Abstract: A transfer station for temporarily storing at least one interchangeable die. The die can be removed by a joining tool to carry out a joining operation and can be returned back into the transfer station after the joining operation. The transfer station including a carriage that is movable between a first position, wherein a first die receptacle is in a standby position, and a second position, wherein a second die receptacle is in the standby position. In the standby position the chosen die receptacle is accessible by the joining tool when in its transfer position.

Abstract: A bending machine has a work area image capture apparatus. A longitudinal expanse and the movement direction of the press beam define a working plane, which establishes a front working and manipulation space and a rear machine space, which is distinguished from the former and, in particular, closed off. An image capture apparatus is disposed in the working and manipulation space above the machine table, in a center section of the longitudinal expanse of the press beam, which apparatus is connected with a display, which is configured for representation of the captured image of the capture region. The image capture apparatus is disposed in a press beam casing, and has two image capture devices, wherein each image capture device captures a partial section in the direction of the machine table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool storage system (32) as well as to a production facility (1) for free-form bending of workpieces (2) made from a metal sheet, by means of a bending press (3), comprising a tool storage unit (30), a tool manipulation unit (31), and a provisioning unit (55) having provisioning rails (56, 57). The tool storage unit (30) has an upper and lower storage rail (34, 35), which are disposed spaced apart from one another at a vertical distance, as well as locally fixed in place relative to one another. The tool manipulation unit (31) has tool manipulation devices (36, 37), wherein each of the same comprises a working rail (38, 42), an auxiliary rail (39, 43), a drawing-in device (40, 44), as well as a pushing-out device (41, 45). Each of the tool manipulation devices (36, 37) can be displaced laterally next to the storage rails (34, 35), along a longitudinal guide arrangement (46, 47).

Abstract: A multi-tool is a constituent part of a punch device, in particular of a turret punch press. An upper tool part has a plurality of upper tools which are activatable from a head side via a machine pusher of the punch device for workpiece-machining purposes. A lower tool part has a plurality of lower tools. A workpiece is arrangeable between the upper tool part and the lower tool part. In each case one of the lower tools interacts with an associated upper tool. The number of the upper tools is greater than the number of the lower tools. This results in a multi-tool for extending the possible uses of a punch device.

Abstract: A sheet metal bending machine comprises main bending tool assembly (2; 6) that extends along a longitudinal direction (A) and is movable so as to bend a workpiece (50), a guide (3) associated and parallel to the main bending tool assembly (2; 6), extending through a working zone (W) of the bending machine (1) and sideways protruding from the latter at least with a first end portion (4), and shuttles (21, 22, 23) slidably mounted on said guide (3) and supporting at least one auxiliary tool (41, 42) to be associated with the main bending tool assembly (2; 6) in order to execute partial bends on the workpiece (50); the shuttles (21, 22, 23) are movable along the longitudinal direction (A) between a first active position (P1), in which the shuttle (21, 22, 23) are inside the working zone (W) and the auxiliary tool (41, 42) is mounted on the main bending tool assembly (2; 6), and a first inactive position (R1), in which the shuttle (21, 22, 23) are outside the working zone (W) and positioned at the first end porti

Abstract: A sheet material bending system includes a tool changing apparatus that changes tools between a press brake and a tool stocker. The tool stocker is arranged behind the press brake. To change tools from the front and rear of the tool stocker, the front and rear of the tool stocker are opened. The tool changing apparatus has a pivot that is movable in front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions and is rotatable around an axis extending in the up-down direction. A front end of the pivot is provided with tool holding units to hold tools.

Abstract: In a tool storing device handling a tool mounting stocker in which a punch and a die of a press brake are mounted in one stocker with rear surfaces facing each other, each of the stockers is supported on both sides by endless belts having one driving shaft, and the endless belts are circulated so that each of the supported stockers does not protrude to a worker side, whereby a position of a path line of the appropriate one of the stockers can be freely positioned at a position of the path line PL of a tool holder on the press brake side. This enables rapid and easy tool replacement by a bending robot by storing not only the tool made of the punch and the die but also the hand for the robot together.

Abstract: A punching system adapted to punch a sheet metal includes a platform, a punching portion, a base portion and a turret device. The punching portion is disposed on the platform, and a first upper die is detachably installed in the punching portion. The base portion is disposed between the punching portion and the platform, and a first lower die is detachably installed in the base portion. The punching portion is adapted to move back and forth along a first direction relative to the platform. The turret device is adapted to move along a second direction relative to the platform, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. A plurality of second upper dies and second lower dies are correspondingly installed on the turret device.

