TOOL TRANSFER APPARATUS

Abstract

A tool transfer device for displacing one or multiple tools, in particular bending tools, in a guide rail, includes: at least one longitudinal push and pull transfer device for displacing the tool(s), a channel for a supply line being formed in or on the push and pull transfer device, a receptacle including at least one, preferably spirally extending, guide for retracting the push and pull transfer device, and at least one supply line, a first section of the supply line extending in the push and pull transfer device channel. The guide includes a longitudinal opening extending along the guide extension, and a second supply line section extends outside the push and pull transfer device and the receptacle guide, and the supply line, between the first and second sections, exits the channel at an exit point arranged in the guide of the receptacle near the push and pull transfer device.

Claims

1. A tool transfer device (1) for displacing one or multiple tools (2), in particular bending tools, in a guide rail (3), comprising: at least one longitudinal push and pull transfer device (4, 4′) for displacing the tool(s) (2), wherein a channel (5, 5′) for a supply line (6, 6′) is formed in or on the push and pull transfer device (4, 4′), a receptacle (7), which comprises at least one, preferably spirally extending, guide (8, 18) for retracting the push and pull transfer device (4, 4′), at least one supply line (6, 6′), wherein a first section (16) of the supply line (6, 6′) extends in the channel (5, 5′) of the push and pull transfer device (4, 4′), wherein the guide (8, 18) comprises a longitudinal opening (9, 19) extending along the guide extension, and a second section (17) of the supply line (6, 6′) extends outside the push and pull transfer device (4, 4′) and outside the guide (8, 18) of the receptacle (7), and the supply line (6, 6′), between the first section (16) and the second section (17), exits the channel (5, 5′) at an exit point (10), which is arranged in a region of the push and pull trans-fer device (4, 4′) which region is located in the guide (8, 18) of the receptacle (7).

2. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the supply line (6), between the first section (16) and the second section (17), preferably in the region of the exit point (10), exits the guide (8) of the receptacle (7) through the longitudinal opening (9).

3. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the exit point (10) is arranged in the end region—which is located in the guide (8) of the receptacle (7)—of the push and pull transfer device (4).

4. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the second section (17) is arranged so as to be suspended, wherein preferably the second section (17) crosses at least one, preferably at least two, guiding section(s) of the guide (8) and/or wherein preferably the second section (17) extends in a plane which is essentially parallel to the plane in which the guide (8) extends.

5. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the second section (17) of the supply line (6, 6′)—in at least one position of the push and pull transfer device (4, 4′)—rests at least partially, preferably along at least half of its length, on a support surface.

6. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the guide (8) opens via the longitudinal opening (9) in a direction that is transverse, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the plane in which the guide (8) runs.

7. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the plane, in which the guide (8) extends, is essentially vertical.

8. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the guide (8) comprises at least one section with a curved course, wherein the guide (8) preferably comprises a further section with a straight, preferably horizontal, course, wherein preferably the length of the further section having a straight course amounts to at least ⅓, preferably at least ½, of the total length of the guide (8).

9. The tool transfer device according to one of the claim 1, wherein the guide (8) comprises a section with spiral-like course.

10. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the tool transfer device (1), preferably in the region of the exit opening (10), has a roll-up device (11) for rolling up the supply line (6), which moves together with the push and pull transfer device (4) and is preferably connected to the push and pull transfer device (4).

11. The tool transfer device according to claim 10, wherein the roll-up device (11) is provided in the form of a drum or in the form of a roller or in the form of a coil or in the form of a hub.

12. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the supply line (6) comprises a rotary joint (12), preferably in the form of a slip ring joint, between the first section (16) and the second section (17).

13. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer device (1) comprises a drive (13) for driving the push and pull transfer device (4), wherein preferably the drive (13) is arranged outside the receptacle (7).

14. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the supply line (6) comprises at least one cable and/or at least one pressure and/or vacuum line, and/or the tool-remote end of the supply line (6) is coupled to a supply device (14), such as a controller and/or an electrical supply device and/or a pressure and/or vacuum supply device.

15. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the push and pull transfer device (4) comprises, in the region of its tool-side end, a coupling device (15) connected to the supply line (6) for coupling a tool (2) to the push and pull transfer device (4) and/or an effector, connected to the supply line (6), for acting on a tool (2), in particular an adjustment device for carrying out a tool adjustment.

16. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the push and pull transfer device (4) is formed by a chain made of a plurality of inter-connected chain links, wherein preferably the channel (5) for the supply line (6) runs through the chain links.

17. The tool-transfer device according to claim 16, wherein the exit point (10) at which the supply line (6) exits the channel (5) is formed in that chain link which forms the tool-remote end of the push and pull transfer device (4).

18. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the push and pull transfer device (4) in its cross section is completely accommodated within the guide (8) of the receptacle (7).

19. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle (7) is formed by a plate-shaped body and the guide (8) runs, preferably entirely, within the plate-shaped body, wherein preferably the longitudinal opening (9) is aligned with the surface of the plate-shaped body.

20. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle (7) comprises a first, preferably spirally extending, guide (8) and a second, preferably spirally extending, guide (18), wherein a first longitudinal push and pull transfer device (4), preferably for displacing upper tools, is assigned to the first guide (8) and a second longitudinal push and pull transfer device (4′), preferably for displacing lower tools, is assigned to the second guide (18).

21. The tool transfer device according to claim 20, wherein the entry into the first guide (8) is arranged above the entry into the second guide (18).

22. The tool transfer device according to claim 20, wherein the first guide (8) and the second guide (18) are formed in a common, preferably plate-shaped, receiving body, wherein the longitudinal opening (9) of the first guide (8) is located on a first side of the receiving body and the longitudinal opening (19) of the second guide (18) is located on a second side of the receiving body, the second side being opposite to the first side.

23. The tool transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the windings of the first guide (8) extend between the windings of the second guide (18), and/or the windings of the first guide (8) and the windings of the second guide (18) at least partially overlap.

24. A processing machine (20), in particular a bending press, and/or a tool loading device for a processing machine (20), in particular for a bending press, having a tool transfer device (1) for displacing one or multiple tools (2), in particular bending tools, in a guide rail (3), in particular for transferring a tool (2) into or out of the processing machine (20) and/or out of or into a tool storage (21), wherein the tool transfer device (1) is designed according to claim 1.

25. The processing machine and/or tool loading device according to claim 24, wherein the loading device comprises a tool storage (21) with a plurality of storage locations for tools (2), in particular bending tools.

26. An arrangement of a processing machine (20) and/or a tool loading device, according to claim 24, and a tool transfer device (1) for displacing one or multiple tools (2), in particular bending tools, in a guide rail (3), in particular for transferring a tool (2) into or out of the processing machine (20) and/or out of or into a tool storage (21).

27. The arrangement according to claim 26, wherein the at least one section of the guide (8) extends above the processing machine (20) and/or in the upper part of the tool loading device and/or wherein a section of the guide (8) extends from bottom to top.

28. A method for displacing one or multiple tools (2), in particular bending tools, in a guide rail (3), in particular for transferring a tool (2) into or out of a processing machine (20) and/or out of or into a tool storage (21), wherein the displacement of one or multiple tools (2) is carried out with a tool transfer device (1) according to claim 1.

Description

[0042] These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

[0043] FIG. 1 a tool transfer device according to the invention which is connected to a bending tool storage and to a bending press;

[0044] FIG. 2 a roll-up device at the tool-remote end of the push and pull transfer device;

[0045] FIG. 3 a chain link for a push and pull transfer device designed as a chain;

[0046] FIG. 4 a receptacle in the form of a plate-shaped receiving body having a first guide and a second guide;

[0047] FIG. 5 the exit point from the channel and a roll-up device for the supply line;

[0048] FIG. 6 a rotating installation between the first section and the second section of the supply line;

[0049] FIG. 7 an embodiment of a tool transfer device in an arrangement with a bending press.

[0050] First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0052] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be adduced for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

[0053] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

[0054] Despite the fact that, below, the invention is described for a bending press, in particular a press brake, the solution according to the invention is equally applicable to other processing machines in and/or to which tools may be moved via guide rails.

