WO2021194447A1

WO2021194447A1 - A test unit for a transfer mold

Info

Publication number: WO2021194447A1
Application number: PCT/TR2021/050037
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gokhan BAYDI
Original assignee: Pruva Kalip Teknolojileri Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2020-03-25
Filing date: 2021-01-18
Publication date: 2021-09-30
Also published as: TR202004643A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a test unit which simulates the operation of transfer molds and transfer mechanism.

Description

A TEST UNIT FOR A TRANSFER MOLD

TECHNICAL FIELD

PRIOR ART

The realization of the required shaping operations for a piece in pluralities of steps in sequential molds or in the same mold chassis is provided by means of transfer molds. In transfer molds, the transfer of the work piece between the mold cavities is provided by the transfer mechanism. In the transfer mechanism, the work piece taken from a cavity is left to the following cavity by means of holders provided on the transfer arms which move on at least one bar. Production is realized by means of multiple cavity and multiple transfer arms depending on the work process.

In the known state of the art, the control of the suitability of the newly prepared molds and the suitability of the transfer mechanism is realized by means of connecting the prepared mold and the transfer mechanism onto the press and by means of production tests made with the part. In the production test made, the operation of the part holders, position accuracy and the condition whether the part hits anywhere during transmission are controlled and accordingly, the suitability of the mold and of the transfer mechanism is decided. Since the control is on the press, the test process can be realized only after the mold and/or transfer mechanism is/are transferred to the customer. This increases the costs and leads to a long process.

In the application with number US2008109105 in the literature, a simulation method is described for optimization of the displacement of the work pieces in transfer presses. In said method, the program can determine the process depending on the mold information modeled as CAD, machine technical characteristics and work piece characteristics. The results, related to program data for movement freedom, stroke number and program-specific machine control, are determined by manipulating a displacement curve in the digital image of the transfer base determined by the simulation method. As a result, because of the abovementioned problems, an improvement is required in the related technical field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a test unit for transfer molds, for eliminating the abovementioned disadvantages and for bringing new advantages to the related technical field.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a test unit which provides control of the suitability without needing fixation of the transfer molds and transfer mechanism onto the press.

Another object of the present invention is to provide controlling of suitability of the mold and the transfer mechanism without being fixed onto the mold and to prevent transportation, labor and similar costs and to provide realization of the suitability control in shorter time.

In order to realize the abovementioned objects and the objects which are to be deducted from the detailed description below, the present invention relates to a test mechanism for testing suitability of a transfer mechanism and transfer molds. Accordingly, said test mechanism is configured to provide movement of the transfer mechanism along an axis Y and an axis Z and to provide movement of the transfer mechanism along an axis X on the mold, in order to provide positioning of said transfer mechanism at a predetermined distance in the vicinity of said mold. Thus, the suitability of the transfer molds and of the transfer mechanism can be controlled without needing fixing thereof onto the press.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said test unit comprises at least one bar where the transfer mechanism is connected; a profile connected to at least one end part of said bar; at least one rail provided on said profile; at least one vertical movement mechanism having at least one opening through which the profile at least partially passes, and at least one rail bearing associated with the rail provided on the profile and which can move linearly along an axis X; at least one carrier carcass configured to provide linear movement of said vertical movement mechanism in an axis Z; at least one carrying base whereon said carrier carcass is positioned; at least one horizontal movement mechanism positioned between the carrier carcass and the carrying base and configured to provide linear movement of the carrier carcass along an axis Y on said carrying base. Thus, the suitability of the transfer molds and the transfer mechanism can be controlled without needing fixing thereof onto the press.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, at least one carrier foot is provided on the side of the carrying base which faces the floor. Thus, the test unit is fixed on the floor.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, in order to change the direction of the transfer mechanism, the bar is connected to said profile in a manner rotating in its own axis. Thus, the transfer mechanism can change position in the desired manner depending on the positions of the lower mold and the upper mold.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, at least one mold positioning mechanism is essentially provided at the lower vicinity of the transfer mechanism. Thus, the mold is fixed in the test mechanism at predetermined position with high precision.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said mold positioning mechanism comprises at least one axis X adjustment mechanism, and pluralities of mold base plates which can be positioned at a predetermined position on said axis X adjustment mechanism. Thus, the molds are placed at predetermined distances in axis X.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, in order to provide movement of said mold base plate, said mold base plate is connected to at least one first movement element.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, in order to detect the movement of said mold base plate, at least one first counter is provided which is connected to said first movement element.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, at least one mold holding element is provided which is configured to move forwardly backwardly in axis Y and provided on said mold base plate.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said mold holding element comprises at least one second movement element associated for providing movement of said mold holding element in axis Y. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, in order to detect the movement of said mold holding element, at least one second counter is provided which is connected to said second movement element.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, at least one laser control element is provided in the test unit in order to provide confirmation whether the mold, placed on the mold positioning mechanism, is at the correct position with respect to the predetermined distance. Thus, the suitability of the mold position can be controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In Figure 1 , a representative perspective view of the subject matter test unit is given.

