US3890870A - Free travel handle for louver punch or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved louver apparatus including a reciprocating punch, a die having spaced anvil and support members for receiving the punch therebetween, and actuating means for the punch. The actuating means includes a handle, having a limited degree of free travel, and an integral ball and link for transmission of force from the handle to the punch. The handle, ball and link coact so that maximum downward force is applied to the handle when the punch is cutting through metal to form a louver. The punch and die are jointly pivotally indexable to different positions for cutting louvers both longitudinally and transversely of a metal sheet. The anvil has four working edges to provide longer useful life.

Description

United States Patent Van Cleave FREE TRAVEL HANDLE FOR LOUVER PUNCH OR THE LIKE Eugene Van Cleave, Orchard Lake, Mich.

Van Mark Products Corporation, Farmington Hills, Mich.

Filed: May 6, 1974 Appl. No.: 467,012

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 310,046, Nov. 29, 1972.

Inventor:

Assignee:

US. Cl. 83/616; 83/633; 83/698 Int. Cl. 326d 5/08 Field of Search 83/698, 616, 633, 634;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary ExaminerAndrew R. Juhasz Assistant ExaminerLeon Gilden Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cullen, Settle, Sloman & Cantor [57] ABSTRACT An improved louver apparatus including a reciprocating punch, a die having spaced anvil and support members for receiving the punch therebetween, and actuating means for the punch. The actuating means includes a handle, having a limited degree of free travel, and an integral ball and link for transmission of force from the handle to the punch. The handle, ball and link coact so that maximum downward force is applied to the handle when the punch is cutting through metal to form a louver. The punch and die are jointly pivotally indexable to different positions for cutting louvers both longitudinally and transversely of a metal sheet. The anvil has four working edges to provide longer useful life.

4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUM24 1975 3. 8 90,870 SHEET 3 FREE TRAVEL HANDLE FOR LOUVER PUNCH OR THE LIKE This is a division of application Ser. No. 310,046, filed Nov. 29, 1972.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to apparatus for selective punching of sheet metal or the like and, more particularly, to an improved apparatus for cutting or punching louvers or vanes in sheet metal.

Machines for forming louvers are well known as exemplified by US. Pat. No. 2,728,316 issued to Oberg et al on Dec. 27, 1955. The Oberg et al patent discloses a basic louver cutter including a frame, a punch and die arrangement and a schematic actuating mechanism.

Other prior art louver cutters include actuating means operating on the principle of a cam and cam follower to force a punch through the sheet metal with resilient means urging the punch and actuating means back to a rest position. One disadvantage with this type of actuating mechanism is binding of the resilient means. A greater disadvantage is the excess force necessary to operate the cutter to punch through the sheet metal because the force is not being applied to the actuating means in the same direction that the punch is moving while punching through the sheet metal.

Another problem arises in prior art devices which include an indexing feature to permit louvers to be punched both longitudinally and transversely of a metal sheet. The prior art indexing means do not provide for proper alignment of the upper reciprocating punch and the stationary die. Such alignment, according to the prior art devices, is by eye which may result in one louver being improperly punched each time the punch and die are indexed and in contact between the punch and die causing excess wear and damage to both the punch and die.

Yet another problem in prior art devices of this nature is based on the rapid wearing out of the working edge of the anvil. The anvil is subjected to a repeated shearing stress each time the cutting member punches through the sheet metal against the anvil. After a certain number of punching operations, the working edge of the anvil wears out and a new anvil is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved louver cutter.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved louver cutter including actuating means which provide positive control of the punch.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved louver cutter having actuating means which provides a mechanical advantage over actuating means of the prior art.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved louver cutting having an actuating means which permits a maximum force to be applied to the actuating means in the same direction that the punch moves while cutting through the work piece.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved indexing means for a louver cutter so that the punch and die will be aligned after indexing.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved anvil having a plurality of working edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing objects of the present invention, together with other objects and advantages which may be attained by its use, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify corresponding parts:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the louver cutter of the present invention showing the actuating means in a rest position;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the louver cutter of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial front elevation taken along plane 33 of FIG. 1 illustrating the punch means and anvil means of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevation of the louver cutter of the present invention illustrating the actuating means in a working position; 7

FIG. 5 is an illustration ofa work piece having a plurality of louvers punched therein;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the actuating means of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation of the louver cutter of the present invention illustrating the punch means and die means indexed to a different working position;

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view taken along plane 88 of FIG. 4 illustrating the punch means indexed in a first position; and

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view taken along plane 99 of FIG. 7 illustrating the punch indexed in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The louver cutter of the present invention includes a generally C-shaped frame 10 having an upper leg 12 and a lower leg 14, punch means 16 disposed in the upper leg, die means 18 attached to the lower leg and means 20 for actuating the punch means to punch a louver in a work piece W by reciprocating the punch means with respect to the die means.

