US2908238A

US2908238A - Forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2908238A
Application number: US517141A
Authority: US
Inventors: August R Bringewald
Original assignee: Republic Aviation Corp
Current assignee: Republic Aviation Corp
Priority date: 1955-06-22
Filing date: 1955-06-22
Publication date: 1959-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 1976-10-13

Description

Oct. 13, 1959 y A. R. lRlNGEWALD 2,908,238

FORMING APPARATUS A TTORNEY.

Oa.. 13, 1959 A. R. BRusiG'EwALn- '-2f,908,238 if' FORMING APPARATUS A' l s sheets-sheet 2 F11-ed June :22;A 1.955

N@ mw\ INVENTOR. AugustlZBr-lngewald BY nog ATTORNEY.

'Filed June 22, 19.55v

OGL 13,11959 A. R. BRINGEWALD 2,908,238

FORMING APPARATUS f s sheets-smet s INVEVTR. A ugust/ir'inge wald 4BY ATTORNEY.

2,908,233 Patented Oct. 13, 1959 FoRMiNG APPARATUS August R. Bringewald, North Babylon, N.Y., assiguor to Republic Aviation Corporation, Farmingdale, NX., a corporation of Delaware Application .lune 22, 1955, Serial No. 517,141

3 Claims. .(Cl. 113-44) This invention relates in general to forming 'apparatus and more particularly to a forming apparatus or press for forming sheet metal or like materials.

Among other features desired in forming apparatus or presses for forming sheet metal is the -ability to perform varied forming operations, as well as compactness so that the press occupies a minimum of space. Moreover, it is desirable that the forming apparatus lbe so constructed and arranged that it can be readily converted to perform different types of forming with a minimum of interference with production.

Therefore, among other objects the present invention contemplates a press or forming apparatus having the capacity of performing both simple and multiple forming operations, that is relatively compact and which can be converted for different forming operations. Without completely shutting down the press so that a minimum of production is lost during such conversions.

To these ends, the forming apparatus contemplated herein comprises a sectional bed and head movably mounted thereon for selective individual cooperation with each bed-section to combine therewith to create a complete forming unit adapted to perform a particular type of forming operation. Thus, the bed-sections are constructed and arranged so that one may be selected to individually cooperate with the head to perform one type of forming operation such as press-block forming, bl'an'king, Hanging etc., while a second section may be selected to cooperate with the head to perform another type of forming operation such as deep drawing. In short, the instant forming press is capable of various types of forming operations merely by selecting the bed section appropriate to a particular forming operation land adjusting the head, which is common to all types of forming, to cooperate with the Selected bed section.

With the above and other objects in view, as will be apparent, this invention consists in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts all as hereinafter more fully described, claimed and illustrated in the `accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a forming press constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section taken along line 3-3 of Fig. l showing the head moved to the position Where it coacts with a bed-section adapted for deep drawing;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken along line 4-4 of Fig. l where the head is illustrated in position to cooperate with a bed-section, adapted for flanging or press block forming;

Fig. 5 is a perspective partially in section of Ithe frame for supporting the rubber forming pad and diaphragm of the instant press; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in section of .a detent assembly used in maintaining the frame of the pad and diaphragm in its position in the head.

Referring now to the drawings, in Figs". 1, 2 and 3, 10 designates the Sectional bed of the sheet metal forming press contemplated herein comprising a plurality of individual bed-sections, in this instance, three

sections

11, 12 and 13 being shown, that are aligned in end-toend relationship to form longitudinal continuations of each other and xedly secured together by lany conventional means (not shown). While only three bed-sections have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that any number of bed-sections may be employed as desired. The bed 10 also may be a single unitary structure suitably divided into individual bed-sections.

The bed-section 11 comprises 'a body 14 that is substantally rectangular in both longitudinaland transverse section. At its upper edge portions, the body 14 is provided with longitudinal side wa'lls 15 and 16 that extend along the full length of the section 11 at opposite sides, thereof, and with oppositely disposed transverse end walls 17 and 18that extend transversely across its opposite ends. These

transverse end walls

17 and 18 terminate short of the longitudinal walls 15 and 16 to cre- -ate openings adjacent the walls 15 and 16 to accommodate the adjustment of the head longitudinally of the bed 10 as will be seen. For purposes that will hereinafter be apparent, the end Wall 17, which forms one extremity of the sectional bed 10, is twice the thickness of the opposite end wall 18. The bed-sections 12' and 13 are generallythe same in construction and arrangement 'as the bed-section 11, the former comprising a body 19 having

longitudinal walls

20 and 21 and

transverse walls

22 and 23, and the latter a body 24 having longitudinal walls 25 and 26 and transversev walls 27 and 28. As shown in Fig. l, the

