CN101175587A

CN101175587A - Sheet material with bend controlling displacements and method for forming the same

Info

Publication number: CN101175587A
Application number: CNA200680016433XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马克斯·W·德尼; 阿尔文德·兰加拉简
Original assignee: IND ORIGAMI LLC
Current assignee: IND ORIGAMI LLC
Priority date: 2005-03-14
Filing date: 2006-03-13
Publication date: 2008-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-13
Also published as: CN101175587B; ZA200808232B; ZA200708740B

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method of preparing a sheet (421) of material for bending along a bend line, including the step of forming at least one displacement in the thickness direction of the sheet of material, the displacement including a flat zone (428) substantially parallel to the sheet of material with a portion of the periphery of the flat zone extending along and adjacent to the bend line, and including an angled transition zone (432) interconnecting the flat zone with a remainder of the sheet of material. The forming step is preferably accomplished using one of a stamping process, a punching process (443), a roll-forming process and an embossing process. A sheet of material suitable for bending using the process also is disclosed, as are the use of coatings, shin guards and displacing the area of the sheet between bending inducing slits.

Description

Sheet material folding line offset tool and method

Related application

The application is the U.S. Patent No. of submitting on March 14th, 2,005 11/080 that is entitled as " SHEET MATERIAL WITHBEND CONTROLLING DISPLACEMENTS AND METHOD FOR FORMINGTHE SAME ", 288 part continuity, this patent is the U.S. Patent application No.10/795 that is entitled as " SHEET MATERIAL WITH BEND CONTROLLINGDISPLACEMENTS AND METHOD FOR FORMING THE SAME " that submitted on March 3rd, 2004,077 part continuity, No.10/795,077 is the part continuity of the U.S. Patent application that is entitled as " TECHNIQUES FOR DESGNING AND MANUFACUTREPERCISION-FOLDED; HIGH STRENGTH; FATIGUE-RESISTANTSTRUCTURES AND SHEET THEREFOR " of submission on September 26th, 2003, No.10/672,766 is the U.S. Patent application No.10/256 that are entitled as " METHOD FOR PRECISIONBENDING OF SHEET MATERIAL; SLIT SHEET AND FABRICATIONPROCESS " that submitted on September 26th, 2002,870 part continuity, No.10/256,870 is the U.S. Patent application No.09/640 that are entitled as " METHOD FOR PRECISION BENDING OFSHEET OF MATERIAL AND SLIT SHEET THEREFOR " that submitted on August 17th, 2000,267 and present U.S. Patent No. 6,481, the part continuity of 259B1, the full content of these applications all is included in this with way of reference.

The application also requires the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/682 that is entitled as " METHOD AND TOOLINGFOR FORMING SHEET MATERIAL WITH BEND CONTROLLINGDISPLACEMENTS " of submission on March 17th, 2005,057 priority, the full content of this application all are included in this by reference.

Technical field

The application relates generally to accurate pleated sheet material, relates more specifically to then sheet material be bent or be folded into three-dimensional structure with the sheet material that punching press, mold pressing, roll extrusion, type are pressed and the similar procedure preparation is used to bend.

Background technology

The present invention and device are based on otch of deeply discussing in the above-mentioned related application and fluting geometry, and these apply for that each all is included in this by reference.In these related applications, several technology or manufacture process are disclosed, be used for forming otch and groove, these technology will accurately be controlled the bending of sheet material widely, and described technology comprises laser cutting (laser cutting), jet cutting (water jetcutting), mold pressing (stamping), punching press (punching), molded (molding), casting (casting), three-dimensional xerox (stereo lithography), roll extrusion (roll forming), turning (machining), chemical milling (chemical milling), optical etching (photo-etching) etc.Being used for making some processes that bend initiation otch geometry may be than some other process costliness.For example, for example compare with punching press or mold pressing, laser cutting relates to extra cost inherently, but punching press may not be fit to relative heavy sheet material well with mold pressing.

Otch geometry in the above-mentioned related application of pointing out of precision bending can be applicable to the many mechanisms that form with light-duty relatively sheet material advantageously.Than intensity and endurance demand, this and structure need to be more prone to complicated and accurate bending pattern.Form and need accurately and the example of a kind of structure of complicated bending is the base of electronic unit by light-duty relatively sheet material, rent computer, audio receiver, television set, DVD player etc.

As existing related U.S. patent application No.10/672,766 is described, opens the dull and stereotyped sheet material of otch or groove according to having related application now, can allow electric component pass through " picking up-place (pick-and-place) " technology and be installed on this flat sheet.Described sheet material is folded into casing or housing then, and all space of components is positioned on the position of housing hope relatively.The technology of " picking up-place " greatly reduces cost, and the ability that flat sheet is folded into accurate in size casing with the bending technology of light relatively power.Though this electronics base can form with laser cutting or jet cutting technology, otch is shaped or the groove forming technique if can adopt more cheaply, then can have significant advantage.So, such as punching press, mold pressing, roll extrusion etc. more cheaply manufacture process use together with relative light-duty material and have superiority very much, if they can not lose the accuracy advantage of the otch geometry that can produce in the related application.

And the otch forming technique such as punching press, mold pressing and roll extrusion, can produce the otch of zero basically warpage (zero kerf) and kerf width size, and material and warpage and the measurable otch of width dimensions is removed in laser and jet cutting.The sheet material advantage of zero warpage is that sheet material bending back is more sealed along folding line.So they can be not such to the measurable sheet material of warpage size, in the bending process, tend to open a lot.This allows zero warpage sheet material be fit to apply with protective layer, and described protective layer will seal and seal folding line, with the application scenario that allows them to be used to need electromagnetic shielding, corrosion-resistant, tempting outward appearance and fluid to seal.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of method, be used for preparing the sheet material that is used for along the folding line precision bending, the relatively low and extensive use field that is suitable for using sheet material of described method cost.

Further aim of the present invention provides a kind of low cost method, be used for preparing the sheet material that is used to bend, this method can bend accurately in order to avoid bend the accumulation of error, is suitable for complicated bending pattern, and only needs minimum power to bend.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of material sheet, it is used for bending, wherein form otch or groove with low-cost manufacture process, described manufacture process can produce such structure, and this structure can seal, fluid seals, corrosion-resistant or must have tempting outward appearance.

Bent sheet material of the present invention and bending are brought out the sheet material manufacturing process and are also had other purposes and advantageous characteristic, and they will be discussed in following the specific embodiment of the present invention in more detail, and carry out example and diagram in the accompanying drawings.

The method that the present invention preparation is used for the material sheet that bends along folding line briefly may further comprise the steps: form at least one offset portion along the material sheet thickness direction, make the most that part of edge and the opposite planar of providing of close folding line of this offset portion periphery, described planar configuration and be positioned in edge-plane engagement that material sheet is provided in the bending process.Described offset portion is preferably pressed (embossing), chemical milling or etching process with punching press, mold pressing, roll extrusion, type, and one of them forms, and wherein mould, cutting element, cutter or chemical reagent form otch or the shear line or the groove of zero warpage on sheet material.When using mould, the offset portion periphery that forms by mould, promptly the periphery of close folding line by partial cut at least, shear the gauge that passes near the material sheet of folding line fully usually.Most preferably, form a plurality of offset portion, make offset portion alternately be positioned at the opposite side portion of folding line along folding line.In most preferred form, in fact the periphery of close folding line is superimposed upon on the folding line, makes that feed (jog) distance between the offset portion on the folding line opposite side portion is substantially zero.But offset portion can have sheet thickness size-1 feed distance to about+1 times of scope approximately.Offset portion produces opposed edges and planar structure also by the moulding distortion of set of molds.When bending, material sheet can not rupture along the offset portion of moulding distortion or break, so will keep fluid sealing continuous structure along the kink of folding line, perhaps material sheet can break, and is similar to plane and the opposed edges that cuts sheet with generation.Although preferred offset qualification is at the tongue piece of otch or groove inboard, also can the vertical misalignment otch or groove between the zone, and still can realize the precision bending on edge-plane.And preferably along the offset direction of tongue piece, if still can stand lower accuracy, bending can be in the opposite direction for overbending direction.

Also provide and be fit to along the material sheet of folding line bending, this sheet material comprises, briefly, such sheet material comprises at least one offset portion that has along the sheet thickness direction, make the most that part of edge and the opposite planar of providing of close folding line of offset portion, described planar configuration become in the bending process edge-plane engagement that on described that part of peripheral opposite side, produces sheet material.Most preferably, on the alternately sidepiece of folding line, form a plurality of offset portion along folding line.Before the bending, continuous coating material layer can be applied on the sheet material, further guarantees final kink fluid sealing, corrosion-resistant and good-looking.Offset portion on the material sheet can local be extended and penetrated sheet material or pass completely through sheet material, and for the precision of maximum, sheet material can bend along the offset direction, perhaps relies on the bending band that tilts and bends with control accuracy in the opposite direction.Randomly but be not least to wish ground, when not needing the precision that the edge-plane bending can realize, sheet material can bend along opposite direction.

