Elongated-member-driving apparatus – With means to position 'mating-member' in alignment with driver – Comprising feed means for 'mating-member'
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-20
2001-03-06
Vo, Peter (Department: 3721)
Elongated-member-driving apparatus
With means to position 'mating-member' in alignment with driver
Comprising feed means for 'mating-member'
C227S015000, C227S107000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196438
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fixing machine having a machine frame, a feeding tool attached to the machine frame, and a fixing tool also attached to the machine frame. The feeding tool is operated for transferring the fixing elements into the fixing position and may be moved back and forth by a drive element which is rotatable about a drive axis which is stationary relative to the machine frame. The fixing tool is operated for fixing fixing elements moved into a fixing position on a support.
2. Description of the Related Art
Fixing machines are used, for example, for fixing buttons, rivets or the like to articles of clothing. These fixing elements are generally constructed in two parts. For fixing such a two-part fixing element, a generally web-shaped support is usually initially moved into a predetermined position in which the support is arranged between the fixing position of the first fixing element part and the fixing position of the second fixing element part. The fixing element parts transferred into these fixing positions can then be connected to each other in a positively engaging manner by the fixing tool, wherein the support is clamped between the fixing element parts. For this purpose, the fixing element parts are usually conveyed from appropriate magazines through supply paths in feeding ducts and are conveyed within these feeding ducts with the feeding tool into the fixing positions.
In the fixing machine for fixing buttons or the like disclosed in DE 44 08 694 C1, a feeding tool is in the form of a plunger carriage which is moved back and forth along the feeding ducts by means of a centrally mounted Scotch-yoke mechanism. The plunger carriage is provided with a guide slot which extends transversely of the direction of movement, wherein a roller attached to the Scotch-yoke mechanism is received in the guide slot. The roller travels around the Scotch-yoke mechanism when the Scotch-yoke mechanism carries out a rotary movement and the roller traveling within the guide slot transversely of the direction of movement of the plunger carriage imparts reciprocal movement to the plunger carriage. By skillfully selecting the shape of the guide slot it is possible to produce the result that no force transmission takes place between the roller and the plunger carriage within a predetermined angle of the travel path of the roller around the Scotch-yoke mechanism. This makes it possible to provide a period of rest during which the plunger carriage remains in a return position without being moved. This period of rest can be utilized for conducting the fixing element parts into the feeding ducts.
When using known fixing machines, substantial developments of noise and vibrations can be observed even after a short period of operation. Similar problems occur in the fixing machine disclosed in DE 195 81 758 T1 and also intended for fixing buttons or the like. Reciprocal movement of the feeding tool is produced in this machine by a cam and by a connecting member which rests with a cam roller against the cam, wherein the cam roller rolls on the outer surface of the cam when the cam is rotated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a fixing machine of the above-described type which makes possible a long-term operation with minimal noise and vibrations.
In accordance with the invention, a fixing machine is provided with a feeding tool having a feeding rocker that is pivotable about a pivot axis which is stationary relative to the machine frame and a coupling element which is coupled in an articulated manner to the feeding rocker and is fastened to the drive element through a rotary joint, wherein the rotary joint is rotatable with the drive element about the drive axis and has a joint axis extending parallel offset relative to the drive axis.
The problems observed during the use of known fixing machines are primarily due to contaminations and damage of the guide surfaces of the guide slot within the plunger carriage or the outer surface of the drive cam required for coupling the feeding tool to the drive element. In accordance with the present invention, the conversion of the rotary movement of the drive element into a reciprocal movement of the feeding tool can be effected exclusively through rotary joints which are resistant to wear while avoiding guide surfaces which are susceptible to contamination and wear. This ensures a long-term operation of the fixing machine according to the invention with minimal noise and vibrations.
A period of rest of the feeding tool in a return position is advantageous for placing the fixing elements in the feeding ducts. A period of rest is achieved in DE 44 08 694 C1 by a special shape of the guide slot arranged in the plunger carriage. In accordance with the present invention, a period of rest can be realized through the use of a connecting element coupled in an articulated manner to both the feeding rocker and the coupling element. On the side of the rotary joint facing away from the connecting element, the coupling element is connected in an articulated manner to a guide rocker which is pivotable about a second pivot axis which is stationary relative to the machine frame.
By adjusting the distances between the second pivot axis, the point of connection of the guide rocker to the coupling element, the joint axis of the rotary joint, the point of connection of the coupling element to the connecting element and the point of connection of the connecting element to the feeding rocker, it is possible to adjust the angle of rotation of the drive element over which the feeding rocker remains essentially in a position of rest in one of its points of return. Adjustment of the amplitude of the reciprocal movement of the guide rocker is accomplished by adjusting the distance between the joint axis of the rotary joint and the drive axis of the drive element.
A fixing machine according to the invention can be manufactured particularly inexpensively and the components of the machine reduced, if the drive element is used for driving both the feeding tool and the fixing tool. For this purpose, the fixing tool advantageously has a first pressing die coupled to the drive element and movable in a reciprocating manner with the drive element, wherein the fixing element moved into the fixing position can be pressed against the support by means of the first pressing die. It has been found to be particularly useful if the first pressing die is coupled to the drive element through a first crank drive. This first crank drive can be realized so as to be particularly resistant to wear if this first crank drive includes a first crank-rocker mechanism coupled in an articulated manner, preferably through a bent lever to the first pressing die, a first receiving ring fastened to the first crank-rocker mechanism, and a circular disc rotatably received in the first receiving ring and eccentrically fastened to the drive element.
As is well known, the fixing procedure can be optimized if the fixing tool has two pressing dies which can be moved back and forth opposite relative to each other. The fixing machine according to the present invention makes it possible to realize this advantageous fixing procedure particularly inexpensively if the second pressing die is also coupled to the drive element and, thus, is movable back and forth opposite to the first pressing die. The second pressing die can be coupled to the drive element through a second crank drive. Also in this case, a coupling which is particularly resistant to wear is achieved if the second crank drive includes a second crank-rocker mechanism connected in an articulated manner to the second pressing die, a second receiving ring fastened to the second crank-rocker mechanism, and a circular disc received rotatably in the second receiving ring and attached eccentrically to the drive element.
A particularly compact construction of the fixing machine can be realized if both circular discs are fastened to the drive element in the direction of t
Calve Jim
Kueffner Friedrich
Vo Peter
YKK Europe Ltd.
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