EP3256273B1 - Stamping press arrangement - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a punch press assembly and to a use of the punch press assembly according to the preambles of the independent claims.

State of the art

Today, stamping presses are used to produce a wide variety of parts in a particularly cost-effective manner and in large quantities from sheet metal.

A specialty here is the production of tool-free opening container lids with Eindrück- or tear-open, in the industry also referred to as EOE (Easy Open Can Ends), in which prefabricated metal lids in the punch press with different profiles, with a score for the opening point and be provided with a separately supplied Eindrück- or tear tab.

Out US 4,166,424 a punch press for the production of EOEs is known, in which the prefabricated metal lids are guided in two parallel rows through a lower press part in which they are gradually transformed, provided with a score and then provided with a tear-open. Directly above the lower part of the press there is an upper part of the press, through which a metal band is guided and thereby gradually transformed into a band, which serially one behind the other carries the pull-tabs to be fastened to the lids in the lower press part. This tape is reversed in a 180 ° arc in its direction and then introduced perpendicular to the direction of passage of the lid in the lower part of the press, where the tear tabs carried by this separated from the tape and riveted to the lids. The lower part of the press will be the lower half of the mold Moves and works against the fixed upper mold half, while the upper mold part is moved at the upper press part and works against the fixed lower mold half. In this case, the moving mold halves of the lower and the upper press part are connected to each other via tie rods and are moved together via a crank drive up and down, so that the lower press part performs work in the upward movement and the upper press part performs in the downward movement work. This punch press has the disadvantage that it is structurally weak and therefore allows only a low precision and allows only relatively slow stroke rates. In addition, the upper part of the press, which produces the tear-open tabs, necessarily has the same stroke as the lower press part which processes the covers, which considerably limits the possibilities of influencing the optimization of the overall process.

Out DE 36 27 179 A1 a punch press for the production of EOEs is known in which the prefabricated metal lids are guided in two parallel rows in the press longitudinal direction through a first half press, in which they are gradually transformed, provided with a scribe and then provided with a tear-open. In the second half of the press the tear-off tabs are produced, which are fastened to the covers in the first press half. In the first half of the press, the lids are machined with two inter-pressing press rams which work down against a press table common to the second press half. The second half of the press has its own plunger for the production of tear tabs, which also works down against the press table. All three rams are driven by a common crankshaft. This punch press has the disadvantage that it has a complicated structure with a total of three different rams and This is also structurally weak, which also allows only a low precision and only relatively slow stroke rates. A particular disadvantage of this structure is that the punching force and / or temperature-induced deformations of one press half exert a strong influence on the respective other press half.

Out EP 0 281 777 A1 a punch press for the production of EOEs is known in which the prefabricated metal lids are guided in three parallel rows in the press longitudinal direction through a first press in which they are gradually transformed, provided with a score and then provided with a tear-open. In a synchronized with the first press second press with a passage direction which is perpendicular to the direction of passage of the first press, the tear-open tabs are prepared, which are then fed directly to the first press and fixed there to the lids. This punch press avoids some of the disadvantages of the aforementioned punch presses, but still has the disadvantage that the press ram of the first press is relatively large and correspondingly solid, resulting in large numbers of strokes to enormous component loads and a large energy demand and the potential to increase The number of strokes and thus to increase the productivity of the press significantly limited. In addition, the use of a common tool for three rows of lids results in the problem that the first press, in order to ensure a precise scratch depth for all three rows of lids, has to be operated with an enormous press load, which requires a great deal of energy and is wear-intensive.

From the publications WO 2014/144119 A1 and WO 2014/144284 A1 a punch press for the production of EOEs is known in which the prefabricated sheet metal lid in three parallel, each single row punch press units, gradually formed, with a Be provided scribe and then provided with an indentation or tear tab. In another punch press unit with a passage direction which is perpendicular to the direction of passage of the other three press units, the indentation or tear tabs are made of a sheet metal strip and then fed directly to the first three press units, where they are attached to the lids. The press rams of the punch press units each operate downwards against a machine table, under which in each case one in the direction of passage of the lid through the press units extending crankshaft and connecting rods for converting the rotational movement of the crankshaft in the up and down movement of the press ram are arranged. The crankshafts of the four punch press units are connected to the press main drive via four angular gears and couplings arranged therebetween. This punch press avoids the disadvantages of the aforementioned stamping press partially, but has the disadvantage that it is very complex and has many wear-intensive and energy-dissipating components, which ultimately negatively on their energy efficiency, their service life, their maintenance intensity and not least on the achievable stroke figures.

