WO2003039777A1

WO2003039777A1 - Apparatus and method for overcoming angular deviations in a workpiece

Info

Publication number: WO2003039777A1
Application number: PCT/CA2002/001695
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Christian Tolkamp
Original assignee: Ariel Financing Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-11-09
Filing date: 2002-11-05
Publication date: 2003-05-15

Abstract

Apparatus for adjusting the shape of an elongate die rail in press equipment comprising a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally along the inner surface of the die rail. The shaping members are adapted to permit adjustment of an overall curved shape of the elongate outer surface of the die rail by co-ordinated longitudinal movement, relative to the die rail, of groups of the shaping members with respect to each other. The shaping members are adapted to permit adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the elongate outer surface of the die rail by independent longitudinal movement of one or more individual shaping members relative to the die rail outer surface.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OVERCOMING ANGULAR DEVIATIONS

IN A WORKPIECE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for overcoming angular deviations in a workpiece, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for permitting crowning and localized adjustment of bending surfaces of press equipment in order to compensate for sagging and irregularities in the shape of the surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Traditional press equipment such as a press brake has a stationary lower bed with an elongate surface for supporting a first press tool and a moveable upper bed with an elongate surface for supporting a second press tool.

Generally, the first press tool associated with the stationary bed is a forming die held in a die holder and the second press tool is a punch. In operation, the moveable bed or ram is moved downwardly toward the forming die to bend, shape or otherwise form a workpiece placed between the forming die and the punch. Alternatively, the lower bed may be configured to move upwardly towards a stationary upper bed.

The compressive forces applied to the workpiece by the co-operating punch and die are quite high, generally exceeding several tons. As the upper and lower beds that support the punch and die are typically supported at their longitudinal ends, sagging of the beds tends to occur. In addition, irregularities in the bed surfaces or the press tools can result in non-constant bending of the workpiece over the length of the workpiece.

Various arrangements are used to overcome sagging. In a technique referred to as crowning adjustment, the overall curvature of the surface of at least one of the beds is adjusted to compensate for sagging. A convex curvature is termed positive crown, while a concave curvature is a negative crown. One such crowning arrangement is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,898,015 to Houston. This arrangement includes two transverse wedges which extend over the length of the beds of the press brake.

Although such arrangements are used to adjust the overall curvature of the beds, there is still a need to compensate for localized irregularities due to such factors as wear and machining tolerances. This is generally achieved in a technique commonly called localized adjusting which involves raising or lowering the bed surface at particular locations to compensate for local irregularities.

U.S. Patent No. 5,009,098 to Van Merksteijn is an example of an arrangement that provides for both crowning and localized adjusting. Van Merksteijn includes curve-forming members slidable over each other in the lengthwise direction for crowning adjustment, and in the transverse direction for localized adjustment. However, crowning and localized adjustment by distortion of the curve-forming member both longitudinally and transversely can cause the arrangement to be susceptible to failure due to compound stresses. In addition, because the curve-forming members are generally unitary pieces, transverse movement to effect localized adjustment at one position of the bed surfaces tends to inadvertently affect localized adjustment at immediately adjacent positions. The result is that localized adjustment can become a time consuming iterative process which involves making an adjustment at the desired position, measuring the shape of the bed surface adjacent the desired position to determine how it has been affected, making adjustments to remove inadvertently introduced changes, and then going back to determine any introduced changes at the desired position.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have an alternative apparatus and method that provides for crowning and localized adjustment of the bed of press equipment. It would be further desirable to have an apparatus and method that provides an improved technique for localized adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for adjusting the shape of an elongate member having inner and outer surfaces. The apparatus comprises a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally along the inner surface, the shaping members adapted to permit adjustment of an overall curved shape of the elongated outer surface by co-ordinated longitudinal movement, relative to the elongated surface, of groups of the shaping members with respect to each other and adapted to permit adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the elongated outer surface by independent longitudinal movement of one or more individual shaping members relative to the elongated outer surface.

The shape forming system may be positioned in a longitudinal groove of a die rail positioned on the lower bed surface of a press brake.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a press comprising a frame; an upper bending member and a lower bending member supported by the frame, the upper and lower bending members being moveable relative to each other to apply force to a workpiece placed between the upper and lower bending members; and a shape forming system associated with at least one of the upper and lower bending members for adjusting the shape of the bending member. The shape forming system comprises a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extends along the bending member to permit adjustment of the overall curved shape of the bending member by co-ordinated slidable movement of the shaping members over each other in a longitudinal direction relative to the bending member and to permit localized adjustment of one or more portions of the overall shape of the bending member by independent longitudinal movement of one or more of the shaping members relative to the bending member.