Abstract: A progressive cold forming machine and a robot for automatically changing a cutoff cassette, tooling cassettes, a transfer slide and transfer cam. A loading area adjacent the machine and robot has provisions for supporting a tooling cassette pallet and a transfer slide and camshaft pallet and a holding area for temporarily receiving some of the componentry being exchanged.

Abstract: A die chanter for a die of a joining device, a die dome adapted to the die and a method for removing a die of a joining device and a method for inserting a die into a joining device. The die has a head having upper and bottom sides, and a shaft extending from the bottom side and receivable and lockable in a dome without rotation. The shaft comprises: at least one first web forming an undercut on two sides by which the shaft is lockable in the dome by a linear inserting movement, at least one second web, the length of which is adaptable to a diameter of the dome to ensure a lateral guiding of the shaft in the dome and which is arranged between the head and the first web, and an ejection surface by which the die can be moved out of the dome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spot welding cap changer (1) with a cap puller (2) and two cap magazines (3, 3A), the cap puller (2) having a gripper (20) with spring-loaded, pivotable jaws (21, 22), which in response to a turning and axial pulling-off movement detaches a spot welding cap (K) of a pincer spot welding head introduced into it from a shaft of the pincer welding head in such a way that it is clamped to prevent it twisting, and the cap magazines (3, 3A) holding spot welding caps respectively in a round cap carrier (31) such that they are circularly arranged in a directed and oriented manner and are respectively transported individually one after the other into an access position against a stop (32) by an advancing force (P).

Abstract: A die change method includes providing a press apparatus having a base and a ram, and a first die set including an upper die member and a lower die member. The lower die member is supported on the base and the upper die member is mounted on the ram. The ram is lowered into a closed, home position to mate the upper and lower die members and to perform an operation on a workpiece disposed between the die members. The ram is released from the upper die member. The ram is raised a minimum distance to provide minimal clearance for removing the upper and lower die members from the press. The mated upper and lower die members are moved out of the press with the workpiece held between the upper and lower die members.

Abstract: A robot controller (7) controlling a robot (1) used combined with a machine tool (5, 6) provided with a communication unit (9) connecting the robot controller to a machine tool, a detection unit (52) detecting through the communication unit a type and number of machine tools, and a setting unit (55) setting the robot controller based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit. Due to this, machine tool and robot startup work can be simply and easily performed without requiring skill or increasing the startup man-hours. The setting unit selects one setting file from among a plurality of setting files for the robot controller, stored in the robot controller, based on the type and number of machine tools detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: In a bending apparatus which moves one of upper and lower tables (9, 10), and performs bending on a workpiece (W) by tools (P, D) attached to the upper and lower tables (9, 10), a tool group including a plurality of split tools is transferred to the upper and lower table (9, 10), a plurality of process stations are formed by splitting the transferred tool into a plurality of tool groups based on automatically or manually determined tool-layout information, and then bending is carried out.

Abstract: A setup information generating device for a punch press which can generate setup information on replacement of a punch and a die with compatible tools, that is, replacement among punches and dies identified by the same tool number and used for processing for the same shape and the same size and which can also generate setup information according to processing know-how or the like. The device has a setup information generating device 48 for comparing a processing schedule with tool numbers in a mounted tool information storage device 45 to generate setup information. The device has a compatible tool registering device 38 for registering processing conditions such as material quality and board thickness and information on which of plural types of punches 81 and dies 82 identified by the same tool number are compatible as a punch 81 and a die 82 which meet the processing conditions are registered in accordance with inputs from an operation panel 46.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool holding clamp for a multiple change of tools for radial presses, where said presses comprise a plurality of radial jaws (12, 12?) onto which the tools (14) are mounted and where tools and jaws are provided with complementary coupling means, such as radial pins (15) and relative slots (16). The clamp presents centering devices, working together with the radial press to guarantee alignment of said complementary devices when the tools are mounted onto the jaws of the press. A tool holding rack for radial presses also constitutes the object of the invention, and is provided with devices adapted to interacting with the tool holding clamp for positioning the tools onto said clamp in the position of alignment with the jaws of the press.

Abstract: There is provided a counter-rotating spindle transmission. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a punching machine comprising a tool bearing configured to mate with a punching tool, a rotary/lifting drive coupled to the tool bearing to move the tool bearing axially along a tool bearing lifting axis and to rotate the tool bearing about the lifting axis, the rotary/lifting drive comprising a first motor coupled to drive a first spindle transmission coupled to the tool bearing, a second motor coupled to drive a second spindle transmission coupled to the tool bearing, and a drive controller configured to independently and simultaneously drive both the first and second motors selectively in a common rotary sense and in a contra-rotary sense, to jointly move the tool bearing both axially and rotationally.