Walls

15, 20 and 25 form longitudinal continuations of each vother along one side of the sectional bed 10, while the walls 16, 21 and 26 are similarly disposed along the opposite side of the bed 10. Further, the

transverse end walls

18 and 22 as well as the transverse end walls 23 and 27 adjoin each other, While the transverse end walls 17 and 28 constitute the opposite extremities of the sectional bed 10 and as above noted are substantially twice as thick Ias the other transverse walls.

A head, generally indicated as 29, is slidably mounted for longitudinal movement on the sectional bed 10 so that it can be brought into vertical alignment individually with each bed-

section

11, 12 and 13 with which it combines to comprise a forming unit.. More particularly, the bed-section 11 is provided at each longitudinal `side with a vertical open slot 30 which communicates at its lower end with a track 31. Each, track 31 is substantially triangular in cross-section and is formed with its base portion disposed across and normal to the yadjacent end of its associated slot 30 thereby creating divergent shoulders 31 at the inner end of the open slot. The slots 30 and tracks 31 extend along each side of the bed-section 11 for the entire length of the body 14. The bed-

sections

12 and 13 are similarly provided with :vertical slots 32 and 33 respectively which communicate with tracks (not shown) similar to the tracks 31. When the bed-

sections

11, 12 and 13 are aligned and secured together as above described, the

slots

30, 32 and 33 and their respective tracks align to form a continuous slot and track along each longitudinal side of the sectional .bed 10 and for its entire length.

'Ilhe head 29 comprises a |hollow, semi-cylindrical yoke 36 having depending opposed, parallel sides 37, each of which is enlarged to form a lguide 38 shaped to agree with the track 31 and operate below and against the shoulders 31. As shownin Fig. 4, the sides 37 and the guides 38 of the yoke 36 are adapted to be slidably received in the slots 30-32-33 and their tracks, to the end that the head 29 is slidably supported for reciprocating movement along the entire length of the bed-section 10. Moreover, due to thejengagement of the base portions of Vthe guides 38 and nthe tracks, Vvertical displacement of the head 29 relativev to the sectional bed 10 is prevented.

The yoke 36 is of such a length that whenv it is posi- 4 to their respective side walls in such a manner that it may be swung between a raised operative position where Y it is aligned with the fixed limit switches 46 and 48 and a Y lowered inoperative position where it `lies along the outer tioned over or aligned vertically with one of the bed- Y sectionsfitextends longlitudinally'over and encompasses that bed-section as well as the adjoining end or transverse wall lof the nextadjacent bed-section. Thus, when the head 29 is aligned with bed-section 13,'as sho-wn in Fifg.^3, the yoke 36 extends, vat one extremity, over the end wall 28 of 'the bed-section* 13 while its opposite extremity covers-both the end wall 27V of the bed-section 13 and the adjoining end wall 23 of the next adjacent bed-section 12.

ln addition to the foregoing means for supporting the i head 29 for movement longitudinally of the sectional bed 10, eachy longitudinal side'r of the sectional bed 10 is provided with ay continuous, coextensive rail 39. VAs shown in Figsrl and 4, one rail 39 is secured to, or formed integrally with, the upper edges of the

longitudinal side walls

15, 20 and 25 while the other is similarly disposed on the upper edges of the opposed longitudinal side walls 1'6, 21 and 26. Each side of the yoke 36 carries a housing 40 in which is rotatably vsupported a plurality of grooved wheels 41 that engage the adjacent rail 39. Thus, the rails 39 and the wheels 41 form an additional means for supporting the head'29 for longitudinal movement with Vrespect to the sectional bed lthatfacilitates this movement of the head 29. Y

