DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of workpiece alignment in die press machines.
BACKGROUND
A press machine is commonly used in a mechanical industry for performing punching and various other operations on a workpiece. The workpiece is positioned in a die of the press machine. During the operation, the workpiece must be perfectly aligned with a punch of the die. The misalignment of the workpiece with respect to the punch leads to ineffective punching operation or various other operations performed on that workpiece resulting in defects. The defected workpiece fails to clear the quality check resulting in rejection, thereby causing loss of inventory. Conventionally, a workpiece is manually aligned with a punch of a press machine. However, such manual alignment results in improper alignment due to human errors.
Therefore, there is felt a need of arrangements that align workpieces with respect to punches of press machines.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide alternative arrangements that effectively align a workpiece with a punch of a die in a press machine.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide alternative arrangements that have simple configurations.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages alternative arrangements for aligning workpieces in dies of press machines.
In accordance with a first aspect, the arrangement comprises a mounting block, a resilient member, and a push member. The mounting block is connected to the operative bottom surface of the top die shoe proximal to the punch mounting base. The resilient member is disposed within the mounting block. The push member is coupled with the resilient member, and is configured to displace the workpiece towards the punch to align the workpiece with the punch when the top die shoe is displaced in a downward direction. The push member is at a lower level than the punch.
In accordance with a second aspect, the arrangement comprises a conical block. A base of the conical block is connected to the operative bottom surface of the top die shoe proximal to the punch mounting base. The conical block is configured to displace the workpiece towards the punch to align the workpiece with the punch when the top die shoe is displaced in a downward direction. The apex portion of the conical block is at a lower level than the punch.
In accordance with a third aspect, the arrangement comprises a first support column, a second support column, and at least one pusher. The first support column is mounted on the bottom die shoe. The second support column is mounted on the bottom die shoe diametrically opposite to the first support column defining a space therebetween. The pusher passes through the second support column and abuts the workpiece. The pusher is configured to push the workpiece towards the punch to align the workpiece with the punch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Alternative arrangements for aligning workpieces in dies of press machines, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an arrangement, in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the arrangement of figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement, in accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the arrangement of figure 3;
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement, in accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure; and
Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the arrangement of figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the third aspect of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100, 200, 300 – Arrangements of the present disclosure
102 – Die
104 – Top die shoe
106 – Bottom die shoe
108 – Punch mounting base
110 – Punch
112 – Die button
120 – Workpiece
122 – Push member
124 – Resilient member
126 – Mounting block
230 – Conical block
304 – First support column
306 – Second support column
310 – Spring
312 – Pusher
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure envisages alternative arrangements for aligning workpieces in dies of press machines. The arrangements have simple configurations, and can be operated by unskilled labors.
The arrangements, of the present disclosure, are now described with reference to figure 1 through figure 6.
The principle application of the arrangements is alignment of a workpiece in a die of a press machine. A die 102 is defined by a top die shoe 104 and a bottom die shoe 106. The die 102 is main component of a press machine (not shown in figures). The top die shoe 104 is mounted on a ram (not shown in figures). The ram facilitates the linear downward movement of the top die shoe 104. A punch mounting base 108 is connected to the top die shoe 104. A punch 110 is mounted on an operative bottom surface of the punch mounting base 108 such that the punch 110 faces the bottom die shoe 106. A plurality of Allen bolts (not exclusively labeled in figures) is used to hold the assembly of the top die shoe 104, the punch mounting base 108, and the punch 110 together. The bottom die shoe 106 is fixedly attached to a bed (not shown in figures) of the press machine. A die button 112 is mounted on the bottom die shoe 106. The die button 112 is a counter workpiece of the punch 110 and has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the punch 110. A workpiece 120 is disposed on the die button 112 for punching purposes.
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an arrangement 100, in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the arrangement 100.
In accordance with first aspect of the present disclosure, the arrangement 100 comprises a mounting block 126, a resilient member 124, and a push member 122.
The mounting block 126 is connected to the operative bottom surface of the top die shoe 104, and is movable with the top die shoe 104. Further, the mounting block 126 is proximal to the punch mounting base 108.