One aspect of the present invention has been instructed a kind of method, be used for preparing the material sheet that is used for along the folding line bending, described method comprises step: the thickness direction along material sheet forms at least one offset portion, described offset portion comprises the flat site that is arranged essentially parallel to material sheet, and the part periphery of described flat site is along also extending near folding line.Described offset portion also comprises angled transitional region, and described transitional region is interconnected with the remainder of described flat site and material sheet.That part of periphery that described forming step is preferably near folding line provides the edge, for material sheet provides corresponding apparent surface, and described edge and surface configuration and the edge that is positioned in formation material sheet in the bending process-plane engagement.Described forming step can pass completely through thickness direction along described that part of periphery and shear material sheet.Described forming step can be with mold process, punching course, roll extrusion process, one of them is finished to press process based on the shearing of cutter and type.

In one embodiment, a plurality of offset portion can be formed on the material sheet along folding line, make each offset portion have the flat site of the peripheral part of close folding line, so that a plurality of edges and opposite planar to be provided, are used for the edge-plane bending of material sheet.Each flat site can have the peripheral part that is superimposed upon basically on the folding line.Described forming step can be with mold process, punching course, roll extrusion process, one of them is finished to press process based on the shearing of cutter and type.Described forming step can be finished with the capstan head forcing press, and forming each in described a plurality of offset portion, wherein said capstan head forcing press is repositioned onto each desired location in described a plurality of offset portion with respect to material sheet.Described forming step can be finished with the module set of molds, and described module set of molds comprises many die units, and its number is corresponding to the number of offset portion.The size of described a plurality of offset portion can be different, and wherein die unit also correspondingly is of different sizes, and number and size also with described a plurality of offset portion complementations.

In one embodiment, the described peripheral part of offset portion can be positioned on the opposite side portion of folding line, and feed distance each other is less than the gauge of material sheet.Described feed distance can be in the pact-0.5 of material sheet gauge times in+0.5 times scope.The peripheral part of described offset portion can be positioned on the opposite side portion of folding line, to limit the bending band that orientation tilts to pass folding line.Described bending band can have and is about material thickness 2-5 width doubly.

The coating material layer can adhere on the material sheet, is covered with the peripheral part of offset portion.Described adhesion step can form continuous flexible coating material layer.

Preferably, flat site prolongs and comprises crooked end.The periphery of described crooked end can be semicircle.

Described method may further include along the step of folding line bending material sheet.Described bending step can manually be finished.

Another aspect of the present invention has been instructed and has been fit to along the material sheet of folding line bending, and wherein said sheet material can be used one of them formation of said method.Preferably, material sheet has at least one offset portion along the thickness direction of material sheet, and described offset portion comprises: be arranged essentially parallel to the flat site of material sheet, make the part periphery of described offset portion extend along also close folding line; And comprising angled transitional region, described transitional region is interconnected with the remainder of described flat and material sheet.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A is the fracture top plan view of material sheet, and described material sheet has bending control offset portion therein formed according to the present invention;

Figure 1B is the amplification fracture facade sectional view of sheet material among Figure 1A, and the line 1B-1B in Figure 1A cuts basically;

Fig. 1 C is the sectional view corresponding to Figure 1B, and wherein sheet material has bent 90 degree from the flat condition of Figure 1B;

Fig. 1 D is the sectional view corresponding to Figure 1B of sheet material alternate embodiment, and wherein protective finish adheres on the material sheet;

Fig. 1 E is the sectional view corresponding to Fig. 1 C of the coated sheet of the bending of Fig. 1 D;

Fig. 2 A is material sheet fracture, the schematic top view corresponding to Figure 1A, for the ease of understanding, single offset portion only is shown or shears tongue piece;

Fig. 2 B and 2C are the view of sheet material shown in Fig. 2 A corresponding to Figure 1B and 1 C;

Fig. 3 A is corresponding to the fracture of the material sheet of Figure 1A, schematic top view, and showing only has an offset portion or shear tongue piece, and described tongue piece has been sheared or has surpassed the sheet thickness size with being offset;

Fig. 3 B and 3C are that sheet material shown in Fig. 3 A is corresponding to the view of Figure 1B and 1C;

Fig. 4 A is corresponding to the fracture of the material sheet of Figure 1A, schematic top view, and described sheet material has the alternate embodiment of single tongue piece, and this tongue piece has the center tongue piece distortion of reinforcement;

Fig. 4 B and 4C are that sheet material shown in Fig. 4 A is corresponding to the view of Figure 1B and 1C;

Fig. 4 D is the sectional view that the 4D-4D line in Fig. 4 cuts;

Fig. 5 A is corresponding to the fracture of the material sheet of Figure 1A, schematic top view, and described sheet material has the alternate embodiment of single tongue piece, the moulding distortion of described tongue piece and be offset along the sheet thickness direction;

Fig. 5 B and 5C are that sheet material shown in Fig. 5 A is corresponding to the view of Figure 1B and 1C;

Fig. 5 D is the view corresponding to Fig. 5 C, and wherein sheet material ruptures in the bending process or breaks;

Fig. 6 A is corresponding to the fracture of the material sheet of Figure 1A, schematic top view, wherein shows the alternate embodiment of the offset portion with continuous periphery, passes sheet thickness direction partial cut;

Fig. 6 B and 6C are that sheet material embodiment shown in Fig. 6 A is corresponding to the view of Figure 1B and 1C;

Fig. 7 A is corresponding to the fracture of the material sheet of Fig. 6 A, schematic top view, and wherein the offset portion on the sheet material is passed a peripheral side partial cut, and passes completely through the opposite side shearing of periphery;

Fig. 7 B and 7C are that sheet material shown in Fig. 7 A is corresponding to the view of Figure 1B and 1C;

Fig. 8 is the front view of material sheet of bending, and described sheet material has the offset portion shown in Fig. 2 A-2C, has to cover protecting watt of bending, illustrates with broken string, and illustrates the upright lug that tightens up;

Fig. 9 is the plane of material sheet shown in Figure 8, and it has with solid line and illustrates and install and be fastened at protecting watt on the lug;

Figure 10 is the front view of the alternate embodiment of material sheet, and it has shown in broken lines protecting watt and syndeton;

Figure 11 is the end plan view of material sheet shown in Figure 10, and it has with solid line and illustrates and be installed in protecting watt on the sheet material by syndeton;

Figure 12 A is formed according to the present invention and navigates to the side view that is used on the setting tool plate by the material sheet of column spinner and the bending of mobile link rod;

Figure 12 B is the side view of material sheet shown in Figure 12 A after the local bending of sheet material on the tool palette;

Figure 12 C is the later side views of the bending of material sheet shown in Figure 12 A 90 degree;

Figure 13 A is formed according to the present invention and by being positioned at the side view that is used on the setting tool plate by the material sheet of pneumatic bending bladders bending;

Figure 13 B is the side view behind the bending of material sheet shown in Figure 13 A 90 degree;

Figure 14 A is the top plan schematic view of the material sheet of recessing according to the present invention;

Figure 14 B is the end-view of Figure 14 A;

Figure 14 C is the side view of Figure 14 A, and half sheet material that illustrates above the folding line is bent outside paper;

Figure 14 D is the end-view of the sheet material that bends as Figure 14 C;

Figure 15 A is having groove and being provided with the schematic top view of the material sheet of stress relieve feature according to alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 B is the end-view of sheet material shown in Figure 15 A;

Figure 15 C is the side view of sheet material shown in Figure 15 A, and half sheet material is shown above the folding line by bending beyond paper;

Figure 15 D is the end-view of the sheet material that bends shown in Figure 15 C;

Figure 16 A is the schematic top view of material sheet, and described sheet material has shear line control kink and has zone between the shear line vertically adjacent on folding line the same side, and the skew of described zone is to produce edge-plane bending;

Figure 16 B is the end-view of bending sheet materials shown in Figure 16 A;

Figure 16 C is the side view of sheet material shown in Figure 16 A, and the first half sheet material is shown is folded in the paper;

Figure 16 D is the end-view of bending sheet materials shown in Figure 16 C;

Figure 16 E is the amplification sectional view of sheet material shown in Figure 16 A, and this figure line 16E-16E in Figure 16 A basically cuts;

Figure 16 F is the sectional view of the bending of sheet material shown in Figure 16 E 90 degree

Figure 17 is fracture, the top schematic view of material sheet that is similar to the another kind band bending control offset portion of Fig. 1;

Figure 18 A and 18B are amplification, fracture, the end view cross-section of sheet material shown in Figure 17, and this figure is 18-18 and the incision in Figure 17 basically, Figure 18 B illustrate to sheet material shown in Figure 17 further, optional processing;

Figure 19 is amplification, fracture, the end view cross-section after the bending of sheet material shown in Figure 18 A;

Figure 20 A, 20B and 20C are the schematic diagrames of instrument, and described instrument can be used for bending formed according to the present invention control offset portion on sheet material shown in Figure 17;

