KR100501111B1 - Machine for automatically manufacturing puzzle lock comprising ring - Google Patents

Abstract

Flat band material is fed from the supply station 10 to the stamping station 40, and the blank is punched out with a mechanical connection having male and female features 400, 420 at opposite ends, the blank being blanked in the first position. A method and machine for manufacturing a compression ring fed to a deformation machine (50) which is preformed into a shape that allows closure of the mechanical connection and is moved into several axial positions of the machine where the blank is also deformed into a circular shape in the second position. to provide. Preferably, the deformed and closed compression ring is then swung in the third position before exiting the machine.

Description

Method and apparatus for automatic manufacture of puzzle-locked compression rings {MACHINE FOR AUTOMATICALLY MANUFACTURING PUZZLE LOCK COMPRISING RING}

The present invention relates to a machine for automatic manufacture of a compression ring having mechanical connections, which are preferably puzzle locked.

In the prior art shrinkable compression rings have in most cases been made of rings cut from tubular stock of various materials. The ring was compressed and retracted by various means such as mechanical, magnetic, hydraulic, and the like.

Compression rings made from so-called puzzle lock clamping or band materials, ie compression rings similar to the puzzle locks disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,001,816 and 5,185,908, which are prior applications of the present invention, become available. The use of is becoming important in recent years, in which the puzzle lock of the US application can use flat band material for the production of compression rings.

However, in order to meet market demands such as the automotive industry, a machine capable of automatically mass producing these so-called puzzle lock compression rings is needed.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a machine for the fully automatic production of compression rings with mechanical connections from flat band materials. In order to achieve the above object, such a machine must be capable of high speed mass production to provide a large amount of the compression ring at a reasonable price. These machines must also be easily remountable to produce compression rings of various diameters.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the feed station continuously feeds a flat band from the reel to the stamping station, where one end of the blank having a mechanical connection which is preferably puzzle locked is stamped so that each blank is 2 Two consecutive cuts are required, which then form complementary puzzle lock shaped cuts at opposite ends of the blank. The blank is moved to the deformation station, where the flat blank is fed to the bending machine in the transverse direction towards its feeding direction. The bending machine has three consecutive positions in the transverse or axial direction of the core member and includes a plurality of sliding members mechanically driven by the cam. The flat blank deforms along the circumference of the core member. In the first position, the flat blank is preliminarily deformed into a shape similar to the shape of the finished compression ring, with the free end of the blank being precisely preformed into a shape capable of closing the mechanical connection in the second position. The closed compression ring of the desired diameter is thus swung in the third position, improving the ability of the mechanical connection to lock and remain locked against accidental reopening during transport and / or after use. . Once the various work steps have been completed, the finished compression ring is ejected.

The stamping die in the stamping station preferably makes a cut similar to the puzzle lock when cutting adjacent band portions.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the stamping die is configured such that the opposing male and female ends resulting from the stamping operation are initially completely separated and then partially recombined again so that two or more consecutive blanks are continuously supplied, each blank having a compression ring size. Two cuts apart in the longitudinal direction are needed as a function. Furthermore, the rate of continuous feeding from the reel to the stamping station and the rate of intermittent feeding from the stamping station to the bending or deformation station are balanced so that a continuous supply and an intermittent supply in the given operating cycle supply band material of the same length. In order to achieve this, preference is given to using a slack between the reel and the stamping station. It is also preferred that the machine comprises a straightening device of a conventional construction, which is arranged in two rows, for example, so that the band is not twisted, twisted or bent as a result of the reeling operation. Remove before reaching. The conventional refueling device placed directly in front of the stamping die ensures sufficient lubrication on both sides of the band as required by the stamping die before the band reaches the stamping station.

The method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the step of feeding a flat band from the reel to the stamping station, wherein in the stamping station the mechanical connections, preferably in the form of puzzle locks, are stamped to face each other the previously separated mechanical connections. Partly recombines the part, feeds this partly recombined flat blank to the bending station or deformation station, at the next bending station completely separates the preceding blank from the subsequent blank, and thus removes the blank separated from the bending station or It moves into the deformation station and deforms and completes the compression ring with mechanical connections in a number of steps, so that one lies laterally in the other.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate one embodiment of the invention as illustrative.

