Cutting – Processes – With reorientation of tool between cuts
Patent
1998-07-23
2000-06-13
Rachuba, M.
Cutting
Processes
With reorientation of tool between cuts
83859, 29465, 72455, B21D 3700
Patent
active
060735252
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for aligning tools provided on a C-frame applicator.
C-frame applicators are used with suitable tools provided at the free ends of the C-frame which involve applying force at a point remote from the edge of a workpiece for the purpose of either fastening the workpiece by such means as riveting, clinching or welding; or clamping, drilling, forming, or piercing the workpiece; or bringing other components into engagement with the workpiece in an assembly operation.
In current practice, applicators for this purpose are normally constructed with C-frames which have sufficient rigidity to carry the required load with minimal deflection. One major disadvantage of such high rigidity C-frames is that they are inevitably heavy and bulky. C-frames could carry the same loads with far less weight and bulk if greater deflection under load was permissible This is a point of great significance because heavy, bulky applicators cannot readily be carried on prime movers such as economically sized robots.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a design which permits greater C-frame deflection whilst retaining the desired relative alignment of the tools over at least part of the operating cycle during which a force is applied to a workpiece.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for aligning tools mounted on the free ends of the arms of a C-frame applicator comprising the steps of: first position in which the axes of the tools are disposed at an angle relative to each other and a second position in which the axes of the tools are coaxial with each other; from the first position towards the second position and bring the tools substantially into coaxial alignment; and workpiece.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for aligning tools mounted on the free ends of the arms of a C-frame applicator, wherein: which the axes of the tools are disposed at an angle relative to each other and a second position in which the axes of the tools are coaxial with each other; workpiece to flex the C-frame from the first position towards the second position and bring the tools substantially into coaxial alignment; and to the workpiece.
The clamping load need not be sufficient to flex the arms of the C-frame fully from the first position to the second position. Flexing to the second position can be accomplished with the aid of the force applied to the workpiece by the tools. For example, in the case of riveting the force applied to the workpiece by the tools may be such that the arms of the C-frame are flexed to the second position when the force exerted by the tools is sufficient to cause the rivet to begin penetration of the workpiece.
The predetermined clamping load may be constant, but it can be advantageous if the clamping load is reduced from the predetermined level as the force applied by the one or more tools to the workpiece is increased. The result of the reduction in the clamping load is that the total applied load can be maintained substantially constant with the consequence that the flexure of the C-frame remains substantially constant.
Thus the present invention provides an applicator incorporating a C-frame which is capable of maintaining a desired relative alignment of a first (upper) tool on one arm of the frame and a second (lower) tool on the other arm during at least part of the time when the tools are under load.
In many fastening, forming or assembly operations, the most important stage in terms of alignment is the workpiece entry stage, i.e. when the rivet, drill or the like enters the workpiece. By ensuring that the workpiece is clamped in a manner such that the tools are coaxial at the workpiece entry stage, the present invention ensures accurate alignment of the tools at least in the entry stage and, if desired, during the entire operating cycle.
Mounting the tools so that they come into alignment when the clamping force is a
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Ariel Industries PLC
Choi Stephen
Dorman Ira S.
Rachuba M.
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