FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to multi-tools. The multi-tools have a plurality of tool-receipt openings, at least one which is adapted to receive a slitting tool. The multi-tools are applicable for use on turret presses, single-station presses, other industrial presses, or other fabrication equipment.
BACKGROUND
Sheet metal and other workpieces can be fabricated into a wide range of useful products. The fabrication (i.e., manufacturing) processes commonly employed involve bending, folding, and/or forming holes in the sheet metal and other workpieces. The equipment used for such processes can involve many types, including turret presses and other industrial presses (such as single-station presses), Trumpf style machines and other rail type systems, press brakes, sheet feed systems, coil feed systems, and other types of fabrication equipment adapted for punching or pressing sheet materials.
As is known, multi-tools can be used with many types of fabrication equipment. For example, turret presses are widely used in forming sheet metal and the like, and these presses are one type of machine on which multi-tools can be used. The description that follows describes turret presses and multi-tools used therewith; however, this description should not be viewed as limiting. Again, multi-tools can just as well be used with other types of fabrication equipment, such as single-station presses or other presses not having turrets.
Turret presses commonly have an upper turret that holds a series of punches at locations spaced circumferentially about its periphery, and a lower turret that holds a series of dies at locations spaced circumferentially about its periphery. Commonly, the turrets can be rotated about a vertical axis to bring a desired punch and die set into vertical alignment at a work station. By appropriately rotating the upper and lower turrets, an operator can bring a number of different punch and die sets sequentially into alignment at the work station in the process of performing a series of different pressing operations.
Multi-tools for turret presses and other presses allow for a plurality of different tools to be available at a single tool-mount location on the press. Thus, in place of a tool with only one punch, the multi-tool is adapted to carry a plurality of different punches. Accordingly, when mounted on a tool-mount location of a press, a multi-tool will enable any one of a plurality of punches it carries to be selected and moved to an operable position. Then, when a ram of the punch press acts on (e.g., strikes) the multi-tool, only the selected (or “activated”) punch is forced into engagement with the workpiece. Such multi-tools can carry punches, forming tools, dies, combinations of punches and forming tools, combinations of punches and dies, etc.
It is known that a multi-tool provides many advantages over a conventional single tool used at a tool-mount location. However, there is room for further advances relative to multi-tool technology. One potential area of advancement is providing multi-tool designs that can effectively and efficiently accommodate differing tool types and as needed differing configurations of such tool types to accommodate larger-sized tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In certain embodiments, a multi-tool is provided having a plurality of tool-receipt openings adapted to receive respective tools, wherein at least one of the tools is a slitting punch. In some cases, the slitting punch can be centrally positioned/oriented in the multi-tool.
The multi-tool includes a guide plate configured to connect a driver assembly of the multi-tool and a selected one of the tools of the multi-tool via a drive mechanism. The guide plate has at least one opening through which the drive mechanism extends, thereby enabling the drive mechanism's connection between the drive assembly and the selected one tool in its corresponding tool-receipt opening. When the at least one guide plate opening is aligned with the desired tool-receipt opening, a desired tool therein can be activated via downward force on the driver assembly, with such force transferred onto the desired tool via the drive mechanism situated between the driver assembly and the desired tool-receipt opening carrying the desired tool.
In some cases, the guide plate has a plurality of openings through which the drive mechanism extends. The drive mechanism is formed as a platform having a plurality of protruding portions, each of which extends through one of the plurality of openings in the guide plate. One or more of the protruding portions extending through the guide plate openings are positioned in front of the desired tool-receipt opening.