US 7,234,907 B1 discloses a press arrangement for the production of container lids with tear tab, in which the prefabricated metal lids are guided in two parallel rows in the press longitudinal direction through a first press in which they are provided with a tear tab. In a synchronized with the first press second press with a passage direction which is perpendicular to the direction of passage of the first press, the tear-open tabs are prepared, which are then fed directly to the first press and fixed there to the lids.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object to provide a technical solution that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art or at least partially avoids them.

This object is achieved by the stamping press arrangement according to independent claim 1.

According to these, a first aspect of the invention relates to a punch press assembly with a plurality of punch press units, preferably for the production of Tool-free container lids with push-in or pull-tab.

The assembly comprises at least two juxtaposed claimed first punch press units, preferably identical in construction and size, each having a plunger for receiving and moving a first tool part which operates against a receiving plate for receiving an associated second tool part. These first stamping press units are aligned with one another in such a way that they have working directions running parallel to one another and working planes which are preferably located in a common plane.

Furthermore, the arrangement comprises at least one second punch press unit according to the claims, which has a ram for receiving and moving a first tool part which works against a receiving plate for receiving an associated second tool part.

The working direction of this second punch press unit is perpendicular to the working directions of the first punch press units, such that processed in a working area of the second punch press unit material pieces or strips of material in direct extension of the working direction of the second punch press unit can be performed in working areas of the first punch press units to work there with in the working direction first punch press units to the first punch press units supplied material pieces or strips of material to be further processed in the first punch press units. For this purpose, the working plane of the second punch press unit preferably lies with the working levels of the first punch press units in a common plane.

Each of the first punch press units has a crankshaft or eccentric shaft section which is rotatable around a claimed first axis of rotation and which, in cooperation with at least an associated connecting rod of generating a lifting movement of the plunger of the respective punch press unit for processing the material pieces and / or material strips in the punch press unit is used. The crankshaft or eccentric shaft sections of the first punch press units are driven by a common drive unit with their rotation axes coinciding. They are connected or coupled together in such a way that they forcibly rotate together at the same speed.

The second punch press unit likewise has a crankshaft or eccentric shaft section, which is rotatable with a drive unit about a second rotation axis according to the claims and, in cooperation with at least one associated connecting rod, serves to generate a lifting movement of the plunger of the second punch press unit for processing the material pieces or material strips in the second punch press unit. The crankshaft or eccentric shaft portion of the second punch press unit is so coupled to the crankshaft or eccentric shaft portions of the first punch press units, preferably by rotational positive locking in both rotational directions, that its crankshaft or eccentric shaft portion forcibly rotates synchronously with the crankshaft or eccentric shaft portions of the first punch press units, preferably at the same speed.

In other words, the invention relates to a punch press assembly having a plurality of juxtaposed first punch press units, which have parallel working directions in a common plane, and a second punch press unit whose working direction is perpendicular to the working directions of the first punch press units, so that material processed in this punch press unit led in direct extension of their working direction in working areas of the first punch press units can be. The punch press units each have a crank or eccentric shaft portion, by means of which the lifting movement of the respective press ram is effected via a connecting rod. The crank or eccentric shaft sections of the first punch press units are forcibly driven together with the same speed via a common drive unit and have a common axis of rotation. The crank or eccentric shaft portion of the second punch press unit is coupled to the crank or eccentric shaft portions of the first punch press units so as to forcibly rotate in synchronism therewith.