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a tool transfer device 1 for displacing one or multiple tools 2, in particular bending tools, in guide rails 3. In the shown embodiment, the transfer device 1 is connected to a bending tool storage 21 and to a bending press 20. A first longitudinal push and pull transfer device 4 serves for displacing upper tools 2 (in particular punch tools). A second longitudinal push and pull transfer device 4′ serves for displacing lower tools 2 (in particular die tools). The push and pull transfer devices 4, 4′, which are each designed in the form of a chain here, may be displaced through the tool storage 21 and through the bending press 20 in the guide rails 3, so as to move tools with them. At this point, it should be noted that the arrangement of the bending press 20, the tool storage 21 and the transfer device 1 may in general also be different.

[0056] A channel 5, 5′ for the supply line 6, 6′ is in each case formed in or on the push and pull transfer device(s) 4, 4′ (also see FIG. 4).

[0057] The transfer device further comprises a receptacle 7, which comprises at least one spirally extending guide 8 (here: two guides 8, 18 for the upper and lower tools) for retracting the push and pull transfer device(s) 4, 4′. The spirally extending guide 8 (and/or 18) comprises a longitudinal opening 9 (and/or 19) extending along the guide extension. The longitudinal opening is designed to be continuous along the guide and allows for lateral accessibility to the inside of the guide.

[0058] At this point, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to spiral-like guides; rather, the principle according to the invention is equally applicable to guides which are straight or bent in another way (or have such straight/bent sections) (see e.g. FIG. 7).

[0059] A supply line 6 and/or 6′ extends in the channel 5 and/or 5′. A first section 16 of a supply line 6, 6′ extends in the channel 5, 5′ of the push and pull transfer device 4 (and/or 4′). A second section 17 of the supply line 6 (and/or 6′) extends outside the push and pull transfer device 4 and outside the guide 8.

[0060] The supply line 6 exits the channel 5 at an exit point 10 between the first section 16 and the second section 17. The exit point 10 is arranged in a region—located in the guide 8 of the receptacle 7—of the push and pull transfer device 4.

[0061] In the embodiment shown (see in particular FIGS. 1, 4 and 5), the supply line 6 exits laterally from the guide 8 through the longitudinal opening 9 between the first section 16 and the second section 17 in the region of the exit point 10. The guide 8 opens via the longitudinal opening 9 in a direction which is transverse, preferably substantially perpendicular, to the plane in which the spirally extending guide 8 runs.

[0062] In this regard, the exit point 10 is arranged in the end region—located in the guide 8—of the push and pull transfer device 4.

[0063] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the second section 17 of a supply line 6, 6′ may be arranged in a suspended manner. In this regard, the second section 17 may cross at least one, preferably at least two, guide section(s) of the spirally extending guide 8 and/or extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane in which the spirally extending guide 8 extends.

[0064] The receptacle 7 and/or the plane in which the spirally extending guide 8 extends is preferably substantially vertical.

[0065] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the tool transfer device 1 comprises a roll-up device 11 for rolling up the supply line 6 in the region of the exit opening 10. The roll-up device 11 moves along with the push and pull transfer device 4. In the embodiment shown, the roll-up device 11 is connected to the push and pull transfer device 4 and/or mounted thereon. The roll-up device 11 may be designed in the form of a drum (see FIGS. 2 and 4) or in the form of a roller or in the form of a coil or in the form of a hub.

[0066] In an alternative variant shown in FIG. 6, the supply line 6 may comprise a rotary joint 12, preferably in the form of a slip ring joint, between the first section 16 and the second section 17. Hence, uncontrolled twisting of the supply line may also be prevented.

[0067] The supply line 6 may e.g. comprise an electric cable and/or a pressure and/or vacuum line. In this regard, the tool-remote end of the supply line 6 is coupled to a supply device 14 (FIG. 1), such as a controller, an electrical supply device and/or a pressure and/or vacuum supply device.

[0068] In its tool-remote region, the push and pull transfer device 4 comprises a coupling device 15 connected to the supply line 6 for coupling a tool 2 to the push and pull transfer device 4. Likewise, an effector connected to the supply line 6 for acting on a tool 2, in particular an adjustment device for carrying out a tool adjustment (e.g. die width), might be provided.

[0069] It is schematically shown in FIG. 1 that the transfer device 1 comprises a drive 13 for driving the push and pull transfer device 4. In the embodiment shown, it is arranged outside the receptacle 7.

