Claims:
1. A modular die set (100) comprising:
an upper die assembly (310) including:
an upper magazine (310B) removably coupled to an upper die shoe (310A); and
at least one punch plate (322) removably coupled to the upper magazine (310B); and
a lower die assembly (110) including:
a lower magazine (110B) removably coupled to a lower die shoe (110A); and
at least one die block (122) removably coupled to the lower magazine (110B).

2. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper die assembly (310) includes an upper die bush (318A) configured on the upper die (310A) and an upper magazine bush (318B) configured on the upper magazine (310B), each pair of bush (318A, 318B) having a locating pillar (320) removably fixed therein.

3. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower die assembly (110) includes a lower die bush (118A) configured on the lower die (110A) and a lower magazine bush (118B) configured on the lower magazine (110B), each pair of bush (118A, 118B) having a locating pillar (120) removably fixed therein.

4. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower and upper magazines (110B, 310B) includes a plurality of conical locator receiver (112) configured at bottom surfaces thereof.

5. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower and upper die shoes (110A, 310A) includes a plurality of conical locators (114) configured at upper surfaces thereof.

6. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the conical locator receivers (112) configured on the lower and upper magazines (110B, 310B) having a concave conical shape.

7. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the conical locators (114) configured on the lower and upper die shoes (110A, 310A) having a convex conical shape.

8. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein the conical locators (114) of the lower and upper die shoes (110A, 310A) fit in the conical locator receivers (112) of the lower and upper magazine (110B, 310B), respectively.

9. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the punch plate (322) has a plurality of first inserts (325) positioned thereon; and
the die plate (122) has a plurality of second inserts (125) positioned thereon.

10. The modular die set (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each die magazine (110B, 310B) includes at least one rib structure (126, 326).
, Description:FORM 2
The Patents Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