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices which mount the divided tools on the bending station.

Abstract: A punch press capable of carrying out various processing with few tools, and the exchanging of cartridges efficiently. The punch press includes a punch frame 2 having upper and lower transferring and loading paths 17, 18 wherein upper and lower cartridges 7 loaded with a punch tool and a die tool, respectively, move in or move out freely. A ram 38 drives the punch tool of the upper cartridge 7. The transferring and loading paths 17, 18 are employed wherein the upper and lower cartridges 7 are capable of being stored and discharged to the inside and the outside of the press frame 2 independently. The upper and lower transferring and loading paths 17, 18 are capable of storing at least two cartridges 7 to the front and the back of the moving-in and moving-out direction. The cartridge transferring and loading paths 17, 18 are capable of transferring independently the front and back cartridges 7.

Abstract: An apparatus for press brake punch transfer consisting of a carriage; a plurality of rollers supporting the carriage and facilitating lateral rolling motion of the carriage; a press brake punch support bed having rollers facilitating longitudinal press brake punch movement; a plurality of screw actuated telescoping quills interconnecting the press brake punch support bed and the carriage, the quills facilitating vertical movement of the press brake punch support bed; laterally paired and longitudinally extending walls defining in combination with the press brake punch support bed, a press brake punch support channel having a lateral width; and a plurality of jack screw actuators spanning between and interconnecting the laterally paired and longitudinally extending walls, the jack screws being adapted for alternately increasing and decreasing the press brake support channel's lateral width.

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount said divided tools on the bending station, in which are provided a first memory means (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory means (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product and, a first computation means (407) which, based on the bending line length, flange length, bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, and a second computation means (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control means (411) which controls the tool exchange device s

Abstract: An exchanging device is proposed for the parts-specific accessories and especially for the suction crossarm in a press, press line, multiple-die press for large parts or the like in order to make possible a good accessability of the press area, the exchanging device in the parked position is below the passable covering.

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bending press, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount the divided tools on the bending station, and provide a first memory (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product, a first computation (407) which, based on the bending line length, flange length, and bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, a second computation (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control (411) which controls the tool exchange device so that each divided tool is moved from the housed pos

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount the divided tools on the bending station, in which are provided a first memory (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product and, a first computation device (407) which, based on the bending line length, flange length, bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, and a second computation device (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control (411) which controls the tool exchange device so that each divid

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bonding press and, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount said divided tools on the bending station, in which are provided a first memory means (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory means (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product and, a first computation means (407) which, basted on the bending line length, flange length, bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, and a second computation means (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control means (411) which controls the tool exchange device

Abstract: A orientation device including two turrets, carrying a plurality of punch-die pairs, are rotatable to carry a punch-die pair to a work station and, simultaneously, another punch-die pair to a changeover station. A magazine of punch-die pairs comprises at least one pair of discs joined to each other and carrying a series of punch-die pairs. The discs are selectively rotated to take a predetermined new punch-die pair to a collection station. At least one exchange arm is rotated by a corresponding servomotor and carries at least one gripper element, axially and radially moveable with respect to the arm, independently of each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for loading punch pins into a punch pin holding plate of a gang-punch apparatus wherein an individual punch pin is removed from a preloaded punch pin holder or supply plate, transferred to a load station which precisely locates the punch pin shank over the pre-drilled hole in the punch pin holding plate while holding the punch perpendicular and coaxial to the hole and pushes the punch into the punch pin holding plate. A vision system is used to align the hole in the punch pin holding plate and to verify that the punch pin is properly loaded into the holding plate. The above sequence for individual punches is repeated until the desired number of punch pins are transferred from the preloaded holder to the punch pin holding plate.

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount said divided tools on the bending station, in which are provided a first memory means (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory means (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product and, a first computation means (407) which, based on the bending line length, flange length, bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, and a second computation means (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control means (411) which controls the tool exchange device s

Abstract: A card cutting apparatus for cutting business cards out of paper stock. The card cutting apparatus includes a housing. The housing comprises a base portion and an upper portion. The base portion has an upper side and a lower side. The upper portion is hingedly coupled to the base portion such that the upper portion may be selectively positioned between an abutted position and a removed position with respect to the base portion. The upper portion has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface and a pair of side surfaces. The bottom surface has a cavity therein. A rod is rotatably mounted in the upper portion, and extends through the side surfaces and through the cavity such that the rod has a pair of ends each extending away from one of the side surfaces. The rod extends through and securely attached to a cam. A handle member is coupled to each of the ends of the rod.