1A and 1B, like reference numerals have been used for similar parts throughout the figures, as 10 denotes a supply station for continuously feeding the band, including the reel 11 wound around the band material. . The reel 11 is rotated by a drive mechanism 12 including a drive roller 13. The straightener unit 14 replaces the upper pressure roller 15 and the lower pressure roller 15'to eliminate twisting, twisting or bending of the band, which may occur while the band is wound on the reel 11. And they are preferably arranged staggered with each other. Behind the planarization device 14 is a supply device 16 which comprises an upper feed roller 17 and a lower feed roller 17 'of a general structure and which continuously feeds the band 111. The control device 18 of the conventional structure electrically controls the operation of various parts of the machine. The speed of the drive roller 13 thus has a lever arm 19 having a driven member 19 ′ running on the band 111 and connected to the potentiometer to control the speed of the drive roller 13 by line 18a. Controlled by The slack control unit, schematically indicated at 20 in the drawing, contrasts with the intermittent supply of the band necessary for stamping at the stamping station 40 to stamp the puzzle lock while the band is stationary. Control the maximum amount of deflection 111 ″ and the minimum amount of deflection 111 ′ of the band, which are required for continuous supply at the supply station 10. The deflection control device 20 may be of any conventional structure and may include, for example, two upstanding members 22a, 22b connected to each other at the top and fixedly mounted to the bottom 23. The limit switch is thus connected to the top of the upright member 22b, the switching mechanism being actuated by the exploration member 25 extending downwards, the exploration member 25 being capable of reaching the minimum amount of deflection 111 '. When in contact with the drooping part, the switch in the switch mechanism 24 is activated, and information is supplied to the control device 18 via the line 24a to accelerate the continuous supply. The predetermined maximum amount of deflection is also sensed by means of a metal plate member 26 using a limit switch, for example, which is insulated with respect to the ground and is in a predetermined position, preferably an upright member ( Adjustablely mounted on 22a, 22b, wires 27a, 27b are thus mounted on upstanding members 22a, 22b. The band 111 is electrically grounded by conventional means, and when the deflection 111 'exceeds the maximum deflection, the ground plate 111 is applied to the metallic plate member 26, which was previously insulated from the ground, thereby providing a metallic plate member. The ground of 26 is applied to the control device 18 by the connector 28 and the line 28a, causing the continuous supply to slow down. Therefore, the information supplied to the control device 18 by the lines 24a and 28a is slowly changed in speed so as to maintain the amount of deflection between predetermined limits, and thus the supply station 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16. Used to control the speed of Of course, any known device may be used to perform the limiting functions of the exploration member 25, the limit switch device 24, the line 24a and the metallic plate member 26, the connector 28, the line 28a. . The intermittent supply device, indicated by reference numeral 30, intermittently feeds the band 111 to a stamping station, indicated by reference numeral 40, which is applied to lines 37 and branch lines 38, 39, as required by the stamping die. By means of an oiling device indicated by reference numeral 35 for lubricating the upper and lower surfaces of the band from the reservoir 36. The lubrication device 35 is thus located as close to the stamping station 40 as possible. The stamping station 40 includes a ram member 41, a fixed base member 42 fixedly supported in a vertical direction, and a column guide member 43. A ram member 41 is formed around the guide member 43. It is reciprocably supported by a short support member 44 integrated therewith. Stamping dies (not shown) are included in a two-partite housing 45 comprising mechanical connections which are preferably puzzle locked. The stamping die consists of four parts, two lower matrix-like members and two upper punching members, operated by the ram member 41 in any conventional manner. Thus, the leading lower matrix-like member is not directly supported by the fixed base member 42 but is spring-supported by a strong spring, as shown in the feeding direction of the band, while the preceding lower matrix-like member is Is directly supported on the fixed base member 42, and the leading upper punching die member is also spring supported, which is why it will be described later in connection with the stamping operation, in which the stamped band material is drawn from the stamping station. It is necessary to partially rejoin the successive blanks in order to further feed them to the deformation station indicated at 50.

The bending or deformation station 50 has three axial positions in the transverse direction with respect to the feeding direction of the band from the stamping station 40 to the deformation station 50. The blank, preferably having a mechanical connection in the shape of a male and female puzzle lock, at each of the preceding and subsequent ends, has a lower vertical reciprocating sliding member 52, 53 and a lateral slide reciprocating in a direction slightly inclined downward from the side. The members 60 and 61 and the upper vertical reciprocating sliding member 70 are deformed along the circumference of the core member 51. Each sliding member 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 is thus arranged in a number of axial directions that are rigidly connected to one another on a given sliding member, as required by the deformation machine and the number of axial positions in the deformation surface thereof. It is composed of parts. The lower slide member 52 is guided in the guide member 54 while the lower slide member 53 is guided in the guide member 55. Guide members are provided on both sides of each slide member 52, 53 but only one is shown in some figures for convenience. The sliding members 52, 53 are thus reciprocated by connecting rods 56, 57, FIG. 1b, which are connected to cam followers along the appropriate cam surface of the cam member, all of which are mechanically driven simultaneously in the machine. . Similarly, the sliding members 60, 61 are actuated by pivotal pivot members 64, 65, wherein the lower ends of the pivotal pivot members 64, 65 are provided by the connecting rods 64a, 65a. And a cam follower, which is connected to the cam surface of the mechanically driven cams 66 and 67, at an upper end thereof. Thus, each of the movable members 64 and 65 pivots about the pivot points 64b and 65b. The upper slide member 70 is reciprocated by the operating member 72, which is operably connected to the mechanically driven cam (not shown) by the cam follower.