MODULAR DIE SET

MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED,
A COMPANY REGISTERED UNDER THE INDIAN COMPANIES ACT, 1913, HAVING ADDRESS AT MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED, MAHINDRA RESEARCH VALLEY, MAHINDRA WORLD CITY, PLOT NO:41/1, ANJUR P.O. , CHENGALPATTU, TAMILNADU – 603004, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE NATURE OF THIS INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a modular die set. More particularly, the present invention relates to die assemblies of the modular die set.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, blanking Dies are used for manufacturing of one or more components by shearing and/or trimming of sheet metal. Typically, the die sets are configured with a configuration that is complementary to the desired shape of the component. As a result, the development of the die set cast takes a lot of time, material, money and effort considering the desired 2D shape of the blank and the blank is used in following operation to form the intended product. Once the required number of components is manufactured, the die set is discarded.
However, discarding of the whole die set results in increase of the industrial waste. Further, making a die set cast specifically for a particular component configuration increases the footprint required. The footprint is configured on the magazines that are part of the die shoes. Therefore, for every new requirement of the blank design, the whole die set has to be scrapped as the magazines cannot be separated from the die shoe. Furthermore, the time, material, cost, and efforts invested in manufacturing the die set that can be utilized only for one design are wasted. Thus, there is a need for a die set that eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a modular die set having an upper die assembly and a lower die assembly. The upper die assembly includes an upper magazine removably placed on the upper die shoe. The upper magazine includes at least one punch plate configured thereon. The lower die assembly includes a lower magazine removably placed on the lower die shoe. The lower magazine includes at least one die block configured thereon. The upper and lower magazine includes a plurality of conical locator receivers configured at bottom surfaces thereof. The conical locators have a concave conical shape. The upper and lower die shoe includes a plurality of conical locators configured at upper surface thereof. These conical locators have a convex conical shape. The conical locator receivers of the upper and lower die shoe fit in the conical locators of the upper and lower magazine. A polarity guide bush are configured in upper die shoe and upper die magazine and similarly in lower die shoe and lower die magazine. A locating pillar is fixed in the pair of guide bush by coinciding the guide bushes of the upper die magazine and the upper die shoe and similarly lower die magazine and lower die shoe. Each die shoe of the die set is provided with at least one rib structure.
In one aspect of the present invention, a modular die set is provided. The modular die set includes an upper die assembly. The upper die assembly includes an upper magazine removably coupled to an upper die shoe. The upper die assembly also includes at least one punch plate removably coupled to the upper magazine. The modular die set also includes a lower die assembly. The lower die assembly includes a lower magazine removably coupled to a lower die shoe. The lower die assembly also includes at least one die block removably coupled to the lower magazine.
According to the present invention, the upper die assembly further including an upper die bush configured on the upper die and an upper magazine bush configured on the upper magazine. Each pair of bush having a locating pillar removably fixed therein.
According to the present invention, the lower die assembly further including a lower die bush configured on the lower die and a lower magazine bush configured on the lower magazine. Each pair of bush having a locating pillar removably fixed therein.
According to the present invention, the lower and upper magazines including a plurality of conical locator receivers configured at bottom surfaces thereof.
According to the present invention, the lower and upper die shoes including a plurality of conical locators configured at upper surfaces thereof.
According to the present invention, the conical locator receivers configured on the lower and upper magazines having a concave conical shape.
According to the present invention, the conical locators configured on the lower and upper die shoes having a convex conical shape.
According to the present invention, the conical locators of the lower and upper die shoes fit in the conical locator receivers of the lower and upper magazine, respectively.
According to the present invention, the punch plate including a plurality of first inserts positioned thereon. The die plate including a plurality of second inserts positioned thereon.
According to the present invention, each die magazine including at least one rib structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A modular blanking die set of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1A and 1B illustrates an isometric view of the die set, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of lower die assembly of the die set of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of upper die assembly of the die set of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 illustrates a isometric view of rib structures of the die set of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5A-5B illustrates a isometric view of a locating pillars of the die set of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 illustrates a isometric view of conical locators of the die set of FIG.1;
FIG. 7 illustartes a front view of guide bushes and pillar positions on the magazines of the modular die set of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of inserts positions on magazines of the modular die set of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
In general aspect, the present invention relates to a modular blanking die that can be used for casting components of different shapes and configurations. The modular die set has replaceable lower and upper magazines that eliminates the need of scrapping the whole die set after used for one project. The modular die set that is developed in a relatively shorter period of time and that needs not to be scrapped even after resultant product is replaced. The modular die set that occupies relatively lesser footprint.
A preferred embodiment of a modular die set (100) of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference from FIG. 1A-8. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-3, a modular die set (100) with respect to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The die set (100) includes a lower die assembly (110) and an upper die assembly (310). The lowe die assembly (110) includes a lower die shoe (110A) having a lower magazine (110B) removably placed thereon. The upper die assembly (310) includes an upper die shoe (310A) having an upper magazin (310B) removably placed thereon.
