Stamping device and method

Abstract

A stamping device comprising: a base; an arm engageable with the base and movable relative to the base along a first axis, the arm comprising a cavity extending along a cavity axis that is orthogonal to the first axis; a punch slidably housed within the cavity such that it extends along the cavity axis, the punch comprising a first end, a second end, and a stop between the first end and the second end; and a counterweight slidable along the punch between the first end and the stop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a stamping apparatus and a method for stamping objects, and particularly, but not exclusively, to a method for stamping collars. The invention has specific, but not unique, applications in the manufacture, maintenance, and / or repair of rebar bundle-driven surgical robotic instruments, and can be used for crimping rebar bundles tensioned within collars. The invention can also be applied to rebar bundle-driven robots or other types of rebar bundle-driven instruments outside the surgical field.

[0002] This document primarily describes the application of the invention in the field of surgical robots. However, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not preclude the application of the invention in other fields. Background Technology

[0003] Known surgical robotic instruments include a drive module, an axis extending from the drive module, articulated moving parts coupled to the axis, and an end effector coupled to the articulated moving parts. The drive module may include multiple actuators driven by a motor, and the drive module can be coupled to the motor. Each actuator may be attached to a bundle of rebar extending from the drive module through the axis to the articulated moving parts or the end effector, where they may be attached to, for example, a rotatable joint. Therefore, the articulated moving parts and the end effector can be driven by controlling the actuators in the drive module to pull different bundles of rebar. In other words, the actuation parts and the end effector are driven by the rebar bundles.

[0004] Some known surgical robotic instruments include a drive module that includes a winch actuator, which can be attached to a bundle of steel bars and then rotated to wind the bundle around the winch and tension it as needed. However, such actuators are expensive for the small-scale manufacturing required for minimally invasive surgical instruments and may require complex and precise methods to connect the actuator to a motor that drives the actuator when the surgical instrument is in use.

[0005] Some known surgical robotic instruments include drive modules with linearly moving actuators, which can be manufactured more economically at the desired scale, particularly when the drive module can preferably be a disposable, single-use component to ensure sterility during surgical procedures. However, attaching the rebar bundle to each linear actuator is difficult when the rebar bundle is under tension because the actuators are positioned parallel to each other and very close to one another within the surgical robotic instrument. Crimping the rebar bundle to the actuators provides a reliable connection, but known crimping tools are too large and / or too bulky to access the tightly packed actuators. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a stamping apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0007] A base; an arm capable of engaging with and moving relative to the base along a first axis, the arm including a chamber extending along a chamber axis orthogonal to the first axis; a punch slidably received within the chamber such that it extends along the chamber axis, the punch including a first end, a second end, and a stop located between the first end and the second end; and a weight slidable along the punch between the first end and the stop.

[0008] For example, by means of a first aspect of the invention, a user can position the chamber by moving the arm so that the chamber is aligned with the object to be punched (such as a collar to be crimped onto a steel bar bundle). The punch can be positioned such that it extends through the chamber along the chamber axis, with a second end resting on the object. A counterweight is then lowered, causing it to slide off the punch from the first end until it strikes a stop. Upon striking the stop, the counterweight applies a force to the punch, which is transmitted to the object via the second end.

[0009] The counterweight and the punch (particularly the portion of the punch between the first end and the stop) can each be adjusted such that the punch guides the counterweight, causing it to fall along the chamber axis and impact the stop in a controlled and safe manner. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the counterweight may include a hole, and the punch may include an elongated member extending from the first end to the stop, the elongated member being slidably received within the hole, such that the counterweight slides above the punch as it falls toward the stop. In other embodiments of the invention, the punch may be adapted to slidably receive the counterweight between the first end and the stop, such that the counterweight slides at least partially within the punch as it falls toward the stop.