Adjustment of the drive mechanism occurs when moved from one position whereby access is provided to one tool carried in a corresponding tool-receipt opening to another position whereby access is provided to another tool carried in a corresponding tool-receipt opening. Adjustment of the drive mechanism can be the result of corresponding adjustment of the guide plate and/or corresponding adjustment of the driver assembly head. The adjustment of the drive mechanism can be by rotation, the adjustment being relative to the guide housing and the tool-receipt openings thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a multi-tool punch assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 1, the assembly being shown at a first setting in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention and the cross-sectional view taken from a cut made along lines II-II of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 1, the assembly being shown at a second setting in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention and the cutaway view showing a partial view of one tool of the multi-tool punch assembly;
FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the one tool from the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 3, the one tool being a slitting punch;
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the cross-sectional view taken from a cut made along lines V-V of FIG. 1 and showing one position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly, the one position partially shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the cross-sectional view taken from a cut made along lines VI-VI of FIG. 1 and showing a further position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly, the further position partially shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of a multi-tool die assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the die assembly having like configuration as the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7A1 is a representative cross-sectional view of a further multi-tool punch assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the cross-sectional view showing one position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly;
FIG. 7A2 is a representative cross-sectional view of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 7A1 and showing a further position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly;
FIG. 7B1 is a representative cross-sectional view of another multi-tool punch assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the cross-sectional view showing one position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly;
FIG. 7B2 is a representative cross-sectional view of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 7B1 and showing a further position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly;
FIG. 7C1 is a representative cross-sectional view of further multi-tool punch assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the cross-sectional view showing one position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly;
FIG. 7C2 is a representative cross-sectional view of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 7C1 and showing a further position for a drive mechanism of the multi-tool punch assembly;
FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of another multi-tool punch assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the tools of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 8 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the one tool being a slitting punch;
FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of a multi-tool die assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the die assembly having like configuration as the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of a further multi-tool punch assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective side view of one of the tools of the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 11 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the one tool being a slitting punch;
FIG. 13 is a transparent view of the tool of FIG. 12 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention; and
FIG. 14 is a perspective top view of a multi-tool die assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the die assembly having like configuration as the multi-tool punch assembly of FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the present teaching as a guide, and the principles taught herein can be applied to accommodate other applications and/or to achieve other embodiments. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the preferred embodiments shown, but rather are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. The following material is intended to familiarize the reader with the general nature and various features of embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-tool punch assembly 10 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown, the multi-tool 10 carries a slitting tool 12. With reference to FIG. 4, which shows the slitting tool 12 in isolation, the tool 12 is a punch-type tool. In certain embodiments, as illustrated, the slitting tool or punch 12 can be an assembly, formed from a plurality of components. For example, the sitting punch 12 is shown to be formed of a working/blade portion 12a having a blade width 12b, a holder portion 12c, and a driver portion 12d. In certain embodiments, as illustrated, such slitting punch 12 is centrally positioned in the multi-tool 10. For example, in certain embodiments as shown, the central vertical axis A of the multi-tool 10 is substantially aligned with the central vertical axis B of the punch 12. While the value and/or significance of the assembled components and centralized positioning of the slitting punch 12 will be later described, it should be appreciated that that shown is only one of a variety of different configuration/position possibilities in combining the technologies of multi-tool assemblies and slitting tools.
Historically, metal fabricating technicians have been faced with a choice of either using multi-tools in their metal forming stations (e.g., enabling more tools in turrets and correspondingly less set-ups) or using long or larger-shaped forming (e.g., slitting) tools in lieu of multi-tools, particularly in larger-sized stations. Embodiments described herein are focused on taking advantage of both multi-tools and slitting tools via combinations of their technologies. For example, as further detailed herein, a slitting punch can have a variety of differing shapes and/or configurations, which can be helpful in incorporating and using these punch types in multi-tool assemblies. To that end, being able to incorporate a slitting tool in an already-existing design of multi-tool package would provide an easy retrofit option for technicians in the metal formation industry. For example, use and activation of a slitting punch in a multi-tool configuration could be enabled via updates made to the equipment software. In other cases, the use or activation (of the tools) of the multi-tool may need to be varied, and its design correspondingly modified, based on incorporation of a particular size or shape of slitting tool. This latter case will be initially exemplified, as detailed below with reference to FIGS. 1-7.
Shifting back to FIG. 1, the multi-tool 10 is adapted to carry a plurality of tools. As already noted, the tools include the slitting punch 12 having a centralized position/orientation in the multi-tool 10, along with one or more other tools spread about the working end 10a of the multi-tool 10. One design example, as shown, could involve four additional tools 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d offset from (e.g., distributed around) the slitting punch 12. In certain embodiments, as further illustrated, the multi-tool 10 can be configured so that the one or more additional tools are distributed around a periphery of the working end 10a of the multi-tool 10. In such case, the multi-tool 10 is defined with a corresponding plurality of tool-receipt openings 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d adapted to receive and carry the tools 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, respectively, while the multi-tool 10 is also defined with a further centralized tool-receipt opening 16 to receive and carry the slitting punch 12. It should be appreciated that designs with centralized positioning for slitting tool, such as exemplified in FIG. 1, are preferable when larger-sized slitting tools are being used, as the blade width 12b of the slitting tool 12 can extend across the diameter D of the multi-tool working end 10a. In certain embodiments, the blade width 12b extends across at least 75% of the diameter D of the multi tool's working end 10a. In more preferable embodiments, the blade width 12b measures (and thus extends) between 80% and 90% of the diameter D of the multi tool's working end 10a. In even more preferable embodiments, the blade width 12b is at least 85% of the diameter D of the multi tool's working end 10a.
