US2512731A - Combination press and index table with control mechanism therefor - Google Patents

Description

June 27, 1950 c. E. ADAMS 2,512,731

COMBINATION PRESS AND INDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed July 11, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS BY M KWMW arr/n7 June 27, 1950 c. E. ADAMS comammon PRESS AND INDEX TABLE wrm CONTROL. MECHANISM THEREFOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 11. 1946 FIG. 3

FIG. 9

INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS FIG. 11

' June 27, 1950 c. E.- ADAMS 2,512,731

COMBINATION P S AN NDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL CHAN THEREFOR Filed July 11, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS June 27, 1950 c. E. ADAMS COMBINATION PRESS AND INDEX TABLE wrm CONTROL MECHANISM TI-XEREFOR 5 Sheets-=Shaet 4 Filed July 11, 1946 8 z/J 8 "w 62 L O 58 07% 3 i 3 6 5 4 YAw-D TI- i I 7 2 4/ 6 3 6 265% I V T cecu. E Kai M? June 27, 1950 c. E. ADAMS 2,512,731

COMBINATION PRESS AND INDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL MECHANISM THEREFOR 2 Filed July 11, 1946 s Sheets-Sheet 5 SOL.

\0\ f l |2 I25 I H3 135 m '07: FLUD [I202 l I IO L .h 341 MOTOR ":3? W T A Q I l r 1 130 i J' L l G I 26 I221 116 T l 32) \|o6 2 73 51 1 I384 F G 2 INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS BY MKW Patented June 27, 1950 COMBINATION PRESS AND INDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL MECHANISM THEREFOR Cecil E. Adams, Columbus, Ohio, assignor to The Denison Engineering Company,

Columbus,

Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application July 11, 1946, Serial No. 682,974

23 Claims. (Cl. 60-9'l) This invention relates to hydraulic apparatus and more specifically to hydraulically actuated presses.

An object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic press with a work holder which is moved intermittently to successively register work stations thereon with the ram of the press.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic press with a, work holder or table which is actuated by hydraulic pressure and is synchronized with the operation of the press ram so that the movement of the table will occur between successive operations of the press ram and not simultaneously therewith.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic press with an index table, the press having a control mechanism for governing the operation of the press ram and synchronizing the operations of the ram and the index table, the latter being driven by a fluid motor having a hydraulic circuit including flow control means for regulating the rate of operation of the fluid motor and valve means actuated by the fluid motor for directing a charge of fluid under pressure to the control mechanism to initiate the operation of the pressing ram when the index table or its driving mechanism is at a predetermined stage of operation.

A further object isto provide a press of the character mentioned in the preceding paragraph with means for adjusting the flow control means whereby the rate of operation of the fluid motor may be varied, the flow control having a flow throttling spool responsive to a fluid pressure drop caused by an orifice disposed in a fluid line, the

adjusting means serving to change the size of the orifice.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a fluid pressure operated press and index table having a control mechanism which is operative to direct fluid to either the press ram or the motor for driving the table whereby one or the other of these mechanisms is operated and to provide the portion of the circuit including the table driving motor with means responsive to the operation of the motor to change the rate of operation thereof at certain stages in a cycle of operation of the table, the mechanism thus providing for slow motor operation during table travel, rapid operation of the motor during a portion of the stationary or rest period of the table and a complete stoppage of the table driving motor during another portion of the rest period of the table while the press ram is in operation.

Another object is to provide a hydraulically operated press and index table in which the table is intermittently operated by a. Geneva gearing having a star wheel and driver and providing the press and table with a circuit including control mechanism operative to direct full pump volume the full period required by the ram in its press- 4 ing operation, thus the table will be securely retained in position during each pressing stroke whether the time required is prolonged or abbreviated.

An object also is to provide the control mechanism of the press and index table mentioned in the preceding paragraph with means for causing full speed operation of the table driving motor during the movement of the Geneva driver from the termination of an indexing period to the point of stoppage and from the latter to the start of the next succeeding indexing period, this full speed operation of the driving motor serving to reduce the time elapsing between the termination of table movement and the initiation of a ram operation.

An object of the invention also is to provide a hydraulic press with an index table and control mechanism therefor which will cause the press ram to operate each time the table indexes or, as an alternative, to remain inoperative for one or more indexing periods.

An object also is to provide a hydraulic press with an index table and control mechanism operated in part by the index table to cause the ram to remain at rest when one or more work stations are registered therewith, the table continuing the indexing operations until a work station is registered with the ram at which station it is desired to perform a pressing operation. The press having such mode of operation is useful where an insuflicient number of die sets are available to supply all work stations or where it is dee sirable to interrupt the pressing operation on a particular die set, for example, in the event breakage should occur during an operating period.

Another object is to provide a hydraulic press with an index table and means operative during the rotation of the table to eject articles from the die pieces carried by the table as thedie pieces move away from or out of registration with the ram after an operation is performed on the materials carried by the die pieces.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a hydraulic press with an index table formed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevatlonal view of the press shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a detail vertical sectional view taken through the index table on the plane indicated by the line III-111' of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken through the table on the plane indicated by the line IV--'IV of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail vertical sectional view taken through the control valve mechanism of the index table on the plane indicated by the line V--V of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a detail vertical sectional view taken through the index table control valve on the plane indicated by the line VI-VI of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken through the valve on the plane indicated by the line VIIVII of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic circuit employed in operating the press and index table shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a developed view of a cam employed to operate the index table control valve.