In another aspect of the present invention there is also provided an apparatus for adjusting the shape of an elongate member in press equipment, the elongate member being formed with a channel to define an elongate inner surface opposite an elongate outer surface. In this aspect, the apparatus comprises a plurality of shaping members insertable within the channel to extend longitudinally of and engage the inner surface, each shaping member being formed from a pair of members comprising a wedge member and an associated link member movable with respect to the wedge member, each link member being connected to adjacent link members. Co-ordinated slidable longitudinal movement of the link members over the wedge members permits adjustment of an overall curved shape of the outer surface and independent slidable longitudinal movement of individual wedge members permits adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the outer surface.

The wedge member and the link member of a pair may be formed with complementary arcuate surfaces that are engageable to permit relative pivoting between the wedge member and the link member. The pairs of members may be arranged in a pattern to permit adjustment of the shape of the inner surface between a generally convex configuration and a generally concave configuration by relative movement of the link members as a group with respect to the wedge members.

In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for adjusting the shape of an elongate member in press equipment, the elongate member having an outer surface and an inner surface. In this aspect, there is provided a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally along the inner surface. The shaping members are moved as a group in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer surface to adjust the overall curved shape of the elongated outer surface. One or more shaping members are moved independently in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer surface to adjust one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the outer surface.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a press brake according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1a is a detail section view taken along line 1a-1a of Figure 1 showing the shaping system of the first embodiment within a press bed; Figure 1b is a detail section view showing the shaping system of the present invention within a retrofittable rail; Figure 2 is an detail exploded view of the components of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the shaping members; Figure 3 is an exploded view showing further details of the shaping members of Figure 2; Figure 3a is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the wedge members; Figure 3b is a schematic view showing details of the arrangement of the wedge members;

Figure 3c is a further schematic view showing the pivoting of the link member with respect to the wedge members; Figure 3d is an exploded view showing further details of a localized control system in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the partially assembled shaping members of

Figure 2; Figure 4a is an exploded view of an arrangement of shaping members for an illustrative 12 foot long shaping system; Figure 5 is a schematic view of an alternative localized control system using a rack and gear arrangement to move individual wedge members; and Figure 6 is a schematic view of a modularized rail system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown sample press equipment 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The equipment 2 illustrated is a press brake which will be described in some detail by way of example. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to a press brake and finds application in any press equipment that relies on moving surfaces together to bend a workpiece therebetween. It will also be appreciated that a variety of workpieces may be manipulated with press equipment including, by way of example, sheet metal.

The press brake shown in Figure 1 comprises a frame formed from a pair of spaced upstanding supports 4 that support an upper bending mechanism and a lower bending mechanism moveable relative to each other to apply force to a workpiece placed between the bending mechanisms. Preferably, the upper and lower bending mechanisms comprise a movable upper bed 6 and a stationary lower bed 8. Upper bed 6 and lower bed 8 are formed with elongate surfaces 6a and 8a, respectively. In the illustrated example, elongate surface 6a provides a mounting point for attachment of a first upper press tool in the form of a punch 9. Elongate surface 8a supports a second lower press tool in the form of a die 10 formed with a groove to receive the punch and guide bending of the workpiece.

In operation, upper bed 6 and punch 9 are moved downwardly toward die 10 by hydraulic actuators 11 to bend, shape or otherwise form a workpiece (not shown) placed between the die 10 and the punch 9. While the illustrated arrangement shows a movable upper tool being moved toward a stationary lower tool, the press equipment may be configured to operate in the opposite manner such that a lower tool is moved upwardly to engage a stationary upper tool. It is sufficient that the upper and lower tools be supported for movement relative to each other. It will also be appreciated that actuators 11, although hydraulic in the first embodiment for illustrative purposes, can be mechanical, hydromechanical, electric or the like.

In order to compensate for factors such as deformation, sagging and irregularities in the press tools, press brake 2 incorporates a shape forming mechanism in the form of a shaping system associated with at least one of the upper and lower press tools for adjusting the shape of the associated upper or lower press tool by adjusting the shape of the surface supporting the associated press tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaping system is housed within stationary lower bed 8 below die tool 10 and acts to adjust the shape of surface 8a. It will be appreciated that the shape forming system could alternatively be housed within upper bed 6 to adjust the shape of surface 6a or housed within both the upper and lower beds.

Referring to Figure 1a, there is shown a cross-section view through lower bed 8 taken along line 1a-1a of Figure 1 showing schematically shaping system 12 housed within a longitudinal channel 13 formed in the lower bed and extending along the length of the lower bed 8. The shaping system 12 acts to adjust the over all curved shape and localized shape of surface 8a which in turn affects the shape of die 10 positioned atop surface 8a via a conventional mounting scheme involving a tongue 14 received in a groove 15 formed in surface 8a.