The mechanical connection of the compression ring may be a known form of puzzle lock shape as described, for example, in the US patents 5,001,816 and 5,185,908, the preliminary applications of the present invention, but is preferably filed on April 17, 1996. No. 60 / 015,700 (D / 21569) and the invention entitled " Improved Puzzle-Lock Compression Ring " Type of puzzle lock shape. The male part (FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D), denoted by reference numeral 400 of this mechanical puzzle-locked connection, comprises a tongue portion 401 (FIG. 5) which terminates at the enlarged head 402, and has a side face. Lug portions 403 and 404. Among the mechanical puzzle-locked connection portions, female portions (FIGS. 3B, 3C and 3D) indicated by reference numeral 420 have a shape complementary to the male portion 400. The various corners are preferably approximately perpendicular to provide transversely extending contact surfaces 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, while the lateral contact surfaces 437, 438 of the enlarged head 402 It is directed into the transversely extending contact end surface 439 by the rounded contact surfaces 440, 441, which greatly improves the restraint capability of the mechanical connection, as described in more detail in the pending application described above. The areas 410, 411 and 412 shown in dashed lines are then swaged to displace the material in the connection area of the laterally contacting contact surfaces 432, 434 and 439, so that the compression ring during transport and / or use By improving the supporting action of the mechanical connections of the joints, for example, a hose, an axle boot on the nipple or the like, an axle stub and the like are combined.

The rest of the description of the machine will be described in relation to the operation of the machine. One such operating cycle involves intermittently feeding the band material into the stamping station 40 and from the stamping station to the deformation station, whereby the stamping of the mechanical connection with the desired puzzle lock shape is such that the intermittent supply is stopped. And partial cutting and recombination of adjacent male and female portions of the mechanical puzzle-locked connection, and the periodic movement of the sliding members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 to be described later. However, in the manufacture of compression rings in bending machines or deformation machines, as many stages in the axial direction of the core member 51 as the number of stages of continuous operation are required. In FIG. 1B, the slide members are indicated by reference numerals 52, 53, 60, 61, 70, wherein each slide member is arranged in the axial direction, and the axial direction of the core member 51 having a corresponding number of various deformation surfaces is indicated. And a number of rigidly interconnected parts, such as the number of positions along. In order to facilitate understanding of the operation of the machine, the parts of the core member and the slide member corresponding to the first position, the second position and the third position are shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, corresponding reference numeral 100. , 200 and 300 series.

work

The operation of the machine according to the invention is as follows.

The band material 111 is released from the reel 11 operated by the drive mechanism 12 and the drive roller 13 at a continuous speed controlled by the control device 18 and continuously supplied from the supply station 10. Wherein the continuous speed is determined by the position of the lever arm 19 having a follower 19 'and connected to a potentiometer moving on the band material 111. Since the electric circuit of the control device 18 is a general form, it is not the content of the present invention, and thus no detailed description is given. The band material 111 continuously released from the reel 11 is supplied to the flattening device 14 to eliminate twisting, twisting, or bending, so that the band material supplied to the continuous supply device 16 is completely flat. do. The supply rollers 17, 17 ′ of the supply device 16 continuously supply the band material 111. The deflection control device 20 which detects the maximum deflection amount 111 ″ by the metallic plate member 26 and the minimum deflection amount 111 ′ by the exploration member 25 has a maximum or minimum deflection amount. When exceeded, information is sent to control device 18 via lines 24a and 28a. This deflection control is necessary to ensure that the length of the band material supplied per cycle is equal in relation to the speed of the supply device 16 to the speed of the intermittent supply device 30. This means that the speed of the feed rollers 31, 32 controlled from the control device 18 by the line 33 is greater than the speed of the feed rollers 17, 17 ′, so that the stop during the stamping operation must be compensated for. . The lubrication device, indicated at 35 and should be located as close to the stamping station 40 as possible, provides the required amount of lubricant to the stamping die at the top and bottom of the intermittently supplied band material in line 37 and branch line 38. A reservoir 36 for feeding through 39.