To provide means 'for moving the head 29 along the sectional bed 10 `and for selectively aligning it with the bed-'

sections

11, 12 and 13, an electric motor 42 is suitably mounted on yone of the housings 40 and adjacent one end thereof. The shaft 43 'of the motor 42 extends vertically and downwardly and is provided at its lower extremity with aworm'44 'that engages a worm-gear y45 mounted 'on the side of theadjac'ent fgrooved wheel The motor 42 Vis connected into a'conventional electrical circuitincluding a'power source and a control switch(not shown) whereby the motor 42 is actuated lto drive the shaft A43, worm 44 and worm-'gear 45 'so as to move the 'lhead 29 along the sectional bed`10. `If desired, the grooved wheels41 may be interconnected by a conventional chain and sprocket drive (not shown). While only one motor 42 is shown, a second motor may be similarly mounted on the opposite side of 'the'y'oke 36 and operatively connected to the wheels 41'on 'that side, `as aforesaid, thereby Aproviding balanced vdriving power for the head. v

In Yorder to control 'the movement ofthe [head 29 Talngr the sectional bed 14),"so that it may beselectively aligned face of the coacting side wall. The limit switches 46, 48, 50 and 51 are conventionally connected to the electrical circuit of the motor 42 insuch-a manner that when the motor 42 is running, pressure v*applied to the

contact buttons

47, 49, 51 or 52, opens the motor circuit and stops the operation of motor 42.

In order to apply operative pressure to the buttons 47 and 52, the head 29 is provided at one extremity with an arm `54 that projects from the housing 40 to wlhi'ch it is attached by a bracket 55. Hence, as the head 294 moves relative to the bed 10, the projecting larm 54 engages the contact button 47 of the limit switch 46 or the co-ntact button 52 of the limit switch 50 when the latter is in its raised position. A second contact arm 56 issimilarly mountedy by a bracket 57 on'the lhousing 40 at theop- Vpos'ite extremity of the headV 29 land disposedLso asto engage with the contact button 53, when the switch 51 is .Due to nthe foregoing arrangement, when the-head 29 *is positioned in alignment with the bedsection--11,as

with any one of ythe vbed-sections, fa `conventional Ylimit switch 46, having *a contactbuttonf47, is xedly secured to the upper portion of the wall 15 ofthe bed-'section 11 at, or adjacent to, thelend wall 17 with its contac't'butt'n 47 facing Vlin the=direction of the'opposite 'end of the see- Y tional bed 10,'or to the right as viewedin Fig. l. other-*conventional limit switch '48 is lixedly mounted at the opposite extremity of the sectional'bedV 10, `i.e. to "'tlie upper partof the side wall 26 of the bedlsection 13 a't, or adjacent the endw'all l28, with its IContactbutto'n49 facing in the direction of, andin alignment with,"the contact button 47,i.e. -to the left as shown in Fig.y 1. HA pair of conventional limit switches fr50 and V51, having c'ontact buttons 52 and-53 respectively, Vare pivotally mounted `to the upper -part'of the '

longitudinal side walls

15 and 25 of the bed-

sections

11 and 13. `The switchm50 is disposed -at or yadjacent lthe 'end wall 18 with its contact button 52 facing in :the same direction as the Contact button 47 of Vthe limit switch 46 andthe switch 51 'at or adjacent lthe end wall 27""with its :but-ton 53 tfacing inthe same direction asjthe-contac't`49'of the 4limit'switch 148. Each of the limitswitches '50 yand I51 is pivotally mounted shown in Figs l and 2,-and it is desired to move4 it into alignment with the bed-section y'12., the limit switch 50 is moved to its lowered inoperative yposition and the limit switch :51 to its raised operative position. The-control switch of the moto-r circuit (not shown) is then closed 'toV initiate the operation of the motor 42 in a direction whereby its shaft 43, 'the worm 44 and worm-gear 45 Y drive `"the Vgrooved wheel 41 to move the head 29 on the V"rails T39 to the right or toward the lbed-sectionl12. j Since "thelimit switch 50 Vis in its lowered position, it does-not l'ie in 'the path of Vmovement v'of either of the contact arms '54 'and y'56. However, whenthev contact-arm 56 fengages and depresses the button'53 of `the Alimit-switch L51, the'mo'tor circuit -is opened, as aforesaid, -and the op- 'eration'of the motor 42 stops. The relative positions of'the'lir'nit switch 5.1 and contact arm `56 are such that 'when the switch is operated to open the motor-circuit and stop the motor 42, the head 29 is aligned with, i-.e. posi- "tioned vertically over, the bed-section 1l2. To move the head'29 further tothe right for alignment with vthe bed- V`section d3, the limit switch *51 is swung to its lowered jpositi'on andthe control switch actuated to operate ythe motor 42 in the same direction as above set forth. In response to this operation of the 'motor 42, the head 29 'is moved to the right until the contact arm 56 depresses'the button 49 of limit switch'48 causing 4the motor 42 to stop. The contact arm '56 and limit switch 48 'are so disposed that when 'the arm actuates the button 49 of the switch, thereby stopping the motor'42, :the

head 29 is then disposed over the bed-section 13. The

55'. headf29 is moved -in the opposite direction, -i.e. from right to left, as viewed in Fig. 1, 'by revising the voperation effthe motor 42. InA this instance, however, the