As already noted, while the slitting tool 12 is a punch, the other individual tools 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d distributed positioning around the punch 12 can be any of a variety of tool types. For example, these individual tools can be any of punching tools (i.e., punches), forming tools, threading tools (e.g., drop-in insert threading tools, such as those adapted to tap or thread internal or external surfaces), or various combinations of different types of tools. As already noted, the multi-tool 10 accommodates two tool types and five total tools. However, it should be appreciated that there is no rigid prescription for tool quantity or combination used in a multi-tool. To that end, while one particular configuration has been exemplified for the multi-tool 10, there could be a variety of differing tool types and distributions of the tools defined for the multi-tool. For instance, in addition to carrying the slitting punch 12, the multi-tool 10 could be adapted to further accommodate, e.g., all punches, all forming tools, all dies, some punches and some forming tools, some punches and some dies, and/or one or more further slitting tools, etc. In certain embodiments, the tools 12, 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d of the multi-tool 10 are all punches, and the tool-receipt openings 16, 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d could alternately be referred to as punch-receipt openings.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional and cutaway views of the multi-tool 10, and these views can be particularly useful in detailing internal processes involving the multi-tool 10, such as selection of a particular tool therein and activation of such tool. As shown, the multi-tool 10 has a driver assembly 20 and a guide housing 22, wherein the driver assembly 20 can be selectively attached to and removed from the guide housing 22. As described above, the slitting punch 12 is centrally positioned in the multi-tool 10. For example, in certain embodiments as shown, the central vertical axis A of the multi-tool 10 is substantially aligned with the central vertical axis B of the punch 12. To that end, in certain embodiments, the driver assembly 20 is attached to a top end of the guide housing 22. Regarding the multi-tool 10, once it has been retrieved for use by the metal fabricating press (not shown) and adjusted with respect to selecting a particular one of the tools 12, 14a, 14b, 14c, or 14d exemplarily carried therein, the fabricating press (again, not shown) is used to trigger activation of the selected/desired tool. In certain embodiments, activation of the desired tool involves the tool being driven out from its tool-receipt opening in the guide housing 22 to perform a corresponding operation on a workpiece. The procedure and mechanics involved for adjusting the multi-tool 10 for selection of a particular tool for use will be detailed later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. However, once such adjustment has been made, the desired tool 12, 14a, 14b, 14c, or 14d is ready for individualized use via the multi-tool 10.
In activating the desired tool, in certain embodiments, an upper head 20a of the driver assembly 20 is forcefully contacted (e.g., see FIGS. 2 and 3; usually via downstroke of a ram of the press, shown as force C extending into the head 20a), and a corresponding force is transferred to a drive mechanism 24 within the driver assembly 20. As a result, the drive mechanism 24 is correspondingly moved toward the selected/desired tool, to contact and drive the tool from its corresponding tool-receipt opening in the guide housing 22 and toward a work piece for performing the work operation thereon. For recoil of the multi-tool 10 following such operation, in certain embodiments as shown, springs 28 are internally disposed, e.g., within the guide housing 22. As such, the springs 28 are compressed when the driver assembly 20 and drive mechanism 24 are activated relative to a selected tool, and the springs 28 recoil the driver assembly 20, drive mechanism 24, and selected tool following the work operation. With continued reference to FIG. 2, the tool-receipt opening 16 for the slitting tool 12 is shown. To that end, the opening 16 is further illustrated as expanding into a cavity 26 within the guide housing 22 of the multi-tool 10, with the cavity 26 configured to contain the extent of the slitting punch 12.