In Figure 1a, shaping system 12 is incorporated into the press bed 8. As shown in Figure 1b, in another aspect a retrofittable rail 16 can be mounted adjacent to an existing press bed 8 to convert a conventional press brake into one that incorporates shaping system 12. Rail 16 includes mounting brackets 17 by which the rail can be fastened to surface 8a of bed 8 using threaded fasteners 17a. Rail 16 includes an outer surface 18 that is shaped by shaping system 12. In the illustrative embodiment, outer surface 18 includes a groove

15 to receive the tongue 14 of die 10. The components and the operation of shaping system 12 are substantially the same whether the shaping system is incorporated in retrofittable rail 16 or directly within press bed 8.

It will be appreciated that the tongue 14 and groove 15 arrangement in

Figures 1a and 1b can be replaced with other configurations for mounting die 10 to the rail 16 or the press bed 8. For instance, with rail 16 or press bed 8, groove 15 can be made the width of die 10 so as to form a channel within which die 10 can be placed.

The shaping system 12 of the embodiment in Figure 1b is further illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4 which show various views and aspects of the shaping system 12. The discussion which follows is equally applicable to the embodiment of the shaping system 12 shown in Figure 1a.

Figure 2 shows the shaping system 12 positioned within retrofittable rail 16 which preferably comprises an upper bar 44 and a lower bar 46 that define therebetween longitudinal channel 13. Upper bar 44 includes outer surface 18 formed with die mounting groove 15 and lower bar 46 includes brackets 17 for mounting the assembled rail to the press bed. Each bar 44 and 46 includes side walls 21 that interlock together to enclose and house the assembled shaping system 12. Preferably, threaded fasteners (not shown) extending generally vertically through the upper and lower bars lock the bars together.

The shaping system 12 comprises a plurality of interconnected shaping members 20 insertable within channel 13 defined between the upper and lower bars 44 and 46 in the case of retrofittable rail 16 or formed within the interior of press bed 8 (in Figure 1a). The shaping members 20 extend longitudinally of and engage an elongate inner surface 23 of rail 16 (or inner surface 23 of bed 8 in Figure 1a). Elongate inner surface 23 is opposite outer elongate surface 18 of rail 16. For the embodiment of the shaping system 12 shown in Figure 1a, elongate inner surface 23 is opposite outer elongate surface 8a of press bed 8.

Each shaping member 20 is formed from a pair of stacked members comprising a lower wedge member 26 and an upper link member 28 (see

Figure 3) that are longitudinally movable relative to each other within channel

13. Each upper link member 28 includes a contact surface 33 that acts as a bearing surface that bears directly against inner surface 23 of rail 16 (or inner surface 23 of bed 8 in Figure 1a). As will be explained in detail below, co- ordinated slidable longitudinal movement of link members 28 as a group over wedge members 26 permits adjustment of the overall curved shape of inner surface 23 and hence outer surface 18 (or outer surface 8a for the embodiment in Figure 1a.) Similarly, independent slidable longitudinal movement of individual wedge members 26 permits adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the outer surface 18.

Referring to Figure 3, each wedge member 26 comprises a body of a predetermined length 70 that is formed with an arcuate surface 72 of a predetermined curvature extending between a low end 74 and a high end 76. Arcuate surface 72 is preferably a very gentle curve of the same radius for each wedge member. For example, arcuate surface 72 is formed as a portion of a cylindrical surface have a radius of 850 inches. Each link member 28 is formed with upper contact surface 33 engageable with inner surface 23 to support and control the shape of the inner surface 23. Beneath contact surface 33, link member 28 is formed with a lower arcuate surface 78 that is complementary to and engageable against arcuate surface

72 of the associated wedge member 26.

The abutting arcuate surfaces 72,78 of the wedge member 26 and the link member 28 that form a pair co-operate to permit pivoting movement of the link member 28 with respect to the wedge member 26 in order to maintain substantially all of the contact surface 33 of the link member 28 in engagement with the inner surface 23 as will be explained in more detail below.

As shown schematically in Figure 3a, with the curvature of the surfaces greatly exaggerated for illustrative purposes, wedge members 26 are arranged in a longitudinal pattern in channel 13 of rail 16 such that the arcuate surfaces 72 of the wedge members 26 are concave 80 from one outer end 25 of the inner surface 23 to about a notional middle or centre line 24 of the inner surface 23 and are convex 82 from the other outer end 27 of the inner surface

23 to about the centre line 24. No matter their convexity or concavity, arcuate surfaces 72 are all formed with substantially the same radius of curvature.

