TOOL CHANGING DEVICE FOR A FORMING PRESS

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool changing device (1) for a forming press (2), in particular a press brake, comprising at least one tool magazine (3, 4) and at least one transfer device (5, 6) for the transfer of the forming tools (7, 8) of the at least one tool magazine (3, 4), which are storable in the at least one tool magazine (3, 4), from the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) to the forming press (2) and in the reverse direction, wherein the at least one transfer device (5, 6) has a drivable thrust chain (9, 10) for the transmission of compressive and tensile forces.

Claims

1. A tool changing device (1) for a forming press (2), in particular for a press brake, comprising at least one tool magazine (3, 4) and at least one transfer device (5, 6) for transferring the forming tools (7, 8) storable in the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) to the forming press (2) and in reverse direction, wherein the at least one transfer device (5, 6) comprises a drivable push chain (9, 10) for transferring pushing and pulling forces.

2. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the push chain (9, 10) comprises at least one coupling device (11, 12) for the temporary coupling of a forming tool (7, 8) to the push chain (9, 10).

3. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a measuring system is provided for, preferably continuously, determining the position of the coupling device (11, 12) or a forming tool (7, 8) coupled to the coupling device (11, 12).

4. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coupling device (11, 12) comprises at least one magnetic coupling element (31, 46), preferably in form of at least one permanent magnet in combination with at least one electromagnet, and/or at least one sensor (47) for detecting a forming tool (7, 8) coupled to the coupling device (11, 12), and/or at least one storage for storing electrical power, and preferably an interface (44) for transferring electrical power into the storage, and/or at least one communication device (43) for the wireless exchange of data.

5. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the push chain (9, 10) can be driven by at least one drive device (24), wherein the at least one drive device (24) preferably comprises at least one pair, particularly preferred two pairs, of drive shafts (16).

6. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the transfer of force from the at least one drive device (24) to the push chain (9, 10) is performed by friction and/or by form-locking.

7. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the drive shafts (16) are coated, and/or pressing forces of the drive shafts (16) can be adjusted to the push chain (9, 10) by means of at least one adjusting device, which preferably comprises at least one spring.

8. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tool changing device (1) comprises at least one, preferably spiral-shaped, chain storage (17, 18) for storing the push chain (9, 10).

9. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) comprises a drivable, rotatably mounted disc (19, 20) with a central recess (35, 36) and the at least one push chain (9, 10) can be moved from the area of the recess (35, 36) for transferring the forming tools (7, 8) storable in at least one tool magazine (3, 4) from at least one tool magazine (3, 4) to the forming press (2) and in opposite direction.

10. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) is designed to be height-adjustable and/or laterally adjustable to adjust the height or lateral position of the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) to the forming press (2).

11. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) comprises a drivable, rotatably mounted, and in position of use preferably horizontally aligned disc (19, 20) having receiving means (21) for receiving the forming tools (7, 8), wherein the receiving means (21) are preferably designed such that the forming tools (7, 8) are fixed on rotation of the disc (19, 20).

12. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tool changing device (1) comprises at least one first tool magazine (3) for storing stamping tools (7) and at least one second tool magazine (4) for storing counter tools (8) for the stamping tools (7), and wherein the tool magazines (3, 4) are preferably arranged above one another in a position of use.

13. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tool changing device (1) comprises a first transfer device (5) for transferring the forming tools (7) storable in the first tool magazine (3) from the first tool magazine (3) to the forming press (2) and in reverse direction and a second transfer device (6) for transferring the forming tools (8) storable in the second tool magazine (4) from the second tool magazine (4) to the forming press (2) and in reverse direction, and wherein preferably both transfer devices (5, 6) comprise a drivable push chain (9, 10) for transferring pushing and pulling forces.

14. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control system for controlling the tool changing device (1), preferably for the fully automatic transfer of the forming tools (7, 8) storable in at least one tool magazine (3, 4) from the at least one tool magazine (3, 4) to the forming press (2) and in reverse direction according to a prespecified program, is provided and wherein the control system preferably comprises at least one processor and/or storage for storing a program.

15. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a detection system is provided for detecting an object located close to the tool changing device (1), preferably an operator, and wherein the detection system (1) preferably comprises laser means.

16. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tool changing device (1) comprises at least one device (22, 23, 48, 49) for connecting the tool changing device (1) to the forming press (2), and wherein said device (22, 23) is preferably a guide for the push chain (9, 10) and/or elements connected to the latter.

17. The tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one device (48) for connecting the tool changing device (1) to the forming press (2) comprises a turning unit for rotating the forming tools (7), preferably by 180.

18. An arrangement comprising a forming press (2) and a tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1.

19. A use of a push chain (9, 10) for transferring pushing and pulling forces in a tool changing device (1) as claimed in claim 1.

Description

[0033] Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail in the following by way of the description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

[0034] In the latter:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an arrangement comprising a tool changing device and a forming press in the form of a press brake according to a first embodiment,

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a section of the tool changing device shown according to the invention in FIG. 1,

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a section of a push chain in a perspective schematic view according to a first embodiment,

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the push chain according to FIG. 3,

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a coupling device connected to a push chain for the temporary coupling of a forming tool to the push chain according to a first embodiment,

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a drive device for the push chain,

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a section of a push chain in a perspective schematic view according to a second embodiment,

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the push chain according to FIG. 7,

[0043] FIG. 9 shows a coupling device connected to a push chain for the temporary coupling of a forming tool to the push chain according to a second embodiment,

[0044] FIG. 10 shows an arrangement of a tool changing device according to the invention and a forming press in the form of a press brake according to a second embodiment, and

[0045] FIG. 11 a), b) show a turning unit for rotating the forming tools, which is provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, wherein the part figures a) and b) show two different positions of the turning unit.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows an arrangement comprising a forming press 2 in the form of a press brake and a tool changing device 1, which is set up in the immediate vicinity of the forming press 2, in this case next to the forming press 2.

[0047] The tool changing device 1 comprises a first tool magazine 3 for storing stamping tools 7 and a second tool magazine 4 for storing counter tools 8 for the stamping tools 7, wherein the two tool magazines 3 and 4 are arranged above one another in a position of use.

[0048] Each of the tool magazines 3 or 4 comprises a drivable, rotatably mounted, and in position of use horizontally aligned disc 19 and/or 20 having receiving means 21 for receiving the forming tools 7 and 8, wherein said receiving means 21 are designed such that the forming tools 7 and 8 are fixed on the rotation of the disc 19 and/or 20.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows the drive device 25 for the first, i.e. upper tool magazine 3 for storing the stamping tools 7. The drive device for the second tool magazine 4 is arranged in the housing of the tool changing device 1 underneath the second tool magazine 4 for storing the counter tools 8 for the stamping tools 7 and is thus not visible.

[0050] The two tool magazines 3 and 4 are designed to be height-adjustable, so that the height of the tool magazines 3 and 4 can be adjusted in a simple manner to the forming press 2.

[0051] The tool changing device 1 comprises a first transfer device 5 for transferring the forming tools 7 stored in the first tool magazine 3 from the first tool magazine 3 to the forming press 2 and in opposite direction, and a second transfer device 6 for transferring the forming tools 8 stored in the second tool magazine 4 from the second tool magazine 4 to the forming press 2 and in opposite direction. The two transfer devices 5 and 6 comprise a drivable push chain 9 and/or 10 for transferring pushing and pulling forces.

[0052] Furthermore, each of the two push chains 9 and 10 comprise a coupling device 11 or 12 for the temporary coupling of a forming tool 7 or 8 to the push chain 9 or 10, wherein said coupling device 11 or 12 in the shown example embodiment is arranged at a first end of the push chain 9 or 10.

[0053] The push chains 9 and 10 can be stored, from a second end, respectively in a spiral-shaped chain storage 17 or 18, which is arranged in the upper part of the tool changing device 1.

[0054] In the shown example embodiment it is thus possible that two independent push chains 9 and 10 operating independently of one another are provided for transferring on the one hand the stamping tools 7 and on the other hand the counter tools 8 for the stamping tools 7. Alternatively, it is also possible that only one push chain is provided, wherein the middle part of the push chain is stored temporarily in a buffer. Also in such a configuration the two ends of the push chain could work independently of one another.