Fig. 10 is a detail horizontal sectional view taken through a three-way valve actuated by the index table to cause the press ram to skip one or more stations.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the upper portion of the index table to show the mechanism for ejecting articles from die pieces carried by the table.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a modified hydraulic circuit employed when the hydraulic index table is used without the control mechanism 21 and the ram 3|.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the press illustrated in Fig. 1 is designated generally by the reference numeral 20. -This press includes integral base, upright, and head sections 2|, 2!, and 23 respectively, these portions of the press constituting a generally c-shaped frame housing a fluid reservoir or tank T, a motor-driven pump 24, a relief valve 25, a power cylinder 26, and automatic control valve mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 21; the power cylinder and control valve mechanism being located within the head section 23 of the press 20.

The power cylinder 26 includes a cylindrical body having a piston chamber 23 in which a piston 33 is disposed for sliding movement. This piston is connected with a ram 3| which projects through the bottom wall of the cylinder through a packing gland 32 into the space between the over-hanging head and the base section of the press frame. When the piston 30 is reciprocated in the power cylinder, similar movement will be imparted to the ram 3i to perform useful work. The reciprocations of the piston 34 are controlled by the valve mechanism 21 which may be of either type set forth in my co-pending applications Serial Nos. 594,963 and 4 respectively, the particular control mechanism selected for illustration conforming to that shown in application Serial No. 600,736. To assist in operating the valve mechanism, the ram II is provided with a rearwardly directed arm 33 which slidably engages a shipper rod 34 depending from one of the movable elements 36 of the control valve mechanism. Motion is imparted to the shipper rod by the arm 33 as the piston and ram approach the limits of their travel through the engagement of the arm with spaced collars 36 and 31 secured to the shipper rod 34. Since the valve mechanism is similar to that defined in the co-pending application Serial No. 600,736 it will therefore only be generally described herein, reference being had to the copending application for a more detailed description.

In general, valve mechanism 21 includes a body 38 having a pair of piston chambers 40 and 4| formed therein, the former slidably receiving valve element 35, which is of sleeve-like formation, and the latter slidabiy receiving a. valve spool 42. The body 38 includes a plurality of annular grooves 43 to 48 inclusive, spaced longitudinally of the chamber 40 and the sleeve-like valve element 35 is provided with longitudinally spaced ports 53 to 60 inclusive, which, in various longitudinal positions of the element 35, register with certain of the grooves 43 to 48. A pistonlike shuttle valve 6| is disposed for sliding movement within the sleeve element 35 to control communication between certain of the ports in the valve element, the shuttle valve having a reduced portion to provide in cooperation with the sleeve 35 a passage within the same. Normally the shuttle valve is held in a lower-most position by a coil spring 62 disposed between the upper end of the sleeve and an interior shoulder formed in the shuttle valve.

The sleeve-like element 35 is normally urged toward a centered position in the bore or chamber 40 also by a coil spring 63 disposed between a pair of spring abutments 64 and 65 at the lower end of the chamber 40. When the sleeve and shuttle valves are disposed in this relation. the relieved portion of the shuttle valve connects ports 56 and 58 which are, at this time, in communication with annular grooves 43 and 46 formed in the body 38. Groove 43 is at all times connected with a source of fluid pressure comprising the tank T, pump 24, and relief valve 25 through a conductor 66. Groove 46 is connected with the lower end of the power cylinder 26 by a conductor 61. When the valve parts are so disposed, fluid is supplied to the lower end of the power cylinder and exerts an upward force on the piston 30. To permit upward movement of the piston 30, fluid in the upper end of the power cylinder is discharged through conduit 68 to annular groove 45, through ports 59. the interior of sleeve 35 and, through ports 60 to groove 48 which is connected by passage ill with tank T. As the piston 36 and the ram 3| secured thereto approach the upper limit of their travel, arm 33 engages collar 35 and moves the valve element 35 in an upward direction to interrupt communication between ports 56 and the annular groove 46. When this communication is fully interrupted, further movement of the ram in an upward direction will be precluded. However, before such movement is completely interrupted, ports 51 in the valve element 35 are registered with annular groove 44 which groove is connected by passage 600,736, flied May 21, 1945 and June 21, 1945, II with chamber 4i. Fluid conductor 12 extends from the chamber 4| to driving apparatus for an index table designated generally by the numeral 13 supported on the base section 2i oi the press frame, the fluid being supplied to the conductors H and 12 when the ram 8| is in an elevated idle position.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be observed that the index table 18 includes a base casting 14 which is bolted or otherwise secured to the press frame. This base casting is hollow and is formed with a, central recess 15 for the reception of a bearing sleeve 16 which in turn receives the lower end of a hub 11 forming a part of the star wheel 18 of a Geneva drive 80. The upper end of the hub 11 is received in a bearing 8| which is supported in a cover casting.

