Device and method for producing a z-shaped profile on a plate metal part

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for producing a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part (P), comprising a first die element (10) serving as a punch, a second die element (12) serving as a die and a third die element (14) serving as a sheet pressing element, the second die element (12) and the third die element (14) having respective flat clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) extending parallel to one another, the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) are movable relative to each other between an open position, in which the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion of the sheet metal part (P) to be machined, and a closed position, in which the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) are in contact with opposite sides of the sheet metal part (P) to clamp the part, in which the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion of the sheet metal part (P) to be machined. Once the second mould element (12) and the third mould element (14) are in the above closed position and the sheet metal part (P) is clamped between the respective clamping surfaces (12a, 14a), the first mould element (10) is mounted so as to be movable towards a final working position by translation along a working direction inclined to a direction perpendicular to the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a), wherein, in the final working position, the first mould element (10) presses the sheet metal part (P) against the second mould element (12), and wherein the first mould element (10) and the second mould element (12) have respective working surfaces (10a, 10c, 12b, 12c), the working surfaces (10a, 10c, 12b, 12c) being shaped such that when said first and second mould elements (10, 12) are in the final working position, the working surfaces (10a, 10c, 12b, 12c) of the first mould element (10) and the second mould element (12) press the sheet metal part (P) against the second mould element (12). A geometry of a first 90-degree bend and a geometry of a second 90-degree bend of the Z-shaped profile to be manufactured are defined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part, and more particularly to an apparatus and a method which, in order to produce the Z-shaped profile, utilizes a plurality of die elements which are movable relative to each other under the control of a suitable control system, in particular a hydraulically operated system, so as to cold deform the sheet metal into a profile of a desired shape.

[0002] For the purposes of the present invention, a sheet metal part is understood to be a steel product having a reduced thickness, in particular a thickness of less than 1 mm, more preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm. Background Art

[0003] It is known to produce Z-shaped profiles on sheet metal components, for example on household appliance components such as kitchen oven housings, to allow two sheet metal components to be joined together.

[0004] In the attached figure Figure 1 An example of a Z-shaped profile manufactured on a first sheet metal part P1 of thickness s1, which is intended to be coupled to a second sheet metal part P2 of thickness s2 is shown. The Z-shaped profile is formed by a pair of flat flaps A and B, which are substantially parallel to each other, and a connecting flap C, which is substantially perpendicular to the two flat flaps A and B, wherein the two flat flaps A and B extend from opposite sides to the connecting flap C. In other words, the Z-shaped profile is formed by a pair of bends, wherein a first bend (characterized by a bend angle of 90°) is formed between the first flat flap A and the connecting flap C, and a second bend (characterized by a bend angle of 90°) is formed between the second flat flap B and the connecting flap C.

[0005] The first bend has sharp edges at both its dorsum and its soffit, denoted by E1 for the dorsum and denoted by I1 for the soffit. Similarly, the second bend has sharp edges at both its dorsum and its soffit, denoted by E2 for the dorsum and denoted by I2 for the soffit. The sharp edges at the dorsum and the soffit of each of the two bends mean that the bending radius at the dorsum and the soffit is very small: usually, the bending radius at the dorsum must be less than or at most equal to 0.2 mm, and the bending radius at the soffit must be less than or at most equal to 0.1 mm. In addition, it is usually required that the plate thickness at the connecting flap is not greater than the plate thickness at the two flat flaps.

[0006] Thus, the Z-shaped profile allows a pair of steps to be formed in the first sheet metal component P1, at one of which the second sheet metal component P2 can be arranged and securely fixed (in the example shown, the step formed by the second bend, i.e. the bend between the second flat flap B and the connecting flap C). The height of this step, in this case the distance between the arch E1 of the first bend and the soffit I2 of the second bend, will preferably be slightly greater than the thickness s2 of the second sheet metal component P2, for example 0.2 mm.

[0007] An example of a system for producing a Z-shaped profile on sheet metal is known from Italian patent No. 1 415 950. According to this known solution, first two 90 degree bends are produced on the sheet metal, then, in order to obtain a sharp edge at the arch of each of the two bends, two flat folded plates are pushed towards each other in a direction parallel to the connecting flaps, while the two flat folded plates are clamped between a first pair of clamping elements and a second pair of clamping elements, respectively, wherein an element of the first pair of clamping elements and an adjacent element of the second pair of clamping elements are configured to form a sharp edge at the arch of the first bend, while the other element of the first pair of clamping elements and the other element of the second pair of clamping elements are configured to form a sharp edge at the arch of the second bend.