[0010] The counterweight can be adapted to have a predetermined weight and can be dropped from a predetermined height to impact an object with a known force. The predetermined weight and predetermined height can be different to vary the force applied by the punch during use. For example, the counterweight can be modular, allowing the overall counterweight to be added or removed as needed. Furthermore, the first end can be a predetermined distance from the stop, such that dropping the counterweight from the first end causes it to fall a predetermined distance toward the stop. The punch may also include one or more indicators located between the first end and the stop, indicating from which the counterweight should fall to the predetermined height.

[0011] Once the counterweight has been lowered, it can be repositioned to prepare for another lowering, making the stamping action easy, fast, and repeatable. Between stamping actions, the arm can move along a first axis to align the chamber differently relative to the same object or to align it with a new object. For example, the stamping device can be used to stamp multiple collars placed adjacent to each other to crimp each of the collars to a corresponding steel reinforcement bundle. The ability to precisely reposition the chamber allows multiple objects to be stamped consistently and rapidly in a continuous sequence.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the punch may include a support located between the second end and the stop, which abuts against the arm when the punch is slidably accommodated in the chamber.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, the second end of the punch can pass through the chamber until the support abuts against the arm. When the support abuts against the arm, the punch is held such that the punch extends to either side of the chamber, with the first end positioned above the arm and the second end positioned below the arm.

[0014] This support allows the arm to move without the risk of the punch falling completely through the chamber. When preparing to press an object, the punch can be positioned so that the second end rests on the object, rather than the support resting against the arm. This allows the force to be transferred to the object to be pressed, rather than to the arm.

[0015] In embodiments of the present invention, the second end of the punch may include a tapered and / or pointed tip.

[0016] In this embodiment of the invention, force can be transmitted more precisely to the object being stamped. Furthermore, because the surface area of ​​the punch in contact with the object being stamped is reduced, the applied pressure will be greater.

[0017] The punch can be integrally formed as a single component extending from a first end to a tip at a second end, comprising both a stop and a support positioned between the first and second ends. Alternatively, the punch can be formed as portions that can be attached to each other (optionally removably attached to each other). For example, the first portion can be an elongated component extending from the first end to the stop, the second portion can be a thicker component extending between the stop and the support, and the third portion can be another elongated component extending from the support to the second end. For example, the first and third portions can each screw into the middle of the second portion. Furthermore, the tip can be a separate tip portion removably attached to the punch. This allows for modularity of the punch, as different portions can be interchanged depending on the application. For example, the first portion can be interchanged to provide different predetermined heights of counterweight drop. The tip portions can be interchanged to change the sharpness / bluntness of the tip used for punching different objects.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the arm can move relative to the base along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and the chamber axis.

[0019] In this embodiment of the invention, the chamber can be positioned with greater degrees of freedom relative to one or more objects to be stamped. This improves the ability to keep the object in a single position and stamp the object at multiple locations. For example, in addition to being able to stamp multiple rings, the stamping device can also be used to stamp each of multiple rings at multiple locations without needing to reposition the multiple rings relative to the base of the stamping device.

[0020] In embodiments of the present invention, the stamping apparatus may further include a support bridge, which includes a support beam and a support member for supporting the support beam above the base, wherein the support beam includes a plurality of grooves and a cavity is alignable with each groove.

[0021] In this embodiment of the invention, multiple ferrules can be positioned in grooves before being stamped. For example, the ferrules can form part of a rebar bundle drive device (such as a surgical robotic instrument). If the ferrules are stamped while supported by the rebar bundle drive device, the height of the ferrules relative to the stamping device will be unknown, especially considering the manufacturing tolerances that may exist in the rebar bundle drive device. By placing the ferrules in the grooves of the support bridge, the ferrules can be positioned at a known and consistent height relative to the chamber and the punch.

[0022] The support beam can be raised above the base and supported by the base to allow the steel bar bundle drive device to be suspended on the support beam via a collar.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the support member may include a first leg extending between a base and a first end of a support beam and a second leg extending between a base and a second end of a support beam, wherein the first leg and the second leg are spaced apart.