Figure 21 A and 21B are that other can be used for forming the schematic top view that the instrument of offset portion is controlled in bending on sheet material shown in Figure 17;

Figure 22 A and 22B are fracture, the schematic top view that is similar to the another kind of material sheet with bending control offset portion of Figure 17;

Figure 23 A and 23B can be used for forming the schematic top view that the instrument of offset portion is controlled in bending respectively on the sheet material shown in Figure 22 A and the 22B;

Figure 24 is the schematic top view that is similar to the instrument shown in Figure 23 A and the 23B;

Figure 25 A, 25B are to be used for relative schematic diagram than short bending control offset portion formed according to the present invention with 25C;

Figure 26 can be used for forming the schematic end that other instruments of offset portion are controlled in bending on sheet material similar and shown in Figure 17;

Figure 27 is the sectional view that is similar to sheet material shown in Figure 17, and described sheet material comprises the bending control offset portion that forms with instrument shown in Figure 26;

Figure 28 is the decomposing schematic representation of instrument shown in Figure 26;

Figure 29 is the decomposition diagram of instrument shown in Figure 26;

Figure 30 is the partial, exploded perspective view of instrument shown in Figure 26, shows the drift blade that is inserted into drift blade piece;

Figure 31 is the fragmentary, perspective view of instrument shown in Figure 26, shows;

Figure 32 A, 32B and 32C are the schematic diagrames of the schematic size of cutter shown in Figure 30;

Figure 33 is similar to other instrument decomposition diagrams shown in Figure 29.

The specific embodiment

To discuss the preferred embodiments of the present invention now, its example illustrates in the accompanying drawings.Though the present invention describes in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, should be appreciated that this is not to be intended to limit the invention to these embodiment.But opposite, the present invention is intended to cover those and can be included in by substituting in the subsidiary the spirit and scope of the present invention that claims limited, change and equivalent.

Being used for the method and apparatus of the present invention of precision bending sheet material is based on the relevant disclosed otch geometric shape of opening of application of prior art of above-mentioned affirmation, and described application all is included in this with it by reference.

As mentioned about the prior art related application, the process that is used for forming otch comprises that such as punching press, mold pressing, roll extrusion, machined, optical etching, chemical etching, oxy-acetylene processing etc. described otch will be controlled and the accurately bending of location sheet material.These processes are particularly suitable for material in light weight or thin specification, though they also can be used for heavy relatively sheet material.Thicker or heavy material more has superiority with laser cutting or jet cutting apparatus otch or fluting usually.

Described in the prior art related application, the application scenario that more has superiority for the precision bending sheet material relates to the base of electronic unit.The common high complexity of this base, thus can allow various parts be positioned in the inboard of the final housing of electronic equipment with cubical array.Because the cutting of laser cutting and jet is some costliness all,, wait the base that forms electronic equipment and other low-cost housings etc. such as punching press, mold pressing, roll extrusion so special wish can be with the technology of low cost, high yield.Therefore, the application illustrates these low-cost manufacture processes and how can be applied on the sheet material of relative small cross sections with huge advantage.

Get back to Figure 1A-1C now, material sheet is often referred to and is decided to be 21, is shown among Fig. 1, has a plurality of otch 22, and described otch along folding line 23 location in its vicinity.Otch can be regarded as has the end of leaving from folding line 23 bendings, and crooked cut end limits bending and is with 24 between it, described bending band has center line, it passes folding line 23 and tilts to extend, the extension mode is basically as described in detail such in the prior art related application 10/672,766.As can be seen, on the opposite side of folding line 23, this is a preferred arrangements to vertically adjacent otch 22, but is not the sin qua non along the length positioned alternate of folding line.

From Figure 1A also as can be seen, otch 22 is positioned at from the position of folding line 23 lateral displacements, if but decide like this in order to illustrate the position of folding line.Most preferably in the mode, when lightweight material prepares for bending, otch 22 will mainly be superimposed upon on the folding line 23 in the present invention.This is preferred, because help using same module to be used for sheet material thickness comparatively widely like this.

As at the relevant U.S. Patent application No.10/672 of prior art, 766 described like that, " feed (the jog) " distance definition between the otch 22 is the lateral separation between the otch on the folding line opposite side.Therefore, in the most preferred form of the embodiment of the present application, feed distance is substantially equal to zero, and promptly described otch is accurately positioned on folding line 23, thus make between the otch on the folding line opposite side except the curved end place, not having the lateral separation.As described in the prior art, between the otch with respect to the feed of folding line 23 distance preferably less than the gauge of sheet material 21.Obviously, the feed distance is the zero this requirement of satisfying.

In addition, as can be seen,, also can adopt negative feed distance for the otch 22a and the 22b of sheet material 21 right hand end.As can be seen, otch 22a passes folding line 23 and extends, and otch 22b also is the same.In instruction of the present invention, this is an acceptable, and will produce the edge-plane bending along folding line 23, and this bending for accurate control is to wish to occur.For the thin gauge material of common employing in the electronic equipment base, the feed distance between the otch 22 preferably arrives in about+0.5 times of scope in the pact-0.5 of sheet material 21 gauge t (Fig. 1 b).Because the distance of the feed between the otch is in the negative value that will become increase more than-0.5 times that surpasses material sheet thickness, so sheet material tends to along two folding line bendings rather than along the wall scroll folding line between the notching edge, during along two folding line bendings, its kink is positioned at notching edge.For example, when about 0.8 times of sheet thickness, have been found that the phenomenon that two folding lines in 0.060 sheet metal, occur.

When negative feed distance is used to have zero when splitting the otch 22 of seam (kerf) size, even bend after 90 degree, otch also will keep closure relatively along its length.If otch for example forms by laser cutting and splits seam, and adopted negative feed distance, then material is in bending for example 90 when spending, and tends on the opposite side of otch separately or " light leak (daylight) ".But according to the application, this is acceptable fully.

In following quite detailed explanation, be along the thickness direction skew tongue piece of sheet material or adhere to the closed area of blank (slug) with the mould that cuts sheet with otch punching press or the most preferably modes in the sheet material 21 of being molded into.But, should be appreciated that from the prior art related application otch 22 also can be for example forms shear line or wherein do not have the otch of sheet material skew with cutter rather than with the mould of a part of sheet material of skew.A kind of advantage that forms skew rather than cut with cutter in sheet material is, reduced or no longer needs the edge-planar materials on otch 22 opposite sides to slide.By guaranteeing that each edge and plane will move along correct direction in the bending process, material shifts has also reduced required bending power.

In a preferred form, otch 22 forms by the skew along thickness direction, make a part of periphery of the most close folding line 23 of described skew that edge 26 and opposite planar 27 are provided, described edge and opposite planar dispose and are positioned in the bending process, and edge-plane engagement of material sheet is provided on the opposite side of described periphery.Shown in Figure 1B, D shape tongue piece 28 is skew down, and plane 27 is provided, and when sheet material 21 bendings, the edge on tongue piece 28 lower corner 26 or otch 22 opposite sides meshes against described plane 27.Shown in Figure 1B and 1C, a part of incision periphery is superimposed upon on the plane of folding line 23.The next otch that is arranged in Figure 1B has similar D shape tongue piece 28a, and it is skew down, thereby plane 27a is provided, and edge 26a will mesh against this plane 27a.

When sheet material 21 for example being bent 90 when spending,

edge

26,26a on the plane 27, the mid point of 27a pivots around described plane and be engaged with.When bending continued, they were as the fulcrum (fulcrum) (find out from Fig. 1 C and rotated 45 degree) that is positioned on the folding line 23.So when the bending beginning,

edge

26,26a almost are rotated into and

plane

27,27a engagement immediately, the result has very accurately controlled bending to take place around folding line 23.24

trailing edges

26,26a are with in the bending of tilted alignment, and in the bending process, keep described edge against the

plane

27,27a, contact with opposite planar to keep described fulcrum.Edge-plane is engaged in the prior art related application and describes in more detail.

Diagram among Figure 1A and the 1B has been amplified thickness greatly, makes edge-plane engagement more clearly illustrate.But, should be appreciated that sheet material 21 can be thinner relatively, for example be 0.060 inch, and tongue piece 28 extend only 0.030 inch downwards along thickness direction.But, except the skew of indication tape material in thin sheet material be not very big, these sizes obviously are not key factors.