With reference back to FIG. 4, which shows the punch 12 in its entirety and isolated from the multi-tool 10, in order to provide stability to a slitter tool having bigger size/length (such as shown with punch 12), the punch 12 can have enhanced reinforcement across the length 12b of its blade 12a and along the extent 12e of the punch 12. For example, in certain embodiments as shown, this reinforcement is provided via extended housing of the slitting blade 12a within a holder portion 12c, e.g., along a significant segment 12f of the blade's length 12b. In certain embodiments, this segment 12f is at least 75% of the blade's length 12b. In more preferable embodiments, the segment is between 80% and 90% of the blade's length 12b. In even more preferable embodiments, the segment is at least 85% of the blade's length 12b. Turning to the punch's extent 12e, it is reinforced via the multiple assemblies linked together across this extent 12e. For instance, as shown, there is male/female mating between the slitting blade 12a and the holder portion 12c, and male/female mating between the drive portion 12d and the holder portion 12c. Not only do the separate linkages help distribute the driving force transmitted to the slitter punch 12 to enhance the punch's stability, but the female/male mating provides more linked surface area along the punch's extent 12e, as opposed to rigid linkages provided by a series of fasteners.
In summary, the slitting punch 12 and the multi-tool 10 have been integrated, with the punch 12 enabled to be of the longer/larger size variety, but a plurality of design considerations relating to the punch 12 itself as well as the multi-tool 10 needed to be met. As noted, the punch 12 itself would require enhanced reinforcement and stability to minimize adverse effect of its size, given the repeated use thereof in the multi-tool. Turning to the multi-tool 10, a sufficient area across the working face 10a and a sufficiently large cavity 26 within the multi-tool 10 could be achieved via centralized position/configuration of the slitting punch 12. To that end, and to help aid in being able to form such cavity 26, the mechanics required for adjusting the multi tool 10 (in selecting a particular/desired tool thereof) needed to be streamlined. In certain embodiments, this streamlining involved aspects relating to the drive mechanism 24, and a guide plate 30 adapted to function with the drive mechanism 24. Further, the unique profile of the drive mechanism 24 being configured to adjustably mate with the drive portion 12d of the centrally-positioned slitting punch 12 as well as the other surrounding tools help make the multi-tool 10 design possible.
In certain embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 2-6, a guide plate 30 of the multi-tool 12 is configured to connect the driver assembly 20 and a selected one of the tools 12, 14a, 14b, 14c, or 14d via the drive mechanism 24. For example, in certain embodiments, the guide plate 30 has at least one opening 30a through which the drive mechanism 24 extends, thereby enabling connection between the drive assembly 20 and the selected one tool 12, 14a, 14b, 14c, or 14d in its corresponding tool-receipt opening 16, 18a, 18b, 18c, or 18d. When the at least one guide plate opening 30a is aligned with the desired tool-receipt opening, the desired tool therein can be activated via downward force on the driver assembly 20, with such force transferred onto the desired tool via the drive mechanism 24 situated between the driver assembly 20 and the desired tool-receipt opening carrying the desired tool.
In certain embodiments, the guide plate 30 has a plurality of openings through which the drive mechanism 24 extends. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the guide plate 30 is shown to have four openings 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d. However, such quantity should not be limiting to the invention. Continuing with the exemplary case, the drive mechanism 24 is formed as a platform having a plurality of protruding portions, each of which extends through one of the plurality of openings in the guide plate 30. Accordingly, in the case example in which there are four openings 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d defined in the guide plate 30, the drive mechanism 24 could have up to four protruding portions 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d extending through the guide plate openings 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, respectively. As will be further described, when the drive mechanism 24 is adjusted, one or more of these portions 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d would extend so as to be positioned in front of (e.g., over) the desired tool-receipt opening for activating/triggering the selected/desired tool therein, while the other portions would extend so as to be positioned adjacent (e.g., to the side of) the other non-selected/non-desired tools so as to lock in its adjusted position without impacting those non-selected/non-desired tools (at that adjusted position of the drive mechanism 24).
In general, adjustment of the drive mechanism 24 occurs when it is moved from one position whereby access is provided to one of the tools 12, 14a, 14b, 14c, or 14d carried in a corresponding tool-receipt opening 16, 18a, 18b, 18c, or 18d to another position whereby access is provided to another tool carried in a corresponding tool-receipt opening. Adjustment of the drive mechanism 24 can be the result of corresponding adjustment of the guide plate 30 and/or corresponding adjustment of the driver assembly head 20a. In certain embodiments, the adjustment of the drive mechanism 24 can be via rotation, where the adjustment is made relative to the guide housing 22 and the tool-receipt openings 16, 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d thereof as well as the tools 12, 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d respectively carried therein.