In Figure 2, a representative top view of the subject matter test unit is given.

In Figure 3, a representative lateral view of the subject matter test unit is given.

In Figure 4, a representative zoomed perspective view of the vertical movement mechanism of the subject matter test unit is given.

In Figure 5, a representative perspective view of the subject matter test unit and the mold positioning mechanism positioned thereon is given.

In Figure 6, a representative perspective view which shows the operation of the laser control element in the subject matter test unit is given.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, the subject matter test unit (10) is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable.

In Figure 1 , a representative perspective view of the subject matter test unit (10) is given. The present invention relates to a test unit (10) which simulates operation of the transfer molds (30) and of the transfer mechanism (20). In said test unit (10), at least one transfer mechanism (20), which provides part transfer on the mold (30), is connected onto at least one bar (15). There is one each carrier carcasses (13) at the two sides of said bar (15). A vertical movement mechanism (14) is associated onto said carrier carcass (13). There is an opening (141) on said vertical movement mechanism (14). The two end parts (151) of the bar (15) is connected to one each profiles (16). Said profiles (16) at least partially pass through said opening (141). The carrier carcass (13) is positioned on a carrying base (11). There is at least one horizontal movement mechanism (12) between the carrier carcass (13) and said carrying base (11).

As seen in Figure 2, the transfer mechanism (20) provided in the test unit (10) is associated onto the bar (15) in a manner moving in the vicinity of the molds (30). The bar (15) is connected to two profiles (16) from two end parts (151) in a manner realizing rotational movement in its own axis. Said profiles (16) pass through the opening (141) provided on the vertical movement mechanisms (14) positioned mutually. As seen in Figure 4, at least one rail (161) is connected onto the profile (16). Said rail (161) is associated with at least one rail bearing (142) provided in the vertical movement mechanism (14) for providing linear movement of the transfer mechanism (20), connected onto the bar (15), in a linear manner in an axis X (I). Moreover, the vertical movement mechanism (14) is configured to move linearly along an axis Z (III) on the carrier carcass (13). The carrier carcass (13) is positioned on the carrying base (11). There is at least one horizontal movement mechanism (12) between said carrying base (11) and said carrier carcass (13). Said horizontal movement mechanism (12) is configured to provide linear movement of the carrier carcass (13) in a carrying base (11) along an axis Y (II). In order to provide fixation of the carrying base (11) on the floor, at least one carrier foot (17) is provided on the side of the carrying base (11) which faces the floor. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said carrier leg (17) has a wheeled or fixed structure, and it provides the test unit (10) to displace or to be positioned easily.

As seen in Figure 5, there is at least one mold positioning mechanism (40) which provides mold (30) positioning in the test unit (10). Said mold positioning mechanism (40) is essentially positioned in the lower vicinity of the transfer mechanism (20) and it has at least one axis X adjustment mechanism (41) and at least one axis Y adjustment mechanism (42).

