DEVICE FOR TRAINING, SHAPING AND RIGHTING A WORKPIECE
The device addresses limitations in metal sheet modification by enabling synchronized translation and rotation of tools within a frame, ensuring high-quality and efficient forming and straightening operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024106540
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-23
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-03-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for modifying metal sheets through stepwise forming and shaping are limited by accessibility, equipment interaction, and tool geometry, leading to expensive and time-consuming techniques that negatively impact quality and accuracy.
A device with a frame comprising upper and lower units, each equipped with a shaft and tool platform, allows for simultaneous translation and rotation of tools along a longitudinal axis, enabling precise and efficient forming and straightening operations through synchronized motion control of interchangeable tools.
The device ensures high-quality and accurate shaping and straightening of metal sheets by maintaining constant tool positions relative to the workpiece path, enhancing feasibility and reducing operational complexity.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
INTRODUCTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device for modifying metal sheets and in particular to a device according to the preamble of claim 1, as is known essentially from JP H09 - 85 355 A.
[0002] Adding features to a sheet metal workpiece by stepwise forming, shaping, and straightening with one or more tools may require rotating the workpiece or the tools to achieve a desired geometry. Typically, this can be achieved through complex workpiece deflection. However, limitations arising from accessibility, equipment interaction, and tool geometry have led to expensive and time-consuming techniques that negatively impact the quality, accuracy, and feasibility of the resulting features. The shortcomings of known systems are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. SUMMARY
[0003] According to the invention, a device is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 1.
[0004] The device may include one or more of the following optional features. The first shaft may be configured to be actuated externally via a drive mechanism coupled to the first motor. The first shaft may be configured to move translationally along its longitudinal axis while simultaneously rotating about it. The inner shaft may be configured to be actuated internally via a drive mechanism coupled to the first motor. The second unit may further include a tool platform coupled to the second section of the frame, the tool platform being configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the frame.The positions of the first tool and the second tool can be maintained simultaneously and continuously by the first and second motors, such that the first and second tools remain tangential to a workpiece path within the common interface. The first and second units can be configured to receive identical electrical inputs to maintain constant motion. The first and second tools can be asymmetrical. The first and second tools can be symmetrical. The first tool can be arranged along a first plane, and the second tool can be arranged along a second plane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The drawings described here serve only to illustrate selected configurations; they show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a device for modifying a workpiece according to the principles of the present invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective close-up of a drive train of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a side view of the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a top view of a workpiece showing one or more positions of a first tool of the device of Fig. 1 shows; and Fig. 6 a perspective view of a device for modifying a workpiece according to the principles of the present invention.
[0006] Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference symbols denote corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] With special reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 10 for modifying a workpiece (i.e., a fixture) comprising a frame 50, a first or upper unit 100, and a second or lower unit 200. For the purposes of this invention, the term "modify" can be used interchangeably with terms associated with the processing of a workpiece, such as forming, shaping, and / or straightening.
[0008] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the frame 50 can include a first or upper section 52 and a second or lower section 54, which is axially spaced from the upper section 52 along a first axis or longitudinal axis 12. The frame 50 can be stationary (e.g., coupled to the ground) or can be coupled to a robot, crane, or other device that can move the frame 50 along an additional axis, such that an additional degree of freedom is added to the system 10.
[0009] The first or upper unit 100 can be coupled to the upper section 52 of the frame 50. According to one aspect of the present invention, the upper unit 100 can include a first shaft 102 (e.g., a tool shaft) coupled to the upper section 52 of the frame 50. More precisely, the first shaft 102 can have a first or proximal end 104 coupled to the upper section 52 and an opposing second or distal end 106 axially spaced from the proximal end 104 along the longitudinal axis 12. The first shaft 102 can be movable relative to the frame 50. In other words, the first shaft 102 can be configured such that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis 12 (e.g. via a gear group, pulleys, a chain or a belt) and / or move translationally along the longitudinal axis 12 (e.g. via an actuator with mechanical linkages, pneumatics or hydraulics).