Abstract: A worktable apparatus for a machine tool, such as a CNC punch press, a laser equipped machine tool or plasma torch equipped machine tool, which processes a metal sheet or plate workpiece. The worktable apparatus serves a dual function as (a) a worktable that supports a workpiece during processing by a machine tool and as (b) an unloading station for unloading a workpiece or a skeletal remnant produced by the machine tool. The machine tool has a set of workclamps, which move under CNC control along at least one of the numerically controlled axes, grip the workpiece and carry it through the machine for processing. Located on one side of the machine tool, the worktable apparatus has a surface adapted to allow the workpiece to ride smoothly under the motive power of the workclamps.

Abstract: A grasping device for changing bending tools on tube bending machines which includes a frame mounted over the bending machine. The grasping device includes a rotary head having independent movements in rotation, vertical motion and horizontal motion. A tool magazine is also movably carried by the portal frame independently of the rotary head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a press with an automatic tool changing function which can reduce the amount of time required to change cartridges. A punch press 1 uses cartridges 2 with tools mounted thereon to press works W, and has a change position 7 where the cartridges 2 are changed. A cartridge transferring and loading device 5 is provided which draws out the cartridges 2 from the change position 7 via a linear path L and transfers and loads the cartridges in a cartridge magazine 3 located on an extension of the linear path L. The transferring and loading device 5 has a cartridge moving-in and -out mechanism 19 that moves both forward and backward to transfer and load the cartridges 2 both in the punch press 1 and in the magazine 3.

Abstract: A punch press is replaced for processing where the punch press has a cartridge on which a plurality of tools are mounted. The punch press includes a control apparatus for controlling a press machine body and a tool information storage device for storing plural pieces of tool information and tool identification information on each of the tools in such a way that the pieces of information mutually correspond. It also includes a cartridge replacement input device for inputting the tool identification information to the control apparatus. The control apparatus has an identification device for using the input tool identification information to identify the tool information on the plurality of tools stored in the tool information storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a press with an automatic tool changing function which can reduce the amount of time required to change cartridges. A punch press 1 uses cartridges 2 with tools mounted thereon to press works W, and has a change position 7 where the cartridges 2 are changed. A cartridge transferring and loading device 5 is provided which draws out the cartridges 2 from the change position 7 via a linear path L and transfers and loads the cartridges in a cartridge magazine 3 located on an extension of the linear path L. The transferring and loading device 5 has a cartridge moving-in and -out mechanism 19 that moves both forward and backward to transfer and load the cartridges 2 both in the punch press 1 and in the magazine 3.

Abstract: The machine includes two turrets carrying a plurality of punch-die pairs, a magazine for these pairs, and a device for changing over the pairs. This device is formed from at least one changeover arm having two gripper elements, each comprising a pair of jaws operable by a common actuator. The two jaws are provided with a through-pin and are each engagable in a pair of channels, perpendicular to each other, carried by a flange of the punch or the die. When the gripper element moves parallel to the axis of the punch or the die, a first channel of the pair is disposed axially and has a quadrangular section, while the other channel is tangential and has a triangular section.

Abstract: The invention is a system for use in a single-anvil hydraulic press or compression system for automatically selecting and changing both the upper and lower tooling. The system is installed between the upper and lower compression anvils of a hydraulic press. The upper portion includes a set of holders for upper tools and adjacent orientation structures or jaws. The upper tool holders and jaws are mounted on a horizontal member that may be moved such that one of the upper tools is "selected" by being placed immediately below the upper anvil of the press. As part of this selection process, the anvil removes the tool from the selected holder, and holds it using pneumatic suction. Then the horizontal member shifts over so that the upper anvil is situated directly above the adjacent orientation structure for that tool. To switch to a different upper tool, the horizontal member again moves the (empty) holder below the upper anvil, whereupon the pneumatic suction is removed causing the tool to drop into the holder.