The invention makes it possible, in a cost effective manner, to produce high-precision and high-speed die-cutting press arrangements for the cost-effective large-scale production of narrow-tolerance, multi-part stamping and embossing products, such as e.g. tool-opening container lids with push-pull or pull tab (EOEs).

Preferably, the axis of rotation of the crankshaft or eccentric shaft portion of the second punch press unit is parallel to the axes of rotation of the crankshaft or eccentric shaft portions of the first punch press units. It is particularly preferred that these axes of rotation coincide. As a result, a simple and lossless or low-loss rotary coupling of the crankshaft or eccentric shaft sections is possible, e.g. by rigidly connecting them together or by coupling them via a positive coupling.

Further, it is advantageous if the first punch press units each have a separately formed crankshaft or eccentric shaft section and the crankshaft or eccentric shaft sections of the first punch press units are coupled to one another in both rotational directions by a rotary positive connection, preferably in such a way that they do axially and radially displaceable to each other, which is advantageously done by means of one or more Oldham couplings.

It is also advantageous if the second punch press unit has a separately formed crankshaft or eccentric shaft section, which is coupled in the manner described above with the crankshaft or eccentric shaft section of one of the first punch press units.

Such a configuration of the stamping press units makes it possible to preclude a transmission of deformation and force-induced deformation forces between the stamping press units via their crank or eccentric shafts.

According to the invention, each of the first punch press units has its own receiving plate formed separately from the other punch press units. This makes it possible to largely decouple the structures of the stamping press units mechanically from each other, to avoid transmission of temperature and punching force induced deformation forces between their structures.

In another preferred embodiment, the receiving plates of the first punch press units are formed together, which allows a significant cost advantage in the event that certain compromises can be made in the precision.

Advantageously, the plunger of the punch press units each work from above against a receiving plate arranged thereunder. Such concepts have the advantage that the pieces of material or material strips to be processed by gravity rest on the lower stationary mold half, which significantly facilitates material handling over other concepts for many applications.

If the crankshaft or eccentric shaft sections are respectively arranged above the plunger, which is preferred, there is the advantage that particularly precise stamping press units become possible because a minimization of the punching force-related deflection of the plunger can be achieved by a central force introduction into the plunger actual ram drive can be formed from very short and rigid components, which also results in advantages in terms of inertial masses and thus with respect to the realizable punching frequencies.

The punch press arrangement according to the invention has these several, preferably three or four, adjacently arranged first punch press units, which are preferably connected to one another in a region of the punch press units which is not substantially acted upon by the punching forces to form a common self-supporting structure. "By the punching forces substantially not acted upon areas" are provided by components or component sections, which undergo substantially no punching force-induced dimensional change or deformation during normal operation of the respective punch press unit. In this way, the individual punch press units can be positioned exactly to each other and connected together to form a coherent unit. For the preferred case that the stamping press units are connected to one another in each case in an area not substantially acted upon by the punching forces, there is also the advantage that virtually no stamping force-induced deformations are transmitted between the stamping press units.

It is further preferred that the outer two of the first punch press units connected to a common structure each have a support structure are connected, over which the structure formed by the first punch press units is supported on the ground. In this case, the connection to the support structure is preferably realized in each case in an area of the stamping press units which is not acted on by the stamping forces.

This makes it possible to set the height of the working levels of the punch press units on the support structure and to use punch press units in which the receiving plate is supported by a suspended support structure.

Advantageously, in this preferred embodiment of the punch press assembly at least one of the support structures on its side facing away from the structure of the interconnected first punch press units side carries a claimed second punch press unit. In this way, the at least one second punch press unit can be positioned exactly to the first punch press units and connected with these into a firmly connected unit. This also makes it possible to determine the height of the working plane of the second punch press unit via the supporting structure or to adapt it to the height of the working levels of the first punch press units. Further, this makes it possible to use a second punch press unit according to the claims, in which the receiving plate is supported by a suspended support structure.