Referring to FIG. 5A-5B, in accordance with an embodiment, a plurality of apertures is configured on the die shoes (110A, 310A) at predefeind locations. In an embodiment, the apertures are configured on the corners of the die shoes (110A, 310A). The apertures receive a plurality of guide bushes (118, 318) therein. The guide bush (118, 318) include a pair of upper die bush (318A) and upper magazine bush (318B) and a pair of a lower die bush (118A) and a lower magazine bush (118B). Each pair of bush (318A, 318B and 118A, 118B) have a locating pillar (120, 320) fixed therein. In an embodiment, the guide bush (318A, 318B and 118A, 118B) and the locating pillars (120, 320) are configured to absorb any side thrust that may be exerted on the die set (100) during forming operations & maintain repeatability of a magazine every time the operation.
Referring to FIG. 6, in an embodiment, the upper and lower die shoe (310A, 110A,) and the upper and the lower magazine (310B, 110B,) have a plurality of conical locator (114), and a plurality of conical locator receivers (112) for the fixing the upper and lower magazine (310B, 110B) on the upper and lower die shoe (310A, 110A) respectively. The upper and lower die magazine (310B, 110B) includes a plurality of conical locator receiver (112) configured on bottom surface thereof. The conical locator receiver (112) of the upper and lower magazine (310B,110B) have a concave conical configuration. The upper and lower die shoe (310A, 110A) includes a plurality of conical locators (114) configured on upper surface of the upper and lower die shoe (110A). The conical locators (114) of the upper and lower die shoe (310A, 110A) have convex conical shape such that the cone protrudes out from the upper surface of the upper and lower die shoe (310A, 110A). The conical locator (114) of the upper and lower die shoe (310A, 110A) fits in the conical locator receiver (112) of the upper and lower magazine (310B, 110B).
The upper die magazin (310B) is spaced apart from the lower die magazin (110B) with the help of the guide pins and the guide bushes. The die magazin (110B, 310B) are configured with a standard set of predefined dimensions. In an embodiment, the ratio of length to breadth of each die shoe (110A, 310A) ranges from 1.5 to 2. The ratio of length to height of the die set (100) in an inoperative configuration ranges from 10 to 15. In an embodiment, the die shoes (110A, 310A) have a rectangular configuration. However, it is understood here that the shape of die shoe may vary in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
In an embodiment, at least one punch plate ( 322) is attached to the upper magazine (310B). The punch plate (322) includes at least one punch (323) attached thereto. The configuration of the punch (323) is complementary to the configuration of the component to be manufactured. In an embodiment, at least one die block (122) is configured on the lower magazin (110B). Each die block (122) includes at least one blank (123) configured thereon. The blank ( 123) has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the component to be manufactured. It is to be noted here that, at least one blank (123) is configured on the lower magazin (110B) such that the blank (123) of the die block (122) configured on the lower magazine (110AB) opens into the blank (123) of the lower die shoe (110A).
In an embodiment, each die shoe (110A, 310A) is provided with at least one rib structure (126, 326). The rib structure (126, 326) are placed along the periphery of the lower die shoe (110A) and the upper die shoe (310A) respectively. The rib structure (126), (326) ensure that load exerted on the die, more specifically the die block (122) is transferred to the rib nearest to the location of the load exertion. In an embodiment, the rib structure (126, 326) has a rectangular configuration complementary to the configuration of the die shoes (110A, 310A). The rib structures (126, 326) bear the load exerted on the die shoes (110A, 310A).
In an embodiment, apertures ( 128, 328) are provided at predefined points on the lower die shoes and upper die shoe (110A, 310A) to allow fastening of the punch (323) and the die block (122) to the die shoes (310A, 110A), thus facilitating attachment of the punches (323) and the die block (122) of any configuration to the die shoes (310A, 110A) respectively without the need for changing any other component. Consecutively, only the die block (122) and the punch (323) corresponding to the first component configuration needs to be replaced by the die block (122) and the punch (323) corresponding to the second component configuration if the production of the first component configuration is discontinued, and all the other components of the die set (100) can be reused.
Referring FIGS. 7-8, the upper die magazine (310B) includes first trimming inserts (325) positioned thereon in a predefined configuration. Similarly, the lower die magazine (110B) has second trimming insert (125) sonfigured thereon in a predefined configuration. The configuration of the trimming inserts (125, 325) is defiend as per the requirement of the shape to be punched or blanked. The first inserts (325) are placed as per the shape and configuration of the punch (323). The second inserts are placed as per the shape and configuration of the die block (122). Further, the trimmed material is collected in a plurality of scrap chutes (126) placed in the lower portions of the lower die magazine (110B).
The modular die set (100) of the present invention facilitates removable positioning of the lower magazine (110B) on the lower die shoe (110A) and upper magazine (310B) on the upper die shoe (310A). The magazines (110B, 310B) have the shapes and configurations of the blanks to be cut on the material. The present invention facilitates replacement of the magazines (110B, 310B) without dismantling or scrapping the whole die set (100). Thus, the modular die set (100) of the present invention eliminates the need for scrapping the entire die set (100), thereby negating the time, material, money and the effort required to develop the other components of the die set (100). Additionally, the footprint of the die set (100) is reduced.
The modular die set of the present invention can be used for casting components of different configurations. The die set (100) can be developed and manufactured easily and in a relatively shorter period of time. The die set (100) needs not to be scrapped even after resultant product is replaced; and it also occupies relatively lesser footprint. It is to be noted here that the upper magazine (310B) is removed from the upper die shoe (310A) and replaced with the new magazine. Similarly, lower magazine (110B) is removed from the lower die shoe (310A) and replaced with the new magazine. Thus, the present invention eliminates need of the scrapping and replacing whole die for every different project. It is to be noted here that the magazines are replaced by removing and fixing the elements like locating pillar (120, 320) from the respective guide bushes (118B, 318B) and fitting the conical locator (114) in the conical locator receiver (112). The locating Pillars/ (120, 320) and the guide bushes (118B, 318B) fitted by using nitrogen & press fitting. The conical locators (114) are fixed with bolts & once position is finalized, doweled.
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 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 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.
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.