Patent Application
20180126434
The application relates generally to press brakes and, in particular, a press brake that includes a structure and mechanism for adjusting the width of a die.
A press brake machine or device is used as a tool to make precise bends in metal parts. Generally, a sheet of metal is placed within the machine and positioned precisely using a gauge. A punch, which often has the shape of a “V”, is placed against the metal sheet at the point where a bend is required. A punch is pressed into the metal sheet, which in turn is pressed into the die causing the sheet to bend. Frequently, the press brake machine is configured so that die and the punch are long enough to contact the entire length or width of the sheet.
A press brake machine may be configured so that a forming die mounted on a bed may be “U” or “V” shaped. The die may include a pair of dies or half dies, for example. The distance between the dies may be adjusted so that the bearing areas for the metal part or work piece being formed can be adjusted according to the forming requirements for the work piece.
Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.
Various features of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Like numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts and in each of the embodiments of the invention hereafter described.
The press brake disclosed herein is used to bend or otherwise deform sheet-like work pieces, such as sheet metal work pieces. As shown in
The punch has a downwardly-oriented, work piece-deforming surface (or “tip”). The configuration of this surface is dictated by the shape into which it is desired to deform a work piece. The die has a recess between the die members and bounded by one or more work piece-deforming surfaces that is aligned with the tip of the punch. The configuration of this recess corresponds to the configuration of the punch's tip. Thus, when the beams are brought together, a work piece between them is pressed by the punch into the die to give the work piece a desired deformation (e.g., a desired bend).
The lower support beam or bed may include a base plate 121 that supports and engages with a movable upright 122. The upright 122 may carry an insert 123 positioned to contact the work piece during the bending operation. The upright 122 and insert 123 form a die member 126 that may be adjustable to meet the requirements of the bending operation. As shown in
The lower bed includes a locking and unlocking mechanism for locking and unlocking the die and the base plate. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of locking dog members 130 that engage both the base plate and the dies. See, for example,
Movement of the actuator causes a corresponding longitudinal movement (i.e., parallel to the length of the die) of the movable uprights 122 and connected dogs 130.
The upward movement of the dog member 130 causes a corresponding upward movement of the upright 122. As a result, the top surface 124 of the base plate 121 disengages from the bottom surface 125 of the upright 122. In the unlocked position, the vertical separation between the upright 122 and the base plate 121 can be seen in
Although not shown in
The inserts 123 may be formed from strength hardened material in order to provide extra heavy load capacities and longer tool life. The inserts 123 can be replaced when needed, preserving the entire tool unit from tool wear. The press brake described herein eliminates the time, energy and storage space required in using and changing large bottom tools. The dies 126 can be adjusted eliminating the need to undertake a complete tool change out. The press brake provides all required sizes of “V” openings (i.e., Vee target, or die V opening) needed in one tool unit. The size of the recess can be as small as .5 inches, for example making it a suitable die holder for all standard bottom tools. In addition, the dies may be separated to provide adequate clearance to produce 90 degree bends. For example, larger profiles may be provided allowing for openings beyond 14 in.
According to one embodiment disclosed herein a press brake is provided. The press brake includes a movable ram and a support beam, wherein the ram and the support beam are connected to a supporting frame. The support beam includes a base plate for supporting a die. The die includes a pair of movable upright members separated to form a punch receiving recess therebetween. The size of the recess may be adjusted by moving the upright members. The upright members are connected to the base plate by a riser positioned in a cutout portion of the base plate. The upright members are configured to simultaneously be moved longitudinally and vertically to create a separation between the upright member and the base plate. The upright members are configured to move laterally when the upright members are separated from the base plate.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to any precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described are considered to be within the scope of the invention.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “fore,” “aft,” “inboard,” “outboard,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the press brake shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/419,290 entitled Method and Machine for Bending Metal and filed on Nov. 8, 2016. The foregoing provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62419290 | Nov 2016 | US |