Arcuate surfaces 72 of wedge members 26 on one side of the notional centre line 24 are formed from substantially continuous segments of one portion of a cylindrical surface. Arcuate surfaces 72 of wedge members 26 on the opposite side of the notional centre line 24 are formed from substantially continuous segments of a different portion of the cylindrical surface. In addition, the difference in height between the high end 76 and low end 74 of each wedge member 26 decreases from the notional centre line 24 of the inner surface to the outer ends 25, 27 of the inner surface. This is further shown in Figure 3b, which is a schematic detail view of two of the concave wedge members marked w1 and w2 in Figure 3a. The difference in height Δ between the two ends of the wedge member decrease from wedge member to wedge member as one moves outwardly from the centre line 24 of inner surface 23 to the ends 25,27. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 3b the difference in height (Δi) between the two ends (X-i, X₂) of the wedge member w1 is less than the difference in height (Δ₂) between the two ends (Xi, X₂) of wedge member w2.

Effectively, the shaping and dimensioning of the individual wedge members 26 and their arrangement in the pattern illustrated schematically in Figure 3 and 3a allows the link members 28 to automatically pivot (or rotate) on the wedge members as the link members 28 are moved as a group or the wedge members are moved independently. This results in inner surface 23 being variable in shape between a generally convex configuration (positive crowning) and a generally concave configuration (negative crowning) due to the forces exerted by the shaping members 20 within channel 13 on the inner surface 23. Due to pivoting, the contact surfaces 33 of the various link members 28 are automatically oriented to preferably engage the inner surface 23 with the maximum surface area which will tend to avoid or minimize point loads at the inner surface 23 and ensure that the inner surface is reliably supported. The contact surfaces of the link members 28 are also automatically oriented to co-operate in adjusting the overall shape of the inner surface 23 between a generally convex configuration and a generally concave configuration. Deformation of inner surface 23 results in corresponding curvature of outer surface 18 of rail 16 (or of outer surface 8a of the press bed 8 for the embodiment of Figure 1 a).

Referring again to Figure 3a, another way to look at the operation of the shaping members of the present invention is to consider that the wedge members 26 are arranged such that the arcuate surfaces 72 of the wedge members 26 co-operate to define discontinuous concave and discontinuous convex reference surfaces extending from each end 25, 27 of the inner surface 23 to the centre line 24 of the inner surface 23. The reference surfaces act to support link members 28 formed with complementary arcuate surfaces 78 for pivoting movement when relative longitudinal movement occurs between a wedge member and a link member. This pivoting movement allows automatic orientation of the link members 28 to engage and support the inner surface 23 of rail 16 in an overall curve-like configuration.

Relative movement of the link member 28 and the wedge member 26 serves to raise or lower and simultaneously pivot the contact surface 33 (Figure 3 and 3a) to exert a greater or lesser shaping force on the inner surface 23.

The automatic orientation of the link members 28 is further illustrated by referring to Figure 3c. Schematically, Figure 3c shows an illustrative link member 28a with contact surface 33 in an initial position 90a on a concave reference surface 92 defined by a wedge member on one side of centre line 24. Upon relative movement of the wedge member and the link member, for example, by movement of the link members 28 of shaping system 12 (Figure

3) as a group in the direction shown by arrow 93, the link member 28a at position 90a will move to the position 90b shown by dashed lines. In moving along the concave reference surface 92 defined by a wedge member, link member 28a at position 90b automatically rises and pivots (or rotates) counter-clockwise to present a contact surface 33 that supports inner surface

23 in a positive crowning configuration. At the same time, on the opposite side of centre line 24, movement of the link members 28 of shaping system 12 (Figure 3) as a group in the direction of arrow 93 causes the illustrated link member 28 to move from position 95a shown in solid lines to position 95b shown in dashed lines along convex reference surface 94. Note that movement along the convex reference surface causes contact surface 33 to rise in the same direction but pivot (or rotate) in the opposite clockwise direction such that positive crowning adjustment of surface 23 is consistent on both sides of the centre line 24. Similarly, movement of link members 28 as a group in a longitudinal direction opposite to arrow 93 will result in lowering and pivoting of the contact surfaces 33 to create a negative crowning configuration. Independent movement of individual wedge members for localized adjustment will also have the desired effect of raising or lowering the associated link member and automatically pivoting the contact surface 33 in the desired direction to support inner surface 23. It will be appreciated that the dimensions and relative amounts of movement shown in Figure 3c are greatly exaggerated to illustrate the principle of operation of the shaping system 12.