82 secured to the open upper end of the base 14. Antiiriction ball-bearing assembly 83 is also disposed around the upper end of the hub 11, the bearing 83 including upper and lower races 84 and 85 which are spaced by ball bearings 88, the assembly being clamped in place by a retaining ring 81 bolted or otherwise secured to the cover 82. The upper end of the hub 11 also receives a disk-like plate 88 which formsthe work-receiving surface of the index table, this plate 88 being fastened to the hub by screws and dowls 80 and 8|, respectively. The underside of plate 88 is disposed in sliding engagement with a ring-like finished pad 92 at the periphery of the cover 82. To effect rotary movement of the plate 88, the base and cover sections 14 and 82 are provided with a second set of registering recesses in which a second hub 83 is journaled, this hub forming a part of the driver 84 of the Geneva mechanism. The hub 83 includes a pair of spaced laterally projecting arms 84 between which a roller 85 is mounted for rotation. As is customary in Geneva drives, the star wheel 18 has a plurality of alternately disposed arcuate recesses and radial slots 86 and 91, respectively. The journals for the hub 93 are so arranged that the hub will fit in the -arcuate recesses 96 and hold the star wheel stationary while the hub rotates through the portion of its travel during which the table is idle. As the hub 83 rotates, the roller 85 will enter a radial slot 81 and transmit rotary movement to the star wheel which will in turn transmit similar movement to the disk 88, the latter being intermittently driven as is usual with Geneva gears. When the driver section 84 of the Geneva gear is disposed in the position shown in Fig. 4, the star wheel will be securely locked against rotary movement. One of the features of the present invention is to discontinue the operation of the table driving mechanism when the ram 3| is performing a pressing operation. During the stationary period of the index table, the driver is maintained in the position shown in Fig. 4 in which the most securely locked condition of the table obtains. The manner in which the driver is held in this position will be set forth hereinafter. To effect the operation of the Geneva driver, the hub 83 is provided with a gear 88 which meshes with a pinion I00 arranged on the shaft IOI of a fluid motor I 02. This motor is supplied" with fluid to effect the rotation of the table when the ram is idle between successive pressing operations, the fluid being conducted to the motor through the conductor 12 which, as previously stated, communicates with the bore H in the body 38.

To govern the operation of the fluid motor, valve mechanism indicated generally by the numeral I03, has been provided. This valve mechanism is contained within a valve body I04 supported by the fluid motor housing I00 which is in turn suspended from the under side of the governing the rate of operation of the fluid motor I02 and the application of fluid under pressure to a part of the control valve mechanism 21 to effect the initiation of a cycle of operation of the ram 3| upon the completion of an indexing movement of the table. I

Attention is directed to the flow diagram in Fig. 8, this diagram illustrates the connection of the conduit 12 with an annular groove I I I forming a part of chamber I06 and an annular groove II2 forming a part of chamber I01. Normally the spool I08 is held in a centered position by coil springs H3 and H4 in which position groove III openly communicates with groove I I 4A also forming a part of chamber I06. Groove II4A is connected by conduit H5 with the inlet of the fluid motor I02. The outlet of this motor is connected by line H6 with tank T, the line containing a fixed orifice USA and a variable orifice II1. A branch line H8 is connected with line IIG between the orifices SA and I I1 and extends to a groove I20 forming a part of the chamber I01. The body I04 has another groove I2I adjacent the groove I20, the former being connected by a branch line I22 with line IIG between orifice H1 and tank T. In one position of the spool IIO grooves I20 and I2I are connected so that fluid may flow from the fluid motor I02 directly to tank T without flowing through the oriflce I I1. When this condition obtains, full volume of the pump 24 will be supplied to the fluid motor to cause relatively rapid movement of the Geneva driver 84. After this mechanism and gear 88 has rotated through a predetermined angle, motion is imparted to the spool IIO by a pushrod I23 which has a roller I24 j oumaled in its upper end, the roller being disposed for engagement with a cam track I25 provided on the under surface of the gear 88. In the diagrammatic Figures 8 and 12 push rod I23 is shown as one continuous piece while actually it is composed of two pieces as shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 6, for ease in construction and assembly. Cam track I25 is so formed that the spool IIO will be held in position to connect grooves I20 and I 2| during a certain portion of a revolution of a gear 88 then moved to and held in a second position in which such communication is interrupted during another portion of the revolution of gear 88. Spool IIO will be disposed in the second position, mentioned above, when the roller I24 is engaged with the thinnest portion of the cam track 25 designated as two sections and 35 of revolution in length in the developed view Fig. 9. Actually these two sections are connected and form a portion of the cam track of revolution in length. At the time grooves I20 and |2| are not in communication fluid discharged from the fluid motor I02 must pass through the orifice II1 which creates a pressure drop on opposite sides of this orifice. The higher pressure is transmitted from line H0 through line H8 and annular groove I20 to a line I26 which connects groove I20 and the upper end of chamber I08. Also at this time the lower end of this chamber is connected by line I21,

2 groove I in body 00 of the valve mechanism 21, line I20, groove 41, ports 00, and the interior or the shuttle valve with groove 40 which in turn is connected by line with the tank T. The pressure diilerential exerted on opposite sides of the oriflce I I1 will thus be transmitted to opposite ends oi the spool I00 causing this member to move downwardly in opposition to the spring II4 to permit a tapered section I00 on the spool to move toward a groove ISI formed adiacent the groove 4A, the degree of movement oi the spool I00 depending upon the pressure differential. Due to the tapered portion I00, a variable degree of metered communication will be established between the grooves II4A and III, the latter of which is connected by .line I02 with tank T. When communication is thus established between grooves I A and IOI, a variable quantity of fluid flowing through line 12 will be bypassed directly to tank T to reduce the quantity of fluid flowing t the fluid motor I02, thus decreasing the rate of operation thereof as well as that of the index table. This flow control i utilized during the period of engagement oi roller 95 in the slots 91 of the Geneva star wheel and consequently during the movement of the table between pressing stations.