In this case, a preferred configuration of this embodiment of the punch press arrangement according to the invention comprises two groups of first punch press units, preferably two groups of three first punch press units. These groups of first stamping press units are, preferably in each case in a region of the respective stamping press units not substantially acted upon by the stamping forces, to form a common self-supporting first structure (first group of first stamping press units) and to a common self-supporting second structure (second group of first punch press units) connected to each other. In this case, the first structure and the second structure are connected to each other at their opposite first ends via a first support structure arranged therebetween, via which these two structures are respectively supported on the ground at this first end. At their other, second end, the structures are each connected via the arranged at this second end of the first punch press unit with another support structure over which the respective structure is supported at its second end on the ground. At least one of these further support structures carries on its side facing away from the respective first or second structure of interconnected first punch press units side facing a claimed second punch press unit. With such "tandem assemblies" can produce very large quantities, this configuration allows easy supply and removal of material and products.

In order to minimize the wear and the energy losses in the stamping press arrangement according to the invention, it is further preferred that the drive unit for the first punch press units or the common drive unit for the first and second punch press units required between their flywheel and the crank or eccentric shaft sections not Gear has.

Further, it is preferable that each of the first punch press units according to the invention has its own feeding device for feeding individual pieces of material into a working area of the respective punch press unit, preferably a conveyor belt with holes for feeding metallic blanks, eg can lid blanks. Such punch press arrangements are particularly suitable for the production of Tool-free container lids with push-in or tear-open tabs (EOEs).

Advantageously, these feeders are driven by the drive unit for the punch press units, which realized in a simple manner a synchronous drive and can be dispensed with additional drives.

In this case, preferably no separable couplings are present between the feeders and the drive unit, so that there is a positive synchronous coupling of the feeders.

If these feeding devices are integrated into the receiving plates of the first stamping press units according to the claims, which is preferred, they can be provided in a particularly space-saving manner.

In order to make the system concept of the punch press assembly according to the invention possible robust and reliable and to reduce the plant engineering effort to a minimum, it is also advantageous if the punch press assembly in the drive train for the punch press units only has exactly one flywheel, exactly a separable clutch and exactly one brake ,

In a further preferred embodiment of the stamping press arrangement, the first stamping press units and / or the at least one second stamping press unit each have exactly one connecting rod, by means of which the stamping force is introduced centrally into the respective plunger. In particular, when seen in the passage direction relatively short rams or at substantially centric ram loading this design is advantageous because it allows a simple and inexpensive drive mechanism with few moving parts.

In a further preferred embodiment of the stamping press arrangement, the first stamping press units and / or the at least one second stamping press unit each have two connecting rods, by means of which the punching force is introduced symmetrically into the respective ram. Especially when viewed in the direction of passage relatively long rams or relatively asymmetric ram load this design is advantageous because it increases the tilting rigidity of the ram.

Further, it is advantageous if each of the stamping press units of the stamping press assembly has its own mass balance device. As a result, the dynamic forces acting outwards can be reduced or eliminated.

It is also advantageous if each of the punch press units of the punch press assembly is adjustable independently of the other punch press units with respect to ram stroke and / or closing height. In this way, the punch press arrangement according to the invention allows maximum production flexibility and precision.

A second aspect of the invention relates to the use of the punch press assembly according to the first aspect of the invention for the production of metal can lids with tear or Eindrücklasche. In such uses of the stamping press assembly, the advantages of the invention become particularly apparent.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine Vorderansicht einer ersten erfindungsgemässen Stanzpressenanordnung;
• Fig. 2 eine Seitenansicht der ersten Stanzpressenanordnung aus der Richtung S in Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 einen Horizontalschnitt durch die erste Stanzpressenanordnung entlang der Linie X-X in Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4 einen teilweisen Vertikalschnitt durch die erste Stanzpressenanordnung entlang der Linie Y-Y in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 5 einen Vertikalschnitt durch die erste Stanzpressenanordnung entlang der Linie Z-Z in Fig. 4;
• Fig. 6 eine Darstellung wie Fig. 5 einer Variante der ersten Stanzpressenanordnung; und
• Fig. 7 eine Vorderansicht einer zweiten erfindungsgemässen Stanzpressenanordnung.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to FIGS. Showing:

• Fig. 1 a front view of a first inventive punch press assembly;
• Fig. 2 a side view of the first punch press assembly from the direction S in Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 a horizontal section through the first punch press assembly along the line XX in Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 4 a partial vertical section through the first punch press assembly along the line YY in Fig. 2 ;
• Fig. 5 a vertical section through the first punch press assembly along the line ZZ in Fig. 4 ;
• Fig. 6 a representation like Fig. 5 a variant of the first punch press assembly; and
• Fig. 7 a front view of a second inventive punch press assembly.