Abstract: The invention is a system for use in a single-anvil hydraulic press or compression system for automatically selecting and changing both the upper and lower tooling. The system is installed between the upper and lower compression anvils of a hydraulic press. The upper portion includes a set of holders for upper tools and adjacent orientation structures or jaws. The upper tool holders and jaws are mounted on a horizontal member that may be moved such that one of the upper tools is "selected" by being placed immediately below the upper anvil of the press. As part of this selection process, the anvil removes the tool from the selected holder, and holds it using pneumatic suction. Then the horizontal member shifts over so that the upper anvil is situated directly above the adjacent orientation structure for that tool. To switch to a different upper tool, the horizontal member again moves the (empty) holder below the upper anvil, whereupon the pneumatic suction is removed causing the tool to drop into the holder.

Abstract: A device for converting punch changing in punching machines from manual to quick and automatic comprises: a stator element, which can be inserted in a corresponding and conventional seat provided in the machine and supports a plurality of punches which are arranged vertically in a circular pattern and can slide in corresponding hollow seats; a rotor element, which can be rotated by corresponding elements coaxially inside the stator and is eccentrically provided with a pusher which can be aligned, through gradual rotations of the rotor element, so as to be coaxially vertical above each one of the punches; the rotor element can also be moved vertically by an extent inside the stator, in contrast with elastic elements and guided by stem-like elements which are rigidly coupled to the stator element.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a tool-changing mechanism that can be used especially in combination with a metal-forming press. Especially in the case of big and heavy forming tools, pairs of tools are difficult to exchange. The present invention intends to provide the possibility of exchanging also tools of this type rapidly and easily, the tool exchange being, in addition, carried out automatically, if desired. For this purpose, the tool-changing mechanism (1) includes a circulating means provided with a plurality of reception means (4a, 4b) for holding forming tools (5a, 5b). The tool-changing mechanism is adapted to be set up beside a metal-forming press. At a tool changing position, the tools can be pushed into the metal-forming press. Furthermore, the present invention refers to an arrangement comprising a metal-forming press and a tool-changing mechanism in the case of which said tool-changing mechanism is arranged directly at the side of the metal-forming press (10).

Abstract: A punch press machine that enables relatively more tools to be provided without substantially increasing the area taken up by the machine. This invention applies to a punch press machine provided with a work moving means 11 for moving a work sheet W within a single axial direction X over a work table 10 and a tool moving means 12 for moving punch 5 and die 6 within an axial direction perpendicular Y to the axial direction in which the work sheet W is moved. A plurality of punches 5 and dies 6 are arranged in cartridges 7, 8. A plurality of tool magazines 3a are arranged in a tool magazine group 3 in a line parallel to the work table 10, and a tool exchange device 4 for exchanging tools is arranged between the tool magazines 3a and the tool moving means 12. This tool exchange device 4 is moveable in the same axial direction X as the work sheet, and is arranged between the tool magazine group 3 and the work table 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for punching a printed circuit plate. The machine comprises a plurality of punch blocks that are movable relative to the structure. Each block comprises a frame that is movable relative to the structure, displacement means for positioning each frame relative to the structure as a function of instructions received, a non-removable punch die secured to the moving frame and located beneath the plane corresponding to said plate, a punch tool support secured to said frame and disposed above the plane of said plate and positioned relative to the die, said support including means for removably receiving one of a plurality of punch tools adapted to the characteristics of said plate and for positioning said tool relative to the support, and means for controlling vertical displacement of said tool in said support.

Abstract: A tool rack support system which includes leaf spring type flexures which allow the tool rack a measure of compliance in both the horizontal and vertical planes. The support system comprises preferably two flexure support assemblies with each assembly preferably including two cantilevered, horizontally oriented, planar flexures and two cantilevered, vertically oriented, substantially planar flexures which are ultimately supported from the distal end of the horizontally oriented, planar flexures. The vertically oriented, planar flexures give the support system a measure of compliance which allows the tool rack to be moved discretely in the horizontal plane as a result of a robotic arm acquiring or delivering a tool to the tool rack. The horizontally oriented, substantially planar flexures of the support system give the support assembly vertical compliancy to allow the tool rack to be moved discretely in the vertical direction as a result of a robotic arm acquiring or delivering a tool from the tool rack.

Abstract: A tool-shifting device includes a disk having a groove defined therein and a ring member is rotatably mounted to a first side of the disk. A plurality of sockets are pivotally connected to the ring member and each have a part received in the groove. The disk has a cutout communicating with the groove and a carrier movably disposed to a second side thereof, the carrier having a protrusion movably retained in a curved recess of a board which is pivotally disposed to the second end of the disk and actuated by a hydraulic cylinder. The socket removed to the cutout will be engaged with the carrier which is then moved along the curved recess of the board which is pivoted by the hydraulic cylinder. The part of the socket engaged with the carrier is then moved upwardly about a position where the socket is pivotally connected to the ring member so that an orientation of a tool received in the socket is changed with respect to the ring member.