Shifting back to FIGS. 2 and 3, despite these drawings showing cross-section and cutaway views, their depictions show the drive mechanism 24 in the adjustment positions illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, respectively. Starting with FIGS. 2 and 5a, the drive mechanism 24 has been adjusted such that two of its protruding portions 24a and 24d (portion 24d not shown in FIG. 2) extend through corresponding openings 30a and 30d (opening 30d not shown in FIG. 2) of the guide plate 30, such that the portions 24a and 24d are positioned in front of (e.g., over) the tool-receipt cavity 26 for the slitting punch 12. To that end, and with reference to FIG. 5a, two of the protruding portions 24a and 24d are shown positioned in front of (e.g., over) opposing parts of the drive portion 12d of the slitting punch 12. In certain embodiments, as shown, the drive portion 12d is formed with a protruding body having platform areas 12d′, 12d″ which are configured to receive the protruding portions 24a and 24d, respectively. To that end, dedicating two portions 24a and 24d from the drive mechanism 24 to be used in activating the slitting punch 12 is in line with the previously-noted design considerations to enhance stability and reinforcement of the punch 12 when it is activated. Using multiple portions 24a and 24d enables the driving force to be more evenly distributed across the extent/length of the larger/longer punch 12, while the platform areas 12d′, 12d″ for the drive mechanism portions 24a, 24d also provide more seating and stability when they contact the drive portion 12d of the slitting punch 12.
Moving on to FIGS. 3 and 5b, the drive mechanism 24 has been adjusted such that one of its protruding portions 24a extend through corresponding opening 30a of the guide plate 30, such that the portion 24a is positioned in front of (e.g., over) the tool-receipt opening 18c for a particular one of the punches 14c (neither opening 18c nor punch 14c is shown in FIG. 3). To that end, and with reference to FIG. 6, the protruding portion 24a is shown positioned in front of (e.g., over) the punch 14c. To that end, dedicating one protruding portion from the drive mechanism 24 to be used in activating the punch 14c is sufficient, as the punch has rather sleek cylindrical profile which can be adequately activated via contact with one portion 24a protruding from drive mechanism 24. As previously noted, the other protruding portions (portions 24b, 24c, and 24d when activating the standard punches 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, and portions 24b and 24c when activating the slitting punch 12) would be shifted so as to be positioned adjacent (e.g., to the side) of the other non-selected/non-desired tools in order to lock in the adjusted position of the mechanism 24 without impacting those non-selected/non-desired tools.
FIG. 6 shows a multi-tool die assembly 40 that is configured for use with the multi-tool 10. The arrangement of dies 42, 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d are positioned in same configuration as the punch layout on the working end 10a of the multi-tool punch assembly 10. To that end, in metal fabrication applications, the die assembly 40 would ideally be retrieved by the press at same time that the multi-tool punch assembly 10 is programmed and then retrieved for forming operations, with the workpiece positioned between the selected/desired punch and die sets in providing the forming operations.
FIGS. 7A1/7A2, FIGS. 7B1/7B2, and FIGS. 7C1/7C2 illustrate embodiments for multi-tools which are similar in design to the multi-tool 10 of FIG. 1. For example, adjustable (e.g., rotatable) drive mechanisms 45, 46, 47 are used for driving not only the centrally positioned slitting tool (now shown), but also other tools 48 surrounding the slitting tool. However, one difference is manner by which the mechanisms 45, 46, 47 are configured to drive the slitting tools. For example, unlike the multi-tool 10 of FIG. 1, the multi-tools of FIGS. 7A1/7A2, FIGS. 7B1/7B2, and FIGS. 7C1/7C2 function with a center punch 49 that is used for driving the slitting tool, while the other tools 48 use the drive mechanism as their driving source. Relating to the central slitting tools, the drive mechanisms have center striker members 51a, 51b, 51c incorporated therein. In certain embodiments, as shown, the members 51a, 51b, 51c are selectively adjustable within the drive mechanisms 45, 46, 47 and positioned about the center punch 49. In some embodiments, there can be a total of two striker members, with the members opposing one another; however, the invention should not be so limited. For instance, the members 51a, 51b, 51c could be more than two, so long as their layout around the center punch 49 does not interfere with the other tools 48 when they are driven via the respective drive mechanism 45, 46, 47.