The die means 18 of the present invention include a base 22 rotatably mounted in the lower leg 14 of the frame. A support member 24 having an aperture 26 is secured to the base 22 by a screw 28 which is threaded into a tapped hole 29 in the base.

An anvil 30 having a hole 32 therethrough is secured to the base opposite from the support member by another screw 28 which is threaded into a second hole in the base member 22. It may be appreciated that if the hole in the base 22 extends completely therethrough and the hole or aperture in either the support member or the anvil is threaded, a single screw may be utilized to fasten the anvil and support member to the base.

One problem with prior art anvils is that the working or shearing edge or surface of the anvil wears out quickly. To overcome this problem, applicant has provided an improved shearing member 34 which may be configured as a rectangular rod. The shearing member 34 has a plurality of apertures 36 therethrough which may be aligned with apertures 38 in the anvil 30. A plurality of screws 40 may be utilized to fasten the shearing member to the top of the anvil.

The punch means 16 of the present invention includes a cylindrical ram 50 disposed for vertical reciprocating movement within the upper frame leg 12. The

ram which has a plurality of longitudinal peripheral grooves 52, includes a lower portion 54 of reduced diameter. A cutting member 56 having an aperture or hole 58 therethrough is fastened to the ram by a screw 60 inserted in a threaded hole 62 in the reduced diameter portion 54 of the ram.

The upper end of the ram 50 includes a narrow neck portion 68 and a radial flange 70 axially outward of the neck. The flange. neck and ram define a socket 72 for connection to the actuating means of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the actuating means of the present invention is shown at rest and includes a handle 74 which is substantially flush with the upper frame leg 12. With reference to FIG. 4 the handle 74 is illustrated in a working position at the time that the punch means 16 and more specifically the cutting member 56 is cutting through a work piece W. It will be appreciated, as shown by the arrow, that the force applied to the bandle is in the same direction as the movement of the cutting member. If the handle were more vertical rather than horizontal the force being applied to the handle would be lateral rather than downward The novel structure to provide this advantage of applying a downward force during the actual punching is illustrated in an exploded view in FIG. 6 including the handle having a transverse sleeve 76 welded thereto. The sleeve has a arcuate peripheral slot 78 including slot ends 80.

A rod 82 of generally circular cross-section is disposed within the sleeve 76 and journalled in the upper frame leg 12 for rotation. The rod includes a tapped hole 84 and the rod provides an axis for rotation of th handle 74.

Means are provided for transmitting force from the handle 74 to the ram 50. Specifically an integral ball and link 86 has the ball portion disposed in the socket 72. The link is threaded as at 87 and is screwed into the hole 84 in the rod 82.

When it is desired to reciprocate the punch means, the handle 74 is rotated with respect to the rod 82. The slot 78 provides a limited amount of free travel of the handle until the slot end 80 bears against the link portion of the ball and link. At that time force is transmitted from the handle through the ball and link combination to the socket 72 forcing the ram downward.

As the handle is further pivoted with respect to the rod 82 the continued force is transmitted to force the ram downward and the cutting member 56 punches through the work piece.

To return the punch to its rest position, the handle 74 is pivoted back towards its rest position and the opposite slot end engages the bottom portion of the ball and link after a limited amount of free travel of the handle. Force is again transmitted by the ball and link into the socket but acts upward against the bottom of the radial flange 70 on the ram to lift the ram upward. Thus there is positive control of the ram in both directions.

With reference to FIG. 1 it may be appreciated that, as the louver cutter is actuated, the punch means 16 cuts through the work piece W and exerts a force against one edge 41 of the shearing member. When this edge becomes sufficiently worn, the screws 40 may be removed and the shearing member 34 rotated or turned about a longitudinal axis to move a different edge into a working position. This provides four working edges from a single shearing member thus extending useful life of one anvil.

One additional advantage gained by using a shearing member 34 secured to an anvil is that the anvil may be made of ordinary metal stock and the shearing member may be manufactured of a high strength material such an nickel or high carbon steel. Since these are more expensive it is desired to use little as necessary. With the combination of the present invention. the entire die means is not manufactured of high carbon steel. and only a rectangular rod must be replaced when all four working edges are worn. This provides a reduced cost upon the replacement of the shearing member 34 as contrasted to replacing the entire anvil as required in the prior art.