Ways to carry out the invention

The FIGS. 1 and 2 show the punch press assembly according to the invention for the production of tool-free opening metallic container lids with push-in or pull-tab, once in front view ( Fig. 1 ) and once in the side view with view S from the left ( Fig. 2 ).

As in synopsis with the Figures 3 and 4 It can be seen which a horizontal section along the line XX in Fig. 1 ( Fig. 3 ) and a partial vertical section along the line YY in Fig. 2 ( Fig. 4 ) by the press arrangement, these three juxtaposed punch presses 4a, 4b, 4c (three claimed first punch press units), hereinafter referred to as "conversion presses", with each of which prefabricated metal lids with different profiles, with a score for the opening point and be provided with an additionally supplied indentation or tear tab. The three conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c are connected together to form a common self-supporting structure 4a-4c. The outer two conversion presses 4a, 4c of this structure 4a-4c are each provided with a support structure 9, 11; 10, 11, via which the structure 4a-4c formed by the three conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c is supported on the floor.

The left support structure 9, 11 consists of a drive housing 9 and a support column 11, and the right support structure 10, 11 consists of a support portion 10 and a support column 11. The latter support structure 10, 11 carries on her the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c side facing away from another punch press 8 (claim second punch press unit), by means of which the Eindrück- or tearing tabs are made of a strip material 22. This press 8 is referred to below as "tab press".

The three conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c are aligned with each other in such a way that they have mutually parallel working directions B and their working planes lie in a common plane.

The tongue press 8 is oriented in such a way to the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c, that their working direction A is perpendicular to the working directions B of the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c and their working plane lies in the same plane, in which also the working levels the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c lie. In this case, the working direction A of the tongue press 8 intersects with the working directions B of the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c in the working areas of the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c. The in the work area of the plate press 8 by punching and reshaping formed on a strip of material 22 Eindrück- or tear tabs are guided with the material strip 22 in direct extension of the working direction A of the plate press 8 in the work areas of the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c, where they with the respective conversion press 4a, 4b, 4c respectively detached from the material band and with the respective conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c in their working direction B continuous metal lids are riveted. The transport of the material strip 22 in the working direction A of the plate press 8 through the presses 4a, 4b, 4c, 8 is carried out by means of a feed device 23a at the entrance of the tab press 8 and a pulling device 23b at the outlet the last in this direction A conversion press 4a.

As in particular from the Figures 3 and 4 in conjunction with the Fig. 5 which shows a vertical section through the punch press arrangement along the line ZZ in Fig. 4 1, the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c each comprise a plunger 1a, 1b, 1c for receiving the upper moving conversion die half (not shown), which from the top against a receiving plate 2a, 3a formed separately from the other presses; 2b, 3b; 2c, 3c for receiving the associated lower fixed conversion tool half (not shown). The plungers 1a, 1b, 1c are each guided vertically displaceably via four slide guides 12.

Likewise, the flap press 8 comprises a plunger 5 for receiving the upper moving tab tool half (not shown) which operates from above against a receiving plate 6, 7 for receiving the associated lower fixed tab tool half (not shown). The plunger 5 is also guided vertically displaceable over four slide guides 21.

The conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c each have separately formed crankshafts 28a, 28b, 28c (claim crankshaft or eccentric shaft sections), which are respectively arranged above the respective ram 1a, 1b, 1c and a single associated connecting rod 29a, 29b , 29c are coupled to the plunger 1a, 1b, 1c of the respective conversion press 4a, 4b, 4c, for generating the lifting movement of the plunger 1a, 1b, 1c of this press. The punching force with the connecting rods 29a, 29b, 29c is in each case introduced centrally via a height-adjustable thrust bearing 39 into the plunger 1a, 1b, 1c.