In embodiments in which there are two striker members, the striker members 51a, 51c can be situated in channels 53a, 53c of the drive mechanisms 45, 47 and oriented to oppose each other, such as shown in FIGS. 7A1/7A2 and FIGS. 7C1/7C2. In other, the striker members 51b can be hinged via pins 53b of the drive mechanisms 46, such as shown in FIGS. 7B1/7B2. In certain embodiments, relative to FIGS. 7A1/7A2, FIGS. 7B1/7B2, as the drive mechanisms 45, 46 are adjusted (e.g., rotated) to selected tools of the multi-tools, the center strikers are correspondingly adjusted and acted upon via continual contact with locked outer cam plates 55a, 55b. In certain embodiments, as shown, striker members 51a, 51b have rollers 57a, 57b (e.g., ball bearings) to facilitate smooth contact between the members and cam plates. The cam plates 55a, 55b are shaped so as to widen (via gaps 59a, 59b) outer to the striker member pairs 51a, 51b when the drive mechanism 45, 46 is positioned with respect to its drive 51d activating one of the tools 48 other than the central slitting tool. Accordingly, in these positions, the striker member pairs 51a, 51b are configured (e.g., resiliently biased) to move toward the gaps 59a, 59b and away from the center punch 49. As such, when the drive mechanism is driven to actuate one of the other tools 48, the striker member pairs 51a, 51b are situated to not interfere, i.e., contact the center punch 49. Conversely, when the drive mechanism 45, 46 is positioned with respect to activating the central slitting tool, the drive mechanism 45, 46 is adjusted to move the striker member pairs 51a, 51b out of the gaps 59a, 59b and toward the center punch 49, to be positioned over the punch 49. As such, when the drive mechanism is driven to actuate the slitter tool, the other driving portions of the drive mechanism 45, 46 (normally used for actuating the other tools) are situated to not interfere, i.e., contact the center punch 49, while the striker member pairs 51a, 51b are situated to actuate the central slitting tool via the center punch 49.
A further drive mechanism design, varying from mechanisms 45, 46 of FIGS. 7A1/7A2, 7B1/7B2, is the drive mechanism 47 of FIGS. 7C1/7C2. As already noted, the design also embodies having two striker members 51c, with the members situated in channels 53c of the drive mechanism 47 and oriented to oppose each other. In certain embodiments, as the drive mechanisms 47 is adjusted (e.g., rotated) to selected tools of the multi-tools, the center strikers are correspondingly adjusted and acted upon via continual contact with a cam groove 57. The cam groove 57 is shaped so as to widen outward when the drive mechanism 47 is positioned with respect to activating one of the tools 48 other than the central slitting tool. Accordingly, in these positions, the striker member pair 51c are moved away from the center punch 49. As such, when the drive mechanism is driven to actuate one of the other tools 48, the striker member pair 51c are situated to not interfere, i.e., contact the center punch 49. Conversely, when the drive mechanism 47 is positioned with respect to activating the central slitting tool, the striker member pair 51c is configured via the cam grove 57 to move toward the center punch 49, to partially extend over the punch 49. As such, when the drive mechanism is driven to actuate the slitter tool, the other driving portions of the drive mechanism 47 (normally used for actuating the other tools) are situated to not interfere, i.e., contact the center punch 49, while the striker member pairs 51a, 51b are situated to actuate the central slitting tool via the center punch 49. In certain embodiments, as shown, the drive mechanism 47 is positioned atop the cam plate 55c, which is locked in place (e.g., via pin 61). Accordingly, the drive mechanism 47 can be adjusted (e.g., rotated) relative to the plate 55c and the cam groove 57 therein, enabling the mechanism 47 and the striker member pairs 51c to adjust relative to the grove 57.
