US20100050729A1 - Die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece - Google Patents
Die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100050729A1 US20100050729A1 US12/202,426 US20242608A US2010050729A1 US 20100050729 A1 US20100050729 A1 US 20100050729A1 US 20242608 A US20242608 A US 20242608A US 2010050729 A1 US2010050729 A1 US 2010050729A1
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- Prior art keywords
- clamp
- die assembly
- assembly
- support clamp
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen Substances N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen group Chemical group [N] QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 4
- 210000001331 nose Anatomy 0.000 description 10
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D19/00—Flanging or other edge treatment, e.g. of tubes
- B21D19/08—Flanging or other edge treatment, e.g. of tubes by single or successive action of pressing tools, e.g. vice jaws
- B21D19/10—Flanging or other edge treatment, e.g. of tubes by single or successive action of pressing tools, e.g. vice jaws working inwardly
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D22/00—Shaping without cutting, by stamping, spinning, or deep-drawing
- B21D22/02—Stamping using rigid devices or tools
- B21D22/06—Stamping using rigid devices or tools having relatively-movable die parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D37/00—Tools as parts of machines covered by this subclass
- B21D37/08—Dies with different parts for several steps in a process
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to an apparatus for forming a workpiece to have a desired shape.
- this invention relates to an improved die assembly for use in such an apparatus for forming a workpiece that prevents the formed workpiece from being undesirably retained on the die assembly.
- a wide variety of apparatuses are known in the art for forming workpieces to have a desired shape.
- mechanical presses are well known apparatuses that are commonly used to manufacture a wide variety of workpieces including, for example, relatively large or thick-walled workpieces such as side rails, cross members, and other components for vehicle frame assemblies.
- a typical mechanical press includes a stationary portion (typically referred to as a bed) having a first die section of a die assembly secured thereto, a movable portion (typically referred to as a ram) having a second die section of the die assembly secured thereto, and an actuating mechanism for selectively moving the ram toward and away from the bed.
- the first and second die sections of the die assembly engage the workpiece and exert forces thereon to mechanically form it into a desired shape.
- the first and second die sections are moved apart from one another to allow the formed workpiece to be removed and the next workpiece to be formed to be inserted.
- This invention relates to an improved die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece that prevents the formed workpiece from being undesirably retained on the die assembly.
- the die assembly includes a support clamp, a first clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a first portion of the workpiece, and a second clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a second portion of the workpiece.
- a forming punch is movable relative to the support clamp after the first clamp and the second clamp have been moved to form the workpiece.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view, partially broken away, of a die assembly in accordance with this invention, together with a workpiece to be formed.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view taken along 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 showing the workpiece initially installed and unclamped on the die assembly.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken along 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 showing the workpiece initially installed and unclamped on the die assembly.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 2 showing the workpiece partially clamped on the die assembly.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 2 showing the workpiece partially clamped on the die assembly.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 4 showing the workpiece fully clamped on the die assembly.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 5 showing the workpiece fully clamped on the die assembly.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 6 showing the workpiece after being formed on the die assembly.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 7 showing the workpiece after being formed on the die assembly.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the die assembly and the workpiece shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the formed workpiece after removal from the die assembly.
- FIG. 1 a die assembly, indicated generally at 10 , in accordance with this invention.
- the die assembly 10 is adapted to be supported on any conventional apparatus for forming a workpiece to have a desired shape, such as a mechanical press (not shown) as described above.
- the illustrated die assembly 10 includes a base 11 and a first clamp, indicated generally at 12 .
- the first clamp 12 includes a rigid clamp 14 and a floater clamp 16 .
- the rigid clamp 14 includes a cavity 18 that engages the floater clamp 16 for relative movement therebetween.
- the floater clamp 16 is resiliently supported within the cavity 18 of the rigid clamp 14 .
- a resilient support 15 may be disposed between the floater clamp 16 and the rigid clamp 14 , although such is not required.
- the resilient support 15 may, for example, be embodied as a fluid spring such as a conventional nitrogen-charged die spring.
- the resilient support 15 may alternatively be pneumatic or hydraulic in nature (such as by means of a gas or a liquid provided within the cavity 18 ) or may be mechanically operated, such as by means of a helical spring, a Belleville spring, a leaf spring, an elastomeric spring, and the like.
- the first clamp 12 also includes a second clamp 20 that operates along with the first clamp 12 to support a workpiece (such as indicated generally at 22 ) on portions of the die assembly 10 . The operation of the first clamp 12 and second clamp 20 will be explained below.