A resilient member 124 is disposed within the mounting block 126, and is connected to an inner surface of the mounting block 126. In an embodiment, the resilient member 124 is a spring. In another embodiment, the resilient member 124 is disposed at an inner bottom surface of the mounting block 126.
The push member 122 is coupled with the resilient member 124 such that there is a level difference between the push member 122 and the punch 110. More specifically, the push member 122 is at a lower level than the punch 110.
The push member 122 is configured to abut the workpiece 120, and is further configured to displace the workpiece 120 towards the punch 110 when the top die shoe 104 is displaced in a downward direction. As the push member 122 is at a lower level than the punch 110, the push member 122 abuts the workpiece 120 before the punch 110. The push member 122 aligns the workpiece 120 with respect to the punch 110 by displacing the workpiece 120.
In an embodiment, the push member 122 is a roller bearing.
The configuration and location of the resilient member 124 and push member 122 is determined such that the push member 122 aligns the workpiece 120 with respect to the punch 110, and further maintains the aligned position till the end of the operation.
In an operative configuration, the top die shoe 104 moves linearly downwards to perform a punching or any other operation on the workpiece 120. As the top die shoe 104 moves towards the workpiece 120, the push member 122 starts abutting the workpiece 120 to displace the workpiece 120 for aligning the same with respect to the punch 110. In an exemplary embodiment, to maintain a proper alignment between the punch 110 and the workpiece 120, the push member 122 pushes the workpiece so that the workpiece 120 is directed towards the center of the die button 112.
The resilient member 124 has a stiffness that causes the push member 122 to maintain the required pressure on the workpiece 120 resulting in maintained alignment between the punch 110 and the workpiece 120. In an exemplary embodiment, as the push member 122 approaches the workpiece 120, the push member 122 exerts force on the resilient member 124, thereby compressing the resilient member 124 against the mounting block 126. The spring action force of the compressed resilient member 124 helps the push member 122 to maintain required pressure on the workpiece 120 which keeps the workpiece aligned with the punch 110.
As the top die shoe 104 moves upwards after performing the operation on the workpiece 120, the resilient member 124 pushes the push member 122 to its original position.
Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement 200, in accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a front view of the arrangement 200.
In accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure, the arrangement 200 comprises a conical block 230.
The conical block 230 is connected to the operative bottom surface of the top die shoe 104 in an inverted configuration. More specifically, the base of the conical block 230 is connected to the operative bottom surface of the top die shoe 104 proximal to the punch mounting base 108, wherein the apex portion of the conical block 230 faces the bottom die shoe 106.
The conical block 230 is configured to displace the workpiece towards the punch 110 when the top die shoe 104 is displaced in the downward direction. The conical block 230 aligns the workpiece 120 with respect to the punch 110.
The shape and size of the conical block 230 is configured such that the apex portion of the conical block 230 is at a lower level than the punch 110. As the apex of the conical block 230 is at a lower level than the punch 110, the conical block 230 abuts the workpiece 120 before the punch 110.
In an exemplary embodiment, the conical block 230 is made of polyurethane.
In an embodiment, the arrangement 200 comprises a plurality of conical blocks 230 for aligning multiple workpiece as shown in figure 4. In such scenario, a single conical block 230 is disposed proximal to each punch to align the work pieces to respective punches.
In an operative configuration, the top die shoe 104 moves linearly downwards to perform a punching operation or any other operation on the workpiece 120. As the top die shoe 104 moves towards to the workpiece 120, the conical block 230 starts abutting the workpiece 120 to displace the workpiece 120 for aligning the same with respect to the punch 110. In an exemplary embodiment, to maintain a proper alignment between the punch 110 and the workpiece 120, the conical block 230 presses the workpiece 120 so that the workpiece 120 is directed towards the center of the die button 112.
The shape of the conical block 230 is configured such that an angle thereof facilitates pushing of the workpiece 120 towards the center of the die button 112. Further, the angle of the conical block 230 facilitates maintaining a proper time lag between the workpiece 120 and the punch 110.
As the top die shoe 104 moves upwards after performing the operation, the workpiece 120 remains in its final position, and thus, accuracy of the operation is maintained resulting in defect free workpiece after the operation.