FIG. 8 illustrates a further multi-tool punch assembly 50 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown, the multi-tool 50 carries a slitting tool 52; however, in contrast to the slitting tool 12 of the multi-tool 10, the slitting tool 52 is positioned off center on the work end 50a of the multi-tool 50. As should be appreciated, such off-center positioning does not favor using larger, longer style slitting punches. However, there are workpiece machining processes that have application for reduced size slitting operations, whereby the slitting tool 52 of the multi-tool 50 would be not only suitable, but preferable. Moving on to FIG. 9, the slitting tool 52 is shown in isolation, apart from its multi-tool 50. Similar to the slitting tool 12 of multi-tool 10, the slitting tool 52 is also a punch-type tool.
In certain embodiments, as illustrated, the slitting tool or punch 52 can be an assembly. However, due to the relatively short length 52b of its working or blade portion 52a, there is not a significant need for enhanced stability and reinforcement of the slitting punch 52. Instead, the assembly of the punch 52 involves only the working portion 52a and a drive portion 52c, which is very typical of a standard punch tool, having a rather sleek cylindrical profile. Thus, the corresponding tool-receipt opening 58 for the slitting punch 52—but for the flat extension at the working end of the punch 52—would be similar in size to that of tool receipt openings 60 and 62 used for the other two punch tools 54 and 56 situated in the multi-tool 50. To that end, and with reference to the working end 50a of the multi-tool 50 shown in FIG. 8, the distribution of the blade-shaped slitting blade 52a and exemplary oval-shaped and square-shaped working ends 54a, 56a of the other punches 54, 56 forms a good tool fit, particularly given the more-compact size of the tool 50. Like that already described for the multi-tool 10 of FIG. 1, the multi-tool 50 of FIG. 8 can be configured with internally-configured springs (not shown, e.g., within guide housing of the multi-tool 50). In such embodiment, the springs are compressed when the multi-tool 50 is activated relative to a selected tool therein, and the springs recoil the selected tool following the work operation.
Even though the multi-tool 50 of FIG. 8 supports a smaller, shorter slitting punch 52 (as compared to the tool 10 and punch 12 of FIG. 1), the design should not be undervalued. To the contrary, each configuration offers its own advantages. For example, while the multi-tool 10 of FIG. 1 can be used with fabricating stations sized and/or configured to support and accommodate certain larger size tools, e.g., larger/longer slitting punch 12, the sizes of the other punch tools can often be inversely impacted, needing to be comparably smaller in size. The opposite holds true in using the multi-tool 50 of FIG. 8. Accordingly, each of the multi-tools 10 and 50 can adequately serve valuable, yet differing metal fabrication applications. Further concerning the multi-tool 50, its punches 52, 54, and 56 can be configured to have similar type drive ends. As such, the driving system for the tool 50 would be more typical (in using same-type tools) and less complex. Consequently, the cost for the multi-tool 50 could be less, as compared to larger or more complex designs.
Turning to FIG. 10, it shows a multi-tool die assembly 70 that is configured for use with the multi-tool 50. The arrangement of dies 72, 74, and 76 are positioned in same configuration as the punch layout on the work end 50a of the multi-tool punch assembly 50. To that end, in metal fabrication applications, the die assembly 70 would ideally be retrieved by the press at same time that the multi-tool punch assembly 50 is programmed and then retrieved for forming operations, with the workpiece positioned between the selected/desired punch and die sets in providing the forming operations.
FIG. 11 illustrates a further multi-tool punch assembly 80 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown, the multi-tool 80 carries a slitting tool 82. To that end, the slitting tool 82 is quite similar in its position/orientation as the slitting tool 12 herein detailed for multi-tool 10, in that the tool 82 is centrally positioned/oriented in the multi-tool 80. Thus, and as previously described with slitting punch 12 of multi-tool 10, the multi tool 80 would favor applications using larger, longer style slitting punches. Also, like the multi tool 10, the multi-tool 80 of FIG. 11 has additional tool-receipt openings 88a, 88b, 88c, and 88d surrounding the slitting tool 82 and its tool-receipt opening 86, although only one is depicted carrying a punch 84. To that end, and as partially shown in FIG. 11, the slitting tool 82 and the other punch tool 84 have their own spring packs 90 and 92, respectively. Thus, the multi-tool 80 has no driver mechanics, as the spring packs 90, 92 can activate the tools 82, 84 when their packs are so actuated. Accordingly, the multi-tool 80 is relatively simple in design, with limited internal driving mechanisms and externally disposed spring packs (e.g., outside the guide housing of the tool 80). To that end, upon a ram strike on one of the spring packs 90 or 92 for a selected one of the tools 82 or 84, the corresponding spring pack drives its tool for the work operation, while recoiling the selected tool following the work operation.