[0008] Another example of a system for making a Z-shaped profile on sheet metal is known from Italian patent No. 102016000051587. According to this known solution, the Z-shaped profile is obtained by first performing a bending operation and then a pressing operation, wherein the pressing operation is obtained by applying a force directly perpendicular to the plane of the connecting flaps of the Z-shaped profile, i.e. parallel to the two flat flaps of the Z-shaped profile. In the bending operation, a first flat flap of the sheet metal is clamped between a first pair of clamping elements and a second flat flap of the sheet metal (at this stage the second flat flap is still coplanar with the first flat flap) is clamped between a second pair of clamping elements, the two pairs of clamping elements being moved perpendicularly to the flat flaps to obtain paired bends, at this stage the bend angle of which is less than 90°. In the subsequent pressing operation, the first pair of clamping elements and the second pair of clamping elements are moved relative to each other in a direction parallel to the flat flaps until the bend angles of the two bends reach 90°.

[0009] These solutions require the clamping elements to be moved in several directions, in particular vertically and horizontally, which makes the machines for producing Z-shaped profiles particularly complex and expensive. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to allow the production of a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal component in a simpler and less expensive manner than the prior art discussed above.

[0011] This object is fully achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by an apparatus having the features defined in the attached independent claim 1 and according to a further aspect of the invention by a method comprising the steps defined in the attached independent claim 8 .

[0012] Further advantageous aspects of the device and the method according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims, the subject matter of which is to be regarded as forming an integral part of the present description.

[0013] In summary, the invention is based on the idea of ​​using a device for producing a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part, which device comprises a first die element serving as a punch, a second die element serving as a die and a third die element serving as a sheet pressing element.

[0014] wherein the second mould element and the third mould element have respective flat clamping surfaces extending parallel to each other, the second mould element and the third mould element being movable relative to each other between an open position, in which the clamping surfaces are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion of a sheet metal component to be processed, and a closed position, in which the clamping surfaces are in contact with opposite sides of the sheet metal component to clamp the component,

[0015] wherein once the second die element and the third die element are in the above-mentioned closed position and the sheet metal part is clamped between their respective clamping surfaces, the first die element is movable along a working direction inclined to a direction perpendicular to the clamping surfaces towards a final working position in which the first die element presses the sheet metal part against the second die element, and

[0016] Therein, the first and second mould elements have respective working surfaces which are shaped so as to define the geometry of the first and second bends of the Z-shaped profile to be formed when the mould elements are in the final working position.

[0017] Thus, according to the invention, once the sheet metal is clamped between the second and third die elements, deformation of the sheet metal is achieved in a single operation, due to the movement of the first die element towards the second die element in a single working direction, so as to form a Z-shaped profile. This makes it possible to simplify the device, thereby reducing its costs (manufacturing and maintenance costs) compared to known devices, and to reduce production costs and times compared to known methods. Furthermore, the invention guarantees a high level of precision, thereby reducing production waste. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, given purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 shows a first sheet metal part with a Z-shaped profile obtainable with the device and method according to the invention, said first sheet metal part being coupled to a second sheet metal part;

[0020] Figure 2 schematically shows a mould element forming part of the apparatus of the invention in an initial operating state;

[0021] Figures 3 to 9 is shown in order Figure 2 a schematic diagram of movement of a die element from an initial operating state to a final operating state of the figure in which the first sheet metal part has been deformed to form a desired Z-shaped profile;

[0022] Fig.10 is a side view of a sheet metal part on which a Z-shaped profile has been formed using the apparatus of the present invention;

[0023] Fig.11 is a perspective view of only the lower block of the apparatus of the present invention;

[0024] Fig.12 is a perspective view of only the upper block of the apparatus of the invention, arranged in an upside-down position relative to the normal operating position;

[0025] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention in its initial operating state;

[0026] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the apparatus of the invention in its final operating state;

[0027] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view of a set of corner mold elements of the apparatus of the present invention; and

[0028] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a portion of a group of mold elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] First reference Figures 2 to 9 , the apparatus for producing a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part P essentially comprises a first die element 10 acting as a punch, a second die element 12 acting as a die and a third die element 14 acting as a sheet pressing element.