[0024] In this embodiment of the invention, the support bridge can be shaped and supported so that the collar can be easily positioned in the groove, while the rebar bundle drive device is stable when the collar is stamped.

[0025] In embodiments of the invention, the support bridge can be removably attached to the base.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, the support bridge can be movable to allow for easier positioning of the rebar bundle drive device before or after stamping. The support bridge can be removed to facilitate stamping other objects that do not require the support bridge. For example, the support bridge can also be interchanged with other embodiments of the support bridge to facilitate stamping of ferrules belonging to different types of devices.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for crimping a steel bar bundle in a collar is provided, the method comprising the steps of: passing the steel bar bundle through the collar, placing the collar in a groove such that the collar is supported from a first direction, tensioning the steel bar bundle, and punching the collar from a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0028] By means of a second aspect of the invention, when the reinforcing bar bundle is under tension, a collar can be press-fitted onto the reinforcing bar bundle by being supported in one direction and pressed in the opposite direction. This can be advantageous if access from other directions is restricted, for example, if the collar is one of a plurality of collars arranged side by side.

[0029] The stamping of the rings can be performed using a stamping apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention or any other suitable equipment.

[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, the step of placing the collar in the groove such that the collar is supported from a first direction may include supporting the collar from below, and the step of stamping the collar from a second direction may include stamping the collar from above.

[0031] In this embodiment of the invention, the ferrule can rest in and be supported by the groove due to the gravity acting on it. Furthermore, the ferrule can be stamped by applying force to it using gravity.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of stamping the collar may include: aligning the chamber with the collar, positioning the punch to extend through the chamber and rest on the collar, and dropping a counterweight to strike the punch.

[0033] In this embodiment of the invention, the stamping of the ferrule can be performed precisely, reliably, and repeatably. If the method of crimping the reinforcing bar bundle into the ferrule is used as part of the manufacturing process, the quality of the manufactured product can thus be improved. Furthermore, the counterweight can be a predetermined weight and can be dropped from a predetermined height, such that a known force is applied to the punch, and thus to the ferrule. This allows the user of the method to ensure that the ferrule is crimped with sufficient force to provide a secure attachment to the reinforcing bar bundle, while also avoiding applying excessive force that could damage the structural integrity of the ferrule.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of stamping the ring may include stamping the ring at a first portion and a second portion on the ring.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, stamping the collar at two locations to press it onto the reinforcing bar bundle can help secure the collar to the reinforcing bar bundle.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of stamping the ferrule at a first portion of the ferrule may include stamping the ferrule at the first portion of the ferrule a first predetermined number of times, and the step of stamping the ferrule at a second portion of the ferrule may include stamping the ferrule at the second portion of the ferrule a second predetermined number of times.

[0037] In this embodiment of the invention, a first predetermined number of stampings and a second predetermined number of stampings can be determined at the first and second locations, respectively, to ensure that the collar is securely attached to the reinforcing bar bundle. The more times the collar is stamped, the stronger the attachment. However, beyond a certain number of stampings, the improvement in attachment may become negligible, and the time required for further stamping may be wasted.

[0038] The first and second pre-ordered quantities can be equal or different.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing bar bundle includes a first end and a second end, and the step of tensioning the reinforcing bar bundle may include the following steps: fixing the first end such that it is fixed relative to the collar, attaching the second end to the first end of the tensioning wire, and suspending a predetermined counterweight from the second end of the tensioning wire, thereby tensioning the reinforcing bar bundle.

[0040] The steel bar bundle can form part of a steel bar bundle driven instrument (such as a surgical robotic instrument). The first end of the steel bar bundle can be attached to a component of the instrument that can be driven via actuation of the steel bar bundle (such as, for example, a rotary joint), and the step of securing the first end of the steel bar bundle can include securing the component to which it is attached.