The stamping unit 40 comprises a ram member 41 reciprocating on an upstanding column guide member 43 by a short support member 44, which is usually connected to the stamping unit. The stamping unit 40 further includes a fixed base member 42 on which the guide member 43 is supported. The bisected housing 45 fixedly supported on the fixed base member 42 comprises a stamping die (not shown) for a mechanically locked mechanical connection (not shown) to implement the cut. Each cut in the stamping operation of such a mechanical connection provides a female puzzle lock in the subsequent part of the band material and a male puzzle lock in the preceding part of the band material. In order to be able to move the blank cut in the stamping station from the stamping station 40 to the bending or deformation station 50 by the intermittent supply device 30, two consecutive cuts by the stamping operation during stop in a given operating cycle. It is necessary to recombine the band material. For this reason, the stamping die consists of two lower matrix members (not shown) and two upper punching die members (not shown) respectively connected to these lower matrix members. The subsequent lower matrix-like member is thereby supported by the strong spring or springs when viewed in the feeding direction, while the upper punching die member of the preceding pair is also spring supported. The upper punching die member of the dependent pair is thus operatively connected directly with the ram member 41, while the lower matrix-like member of the preceding pair is directly supported on the base member 42. In this way, the partial recombination of the cut puzzle lock shape obtained by cutting during a stop within one stamping cycle will again be partially rejoined, as schematically shown in FIG. 14. The state in which the parts of the puzzle lock are pressed together is shown in step 2 of FIG. 14, which is done by a force spring action supporting the subsequent pair of lower matrix members. FIG. 14 further shows step 4 at the deformation station of the preceding blank from the subsequent blank that was partially recombined in step 2. FIG. To this end, the spring-loaded plunger or pin member is initially pressed in the deformation station on the subsequent blank which is subsequently followed by the intermittent feeding stop and then applied to the plunger or pin member which acts on the puzzle lock male structure of the subsequent blank. Complete re-separation by means of which subsequent blanks are then separated and held by a spring loaded plunger or pin member, which is thus separated so that the preceding blank, indicated by reference numeral 111a, is finger-like member 80a, 80b, 80c. Until it is moved laterally in the supply direction. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are side views obtained in the axial direction of the core member 51, and FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4A are schematic plan views, whereby the positions of the various components are shown in FIG. At 2a, 3a and 4a, always at 2b and 3b, at 2c and 3c and at 2d and 3d. The feed path at the complete re-separation point in the deformation machine is slightly inclined so that subsequent blanks are raised to the preceding blank level during the next feed cycle without interfering with impingement on adjacent ones. Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 of FIG. 14 are schematic side views and step 5 is a schematic plan view.

The lateral movement of the blank shown in step 5 of FIG. 14 is realized by three reciprocating finger members 80a, 80b, 80c which move the separated blank into a first position on the core member 51. In the first position, the blank, which finally forms the compression ring, is preliminarily deformed so that its ends exactly follow the circular shape required to allow closure of the puzzle-locked mechanical connection. As particularly shown in FIGS. 2A and 7, the first cross section of the core member 51 is in the shape of an approximately ellipse having an apple shape. After the complete separation of the previously partially recombined blank and the blank separated by the finger members 80a, 80b, 80c have been transversed, the lower slide members 52, 53 are moved upwards at about the same time, so that the band contact deformation surface The portions labeled 152 and 153 with 158, 159 deform the blank through the path from position 0 to position 5 through position 1, 2, 3, 4 in FIG. 15. The sliding members 60, 61 having portions 160 and 161 then contact bands having band contact deformation surfaces 168, 169 and extending upwards in a straight line, whereby positions 1 ', 2', 3 ', 4'. , Through 5 ', deforms the band into position 6', where part 170 of upper sliding member 70 moves in contact with the band so that the band contacting deformation surface 173 is of the puzzle lock shape. Deform the end including the mechanical connection. When all the sliding members are retracted, the pre-deformed blank is applied to the L-shaped finger members 190a, 190b, FIG. 7 which are spring-supported by the springs 192a, 192b in the grooves 191a, 191b of the core portion 151. Helped and bounced back into position 6 '' 'as a result of the elasticity of the material. Thereby the short legs 194a, 194b of the finger members 190a, 190b determine the outer maximum protrusion of the finger member. If necessary, the maximum protrusion of the finger members 190a and 190b may be adjusted as described in connection with FIG. 9.