[0030] The second mold element 12 and the third mold element 14 have respective flat clamping surfaces 12a and 14a, which extend parallel to each other. In particular, the clamping surfaces 12a and 14a extend vertically. The second mold element 12 and the third mold element 14 are disposed relative to each other in an open position (eg, Figure 2 as shown) and the closed position (as Figure 4 The second die element 12 is movable between two die elements 14 (shown in the figure), in the open position they allow the insertion of the sheet metal part P to be processed, and in the closed position they clamp the sheet metal part P from the opposite side with the respective clamping surfaces 12a and 14a, thereby locking the sheet metal part P in place during the subsequent processing steps. More precisely, according to the proposed embodiment, the second die element 12 is translatable in a direction perpendicular to the respective clamping surface 12a, therefore in particular in the horizontal direction (as indicated by the double arrow F2), while the third die element 14 is translatable along a direction (as indicated by the double arrow F3) which is inclined at an angle α (preferably in the range of 15° to 40°) relative to the direction perpendicular to the respective clamping surface 14a (therefore in particular relative to the horizontal direction).

[0031] The first mold element 10 is translatable along a working direction (as indicated by the double arrow F1) which is parallel to the translation direction (double arrow F3) of the third mold element 14. In this regard, the third mold element 14 has a flat guide surface 14b extending along the aforementioned working direction, and the first mold element 10 has a corresponding flat guide surface 10b extending parallel to and in contact with the guide surface 14b.

[0032] The first die element 10 and the second die element 12 also have respective working surfaces which are configured to act on the sheet metal part P as a result of the movement of the first die element 10 towards the second die element 12 along the aforementioned working direction, thereby deforming the sheet metal part P until it has the desired Z-shaped profile, such as Figure 8 and 9 shown.

[0033] More specifically, with particular reference to Figure 8 and 9 The first mold element 10 has a first flat working surface 10a and a second flat working surface 10c, the first flat working surface 10a extends parallel to the clamping surfaces 12a and 14a of the second mold element 12 and the third mold element 14, and the second flat working surface 10c extends perpendicular to the first working surface 10a, and the second flat working surface 10c engages the first working surface 10a with the guide surface 10b.

[0034] On the other hand, the second mold member 12 has a first flat working surface 12b and a second flat working surface 12c, the first flat working surface 12b extending parallel to the clamping surfaces 12a and 14a of the second mold member 12 and the third mold member 14, and the second flat working surface 12c extending perpendicularly to the first working surface 12b, and the second flat working surface 12c joins the first working surface 12b with the clamping surface 12a.

[0035] Thus, when the first mold element 10 is in the final working position ( Figure 8 and 9 ), and the second mold element 12 and the third mold element 14 are in a closed position to clamp the sheet metal part P between the corresponding clamping surfaces 12a and 14a, and the edges of the engaging guide surface 10b and the second working surface 10c are aligned with the clamping surface 14a of the third mold element 14, the clamping surface 14a of the third mold element 14 forms the arch back E1 of the first curved portion of the Z-shaped profile together with the second working surface 10c of the first mold element 10, the second working surface 10c of the first mold element 10 forms the soffit I2 of the second curved portion of the Z-shaped profile together with the first working surface 10a of the element, the clamping surface 12a of the second mold element 12 forms the soffit I1 of the first curved portion of the Z-shaped profile together with the second working surface 12c of the element, and finally, the second working surface 12c of the second mold element 12 forms the arch back E2 of the second curved portion of the Z-shaped profile together with the first working surface 12b of the element.

[0036] Thus, the method for producing a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part P provides for performing the following movements of the three die elements 10, 12 and 14 in sequence, as follows: Figures 2 to 9 shown.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, with the second die element 12 and the third die element 14 initially in the open position, the sheet metal part P to be processed is inserted into the free space between the clamping surfaces 12a and 14a of said elements. Figure 3 and 4As shown, the second die element 12 and the third die element 14 are moved towards each other until they clamp the sheet metal part P from opposite sides with the respective clamping surfaces 12a and 14a. In the example presented here, first, the second die element 12 is moved towards the sheet metal part P (in the direction indicated by the double arrow F2) until the respective clamping surface 12a comes into contact with the part, and at this point the third die element 14 is also moved towards the sheet metal part P (in the direction indicated by the double arrow F3) until the respective clamping surface 14a comes into contact with the part. The first working surface 10a of the first die element 10 is held in a position further back than the clamping surface 14a of the third die element 14, so that only the clamping surface 14a comes into contact with the sheet metal part P at this stage.

