GB1208204A - A machine for producing and applying metal clips - Google Patents

Abstract

1,208,204. Making metal clips; angular bending; jointing by stamping; shearing. J. M. DAVIS. 3 April, 1969 [4 April, 1968], No. 16364/68. Headings B3A, B3E, B3Q and B3W. A device for forming and applying U-shaped clips or other fastening means formed by severing and bending strip metal material includes a reciprocating punch 18, a rotary member 20 having a chamber 19 extending transversely to the rotational axis thereof, the member being arranged so that in two positions at 180 degrees to one another the chamber is disposed to receive the punch, means for feeding the strip material stepwise, the arrangement being such that each fastening means is formed and applied by two consecutive working strokes of the punch, a portion of the strip first being detached and driven into the chamber, then formed into a U-shape extending yoke first into the chamber, and finally driven prongs first from the chamber by means of the yoke of the next formed fastening means. Two wires to be joined are inserted between open jaws 21. Levers 22 are depressed, pivoting the jaws about pins 23, which action moves rollers 24 apart and a heel 21A operates an air valve 25 to actuate an operating cycle. A ram 26 is driven upwardly and a cam surface 41 pivots an arm 36 thereby advancing a carrier head 12. As the head 12 advances, jaws 12A, 12B close on the steel strip material to advance it one step. A further cam surface 34 engages a roller 33 to pivot toggle arms 27, 28, thereby driving a cutter 16 upwardly. The cutter, which reciprocates through a very short stroke adjustable by tapered wedges 30, produces a generally U- shaped cut in the strip almost, but not completely, through the thickness thereof. The previously formed clip blank having been advanced over a die 17 is engaged by the punch 18, formed into a U-shape and forced into the chamber 19. As the clip already in the chamber is pushed out, its prongs engage the jaws 2] and they are crimped around the wires. On the return stroke of the ram 26 a ratchet connection of a rack and pinion drive rotates the member 20 through 180 degrees after the punch is clear of the chamber 19, Fig. 7 (not shown). As the member 20 rotates, two flats on its periphery nudge the jaws partially open and a spring in the valve 25 and a further spring 25A open them fully. The cam surfaces 34, 41 withdraw the punch 16 and the head 12 respectively, the jaws 12A, 12B on the latter moving apart to release their grip on the strip. The length of the feed step of the steel strip is governed by the distance between a fixed stop (50) and an adjustable stop (51), Fig. 2 (not shown). Adjustment of the stop (51) simultaneously adjusts the position of the cutter 16 and its die 13.