2A shows the position of the sliding member in the retracted position during the beginning of the cycle. Once the deformation and cycle of the blank in the first position, where the end 6 '' 'takes the spring-back position shown in FIG. 15, is completed, the blank thus formed is fingered 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d) is moved from the first position on the core member 51 into the second axial position on the core member 51. In this position the blank 111b is deformed circularly and the mechanical lock of the puzzle lock shape is closed. 8 shows the position of portions 252, 253, 260, 261, 270 of the sliding members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 in the extended position. Inward movement of the sliding member 60 into the extended position slightly precedes the movement of the sliding member 61, so as to overlap necessaryly with the closing of the mechanical puzzle-locked shape by the part 270 of the upper sliding member 70. The finger member 290 initially protrudes out of the groove 291 in order for the female puzzle lock end to lie on the male puzzle lock end, whereby a portion 261 of the sliding member 62 reaches an inwardly extended position. Finger member 290 is pushed inward against the force of spring 292. The upper sliding member portion 270 with the deformable insert 274 thus closes the puzzle lock while moving down to complete the deformation and closure of the compression ring. By sliding the slide members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 again during the completion of the second operating cycle, the deformed and closed compression rings are removed by the finger members 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d of the compression ring 111d. It is moved from the second position into the third position. At the same time, the movement of the deformed and closed compression ring from the second position to the third position discharges the compression ring 111d previously held in the position 3 after the swaging operation in the position 3.

In position 3 (of FIG. 11), the closed ring 111c is inserted into the small serrated protrusion 376 and the core 351 on the insertion member 374 of the portion 370 of the upper sliding member 70. It is swaged by a small serrated protrusion 378 on the insertion member 377 which is then made. The teeth are positioned so that a swaging action takes place in the region of the transversely extending contact edges 411, 412, 439 of the mechanical puzzle lock connection (FIG. 5) in the region shown by dashed lines 411, 412, 410. The swaging operation described in the co-pending application of the present invention significantly increases the holding capacity of the compression ring.

13 is shown a device 500, which holds the blank in a predetermined position on the core member 51 such that the swaging action is always within the proper position of the mechanical puzzle lock connection. In FIG. 13, which is a cross-sectional view in axial direction, the device 500 is arranged in the space between the lower slide members 52, 53 and its guide. The two pressure members 501, 502, which extend upwards with respect to the bottom surface of the blank, which finally form the compression ring, are received in the grooves of the housing block 507 and surround the plunger members 505, 506. 504) spring loaded. Accordingly, the guide members 508 and 509 guide the pressure members 501 and 502 and the components coupled thereto in the vertical movement direction. The contact member 510 is in contact with the lower ends of the plunger members 505 and 506 to apply the pressure exerted by the pressure members 501 and 502 on the bottom of the blank forming the compression ring by the springs 503 and 504. It increases even more in excess of losing power. Thus, the contact member 510 is connected by the connecting member 511 to any device that causes the vertical movement of the contact member 510. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting member 511 is connected to a piston rod of a pneumatic piston unit (not shown), which position is shown in FIG. 13 above the connecting member 511 during the deformation operation in a given cycle. And, during this deformation operation, the blank forming the compression ring is operated to remain firmly in its predetermined position. During each cycle in which the clamping ring is moved by the finger members 81a-81d and 82a-82d, the contact member 510 reduces the pressure exerted by the pressure members 501 and 502 and the axis of the compression ring without circumferential movement. Move down to allow movement. However, the springs 503, 504 are dimensioned to keep the compression ring in a proper position on the core member 51, allowing the axial movement of the compression ring necessary for each operation.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the machine of the present invention used to make a compression ring with an inner diameter of 79.6 mm and a band thickness of 1.4 mm, the deformation surface of the sliding member in contact with the compression ring blank is as follows. The length of the core portion 151 is 92 mm and the height is 70 mm. Surfaces 158, 159 of portions 152, 153 of lower slide members 52, 53 have a radius of curvature of 36.4 mm. Surfaces 168 and 169 of portions 160 and 161 of sliding members 60 and 61 have a radius of curvature of 36.4 mm. The curved portions of the surface 173 each have a radius of curvature of 36.4 mm and the corresponding surfaces on the core portion 151 have a radius of curvature of 35 mm.

The diameter of the core member 51 and the core portion 251 is 79.4 mm, and the curved portions 268 and 269 of the portions 260 and 261 of the sliding members 60 and 61 have a radius of curvature of 41.1 mm and the upper sliding member Insertion member 274 in portion 270 of 70 has a surface 273 whose radius of curvature is also 41.1 mm.