When the roller 95 passes out of any particular groove 91 the cam track I25 will cause the movement of the spool I I0 to a position to again establish communication between grooves I and I2I. At this time roller I24 will be riding on the intermediate level of the cam track designated in the developed view Fig. 9, as 105 of revolution in length. When communication is re-established between grooves I20 and I2I the pressure differential will be dissipated, permitting spool I00 to again resume its centered position. When this condition obtains, full pump volume will again be directed to'the fluid motor I02 to resume the rapid rate oi operation of the motor, the driver 04 and gear 98. Immediately prior to the time that the Geneva driver reaches the position shown in Fig. 4, that is, the position in which the index table is fully looked, a projection I00 on cam track I25 will cause the spool IIO to be depressed until communication is established between groove II2 and another groove I04, formed in the body I04, adjacent the groove II2; this groove I04 is connected with line I21 by a branch I05. When the spool H0 is depressed sufllciently to establish this communication, full pump volume will be directed through line 12, grooves H2 and I04, line I21, groove 50, line I20, groove 41, and ports 50 to the interior of sleeve 00 beneath shuttle valve 6|. Due to the restriction BIA in the central passage through this shuttle valve, the fluid pressure will cause the shuttle valve to move upwardly in opposition to spring 62, to a position in which ports 50 and 50 will be connected to direct fluid under pressure from the pump to the upper end of the power cylinder 20. A cycle of movement of the rain will thus be initiated.

When the shuttle valve GI is in a raised position, a chamber I00 formed in the lower end thereof will be connected with the groove 46 by ports 56 and fluid flowing from the lower end of the power cylinder through chamber I00 to exhaust will be restricted by the reduced orifice SIA formed in the shuttle valve to create a back .pressure which will be transmitted to the underside of the shuttle valve to hold the same in the elevated position. This back pressure will be transmitted also through line I20, groove 00 and lines I21 and I00 to the groove I04 where it will act on the upper end oi the spool I I0 to hold this element depressed and maintain communication between grooves H2 and I04. Although the raising of the shuttle valve interrupts the flow oi fluid to motor I02 there is sufficient overtravel or coastin 01' this device and the Geneva driver to permit the projection I00 to move beyond roller I24. This overtravel is limited, however, by the restricted oriflce IISA, which oriflce also supplies suiilcient resistance to insure the flow of fluid from line 12 to I21 through grooves H2 and I04 when spool IIO is depressed. Aiter the projection I00 moves beyond roller I24, the push rod I20 is returned to elevated position by the back pressure in groove I04, spool H0 and push rod I23 being formed of separate pieces to permit this action. The back pressure will also be transmitted by line I21 to the lower end of chamber I06 and applied to the under side of spool I08 to move the same to a position in which a land I31 thereon will obstruct communication between grooves III and II4A. At this time relieved portions I38 formed on the spool I08 will establish communication between grooves II4A and I01 and the inlet to the fluid motor will thus be connected directly to tank T through line 5, grooves II4A and I3I and line I32. With spool H0 also depressed so that communication is established between grooves I 20 and I2I, the outlet of the fluid motor will likewise be connected with tank T and the fluid motor will therefore remain idle, this condition will be maintained during the continuation of the back pressure which will be the full time the ram is moving downward. Since no driving force is transmitted to the Geneva driver, the star wheel and table will be held in locked position. At this time a work-receiving station on the index table will be in registration with the ram II.

After the cycle of operation of the ram has been initiated, ram movement will be continued until the ram engages an obstruction oflering suflicient resistance to prevent further movement. or the arm 33 engages collar 01 and moves sleeve 05 to a, lowered position wherein the groove 45 will be connected with groove 40 thus discontinuing fluid flow to the top oi cylinder 26. The ram will then stop moving and the back pressure will be instantly dissipated permitting shuttle valve 6| to return, under the influence of spring 62, t a lowered position. When the ram is stopped by engagement with an obstruction or otherwise, the back pressure will be dissipated through the interior of the shuttle valve and spring 62 will cause the shuttle valve to return to its lowered position. In either event, the return of the shuttle valve will cause a reversal of fluid flow to the ends'oi a power cylinder and piston 30 will be caused to make a return stroke. This movement causes the elevation oi ram 0i. As the ram approaches the upper limit of its travel, arm 00 will engage collar 06 and move the shipper rod 04 and sleeve 05 upwardly until communication between the interior of the sleeve and groove 45 is interrupted. Ram movement will then be discontinued as previously described. The upward movement of the sleeve 05 eflects registration of ports 51 and groove 44 wherein fluid under pressure supplied to the control valve mechanism 21 will again be directed through lines 11 and 12 to the table operating mechanism, the cycle of operation will then be repeated. It is important to note at this point that valve spool 42 must be disposed in a, lowered position where- '(6 in the land at theupper end thereof prevents fluid admitted through line" from flowing to groove and being exhausted to tank to have the cycle of operation repeat automatically.

