The subject disclosure relates to a machine apparatus. The machine apparatus may perform work on one or more work pieces. The machine apparatus may be augmented or reconfigured to work on a plurality of different work pieces in specific and unique configurations.

A tool cartridge for accommodating a processing tool includes: a cartridge base body, a tool holder for detachably holding the processing tool, and at least one first coupling device configured to be coupled in a form-fit and detachable manner to a second coupling device of a further tool cartridge, the second coupling device being complementary to the first coupling device.

A tool cartridge for accommodating a processing tool includes: a cartridge base body, a tool holder for detachably holding the processing tool, and at least one first coupling device configured to be coupled in a form-fit and detachable manner to a second coupling device of a further tool cartridge, the second coupling device being complementary to the first coupling device.

An automatic tool changer includes first and second tool change units that is driven respectively by a pair of servo motors and move along an arrangement direction of a plurality of tools installed on a tool installation unit, a torque detection unit that detects a torque of each of the pair of servo motors, and a control device that controls operations of the first and second tool change units. The control device fixes the first tool change unit at a reference position, and moves the second tool change unit toward the first tool change unit. The control device determines, based on a torque change of each servo motor, that a plurality of upper tools are brought together at the first tool change unit as a result of a movement of the second tool change unit.

The invention concerns a sheet metal press system and a method used in connection therewith. The sheet metal press system comprises at least one sheet metal press having an opening through which a tool, which comprises an upper die, a lower die and a tool changer interface, can pass during a tool change performed by means of a tool changer device. The tool changer device comprises at least one automated guided vehicle, running on a shop floor and capable of lifting and lowering a tool by interaction with the tool changer interface of said tool, wherein a guide path for said at least one automated guided vehicle runs from outside and into said at least one sheet metal press through said opening. The method comprises alternating use of a first and a second automated guided vehicle during a tool changing operation.

The invention concerns a sheet metal press system and a method used in connection therewith. The sheet metal press system comprises at least one sheet metal press having an opening through which a tool, which comprises an upper die, a lower die and a tool changer interface, can pass during a tool change performed by means of a tool changer device. The tool changer device comprises at least one automated guided vehicle, running on a shop floor and capable of lifting and lowering a tool by interaction with the tool changer interface of said tool, wherein a guide path for said at least one automated guided vehicle runs from outside and into said at least one sheet metal press through said opening. The method comprises alternating use of a first and a second automated guided vehicle during a tool changing operation.

A tool for handling a die assembly, the tool including a rocker and a swivel. The rocker includes a foot and a backrest. The foot engages a base of the die assembly when the tool is upright and stabilizes the die assembly as the tool is leaned from being upright to reclined. The backrest extends vertically from the foot when the tool is upright. The swivel supports an outer shell and other components of the die assembly on the backrest and translates and rotates relative to the backrest when the tool is reclined to rotate the outer shell and other components from an inverted orientation to a non-inverted orientation. The foot stabilizes the die as the tool is leaned from being reclined to upright and can be moved horizontally out of engagement with the base when the tool is upright.

A tool for handling a die assembly, the tool including a rocker and a swivel. The rocker includes a foot and a backrest. The foot engages a base of the die assembly when the tool is upright and stabilizes the die assembly as the tool is leaned from being upright to reclined. The backrest extends vertically from the foot when the tool is upright. The swivel supports an outer shell and other components of the die assembly on the backrest and translates and rotates relative to the backrest when the tool is reclined to rotate the outer shell and other components from an inverted orientation to a non-inverted orientation. The foot stabilizes the die as the tool is leaned from being reclined to upright and can be moved horizontally out of engagement with the base when the tool is upright.

A conveyor apparatus that includes a support, a crossbar and a plurality of tools attached to the crossbar. The crossbar is suitable for being moved to convey a workpiece and is supported only by the support. The crossbar includes first and second segments that are located on opposite sides of the support. First and second tools are respectively attached to the first and second segments. The conveyor apparatus includes at least one passive vibration compensation block attached to at least one element of the conveyor apparatus selected from the crossbar, the first tool, and the second tool, to reduce vibrations generated during the movement of the crossbar.

A conveyor apparatus that includes a support, a crossbar and a plurality of tools attached to the crossbar. The crossbar is suitable for being moved to convey a workpiece and is supported only by the support. The crossbar includes first and second segments that are located on opposite sides of the support. First and second tools are respectively attached to the first and second segments. The conveyor apparatus includes at least one passive vibration compensation block attached to at least one element of the conveyor apparatus selected from the crossbar, the first tool, and the second tool, to reduce vibrations generated during the movement of the crossbar.