- the illustrated workpiece 22 includes a first leg 24 having an uneven profile or complex geometry that includes a stiffening channel 24 a or other protruding feature, boss, fin, rib, or structure.
- the illustrated workpiece 22 also includes a second leg 26 , which is shown as an extending side from the first leg 24 . As will be explained in detail below, the second leg 26 will be formed by the die assembly 10 to have a desired shape.
- the first leg 24 of the illustrated workpiece 22 has three locating apertures 28 formed therethrough, although any number of such locating apertures 28 (or none at all, if desired) may be provided.
- the illustrated locating apertures 28 are adapted to be engaged by respective movable pin assemblies 30 .
- Each of the movable pin assemblies 30 is supported on and extend beyond an upper surface of a support clamp 32 .
- the structure and operation of the support clamp 32 and the movable pin assemblies 30 will be explained below.
- the illustrated support clamp 32 is supported on the base 11 for lateral movement relative thereto for selective engagement with the second leg 26 of the workpiece 22 .
- the support clamp 32 may be supported for any desired movement relative to the base 11 .
- the illustrated support clamp 32 includes at least one pin slot 34 that engages the movable pin assembly 30 .
- the illustrated pin slot 34 is an elongated slot that allows the support clamp 32 to move relative to the movable pin assembly 30 .
- the relative fit between the pin slot 34 and the movable pin assembly 30 provides a sufficient locating tolerance to orient the workpiece 22 within the die assembly 10 .
- the support clamp 32 may include a cam follower 36 that cooperates with a cam actuator 38 to effect the selective movement of the support clamp 32 relative to the base 11 in the manner described below.
- the support clamp 32 can be moved relative to the base 11 by any desired mechanism.
- the support clamp 32 can be moved relative to the base 11 by means of a hydraulically driven ram, a reciprocating rod and clevis, an oscillating actuator, a linear motor, a rack and pinion drive, and the like.
- a forming punch 40 is supported on the base 11 for movement relative thereto.
- the forming punch 40 may be moved by a cam assembly 42 , which may be embodied as any device that can move the forming punch 40 in order to deform the workpiece 22 as desired.
- the cam assembly 42 may be similar to the clamping actuator examples mentioned above.
- the forming punch 40 includes a leading edge 44 that cooperates with a forming recess 46 provided in the support clamp 32 .
- the cooperating leading edge 44 and the forming recess 46 are moved across the base 11 from an opened position, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , to a closed position, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
- the closed position creates a cavity 48 , shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , that defines the general shape of the second leg 26 to be formed.
- each of the movable pin assemblies 30 includes a pin nose 50 that extends through the locating aperture 28 .
- Each pin nose 50 is supported on an offset arm 52 , although such is not required.
- the offset arm 52 or alternatively the pin nose 50 directly, engages a pin actuator 54 by way of an optional push rod 56 .
- the pin actuator 54 may be embodied as any structure that can move the pin nose 50 to an extended position to allow the workpiece 22 to be loaded into the die assembly 10 .
- the pin actuator 54 is a resilient nitrogen spring that is biased in an extended position.
- the extended position of the pin actuator 54 positions the pin nose 50 above the upper surface of the support clamp 32 .
- the pin actuator 54 may be a mechanical spring, a hydraulic spring, a magnetic spring, or the like.
- the pin actuator 54 may, alternatively, be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or magnetic powered actuator that is force driven from the retracted position to the extended position, if so desired.
- the pin actuator 54 can be either fixed directly to the base 11 or secured to another point relative to the base 11 and allows the pin nose 50 to be moved to a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 4 , 6 , and 8 ) by the first clamp 12 .
- the first clamp 12 moves the workpiece 22 against the resilient force of the pin actuator 54 .
- the retracted position of the pin actuator 54 allows the component pre-form 22 to engage the surface of the support clamp 32 .
- the workpiece 22 is placed in the die assembly 10 by engaging the pin nose 50 through the locating aperture 28 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the workpiece 22 may initially rest on a portion of the offset arm 52 , though such an orientation is not required.
- the support clamp 32 may also include one or more wear plates 58 (shown in FIGS. 3 , 5 , and 7 ) that support the workpiece 22 .
- the wear plates 58 may also be adapted to reduce the coefficient of friction between the workpiece 22 and the support clamp 32 .