In said axis X adjustment mechanism (41), there is at least one mold base plate (411) extending parallel to axis Y (II) and at least one mold holding element (412) provided on said mold base plate (411). In a possible embodiment of the present invention, pluralities of mold base plates (411) are provided in the axis X adjustment mechanism (41) and said mold holding element (412) can move in axis Y (II). The movement of the mold base plate (411) in axis X (I) is provided by means of at least one first movement element (422). In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said first movement element (422) is a screwed shaft, particularly a trapezium screwed shaft. The first movement element (422) is connected with the mold base plate (411) and provides movement in axis X (I). In a possible embodiment of the present invention, there are first movement elements (422) which are equal in number to the number of mold base plate (411) and each first movement element (422) moves a mold base plate (411). The first movement element (422) is essentially connected to a first counter (416). Said first counter (416) detects the position of each first movement element (422) in the mold positioning mechanism (40). Thanks to this, the mold (30) is positioned in axis X (I).

In order to fix the mold base plate (411), there is at least one fixation block (413) in the axis X adjustment mechanism (41). On said fixation block (413), pluralities of connection elements (414) are provided. The mold base plates (411) are placed at a predetermined position in axis X (I) according to the width of the molds (30) to be positioned on said mold base plates

(411). Afterwards, at least one end part (415) of the mold base plate (411) is connected to said corresponding connection element (414) on the fixation block (413). Thus, fixation of the mold base plates (411), whereon the molds (30) will be positioned, is provided.

In said axis Y adjustment mechanism (42), in order to provide adjustment of the position of the mold holding element (412) on axis Y (II), the mold holding element (412) is associated with at least one second movement element (421). Said second movement element (421) can be a screwed shaft like the first movement element (422). Said second movement element (421) is connected onto the mold base plate (411) and provides the forward backward movement of the mold holding element (412) on axis Y (II). Thus, the mold holding element (412) is fixed at a predetermined distance with respect to the mold (30) dimension. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the second movement element (421) is connected to at least one second counter (423). Said second counter (423) provides detection of the position of the mold (30) by detecting the position of the mold holding element (412), provided on the mold base plate (411), in axis Y (II). These obtained detections provide the placement of the mold (30) to the suitable position in an easier and more rapid manner and provide advantage in terms of time and labor.

During side by side positioning of mold base plates (411) where the mold holding element

(412) is positioned in at least one end thereof, the ends comprising the mold holding element (412) can be positioned mutually with respect to each other. Thanks to this, the mold holding elements (412) provided on the mold base plates (411) can be mutually approached and fixed to each other. Thus, the molds (30), placed onto the mold base plate (411), are fixed to the mutually positioned mold holding elements (412).

In Figure 6, a representative perspective view of the subject matter test unit (10) is given. Accordingly, in the subject matter test unit (10), moreover, at least one laser control element (50) is positioned. Said laser control element (50) is essentially provided on the transfer mechanism (20) in numbers which are equal to the number of molds (30). The laser control element (50) provides monitoring of the positioning of the mold (30) at the predetermined position by means of at least one opening (not illustrated in the figures) provided on the mold (30). Thanks to this, the mold (30) position can be calibrated.

The operation of the test unit (10) is as follows; in the mold positioning mechanism (40), the position of the mold base plates (411) in axis X (I) and the position of the mold holding element (412) in axis Y (II) are adjusted and fixed in a compliant manner to the length and width of the mold (30). Afterwards, the lower molds (30) are fixed on the mold holding elements (412) and are placed onto the mold base plates (411) so as to be fixed at predetermined distances side by side in axis X (I). Afterwards, the control of the alignment of the lower mold (30) is provided by the laser control element (50).