[0010] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a gear 108 can be arranged axially along an outer section of the first shaft 102 such that the first shaft 102 can be driven externally by one or more drive mechanisms 110 coupled to the upper section 52 of the frame 50. The gear 108 can have a height 114 such that it can maintain contact with at least one of the drive mechanisms 110. Maintaining contact between the gear 108 and the drive mechanisms 110 can, for example, provide control of the rotational position of the first shaft 102 before, during, and / or after its translational movement. The drive mechanisms 110 can be actuated by a first motor 112, which can also be coupled to the upper section 52 of the frame 50. The first motor 112 can be controlled with an industrial computer (e.g.a programmable logic controller) or a manual analog input (e.g. a foot pedal) and communicate with it in such a way that the speed and rotation angle of the first motor 112 can be controlled.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, an alternative to the first shaft 102 can be provided and can be used in accordance with Fig. 6 includes a first shaft 102' which is coupled to the upper section 52 of the frame 50. The first shaft 102' can, for example, be a pedestal drilling device which is typically moved translationally along the longitudinal axis 12 and / or rotates about it. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the first shaft 102' can contain an inner shaft 116 arranged axially within an outer shaft 118 along the longitudinal axis 12. The inner shaft 116 can be arranged within the outer shaft 118 such that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis 12 (e.g., via a gear assembly, pulleys, a chain, or a belt) and / or move translationally along the longitudinal axis 12 (e.g., via an actuator with mechanical linkages, pneumatics, or hydraulics). Additionally, the inner shaft 116 can move translationally and / or rotate about the outer shaft 118 along the longitudinal axis 12. The inner shaft 116 can be configured at a proximal end 104' to be actuated from within via the drive mechanism 110 and the first motor 112, as described above.In other words, the inner shaft 116 can include a toothed section 120 that can be coupled to an internal toothed section 122 of the gear 108'. The gear 108' can have a height 114' which can be selected such that the toothed section 120 can remain in contact with the internal toothed section 122 of the gear 108' during the translational movement of the inner shaft 116 along the longitudinal axis 12. Maintaining contact between the toothed section 120 and the internal toothed section 122 allows the inner shaft 116 to be driven from the inside before, during, and / or after the translational movement along the longitudinal axis 12.
[0012] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first tool 126 can be coupled to the upper section 52 and arranged along the longitudinal axis 12. The first shaft 102 can include a tool clamping device 124 coupled to the distal end 106 of the first shaft 102, such that a first tool 126 can be detachably coupled to the first shaft 102 at the distal end 106. The tool clamping device 124 can be configured such that the first tool 126 can be easily exchanged for several tools. For example, the tool chuck 124 can include movable jaws or clamps that can easily engage with and disengage from the first tool 126 to secure the first tool 126 to the first shaft 102. In general, the first tool 126 can include training, forming, and / or straightening tools configured as interchangeable tools.The first tool 126 can include tools such as rollers, step bending devices, chisels, or other tools that can be used for training, forming, and / or straightening operations. The first tool 126 can also include incremental (e.g., hammers) or continuous (e.g., the English wheel) training, forming, and / or straightening tools. Additionally or alternatively, the first tool 126 can be a tool configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 12. The first tool 126 can also be configured such that the position of a section of the first tool 126 can be adjusted about a first plane 128. The first plane 128 can be an XY plane that extends over the longitudinal axis 12 and is perpendicular to it. Such adjustments of the first tool 126 about the first plane 128 can, for example, allow for further adjustment of a workpiece during operation.
[0013] The upper unit 100 can be duplicated and coupled to the lower section 54 of the frame 50. Therefore, both the upper section 52 and the lower section 54 of the frame 50 can have upper units 100 configured to move translationally with respect to the longitudinal axis 12 and to rotate about it.
[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the second or lower unit 200 can be coupled to the lower section 54 of the frame 50. Similar to the upper unit 100, the lower unit 200 can also include a shaft that is movable along the longitudinal axis 12 and with respect to the frame 50. In this case, however, the lower unit 100 includes a tool platform 202 that is coupled to the lower section 54 of the frame 50. The tool platform 202 can include a first or upper surface 204 and an opposing second or lower surface 206. As is best shown in Figure 1, the lower unit 200 can be connected to the lower section 54 of the frame 50. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the upper surface 204 of the first unit 100 can face the tool platform. The tool platform 202 can be configured such that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis 12 and relative to the frame 50. In other words, the gear teeth 208 can be arranged radially around the tool platform 202, which can be actuated (e.g., via a gear assembly, pulleys, a chain, or a belt).