- the first clamp 12 clamps the workpiece 22 onto the support clamp 32 .
- the rigid clamp 14 is shown having a pin recess 60 that accepts the pin nose 50 , if so provided.
- the rigid clamp 14 may have more than one pin recess 60 to accommodate the appropriate number of pin noses 50 .
- the floater clamp 16 may also be provided with one or more pin recesses 60 if so desired.
- the floater clamp 16 contacts the surface of the workpiece 22 .
- the floater clamp 16 is configured to contact the stiffening channel 24 a.
- the floater clamp 16 resiliently reacts against the rigid clamp 14 to apply a proportional clamping force onto the workpiece 22 as the first clamp 12 moves toward the 22 .
- the first clamp 12 contacts the first leg 24 and engages the pin nose 50 within the pin recess 60 .
- the first clamp 12 forces the movable pin assembly 30 into the pin slot 34 .
- the support clamp 32 As the first clamp 12 is being brought into contact with the first leg 24 of the workpiece 22 , the support clamp 32 is moved to the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 . In the closed position, the support clamp 32 locates against the adjacent surface of the second leg 26 of the workpiece 22 . The support clamp 32 is moved toward the second leg 26 of the workpiece 22 by the relative action of the cam follower 36 against the cam driver 38 . The pin slot 34 moves relative to the movable pin assembly 30 as the support clamp 32 is pushed into the closed position against a portion of the second leg 26 . The second clamp 20 moves toward the second leg 26 as the support clamp 32 moves toward the closed position.
- the movement of the second clamp 20 is illustrated as a lateral movement across the surface of the forming punch 40 , though such a movement direction is not required. Alternatively, the second clamp 20 may move in the same direction as the first clamp 12 if so desired.
- the second clamp 20 and the support clamp 32 engage or otherwise trap and hold the second leg 26 therebetween.
- the movement of the first clamp 12 onto the support clamp 32 is coordinated in time with the movement of the second clamp 20 toward the second leg 26 . This coordinated movement is such that the workpiece 22 is not subjected to damaging bending or twisting loads.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 when the workpiece 22 is trapped between the first clamp 12 , the second clamp 20 , and the support clamp 32 ; the cam actuator 38 (if so provided) travels past the cam follower 36 to provide an additional lock or restraint to movement of the support clamp 32 relative to the forming punch 40 .
- the forming punch 40 is then driven by the second cam assembly 42 into contact with a portion of the second leg 26 .
- the second cam assembly 42 continues to press the leading edge 44 into the portion of the second leg 26 .
- the leading edge 44 folds the portion of the second leg 26 into the forming recess 46 to form a flange 62 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates the die assembly 10 in the closed position after forming the flange 62 .
- FIG. 11 shows a finished workpiece 64 after ejection by the movable pin assemblies 30 from the die assembly 10 .
- the steps to release the finished part 64 from the die assembly 10 may be conducted in the reverse order from the clamping steps described above, though such is not required.
- the load applied by the first clamp 12 may be reduced prior to retracting the leading edge 44 from engagement with the forming recess 46 . This may reduce the load required to move the leading edge 44 from engagement with the flange 62 .
- the second clamp 20 is moved away from the remainder of the second leg 26 of the finished workpiece 64 .
- the first clamp 12 is further retracted from contact with the finished workpiece 64 so that the movable pin assemblies 30 can articulate from the pin slots 34 and push the finished workpiece 64 out of the die assembly 10 .
- automated handling equipment may be used to move the finished workpiece 64 onto the next operation. The cycle is then ready to accept another workpiece 22 and restart the forming process.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A die assembly for forming a workpiece includes a support clamp, a first clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a first portion of the workpiece, and a second clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a second portion of the workpiece. A forming punch is movable relative to the support clamp after the first clamp and the second clamp have been moved to form the workpiece.
Description
- This invention relates in general to an apparatus for forming a workpiece to have a desired shape. In particular, this invention relates to an improved die assembly for use in such an apparatus for forming a workpiece that prevents the formed workpiece from being undesirably retained on the die assembly.