The rate of movement of the index table may be varied by changing the setting of the variable orifice II1. One convenient form of orifice has been disclosed in Figs. 6 and '7; this form of orifice includes a tube I40 disposed for rotation in the body I04 and provided with a narrow, transverse slot III which may be gradually uncovered through turning movement of the tube. As the tube is turned and more or less of the slot uncovered, the quantity of fluid permitted to flow through the slot I4I will be varied to change the pressure differential existing between the up and down stream sides of the orifice. If the pressure drop is large, more fluid will be permitted to bypass the fluid motor and slower table operation will result. The outer end of the tube I40 is provided with a control knob I42 to eiIect easy adjustment of the orifice.

In some instances it is desirableto have the I ram 3| remain idle when one or more of the stations on the table are registered therewith for example, if the table should be provided with die pieces of various types and it becomes desirable to refrain from using one of the types, the ram may be forced to remain idle when this particular die piece is registered therewith. To efl'ect this operation, the table is provided with a 3-way valve designated generally by the numeral I43. This valve includes a body I44 which is supported by the cover plate 82 adjacent the edge of the disk 66. The body I44 is formed with an internal chamber I45 for the slidable reception of a spool I46, this spool being normally held in an outward position by a coil spring I41. When in this position the valve is closed and inoperative. Operation of the valve is effected by cam element I48 removably secured to the edge of the disk 88 which, as-the disk revolves, engages a roller I50 journaled in the outer end of the spool I46; this cam moves the spool inwardly to the position shown in Fig. 10, wherein a groove I5I in the spool establishes communication between a pair of grooves I52 and I53 in the'body I44, groove I52 being connected with line I21 by conduit I54, and groove I53 being connected with tank T. After cam I48 has moved spool I46 to open the valve I43, cam I25 depresses spool IIO to supply line I21 with fluid under pressure. Under ordinary conditions the fluid thus supplied to the line I21 would serve to elevate the shuttle valve 6I to initiate a cycle of movement of the ram 3I. When the valve I43 is open, however, the fluid supplied to the line I21 will be conducted directly to tank T. Since no fluid is supplied to the under side of the shuttle valve at this time, the ram 3I will remain idle and the index tablewill be moved to the next station.

When the valve I43 is open, the fluid supplied to line I21 will not hold spool IIO depressed since the fluid is under no pressure. Due to the over travel of the fluid motor and the drive of the Geneva gearing, and the lack of pressure in groove I34, spool III) will immediately return to its elevated position in which fluid supplied through line 12 will be directed to the fluid motor I02 and its operation will be continued without substantial interruption. If the disk 88 is provicled with a cam I48 for the next station, the ram 3I will remain idle at this station also. If no cam I48 is provided, the fluid supplied to the line I21; by the depression of the spool IIO, will initiate a cycle of movement of the ram (H and a pressing operation will be performed. The cam I48 has a pair of slotted pins I56 projecting therefrom which are received in openings I51 formed in the edge of the disk 86, the friction of these pins in the openings retaining the cam in position. If it is desired to have the ram perform a pressing operation at the station corresponding to any particular cam location it is merely necessary to manually remove the cam I48 to permit normal operation of the control circuit for initiating ram operation.

In some instances it is desirable to eject formed articles from die sets after a pressing operation has been performed. Fig. 11 illustrates one method of securing such ejecting operation. In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 11, the cover plate 82 has a cam track I58 secured to its upper surface; this cam track I58 is circularly formed and is disposed in registration with the workreceiving stations on the disk 88, the disk being provided at these stations with openings I60, these openings slidably receive pins I6I which are normally urged downwardly by coil springs I62, arranged in the die sets I63 secured to the upper surface of the disk 80 at the work-receiving stations. Fig. 11 diagrammatically illustrates the die sets I63; it should be obvious that the die sets actually employed may vary considerably from those indicated, the diagrammatic illustration being employed merely to facilitate the explanation. The springs I62 engage an annular flange on the pins I6I and an abutting cap piece I64 which forms a part of the die set I63. This arrangement permits the spring to urge the pins downwardly so that the article undergoing pressing will remain in the die set. After passing the pressing station, the lower ends of the pins I6I will engage an elevation on the cam track I58 which will cause the pins I6I to move upwardly in opposition to the springs I62. This upward movement of the pins will eject the work from the die sets and the work may be either manually or otherwise removed after ejection. Continned rotation of the table moves the pins over a declining section of the cam track and the springs I62 will cause the lowering of the pins I6I.

Fig. 12 shows a flow diagram for a hydraulic index table utilized alone. This circuit includes the reservoir T, a pump I65, a relief valve I66 and a line I61 connecting these elements with the inlet of the control mechanism I03 for the index table. The line I61 corresponds to the line 12 in the circuit shown in Fig. 8. Line I68, in Fig. 12, which corresponds to line I21 in Fig. 8, extends to the inlet of a normally closed solenoid or otherwise actuated on and o valve I10, the

1 outlet of this valve being connected to tank T.

By momentarily opening valve I10 the table will be indexed one station; this indexing operation will only be repeated when valve I10 is again opened.