[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the tool platform 202 can be coupled to and actuated by one or more drive mechanisms 210, which are connected to the lower section 54 of the frame 50. The drive mechanisms 210 can be identical to the drive mechanisms 110, which are connected to the upper section of the frame 50. The drive mechanisms 210 can be actuated by a second motor 212, which can also be connected to the lower section 54 of the frame 50. The second motor 212 can be identical to the first motor 112 of the first or upper unit 100. The second motor 212 can be connected to and communicate with an industrial computer (e.g., a programmable logic controller) or a manual analog input (e.g., a foot pedal) such that the speed and angle of rotation of the second motor 212 can be controlled.
[0016] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second tool 226 can be coupled to the lower section 54 and arranged along the longitudinal axis 12. The tool platform 202 can include a tool clamping device 224, which is coupled to the upper surface 204 of the tool platform 202. The tool clamping device 224 can be configured such that a second tool 226 can be easily exchanged for several other tools. The tool clamping device 224 can include movable jaws or clamps that can easily engage with and disengage from the second tool 226 to secure the second tool 226 to the tool platform 202. In general, the second tool 226 can include training, forming, and / or straightening tools configured as interchangeable tools.The second tool 226 can include tools such as rollers, step bending devices, chisels, or other tools that can be used for training, forming, and / or straightening operations. The second tool 226 can also include incremental (e.g., hammering) or continuous (e.g., the English wheel) training, forming, and / or straightening tools. Additionally or alternatively, the second tool 226 can be a tool configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 12. The second tool 226 can also be configured such that the position of a section of the first tool 226 can be adjusted about a second plane 228. The second plane 228 can be an XY plane that passes through the longitudinal axis 12 and is perpendicular to it. Such adjustments of the second tool 226 about the second plane 228 can, for example, allow for further adjustment of a workpiece during operation.
[0017] In operation, the first motor 112 can be coupled to the upper section 52 to actuate the first tool 126 about the longitudinal axis 12 and relative to the upper section 52. Likewise, the second motor 212 can be coupled to the lower section 54 to actuate the second tool 226 about the longitudinal axis 12 and relative to the lower section 54. The movement of the first unit 100 and the second unit 200 can be maintained and controlled independently by receiving identical electrical inputs (e.g., linear or rotary encoders). Therefore, the positions of the first tool 126 and the second tool 226 can be continuously maintained simultaneously by the first and second motors 112 and 212, respectively, which can provide parallel features for a workpiece 20.Additionally or alternatively, the position of the first tool 126 and the position of the second tool 226 can be maintained independently by the first and second motors 112, 212, which can provide chamfered features on the workpiece 20. The position of the first tool 126 and the second tool 226 can be maintained such that the first tool 126 and the second tool 226 remain tangential to a path 22 of the workpiece 20 within a common interface 300. The common interface 300 for modifying the workpiece 20 can be, as shown in . Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the common interface 300 is arranged axially between the first tool 126 or the upper unit 100 and the second tool 226 or the lower unit 200. The common interface 300 can be defined, for example, by a region between the first plane 128 and the second plane 228, or by a region located axially between the first tool 126 and the second tool 226. The first tool 126 and the second tool 226 can come into contact with the workpiece 20 within the common interface 300 and modify the workpiece 20. In other words, the first tool 126 can come into contact with an upper surface of the workpiece 20, and the second tool 226 can come into contact with a lower surface of the workpiece 20. It should be noted that the first tool 126 and the second tool 226 can be asymmetrical (e.g., the first tool 126 is a punch and the second tool 226 is a die) or symmetrical (i.e.,The first and second tools (126, 226 are identical tools) can be used. The workpiece 20 can be guided by an operator or a machine (e.g., a robot) along a predetermined path and contacted by the first and second tools (126, 226) within the common interface 300.