- A wide variety of apparatuses are known in the art for forming workpieces to have a desired shape. For example, mechanical presses are well known apparatuses that are commonly used to manufacture a wide variety of workpieces including, for example, relatively large or thick-walled workpieces such as side rails, cross members, and other components for vehicle frame assemblies. A typical mechanical press includes a stationary portion (typically referred to as a bed) having a first die section of a die assembly secured thereto, a movable portion (typically referred to as a ram) having a second die section of the die assembly secured thereto, and an actuating mechanism for selectively moving the ram toward and away from the bed. When the ram is moved toward the bed, the first and second die sections of the die assembly engage the workpiece and exert forces thereon to mechanically form it into a desired shape. When the ram is moved away from the bed, the first and second die sections are moved apart from one another to allow the formed workpiece to be removed and the next workpiece to be formed to be inserted.
- It is often desirable to form workpieces to have relatively complex shapes that can include, for example, stiffening features or mounting bosses at various locations. These relatively complex shapes may, after formation, cause portions of the formed workpiece to be clamped or otherwise retained on portions of the die assembly. Such retention of the formed workpiece on the die assembly is usually undesirable because it can inhibit the removal of the formed workpiece from the die assembly, thereby increasing the amount of time and effort necessary to complete the forming cycle. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece that prevents the formed workpiece from being undesirably retained on the die assembly.
- This invention relates to an improved die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece that prevents the formed workpiece from being undesirably retained on the die assembly. The die assembly includes a support clamp, a first clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a first portion of the workpiece, and a second clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a second portion of the workpiece. A forming punch is movable relative to the support clamp after the first clamp and the second clamp have been moved to form the workpiece.
- Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view, partially broken away, of a die assembly in accordance with this invention, together with a workpiece to be formed. -
FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view taken along 2-2 ofFIG. 1 showing the workpiece initially installed and unclamped on the die assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional elevational view taken along 3-3 ofFIG. 1 showing the workpiece initially installed and unclamped on the die assembly. -
FIG. 4 is a sectional elevational view similar toFIG. 2 showing the workpiece partially clamped on the die assembly. -
FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view similar toFIG. 2 showing the workpiece partially clamped on the die assembly. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view similar toFIG. 4 showing the workpiece fully clamped on the die assembly. -
FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view similar toFIG. 5 showing the workpiece fully clamped on the die assembly. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional elevational view similar toFIG. 6 showing the workpiece after being formed on the die assembly. -
FIG. 9 is a sectional elevational view similar toFIG. 7 showing the workpiece after being formed on the die assembly. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the die assembly and the workpiece shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the formed workpiece after removal from the die assembly. - Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 a die assembly, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with this invention. The dieassembly 10 is adapted to be supported on any conventional apparatus for forming a workpiece to have a desired shape, such as a mechanical press (not shown) as described above. The illustrated dieassembly 10 includes abase 11 and a first clamp, indicated generally at 12. Thefirst clamp 12 includes arigid clamp 14 and afloater clamp 16. Therigid clamp 14 includes acavity 18 that engages thefloater clamp 16 for relative movement therebetween. Thefloater clamp 16 is resiliently supported within thecavity 18 of therigid clamp 14. If desired, aresilient support 15 may be disposed between thefloater clamp 16 and therigid clamp 14, although such is not required. Theresilient support 15 may, for example, be embodied as a fluid spring such as a conventional nitrogen-charged die spring. Theresilient support 15 may alternatively be pneumatic or hydraulic in nature (such as by means of a gas or a liquid provided within the cavity 18) or may be mechanically operated, such as by means of a helical spring, a Belleville spring, a leaf spring, an elastomeric spring, and the like. Thefirst clamp 12 also includes asecond clamp 20 that operates along with thefirst clamp 12 to support a workpiece (such as indicated generally at 22) on portions of the dieassembly 10. The operation of thefirst clamp 12 andsecond clamp 20 will be explained below. - The illustrated
