| 摘要 |
A system (28) for storing dies (144) and the like and the method of operation thereof has a plurality of die storage cells (8) arranged vertically in two columns (30) with an elevator (12) mounted in between. The system can be interfaced with a press (4) or other equipment by means of a bridge (6). The storage cells each have three rollers mounted therein to guide and transport the dies. The elevator has a lift table (36) with ball rollers (46) and V-rollers (48, 50) thereon. The V-rollers (48) guide the die from side to side and the V-rollers (50) guide the die from front to rear and vice-versa on the elevator. There is a ball screw on the elevator to push or pull the dies from side to side between the elevator and the storage cells. There is a serapid chain unit on the system to push or pull the dies from front to rear or vice-versa on the elevator to or from the system. In the method of operation, two storage cells at an entry level are left vacant and a replacement die is retrieved from the system and placed in one of the two entry level storage cells to await the removal of an existing die from a press or other equipment. The existing die is placed in the remaining storage cell at the entry level. The replacement die is removed from the storage cell at the entry level and placed in the press or other equipment. Subsequently, the existing die is returned to its predetermined location in the system. In this manner, down time for the press or other equipment is kept to a minimum. |