The portions 351 (FIG. 11) of the core member 51 are 79.4 mm in diameter, while the surfaces 358, 359 of the portions 352, 353 of the sliding members 52, 53 have a radius of curvature of 41.1 mm. Surfaces 368 and 369 of portions 360 and 361 of the sliding members 60 and 61 also have a radius of curvature of 41.1 mm and an insertion member of the portion 370 of the sliding member 70, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 16. The small serrated protrusion 376 on 374 is 60 degrees and 0.35 mm in height, as shown in FIG. The serrated members 377 are spaced apart by 10.6 mm in all the circumferential directions. The small serrated protrusion 378 on the insertion member 377 forms a shape similar to the serrated protrusion 376, that is, a height of 0.35 mm and an angle of 60 degrees spaced 10.6 degrees apart in the circumferential direction.

Pre-deformation of the compression ring at position 1 to facilitate closure of the mechanical connection requires different treatments for the smaller diameter compression ring, in which case the tapering effect due to the small radius of curvature in the male and female portions of the puzzle-locked connection is quite significant. This is important because it is difficult to close the connecting portion by a small opening along the inner circumferential surface of the band portion. In this case, it would be desirable to preform an end comprising the mechanical connection of the puzzle lock feature at position 1 to be flat, to close the flat puzzle lock feature at position 2, and then to deform the closed compression ring to the desired circle. Can be. This may be done, for example, at another step such that four cycles with four positions are required for complete manufacturing. However, even in such a case, good results were obtained by subjecting the compression ring blank to heat treatment of about 400 ° by softening the material in the male and female puzzle lock shape regions in the ends of the compression ring blank. The softening of the material facilitates the closure of the mechanical lock of the puzzle lock shape by the soft material, but since this softened material is reworked and hardened by substantial closure of the mechanical connection, only three operating steps within the three positions described above are sufficient. .

The machine of the present invention is very effective because it is possible to manufacture compression rings of various diameters with the same apparatus by only interchangeable parts of various sliding members. Moreover, the speed at which the machine can be operated is a high speed capable of producing 55 rings per minute.

All sliding members are mechanically operated by a mechanically driven cam and mounted by roller bearings to ensure frictionless sliding movements in reciprocating motion during the operating cycle. Various portions of the slide members 52, 53, 60, 61 and the core member 50 are also provided with surfaces sufficient to allow axial extension of the finger members 81a-81d, 82a-82d. If no swaging action is required, the machine described above can also use only two axes instead of three. The sliding member may be operated by means other than mechanical cam actuation. However, various movements of the slide member and adjustment of its timing can be optimally achieved by proper design of the cam member and its synchronous operation, for example sprocket chain drive driven from one motor.

Although only one embodiment in accordance with the present invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment and that there are many variations and modifications, and thus the invention is not limited by the detailed description and is in scope of the appended claims It includes all modifications and changes included.

Machines are provided that are able to produce fully automatic compression rings with mechanical connections from flat band materials, to mass produce such compression rings at high speed, and to produce compression rings of various diameters.

1a and 1b schematically show an embodiment of a machine according to the invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view showing various parts of the bending station or deformation station with all the slide members retracted; FIG.

FIG. 2B is a front view similar to FIG. 2A in a position where the lower slide member extends upwards; FIG.

FIG. 2C is a front view similar to FIG. 2B with the side sliding member in an extended position; FIG.

FIG. 2D is a front view similar to FIG. 2C with the upper slide member in a extended position;

3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;

3B is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2B;

3C is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2C;

3D is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2D;

4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2A;

5 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a mechanical connection having a shape similar to a puzzle lock;

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

7 is an axial front view showing the cross-sectional shape of the core member and the sliding member and their deformation surface at position 1 of the deformation machine;

8 is an axial front view showing the cross-sectional shape of the core member and the sliding member and their deformation surfaces at position 1 of the deformation machine;

9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a finger member in the cross section of the core member at position 2;

10 is a schematic illustration of the surface of the insert member and the core member in the upper vertical slide member when the core member and the upper slide member are in position 2;

11 is an axial front view showing the cross section of the core member and the sliding member and their deformation surfaces when the machine position is at 3;

12 shows schematically an upper slide member having a deformed protrusion for carrying out a swaging operation and an insertion member for the core portion;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for maintaining the band in the same position with respect to the core member while deformation is made;

14 schematically illustrates a stamping operation of the band material and some recombination of the cut portion;