FIG. 5 illustrates a work piece W having a plurality of louvers 42 punched therein. If it is desired to punch the louvers in a different direction, it is necessary to index both the punch means 16 and the die means 18. Thus the die means 18 must be rotated or indexed about a vertical axis from the position of FIG. 4 to the position of FIG. 7. The base 22 of the die means 18 in cludes a circumferential groove 44 disposed below the surface of the anvil and support member. A threaded aperture 46 is disposed in the lower frame leg 14 and aligned vertically with the groove 44. A threaded detent 48 is inserted into the aperture 46 and tightened to cooperate with the groove 44 to prevent rotation of the base 22.

Means are provided for indexing the punch means 16 for cutting both longitudinal and transverse louvers. Specifically, a spring detent 64 is threaded into a hole 66 in the upper frame leg 12 and is disposed to engage a groove 52 in the ram 50.

To prevent misalignment of the punch relative to the die means when both are indexed, it may be seen with reference to FIG. 4, that as the punch means 16 is lowered to its extreme bottom position, the bottom of the cutting member 56 is below the top plane of the bearing member 34. Given this spatial relationship, if the detent 48 is loosened in the lower leg of the frame and the cutting member 56 is pivoted to index the punch means, the die means 18 will be pivoted therewith. Once the spring detent 64 engages another longitudinal groove, 52 in the ram, the detent 48 associated with the die means may be tightened and the punch and die are properly aligned. This feature of joint pivotal indexing of the punch means and die means prevents even the slightest misalignment.

The foregoing is a description of one embodiment of the present invention and, therefore, should not be read in a restrictive sense but only as describing the underlying concepts of the present invention. The invention may be further developed within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for cutting louvers in metal or the like including a frame having a reciprocable punch therein and die means having spaced anvil and support members receiving the punch therebetween, the improvement comprising:

means for actuating said punch, said actuating means having an initial limited degree of free travel so that said actuating means is properly positioned with respect to said punch,

said actuating means including a handle terminating in a sleeve having an arcuate peripheral slot, and

means extending through said slot and coupling said handle to said reciprocable punch;

the ends of said slot coacting with said coupling means for limiting the free travel of said actuating means and to actuate said punch.

2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes a rod and an integral ball and link for transmitting force from said handle to said punch, said rod mounted in said sleeve said ball being received by said punch and said link extending through said slot and attached to said rod. 1

3. In a portable machine for stamping louvers or the like in sheet metal stock, said machine including a frame, anvil means. and a ram reciprocable between first and second positions and having a removable cutting member secured thereto, the improvement comprising:

handle means including a first portion engaging said ram for positive motion of said ram between said first and second positions. and having a second portion for limited free pivotal travel with respect to said first portion,

said first handle portion includes a rod having a tapped hole, and

a ball and integral link, said link being threaded in said hole and said ball engaging said ram.

said second handle portion includes a sleeve having an arcuate peripheral slot. the ends of said slot for limiting the free pivotal travel of said second portion of said handle means, said rod being disposed in said sleeve and said integral link extending through said slot into said tapped hole.

4. The improvement of claim 3 wherein said ram includes a first end having a neck and terminating in a radial flange to form a socket for receiving said ball.

Claims (4)

1. In an apparatus for cutting louvers in metal or the like including a frame having a reciprocable punch therein and die means having spaced anvil and support members receiving the punch therebetween, the improvement comprising: means for actuating said punch, said actuating means having an initial limited degree of free travel so that said actuating means is properly positioned with respect to said punch, said actuating means including a handle terminating in a sleeve having an arcuate peripheral slot, and means extending through said slot and coupling said handle to said reciprocable punch; the ends of said slot coacting with said coupling means for limiting the free travel of said actuating means and to actuate said punch.

2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes a rod and an integral ball and link for transmitting force from said handle to said punch, said rod mounted in said sleeve, said ball being received by said punch and said link extending through said slot and attached to said rod.

3. In a portable machine for stamping louvers or the like in sheet metal stock, said machine including a frame, anvil means, and a ram reciprocable between first and second positions and having a removable cutting member secured thereto, the improvement comprising: handle means including a first portion engaging said ram for positive motion of said ram between said first and second positions, and having a second portion for limited free pivotal travel with respect to said first portion, said first handle portion includes a rod having a tapped hole, and a ball and integral link, said link being threaded in said hole and said ball engaging said ram, said second handle portion includes a sleeve having an arcuate peripheral slot, the ends of said slot for limiting the free pivotal travel of said second portion of said handle means, said rod being disposed in said sleeve and said integral link extending through said slot into said tapped hole.

4. The improvement of claim 3 wherein said ram includes a first end having a neck and terminating in a radial flange to form a socket for recEiving said ball.

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