Find out that from Fig. 1 C edge 26,26a tend to be kept meshing with the tensioning of plane 27,27a with 24.So even on otch 22, the sheet material on the incision periphery both sides of close folding line also will contact with each other on the length of otch.The occasion that this tends to allow the sheet material that bends to be used in for example to need electromagnetic shielding or even be used in the occasion that needs keep fluid.But preferably, in order further to guarantee the kink of fluid sealing, continuous, preferred flexible coating material adheres to or is attached on the sheet material, is covered with the zone of otch 22.This embodiment of the present invention can find out in Fig. 1 D and 1E that it is corresponding to Figure 1B and 1C.The pantostrat of flexible seal agent or coating 29 is provided with as can be seen, adheres to or be attached on the sheet material 21 prone surfaces, is covered with otch.But most preferably realize when being in shearing condition for smooth basically when sheet material 21, shown in Fig. 1 D.After being folded into the position of Fig. 1 E, coating 29 will be tended to rupture or be squeezed between the lower plane of plane 27 and 27a and material sheet.The coating of tool protectiveness such as epoxy or coating, will have enough flexible and compressibility and bear the extruding of sheet material and bending and can not rupture.So coating 29 will guarantee to form the continuous surface of fluid sealing.Obviously, within the scope of the invention, also simple spray-on coating on the bending sheet materials of Fig. 1 E, but for many application scenarios, but it is more preferred to apply coating 29 on the sheet material of smooth punching press, mold pressing or roll extrusion, because folding line 23 may be in the complex internal position after bending, be difficult to apply.

Wishing that the sheet material both sides all cover under the situation of flexible seal coating, in embodiment, applying flexible coating 29 to the both sides of sheet material (before bending) usually as Fig. 2 A-2C bending D shape tongue piece.Can clearly be seen that bending tongue piece 36 is about sheet material 38 rotations around the edge.This keeps sheet material top or supine plane to remain untouched or continuously, and the coating on bottom or the ventricumbent plane is compressed in the lug end below 37, shown in Fig. 1 D and 1E.

To those skilled in the art clearly, the skew of Figure 1A-1D or tongue piece 28 can easily form by punching press, mold pressing, type pressure and roll extrusion process.One group of module can be used for downward punching press tongue piece 28, has part periphery, and described periphery forms bending and controls otch 22 on opposed edges and plane.As shown in the figure, dotted line 31 is not clear qualification shoulder, but tongue piece 28 arrives plane, sheet material top at this point, and does not offset downward.Figure 1A-1C shows tongue piece or offset portion 28, and its mould hemisection that is stamped is basically opened, and makes the upper surface of offset portion 28 offset downward half gauge of pact of sheet material, and this causes the mould of edge Lower Half to cut and finish

plane

27 and 27a.

In Fig. 2 A-2C, process is identical, have only punching press or roll unit to down cut offset portion or the tongue piece 36 of sheet material full depth t.So the plane 37 on the periphery of offset portion or tongue piece 36 is offset now, 37 top edge is positioned at 38 places, edge of otch 22 opposite sides up to the plane.This tends in the bending process, and 38 places produce and the point in the bight on plane 37-contact, shown in Fig. 2 C at the edge.Even so, but the edge fulcrum on the edge on plane 38 38 is still accurately controlled crooked place, and the bending of tilting is with 24 relative tensions along folding line 23.

In Fig. 3 A-3C, sheet material 21 has been sheared in punching course, makes the plane 42 of offset portion or tongue piece 41 be lower than the lower surface 43 of material sheet now.Therefore, edge 44 no longer with opposite planar 42 engagement, and in the bending process plane of action 42 not, illustrate as Fig. 3 C the best.But, be with 24 to realize with respect to the Position Control of folding line 23 by the bending that relative tilt extends to kink.Use bending to mesh accurate like that not as edge-plane by incision periphery opposite side in the bending process with 24 location of controlling the material sheet kink.Even so, but the bending of tilting can produce the kink that rationally needs less bending power accurately with 24, and the bending band can excessively not reverse or be under pressure in the bending process.Therefore, allow for the dimensional requirement of final products can use tongue piece 41 to cross and be displaced to the position shown in Fig. 3 B under the situation of mistake more.Should be noted that module can be used for gradually offset portion or tongue piece 41 are displaced to the position of Fig. 3 B, upwards be displaced to the position shown in Fig. 2 B or the 1B at second die station tongue piece 41 of naming a person for a particular job then.For example, if wish or require to determine that the tongue piece that offsets downward has been cut to wear and will reorientate fully makes the edge mesh opposite planar in the bending process, then implement two site operations.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 A-4D, show offset portion or the tongue piece 51 sheared fully, it is corresponding to the described tongue piece of shearing fully of Fig. 2 A-2C.But in Fig. 4 A-4D, tongue piece 51 is formed with the center reinforcing section 52 of downward distortion.This is for providing the bight on folding line 23 or the engagement at some place between lower limb 26 and the plane 27.Even the core 52 of the tongue piece 51 that further offsets downward guarantees the overflexing of restriction sheet material.

Forward Fig. 5 A-5D now to, show by moulding distortion rather than shearing and come the offset plies material, so that edge and opposite planar to be provided.Sheet material 21 offsets downward by mold pressing or the roll die that does not have sharp edges usually at 61 places, makes downward offset portion cause the moulding distortion in the zone 62 of sheet material.During bending, bending is with 24 will be tensioned once more or bend, thereby on the opposite side of folding line 23 sheet material is drawn to together, and feasible zone 62 is out of shape and does not take place to shear or fracture.In fact, the virtual plane of offset portion 61 ends meshes the virtual edge 63 on the folding line 23, thereby accurately controls the position of kink.The most suitable ductility sheet material of this mode, and advantage is to produce the kink of fluid sealing.

In Fig. 5 D, show replacement scheme, wherein fracture takes place or breaks in 64 places on the plane, makes virtual plane become true planar 64.About precision bending, whether take place in fracture portion 64 that it doesn't matter, and edge 63 leaves true planar 64 or virtual plane in the end bending that tongue piece 61 is offset down.

In Fig. 6 A-6C and 7A-7C, offset portion has closed perimeter or forms the material blank that the alternately sidepiece at folding line 23 is offset down.Should be appreciated that in order to illustrate easily, the offset portion of a plurality of this blank shapes does not illustrate, but they locate as shown in Figure 1, preferably the most peripheral sidepiece of close folding line navigates to folding line 23 with overlaying relation.This avette offset portion or blank for punching press, mold pressing, roll extrusion and similar high yield cheaply manufacture process handle easily.Blank can have different shape, comprises " D " shape and produces the diagonal angle shape belt and the non-homogeneous shape of edge-plane engagement.

In Fig. 6 A, sheet material 22 is formed with avette offset portion 71, and the part periphery 22 of its most close folding line 23 offsets downward, shown in Fig. 6 B and 6C.The offset portion 71 that offsets downward or shear produces plane 27, and the lower limb 26 that crosses periphery 22 is carried on the described plane 27.When bending sheet materials, plane 27 is pivoted to the position shown in Fig. 6 C around plane 26, and the inclined belt 24 between the vertically adjacent avette offset portion 71 is bent being with 24 between above-mentioned tongue piece 28.Because this is the offset portion 71 of semi-shear, so the result is basically with identical shown in Figure 1A-1C, except the distal side 72 of offset portion 71 peripheries is also sheared.As can be seen from Figure 6B, distal side 72 is to pour the oval pore of sheet material, thus in the process of pivot edge 26 supporting plane 27, be used for accurately kink being positioned on the folding line 23.

Fig. 7 A-7C is similar to Fig. 6 A-6C, has only a part of periphery of avette offset portion or blank 81 to be positioned on the folding line 23, that is, bending control otch 22 has been sheared the full depth of sheet material, and 82 of distal circumference sides have been sheared half.Therefore, 27 upper corner pivots on the plane to be similar to the mode shown in Fig. 2 A-2C at edge 26.

Although not shown, avette offset portion or blank 71 and 81 also fully punching press or mold pressing go out sheet material 21, thereby stay avette hole along sheet material.This hole will limit the bending of tilting to extend and be with 24, and described bending band tilts in the opposite direction in the opposite end in each hole.These bending bands extend through folding line 23 and produce kink along folding line 23 once more, but do not have edge-plane engagement, because blank plane 27 has not existed now.Though not too accurate, this embodiment will produce rationally accurate kink along folding line 23.

In Fig. 8-11, show two kinds of alternate embodiments of punching press of the present invention or molding sheet material, the bight of wherein " protecting watt (a shin guard) " and having added the sheet material of bending to.At the related U.S. patent application No.10/672 of prior art, in 766, illustrated with the corner cover subcovering on folding line, thereby smooth corner surface occurred.This lid is called " protect watt " here with in the related application of prior art, and Fig. 8-11 illustrates two kinds of embodiment, wherein protects watt bight that can be secured to bending sheet materials.

In Fig. 8, material sheet 21 has been bent into the right angle.Sheet material 21 has a plurality of tongue piece offset portion 28, and it is constructed shown in Fig. 2 A-2C like that.Edge 26 on the upper corner on the plane 27 of described offset portion and the tongue piece offset portion 28 peripheral opposite sides forms edge-plane engagement.What pour sheet material 21 is a plurality of outward extending lugs 91 that tighten up, and they are used for being coupled to around the bight of bending structure and passing folding line 23 protecting watts 92.In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 and 9, to protect watts 92 and comprise cavity 94, its size can receive lug 91, and described cavity preferably has the inlet surface 96 of inclination, and it causes facing shoulder 98 engagements of outer shoulder 97 in facing with lug 91.Therefore, described protecting watt navigates on the lug 91 simply, actuated towards bending sheet materials 21 then, causes shoulder 97 to be stuck in lug face inward-facing surface 98 back, thereby will protect a watt bight that is secured to bending structure.Alternatively, protect watt can slide along the bight in place.