Referring to Figure 4, link members 28 are arranged to rest in a reference position in which the contact surfaces 33 form a generally flat surface (i.e. no crowning). When the link members 28 are moved together as a group from the reference position in one generally longitudinal direction within channel 13, the contact surfaces 33 change orientation to form a generally linear slope on either side of the centre line 24, thereby forming a shallow inverted V-like configuration to support positive crowning. When the link members 28 are moved together as a group from the reference position in the opposite generally longitudinal direction within channel 13, the contact surfaces 33 change orientation to form a generally linear slope on either side of the centre line 24, thereby forming a shallow V-like configuration to support negative crowning.

An example arrangement of link members and wedge members for an illustrative 12 foot long shaping system are shown in Tables 1 to 3. In this example, eight pairs of wedge members and link members are shown. For the 12 foot long shaping system, the eight pairs are arranged in channel 13 on one side of the notional centre line 24 (see Figure 3a). An additional eight pairs of wedge members and link members (not shown in the Tables) are arranged on the opposite side of the notional centre line 24 to complete the arrangement of the 12 foot long shaping system. In this example, the contact surface 33 (Figure 4) length and the length of the flange 35 (Figure 4) of each link member is 5 inches and 3 inches respectively. The arrangement of the of link and wedge member pairs of the 12 foot long shaping system is further illustrated in Figure 4a. In the example illustrated in Tables 1 to 3, each link and wedge member pair has its pair of complementary (or mating) arcuate surfaces formed from a different segment of a cylinder having an 850 inch radius. The vertical position of the pair of complementary arcuate surfaces in a given link and wedge member pair can change to suit the application.

As illustrated in Figure 4a, link member L1 and wedge member W1 are located furthest from the notional centre of the 12 foot long shaping system relative to the other link and wedge members in Table 1. Link member L8 and wedge member W8 are located closest to the notional centre of the 12 foot long shaping system relative to the other link and wedge members in Table 1. The other link members (L2 to L7) and wedge members (W2 to W7) are located in channel 13 intermediate pair L1 , W1 and pair L8, W8.

Table 1 below provides the measurements of certain heights (in inches) of each link member (L1 to L8) and wedge member (W1 to W8) pair on one side of a notional centre of the 12 foot long shaping system. For link members, the height at the shelf end (38) is measured as the vertical height from the lowest part of the link member to the plane formed by the contact surface 33 of the respective link member. Table 1 also provides the height of each link member at location 78a (see Figure 4), where the arcuate surface 78 comes to an end near the linking portion 34 (i.e. near the flange 35). For wedge members, measurements for the opposing thinnest and thickest portions are provided in Table 1.

Table 1 For the 12 foot long shaping system illustrated in Tables 1 to 3 and Figure 4a, the combined height of each link and wedge member pair is approximately 1.3095 inches in a reference position. In the reference position all of the link members and wedge members of the 12 foot long shaping system are arranged such that the contact surfaces 33 of the link members form a generally flat surface with a crown of zero (i.e. no positive or negative crown). This reference position is also referred to as the "zero rise position". Link members can be moved together as a group longitudinally in channel 13 from the reference position to a position of +1.625 inches from the reference position. Longitudinal movement of the link members towards the +1.625 inch position results in a positive crown. For the illustrative 12 ft long shaping system the maximum positive crown is approximately 0.1197 inches with a longitudinal movement of the link members of +1.625 inches.

Preferably link members and wedge members on one side of the notional centre of the shaping system each form substantially the same angle (a common angle) at a given position of the group of link and wedge members in channel 13. The result is that for each given position of the group in channel 13, the contact surfaces (33) of the group form a generally flat surface for substantially full contact with the inner surface (23) of rail 16. As the group of link members and wedge members is moved from one position to another position in the channel 13 the common angle of the group of link members and wedge members changes. From the perspective of the shaping system as a whole, the result is a generally shallow inverted V-like or V-like configuration, depending on whether one wishes to produce a positive or negative crown.

Table 2 below illustrates the combined height of each link and wedge member pair when the link members are moved to the maximum positive crown position of +1.625 inches. Two measurements are provided for each link and wedge member pair: the combined height as measured from the thin edge of a respective wedge member, and the combined height as measured from the thick edge of the respective wedge member. In the example shown in Table 2, the link members have an angle of rotation of approximately 0.110 degrees at the maximum positive crown position.

Table 2

Link members can also be moved together as a group longitudinally in channel 13 in the opposite direction from the reference position towards a position of about -0.375 inches. Longitudinal movement of the link members towards the -0.375 inch position results in a small negative crown. For the illustrative 12 ft long shaping system the maximum negative crown is approximately -0.0272 inches with a longitudinal movement of the link members of -0.375 inches from the reference position.

Table 3 illustrates the combined height of each link and wedge member pair when the link members are moved to the maximum negative crown position of about -0.375 inches. Two measurements are provided for each link and wedge member pair: the combined height as measured from the thin edge of a respective wedge member, and the combined height as measured from the thick edge of the respective wedge member. In the maximum negative crown position, the link members have an angle of rotation of approximately 0.0252 degrees.