[0041] The collar can form part of an actuator capable of linear movement. The step of fixing the first end of the reinforcing bar bundle relative to the collar can further include fixing the collar.

[0042] The counterweight can be determined to provide sufficient tension in the steel reinforcement bundle, thereby ensuring that there is no slack in the device, while ensuring that the device is not too stiff to be effectively actuated, and that the tension is not too close to the tensile strength of the steel reinforcement bundle.

[0043] Using counterweights to tension the rebar bundles allows the tensioning process to be reliable and repeatable. Therefore, multiple rebar bundle drive devices can be reliably manufactured and / or repaired to ensure the rebar bundles are under the correct amount of tension for the device and the application in which it is placed. For example, this can improve the ability to manufacture interchangeable rebar bundle drive devices with minimal performance variation between devices used.

[0044] In embodiments of the invention, the step of passing the steel bar bundle through the collar can be repeated for each of the plurality of steel bar bundles and their corresponding collars, the step of placing the collar in the groove can include placing each collar in a corresponding groove of the plurality of grooves, the step of tensioning the steel bar bundle can include tensioning each steel bar bundle, and the step of stamping the collar at the first and second locations can be repeated for each collar.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, multiple collars can be pressed onto corresponding multiple steel bar bundles, wherein each steel bar bundle is tensioned simultaneously, and the collars can be pressed onto each other quickly and continuously one after another.

[0046] In embodiments of the invention, a plurality of collars may form part of a drive module, and the collars may be movable relative to each other. The method may include the further step of securing the plurality of collars before placing each collar in its respective groove.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the drive module can be integrated into a rebar bundle driving device (such as a surgical robotic instrument). The drive module may include a plurality of linearly movable and parallel actuators, each actuator including a corresponding one of the collars. Fixing the plurality of collars improves the ease and repeatability of stamping the collars. Fixing the plurality of collars also improves the repeatability of pressing each collar into its specific position when the corresponding rebar bundle is tensioned.

[0048] In embodiments of the invention, the drive module may be able to engage with a housing configured to secure each collar when the drive module is engaged, and the step of securing multiple collars may include engaging the drive module with the housing and locking the drive module in engagement with the housing.

[0049] In these embodiments of the invention, when the housing is engaged with the drive module, the housing may be adapted to lock each actuator in a fixed position, thereby securing the sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stamping apparatus according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the punch and counterweight. Each of the punch and counterweight forms... Figure 1 Part of the stamping device shown;

[0053] Figure 3 yes Figure 1The diagram shows the stamping device in two stages of use.

[0054] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A close-up view of a portion of the stamping device shown.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a supporting bridge, which forms... Figure 1 Part of the stamping device shown;

[0056] Figure 6 It is used in conjunction with a tensioning device. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the stamping device shown; and

[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a method according to a second aspect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] First refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the stamping apparatus is generally indicated by reference numeral 2. The stamping apparatus 2 includes a base 4, an arm 6, a punch 10, and a counterweight 12. The arm 6 is engageable with the base 4 and is movable relative to the base along a first axis 14 and a second axis 16.

[0059] The arm 6 includes a chamber 8 spaced apart from the base 4 and extending along a chamber axis 18 orthogonal to the first axis 14 and the second axis 16.

[0060] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The punch 10 includes a first end 20, a second end 22, a stop 24 located between the first end 20 and the second end 22, and a support located between the second end 22 and the stop 24. In this embodiment of the invention, the punch 10 is an elongated and substantially cylindrical component. However, the punch can have any suitable cross-sectional shape with an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio between the length and width of the punch).

[0061] The punch 10 is slidably received within the chamber 8. However, when the punch 10 is slidably received within the chamber 8, the support 25 abuts against the arm 6. Therefore, the punch 10 can slide through the chamber 8 (with the second end 22 passing through the chamber 8 first) until the support 25 abuts against the arm 6. Thus, the punch 10 can be positioned such that the support 25 rests on the arm 6, while the second end 22 extends from the chamber 8.