In Figure 10 and 11, opening 101 periodically is arranged on the sheet material 21, and protects watts 103 and be arranged to have and the projection 104 of constriction.Projection 104 is actuated passes opening 101, makes that facing outer shoulder 106 is stuck in 21 inward-facing surface 107 back of bending sheet materials.Still the same, offset portion or tongue piece 28 are constructed shown in Fig. 2 A-2C like that.

A key character of otch described in the related application of the application and prior art or offset portion is that the folding material sheet material needs less relatively power.Bending preferably comprises the material that is less than body of material along folding line, and they reverse and bend with 24 in the bending sheet materials materials process.The sheet material long lever arm of fulcrum between edge 26 and the plane 27 and folding line both sides makes to be very easy to less relatively power bending sheet materials.For example, elongated slot or groove can be put in the edge of sheet material, manually apply power to opposite edges then and come bending sheet materials easily.Can be bent in most cases as the electronics base at sheet material, sheet material can bend with hand.But, most preferably can in the automation implementation process, realize bending, for example in gradual die assembly, wherein at first website, prepare the sheet material that is used to bend by forming offset portion along folding line, after this sheet material moves to another website and bends with the bending device of light relatively power then.

Figure 12 A-C shows the mechanical deflection device, setting tool plate 110 support sheet 21 wherein, and described sheet material prepares in the above described manner and is used for bending.Bending cylinder 111 is installed to movable link rod or the arm 112 that is used for offseting downward, shown in arrow 113.When cylinder 111 during down against sheet material 21, the edge 114 engagement sheet materials 21 of the recess 116 on the cylinder and beginning are along clockwise direction rotating cylinder and link rod 112.Along with link rod 112 continues to move down, main body 111 continues to rotate to position 21, thereby forms shown in Figure 12 C.Alternately, tool palette 110 can move or tool palette 110 and cylinder 111 boths can move.

In the replacement scheme shown in Figure 13 A and the 13B, tool palette 110 has the pneumatic bladders (bladder) 121 on the edge 122 that is positioned at tool palette.When bladders 121 expand into situation shown in Figure 13 B, the not supported part of its engagement sheet material 21, and it is driven into the crooked place shown in Figure 13 B downwards.The less bending power that affacts kink shown in Figure 13 B allows to use pneumatic bending system easily.

Other bending devices that are fit to be used for to bend sheet material of the present invention comprise clod wash stamping machine, robot device and other appropriate device.

In Figure 14 A-14D and 15A-15D, illustrated and used machinery, chemical milling or optical etching in sheet material, to form groove that described groove has adopted the geometry in the related application of prior art.In Figure 14 A, sheet material 221 is formed with a plurality of grooves 222 along folding line 223, as top about offset portion or shear line 22 instructed.In a preferred form, the edge 226 of groove 222 is positioned on the plane of folding line 223 or is overlapping with respect to the plane of folding line 22 basically.Groove 222 replaces on the opposite side of folding line 223, and is that bending is with 224 between the vertically adjacent groove 222, and described bending band it seems that passing folding line 223 tilts to extend.

In Figure 14 C, sheet material 221 has bent the paper of the 14C that publishes picture, perhaps towards groove 222 bendings.The result is not that the edge-plane of actual fulcrum is meshed and produced precision bending, but produces bending by the tension force of bending with the equalization on 224 that tilts, and described tension force will produce bending along folding line 223 basically.Can not as edge-plane engagement, produce very good precision bending portion, but accuracy is suitable acceptables for many application scenarios, for example in the folding planar structure of chemical etching and/or in the electronics base member towards groove.

At this on the one hand, it should be noted that the embodiments of the invention shown in Figure 1A-7C all illustrate the direction bending of the offset portion of the tongue piece that forms along the sheet preparation process that is used for bending or blank in sheet material.But described identical embodiment also can be along upward to bending, in other words, and in sheet material incision process, against the offset direction of tongue piece or blank in the sheet material otch process.This reverse bending will cause bending be with 24 rather than edge-plane mesh and control precision bending, and described band will provide the reasonable accuracy along folding line 23.

Sheet material 221 among Figure 15 A-15D has prepared by grooving and has been used for bending, and has the groove that each end has stress release dish or zone 228.Moreover groove 222a not exclusively passes the thickness of sheet material, and they limit the bending band 224a with respect to folding line 223a inclination.Moreover sheet material is folded in the groove, rather than leaves them, and band 224a is used for controlling the position along the kink of folding line 223a.

Forward Figure 16 A-16F now to, show a kind of embodiment of the present invention, wherein the material between the vertical adjacent arc incision on folding line the same side is offset, rather than is offset by tongue piece or the blank that otch limits.In Figure 16 A, the material sheet 321 that illustrates has and is positioned at alternately a plurality of otch 322 of sidepiece of folding line 223.Be provided with the bending of tilting to extend and be with 324, and tongue piece 328 and mid portion 330 on otch 322 qualification arc incisions 322 each side.

But unlike the embodiment that illustrates previously, D shape tongue piece 328 non-migrations, but stay in the plane of sheet material 321.But vertically upwards being offset near material between tongue piece or the tongue piece or zone 330 on folding line 323 the same sides is as shown in Figure 16 E the best.So in processes such as punching press, roll extrusion, type pressure, mold pressing, the shearing force that produces otch 322 and plane 327 is a shearing force upwards, wherein zone 330 is from the upwards skew of plane of sheet material 321.Upwards the lower corner or the edge 326 in the zone 330 of skew are carried on the bight on plane 327.When sheet material is folded into the position of Figure 16 F, edge 326 will slide plane 327 and be with 324 around the folding line or the bending of plane 323 precision bendings of rotation.The bending sheet materials that produces is also shown in Figure 16 C and the D, although they have rotated 90 degree with respect to Figure 16 F.

As above about other embodiment described, the embodiment of Figure 16 A-16F has adopted migration process, wherein sheared edge 322 has according to the geometry in the prior art related application.The sheet material that preparation is used for light power precision bending can utilize low-cost manufacturing technique, waits such as punching press, mold pressing, roll extrusion and realizes.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, offset portion 420 is formed in the material sheet 421 in the mode that is similar to above-mentioned otch, tongue piece and offset portion.In this embodiment, offset portion comprises the tongue piece 428 of change, and it comprises flat site 431 and transitional region 432.Flat site is arranged essentially parallel to the integral planar of sheet material 421, and transitional region is extended at a certain angle and the remainder of flat site and sheet material is interconnected, as Figure 18 A is shown clearly in.

In a preferred form, offset portion 420 forms by the skew along thickness direction, and a part of periphery of the offset portion of the most close feasible folding line 423 provides edge 426.Described migration process has also formed corresponding opposite planar 427, this planar configuration and be positioned in the bending process edge-plane engagement that forms with the edge.As shown in figure 17, offset portion 420 comprises the tongue piece 428 of prolongation, and it has and has semi-circular ends basically.In illustrated embodiment, the end of tongue piece 428 is semicircular basically, but should be appreciated that the actual geometric configuration of end can change.For example, can use curve with a plurality of radiuses, avette, oval, parabola and/or other suitably crooked shapes.

Shown in Figure 18 A, the tongue piece of prolongation offsets downward, and plane 427 is provided, and when sheet material 421 during along folding line 423 bending, the lower corner at the edge 426 of tongue piece 428 is against this plane engagement.Shown in Figure 17 and 18A, a part of incision periphery is superimposed upon on the plane of folding line 423.But should be appreciated that described this part incision periphery can be positioned at the position apart from the suitable feed distance of folding line, and is as described below.

The following a kerf that enters Figure 18 A paper has similar prolongation tongue piece 428a, and it offsets downward so that plane 427a to be provided, and edge 426a is against this plane engagement.

Preferably, the distance that tongue piece offsets downward is approximately the 60-100% of sheet thickness, and most preferably is 80% sheet thickness.This configuration will provide meshing point respectively between edge 426,426a and plane 427,427a, this point is positioned at the mid point below on described plane, and preferably be positioned at leave the about 60-110% of sheet material thickness from sheet material 421 outer surfaces point (for example, shown in Figure 18 A, leave the sheet material thickness of about 60-110% from the top surface of sheet material 421), more preferably 60-100% most preferably is the sheet material thickness that leaves sheet material 421 outer surfaces about 80%.Should be appreciated that the sheet material outer surface refers to the surface of sheet material 421 near folding line, formation external angle, in contrast to the surface that forms inner corner portion.