[0038] However, it is contemplated that movement of the second mold element 12 and the third mold element 14 relative to each other may occur simultaneously or at least partially simultaneously, rather than one after the other.

[0039] Starting from a state in which the sheet metal part P is clamped between the clamping surfaces 12a and 14a of the second and third mold elements 12, 14, which remain stationary in the closed position, the first mold element 10 is moved in the aforementioned working direction (indicated by the double arrow F1), sliding with its guide surface 10b towards the second mold element 12 along the corresponding guide surface 14b of the third mold element 14. As a result of this movement, Figure 5 As shown, initially the first working surface 10a of the first die element 10 reaches a position substantially aligned with the clamping surface 14a of the third die element 14 and thus in contact with the sheet metal part P.

[0040] like Figure 6 and 7 As shown, further movement of the first die element 10 in the aforementioned working direction towards the second die element 12 results in deformation of the sheet metal part P. Figure 8 and 9 As shown, the movement stops when the edge engaging the second working surface 10c and the guide surface 10b of the first mold element 10 is aligned with the clamping surface 14a of the third mold element 14, or when the edge does not protrude beyond the clamping surface 14a of the third mold element 14 toward the second mold element 12 in any case. In this regard, the mold elements 10 and 12 will be appropriately constructed so that when Figure 8 and 9In the final working position of the first die element 10, the space between the working surfaces 10a and 10c of the first die element 10 and the working surfaces 12b and 12c of the second die element 12 corresponds to the geometry of the Z-shaped profile to be produced on the sheet metal part P. This means that when the first die element 10 is in the final working position, the distance between the first working surface 10a of the first die element 10 and the clamping surface 14a of the third die element 14 will have to correspond to the distance between the dorsum E1 of the first bend and the soffit I2 of the second bend, while the distance between the clamping surface 12a and the first working surface 12b of the second die element 12 will have to correspond to the distance between the soffit I1 of the first bend and the soffit E2 of the second bend of the Z-shaped profile.

[0041] As is apparent from the above explanation, the deformation of the sheet metal part P to form a Z-shaped profile is obtained by moving the first die element 10 in only one direction, i.e., the working direction is inclined by an angle α relative to a direction perpendicular to the clamping surfaces 12a and 14a of the second die element 12 and the third die element 14.

[0042] Fig.10 An example of a sheet metal component P with a Z-shaped profile is shown, which can be obtained by means of the device according to the invention. According to this example, the sheet metal component P is a kitchen oven housing, whereby the sheet metal component has a bottom wall BW and four side walls SW extending from the bottom wall BW and defining a cavity together with the bottom wall. The side walls SW are substantially flat, or at least predominantly flat, and are joined to one another by means of arc-shaped corner portions AW. As shown in detail A of said figure, the Z-shaped profile is formed on the side walls SW, in particular in the end region of the side walls SW opposite the bottom wall BW, and on the corner portions AW, in this way extending along the entire periphery of the sheet metal component P.

[0043] In addition, according to Fig.10 In the example shown, in the corner AW, the wall below the Z-shaped profile is bent outwards, as indicated by the arrow F in the detail A of the figure, in this way giving the sheet metal part greater rigidity in these sections. This additional bend can have a straight or at least partially curved shape. Furthermore, this additional bend can be formed not only in the corner AW, but also in the side wall SW so as to extend along the entire periphery of the sheet metal part P.

[0044] exist Fig.10 In the example of , the Z-shaped profile has the function of accommodating an additional sheet metal component (not shown) and allowing it to be coupled to the sheet metal component without creating a sense of discontinuity, while the additional bent portion has the function of facilitating the insertion of the additional sheet metal component for coupling to the sheet metal component P.

[0045] However, it is obvious that the present invention can also be applied to Fig.10 Processing of sheet metal products of various shapes.