[0070] The push and pull transfer device 4 is preferably formed by a chain made of a plurality of interconnected chain links. FIG. 3 shows an example of such a chain link. The channel for the supply line may be seen in the inside of the chain link. The exit point 10, at which the supply line 6 exits the channel 5, is preferably formed in the chain link—which forms the tool-remote end of the push and pull transfer device 4.

[0071] As can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, the push and pull transfer device 4 in its cross section is preferably completely accommodated within the guide 8 of the receptacle 7.

[0072] The receptacle 7—as results from FIGS. 1 and 4—may be formed by a plate-shaped body. The spiral-like guide 8, preferably entirely, extends within the plate-shaped body. In this regard, the longitudinal opening 9 may be aligned with the surface of the plate-shaped body.

[0073] In the embodiment shown (FIGS. 1 and 4), the receptacle 7 comprises a first spirally extending guide 8 and a second spirally extending guide 18, wherein a first longitudinal push and pull transfer device 4 (here for displacing upper tools) is assigned to the first guide 8 and a second longitudinal push and pull transfer device 4′ (here for displacing lower tools) is assigned to the second guide 18.

[0074] In this regard, the entry (coming from the tool storage 21 or from the processing machine 20) into the first guide 8 is arranged above the entry into the second guide 18.

[0075] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 4, the first guide 8 and the second guide 18 are formed in a common, preferably plate-shaped, receiving body. The longitudinal opening 9 of the first guide 8 is located on a first side of the receiving body. The longitudinal opening 19 of the second guide 18 is located on a second side of the receiving body, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0076] As can be seen from the cross-sectional view in FIG. 4, the windings of the first guide 8 may run between the windings of the second guide 18. Moreover, the windings of the first guide 8 and the windings of the second guide 18 may at least partially overlap.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a tool transfer device 1. It forms an arrangement together with processing machine 20 (alternatively: with a tool loading device).

[0078] In this regard, at least one section of the guide 8 extends above the processing machine 20 (and/or alternatively: in the upper part of the tool loading device). A section of the guides 8, 18 extends from bottom to top, i.e. upwards starting out from the guide rails 3 of the processing machine 20 (here the bending press).

[0079] In this regard, the guide 8 and/or 18 may have at least one section with a curved course and a further section with a straight (here: horizontal) course, wherein preferably the length of the further section having a straight course amounts to at least ⅓, preferably at least ½, of the total length of the guide 8. The guides 8, 18 open towards different sides, similarly as shown in FIG. 4 (which is why the second guide 18 is shown merely in dashed lines). In this regard, the supply line 6 rests on a support surface with its second section 17. FIG. 7 shows the supply line 6 (and/or its second section 17) in the fully retracted state of the push and pull transfer device 4. The location of the second section 17 of the supply line 6 in the retracted state of the push and pull transfer device 4 is shown in dashed lines.

[0080] The invention also relates to a tool loading device for a processing machine 20 (here: a bending press) having a tool transfer device 1 for displacing one or multiple tools 2, in particular bending tools, in a guide rail 3. This serves in particular for transferring a tool 2 into or out of the processing machine 20 and/or out of or into a tool storage 21. In this regard, the tool storage 21 may be integrated in the loading device. The tool storage 21 comprises a plurality of storage locations for tools 2.

[0081] Lastly, the invention also relates to a method for displacing one or multiple tools 2, in particular bending tools, in a guide rail 3, in particular for transferring a tool 2 into or out of a processing machine 20 and/or out of or into a tool storage 21 with a tool transfer device 1 (see FIG. 1).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0082] 1 Tool transfer device [0083] 2 Tool [0084] 3 Guide rail [0085] 4, 4′ Push and pull transfer device [0086] 5, 5′ Channel [0087] 6, 6′ Supply line [0088] 7 Receptacle [0089] 8 Guide [0090] 9 Longitudinal opening [0091] 10 Exit point [0092] 11 Roll-up device [0093] 12 Rotary joint [0094] 13 Drive [0095] 14 Supply device [0096] 15 Coupling device [0097] 16 First section [0098] 17 Second section [0099] 18 Second guide [0100] 19 Longitudinal opening [0101] 20 Processing machine [0102] 21 Tool storage