When with sheet material 421 bending for example 90 when spending, edge 426,426a around plane 427,427a pivots and be engaged on below the mid point on described plane.But should be appreciated that meshing point can be positioned at the mid point on described plane or this below mid point, is preferably placed at the point that separates about 60-100%, preferably leaves about 60-100% from the sheet material outer surface, and more preferably leaves about 80% from described outer surface.Along with bending continues, the meshing point of each offset portion is as the relative fulcrum that is positioned on the folding line 423.So when the bending beginning, edge 426,426a almost just rotate to and plane 427,427a engagement immediately, the result has very accurately controlled bending to take place around folding line 423.In the bending process, bending is with 424 against the plane 427,427a traction and keep edge 426,426a, thereby keeps described fulcrum to contact with opposite planar.

The tongue piece that be also to be understood that prolongation can further be processed, to change their final positions about sheet material.For example, the tongue piece of prolongation can " Hui Ping ", and in this case, tongue piece is followed skew and run into smooth stamping tool, thereby described tongue piece is local or all push back in the cavity that forms in the migration process, shown in Figure 18 B.It can be local returning flat, so that flange is concordant on one or more plane, and perhaps can be along whole folding line, so that sheet material is gone back to itself, to form the sheet material edge or the border of flanging (hemme).

In above-mentioned situation, Figure 18 and 19 has greatly amplified thickness, so that edge-plane contact more is clearly shown that.But should be appreciated that sheet material 42 1 can be thinner relatively, for example 0.060 inch, in this case, tongue piece 428 can preferably offset downward about 0.030 to 0.070 inch along gauge.

As can be seen from Figure 19, edge 426,426a tend to be kept meshing with the tensioning of plane 427,427a with 424.So even at offset portion 420 places, the sheet material on the incision periphery both sides of close folding line also can contact with each other on the length of offset portion.This contact helps symmetrical fold, because the engagement of edge 426,426a and plane 427,427a is uniform along the length of folding line basically.

The configuration of the offset portion that prolongs adapts to wide in range bandwidth W and feed distance, in other words, and the distance between the aforesaid otch.For example, the configuration of the offset portion of prolongation can be used with the feed that is about-10% to 10% with being about sheet thickness t2-5 bandwidth doubly, and produces very consistent quality on folded.This geometry that is configured in the folding line that is used for generation (populating) band offset portion has the bigger room for maneuver, thereby the sheet material of easier adaptation all lengths and easier adaptation are on the folding line or " barrier " near it.For example, if material sheet has along the recess of folding line or eats dishes without rice or wine, interval between the adjacent offset portion and/or the feed of offset portion distance just can more easily change and adapt to this barrier.Should be appreciated that under the certain applications, the feed greater than 10% also can bring enough folding precision.The configuration of the offset portion that prolongs has also reduced around the torsional capacity of the axis of described band and has helped bending described band around folding line.Because band reverses and reduces, it is not too crucial that described bandwidth becomes, thereby the band of wide variety can be used for along identical fold line, as following will with reference to Figure 24 more describe in detail.

Impelling simple bending folding and minimizing band when reversing, the disposing of the offset portion of prolongation is beneficial to lower bending power and begins and finish folding along folding line.Because edge 426,426a just begin when taking place with being engaged on of plane 427,427a is folding, and because having limited to be with reverses, thus the moulding distortion total amount and the material strain that in folding process, produce can reduce, thereby reduce bending power.For example, the sheet material 421 shown in folding Figure 18 and 19 minimizes because of making the band that takes place reverse, so produced materials with smaller strain and plastic deformation.

And the plastic deformation and the material strain that produce in the offset portion configuration of the prolongation of sheet material 421 and the bending process reduce, and help coating and adhere to.As mentioned above, be in flat but under the condition of having sheared, flexible seal agent or coating (for example, seeing Fig. 1 D and 1E) can be applied on the sheet material, shown in Figure 18 A when sheet material.When being folded into position shown in Figure 19, bending process floating coat suffers breaks or amount of compression will reduce, and decrease is equivalent to reducing of moulding distortion and material strain, so adhere to better in folding process.So brushing sheet material 421 also folds (for example, seeing Figure 19) and can not lose brushing quality can (for example, to see Figure 18 A) under flat condition.And, owing in folding process, do not form new surface, in other words, do not have still unexposed surface before the bending, occur so just do not have the surface of not brushing in the folding back of material.

The offset portion 420 that prolongs can easily form by punching press, mold pressing, type pressure, roll extrusion process etc.The configuration of the offset portion 420 that prolongs also is fit to use the rotating tower punch manufacturing well, as Figure 20 A-20C is schematically illustrated, also can make by other soft instrument (soft-tooling) devices.Should be appreciated that described soft tool device is significant for small lot batch manufacture (for example, prototype manufacturing), medium batch process (with respect to the production in enormous quantities of using hard tool device).Shown in Figure 20 B, rotating tower punch assembly 440 comprises die main body 441, and it has recess 442; Mold and punching head 443; With mould ejector 444, it can be configured to a unit in a conventional manner and move.Particularly, the rotating tower punch assembly can be about sheet material 421 location, make that die main body 441 is positioned at below, and above mold and punching head 443 was positioned at, sheet material 421 was positioned at the desired location of the offset portion 420 of prolongation.In case die main body 441 is against the location, bottom surface of sheet material 421, then mold and punching head 443 impacts the end face of sheet material 421, causes tongue piece to offset downward in the recess 442.Should be appreciated that die main body is not to comprise recess.Die main body can have convex form, and in this case, offset portion can be dashed.

The configuration of mold and punching head 443 and size meet the flat site 431 of desirable shape usually, and the configuration of die main body 441 and recess 442 and size meet the transitional region 432 of desirable shape usually.Tight tolerance between mold and punching head 443 right sides and the die main body 441 causes tongue piece 428 to be sheared along folding line 423, and the tolerance that increases between the grinding tool drift 443 allows the non-shearing skew of transitional region 432.Randomly, mould ejector 444 can be used for ejecting tongue piece 428 from die main body 442.Should be appreciated that, only just need the mould ejector, for example, under the situation of thin material, also can be used for thicker material in the specific occasion.Will be further understood that other known devices,, also can adopt that at this moment material sheet peels from the convex form of drift is up such as stripper (stripping).In both cases, this ejection can upwards form or form downwards at soft instrument and hard tool applications occasion.

In case form the offset portion 420 that prolongs, then rotating tower punch assembly 440 just can be reorientated with respect to sheet material 421, and this process repeats to form the offset portion 421a of prolongation and/or prolongation offset portion subsequently.Alternately, sheet material 421 can be reorientated with respect to rotating tower punch as required, to form the offset portion of various prolongations.

Should be appreciated that rotating tower punch can be controlled with conventional apparatus with respect to the sheet material location.For example, computer numerical control device (CNC) can be used for controlling the position of one or more rotating tower punch.Particularly, single rotating tower punch assembly can form first offset portion that prolongs (for example 420), reorientate with respect to sheet material 421, and Rotate 180 °, form second offset portion (for example 420a) that prolongs or the like.

In the another kind of embodiment shown in Figure 21 A, the prolongation offset portion that module 450 has predetermined configurations forms the surface, and described module can be set, mold pressing simultaneously of this module or a plurality of prolongation offset portion of punching press (for example, 420,420a etc.).Module 450 can comprise die main body 451, and it has a plurality of recesses 452, and described recess is corresponding to the module drift 453 of complementation, and described module drift is whole to be moved, thereby forms the offset portion of several prolongations simultaneously.

Figure 21 B illustrates and is similar to another module shown in Figure 21 A, and except this module is formed by a plurality of module die units 460, the size and dimension of each unit is corresponding to the prolongation offset portion of hope.One, two, three or more die units can be used for forming the prolongation offset portion of respective numbers.Modular unit can be interconnected each other by appropriate device.In some respects, modular unit is similar to tradition and sets type, and a plurality of die units can dispose and form any amount of prolongation offset portion 420,420a etc.

Forward Figure 22 A and 22B now to, the configuration of the prolongation offset portion that special material sheet is required can change according to the geometry and the configuration of material sheet.Should be appreciated that, with prolong offset portion size " standardization) with reduce the instrument cost and conversely design processes simplified some advantage is arranged.For example, prolong offset portion and can be standardized as one, two, three or more " standard " sizes, be used for the sheet material of special thickness, material and/or other parameters of special type.

Shown in Figure 22 A, prolongation offset portion 520, the 520a of first length (for example, length is about 1.4 inches) is used for prolongation offset portion 530 combinations with the second shorter length (for example, about 0.7 inch).Use the prolongation offset portion of different length to allow the designer to guarantee that bandwidth falls into preferable range (for example, about 2-5 sheet material 520 thickness doubly).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 22 A, there are not terminal molding or offset portion, offset portion can not extend to sheet material 521 edges in other words.The advantage of this endless molding configuration is, does not need to worry to provide the gap to come mold pressing to close on sheet material and need form short smiling face (smile) configuration for the terminal band.