workpiece 22 includes afirst leg 24 having an uneven profile or complex geometry that includes astiffening channel 24a or other protruding feature, boss, fin, rib, or structure. The illustratedworkpiece 22 also includes asecond leg 26, which is shown as an extending side from thefirst leg 24. As will be explained in detail below, thesecond leg 26 will be formed by the dieassembly 10 to have a desired shape. Thefirst leg 24 of the illustratedworkpiece 22 has three locatingapertures 28 formed therethrough, although any number of such locating apertures 28 (or none at all, if desired) may be provided. - The illustrated locating
apertures 28 are adapted to be engaged by respectivemovable pin assemblies 30. Each of themovable pin assemblies 30 is supported on and extend beyond an upper surface of asupport clamp 32. The structure and operation of thesupport clamp 32 and themovable pin assemblies 30 will be explained below. - The illustrated
support clamp 32 is supported on thebase 11 for lateral movement relative thereto for selective engagement with thesecond leg 26 of theworkpiece 22. However, thesupport clamp 32 may be supported for any desired movement relative to thebase 11. The illustratedsupport clamp 32 includes at least onepin slot 34 that engages themovable pin assembly 30. The illustratedpin slot 34 is an elongated slot that allows thesupport clamp 32 to move relative to themovable pin assembly 30. The relative fit between thepin slot 34 and themovable pin assembly 30 provides a sufficient locating tolerance to orient theworkpiece 22 within thedie assembly 10. Thesupport clamp 32 may include acam follower 36 that cooperates with acam actuator 38 to effect the selective movement of thesupport clamp 32 relative to thebase 11 in the manner described below. Alternatively, thesupport clamp 32 can be moved relative to thebase 11 by any desired mechanism. For example, thesupport clamp 32 can be moved relative to thebase 11 by means of a hydraulically driven ram, a reciprocating rod and clevis, an oscillating actuator, a linear motor, a rack and pinion drive, and the like. - A forming
punch 40 is supported on thebase 11 for movement relative thereto. The formingpunch 40 may be moved by acam assembly 42, which may be embodied as any device that can move the formingpunch 40 in order to deform theworkpiece 22 as desired. Thecam assembly 42 may be similar to the clamping actuator examples mentioned above. The formingpunch 40 includes a leadingedge 44 that cooperates with a formingrecess 46 provided in thesupport clamp 32. The cooperating leadingedge 44 and the formingrecess 46 are moved across thebase 11 from an opened position, shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 , to a closed position, shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 . The closed position creates acavity 48, shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 , that defines the general shape of thesecond leg 26 to be formed. - Initially, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the dieassembly 10 is disposed in the opened position such that theworkpiece 22 can be loaded onto themovable pin assemblies 30. Each of themovable pin assemblies 30 includes apin nose 50 that extends through the locatingaperture 28. Eachpin nose 50 is supported on anoffset arm 52, although such is not required. The offsetarm 52, or alternatively thepin nose 50 directly, engages apin actuator 54 by way of anoptional push rod 56. Thepin actuator 54 may be embodied as any structure that can move thepin nose 50 to an extended position to allow theworkpiece 22 to be loaded into thedie assembly 10. In a preferred embodiment, thepin actuator 54 is a resilient nitrogen spring that is biased in an extended position. The extended position of thepin actuator 54 positions thepin nose 50 above the upper surface of thesupport clamp 32. Alternatively, thepin actuator 54 may be a mechanical spring, a hydraulic spring, a magnetic spring, or the like. Thepin actuator 54 may, alternatively, be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or magnetic powered actuator that is force driven from the retracted position to the extended position, if so desired. Thepin actuator 54 can be either fixed directly to the base 11 or secured to another point relative to thebase 11 and allows thepin nose 50 to be moved to a retracted position (shown inFIGS. 4 , 6, and 8) by thefirst clamp 12. Thefirst clamp 12 moves theworkpiece 22 against the resilient force of thepin actuator 54. The retracted position of thepin actuator 54 allows the component pre-form 22 to engage the surface of thesupport clamp 32. - In operation, the
workpiece 22 is placed in thedie assembly 10 by engaging thepin nose 50 through the locatingaperture 28, as shown inFIG. 2 . Theworkpiece 22 may initially rest on a portion of the offsetarm 52, though such an orientation is not required. Thesupport clamp 32 may also include one or more wear plates 58 (shown inFIGS. 3 , 5, and 7) that support theworkpiece 22. Thewear plates 58 may also be adapted to reduce the coefficient of friction between the workpiece 22 and thesupport clamp 32. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , thefirst clamp 12 clamps theworkpiece 22 onto thesupport clamp 32. Therigid clamp 14 is shown having apin recess 60 that accepts thepin nose 50, if so provided. Therigid clamp 14 may have more than onepin recess 60 to accommodate the appropriate number ofpin noses 50. Thefloater clamp 16 may also be provided with one or more pin recesses 60 if so desired. When actuated, the floater clamp 16 contacts the surface of theworkpiece 22. In the illustrated embodiment, thefloater clamp 16 is configured to contact the stiffeningchannel 24a. The floater clamp 16 resiliently reacts against therigid clamp 14 to apply a proportional clamping force onto theworkpiece 22 as thefirst clamp 12 moves toward the 22. Thefirst clamp 12 contacts thefirst leg 24 and engages thepin nose 50 within thepin recess 60. Thefirst clamp 12 forces themovable pin assembly 30 into thepin slot 34. - As the