[0046] Now refer to Figures 11 to 14 An example of an apparatus according to the invention is described. According to this embodiment, Fig.10 As shown, the apparatus is arranged to produce a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part P. Of course, depending on the specific shape of the sheet metal part P to be processed, the apparatus may be appropriately modified with respect to the solution described and shown here.

[0047] exist Fig.13 The overall device shown in (designated 100) is essentially configured as a press which controls the movement of the die elements described above, transmitting the forces required to perform the forming operations on the sheet metal part P to be processed, by means of hydraulic drives.

[0048] The device 100 basically comprises a lower block 102 (eg Fig.11 As shown) and upper block 104 (as Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the mold elements 10 , 12 and 14 described above are installed in the lower block 102 .

[0049] With respect to the lower block 102, taking into account the shape of the sheet metal part P (which, as mentioned above, is in this case a kitchen oven housing), the apparatus is arranged on the lower block to manufacture a Z-shaped profile, in this case with four sets of die elements, one set on each side of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part, wherein each set of die elements comprises the above described first die element 10, second die element 12 and third die element 14. Furthermore, since in this case a Z-shaped profile is also to be manufactured at the arcuate corners, each corner connecting a pair of adjacent sides, a further four sets of die elements are provided, hereinafter referred to as corner die element sets (whereas the four sets of die elements operating on the four sides will hereinafter be referred to as main die element sets).

[0050] The sheet metal part to be processed is positioned on the lower block 102, resting on a plate 106 serving as a supporting and centering member, with the four sides of the peripheral edge extending vertically, so that the arrangement of the mold elements of each main mold element group is similar to that of the reference Figures 2 to 9 The arrangement explained above is shown, ie the clamping surfaces 12a and 14a of the second mould element 12 and the third mould element 14, respectively, extend vertically.

[0051] Not only reference Fig.11 , and refer to Fig.13, the lower block 102 basically comprises a supporting base 108, to which a plurality of guide bodies 110 are fixed, in this case four guide bodies, each guide body being associated with a respective set of main mould elements and each having a flat guide surface 110a inclined at the angle α described above with respect to the horizontal plane and therefore extending parallel to the working direction of the respective set of main mould elements.

[0052] exist Fig.13 In the cross-sectional view of , a guide body 110 associated with a main die element group is shown operating on two parallel short sides of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part to be processed, but the same applies to a guide body associated with a main die element group operating on parallel long sides of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part to be processed.

[0053] like Fig.13 As shown, the first bracket 112 is mounted on each guide body 110 and forms a flat guide surface 112a at its bottom, and the guide surface 112a is suitable for sliding on the guide surface 110a of the guide body 110. The first bracket 112 carries the first mold element 10 and the third mold element 14. Fig.14 According to the embodiment shown, the first bracket 112 forms a first supporting surface 112b at its top, which extends parallel to the guide surface 112a, and the first mold element 10 rests on the first supporting surface 112b with its lower flat surface 10d. In addition, the first bracket 112 forms a flat abutment surface 112c at its proximal end (i.e., at its portion facing the center of the lower block 102), which is arranged adjacent to the first supporting surface 112b and extends perpendicularly to the first supporting surface 112b, so that the first mold element 10 abuts against the abutment surface 112c with the side of its proximal end. The third mold element 14 is arranged on the first mold element 10, and its guide surface 14b contacts the guide surface 10b of the first mold element 10, and the guide surfaces 10b and 14b extend parallel to the guide surface 110a of the guide body 110, and thus extend along the working direction described above. The third mold element 14 also forms a flat guide surface 14c on its top, which extends parallel to the guide surface 14b of the mold element and runs along a corresponding flat guide surface 112d of the first bracket 112, which extends parallel to the guide surface 112a of the bracket.

[0054] Refer again Fig.13 as well as Fig.14, on each first bracket 112, a second bracket 114 is slidably mounted in the horizontal direction, and the second mold member 12 is fixed to the first bracket 112. In this regard, the first bracket 112 forms a horizontally extending second support surface 112e at its top, and the second bracket 114 rests on the second support surface 112e with its flat lower surface 114a. Therefore, the second bracket 114 can slide horizontally on the second support surface 112e of the first bracket 112, and the second bracket 114 carries the second mold member 12.

