for causing a tool retention member of a tool exchange unit to be engaged and disengaged
Data Source
AI summary
On a back side of a table, moving bodies are provided being movable in a left-right direction. A bending system includes moving actuators to cause the moving bodies to move in the left-right direction relative to the table and position detectors to detect positions of the moving bodies in the left-right direction. The moving bodies are provided with hole detectors to detect the engagement holes of tools fitted to a tool holder. The bending system includes a hole position acquisition unit to acquire positions of the engagement holes of the tools in the left-right direction, based on positions of the moving bodies in the left-right direction at the time of the engagement holes of the tools being detected.