first clamp 12 is being brought into contact with thefirst leg 24 of theworkpiece 22, thesupport clamp 32 is moved to the closed position illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 7 . In the closed position, thesupport clamp 32 locates against the adjacent surface of thesecond leg 26 of theworkpiece 22. Thesupport clamp 32 is moved toward thesecond leg 26 of theworkpiece 22 by the relative action of thecam follower 36 against thecam driver 38. Thepin slot 34 moves relative to themovable pin assembly 30 as thesupport clamp 32 is pushed into the closed position against a portion of thesecond leg 26. Thesecond clamp 20 moves toward thesecond leg 26 as thesupport clamp 32 moves toward the closed position. The movement of thesecond clamp 20 is illustrated as a lateral movement across the surface of the formingpunch 40, though such a movement direction is not required. Alternatively, thesecond clamp 20 may move in the same direction as thefirst clamp 12 if so desired. Thesecond clamp 20 and thesupport clamp 32 engage or otherwise trap and hold thesecond leg 26 therebetween. The movement of thefirst clamp 12 onto thesupport clamp 32 is coordinated in time with the movement of thesecond clamp 20 toward thesecond leg 26. This coordinated movement is such that theworkpiece 22 is not subjected to damaging bending or twisting loads. - Referring now to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , when theworkpiece 22 is trapped between thefirst clamp 12, thesecond clamp 20, and thesupport clamp 32; the cam actuator 38 (if so provided) travels past thecam follower 36 to provide an additional lock or restraint to movement of thesupport clamp 32 relative to the formingpunch 40. The formingpunch 40 is then driven by thesecond cam assembly 42 into contact with a portion of thesecond leg 26. Thesecond cam assembly 42 continues to press the leadingedge 44 into the portion of thesecond leg 26. The leadingedge 44 folds the portion of thesecond leg 26 into the formingrecess 46 to form aflange 62.FIG. 10 illustrates thedie assembly 10 in the closed position after forming theflange 62.FIG. 11 shows afinished workpiece 64 after ejection by themovable pin assemblies 30 from thedie assembly 10. - The steps to release the
finished part 64 from thedie assembly 10 may be conducted in the reverse order from the clamping steps described above, though such is not required. Alternatively, the load applied by thefirst clamp 12 may be reduced prior to retracting the leadingedge 44 from engagement with the formingrecess 46. This may reduce the load required to move the leadingedge 44 from engagement with theflange 62. Once the leadingedge 44 is pulled past theflange 62, thesecond clamp 20 is moved away from the remainder of thesecond leg 26 of thefinished workpiece 64. Thefirst clamp 12 is further retracted from contact with thefinished workpiece 64 so that themovable pin assemblies 30 can articulate from thepin slots 34 and push thefinished workpiece 64 out of thedie assembly 10. As themovable pin assemblies 30 eject thefinished workpiece 64 from thedie assembly 10, automated handling equipment may be used to move thefinished workpiece 64 onto the next operation. The cycle is then ready to accept anotherworkpiece 22 and restart the forming process. - The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (22)
1. A die assembly for forming a single workpiece comprising:
a support clamp;
a first clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a first portion of a single workpiece;
a second clamp that is movable relative to the support clamp to engage a second portion of the single workpiece; and
a forming punch that is movable relative to the support clamp after the first clamp and the second clamp have been moved to form a flange on the end of the second portion of the single workpiece, the flange being folded inward of the single workpiece.
2. The die assembly of claim 1 wherein the support clamp includes a recess that cooperates with the forming punch to form the single workpiece.
3. The die assembly of claim 1 wherein the support clamp includes a pin slot disposed about a portion of a movable pin assembly, the support clamp being movable relative to the movable pin assembly.
4. The die assembly of claim 1 wherein the support clamp includes a cam follower that is selectively engaged by a cam driver to move the support clamp from an opened position to a closed position.
5. The die assembly of claim 1 wherein the support clamp includes a cam follower that is selectively engaged by a cam driver to move the support clamp from an opened position to a closed position and to support the support clamp against the movement of the forming punch.
6. The die assembly of claim 3 wherein the movable pin assembly is supported on a resilient member for biased movement.
7. The die assembly of claim 6 wherein the resilient member is a nitrogen charged spring.
8. The die assembly of claim 3 wherein the movable pin assembly is located above the support clamp surface such that the single workpiece does not engage the support clamp.