[0055] The tool changing device 1 is connected via two devices 22 and 23 to the forming press 2, wherein the two devices 22 and 23 each comprise a guide for the push chain 9 or 10 and/or elements connected thereto. In the shown example embodiment respectively one of the tool magazines 3 or 4, one of the devices 22 or 23 for connecting the tool changing devices 1 to the forming press 2 and one of the clamping bars 26 or 27 of the press brake 2 are arranged at the same height, so that the transfer of the forming tools 7 or 8 between the tool magazines 3 and 4 and the forming press 2 takes place in a horizontal plane.

[0056] FIG. 1 also shows schematically the drive device 24 for the lower push chain 10. Details of said drive device 24 are explained in more detail in the description of FIG. 6.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged section of the tool changing device. Said Figure shows in particular the two tool magazines 3 and 4 in the form of rotatably mounted discs 19 and 20, on which the stamping tools 7 and the counter tools 8 for the stamping tools 7 are arranged. The two discs 19 and 20 comprise groove-like receiving means 21 for receiving the forming tools 7 and 8, wherein said receiving means 21 are designed such that the forming tools 7 and 8 are fixed on rotation of the disc 19 or 20. As soon as the discs 19 or 20 come to a standstill the attachment is released and the respectively required forming tool 7 or 8 can be pushed out of the receiving grove by the device 22 or 23 for connecting the tool changing device to the forming press by means of the respective push chain 9 or 10 onto the upper or lower clamping bar of the press brake. In other words: the transfer of the forming tools 7 and 8 between the two tool magazines 3 and 4 and the forming press by means of the push chain 9 and 10 is performed directly from or two the storage compartments of the forming tools in the tool magazines 3 and 4 and not by lifts or similar measures, as in tool magazines according to the prior art between the connecting points to the forming press and the storage compartments of the forming tools.

[0058] Furthermore, the receiving means 21 are formed directly in the discs 19 and 20, i.e. such that the tool magazines 3 and 4 have no additional devices for holding the forming tools 7 or 8.

[0059] It is also shown clearly with reference to FIG. 2 that the discs 19 and 20 of the tool magazines 3 and 4 in this example embodiment each have a central recess, wherein the push chains 9 and 10 are guided through at least one of the recessesin this case through the recess of the disc 19 of the first tool magazine 3to the chain storage.

[0060] It is shown in FIG. 3 that the push chain is formed by individual chain links 13, wherein the chain links 13 comprise recesses 14 for mounting, preferably electrical lines 15. By means of the push chains thus not only pushing and pulling forces, butin the case of electric linesalso electric signals can be transferred.

[0061] The chain links 13 are designed such that they are rigid in relation to one another in relation to two of the three directions in spacedenoted in the coordinate system by 37, 38, 39 and 40completely and in relation to the third dimension in spacedepending on the definition of the coordinate systemin the direction of positive values 41 or negative values 42, and can be bent relative to one another in the opposite direction, i.e. in the direction of negative values 42 or positive values 41, so that the push chains can be rolled up in this direction 42. This configuration provides a large degree of stability for the push chain.

[0062] As shown with reference to FIG. 4, the transfer of the pushing and pulling forces is performed over three bearing surface 28, 29 and 30, which are formed between two adjacent chain links 13. In this way also at high speeds at which the push chains are moved an excellent transfer of force is ensured between the chain links 13.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows in an enlarged section the coupling device 12 for the temporary coupling of a forming tool 8 to the end of the push chain 10. In the shown example embodiment the coupling is performed by coupling elements 31 in the form of electromagnets. The power supply of the electromagnets is ensured via lines 15. Alternatively or in addition of course also an electrical storage medium can be provided for ensuring the power supply.

[0064] The coupling device 12 also comprises a measuring system for determining the position of the coupling device 12, by means of which the position of the coupling device 12 and thereby the position of the forming tool 8 coupled to the coupling device 12 can be determined in relation to the forming press or the tool changing device. Alternatively or in addition, a measuring system can be provided which does not move with the coupling device, but is arranged in a fixed manner relative to the tool changing device or relative to the forming press and the position der coupling device or the position of a forming tool coupled to the coupling device is detected by optical means for example. The communication with the measuring system can be performedas in the shown casevia signal lines, which are integrated into the push chain 10 and/or wirelessly, e.g. by radio (cf. also FIG. 9).

[0065] In the shown example embodiment the push chains are driven respectively by a drive device, wherein the drive device 24 for the lower for push chain 10 is shown schematically in FIG. 6. It can be seen that the drive device 24 comprises two pairs of drive shafts 16 arranged behind one another. The transfer of force from the drive shafts 16 to the push chain 10 is performed by friction, wherein to increase the friction the drive shafts 16 are coated.