The circuit in the control mechanism is identical with the corresponding portion of the circuit shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 illustrates the parts of the control mechanism in the positions occupied when the circuit is in actual operation. At this time, fluid pressure supplied through line I61 flows into groove II2, past the upper end of spool IIO to groove I34 where it exerts a force on the upper endof spool III) to hold it in a depressed position. This pressure also is transmitted through lines I35 and I68 to the lower endofbore I06 where it exerts force on the bottom of spool I08 to move the same upwardly against the action oi spring Iii, to a position in which land I31 on the spool prevents the flow oi fluid from groove III to groove II4, the latter being connected to groove I3I and tank T at this time. Since no fluid is supplied to the motor I02 and the inlet is connected with the exhaust the motor will be idle.

As in the circuit shown in Fig. 8, spool IIO, when depressed, connects grooves I20 and HI so that the outlet of the fluid motor l02'is also connected directly to tank T.

Pressure exists in line I" because of the normally closed valve I10 and as long as this valve remains closed when the fluid pressure source is active the fluid motor I02 will remain idle. When it is desired to cause the table to index, the valve I10 is opened to dissipate the pressure in line I68. Pressure will also be dissipated in chamber I34 and in the lower end of bore I00. Spool H will then return into engagement with pusher I23 and spool I08 will be centered in which position fluid from line I61 may flow to the fluid motor I02. Rotation oi the motor will cause the table to index to the next station. It valve I has been permitted to close, the depression of spool IIO by cam extension I33 will again supply fluid pressure to groove I04 and the lower end of bore I06 which pressure will retain spool Ii0 depressed and raise spool I00 whereby fluid flow to the motor I02 will be interrupted as above described.

The table may also be caused to skip one or more stations when employed alone in the same manner as when used in combination with the pressing ram. To eflect this operation the 3- way valve I43 is employed as before with the inlet thereof connected with line I60. The edge of the disk-like table is provided with a removable cam or cams which hold the valve I 43 open when the spool H0 is depressed by cam projection I 33. When valve I43 is so positioned pres sure will not build up in line I08, spool IIO will not be held depressed and spool I00 will not be moved up to interrupt fluid flow to motor I02. The table will, therefore, index or move to the next station.

A branch line "I extends from the line I60 in advance of valve I10, to tank, this branch line containing an oriflce I12 which permits some fluid to flow to tank but insufflcient fluid to prevent the building up of pressure necessary to hold spool I08 elevated and spool IIO depressed whereby fluid motor I02 will remain idle with valve I 10 closed.

While a single form of the invention has been illustrated, it will be obvious that many minor changes may be made in the construction and relation of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

I claim: v

1. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; a'fluid motor; valve mechanism for controlling the flow of pressure to said motor to effect the operation thereof; a rotatable work support, Geneva gearing for causing intermittent rotation of said work support; a fluid motor for driving said Geneva gearing, a second valve mechanism for controlling the operation of said second fluid motor,sa.id second valve mechanism having a flow control spool for governing the flow of fluid pressure from said first-mentioned valve mechanism to the second fluid motor to regulate the rate of operation thereof, a second spool; and, means actuated by the driving gear of said Geneva gearing for moving said second spool to render said flow control spool operative at diflerent stages of operation of said work support and to redirect fluid from said first valve mechanism back to said first valve mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of said first-mentioned fluid motor.

2. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source 01' .luid pressure; a fluid motor; valve mechanism for controlling the flow of pressure to said motor to eiiect the operation thereof; a rotatable work support, Geneva gearing for causing intermittent rotation of said worksupport; a fluid motor for driving said Geneva gearing, a second valve mechanism for controlling the operation of said second fluid motor, said second valve mechaniism having a spool valve; and, means actuated by the driving gear of said Geneva gearing for moving said spool valve to a position to redirect fluid from said first valve mechanism back to said flrst valve mechanism to initiate a, cycle of operation of said flrstmentioned fluid motor.

3. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluid motor; mechanism for controlling the flow of pressure from said source to said motor to effect cyclical operation thereof, said mechanism having a valve element responsive to fluid pressure to move to a position to direct fluid to said motor to cause operation thereof in one direction; means for urging said valve element to a second position to cause said motor to operate in a reverse direction; a second fluid motor; means actuated by said flrst motor at the termination of operation in the reverse direction to direct fluid pressure from said source to said second fluid motor; a

work supporting table intermittently rotated by said second fluid motor; means actuated by the l second fluid motor for directing fluid pressure to said valve element o move the same to the flrstmentioned position to initiate operation of said reversible motor in said one direction.

4. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; a power unit having a reciprocable ram; a work holder intermittently movable relative to said ram; a fluid motor for driving said work holder; control mechanism for said power unit and fluid motor to cause sequential operation thereof, said mechanism having a flow-directing element operative to alternately direct fluid from said pressure source to said power unit and said work holder, said element being responsive to the application of fluid pressure thereto to direct pressure from said source to said power unit; and means actuated by said fluid motor for momentarily applying fluid pressure to said flow-directing element to initiate the operation of said power unit. 1

5. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; a power unit having a reciprocable ram; a work holder intermittently movable relative to said ram to successively register stations thereon with said ram; a fluid motor for driving said work holder; control mechanism for said power unit and fluid motor to cause sequential operation thereof, said mechanism having a flow-directing element operative to alternately direct fluid from said pressure source to said power unit and said work holder, said element being responsive to the application of fluid pressure thereto to direct pressure from said source to said power unit; means actuated by said fluid motor for momentarily applying fluid pressure to said flow-directing element to initiate the operation of said power unit; means for restricting exhaust anism; a work holder; fluid pressure operated means for intermittently moving said work holder relative to said fluid motor, said valve mechanism causing fluid from said pump means to flow from said valve means directly to said fluid pressure operated means when said fluid motor is idle; and means actuated by said fluid pressure operated means at a predetermined stage of movement of said work holder for redirecting fluid pressure back to said valve mechanism to initiate the operation of said fluid motor.