Table 3

It will be appreciated that the values in Tables 1 to 3 are for illustrative purposes and that they can be greater or lesser values depending on the particular arrangement and the number of link and wedge member pairs used. Furthermore, while the example in Tables 1 to 3 makes use of an even number of link and wedge member pairs, an odd number may also be used, with one link and wedge member pair intersecting with the notional centre line 24. Referring to Figure 3, to permit link members 28 to be moved together as a group for crowning adjustment, the ends of adjacent link members are interconnected by linking portions 34. As illustrated in Figure 3, each linking portion 34 comprises a flange 35 extending from one end of the link member 28. The flange 35 is adapted to be received on and anchored to a shelf 38 formed at the opposite end of an adjacent link member 28. Preferably the flange 35 is integrally formed with the link member, however, it can also be attached as a separate part. Each flange is formed with a hole 39 therethrough that aligns with a threaded cavity in shelf 38 to receive an anchor post 37 (Figure 2) to interconnect the link members together. Linking portions 34 are preferably flexible to accommodate pivoting of the link members with respect to each other. Flexibility is preferably achieved by forming the flange 35 with a region of reduced thickness 40. The region of reduced thickness 40 also serves to provide clearance between flange 35 and the high end 76 of the wedge member 26 for relative movement between the link member 28 and the wedge member 26. Alternatively, or in combination with a reduction in thickness, the flange 35 can be formed with an opening 41 through the flange 35 to weaken the structure to enhance flexibility. It will be appreciated that alternative linking arrangements can be used and are considered equivalent.

To effect crowning, the apparatus of the present invention includes a crowning control system for controlling slidable longitudinal movement of the link members 28 as a group with respect to the wedge members 26. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the crowning control system includes a control link 42 that extends from the endmost link member 28 out channel 13. Control link 42 is connected to an actuator 43 that applies an appropriate force to move control link 42 and the interconnected link members 28. Preferably, actuator 43 is an electric or hydraulic motor with an appropriate drive system to move control link 42 longitudinally with respect to channel 13. Alternatively, actuator 43 may be manually driven. For ease of maintenance and repair, actuator 43 is preferably mounted externally to channel 13 to provide ready access, however, it is possible to install actuator 43 within the channel.

To effect localized adjustment at specific regions of the inner surface 23, a localized control system associated with each wedge member 26 is provided to permit independent slidable longitudinal movement of each wedge member 26. Referring to Figure 2 and 3d, in a preferred arrangement, the localized control system includes anchorable posts 48 (for example, a bolt) extending from each wedge member 26 to permit slidable longitudinal movement and locking of the wedge member 26 at a pre-determined location in channel 13.

Posts 48 include a threaded end 49 that is received in a threaded opening 50 in the side of each wedge member 26. Elongate access ports 52 are formed in the side walls 21 of channel 13 to accommodate the posts. This allows bolt 48 (i.e. post 48), when threaded tightly against indicator washer 54, to lock the associated wedge member 26 in place against the inside of sidewall 21.

When the bolt (post 48) is loosened, and still threaded in the wedge member, the bolt can be slid within access port 52 to a new position taking the wedge member with it. The bolt can be retightened to lock the wedge member in place. Indicator washer 54 acts like a regular washer between the bolt head of post 48 and the elongate access ports 52. A raised area or tooth 52a on the back side of each washer 54 keeps the washer from rotating as it slides in the associated access port 52. Indicator mark 52b is used to give position against scale 53 which for illustrative purposes is located below the access port 52. A wedge member 26 is moved by applying appropriate force to move post 48 in access port (slot) 52 by pushing or tapping. If necessary, movement of post 48 is performed by gently tapping the post with a hammer or other suitable object.

An alternative localized control system is schematically shown in Figure 5 which uses a rack 55 and a rotatable gear 57 engagable with the rack 55 to perform slidable longitudinal movement of wedge member 26. Preferably, rack 55 is mounted to or forms part of a lower surface of wedge member 26 and rotatable gear 57 is pivotally mounted to a side wall of the channel 13 such that it is accessible from the exterior. Gear 57 includes a drive opening 59 to receive an alien key or other suitable tool to permit rotation of the gear as indicated by arrow 58. Gear 57 is preferably accessible through an opening in the side wall of the channel. Rotation of gear 57 results in longitudinal movement of wedge member 26 within channel 13 in the direction of arrow 60.