Vlimit switch '51 is swung to its lowered Vposition and the limit switch 50 to its lraised positiom Whenl the contact VVa'rrn A54V depresses the button 52 of the' limit switch 50the motor circuit is opened and the motor 42 stopped. Atv this time, thelhead 29is vertically posi- 'tioned 'over VVthe bed-section .12. Further movement of the head 29 'to the left l(Fig. l) is accomplished by loweringfthe'limit switch "50 and continuing ythe reverseop- "eration ofthe motor 42 and theassociated driving-mechanisni"to'fnove the headi29 tothe left. "54 Acontacts "the button v4'7` of switch `46, the motor cir- When the arm cuit is opened and the motor 42 -arrestedwith-thefhead 29 then disposed over the bed-section 11. kFor-move- "rnent A"o'f'thehead VV29v Vfrom one extremity-to the other' of the sectional bed .`10, i.e. from bed-section l11, or vice versa, "the intermediate limit switches 50and-51 are both 'swung'to Atheir lowered inoperative 4positions out. of Vthe path of the arms'5'4' and f5'6f Whereuponthe head 29 Alifter pin 73. Acontact or engage the upper surface of a rectangular -piston 74 that is mounted for vertical movements Within 1's` moved in either direction until the Contact arm 54 or contact arm 56 contacts the button 47 or 49, as the case may be, to arrest the motor 42 and hence the movement of the head 29 along the sectional bed 10.

As shown, particularly in Figs. 5k and 4, the yoke 36 has xedly mounted therein, by any conventional means (not shown), a ller block y60 having a centrally disposed cavity '61 formed therein for deep-drawing forming operations. The ller block `60 is provided, -at its opposite longitudinal ends, with depending vertical flanges 62 and 63 that are so constructed and arranged that when the head 29 is aligned with a bed-section, they form vertical continuations of the transverse end Walls of the bed-section then associated with the head 29. For example, when the head 29 is aligned with the bed-section 13, as shown in Fig. 3, the flange 62 is disposed over and forms a continuation of the end Walls l23 and 27 while the flange 63 is disposed over and forms -a continuation of the end wall 28. Because of this arrangement a forming chamber 64 is produced between the head 29 and the bed-section 13 defined at one endby the inner surfaces of the flange 62 and end Wall 27 Vand at the opposite end by the inner surfaces of the flange I63 and end wall 28. The sides of the formingchamber I64 are dened by the inner surfaces of the adjacent portions of the depending sides 3'7 of the yoke 36, while its upper and lower limits are defined, respectively, by the bottom surface y65 of the ller block `6) Iand the upper surface 24 of the body 24.

Similarly, when the head 29 is associated with either the bed-section 12 or the bed-section 111, the forming chamber 64 is produced as abovedescribed except that in the first instance, its lower limit is defined by the upper surface 19 of the body f19, and in the second instance by the upper surface 114 of the lbody 14. Due to this construction, the upper surfaces 14'., y19 and 24 of the bed-sections 11, =12 land 13 respectively, serveI as tables upon which one or more press-block forming or blanking dies may be mounted or positioned, such as the die or press-block y66 shown positioned on the table 14 of the bed-section i111 in Fig. 3. A