'1. A hydraulic system having a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and said motor, said mechanism providing for forward and reverse operation and idle periods of said motor; a movable work holder; means for intermittentiy moving said work holder relative to said fluid motor, said means having a second fluid motor and Geneva gearing; and means actuated by said Geneva gearing for changing the rate of operation of said second fluid motor at diiferent stages of operation of said Geneva gearing, said control mechanism interrupting the flow of fluid to said second fluid motor and consequently the operation thereof during the operation of said first-mentioned fluid motor.

8. A hydraulic system having a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and said motor, said mechanism providing for forward and reverse operation and idle periods of said motor; a movable work holder; means for intermittently moving said work holder relative to said fluid motor, said means having a second fluid motor and Geneva gearing; means operated by said second fluid motor at a predetermined stage of operation of said Geneva gearing for actuating said control mechanism to initiate the operation of said first-mentioned fluid motor; and means actuated by said Geneva gearing for changing the rate of operation of said second fluid motor at difierent stages of operation of said Geneva gearing, said control mechanism interrupting the flow of fluid to said second fluid motor and consequently the operation thereof during the operation of said first-mentioned fluid motor.

9. A hydraulic press having an index table comprising a source of fluid pressure; a power cylinder having a ram disposed for reciprocation toward and away from said table; means for imparting intermittent movement to said table said means having a fluid motor and Geneva gearing with star wheel and driver; control mechanism between said pressure source and power cylinder, said mechanism directing fluid pressure to said power cylinder to cause a pressing and return stroke of said ram, said mechanism directing fluid pressure to said fluid motor when said power cylinder is idle; additional control means for said fluid motor, said means providing for difport; a disk-like table journaled for rota and means actuated by the driver of said Geneva gearing to cause said control mechanism to initiate a pressing stroke of said ram, the first-mentioned control mechanism interrupting fluid flow to said motor during the operation of said power cylinder.

10. In a hydraulic press having an index table, a source of fluid pressure; power cylinder means having a ram movable toward and away from said table; means for causing intermittent rotation of said table; control mechanism operative to regulate flow of fluid from said source to said power cylinder to cause cycles of operation including pressing and return strokes, said control mechanism also being operative to direct fluid to said table rotating means between cycles of operation of said Pwer cylinder; and means for changing the rate of operation of said table rotating means when said table is stationary, said control mechanism serving to stop the operation of said table rotating mechanism during the operation of said power cylinder.

11. A hydraulic index table comprising supn on said support; means for causing intermittent rotation of said table having a Geneva gear with a driver; a fluid motor connected with said driver; means for controlling the operation of said fluid motor, said last-named means having a flow-control mechanism responsive to a pressure differential; means for creating a pressure difl'erential; means for applying said pressurediflerential to said flow-control mechanism; and means operated by said Geneva gear for rendering said last-named means ineffective.

12. A hydraulic index table comprising a support; a disk-like table journaled for rotation onv said support; means for causing intermittent rotation of said table having 9. Geneva gear with a driver; a fluid motor connected with said driver; means for controlling the operation of said fluid motor, said last-named means having a flow-control mechanism responsive to a pressure diilerential; means for creating a pressure diflerential; means for applying said pressure differential to said flow-control mechanism to vary the operation of said fluid motor; and means operated by said Geneva gear for interrupting the operation of said pressure difierential creating means.

, 13. A hydraulic index table comprising a support; a disk-like table journaled for rotation on said support; means for causing intermittent rotation ,of said table having a Geneva gear with a driver; a fluid motor connected with said driver; means for controlling the operation of said fluid motor, said last-named means having a flow-control mechanism responsive to a pressure diiierential; means for creating a pressure diflerential; means for applying said pressure differential to said flow-control mechanism to vary the operationlof said fluid motor; means for changing thepressure differential; and means actuated by said Geneva gear for interrupting the operation of said pressure differential creating means.

14. A hydraulic circuit comprising a source of fluid pressure, a fluid motor; a rotatable carrier; Geneva gearing connecting said motor and carrier to cause intermittent rotation of the latter; control mechanism for said fluid motor having a spool valve between said source of fluid pressure and said fluid motor; means for creating and applying a pressure differential to said spool valve to govern the operation of said fluid motor; and

valve means responsive to the operation of said Geneva gearing and to fluid pressure to interrupt the operation of said pressure difl'erential creating means and the operation of said fluid motor.

15. In a hydraulic circuit, a source of fluid pressure; a rotatable carrier; a fluid motor; Geneva gearing connecting said motor and carrier to cause intermittent rotation of the latter; control mechanism for said fluid motor having a flow-control device responsive to a pressure differential to govern the operation of said motor; means for creating and applying a pressure differential to said flow-control device; means operated by said Geneva gearing for interrupting the operation of said pressure differential creating means, said Geneva gearing operated means cooperating with said flow-control in response to the application of fluid pressure to interrupt the operation of said fluid motor; and means for controlling the application of fluid pressure to said cooperating means and flow-control.