15 is a schematic diagram showing various modification steps in the deformation machine of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view partially showing the shape of the swaged teeth on the insert for the cross section of the upper slide member in position 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: supply station 11: supply unit (reel)

12: drive mechanism 13: drive roller

14: linear straightener 15, 15 ': pressure roller

16: feeder 17, 17 ': feed roller

18: control unit 19: lever arm

19 ': driven member 20: deflection control device

22a, 22b: upright member 24: limit switch device

25: exploration member 26: metallic plate member

28: connector 30: intermittent supply device

31, 32: supply roller 35: lubrication device

36: reservoir 40: stamping station

41: ram member 42: fixed base member

43: guide member 44: support member

45 two-part housing 50 bending or deformation station

51: core member 52, 53, 60, 61, 70: sliding member

111: Band 111 ', 111' ': Deflection amount

Claims (30)

The deformation member 50 is provided with a core member 51, the core member having several axially spaced outer surfaces, the several axially spaced outer surfaces in the machine in number and position. Corresponds to a continuous position and functions as an internal contact surface for the blank 111, The blank 111 is continuously fed from one position of the machine to the next position and during each operating cycle in a number of operating cycles for corresponding ones of the outer sides of the core member 51. Flat blank 111 of band material, which slides the slide members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 from the retracted position to the extended position to deform and then returns the slide member to the retracted position to form a closed ring. A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from In a first position within the machine, the flat blank 111 is preformed into a ring shape, In the second position, the preformed blank is deformed into a final ring shape and the mechanical connecting means 400, 420 provided in the free end region of the blank 111 are provided with the sliding members 52, 53, 60, 61. Closed by a sliding member 70 of one of In a third position, characterized in that for swaging the predetermined areas 410, 411, 412 of the mechanical connecting means 400, 420, A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 1, Characterized in that the compression ring 111d already in the third position is discharged by the movement of the compression ring 111c subsequent from the second position to the third position. A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 1, Swaging operation in a predetermined area of the connecting portion formed by the closed connecting means 400, 420 is caused by a slight material movement in the transversely extending contact surface area of the connecting means 400, 420. Executed in the third position, A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 1, By applying a holding pressure on the blank 111 in an area opposite the connecting means 400, 420, the blank 111 is moved to a predetermined position with respect to the core member 51 during the entire operating cycle. Further comprising maintaining, A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 4, wherein A smaller holding pressure is applied during the axial supply operation of the blank 111 and a higher pressure is applied during the deformation period by the sliding members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70. A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 1, During a given cycle, one or more lower slide members 52 are first moved toward the core member 51, and then the one or more lower slide members 52, 53 are almost at the extended position, and then the two side slide members One of the side sliding members 60 of 60 and 61 is moved toward the core member 51, and before the one side sliding member 60 reaches the extended position, the two side sliding members 60. 61, the other side sliding member 61 is moved toward the core member 51, and after the two side sliding members 60, 61 have reached the extended position, the one or more upper sliding members 70 Moved toward the core member 51, A method for automatically producing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 6, In the movement toward the extended position, the one side slide member 60 only shortly precedes the other side slide member 61, A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 1, All the slide members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 are shrunk at about the same time, and the blanks 111 are all supplied after the slide members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 are fully shrunk, A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 1, The stamping station 40 stamps the mechanical connecting means 400, 420 from the flat band material, and stamps the flat band material so that the connecting means 400, 420 can be stamped while the intermittent supply is stopped. And intermittently supplying to 40; A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 9, By partially recombining the mechanical connection means 400, 420 of the continuous band piece cut by the stamping operation, the continuous blank 111 is intermittently moved from the stamping station 40 to the deformation station 50. Further comprising the step of, A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 10, Separating the partially recombined connecting means 400, 420 when the blank 111 arrives at the deformation station 50 before being fed into the first position, A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. The method of claim 10, Continuously supplying flat band material from the supply material 11 of the band material to the intermittent supply device 30, and the intermittent supply of the intermittent Correlating the feed rate of the continuous feed to the rate; A method for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks of band material. In the deformation station 50, the core member 51 having several outer surfaces corresponding to several successive positions in the axial direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the blank 111, A plurality of slide members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 for deforming the blank 111, Actuating means 56, 57, 66, 67, 72 for actuating the sliding members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 in a predetermined order during an operating cycle, and And supply means (80, 81, 82) for continuously supplying the blank (111) from one position on the core member (51) to the next position to continuously deform the blank (111) to a final shape, In the apparatus for automatically manufacturing the compression ring from the flat blank 111, Each sliding member 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 has several band