[0018] Fig. Figure 5 shows a section of the first tool 126 at several different positions along the path 22 of the workpiece 20. As shown, the first tool 126 remains tangential to the path 22 of the workpiece 20 at a first position 126a, a second position 126b, a third position 126c, and a fourth position 126d. It should be noted that, although the second tool 226 in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, the second tool 226 can also be controlled such that a section of the second tool 226 remains tangential to the path 22 of the workpiece 20. The first and second motors 112, 212, which are coupled to the drive mechanisms 110, 210, can be actuated to align the first and second tools 126, 226 to a desired location and in a desired direction. In this way, controlling the alignment of the first and second tools 126, 226 relative to the path 22 allows the first and second tools 126, 226 to, for example, form, modify, and / or move geometric features 24 on the workpiece 20.
Claims
[1] Device (10) comprising: a frame (50) comprising a first section (52) and a second section (54) which is axially spaced from the first section (52) along a longitudinal axis (12); a first unit (100) that is coupled to the first section (52) and includes: a first tool (126) coupled to the first section (52) and arranged along the longitudinal axis (12); a first motor (112) coupled to the first section (52) to actuate the first tool (126) about the longitudinal axis (12) and in relation to the first section (52); a second unit (200) which is coupled to the second section (54) and includes: a second tool (226) coupled to the second section (54) and arranged along the longitudinal axis (12), a second motor (212) coupled to the second section (54) to actuate the second tool (226) about the longitudinal axis (12) and in relation to the second section (54); and a common interface (300) for modifying a workpiece (20) which is arranged axially between the first tool (126) and the second tool (226); characterized by , that the first unit (100) further comprises a first shaft (102, 102') coupled to the first section (52) of the frame (50) at a first end (104) and to the first tool (126) at a second end (106), wherein the first shaft (102, 102') is configured to move translationally along the longitudinal axis (12) with respect to the frame (50) and to rotate about it; where: (i) a gear (108) is arranged axially along an outer section of the first shaft (102), which is effectively connected to the first shaft (102) and meshes with a drive gear (110) which has a lower axial height (114) than the gear (108), so that the gear (108) meshes with the drive gear (110) regardless of the translational position of the first shaft (102); or (ii) wherein the first shaft (102') comprises an inner shaft (116) and an outer shaft (118) and wherein the inner shaft (116) is configured to move translationally along the longitudinal axis (12) with respect to the outer shaft (118) and to rotate about the longitudinal axis (12), wherein the inner shaft (116) has an external toothing (120) at one end near the first end (104) of the first shaft (102') and is surrounded by a drive gear (108') having an external toothing and an internal toothing (122) which is splined with the external toothing (120) of the inner shaft (116), and wherein the axial height (114') of the drive gear (108') is less than the axial height of the external toothing of the inner shaft (116) such that the splined connection between the inner shaft (116) and The drive gear (108') is maintained regardless of the translational position of the inner shaft (116). [2] Device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first shaft (102) is configured to be actuated from the outside via a drive mechanism coupled to the first motor (112). [3] Device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first shaft (102) is configured to move translationally along the longitudinal axis (12) and simultaneously rotate about the longitudinal axis (12). [4] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the inner shaft (116) is configured to be actuated from the inside via a drive mechanism coupled to the first motor (112). [5] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second unit (200) further comprises a tool platform (202) coupled to the second section (54) of the frame (50), and wherein the tool platform (202) is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis (12) with respect to the frame (50). [6] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a position of the first tool (126) and a position of the second tool (226) are maintained continuously and simultaneously by the first motor (112) and the second motor (212) such that the first tool (126) and the second tool (226) remain tangential within the common interface (30) to a path of the workpiece (20). [7] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first unit (100) and the second unit (200) are configured to receive identical electrical inputs in order to maintain a constant movement of the first and second units (100, 200). [8] Device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first tool (126) and the second tool (226) are asymmetrical.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Formation of successively expanding metallic plate and apparatus therefor
JP1997085355A
JP0000H0985355A