The bed-sections 11 and '12 are each adapted to coopcrate with the head 29 for one type of forming such as press-block, ilanging or blanking and therefore their respective tables 14 and .19 are relatively smooth, fiat surfaces. The bed-section y13, however, is not only adapted for flanging, blanking and press-block forming as aforesaid, but also is capable of forming hollow bodies as by v deep-drawing. To these ends, the body 24 'of the bed- -section 113 is provided with a centrally disposed, cylindrical bore 67 which serves as acylinder for a hydraulic ram l68. The ram 68 has a piston 69 suitably mounted to its lower end. This piston 69 slidably engages the wall of the cylinder `67, while the upper end of the ram 68 has a die 70, of any selected shape or size, secured thereto for reception in and ccperation with the cavity 61 in the ller block I60 during deep-drawing operations. A conventional hydraulic system including control means therefor (not shown) is connected to the cylinder 67 whereby a hydraulic fluid under pressure is selectively `delivered thereto to either extend the ram `68 therefrom and thereby raise the die 70 in the direction of the cavity 61 or to retract the ram 68 into the cylinder y67 to lower the die 78 to the position shown in Fig. 3, where its bottom rests upon the table 24. v

In addition, the body 24 is also provided with a rectangular piston chamber .or cylinder 71 that surrounds the cylinder 67. A plurality of vertical openings 72 extend between the piston chamber 71 and the table 24. Each opening 72 has slidably mounted therein a At their lower ends, the lifter pins 73 the piston chamber 71. The lifter pins 73 extend only 4partially into the openings 72 so that a\ pressure pin 75 may be inserted through the upper extremity of each, or any selected number of the openings 72, to rest upon the upper end of the lifter pin 73 mounted therein. At their -upper ends, the pressure pins 75 are constructed and arranged to support a pressure plate 76 having a `central opening 77'therein to permit the passage of the male die 70. The pins 75 are removably mounted within the openings 72 to the end that any selected number may be employed depending upon the particular size and shape of the pressure plate 76 as determined by the configuration of .the workpiece 79. As in the instance of the cylinder 67, piston chamber 71 is connected to a conventional hydraulic system having a control means (not shown) whereby a hydraulic fluid under pressure may be selectively delivered to t-he chamber 71 to either raise or lower the piston 74 and thereby raise or lower the pressure plate '76 supported by the pins 7S and their respective underlying lifter pins 73.

As set forth, when the headl 29 is aligned with either of the bed-

sections

11, 12 or 13, the head "29 and associated bed-section cooperate to dene a forming chamber 64. To provide means for forming a sheet metal workpiece ydisposed within the forming chamber 64, e.g. a workpiece 78 positioned on a die block 66 or a workpiece 79 positioned on the pressure plate 76, a :form-ing assembly 88 (Fig. 5) -is mounted within the head 29. This assembly 80 is constructed and arranged either for movement within the chamber 64 yand relative to the head 29 or it may be locked within the head 29 against such movement, depending upon the type of forming to be accomplished.

More particularly, the lforming assembly 86 comprises a rectangular frame 81 the outer sides 82 of which are adapted to lit within the head 29 and slidably engage the inner surfaces of the flanges 62 and 63 of the filler block 60 and of the depending `sides 37 of the yoke 36, as Well as t within the inner surfaces of the side and end walls of the :associated bed-sections. The sides of the frame 81 are U-shaped in section, to establish an open, rectangular groove 83 that extends inwardly from Lthe inner faces 84 o-f the sides of the frame 81 to receive :and ret-ain the outer or marginal edge of a resilient forming pad 85. A molding 86 corresponding in shape and size -to the frame 81, having la vertical flange 87 formed at its outer edges, is iixedly secured to the upper surface of the frame 81 with its flange 87 in alignment with and forming a continuation of the outer sides 82 of the frame 81. For reasons that will hereafter be apparent, the upper surface of the resilient forming pad is covered and protected by a deformable, elastic ydiaphragm 88 fabricated from any suitable material having good stretching properties, and which is impervious to oil or other hydraulic uids used in forming operations. The diaphragm 88 is provided, at its margin or outer edge, with an upstanding feather seal or lip 89 having a relatively ilat outer surface 89 and is secured in any ysuitable manner to the molding 86. If desired, the diaphragm 88 may be cemented or -other- Iwise joined to the upper surface of the resilient forming pad 85.

Due to this construction and arrangement the forming assembly 80 is adapted to move vertically within the chamber 64. In order to guide the forming assembly 88 during `such vertical movement, a guide rod 96 is mounted in a vertical position at each of the four corners of the frame 81 to extend upwardly into and slidably engage aligned

openings

91 and 92 formed in the block 6@ and ythe yoke 36 respectively. These guide rods 90 may be mounted on the forming assembly 80 in any suitable manner, for example, the lower ends thereof may be threaded to engage threaded sockets (not shown) in the molding 86 and frame 81.