In the test unit (10), in order to provide the transfer mechanism (20), connected onto the bar (15), to be at the desired position in the vicinity of the lower mold (30), the horizontal movement mechanism (12) configured to be able to move on the carrying base (11) is moved at least partially linearly in said axis Y (II) and thereby the transfer mechanism (20) is positioned at the desired position. The vertical movement mechanism (14), associated with the carrier carcass (13) and configured to move on the carrier carcass (13), is moved linearly in said axis Z (III) and the transfer mechanism (20) is positioned at the desired position in axis Z (III).

There is at least one holder (22), which provides carrying of the part, at the end of at least one arm (21) provided in the transfer mechanism (20). In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said holder (22) is essentially vacuumed for holding the work-piece and said holder (22) contacts the work-piece and vacuum is formed and holding is provided. Besides being vacuumed, the holder (22) can be provided in different embodiments in a manner forming magnetic field or can be provided in different structures which provide holding. The piece is placed on the holder (22). The mold (30), positioned in the mold positioning mechanism (40), is positioned in a predetermined manner in axis X (I) and in axis Y (II) by means of the first movement elements (422) and the second movement elements (421). Afterwards, for controlling the operation of the mold (30), the transfer mechanism (20) is activated. Accordingly, the arm (21) and the holders (22) positioned in the transfer mechanism (20) are moved in axis X (I) for holding the work-pieces provided on the molds (30). The arm (21) and the holders (22), approached to the work-piece inside the mold (30) in axis X (I), are moved towards the mold (30) in axis Z (III) and provide the holders (22) to vacuum the work-piece. This process is provided at the same time on pluralities of molds (30) positioned side by side. The held work- pieces are moved in the opposite direction in axis Z (III) of the transfer mechanism (20) and are moved away from the molds (30). Afterwards, the work-pieces are moved by means of the movement of the transfer mechanism (20) in axis Y (II) and are placed to the next mold (30) for the next process again in axis Z (III). As the work-piece is placed to the mold (30), the holders (22) release the work-pieces and move back in axis X (I) and return to the prior position thereof before beginning movement again. Thus, while the part is being carried on the lower mold (30), the operation of the part holders (22), the position accuracy and the condition whether the part hits any place during transmission are controlled. Accordingly, the suitability of the mold (30) and of the transfer mechanism (20) is decided.

In case it is desired to control the upper mold (30), the upper molds (30) are fixed to the mold holding elements (412) provided on the mold positioning mechanism (40) and are placed onto the mold base plates (411) so as to be fixed at predetermined distances side by side in axis X (I). Afterwards, the control of the alignment of the upper mold (30) is provided by the laser control element (50). For providing placement of the part holders (22), provided in the arm (21) part of the transfer mechanism (20), to the desired position on the mold (30), the vertical movement mechanism (14) displaces along axis Z (III). The bar (15), connected to the profile (16) which passes through the opening (141) provided on the vertical movement mechanism (14), is rotated around its own axis, and the holders (22), provided in the transfer mechanism (20), are placed in the vicinity of the mold (30).

After the position of the transfer mechanism (20) is adjusted, the holder (22) can be placed provided on the arm (21) provided at the transfer mechanism (20), and the carrying of the part on the mold (30) is simulated by means of linear movement of the rail (161), provided on the profile (16), on the rail bearing (142) provided on the vertical movement mechanism (14). Thus, carrying by means of the holder (22) is realized in the upper mold (30) in axis X (I) and in axis Z (III), and axis X (I) and axis Z (III) are examined in the control of the lower mold (30). While the holder (22) provides the work-piece to be transferred to the next mold (30), the arm (21) moves in axis X (I), axis Y (II) and axis Z (III) and controls the position accuracy and the condition whether the part hits any place during transmission. Accordingly, the suitability of the mold (30) and of the transfer mechanism (20) is decided. Thus, suitability of the transfer molds (30) and of the transfer mechanism (20) is controlled without needing fixation thereof to the press.