As mentioned above, the present invention's configuration of prolonging offset portion allows to use the more strip length of wide region.In this embodiment, the number and the size process that prolong offset portion are selected, and make the bandwidth that prolongs between offset portion 530,520,520a and the 530a all be in the 2-5 preferable range doubly of material thickness.In contrast, the sheet material 52 1 of Figure 22 B comprises terminal molding or offset

portion

630 and 630, and it extends to the terminal edges of sheet material.But, still have equally, extend the size and the number process of offset portion and select, make that the bandwidth between prolongation offset portion 630,620,620a and the 630a is in the preferable range of bandwidth.

In order to form the prolongation offset portion of different length, can provide the module of respective length.For example, under the situation of module module, long die unit 460 can be used in combination with medium die unit 461, shown in Figure 23 A, to form the prolongation offset portion configuration of the sheet material 521 shown in Figure 22 A.Similarly, long die unit 460 can be used in combination with short die unit 462, shown in Figure 23 B, to form the configuration of the sheet material 621 shown in Figure 22 B.

And, should be appreciated that, can adopt the various combinations of long, medium and short die unit, so that wide in range prolongation offset portion configuration to be provided.For example and as shown in figure 24, long die unit 460 is used in combination with medium and short die unit 461 and 462.In this embodiment, also adopted the partition 465,466 of wide variety, with further along folding line accommodation zone width.As mentioned above, the scope of bandwidth can change in the about 2-5 of material thickness times scope.Bandwidth even can have about 6-7 of material thickness doubly big like that perhaps may be bigger, and in some cases, this needs, wherein by roll extrusion (rolling) but not reverse the effect difference of band.Particularly, the band portion of next-door neighbour's prolongation offset portion still tends in the above described manner (for example, the edge 26 among Fig. 1 C, 26a and plane 27,27a) trailing edge and keeps the edge against the plane.Therefore, described next-door neighbour's part is born the tension force of increase and some are occurred and reverses.In contrast, the residue mid portion of band will not bear the tension force of described increase and will have the trend around the folding line lift-over of increase.Reverse with respect to band, in the folding line bending process, the band lift-over needs less energy at sheet material, thus can be in the bending process processing metal less.And, utilizing thicker band, the material that just has bigger percentage connects two planes of the bending sheet materials that passes the folding line extension.

The prolongation offset portion that will be further understood that modular size also can be used in combination with the rotating tower punch pressure assembly.For example, shown in Figure 25 A-C, determine to have the size and the configuration of the rotating tower punch pressure assembly 470 of die main body 471 and mold and punching head 473, thereby form short prolongation offset portion.Will be further understood that dimensional standardization also is pressed with benefit to capstan head punching press and hard tool mould, and make (with the capstan head punching press) prototype manufacturing easier to (with hard instrument mold pressing) production transition.Should be appreciated that according to the present invention, other hard tool methods also can be used for forming bending control offset portion on sheet material.As shown in figure 26, can in sheet material 721, easily form prolongation offset portion 720 by punching press, continuous mould and other hard tool devices.It is favourable that described hard tool device is produced product in enormous quantities efficiently for rapid and cost.

Schematically show as Figure 26, hard tool assembly 740 generally includes mould piece 752, and it has a plurality of recesses 755, a plurality of drift blade 772, and described blade is received in the recess 769 of drift blade piece 762.The recess of mould piece 752 and drift blade 772 are determined size and are configured to form in sheet material 72 1 to prolong offset portion 720.

Preferably mould piece 752 and drift blade piece 762 are installed to corresponding punch units 757 and 764 up and down, and the described punch units bonding that slides over each other makes their move back and forth each other in a conventional manner.In the embodiment shown, the mould piece is installed to the upper punch unit, and the tooling blade piece is installed to the low punch unit.Should be appreciated that described assembly can be conversely, allow the mould piece be installed to lower unit and above drift blade piece is installed to.In order to help maintenance, repair and adjusting, mould piece and drift blade piece are releasably attached to lower unit respectively by Up/down base 760,767.Each piece can pass through appropriate device, includes but not limited to threaded fastener, peg and other appropriate device, is fastened to base and/or goes up lower unit.

In one embodiment, mould piece and drift blade piece can form with electron discharge turning (EDM) and/or other appropriate device.

Randomly, hard tool assembly 750 comprises peel plate 779, and it is used for ejecting tongue piece 728 from drift blade 772.Should be appreciated that peel plate can only just need under specific circumstances, for example, under the situation of thin sheet material.Peel plate can be provided with peel plate insert 781, and it has mouthfuls 786, the definite size of this mouthful and be configured to have tighter tolerances with respect to drift blade 772.Preferably, the peel plate insert includes but not limited to threaded fastener by appropriate device, is removably mounted on the peel plate.Should be appreciated that, pull down the peel plate insert for touching the drift blade and/or drift blade piece provides approach, safeguard and maintenance being used for.

The configuration of mold and punching head 443 and size meet the flat site 431 of desirable shape usually, and the configuration of die main body 441 and recess 442 and size meet the transition portion 432 of desirable shape usually.Tight tolerance between mold and punching head 443 right sides and the die main body 441 causes tongue piece 428 to be sheared along folding line 423, and the tolerance that mold and punching head 443 left sides increase allows transitional region 432 non-shearing ground skews.

Forward Figure 29, Figure 30 and Figure 31 now to, show hard tool assembly with exploded view, partial exploded view and perspective view, described perspective view has illustrated parts orientation relative to each other, and also shows a plurality of drift blades and be arranged to produce simultaneously a row bendings control offset portion.Should be appreciated that the number of drift blade and size can change according to the particular design standard of formation product.

As shown in figure 29, the drift blade can be provided with claw (detent) 774, it can be used for combined by biasing device with tradition in other are arranged on drift blade piece 762, thereby releasedly the drift blade is engaged in the recess 769 of drift blade piece 762.Should be appreciated that, can use other suitable locking devices.

Forward Figure 30 now to, drift blade 772 is inserted in the drift blade piece 762, makes blade extend upward minimum amount from described.This drift blade that is configured to provides bigger lateral stability and has therefore reduced the moment of rupture of drift blade, thereby helps longer abrasion and tear (tear).Should be appreciated that, use the peel plate insert 78 1 of relative thin to allow drift blade 772 to extend minimum amount, and when producing the prolongation offset portion 720 of sheet material 721, still have an effect from drift blade piece 762.

Figure 31 is further perspective view, shows the orientation of the hard tool assembly critical piece that is in assembled state, shown in the sectional view of Figure 26.Should be appreciated that in operation, upper punch assembly 757 descends towards low punch assembly 764, makes mould piece 752 move down sheet material 721 against peel plate insert 781, downward successively then punch-head assembly 764 moves sheet material 721 and peel plate insert 781.When doing like this, drift blade 772 will pass peel plate 781 effectively and extend in the recess 755 of mould piece 752, thereby form bending control offset portion 720 on sheet material 721.When the upwards withdrawal and when the low punch unit leaves of upper punch unit, peel plate 779 is by nitrogen post and/or other appropriate device bias voltage that makes progress, from drift blade releasing sheet 721.

In an illustrated embodiment, the drift blade has flat surfaces, in other words, is arranged essentially parallel to the surface of material sheet.The advantage of this planar configuration is, the life-span that it will reduce the wearing and tearing on the drift blade and prolong the drift blade.For example, the drift blade that has flat bottom will be forbidden and/or prevent shearing with the inclined bottom drift.And inclined bottom instrument usually wearing and tearing is more, makes more expensive and more is difficult to again moulding.

Forward Figure 32 A, 32B and 32C now to, the drift blade can be arranged to various sizes and yardstick.Preferably, the cross section profile of drift blade is provided with standard size, and this size can be particularly suitable for having the special sheet material of special thickness, material, rigidity and other parameters.For example, the wide drift blade of 2mm can be used on the material of relative thin forming bending control offset portion, the material that is used for relative intermediate gauge that 3mm is wide, and 4mm wide be used for thicker material relatively.As shown in the figure, the drift blade can have length variable to be similar to the described mode of Figure 22 to Figure 24.

Should be appreciated that hard tool assembly can be arranged to various configurations.For example, arrangement of components shown in Figure 33 becomes to produce has 4 terminal boxes that are arranged to square folding line, such as U.S. Patent application No.60/665 that submit to, that be entitled as " THEREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE FORMED WITHPRECISION FOLD TECHNOLOGY AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME " on March 25th, 2005,577 described terminal boxes, the full content of this application is included in this by reference.

As mentioned above, can on sheet material, form bending control offset portion by various devices according to the present invention.For example, prototype, " disposable (one-offs) " and other small lot batch manufactures operation can be produced with laser cutting, jet cutting, oxy-acetylene cutting and other suitable modes.Medium batch process operation can be produced with various soft tool methods, includes but not limited to that CNC control tool, punch press and mould are such as the rotating tower punch pressure assembly.Producing operation in enormous quantities can be with various hard tool method, includes but not limited to that CNC controlled pressure and continuous mould and non-CNC controlled pressure and continuous mould produce.Should also be appreciated that, more than any manufacture method can obtain that appropriate software relates to and/or the cooperation of controlling application program, authorize people's such as Durney the described content of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0005670A1 that is entitled as " METHOD FO DESIGNING FOLDLINES IN SHEET MATERIAL " such as those, this application full content is included in this by reference.