To secure or lock the forming :assembly 80 within the head 29, a groove 93 is formed in the outer faces of the sides 82 of the frame 81 to be engaged by a plurality 'moves it toward the 'table 14'.

ofdetent-"assemblies'94 mounted `inthel flanges 62 and 63 ofthe filler blo'ck60 and thel sides '37 of the yoke'36. "Si'nceftheseY detent 'assembliesf94'are each of kthe "same (construction, only one of them disposed inth'e a'n'ge "63 "is described. v Y

This detent assembly L94 comprises an open socket 95 formed in the flange 63 with its open end communicating 'with the chamber 64. A 'retaining `ring 96 having a"central opening 97 is 'mounted in Va recess in the flange 63 about the open end of thesock'et 95. The ring `96 `is 'so mounted thatVV its outer lsurface 96 is flush with the surrounding surface of lthenan'ge 63 and its'central kopening 97 -is concentrically disposed relative to the socket 95. A spherical member or ball 98 `is slidabl-y mounted 2in the socket`95, inwardly ofthe retaining ring 96 and 'a spring '9'9operates between the closed end of the socket 95 andthe ball 98 to project the l-atterp'artialy-ly through the opening 97 of the ring 96. When 'the ball'98'is thus 'seatedit extends, in 'parhthrough the Vcentral opening97 of *the ring 96fand into the chamber "64. Because of thev foregoing arrangement, 'when'lthe Agroove 93 in the sides 82 of the frame 81 aligns with 'the ball 98, the part of Ithe latter projecting into the chamber 64' seats 'within the groove 93 to lock or secure the frame 81 and vhence "the forming assembly 80 into -the head 29. However, the forceexerted by the 'spring 99 on the ball 98 is such that when a predetermined force is exerted Yon the upper surface of the lforming assembly 80 the spring 99 is overcome and the ball 98 'is pushed or moved into the socket 95 by 'its coaction with sides 82 deiining the groove 93. As a'result, the ball 98 is disengaged from the groove 93 thus freeing lafeoaas the forming assembly S0 for vertical movement downwardly and relative to the head V29 and block 60 withinV the chamber 64.

The yoke 36 and block `60 are provided with registered 'passages 100 and 101 respectively that communicate the 'chamber 64, through the female die cavity '61, 'with the exterior of the' head 29. The passage 100 is connected through suitable conduit means with a conventional hydraulic system having control means (not shown) whereby a hydraulic uid under pressure may'be delivered to or withdrawn from the upper portion of the chamber 64, i.e. that part of the chamber l64 above the forming assembly 80. When hydraulic fluid under 'pres- 'sure is'admitted into the chamber `64 from the hydraulic 'system 'through the passages 100 and 101, it is effective on the upper 'surface of the forming assembly 80, i.e. the diaphragm l88, to produce a force thereon of Vsufficient magnitude to unlock the formingassembly e0 from the detent assemblies 94 as 'aforesaid and Vto move it downwardly toward the table of the bed-section with which the head 29 is then associated. Thus, when the head 29 is associated or. aligned with the bed-section 11 as aforesaid, yto press-form the workpiece 78 positioned on the die `66, the delivery of hydraulic fluid under pressure through the conduits 100 and 101 into the upper part of the chamber 64 unlocks the forming assembly 80 and The 4forming assembly 8 0 moves downwardly until its frame '81 engages a seat 102-disposed within'a recess formed in the margin of "the 4table 14. To prevent damage to the pad 85, the

inner surface 103 of the seat 102 against which the work- "ing surface of the forming pad 85 is pressed by the hydraulic huid, is provided with aV curved or (O-gee) surface. The hydraulic pressure 'on thediaphragm `88 and the resilient forming pad '85 producesja force that 'presses -or'conforrns the workpiece 78` with the die block 66.