[0055] The second bracket 114 is arranged between the proximal protrusion 116 and the distal protrusion 118 of the first bracket 112. The proximal protrusion 116 of the first bracket 112 forms an abutment surface 112c on its side facing the second bracket 114, while the distal protrusion 118 forms a flat control surface 118a on its side facing the second bracket 114, the control surface 118a being inclined relative to the vertical at the same angle α described above.

[0056] In turn, as Fig.14 As better shown, the second bracket 114 forms a flat control surface 114 b on the side thereof facing the distal protrusion 118 of the first bracket 112 , and the control surface 114 b is inclined at a certain angle (particularly at an angle between 20° and 60°) relative to the vertical.

[0057] Depending on their length, the first brackets 112 may have a single control surface 118a, such as the first bracket 120 associated with the short side of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part to be processed, or a pair of control surfaces 118a arranged side by side at a distance from each other, such as the first brackets 112 associated with the long side of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part to be processed P. In the case of a first bracket 112 having two control surfaces 118a, a pair of second brackets 114 will advantageously be provided for each of said first brackets, each second bracket being arranged so that its control surface 114b faces one of the control surfaces 118a of the first bracket 112.

[0058] Reference now Fig.12 and 13 The upper block 104 essentially comprises a fixed plate 120 and a movable plate 124, the fixed plate 120 being mounted on a plurality of supporting bodies 122, the supporting bodies 122 being fixed to the supporting base 108 of the lower block 102, the movable plate 124 being arranged above the fixed plate 120 and being movable relative to the fixed plate 120 by means of a hydraulic drive (not shown and not described in detail, but of a type known per se). Fig.12 The lowered position shown (as described above, the upper block 104 is shown in an upside-down position) and Fig.13Vertically movable between the raised positions shown.

[0059] For each side of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part P to be processed, and therefore for each set of main die elements, the upper block 104 further comprises at least one wedge-shaped control member 126, which is fixed to the lower surface of the movable plate 124 and projects downwardly from said lower surface, passing through a corresponding through hole 128 in the fixed plate 120. In particular, in the proposed embodiment, there is one control member 126 for each of the two short sides of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part P to be processed, and two control members 126 for each of the two long sides of the peripheral edge of the sheet metal part P to be processed. Each control member 126 forms a first flat control surface 126a and a second flat control surface 126b (on the opposite side to the first flat control surface 126a) formed on the opposite side to the first flat control surface 126a. Fig.14 As can be better seen in the figure, the first flat control surface 126a is adapted to cooperate with the control surface 118a of the corresponding first bracket 112 and has the same inclination relative to the vertical as the control surface 118a, and the second flat control surface 126b is adapted to cooperate with the control surface 114b of the corresponding second bracket 114 and has the same inclination relative to the vertical as the control surface 114b.

[0060] The control surfaces 118a, 114b, 126a and 126b of the first bracket 112, the second bracket 114 and the control member 126 are respectively constructed in such a manner that, due to the movement of the movable plate 124 from the raised position to the lowered position and therefore due to the downward movement of the control member 126, first, the second control surface 126b of the control member 126 contacts the control surface 114b of the second bracket 114, causing the second bracket 114 to move horizontally inwardly (relative to the viewing angle). Fig.13 Then, the first control surface 126a of the control member 126 contacts the control surface 118a of the first bracket 112, causing the first bracket 112 to move upward and outward along the guide surface 110a of the guide body 110 (relative to the viewer). Fig.13 from the perspective of a person, to the right).

[0061] The horizontal inward translational movement of the second bracket 114 causes the second die element 12 to move against the sheet metal part P, as described above with reference to Figure 3 As described. Fig.14As shown, the movement stops when the second control surface 126b of the control member 126 is no longer in contact with the control surface 114b of the second carriage 114, but the control member 126 and the second carriage 114 are in contact with each other with corresponding vertical flat surfaces. Naturally, these surfaces will be designed to ensure that the travel of the second carriage 114 is sufficient to bring the second die element 12 into contact with the sheet metal part P. In addition, a suitable compensation system may be provided to compensate for any overtravel of the second carriage 114.