The protection scope of the present invention is set forth in the annexed claims and cannot be restricted to the illustrative disclosures given above, under the detailed description. It is because a person skilled in the relevant art can obviously produce similar embodiments under the light of the foregoing disclosures, without departing from the main principles of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 Test unit

11 Carrying base

12 Horizontal movement mechanism

13 Carrier carcass

14 Vertical movement mechanism

141 Opening

142 Rail bearing

15 Bar

151 End part

16 Profile

161 Rail

17 Carrier foot 20 Transfer mechanism

21 Arm

22 Holder 30 Mold

40 Mold positioning mechanism

41 Axis X adjustment mechanism

411 Mold base plate

413 Fixation block

414 Connection element

415 End part

422 First movement element

416 First counter

42 Axis Y adjustment mechanism

412 Mold holding element

421 Second movement element

423 Second counter 50 Laser control element

(I) Axis X

(II) Axis Y

(III) Axis Z

Claims

1. A test mechanism (10) for testing suitability of a transfer mechanism (20) and transfer molds (30), wherein said test mechanism (10) is configured to provide movement of the transfer mechanism (20) along an axis Y (II) and an axis Z (III) and to provide movement of the transfer mechanism (20) along an axis X (I) on the mold (30), in order to provide positioning of said transfer mechanism (20) at a predetermined distance in the vicinity of said mold (30).

2. The test unit (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said test unit (10) comprises: at least one bar (15) where the transfer mechanism (20) is connected; a profile (16) connected to at least one end part (151 ) of said bar (15); at least one rail (161) provided on said profile (16); at least one vertical movement mechanism (14) having at least one opening (141) through which the profile (16) at least partially passes, and at least one rail bearing (142) associated with the rail (161) provided on the profile (16) and which can move linearly along an axis X (I); at least one carrier carcass (13) configured to provide linear movement of said vertical movement mechanism (14) in an axis Z (III); at least one carrying base (11) whereon said carrier carcass (13) is positioned; at least one horizontal movement mechanism (12) positioned between the carrier carcass (13) and the carrying base (11) and configured to provide linear movement of the carrier carcass (13) along an axis Y (II) on said carrying base (11).

3. The test unit (10) according to claim 1 , wherein at least one carrier foot (17) is provided on the side of the carrying base (11) which faces the floor.

4. The test unit (10) according to claim 1 , wherein in order to change the direction of the transfer mechanism (20), the bar (15) is connected to said profile (16) in a manner rotating in its own axis.

5. The test unit (10) according to claim 1 , wherein at least one mold positioning mechanism (40) is essentially provided in the lower vicinity of the transfer mechanism (20).

6. The test unit (10) according to claim 1 or 6, wherein said mold positioning mechanism (40) comprises at least one axis X adjustment mechanism (41), and pluralities of mold base plates (411) which can be positioned at a predetermined position on said axis X adjustment mechanism (41).

7. The test unit (10) according to claim 6, wherein in order to provide movement of said mold base plate (411), said mold base plate (411) is connected to at least one first movement element (422).

8. The test unit (10) according to claim 7, wherein in order to detect the movement of said mold base plate (411), at least one first counter (416) is provided which is connected to said first movement element (422).

9. The test unit (10) according to claim 6, wherein at least one mold holding element (412) is provided which is configured to move forwardly backwardly in axis Y (II) and provided on said mold base plate (411).

10. The test unit (10) according to claim 9, wherein said mold holding element (412) comprises at least one second movement element (421) associated for providing movement of said mold holding element (412) in axis Y (II).

11. The test unit (10) according to claim 10, wherein in order to detect the movement of said mold holding element (412), at least one second counter (423) is provided which is connected to said second movement element (421).

12. The test unit (10) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein at least one laser control element (50) is provided in the test unit (10) in order to provide confirmation whether the mold (30), placed on the mold positioning mechanism (40), is at the correct position with respect to the predetermined distance.