`When the forming assembly `80is positioned within Y the seat 102'as aforesaid, 'the walls 82"'o'f the frame 81 and ilange 87 of the molding '8'6 are disposed across Athe 'Is'pace between the bottom surfaces of the flanges 62 and "63`of 4theblo'ck 60 andthe associated Vsurfaces ofthe end wallsv '1'7 andV 18422. Moreover, lthe pressurel of hydraulic iluidv is effective 'against thefeatherseal f89 tti press its outer` surface89 'into"sealing^contact with' -the adjacentV inner surfaces of the flanges 62V andv 63 ofthe vertical opening 105 formed in the body 14. The lower end of the opening'105- terminates in a piston chamber 106 in'which a piston 107 is mounted for vertical recip- -roc'ation 'AV lifter pin 108 slidably mounted in each of the registered openings-104 and 105 engagesv at its lower end the upper surface Iof the associated piston 107. A spring 109-is interposed between the bottom of the pis- -ton chamber E106 and the piston 107 sto-'exert a force against the piston l107 Ito move -it and its associated lifter pin V108 upwardly to abut the upper end of the pin 108 against the framel 81. The length of the lifterl pins A108 and the-combinedv forces -of the .springs 109 are such that -when the Yhydraulic fluidV is withdrawn from the upper part of chamber 64 upon the completioniof the forming operation on the workpiece 78, the forming assembly 80 is raised or moved vertically upward within `the chamber '64 to position theperipheral groove -93 formed in the outer face 8'2 of the frame kSlain alignment with `the balls 98 of the detent assemblies 94. As aresult, thesforming -a'ssembly 80 is returned toits 'locked Vor secured position withinl the head 29 so as to `travel, therewith when it moves longitudinally on vsec:- `tional'bed 1'0. Furthermore, the length of the lifter pins 108 is such that when they'are fully extended, as aforesaid, the -upperrextremities thereof are in the plane of the upper'- surfaces `of the side walls 17 `and 18, and

hence they do not interfere with longitudinal movements -of the head-29 on the sectional bed '10.

-The bed-section `.12 is-similarly' constructed, having `a rectangular seat 110 for the reception of the frame 81 of the forming assembly `80. .Four lifter pins 111, each Y of which is slidably mounted within registered openings formed Vin the seat and body 19, and which .abut or contact a piston 112 at one of their ends mounted forv vertical movement within a chamber 113 and the frame 81 at their other ends. Aspring 114 is operative against the piston 1'12 to raise it and `its associated lifter 'pin 111. The bed-section 13 is also provided with Va rec- -tangular'seat'115 to receive the frame 81, four lifter pins 116 slidably Ymounted in aligned openings in the seat` 115 and body 24e'ach engaging Va piston v117 ,slidable within a chamber 118,'and a spring 119' operative against the piston 117.

As above described, the bed-section 13 cooperates with head 29 for deep drawing operations. For this type of forming, the hydraulic fluid is withdrawn from the upper part of the chamber 64, or the. pressure thereon is relieved so that it may flow outwardly through the passages 101 and 100. The hydraulic system connected to the rectangular piston chamber 71 is, then operated to deliver fluid under pressure thereto so that the piston 74 is moved upwards in the chamber 71. This upward movement of the pistonv 74 which raises these pins 73 and 75, the pressure plate 76 carried by the upper kends of the pins 75 and the workpiece 79 supported on the pressure plate 76, is continued until the workpiece 79 rests ush against the lower surface of the forming'pad 85 to raise it and the diaphragm 88 until the latter engages or bears against the lower surface of the die block. Thus, the wor-kpiece'79 and the `adjacent portion of the forming pad y85 and diaphragm 88 are clamped -between the pressure plate 7-6 and the adjacent face 65 of the block 60.

-delivery of fluid to [the chamber 71 and to -hold thepressure then imposed upon the uid.

The hydraulic system connected to the cylinder 67 is then operated to deliver fluid under pressure thereto to extend the ram 68 from the cylinder i67. As a result, the male die 70 moves upwardly through the opening 77 in the pressure plate 76 and into engagement with the lower surface of the workpiece 79. The continued upward movement of the ram 68 forces the workpiece 79 together with the diaphragm 88 and pad 85 into the cavity 61 of the block `60 to form or deep-draw the workpiece 79 into conformity with the die 70. Upon the completion of the forming of the workpiece 79, the control means of the hydraulic system is reversed to retract the ram l68 into the cylinder 67. As the male die 70 moves out of the cavity 61, the pad 85 serves to eject the formed workpiece 79 from the cavity 61.

If it is desired, the cavity 61 may have mounted therein an additional rubber pad that assists in the deep-drawing operations.