[0062] On the other hand, the upward and outward translational movement of the first bracket 112 along the guide surface 110a of the guide body 110 causes the third mold element 14 and the first mold element 10 to move along the working direction described above, as described above with reference to Figures 4 to 9 As described. Fig.13 As shown, initially, the third die element 14 is positioned so that its clamping surface 14a is closer to the sheet metal part to be processed than the first working surface 10a of the first die element 10, whereby due to the movement of the first carriage 112, the third die element 14 first contacts the sheet metal part P and then contacts the first die element 10. Likewise, a suitable compensation system may be provided to compensate for any overtravel of the first carriage 112.

[0063] Reference now Fig.15 and 16 as well as Fig.11 and 12 , will also briefly describe the corner mold element groups, which are similar in construction and operation to the main mold element groups described above. For ease of reference, the components of the corner mold element groups similar to the main groups are represented in the figures by the same reference numerals, only with the addition of the symbol '.

[0064] like Fig.11 As shown, a plurality of guide bodies 110', in this example four guide bodies, are arranged on the support base 108, each guide body being associated with a corresponding set of corner mould elements. In this case, each guide body 110' is arranged at 45° with two adjacent guide bodies 110.

[0065] Reference Fig.15, each guide body 110' has a flat guide surface 110a' inclined relative to the horizontal, and a bracket 112' is slidably mounted on the guide body 110' and carries a first corner die element 10' used as a punch and a third corner die element 14' used as a plate pressing element. Also in this case, the movement of the bracket 112' along the flat guide surface 110a' of the guide body 110' is controlled by a wedge-shaped control member 126', which is fixed to the lower face of the movable plate 124 and protrudes downwardly from this lower face. In this regard, each control member 126' forms a flat control surface 126a', which is suitable for cooperating with a corresponding control surface 118a' of the corresponding bracket 112'.

[0066] from Figure 6 It can be seen in FIG. 1 that in the case of a corner die element set, the working surfaces of the die elements will not be flat surfaces but arcuate surfaces, since these surfaces have to operate on the arcuate corners of the sheet metal part P.

[0067] Finally, if Fig.15 As shown, the first corner mould element 10' forms a working surface 10d' at its bottom, ie below the first working surface 10a', which working surface 10d' is arranged to form an outward bend in the corner of the sheet metal part P below the Z-shaped profile.

[0068] As can be seen from the above description, the present invention makes it possible to realize a Z-shaped profile along the entire periphery of a sheet metal component, such as a kitchen oven housing, which has at least the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0069] The directions of movement of the mold elements are fewer, since the first and third mold elements move in the working direction, while the second mold element moves in the horizontal direction;

[0070] - a single control system (the movable plate of the upper block and its control members, and the first and second carriages of the lower block) which controls the movement of all the mould elements;

[0071] - The simplicity of the equipment, which basically consists of a hydraulic press and a mold;

[0072] - Reduce production costs and time;

[0073] - Reduce maintenance costs and time; and

[0074] - Improve efficiency and reduce production waste.

[0075] Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention not only allows the production of Z-shaped profiles, but also allows the formation of additional geometries on the sheet metal component during the same operation, ie without the need for additional machining operations to be performed at other workstations.