Abstract: A punch press comprising (i) a tool set magazine that is located above a work table for supporting a workpiece and is juxtaposed with a main frame for supporting a punching head and (ii) a tool set delivery system for delivering tool sets between the tool set magazine and the punching head.

Abstract: The system for producing bent sheet-metal articles comprises a bending machine (80) having a punch (84) and a die (86) which cooperate with each other and define a bending space, and a manipulator (64) having a movable head (76) which can grip a piece of sheet metal and place it in the bending space. Each piece to be bent has its own gripper and the head (76) of the manipulator (64) has rapid-attachment means for gripping and releasing the gripper associated with each piece. A table for defining the position of a piece to be bent, a manipulator for gripping and moving a piece of sheet metal by means of a floating head, a bending machine comprising an auxiliary structure for measuring the relative displacement of the punch and the die, and a device for automatically replacing tools of the bending machine are also described.

Abstract: A punching tool storing and interchanging system of the present invention comprises a plurality of punching tool storing magazines respectively storing the multiplicity of punching tools; a stock area stocking the plurality of punching tool storing magazines at a position apart from the punching tool holding member; an operating area positioning the punching tool storing magazine used for interchanging operation among the plurality of punching tool storing magazines near the punching tool holding member; a magazine transferring apparatus transferring the punching tool storing magazine between the stock area and the operating area; and a punching tool interchanging apparatus. The system selects the punching tool among the multiplicity of punching tools stored in the plurality of punching tool storing magazines and interchanges with the punching tool held by the punching tool holding member in the punch press.

Abstract: A combination tool exchanger and storage device adapted to be fitted to a die cutter for exchanging and storing a plurality of profiled cutter dies each having a cutter blade of a different configuration. The die cutter is for cutting a sheet-like material by urging the sheet-like material against a selected one of the profiled cutter dies retained within a cutter die mounting chamber. The combination tool exchanger and storage device includes retaining arms for holding one of the profiled cutter dies so as to confront a first entrance leading to the cutter die mounting chamber and for sliding the profiled cutter die horizontally towards the cutter die mounting chamber, a cutter die storage chamber disposed above or below the die cutter, and an elevator unit for selectively driving the retaining arms between a first position aligned with the first entrance leading to the cutter mounting chamber and a second position aligned with a second entrance leading to the cutter die storage chamber.

Abstract: The turret punch press has a body frame (3); a ram (51) for striking a punch (41) to punch out work (W) in cooperation with a die (35); an upper turret (39) rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of punches (41), any desired punch being selectively located at a punch area (A1); and a lower turret (33) also rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of dies (35), any desired die mated with the desired punch being selectively located at the same punch area (A1). In particular, the upper turret (39) is formed smaller in diameter than the lower turret (33), and further the upper turret (39) is dislocated eccentrically from the lower turret (33) toward the punch area (A1) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33). Or else, the upper turret (39) is formed with a cutout portion (53) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33) when the upper turret is disposed concentrically on the upper turret (39).

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for economically providing an automatic tool changing capability to a numerically controlled punch press, without the addition of servo drives dedicated to the tool changer. The punch press has a back rail carrying work clamps and positionable along an X axis for positioning the workpiece along that axis. The punch and die assembly is carried in a work head which is servo driven along a Y axis, so that the pair of servos accomplish X, Y positioning with respect to the workpiece. A plurality of tool cartridges are carried on the back rail. To accomplish a tool change operation, the X axis servo is indexed to bring a selected tool holder to a tool change position, and the remaining positioning for making the tool exchange (either into an empty cartridge or from a full cartridge) is accomplished by Y positioning of the tool head, without the need to alter the workpiece Y position or index an auxiliary mechanism for a tool change operation.

Abstract: The turret punch press has a body frame (3); a ram (51) for striking a punch (41) to punch out work (W) in cooperation with a die (35); an upper turret (39) rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of punches (41), any desired punch being selectively located at a punch area (A1); and a lower turret (33) also rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of dies (35), any desired die mated with the desired punch being selectively located at the same punch area (A1). In particular, the upper turret (39) is formed smaller in diameter than the lower turret (33), and further the upper turret (39) is dislocated eccentrically from the lower turret (33) toward the punch area (A1) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33). Or else, the upper turret (39) is formed with a cutout portion (53) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33) when the upper turret is disposed concentrically on the upper turret (39).