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of an arrangement 300, in accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the arrangement 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the third aspect of the present disclosure.
In accordance with third aspect of the present disclosure, the arrangement 300 comprises a first support column 304, a second support column 306, and at least one pusher 312.
The first support column 304 is mounted on the bottom die shoe 106. The second support column 306 is mounted on the bottom die shoe 106 diametrically opposite to the first support column 304 such that space is defined between the first support column 304 and the second support column 306 to accommodate the workpiece 120 therein.
The pusher 312 passes through the second support column 306 and abuts the workpiece 120. The pusher 312 is configured to push the workpiece towards the punch to align the workpiece 120 with the punch.
In an embodiment, a spring 310 is disposed between the second support column 306 and the pusher 312.
In another embodiment, the arrangement 300 includes two pushers 312 as shown in figure 5.
In an operative configuration, the workpiece 120 is placed between the first support column 304 and the second support column 306. To correct the alignment of the workpiece 120 with respect to the punch, the workpiece 120 is pushed towards the first support column 304 using the pusher 312 till the proper alignment is established. When the proper alignment is achieved, the workpiece 120 is held in the same position by the first support column 304 and the pusher 312 ensuring proper operation on the workpiece 120 resulting in defect free workpiece 120 after the operation is performed.
The arrangements, of the present disclosure, ensure proper alignment between a workpiece and a punch which results in defect free product. The arrangements improve productivity of a press machine as the number of defected parts is reduced. The arrangements can be easily operated by unskilled labour.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of arrangements that:
• effectively align workpieces with punches of dies in press machines; and
• have simple configurations.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. An arrangement (100) for aligning a workpiece (120) in a die of a press machine, said die having a top die shoe (104) and a bottom die shoe (106), said top die shoe (104) having a punch mounting base (108) connected to an operative bottom surface of said top die shoe (104) and a punch (110) connected to an operative bottom surface of said punch mounting base (108), said arrangement (100) comprising:
a mounting block (126) connected to said operative bottom surface of said top die shoe (104) proximal to said punch mounting base (108);
a resilient member (124) disposed within said mounting block (126); and
a push member (122) coupled with said resilient member (124), said push member (122) configured to displace said workpiece (120) towards said punch (110) to align said workpiece (120) with said punch (110) when said top die shoe (104) is displaced in a downward direction.
2. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push member (122) is at a lower level than said punch (110).
3. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push member (122) is a roller bearing.
4. The arrangement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resilient member (124) is a spring.
5. An arrangement (200) for aligning a workpiece (120) in a die of a press machine, said die having a top die shoe (104) and a bottom die shoe (106), said top die shoe (104) having a punch mounting base (108) connected to an operative bottom surface of said top die shoe (104) and a punch (110) connected to an operative bottom surface of said punch mounting base (108), said arrangement (200) comprising:
a conical block (230) having a base connected to said operative bottom surface of said top die shoe (104) proximal to said punch mounting base (108), said conical block (230) configured to displace said workpiece (120) towards said punch (110) to align said workpiece (120) with said punch (110) when said top die shoe (104) is displaced in a downward direction.
6. The arrangement (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein an apex portion of said conical block (230) is at a lower level than said punch (110).
7. The arrangement (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said conical block (230) is made of polyurethane.
8. An arrangement (300) for aligning a workpiece (120) in a die of a press machine, said die having a top die shoe and a bottom die shoe (106), said top die shoe having a punch mounting base connected to an operative bottom surface of said top die shoe and a punch connected to an operative bottom surface of said punch mounting base, said arrangement (300) comprising:
a first support column (304) mounted on said bottom die shoe (106);
a second support column (306) mounted on said bottom die shoe (106) diametrically opposite to said first support column (304) defining a space therebetween to accommodate said workpiece (120) in said space; and
at least one pusher (312) passing through said second support column (306) and abutting said workpiece (120), said at least one pusher (312) configured to push said workpiece (120) towards said punch to align said workpiece (120) with said punch.
9. The arrangement (300) as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a spring (310) disposed between said second support column (306) and said pusher (312).