Moving on to FIG. 12, the slitting tool 82 is shown in isolation, apart from its multi-tool 80. Similar to the slitting tool 12 of multi-tool 10, the slitting tool 82 is a punch-type tool, and is a larger, longer slitting punch type. To that end, many of the same considerations are in place to ensure stability to a slitter tool having bigger size/length (as is the case with punch 82). For example, the punch 82 is supported across its entire width 82a, yet the force to drive the punch 82 is divided amongst a plurality of spring packs 90. In certain embodiments as shown, three spring packs 90 are connected to the punch 82 for activation thereof. As further shown, the spring packs 90, in certain embodiments, can be collectively held and attached to the punch 82. While a total of three spring packs 90 is exemplified, the invention should not be limited to such. Using multiple spring packs 90 helps distribute the driving force across the width of the slitter punch 82, which enhances the punch's stability when activated. Further linking the packs 90 integrally to the slitter punch 82 provides enhanced reinforcement to the entire punch assembly during machining operations.
It is well known, when tools are used repetitively in heavy-duty machining operations, their surfaces can start to wear away. In some cases, this dictates full replacement of the tool; in other cases, only a working end of the tool needs to be replaced. In further cases, the worn portions may not need not replacing, but sharpening instead. Sharpening, however, leads to reduced tool length. Thus, to resume use relative to its intended machining operations, the sharpened tool often needs to be indexed, or adjusted in height, relative to the work surface. In the multi-tool 80, such an indexing system is exemplified relative to the spring packs 90.
For example, with reference to FIG. 13, showing a transparent view of the slitting punch 82, there is provided a gearing system 94 connected to, e.g., positioned atop, the spring packs 90. In certain embodiments, as shown, atop each of the packs 90 is a primary gear 94a, while the primary gears 94a are interlinked via secondary gears 94b. Continuing with this exemplary indexing design, via rotation of either of the secondary gears 94b (e.g., via corresponding adjustment of their linked adjustment rings 96), each of the primary gears 94a are also rotated, yet in the opposite rotational direction. Such results in the punch blade 82b being pulled toward, or extended away from, the primary gears 94a, thereby shortening or lengthening the punch 82, respectively. In certain embodiments, using a tool (e.g., hex key wrench) for rotating either of the adjustment rings 96, a rotation in a clockwise direction would extend the punch length, while a rotation in a counterclockwise direction would shorten the punch length. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a locking key 98 is provided for each adjustment ring 96 to set/lock the punch length.
With further attention to indexing functionality of slitting tools, it should be appreciated that there are a variety of mechanisms that can be used to extend or reduce punch length. For example, with reference to the slitting tools 12, 52 shown in FIGS. 4, 9, the holder portion 12c and drive portion 52c thereof could be configured to provide such indexing functionality for the tools. For example, these intermediary portions 12c, 52c can be formed with multiple shafts, inner and outer, whereby the inner shaft is threadedly coupled to the outer shaft such that the length of the tool can be extended by unthreading the inner shaft from the outer shaft. Another example, in certain embodiments, can involve the proximate or driven ends of such slitting tools 12 and 52. For example, regarding the tool 12, its driving portion 12d can be threadedly received on the holder portion 12c, whereby rotating the driving portion 12d in counterclockwise direction would extend the punch length. As further exemplified with the slitting tool 52, locking fasteners (such as 52d and 52e) can be located at one or both ends of the driving portion 52c to correspondingly lock together parts of the drive portion 52, e.g., in the cases of adjustable inner/outer shafts and/or end cap).
Turning to FIG. 14, it shows a multi-tool die assembly 100 that is configured for use with the multi-tool 80. The arrangement of dies 102 and 104 are positioned in same configuration as the punch layout on the work end 80a of the multi-tool punch assembly 80. To that end, in metal fabrication applications, the die assembly 100 would ideally be retrieved by the press at the same time that the multi-tool punch assembly 80 is programmed and then retrieved for forming operations, with the workpiece positioned between the selected/desired punch and die sets in providing the forming operations.
Thus, embodiments of a MULTI-TOOL TECHNOLOGY WITH SLITTING CAPABILITY are disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims that follow.
Patent Application
20250144694