[0062] The second end 22 includes a tip 26, which is tapered and pointed to allow for more precise application of punching force.

[0063] The counterweight 12 is slidable along the punch 10 between the first end 20 and the stop 24, and is able to abut against the stop 24. More specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the counterweight 12 includes a hole 28 that slidably accommodates the first end 20.

[0064] The stop 24 is positioned between the first end 20 and the support 25, meaning that when the counterweight 12 falls over the punch 10, it will slide down along the punch 10 until it hits the stop 24, but it will not hit the arm 6. This prevents the counterweight 12 from transferring force to the arm 6 instead of the punch 10.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, both the stop 24 and the support 25 are formed as part of the punch 10, and their diameters are larger than both the first end 20 and the second end 22. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the stop 24 and the support 25 may be two separate features forming part of the punch 10. For example, one or both of the stop 24 and the support 25 may include any other suitable variation in the shape or size of a protrusion, lip, ridge, or cross-section to allow the counterweight to strike the stop 24 or the support 25, thereby properly abutting against the arm 6.

[0066] Now for reference Figure 3 In use, the arm 6 can be moved to position the punch 10 aligned with the object 140 to be punched, such that the tip 26 abuts against the object 140, while the support 25 is raised above the arm 6. The counterweight 12 can then be positioned at a predetermined height above the stop 24, such as flush with the first end 20, and can then fall from that predetermined height along the chamber axis 18 until it strikes the stop 24. Upon impact with the stop 24, the counterweight 12 applies a force to the punch 10, which is transmitted via the second end 22 to the object 140, and more specifically, to the tip 26. Positioning the punch 10 above the object 140, such that the support 25 is spaced apart from the arm 6, prevents the force from the counterweight 12 from being transmitted via the punch 10 to the arm 6 instead of the object 140.

[0067] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The object to be stamped is the drive module 40.

[0068] The drive module 40 is positioned resting on the support bridge 30. This allows the stamped portion of the drive module 40 to be positioned at a known height relative to the stamping device 2, eliminating the influence of any manufacturing tolerances that might exist in the rebar bundle drive device if it were a freestanding device.

[0069] Figure 4The drive module 40 is shown to include a plurality of steel bar bundles 42 and a plurality of actuators 44. The drive module 40 can be formed as part of a surgical robotic instrument, wherein the end effector of the instrument is driven by pulling one of the steel bar bundles 42 via movement of the associated actuator 44. In order for the actuator 44 to pull the steel bar bundle 42, each actuator 44 includes a collar 46 that can be pressed into the corresponding steel bar bundle 42.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the stamping device 2 can be used to press multiple collars 46 onto multiple steel bar bundles 42.

[0071] The tapered and pointed tip 26 facilitates the precise stamping of small parts, such as collars.

[0072] Now for reference Figure 5 The support bridge 30 includes a support beam 32 and a support member 34 for supporting the support beam 32 above the base 4. The support beam 32 includes a plurality of grooves 33, and the chamber 8 is alignable with each groove 33, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The support member 34 includes a first leg 36 and a second leg 38 spaced apart from each other. Each leg 36, 38 extends between the base 4 and the corresponding end of the support beam 32.

[0073] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, when the stamping device 2 is used to stamp the collars 46 to press them into the reinforcing bar bundles 42, the collars 46 can be positioned to rest in the grooves 33, so that they are supported from below. Simultaneously, the chamber 8 and the punch 10 can be appropriately positioned to apply force on the collars 46 from above, thereby compressing the collars 46 around the corresponding reinforcing bar bundles 42. The arm 6 can then be moved to reposition the chamber 8 and the punch 10 to repeat the stamping process on each collar 46 (optionally at multiple locations on each collar 46).