The plate press 8 also has a crankshaft 30 (claims crankshaft or eccentric shaft portion), which is arranged above its plunger 5 and via two connecting rods 31 a, 31 b with the Stroke 5 is coupled to generate the lifting movement of the plunger 5 of this press 8. The punching force with the two connecting rods 31a, 31b symmetrically via two height-adjustable thrust bearing 39 is introduced into the plunger 5.

The rotation axis R2 of the crankshaft 30 of the plate press 8 and the rotation axes R1 of the crankshafts 28a, 28b, 28c of the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c coincide. The crankshafts 28a, 28b, 28c, 30 are rotationally positively coupled in both rotational directions and thereby axially and radially displaceable with each other by Oldham couplings 32 with each other. They are driven by a common drive unit which comprises an external main drive motor 24, a clutch and brake arrangement 34, 35 arranged in the drive housing 9 with a flywheel 33 and a belt drive 25, 26 arranged under a protective cover 27 on the drive housing 9. Between the flywheel 33 and the crankshaft 28a, 28b, 28c, 30 of the presses 4a, 4b, 4c, 8, no transmission are arranged.

As in particular in Fig. 3 1, each of the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c has its own feed device 13, 14, 15 integrated in its receiving plate for feeding the metal lid blanks into its working area, which each have a transfer system 13 and a conveyor belt 15 with holes 16 for receiving the lid blanks. The conveyor belt 15 extends in each case between two deflection rollers 14 through the respective conversion press 4a, 4b, 4c. The exit-side deflection rollers 14 of the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c are each supported by a shaft 17 which is non-rotatably connected to the respective deflection roller 14 and rotatably supported by two bearing blocks 18 on the structure of the respective conversion press 4a, 4b, 4c is. These shafts 17 of the three conversion presses 4 a, 4 b, 4 c are rotationally positively coupled via two intermediate shafts 19 in both directions of rotation and are connected via a step transmission 20, which by means of two deflecting gear 20a, 20c and a propeller shaft 20b with the crankshaft 28a, 28b, 28c, 30 of the presses 4a, 4b, 4c, 8 is rotationally synchronously coupled, driven. Between the feeders 13, 14, 15, 16 and the drive unit 24, 25, 26, 33, 34 no separable couplings are present.

As can also be seen, each of the presses 4a, 4b, 4c, 8 has a balancing mass 36a, 36b, 36c, 37, which in each case extend in opposite directions to the respective press ram 1a by means of further connecting rods arranged on the respective crankshaft 28a, 28b, 28c, 30 , 1b, 1c, 5 is moved up and down to reduce or eliminate outward-acting dynamic forces.

Fig. 6 shows a variant of the punch press assembly in a vertical section along the line ZZ in Fig. 4 , As can be seen, in the conversion presses 4a, 4b, 4c of this variant, the respective connecting rods 29a, 29b, 29c are coupled via a lever mechanism to the plunger 1a, 1b, 1c of the respective conversion press 4a, 4b, 4c the force is transmitted symmetrically via two pressure tabs 38.

Fig. 7 shows a front view of a second inventive punch press assembly. This differs from the first inventive punch press arrangement described above only in that it comprises six juxtaposed conversion presses 4d, 4e, 4f; 4g, 4h, 4i (six claimed first punch press units), which are each provided with prefabricated metal lids with different profiles, with a scoring for the opening point and with a supplied Eindrück- or tear-open.

These six conversion presses 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i form two groups of three conversion presses 4d, 4e, 4f; 4g, 4h, 4i, of which the first group 4d, 4e, 4f a first common self-supporting structure 4d-4f and the second group 4g, 4h, 4i forms a second common self-supporting structure 4g-4i. The first structure 4d-4f and the second structure 4g-4i are connected to one another via an intermediate support structure 10a, 11a (claimed first support structure), which consists of a support section 10 and a support column 11, and are supported by this support structure 10 , 11 off on the floor.