The retrofittable rail 16 embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2 is preferably formed using a pair of continuous elongate upper and lower bars 44 and 46. Due to the shaping system 12 being formed from a plurality of shaping members 20, it is also possible to form rail 16 from a number a longitudinally interlocking rail units 66 as shown in Figure 6. Each interlocking unit can be dimensioned to received at least one shaping member 20 within interior channel 13. In this way, modular rails 16 of any desired length can be built up in sections from individual units 66. This would allow rail 16 to be readily retrofittable to press equipment by making up a modular rail of appropriate length as opposed to having to rely on custom cut continuous rails for each piece of press equipment.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for adjusting the shape of an elongate member having inner and outer surfaces, the apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally along the inner surface, the shaping members adapted to permit adjustment of an overall curved shape of the elongate outer surface by co-ordinated longitudinal movement, relative to the elongate member, of groups of the shaping members with respect to each other and adapted to permit adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the elongate outer surface by independent longitudinal movement of one or more individual shaping members relative to the elongate outer surface.

2. Apparatus for adjusting the shape of an elongate member having inner and outer surfaces, the apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnected shaping means for adjusting the shape of the elongate outer surface, the shaping means being spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally along the inner surface and adapted to permit adjustment of an overall curved shape of the elongate outer surface by co-ordinated longitudinal movement, relative to the elongate outer surface, of groups of the shaping means with respect to each other and adapted to permit adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the elongate outer surface by independent longitudinal movement of one or more individual shaping means relative to the elongate outer surface.

3. A press comprising:

a frame; an upper bending member and a lower bending member supported by the frame, the upper and lower bending members being moveable relative to each other to apply force to a workpiece placed between the upper and lower bending members; and

a shape forming system associated with at least one of the upper and lower bending members for adjusting the shape of the bending member, the shape forming system comprising a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extending along the bending member to permit adjustment of the overall curved shape of the bending member by co-ordinated slidable movement of the shaping members over each other in a longitudinal direction relative to the bending member and to permit localized adjustment of one or more portions of the overall shape of the bending member by independent longitudinal movement of one or more of the shaping members relative to the bending member.

4. A press as claimed in claim 3 in which the shape forming system is positioned within the interior of at least one of the bending members.

5. A press comprising:

a frame;

upper and lower bending means supported by the frame and moveable relative to each other to apply force to a workpiece placed between the bending means, at least one of the bending means having an inner surface and an opposing elongated outer surface for shaping the workpiece when the force is applied; and

shape forming means associated with at least one of the upper and lower bending means for adjusting the shape of the elongated outer surface, the shape forming means comprising a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extending along the elongated outer surface to permit adjustment of the overall curved shape of the elongated outer surface by co- ordinated slidable movement of the shaping members over each other in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated outer surface and to permit localized adjustment of one or more portions of the overall shape of the elongated outer surface by independent longitudinal movement of one or more of the shaping members relative to the elongated outer surface.

6. A press as claimed in claim 5 wherein the inner surface of the bending means is defined by a longitudinal channel within the bending means which houses the shape forming means.

7. Apparatus for adjusting the shape of an elongate member in press equipment, the elongate member being formed with a channel to define an elongate inner surface opposite an elongate outer surface, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of shaping members insertable within the channel to extend longitudinally of and engage the inner surface, each shaping member being formed from a pair of members comprising a wedge member and an associated link member movable with respect to the wedge member, each link member being connected to adjacent link members;

whereby co-ordinated slidable longitudinal movement of the link members over the wedge members permits adjustment of an overall curved shape of the outer surface and independent slidable longitudinal movement of individual wedge members permits adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the outer surface.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the wedge member and the link member of a pair are formed with complementary arcuate surfaces that are engageable to permit relative pivoting between the wedge member and the link member, the pairs of members being arranged in a pattern within the channel to permit adjustment of the shape of the inner surface between a generally convex configuration and a generally concave configuration by relative movement of the link members as a group with respect to the wedge members.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein each wedge member is of a pre-determined length and is formed with an arcuate surface of a predetermined curvature extending between a low end and a high end, and the wedge members are arranged such that the arcuate surfaces of the wedge members are concave from one end of the inner surface to about the middle of the inner surface and convex from the other end of the inner surface to about the middle of the inner surface, and such that the difference in height between the high and low ends of each wedge member decreases from the middle of the inner surface to the ends of the inner surface.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein each link member includes:

a contact surface engageable with the inner surface;

an arcuate surface corresponding to and engageable with the arcuate surface of the associated wedge member, the arcuate surfaces cooperating to permit pivoting movement of the link member with respect to the wedge member to maintain substantially all of the contact surface in engagement with the inner surface; and linking portions extending from each link member to join with adjacent link members;