16. In a hydraulic circuit, a source of fluid pressure; a fluid motor; means rotated by said motor; control means for said motor connected with said pressure source, said control means having a flow-control spool valve between said pressure source and said motor, said valve being responsive to differential pressures to vary the operation of said motor; means for creating and applying a pressure differential to said flow-control valve; a second spool valve in said control means, said second valve being operated by said first-mentioned means to interrupt the operation of said pressure diii'erential creating means, said second valve cooperating with said flow-control in response to the application of fluid pressure to interrupt the operation of said fluid motor; an exhaust line leading from said motor control mechanism; and means in said line for applying fluid pressure to said cooperating valves.

17. A hydraulic system comprising a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluid motor; control mechanism between said source and said motor; a second fluid motor; a second control mechanism; valve means in the flrst mentioned control mechanism responsive to fluid pressure to direct fluid from said sourceto said reversible motor to cause operation thereof in one direction; means responsive to a fluid pressure drop which is dependent upon operation of said motor in said one direction to continue such operation; means for actuating said valve means to cause reverse motor operation when operation in said one direction is discontinued; means actuated by said reversible fluid motor at the termination of reverse operation to direct fluid from said source to said second control mechanism to cause the operation of said second fluid motor; motor speed regulating valve means forming a part of the control mechanism for said second fluid motor; a flow directing element in said second control mechanism for rendering said speed control valve operative and inoperative; and means actuated by said second fluid motor for operating said lastmentioned element, said flow directing element also being effective when operated by said lastnamed means to redirect fluid from said source to the first-mentioned control mechanism to initiate fluid flow to said reversible fluid motor.

18. In a hydraulic system, a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and said motor, said control mechanism having a reversing valve responsive to fluid pressure to cause operation of said fluid motor in one direction: a second fluid motor; a second control mechanism; means actuated by said reversible fluid motor at the termination of reverse operation thereof to direct fluid from said source to said second control mechamsm to effect the operation of said second motor; a member actuated by said second motor; speed control means in said second control mechanism; and means actuated by said member in certain stages of operation thereof for rendering said speed control means operative and inoperative, said means being operative at another stage of operation of said member to redirect fluid pressure to said first control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of said reversible fluid motor.

19. In a hydraulic system, a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and said motor, said control mechanism having a reversing valve responsive to fluid pressure to cause operation of said fluid motor in one direction; a second fluid motor; a second control mechanism; means actuated by said reversible fluid motor at the termination of reverse operation thereof to direct fluid from said source to said second control mechanism to effect the operation of said second motor; a member actuated by said second motor; speed control means in said second control mechanism; means actuated by said member in certain stages of operation thereof for rendering said speed control means operative and inoperative, said means being operative at another stage of operation of said member to redirect fluid pressure to said first control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of said reversibleadvancement of said ram; an index table disposed for intermittent rotation in registration with said ram; a fluid motor for driving said index table; said control mechanism directing fluid from said source to said fluid motor at the termination of a cycle of operation of said rain; means actuated by said fluid motor at a predetermined stage of operation of said index table for interrupting the flow of fluid to said fluid motor and directing fluid back to said control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of said ram; and means actuated by said index table for selectively preventing the directing of fluid back to said control mechanism when said means is actuated by said fluid motor.

21. In a hydraulic press, a source of fluid pressure; a. power cylinder with a ram; control mechanism between said pressure source and said power cylinder, said mechanism having a reversing valve responsive to fluid pressure to cause the advancement of said ram; an index table disposed for intermittent rotation in registration with said ram; a fluid motor for driving said index table; said control mechanism directing fluid from said source to said fluid motor at the termination of a cycle of operation of said ram; means actuated by said fluid motor at a predetermined stage of operation of said index table for interrupting the flow oi fluid to said fluid motor and directing fluid back to said control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of said ram; a by-pass valve; and cam means on said index table for actuating said by-pass valve to prevent the directing of fluid back to said control mechanism when said means is actuated by said fluid motor.

22. In a hydraulic press, a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and said motor, said mechanism having a reversing valve responsive to fluid pressure to cause operation of said motor in one direction; an index table disposed for intermittent rotation relative to said reversible fluid motor; a fluid motor for driving said index table, said control mechanism directing fluid from said source to said second-mentioned fluid motor at the termination of a cycle of operation of said reversible fluid motor; means actuated by said second-mentioned fluid motor at a predetermined stage of operation of said index table for interrupting the flow of fluid to said second-mentioned fluid motor and directing fluid back to said control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of said reversible fluid motor; and means actuated by said index table for selectively preventing the directing of fluid back to said control mechanism and re-establishing the flow of fluid to said second-mentioned fluid motor after said means is actuated thereby.

23. The combination with an index table and a mechanism for performing operations upon bodies supported on said index table, of a variindex table.

CECIL E. ADAMS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in th I file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,188,559 Proeger June 2'7, 1916 1,923,204 Hirvonen Aug. 22, 1933 2,013,420 Opel Sept. 3, 1935 2,130,618 Gnavi Sept. 20, 1938 2,146,482 Miller Feb. 7, 1939 2,254,992 Bridges Sept. 2, 1941 2,362,054 Denison Nov. 7, 1944 2,416,860 Waldie Mar. 4, 1947

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