9. The die assembly of claim 1 wherein the first clamp assembly includes a resilient member that resiliently supports the floater clamp within the rigid clamp.
10. The die assembly of claim 9 wherein the resilient member is a nitrogen charged spring.
11. A die assembly for forming a feature onto a single component comprising:
a base having at least one movable pin assembly that is biased in an extended position;
a support clamp engaging the base for relative movement therewith;
a first clamp assembly that is movable relative to the support clamp and having a rigid clamp and a floater clamp, the first clamp assembly further having a pin recess adapted to engage a portion of the movable pin assembly;
a forming punch engaging the base for relative movement therewith and having a leading edge that cooperates with the support clamp to form a feature; and
a second clamp that is movable relative to the forming punch, the second clamp cooperating with the support clamp to engage a portion of a single component therebetween, wherein the feature is a flange on the end of the portion of the single component, the flange being folded inward of the single component.
12. The die assembly of claim 11 wherein the support clamp includes a recess that cooperates with the forming punch to form the single component.
13. The die assembly of claim 11 wherein the support clamp includes a pin slot disposed about a portion of the movable pin assembly, the support clamp being movable relative to the movable pin assembly.
14. The die assembly of claim 11 wherein the support clamp includes a cam follower that is selectively engaged by a cam driver to move the support clamp from an opened position to a closed position.
15. The die assembly of claim 11 wherein the support clamp includes a cam follower that is selectively engaged by a earn driver to move the support clamp from an opened position to a closed position and to support the support clamp against the movement of the forming punch.
16. The die assembly of claim 11 wherein the movable pin assembly is supported on a resilient member for biased movement.
17. The die assembly of claim 16 wherein the resilient member is a nitrogen charged spring.
18. The die assembly of claim 11 wherein the movable pin assembly is located above the support clamp surface such that the single component does not engage the support clamp.
19. The die assembly of claim 11 wherein the first clamp assembly includes a resilient member that resiliently supports the floater clamp within the rigid clamp.
20. The die assembly of claim 19 wherein the resilient member is a nitrogen charged spring.
21. A die assembly for forming a flange onto a single workpiece comprising:
a base having at least one movable pin assembly biased in an extended vertical position;
a support clamp engaging the base for relative horizontal movement therewith;
a first clamp assembly vertically movable relative to the support clamp and having a rigid clamp, a floater clamp, and a pin recess adapted to engage a pin nose of the vertically movable pin assembly;
a forming punch engaging the base for relative horizontal movement therewith and having a leading edge; and
a second clamp horizontally movable relative to the forming punch, the second clamp cooperating with the support clamp to engage a portion of a single workpiece therebetween and the leading edge cooperating with the support clamp to form a flange on the end of the single workpiece portion.
22. The die assembly of claim 21 , wherein the flange is folded inward of the single workpiece.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/202,426 US20100050729A1 (en) | 2008-09-01 | 2008-09-01 | Die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/202,426 US20100050729A1 (en) | 2008-09-01 | 2008-09-01 | Die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece |
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US20100050729A1 true US20100050729A1 (en) | 2010-03-04 |
Family
ID=41723364
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/202,426 Abandoned US20100050729A1 (en) | 2008-09-01 | 2008-09-01 | Die assembly for use in an apparatus for forming a workpiece |
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US (1) | US20100050729A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20120167652A1 (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2012-07-05 | Orii & Mec Corporation | Linear-spring forming apparatus |
ITBO20110065A1 (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2012-08-16 | Metal Work Srl | BENDING MACHINE |
JP2017113782A (en) * | 2015-12-24 | 2017-06-29 | 株式会社Subaru | Hot press device and hot press molding method |
CN108723190A (en) * | 2018-07-21 | 2018-11-02 | 扬州广菱电子有限公司 | A kind of dentation carrier reinforcement continuous mold structure |
CN108817168A (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2018-11-16 | 芜湖同创模具机械有限公司 | A kind of drum-type brake pad punch machining equipment for automotive |
CN109500239A (en) * | 2019-01-22 | 2019-03-22 | 重庆至信实业集团有限公司 | A kind of battery box support reinforcer process units |
CN110695211A (en) * | 2019-10-23 | 2020-01-17 | 苏州勤德金属制品有限公司 | Automatic production die and process for section bar |
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