The first structure 4d-4f is connected at its left end with its outer conversion press 4d with a further support structure consisting of a drive housing 9 and a support column 11 and is supported on this support structure 9, 11 on the ground.

The second structure 4g-4i is connected at its right end with its outer conversion press 4i with a further support structure consisting of a support portion 10 and a support column 11 and is supported on this support structure 10, 11 on the ground. On its side facing away from the conversion presses 4g, 4h, 4i, this support structure 10, 11 carries a tab press 8 (second punch press unit according to the claims), by means of which the push-in or tear-open tabs are produced from a strip material.

While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to these and may be practiced otherwise within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. Stamping press arrangement comprising at least two adjacent first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i), each of which has a press ram (1a, 1b, 1c) for receiving a first tool part, which works against a receiving plate (2a, 3a; 2b, 3b; 2c, 3c) for receiving a corresponding second tool part, wherein the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) have working directions (B) extending parallel to each other in a common plane, and comprising at least a second stamping press unit (8) having a press ram (5) for receiving a first tool part which works against a receiving plate (6, 7) for receiving a corresponding second tool part, wherein the working direction (A) of the at least one second stamping press unit (8) extends perpendicularly to the working directions (B) of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i), in such a way that material pieces or material strips processed in a working space of the second stamping press unit (8) can be guided in direct extension of the working direction (A) of the second stamping press unit (8) into working regions of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) for further processing in the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) with material pieces or material strips supplied in working direction (B) of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) to the first stamping press units,
   wherein the at least two first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) are driven via a common driving unit (24, 25, 26), wherein each of the respective first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) has a crankshaft portion or eccentric shaft portion (28a, 28b, 28c), which is rotatable about a first rotation axis (R1) by the driving unit (24, 25, 26) in order to generate a travel movement of the press ram (1a, 1b, 1c) of the respective stamping press unit (4a-4c; 4d-4i), in interaction with at least one connecting rod (29a, 29b, 29c) of the respective first stamping press unit (4a-4c; 4d-4i), for processing the material pieces and/or the material strips in the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i), wherein the rotation axes (R1) of the crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28a, 28b, 28c) of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) are identical and wherein the crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28a, 28b, 28c) of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) are connected or coupled to one another in such a way that they are rotated forcibly together with the same number of rotations,
   wherein the at least one second stamping press unit (8) has a crankshaft portion or eccentric shaft portion (30) which is rotatable about a second rotation axis (R2) by a driving unit (24, 25, 26, 33, 34), for generating in interaction with at least one connecting rod (31a, 31b) of the at least one second stamping press unit (8) a travel movement of the press ram (5) of the at least one second stamping press unit (8) for processing the material pieces or material strips in the second stamping press unit (8),
   wherein the crankshaft portion or eccentric shaft portion (30) of the at least one second stamping press unit (8) is coupled to the crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28a, 28b, 28c) of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) in such a way, particularly by a rotational positive fit in both rotation directions, that it is rotatable forcibly synchronously with the crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28a, 28b, 28c) of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i), particularly with the same number of rotations,
   characterized in that multiple, particularly three or four, first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4f; 4g-4i) arranged in an adjacent way are coupled to one another to form a common structure (4a-4c; 4d-4f; 4g-4i),
   that the two outer ones of these first stamping press units (4a, 4c; 4d, 4f; 4g, 4i) coupled to one another to form a common structure are each coupled to a supporting structure (9, 11; 10, 11; 10a, 11a), via which the structure (4a-4c; 4d-4f; 4g-4i) formed by it is supported on the floor,
   and that each one of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) has an own receiving plate (2a, 3a; 2b, 3b; 2c, 3c) which is separate from the other stamping press units, each of which is supported by a hanging supporting structure.