engaging end surfaces 58, 59, 68, 69, 73 at a free end corresponding to a position on the core member 51. , The several band joining end surfaces are A first end face corresponding to the first position on the core member 51 for preforming the blank 111, Complementary mechanical connecting means 400, 420 provided at the free end of the blank 111 are closed to a second position on the core member 51 to deform the blank 111 into a nearly final ring shape. A corresponding second end face, and A third end face corresponding to the third position on the core member 51 for swaging a predetermined area of the connecting means 400, 420, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The continuous position of the outer surface on the core member has an axial length that substantially matches the width of the blank 111, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The sliding members 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 are operable to deform the blank 111 from below, side and above, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, Preliminarily deforming the free end of the blank 111 such that the outer surface of the core member in the first position conforms to the shape necessary to enable closing of the mechanical connecting means 400, 420 in the second position. Shape, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 16, The outer surface of the core member 51 in the first position is slightly elliptical to the extent that the free ends of the blank 111 do not overlap, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The outer surface of the core member 51 in the first position includes finger-shaped protrusions 190a and 190b to assist in the implementation of a pre-deformed oval, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The outer surface of the core member 251 in the second position is generally circular, and the outer surface is below the sliding member 270 of one of the sliding members 252, 253, 260, 261, 270 from above. The mechanical connecting means 400, 420 during initial deformation in the second position until the mechanical connecting means 400, 420 are closed by further deformation in the second position by movement in the direction. Including a finger-like protruding means 291 to initially overlap the free end of the blank 111 comprising a), Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, Two sliding members 52, 53 are provided which can operate in a generally upward direction towards the core member 51, and two other sliding members 60 to move towards the core member 51 from almost opposite sides. 61 is further provided, and a sliding member 70 is provided which operates in a generally downward direction towards the core member 51, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, As the blank 111 is deformed and moved in several positions, support means 503 are coupled to the blank 111 from below to keep the blank 111 in the same position on the core member 51, Further comprising 504, 510, 511, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, Band material supply station (10, 11), A stamping station 40 for spamming complementary mechanical connecting means 400, 420 and forming the blank 111, Continuous supply means 16 for continuously supplying uninterrupted band material at points along the path from the supply station to the stamping station 40, and Further comprising an intermittent actuating supply means 30 for supplying a blank 111 from said point to said stamping station 40, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 22, Control means 18, 18a, 24a, 28a which correlate the speed of the continuous supply means 16 to the speed of the intermittent actuating supply means 30, wherein the reel 11 of the band material Reliably driven at a supply station to release the band material from the reel, the speed of the driven reel being operable to be adjusted by the control means 18, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The stamping station 40 is characterized in that the stamping station 40 is provided by means of a supply means in which two adjacent blanks 111 are initially completely cut and do not come into contact with each other and are partially recombined again after the cut is completed. A matrix for each end of two adjacent blanks 111 for stamping complementary mechanical connecting means 400, 420 in such a way as to enable the supply of the blanks 111 from 40 to the deformation station; Separating means, including a stamping die 45 having a stamping die punch 41, prior to the transverse movement of the partially recombined blank 111 from the first position to the second position on the core member 51. Separated by again, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 24, The first complete separation and subsequent partial recombination result in a spring supporting means of the punch for the preceding part of the complementary puzzle lock connecting means 400, 420, and a trailing portion of the complementary puzzle lock connecting means 400, 420. Realized by the spring support means of the matrix for Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, Means for discharging said completed compression ring from said third position, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The supply means comprises rod-shaped members 80, 81, 82 which are axially operable to engage the blank 111, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The supply means provides a substantial amount of the sliding member 52, 53, 60, 61, 70 at least near the completion of the operation cycle involving the forward and backward movement of the sliding member 52, 53, 60, 61, 70. Operated during retraction, and during normal operation, a blank 111 is present in each of several positions, each sliding member contacting each one of the blanks 111 by the contact surface of each sliding member, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, The end face corresponding to the third position of one of the sliding members 352, 353, 360, 361, 370 and the outer side surface corresponding to the third position on the core member 377 are material moving serrated means 376. 378, to perform a swaging operation in a third position within a predetermined area of the joint formed by the closed mechanical connecting means 400, 420, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks. The method of claim 13, Each slide member 352, 353, 360, 361, 370 is composed of a plurality of axially arranged portions fixedly connected to each other and provided with end faces, respectively, for simultaneous movement during each operating cycle, the core member 377 consists of a plurality of axially arranged portions, each of which is fixedly connected to each other and is provided with its own outer surface, Apparatus for automatically manufacturing compression rings from flat blanks.

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