The bed-section 13 is also adapted to cooperate with the head 29 in the same manner as the bed-

sections

11 and 12 in performing press-block, Hanging or blanking operations. In this instance, however, the pins 75 are removed from their co-acting openings 72 and the die 70 from the ram 68. The upper ends of the openings 72 and cylinder 67 are then closed by any suitable means (not shown) to provide a flat and unbroken surface for the table 24 -upon which one or more press-block, anging or blanking dies may be positioned. In the event the die 70 is suitable for use in the selected type of forming operation, e.g. the die 70 may be used for pressblock forming, it may be left in position on the ram 68 or removed therefrom and positioned with other dies on the table 24. Thereafter, workpieces may be formed on these dies in the same manner as when the head 29 cooperates with the bed-

sections

11 and 12 in these types of forming operations.

Having thus vdescribed the details of construction and operation of the instant forming apparatus, it will be apparent that the several objects hereinbefore set forth have been accomplished. Thus, the forming press contemplated herein is capable of performing varied and diierent forming operations and is compact in construction and arrangement so as to occupy a minimum of space. Moreover, since the die or dies of one or more of the bed-sections may be changed without stopping the operation of the remaining bed-section, it is clear that some sections of the press may be converted for different forming operations while the remaining section or sections continue productive operations.

What is claimed is:

1. AIn apparatus for forming sheet metal workpieces, the combination with a stationary continuous bed, of means dividing said bed into a plurality of aligned and individual bed-sections each having a recessed portion, a forming head, continuous tracks carried by and disposed at the sides of said bed, means carried by said head and engaging said tracks for mofunting said head on the bed for movement relative to and successively over all of said bed-sections and also cooperating with said tracks for restraining said head from movement normal to said bed, driving means for moving said head relative to said bed and for automatically and xedly aligning it with any selected one of its sections, said head having a recessed portion adapted to cooperate with the recessed portion of the bed-section aligned therewith to dene a forming chamber, a forming assembly carried by the recessed portion of said head and mounted to slide in both said recessed portions of said forming chamber, means for releasably securing said forming assembly against movement Within the recessed portion of said head, and pressure means for releasing said forming assembly from said securing means and moving it within said forming chamber to form a workpiece positioned in said forming chamber.

2. In a metal forming apparatus, the combination with a stationary continuous bed, of partitions dividing said bed into a plurality of individual and relatively independent bed-sections, a head, means carried n part by said 'bed and in part by said head for mounting said head both for sliding movement over and relative to said bed for individual, selective cooperation with said bedsections and for preventing the displacement of said head in a direction normal to said bed, said head and each of said bed-sections having recessed portions provided therein to define a forming chamber upon such cooperation, a die within said forming chamber, forming means mounted for slidable movement within the recessed portion of said head and also within the recessed portions of the 'bed-section between a iirst position where said forming means is positioned entirely within the recessed portion of said head and a second position where said forming means is positioned in part within the recessed portions of both said head and the bed-section associated therewith whereby said forming means cooperates with said die to form a workpiece positioned thereon, means releasably securing said forming means in its first position, and pressure means eiective on said forming means to release it from said securing means and move it to the second position and form the workpiece positioned on said die.

3. In a forming apparatus the combination with a stationary continuous bed, of partitions dividing said bed into a plurality of aligned and individual bed-sections, a

head, primary means for supporting said head on said bed for movement relative to said bed-sections and also for restraining said head from movement normal thereto, secondary means for also supporting said head on said bed for movement relative to and selective individual alignment with each of said bed-sections, a recess in each bed-section and in said head that combine to establish a forming chamber when said head is aligned with each bed-section, a forming assembly slidably mounted in the recessed portion of said head and in both said recessed portions of said forming chamber when established as aforesaid, means for releasably securing said forming assembly in an inoperative position within therecessed portion of said head, and means for releasing said forming assembly and for operating said forming assembly within said forming chamber.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 863,851 Jones Aug. 20, 1907 866,505 Nysmith Sept. 17, 1907 1,474,066 Brown Nov. 13, 1923 1,499,100 Ekstrom June 24, 1924 2,317,440 Cannon Apr. 27, 1943 2,375,599 Walton May 8, 1945 2,377,097 Norris May 29, 1945 2,396,496 Dubre M-ar. 12, 1946 2,424,849 Rogoif et al July 29, 1947 2,543,759 Cannon et al Mar. 6, 1951 2,660,780 Beck Dec. 1, 1953 2,711,204 Frank et al. June 21, 1955 2,749,867 Engel June 12, 1956 2,771,850 Wheelon Nov. 27, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,030,635 France Mar. 18, 1953