whereby relative movement of the link member and the wedge member serves to raise or lower and simultaneously pivot the contact surface to exert a greater or lesser shaping force on the inner surface.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least one of the linking portions of the link member is flexible.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the flexible linking portion comprises an extension formed with a region of reduced thickness.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the flexible linking portion comprises an extension formed with an opening therethrough.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the link member is a unitary body with linking portions extending from the contact surface and the arcuate surface being opposite the contact surface.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein each wedge member is formed with an arcuate surface shaped from different segments of a cylindrical surface, the wedge members being arranged relative to each other in the channel such that the arcuate surfaces of the wedge members co-operate to define a discontinuous concave reference surface extending from one end of the inner surface to the middle of the inner surface and a discontinuous convex reference surface extending from the other end of the inner surface to the middle of the inner surface, the reference surfaces acting to support the link members for pivoting movement when relative longitudinal movement occurs between a wedge member and a link member such that the link member is automatically oriented to engage and support the inner surface in an . overall V-like configuration or inverted V-like configuration.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein each link member includes:

a contact surface engageable with the inner surface;

an arcuate surface corresponding to and engageable with the arcuate surface of the associated wedge member; the arcuate surfaces co- operating to permit pivoting movement of the link member with respect to the wedge member to automatically orient substantially all of the contact surface in engagement with the inner surface; and

linking portions extending from each link member to join with adjacent link members;

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one of the linking portions of the link member is flexible.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the flexible linking portion comprises an extension formed with a region of reduced thickness.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the flexible linking portion comprises an extension formed with an opening therethrough.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the link member is a unitary body with linking portions extending from the contact surface and the arcuate surface being opposite the contact surface.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a crowning control system for controlling slidable longitudinal movement of the link members as a group with respect to the wedge members.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the crowning control system comprises an actuator and a control link extending between the actuator and one of the link members.

23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the elongate member is formed from a top bar and a bottom bar that co-operate to define the channel within the elongate surface housing the shaping members with the control link extending from the channel to the actuator positioned externally of the channel.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a localized control system associated with each wedge member to permit slidable longitudinal movement of each wedge member.

25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein the localized control system comprises an anchorable post extending from each wedge member to permit slidable longitudinal movement and locking of the wedge member at a pre-determined location.

26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein the elongate surface is formed from a top bar and a bottom bar that co-operate to define the channel which houses the shaping members, the channel having side walls formed with access ports through which the anchorable posts extend from each wedge member to permit longitudinal movement of the wedge members.

27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the localized control system comprises a rack and a rotatable gear engagable with the rack associated with each wedge member to permit slidable longitudinal movement of the wedge member on rotation of the gear.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 26 wherein the elongate member is formed from a top bar and a bottom bar that co-operate to define the channel which houses the shaping members, the channel having side walls with the rotatable gear being pivotally mounted to one of the side walls to engage the rack which is mounted to the wedge member, the rotatable gear being rotatable via an access port in the one side wall.

29. A method for adjusting the shape of an elongate member in press equipment, the elongate member having an outer surface and an inner surface, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of interconnected shaping members spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally along the inner surface;

moving the shaping members as a group in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer surface to adjust the overall shape of the outer surface; and

moving one or more shaping member independently in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer surface to adjust one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the outer surface.

30. Apparatus for adjusting the shape of an elongate member having in press equipment, the elongate member having an elongate inner surface opposite to an elongate outer surface, the apparatus comprising: an elongate body defining a channel; and

means for shaping the elongate member extending longitudinally of and engaging the elongate inner surface, the means for shaping comprising a plurality of interconnected shaping members, each shaping member having separate wedge means and linking means for joining to adjacent shaping members;

whereby co-ordinated slidable longitudinal movement of the linking means as a group over the wedge means permits adjustment of the overall shape of the elongate outer surface and independent slidable longitudinal movement of individual wedge means permits adjustment of one or more localized portions of the overall shape of the elongate outer surface.

31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which each wedge means comprises a wedge member having an arcuate surface.

32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 31 in which the arcuate surface of each wedge member extends between a low end and a high end, and in which wedge members are arranged in a pattern in the channel such that the arcuate surface of the wedge members is concave from one end of the elongate inner surface to about the middle of the elongate inner surface and convex from the other end of the elongate inner surface to about the middle of the elongate inner surface, and such that the difference in height between the high and low ends of each wedge member decreases from about the middle of the elongate inner surface to the ends of the elongate inner surface.

33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 32 wherein each linking means includes a link member having an arcuate surface adjacent the wedge member and a contact surface engageable with the elongate inner surface, the A A UCU IYIDLR ψ, h i " 1 t

-31- arcuate surfaces co-operating to permit pivoting movement of the link member with respect to the wedge member to maintain substantially all of the contact surface in engagement with the elongate inner surface.