[0074] Now for reference Figure 6 The stamping device 2 can be used in conjunction with the tensioning device 50. The tensioning device 50 includes a plurality of tensioning wires 52, each tensioning wire including a first end 54 and a second end 56, wherein the first end 54 can be attached to a plurality of steel bar bundles 42, although Figure 4 Only one tension wire 52 and one reinforcing bar bundle 42 are shown. Each second end 56 of each tension wire 52 can be attached to a corresponding counterweight 58. By suspending the counterweight 58 on the corresponding tension wire 52, both the tension wire 52 and the associated reinforcing bar bundle 42 are placed under a certain degree of tension, which depends on the weight of the counterweight 58.

[0075] The tensioning device 50 further includes a plurality of primary pulleys 60, a plurality of secondary pulleys 62, and a plurality of auxiliary pulleys 64. Each tensioning wire 52 can engage with a corresponding primary pulley 60, secondary pulley 62, and auxiliary pulley 64.

[0076] The positioning of the multiple primary pulleys 60 allows each of the multiple steel bar bundles 42 to be tensioned, while extending substantially coaxially with its corresponding collar. Multiple auxiliary pulleys 64 are positioned such that the multiple tensioning wires 52 are separated from each other and then upward toward the multiple secondary pulleys 62. The multiple secondary pulleys 62 are spaced apart in two rows, with the pulleys in each row offset from each other to further separate them without occupying excessive space overall. The spacing of the secondary pulleys 62 provides sufficient space for the multiple counterweights 58 to be suspended below without interfering with each other.

[0077] Now for reference Figure 7 The method of crimping a steel reinforcement bundle into a collar according to a second aspect of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. Method 100 includes steps 101, 102, 103, and 104 as described below, and can be used... Figures 1 to 4 The stamping device 2 shown is Figure 6 The tensioning device 50 shown is used to perform this action. Therefore, refer to... Figures 1 to 6 The feature description steps 101 to 105 are described. However, it should be understood that any suitable device can be used to perform method 100.

[0078] Step 101

[0079] Each of the multiple steel bar bundles 42 is passed through the corresponding one of the multiple collars 46.

[0080] Step 102

[0081] The collar 46 is placed in the groove 33, so that the collar is supported from the first direction.

[0082] For example, step 102 may include using, for example Figure 2 The support bridge 30 shown supports the collar 46 from below.

[0083] Step 103

[0084] Tighten the steel bar bundle by 42.

[0085] The reinforcing bar bundle 42 includes a first end and a second end, and step 103 may include securing the first end relative to the collar 46. For example, the first end may be secured to a surgical robotic instrument to drive the surgical robotic instrument by actuation of one or more reinforcing bar bundles. Step 103 may further include attaching the second end to the first end of a tension wire 52 and suspending a predetermined counterweight 58 at the second end of the tension wire 52 to tension the reinforcing bar bundle 42.

[0086] Step 104

[0087] The collar 46 is pressed from a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby pressing the collar 46 to the steel bar bundle 42.

[0088] Step 104 may include, for example, using, such as Figures 1 to 4 The stamping device 2 shown stamps the collar 46 from above. Specifically, step 104 may include aligning the chamber 8 with the collar 46, positioning the punch 10 to extend through the chamber 8 and rest on the collar 46, and dropping the counterweight 12 to strike the punch 10.

[0089] Furthermore, step 104 may include stamping the collar 46 at a first location on the collar 46 a first predetermined number of times, and stamping the collar 46 at a second location on the collar 46 a second predetermined number of times, to ensure a firm attachment of the collar 46 to the reinforcing bar bundle 42. Using the stamping device 2 improves the ability to accurately and rapidly perform multiple stampings continuously, and the ability to accurately stamp the collar 46 at multiple locations while keeping the collar stationary.

[0090] Steps 101 to 104 can be performed to crimp multiple steel bar bundles into multiple collars, wherein step 101 is repeated for multiple steel bar bundles 42 and their corresponding collars 46; step 102 includes placing each collar 46 in a corresponding one of multiple grooves 33; step 103 includes tensioning each steel bar bundle 42 and repeating step 104 for each collar 46.