The above stated specification of the specific embodiment of the invention is stated in order to illustrate with illustrative purposes.They are not to be intended to exhaustive or to limit the invention to disclosed precise forms, but obviously can carry out many changes and distortion according to above-mentioned instruction.Embodiment selected and explanation is in order better to explain principle of the present invention and practical application thereof, thereby allows others skilled in the art utilize the present invention best and have the various embodiment of various changes, with the special application that is fit to be considered.This is intended to illustrate that scope of the present invention is limited by subsidiary claims and equivalent thereof.

Claims

1. one kind prepares material sheet and is used for method along folding line bending, comprises step:

Form at least one offset portion along the material sheet thickness direction, described offset portion comprises the flat site that is arranged essentially parallel to material sheet, makes that the part of this flat site is peripheral along also extending near described folding line; And comprising angled transitional region, described transitional region is interconnected with the remainder of described flat site and described material sheet.

2. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described forming step provides part periphery that has the also close described folding line in edge and the described material sheet that has corresponding opposite planar, and described planar configuration meshes with the edge-plane that is positioned in generation material sheet in the bending process.

3. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that,

Described forming step passes completely through described gauge along described part periphery and shears material sheet.

4. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described forming step is utilized mold process, punching course, roll extrusion process, one of them is finished to press process based on the shearing of cutter and type.

5. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that,

In described forming step process, on described material sheet, form a plurality of offset portion along described folding line, make each offset portion have flat site, described flat site has the peripheral part near described folding line, so that a plurality of edges and opposite planar to be provided, be used for the edge-plane bending of described material sheet.

6. method as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that,

In described forming step process, form a plurality of offset portion along described folding line, make the described peripheral part of each flat site be superimposed upon basically on the described folding line.

7. method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that,

8. method as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that,

Described forming step utilizes the capstan head forcing press to finish, and to form each in described a plurality of offset portion, wherein said capstan head forcing press is repositioned onto the desired location of each offset portion in described a plurality of offset portion with respect to described material sheet.

9. method as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that,

Described forming step utilizes the module set of molds to finish, and described module set of molds comprises many die units, described die unit on number corresponding to the number of described offset portion.

10. method as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that,

Described a plurality of offset portion size difference, wherein said die unit be size difference similarly also, and on number and size with described a plurality of offset portion complementations.

11. method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that,

In described forming step process, the peripheral part of described offset portion is positioned on the opposite side portion of described folding line, separates each other less than the feed distance of described material sheet gauge.

12. method as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that,

Described feed distance arrives in about+0.5 times of scope in the pact-0.5 of described material sheet gauge.

13. method as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that,

In described forming step process, form the peripheral part of described offset portion in the opposite side portion of described folding line, tilt to pass the bending band that described folding line extends to limit orientation.

14. method as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that,

The bandwidth of described bending band is about 2-5 times of material sheet thickness.

15. the method for claim 1, and following step:

After described forming step, the coating material layer is adhered on the described material sheet, be covered with the peripheral part of described offset portion.

16. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that,

Described adhering step forms continuous flexible coating material layer.

17. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described flat site prolongation also comprises crooked end.

18. method as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that,

The periphery of described folded end forms semicircle.

19. the method for claim 1 further comprises:

Bend described material sheet along described folding line.

20. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that,

Described bending step is manually finished.

21. the method for claim 1 further comprises:

Further the described offset portion of processing is flattened into described offset portion in the cavity that forms in the described forming step.

22. one kind is fit to comprise along the material sheet of folding line bending:

Have along the material sheet of at least one offset portion of material sheet thickness, described offset portion comprises the flat site that is arranged essentially parallel to described material sheet, makes that the part of described offset portion is peripheral along also extending near described folding line; And comprising angled transitional region, described transitional region is interconnected with the remainder of described flat site and described material sheet.

23. material sheet as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that,

Comprise the edge near the described peripheral part of described folding line, and described material sheet comprises corresponding opposite planar, described planar configuration and be positioned in the edge-plane engagement that forms described material sheet in the bending process in the opposite side portion of described peripheral part.

24. material sheet as claimed in claim 23 is characterized in that,

Described material sheet is formed with a plurality of offset portion along described folding line.

25. material sheet as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that,

Offset portion alternately is along described folding line longitudinal register and be positioned at the opposite side portion of described folding line, and to limit the bending band between the offset portion adjacent end portion, described bending band extends through described folding line.

26. material sheet as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that,

Traverse feed distance between the described peripheral part on the described folding line opposite side portion is less than the gauge of described material sheet.

27. material sheet as claimed in claim 26 is characterized in that,

Described traverse feed distance arrives in about+0.5 times of scope in the pact-0.5 of described material sheet gauge.

28. material sheet as claimed in claim 27 is characterized in that,

Described traverse feed distance is about zero and described peripheral part is superimposed upon on the described folding line basically.

29. material sheet as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that,

The peripheral part of described offset portion is sheared, and passes completely through the gauge of described material sheet.

30. material sheet as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that,

Described material sheet bends along described folding line.

31. material sheet as claimed in claim 30 is characterized in that,

Described material sheet is along the direction bending in contrast to described offset direction.

32. material sheet as claimed in claim 22, and,

Form after the described offset portion, continuous coating material layer adheres at least one surface of described material sheet.

33. material sheet as claimed in claim 32 is characterized in that,

Described material sheet bends along described folding line, can not allow described coating material fault rupture.

34. one kind prepares material sheet and is used for comprising step along the method for folding line bending:

One or more drift blade is provided;

Described drift blade is inserted in the drift blade piece, and described drift blade piece is configured to cooperate with the mould piece;

Along described material sheet thickness direction, with number corresponding to described drift number of blades, form one or more offset portion, described offset portion comprises the flat site that is arranged essentially parallel to described material sheet, makes that the part of described flat site is peripheral along also extending near described folding line.

35. method as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that,

The described step that provides is finished by one or more standard-sized drift blades are provided.

36. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 2mm, 3mm or 4mm.

37. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 2mm, and length dimension is about 4mm, 8mm or 16mm.

38. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 3mm, and length dimension is about 6mm, 12mm or 24mm.

39. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 4mm and length dimension is about 8mm, 16mm or 32mm.

40. method as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that,

Described forming step provides described peripheral part that has edge and close described folding line and the described material sheet that has corresponding opposite planar, described planar configuration and the edge that is positioned in the described material sheet of formation in the bending process-plane engagement.

41. method as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that,

Described forming step is utilized mold process, punching course, roll extrusion process, one of them is finished to press process based on the shearing of cutter or type.

42. method as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that,

Described forming step is finished by arrange a plurality of drift blades along many folding lines, and wherein said many folding lines form simultaneously.

43. method as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that,

In described forming step process, the peripheral part of described offset portion is positioned on the opposite side portion of described folding line, separate each other less than the feed distance of described material sheet gauge.

44. method as claimed in claim 34 is characterized in that,

The bandwidth of described bending band is about 6 times of described material sheet thickness.

45. one kind is used for comprising at the tool assembly that is suitable for forming bending control offset portion on the material sheet of folding line bending:

One or more drift blade;

Drift blade piece, it has one or more recess, and described recess is determined size and is configured to removably receive described drift blade;

The mould piece, it has one or more recess, and the number of described recess is corresponding to the number of drift blade piece recess, and one of them described mould piece and described drift blade piece are configured to relative to each other move back and forth;

Wherein, described drift blade piece and described mould piece recess arrangement are shaped as offset portion, and described offset portion has the flat site of substantially parallel and described material sheet, and the peripheral part of described offset portion is along also extending near described folding line.

46. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that,

47. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 2mm, 3mm or 4mm.

48. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 2mm, and length dimension is about 4mm, 8mm or 16mm.

49. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 3mm, and length dimension is about 6mm, 12mm or 24mm.

50. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that, the width dimensions of described drift blade is about 4mm, and length dimension is about 8mm, 16mm or 32mm.

51. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that,

Described drift blade piece is configured to have the edge and also locatees with the described material sheet that has corresponding opposite planar near the peripheral part of described folding line, described planar configuration and the edge that is positioned in the described material sheet of generation in the bending process-plane engagement.

52. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that,

Many folding lines are arranged and be configured to form simultaneously to a plurality of drift blades along many folding lines.

53. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that,

A plurality of drift blade arrangement become the peripheral part with offset portion to be orientated in the opposite side portion of described folding line, and separate each other less than the feed distance of described material sheet gauge.

54. tool assembly as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that,

Described drift blade arrangement is shaped as the bending band, and the bandwidth of described bending band is about 6 times of described material sheet thickness.