2. Stamping press arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the supporting structures (10, 11), via which the structure (4a-4c; 4d-4f; 4g-4i) formed by the adjacent first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4f; 4g-4i) is supported on the floor, carries on its side facing away from the mutually coupled first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4g-4i) the at least one second stamping press unit (8).
3. Stamping press arrangement according to claim 1 and to claim 2, wherein two groups of first stamping press units (4d-4f; 4g-4i), particularly two groups of each three first stamping press units (4d-4f; 4g-4i), are coupled to one another to a first common structure (4d-4f) and to a second common structure (4g-4i), wherein this first structure (4d-4f) and this second structure (4g-4i) are coupled to one another via a first supporting structure (10a, 11a) arranged between them, via which the first structure (4d-4f) and the second structure (4g-4i) are supported on the floor, wherein each outer first stamping press unit (4d; 4i) of the respective first (4d-4f) or second structure (4g-4i), respectively, is coupled to a further supporting structure (9, 11; 10, 11), via which it is supported on the floor, and wherein at least one of the further supporting structures (9, 11; 10, 11) carries one of the second stamping press units (8) on its side facing away from the respective first (4d-4f) or second structure (4g-4i), respectively.
4. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second rotation axis (R2) is parallel to the first rotation axis (R1), and particularly wherein it is identical with it.
5. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) have each a separate crankshaft portion or eccentric shaft portion (28a, 28b, 28c) and these crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28a, 28b, 28c) are coupled to one another by a rotational positive fit in both rotation directions, particularly in such a way that they are axially and radially shiftable with respect to one another, particularly by means of one or more Oldham couplings (32) .
6. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second stamping press unit (8) has a separate crankshaft portion or eccentric shaft portion (30) which is coupled to one crankshaft portion or eccentric shaft portion (28c) of one of the first stamping press units (4c; 4i) by a rotational positive fit in both rotation directions, particularly in such a way that the two crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28c, 30) are axially and radially shiftable with respect to one another, particularly by means of an Oldham coupling (32).
7. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the press rams (1a, 1c, 1d, 5) of the stamping press units (4a-4c, 8; 4d-4i, 8) work each from the top against the receiving plates (2a, 3a; 2b, 3b; 2c, 3c; 6, 7).
8. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28a, 28b, 28c, 30) are each arranged above the press rams (1a, 1b, 1c, 5).
9. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving unit (24, 25, 26) for the at least two first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) has a flywheel (33) and no gears are arranged between the flywheel (33) and the crankshaft portions or eccentric shaft portions (28a, 28b, 28c) of the at least two first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i).
10. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) has a supply device (13, 14, 15) for supplying individual material pieces into a working area of the respective stamping press unit (4a-4c; 4d-4i), particularly a conveyor belt (15) with holes (16) for supplying metal can shell blanks.
11. Stamping press arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the supply devices (13, 14, 15) are driven with the driving unit (24, 25, 26) for the at least two first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i).
12. Stamping press arrangement according to claim 11, wherein no separable clutches are present between the supply devices (13, 14, 15) and the driving unit (24, 25, 26).
13. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein the supply devices (13, 14, 15) are integrated into the receiving plates (2a, 3a; 2b, 3b; 2c, 3c) of the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i).
14. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stamping press arrangement in the drive train for the stamping press units (4a-4c, 8; 4d-4i, 8) has precisely one flywheel (33), precisely one friction (34) and precisely one brake (35).
15. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first stamping press units (4a-4c; 4d-4i) in each case have precisely one connecting rod (29a, 29b, 29c), by means of which the stamping force is introduced centrally into the respective press ram (1a, 1b, 1c).
16. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second stamping press unit (8) has two connecting rods (31a, 31b), by means of which the stamping force is introduced symmetrically into its press ram (5).
17. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of the stamping press units (4a-4c, 8; 4d-4i, 8) has an own mass compensation device (36a, 36b, 36c, 37) for diminishing or eliminating dynamic forces acting towards the outside.
18. Stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of the stamping press units (4a-4c, 8; 4d-4i, 8) is adjustable independently from the other stamping press units with respect to press ram stroke and/or closing height.
19. Use of the stamping press arrangement according to one of the preceding claims for manufacturing metal can ends with a push-in or a pull-off tab.

Images