Upper Tool Stocker Structure for Automatic Changer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upper tool stockers are not compatible with divided upper tools installed and removed from upper tool holders described in Japanese Patent No. 5841800, preventing the use of an automatic tool changer.
Innovation Solution
An upper tool stocker with a stocker main body featuring a left-right directional installing groove and movable locking pieces, equipped with a shutter to regulate the locking pieces' movement, allowing for detachable support of divided upper tools and ensuring they do not accidentally drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an upper tool stocker is designed with a fixed installing groove structure for automatic tool changers, then automation compatibility is improved, but compatibility with manually installed divided upper tools deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The installing groove is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate both automatically installed tools (with anti-drop grooves) and manually installed tools (with clamps). The groove's geometry and positioning features are standardized to work with different tool mounting methods, making the stocker compatible with both automation and manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking piece is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt its position based on the tool installation method. During automatic installation, the locking piece engages with the tool's anti-drop groove; during manual installation, it works with the clamp mechanism. This dynamic adjustment capability enables compatibility with both installation approaches.
2Ease of operation
If locking pieces are made movable for tool installation, then tool detachability is improved, but risk of accidental tool drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
A shutter mechanism is introduced that can preemptively prevent tool drop by blocking the installing groove. The shutter is positioned to cover the groove opening, and can be activated to prevent accidental tool displacement. This preliminary protective action addresses the safety concern before actual tool drop can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the movable locking piece and the tool. While the locking piece provides the primary detachable connection, the shutter serves as a secondary protective element that can prevent accidental tool release, thus mediating between the need for easy tool removal and the need for tool retention safety.
3Reliability
If a shutter is added to regulate locking piece movement, then tool drop prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed as a thin, flexible plate-like structure rather than a rigid complex mechanism. This simple geometric form minimizes the added complexity while still effectively blocking the installing groove to prevent tool drop. The shutter's simplicity allows it to be integrated into the existing stocker structure with minimal additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
An upper tool stocker for detachably supporting a plurality of divided upper tools in a press brake includes a stocker main body extending in a left-right direction, and provided with a left-right directional installing groove, attachment portions provided in upper portions of the divided upper tools being detachably installed in the installing groove, wherein the stocker main body includes a front-back directional cutout communicated with the installing groove to remove the divided upper tools downward or in the front-back direction from the installing groove.