[0091] Multiple collars 46 can form part of the drive module 40, wherein the collars can move relative to each other, for example as Figure 4 As shown. Method 100 may accordingly include the further step of securing the plurality of collars 46 before placing each collar 46 in its respective recess 33. In some embodiments of the invention, the drive module 40 may be engageable with a housing configured to secure each collar 46 when the drive module 40 is engaged. Thus, the step of securing the plurality of collars 46 may include engaging the drive module 40 with the housing and locking the drive module 40 in engagement with the housing.

[0092] Unless the context otherwise requires, preferences and options for a given aspect, feature, or parameter of the invention should be considered as having been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences and options for all other aspects, features, and parameters of the invention.

Claims

1. A stamping apparatus, comprising: Base; An arm, which can engage with the base and is movable relative to the base along a first axis, the arm including a chamber extending along a chamber axis orthogonal to the first axis; A punch, slidably received within the cavity such that it extends along the axis of the cavity, the punch including a first end, a second end, and a stop located between the first end and the second end; and A counterweight is provided, which is slidable along the punch between the first end and the stop; wherein the punch includes a support located between the second end and the stop, the support abutting against the arm when the punch is slidably accommodated in the chamber.

2. The stamping device according to claim 1, wherein, The second end of the punch includes a tapered and / or pointed tip.

3. The stamping apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The arm is movable relative to the base along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and the chamber axis.

4. The stamping apparatus according to claim 3 further includes a support bridge, the support bridge including a support beam and a support member for supporting the support beam above the base, wherein the support beam includes a plurality of grooves and the chamber is alignable with each groove.

5. The stamping device according to claim 4, wherein, The support includes a first leg extending between the base and a first end of the support beam and a second leg extending between the base and a second end of the support beam, wherein the first leg and the second leg are spaced apart.

6. The stamping apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The support bridge can be removably attached to the base.

7. A method for crimping a steel bar bundle into a collar, comprising the following steps: The steel bar bundle is passed through the collar. The collar is placed in the groove, so that the collar is supported from the first direction. Tension the steel bar bundles. The collar is stamped from a second direction opposite to the first direction; The step of stamping the collar includes: using the stamping device as described in any one of claims 1-6, aligning the chamber with the collar, positioning the punch so that the second end rests on the collar and the support is spaced apart from the arm, and dropping the counterweight to strike the punch.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The step of placing the collar in the groove so that the collar is supported from the first direction includes supporting the collar from below, and the step of stamping the collar from the second direction includes stamping the collar from above.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The step of stamping the collar includes stamping the collar at a first part and a second part.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The step of stamping the collar at the first part of the collar includes stamping the collar at the first part of the collar a first predetermined number of times, and the step of stamping the collar at the second part of the collar includes stamping the collar at the second part of the collar a second predetermined number of times.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The steel bar bundle includes a first end and a second end, and the step of tensioning the steel bar bundle includes the following steps: Fix the first end so that the first end is fixed relative to the collar. Attach the second end to the first end of the tension wire. A predetermined counterweight is suspended from the second end of the tension wire, thereby tensioning the steel bar bundle.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The step of passing the steel bar bundle through the collar is repeated for each of the plurality of steel bar bundles and its corresponding collar. The step of placing the collar in the groove includes placing each collar in a corresponding groove among the plurality of grooves. The step of tensioning the steel reinforcement bundles includes tensioning each steel reinforcement bundle, and Repeat the step of stamping the collar from the second direction for each collar.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of collars form part of a drive module and are movable relative to each other, and the method includes the further step of securing the plurality of collars before placing each collar in its respective groove.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The drive module is engageable with a housing, the housing being configured to secure each collar when the drive module is engaged, and the step of securing the plurality of collars includes: engaging the drive module with the housing, and locking the drive module in engagement with the housing.

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