[0066] Furthermore, the pressing forces of the drive shafts 16 can be adjusted to the push chain 10 by means of adjusting devices which comprise springs. By means of spring loading constant pressing forces of the drive shafts 16 on the push chain 10 are producedeven if there are appearances of wear on the drive shafts 16 and/or on the push chain 10.

[0067] The drive shafts 16 are driven by a motor 32 in the form of a servomotor, wherein between the motor 32 and the drive shafts 16 a gear device is provided with a plurality of gear wheels 33. The drive device 24 also comprises a housing 34.

[0068] A further way of driving the push chain is to provide a driving device, which comprises drive wheels and/or drive discs, which engage in the push chain in a form-locking manner.

[0069] FIGS. 7 to 9 show a push chain 9 or 10 according to a further embodiment. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the chain links from which the push chain is formed has no recesses for mounting, preferably electrical lines. The form and the interaction of the chain links are otherwise unchanged.

[0070] A push chain according to this embodiment is preferably used in a coupling device 11 or 12, as shown in FIG. 9. The essential features of this coupling device are: [0071] a storage device for storing electrical power, [0072] an interface 44 for transferring electrical power into the storage, wherein the interface works together with a corresponding counter interface, which is arranged in the region of the chain storage for storing the push chain, such that the storage is charged with an inserted push chain, [0073] a communication device 43 in the form of a radio antenna for the wireless exchange of data with the control system for the control of the tool changing device, [0074] a magnetic coupling element in the form of a permanent magnet 46 in combination with an electromagnet 31, [0075] a sensor 47 for the detection of a forming tool coupled to the coupling device 11 or 12, wherein the measuring signals of the sensor 47 are transmitted by means of the communication device 43 from the control system, and [0076] an ON/OFF switch 45 for activating or deactivating the supply of electricity.

[0077] FIG. 10 shows an arrangement comprising a forming press 2 and a tool changing device 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In comparison to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 the tool changing device 1 is arranged in this caseas viewed from the fronton the right and not on the left side of the forming press 2.

[0078] Apart from some details the two embodiments also differ in the type of connection of the tool changing device 1 to the forming press 2. It is essential in this case that the device 48 for connecting the clamping bar 26 for the upper tools 7 to the tool magazine 3 of the tool changing device 1 comprises a turning device for rotating the forming tools (7) by 180. It should also be noted that such a turning device can be provided regardless of which side of the forming press the tool changing device is arranged on.

[0079] Details of the turning device are given in FIG. 11 a) and FIG. 11 b): the turning device comprises a support structure 53, which can be connected to the tool magazine 3. On the support structure 53 a gear motor 51 is arranged, by means of which a first guide element 50 can be moved into different rotational positions relative to the support structure 53 or relative to a second guide element 54 secured to the latter. By means of proximity switches 52, also known as proximity initiators, the respective rotary position can be detected.

[0080] In the position according to FIG. 11 a) the two guide elements 50 and 54 enclose an angle of 0 or 180 relative to one another. This means that the guide elements 50 and 54 are aligned collinearly relative to one another in this position and relative to the clamping bar 26 of the forming press 2 (cf. FIG. 10). There is thus a connection/coupling of the tool magazine 3 to the forming press 2 and forming tools 7 can be transferred by means of the transfer device 5 from the tool magazine 3 to the forming press 2 and in reverse direction.

[0081] In the position according to FIG. 11 b) the two guide elements 50 and 54 enclose an angle of 90 relative to one another (the central longitudinal axes are indicated by dashed lines). This means that the guide elements 50 and 54and thereby the tool magazine 3 and the forming press 2are disconnected from one another. In this position or in any position in which the two guide elements 50 and 54 can enclose an angle which is not equal to 0 or 180, the clamping bar 26 of the forming press 2 can be moved independently of the tool magazine, e.g. during a forming process.

[0082] A further advantage of the turning device is that the forming tools 7 can be rotated by 180 in a simple manner: for this purpose only the forming tool 7 to be rotated needs to be placed on the first guide element 50 and this is then rotated by means of the gear motor 51 by 180. Such a rotation of 180 is in particular an advantage if asymmetrical forming tools 7 are used.