[0076] The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments or implementations thereof. It should be understood that other embodiments or modes of implementation may be conceived which share the same inventive core as those described herein, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (100) for producing a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part (P), the device (100) comprising a first die element (10) serving as a punch, a second die element (12) serving as a die and a third die element (14) serving as a sheet pressing element, in, The second die element (12) and the third die element (14) have respective flat clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) extending parallel to each other, the second die element (12) and the third die element (14) being movable relative to each other between an open position, in which the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) are spaced apart from each other to allow insertion of a sheet metal component (P) to be processed, and a closed position, in which the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) are in contact with opposite sides of the sheet metal component (P) to clamp the component, wherein, once the second die element (12) and the third die element (14) are in the above-mentioned closed position and the sheet metal part (P) is clamped between the respective clamping surfaces (12a, 14a), the first die element (10) is mounted so as to be movable by translation along a working direction inclined to a direction perpendicular to the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) towards a final working position in which the first die element (10) presses the sheet metal part (P) against the second die element (12), wherein the first mold element (10) and the second mold element (12) have corresponding working surfaces (10a, 10c, 12b, 12c), the working surfaces (10a, 10c, 12b, 12c) being shaped so as to define the geometry of the first 90 degree bend and the geometry of the second 90 degree bend of the Z-shaped profile to be manufactured when the first and second mold elements (10, 12) are in the final working position, The device (100) further comprises control means (112, 114, 126), which are arranged to control the movement of the first mold element (10) along the working direction, the movement of the second mold element (12) in the horizontal direction and the movement of the third mold element (14) along the working direction, and The control means (112, 114, 126) comprises a first bracket (112), the first bracket (112) being mounted to be movable by translation along the working direction and carrying the first mold element (10) and the third mold element (14); a second bracket (114), the second bracket (114) being mounted to be movable by translation in the horizontal direction and carrying the second mold element (12); and a wedge-shaped control member (126), the control member (126) being mounted to be movable by translation in the vertical direction and forming a first flat control surface (126a) and a second flat control surface (126b), the The first flat control surface (126a) is configured to cooperate with a corresponding control surface (118a) of the first bracket (112), and the second flat control surface (126b) is configured to cooperate with a corresponding control surface (114b) of the second bracket (114), in such a way that vertical movement of the control member (126) first causes the second mold element (12) to move in a horizontal direction toward the sheet metal part (P), then the third mold element (14) to move along the working direction toward the sheet metal part (P), and finally the first mold element (10) to move along the working direction toward the sheet metal part (P) until the final working position is reached.

2. The device according to claim 1, in, The third mould element (14) is also mounted to be movable by translation in the working direction, so that displacement of the corresponding clamping surface (14a) towards and away from the clamping surface (12a) of the second mould element (12) occurs by translation in the working direction.

3. The device according to claim 2, in, The first mould element (10) and the third mould element (14) have respective flat guide surfaces (10b, 14b) which extend along the working direction and are held in contact with each other.

4. The device according to claim 3, in, The first mold element (10) has a first flat working surface (10a) and a second flat working surface (10c), wherein the first flat working surface (10a) extends parallel to the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) of the second mold element (12) and the third mold element (14), and the second flat working surface (10c) extends perpendicular to the first working surface (10a) of the first mold element (10), engaging the first working surface (10a) with the guide surface (10b) of the first mold element (10), and wherein the second mold element (12) has a first flat working surface (12b) and a second flat working surface (12c); the first flat working surface (12b) extends parallel to the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) of the second mold element (12) and the third mold element (14), and the second flat working surface (12c) extends perpendicular to the first working surface (12b) of the second mold element (12), engaging the first working surface (12 b) engaging with the clamping surface (12a) of the second mold element (12) in such a way that, when the first mold element (10) is in the final working position, the clamping surface (14a) of the third mold element (14) together with the second working surface (10c) of the first mold element (10) forms the arch back (E1) of the first 90-degree bend of the Z-shaped profile, the second working surface (10c) of the first mold element (10) together with the first working surface (10a) of the first mold element (10) forms the arch soffit (I2) of the second 90-degree bend of the Z-shaped profile, the clamping surface (12a) of the second mold element (12) together with the second working surface (12c) of the second mold element (12) forms the arch back (E2) of the second 90-degree bend of the Z-shaped profile.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The control means (112, 114, 126) also includes a hydraulic actuator configured to control the translational movement of the control member (126) in the vertical direction.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, In addition to the Z-shaped profile, the first die element (10) is also configured to produce an additional bend in the sheet metal part (P).

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising four sets of main mould elements, each set of main mould elements being configured to produce a Z-shaped profile on a respective side of a peripheral edge of a sheet metal part (P); and four sets of corner mould elements, each set of corner mould elements being configured to produce a Z-shaped profile on a respective corner portion connecting two adjacent sides of a peripheral edge of a sheet metal part (P), in, Each of the main mould element set and the corner mould element set comprises the first mould element (10), the second mould element (12) and the third mould element (14), whereby the apparatus (100) is capable of producing a Z-shaped profile over the entire peripheral edge of a sheet metal part (P).

8. A method for producing a Z-shaped profile on a sheet metal part (P) by means of a device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps in sequence: (a) clamping the sheet metal part (P) between the clamping surfaces (12a, 14a) of the second die element (12) and the third die element (14), and b) pushing the first die element (10) against the sheet metal part (P) along said working direction until said final working position is reached, in which the first die element (10) presses the sheet metal part (P) against the second die element (12).

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