With Interrelated Clamp Closer And Tool Mover Patents (Class 72/312)
  • Patent number: 11114923
    Abstract: A bending-forming jig used in bending and forming a protruding portion of a leg portion of a U-shaped conductor toward a circumferential direction, the protruding portion protruding from an axial end surface of a stator core, the bending-forming jig including a ring portion and a claw portion, the claw portion including a first abutting surface that rises from an axial end surface of the ring portion with the surface directed in the circumferential direction and abuts against a tip portion of the protruding portion from the circumferential direction, and a projecting portion that projects, at a tip end of the claw portion, in the circumferential direction from the abutting surface and abuts against the tip portion of the protruding portion from the axial direction toward the axial end surface of the ring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuiki Goto, Daisuke Mizushima, Yasuyuki Hirao, Hiroaki Takeda, Sho Yasuda
  • Patent number: 10507509
    Abstract: A pipe expanding device with a pipe-length fixing assembly is suitable for holding a pipe with a connecting end, and includes: a body including a first space and a second space; a clamping unit detachably disposed in the first space, and provided for insertion of the pipe, wherein the connecting end of the pipe is able to move back and forth within the second space; and the pipe-length fixing assembly is disposed in the second space and able to move back and forth toward the first space, and the connecting end of the pipe is stopped against the pipe-length fixing assembly. The pipe expanding device is capable of precisely fixing the expanding length, and improving the sealing of the joint between expanded pipes, and the pipe expanding operation is not limited by the user's experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Yung Chi Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 9962751
    Abstract: A plurality of protruding portions is formed in a metal plate material through a plurality of steps by use of forming tools each of which includes a die and a punch. An arrangement pitch between a concave portion and a convex portion for use in forming the protruding portions in the die and the punch that are used in a post-process is made narrower than an arrangement pitch between a concave portion and a convex portion for use in forming the protruding portions in the die and the punch that are used in a pre-process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Hirata
  • Patent number: 9352374
    Abstract: A system and method forming a ground bonding strap. A length of cable is measured to determine a segment of cable to stamp to form a pair of connectors. The segment is heated. The segment is stamped to form the pair of connectors. The pair of connectors defining an indentation and a pair of receptacles disposed through the cable. The pair of receptacles being each adjacent to and separated by an indentation. The indentations being positioned to allow a user to cut between the pair of connectors to form a ground bonding strap of a length selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Aaron Munn, Doug Klamm
  • Publication number: 20150114068
    Abstract: A flaring tool is provided for flaring an end of a pipe or tube. The tool includes a locking mechanism having a collar and a collet with two or more collet pieces that engage the collar prior to and during a flaring operation. The collet can receive a pipe or tube when the collet is in an expanded or open position. The collet pieces have external flanges for engaging the collar during clamping and unclamping of the tube, each flange having first and second flange portions that sequentially engage an inner surface of the collar, the first flange portion guiding insertion of the collet into the collar and the second flange portion causing the collet pieces to clamp onto the tube. A flaring mechanism moves a flaring mandrel towards the end of the tube when the collet is clamped, whereby the mandrel engages and flares the end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Mark J. Hasenberg, Logan D. Pitts
  • Patent number: 8875554
    Abstract: A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sergey Fedorovich Golovashchenko, Alan John Gillard, Chatchai Wanintradul
  • Patent number: 8839651
    Abstract: A horizontally stacked hemming press includes a horizontally disposed base. A first vertical support is mounted on the base and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A linear track is mounted on the base. A horizontally disposed die stack including a plurality of cooperably operable die sets are horizontally arranged in series and moveable along the linear track. Each die set includes a pair of vertically disposed die shoes. A guided press platen is horizontally moveable along the linear track. A second vertical support is mounted on the base distal from the first vertical support and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A drive mechanism is supported by one of the supports and connected to the press platen for opening and closing the die sets. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the press platen and thereby horizontally opens one of the die sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hirotec America, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Toeniskoetter
  • Patent number: 8739596
    Abstract: A rotating filler cam system including a lower die receiving at least one filler cam. The filler cam includes saddles that sit in saddle pockets of the lower die such that the filler cam is rotatably connected to the lower die. At least one wedge assembly is driven to contact the filler cam and rotate the filler cam from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Daniel F. Nieschulz
  • Patent number: 8516874
    Abstract: A stamping tool for forming a stamped metal panel used as part of a pillar of a motor vehicle is provided. The stamped metal panel is arcuate and has a u-shaped cross-section, the arcuate panel including a transitional portion so as to avoid a die lock condition. The tool includes an upper die, and a lower die, and transitional portion surfaces. The transitional portion surfaces tapers as the transitional portion surface extends from the ends of respective upper and lower dies to a first point. The transitional portion is substantially tangential with at least the first wall surfaces of the dies to facilitate removal of the panel from between upper and lower dies of a stamping tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Nicole Moore, Stuart W. Bailey, Nobiaki Kitaura
  • Publication number: 20130133394
    Abstract: A hand held flaring tool includes a receiving portion for receiving an end of a tube, a stop element, a locking mechanism and a flaring mechanism. The stop element is movably disposed at the receiving portion and is movable between a stopping position, where the stop element limits insertion of the tube at the receiving portion to set the tube at an appropriate location for flaring the end of the tube, and a flaring position, where the stop element is moved to a position remote from the end of the tube. The locking mechanism is operable to lock the tube at the receiving portion when the tube is inserted into engagement with the stop element. The flaring mechanism is operable to move a flaring mandrel towards and into engagement with the end of the tube to flare the end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: AMERICAN GREASE STICK COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark J. Hasenberg, Logan D. Pitts, John M. Peirce
  • Patent number: 8281636
    Abstract: In a heading device for elongate workpieces having a hydraulic chucking unit and an shaping ram, which is movable axially from a retracted idle position against the workpiece, the chucking unit comprises a housing having a sliding body which is hydraulically displaceable in the axial direction of the workpiece from a starting position into a clamping position (and vice versa), in which at least two chucking segments which are situated uniformly around the workpiece are inserted, which, on their side facing toward the shaping ram, press against a locking plate which is inserted into the housing and can be fixed therein, are movable radially against the workpiece by a displacement of the sliding body in its clamping position, and each receive at least one clamping jaw, which can be pressed by the chucking segment holding it radially against the workpiece for its clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Wafios Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Möck, Dirk Taigel
  • Publication number: 20120011914
    Abstract: A lead processing apparatus includes a first die unit, a second die unit that is movable relative to the first die unit, a load transmitting portion that transmits a load to the second die unit, and a stopper mechanism that stops the movement of the second die unit in a direction in which the second die unit approaches the first die unit. The stopper mechanism includes a plurality of stroke stopper pairs each having a first stroke stopper fixed to the first die unit and a second stroke stopper that is fixed to the second die unit and comes into contact with the stopper to stop the movement of the second die unit. The load transmitting portion distributes a load to a plurality of load transmission positions and transmits a press load to the second die unit. Each load transmission position is arranged coaxially with the stroke stopper pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tohru KUMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8061175
    Abstract: The invention deals with a sheet-metal bending machine containing a lower machine part and an upper machine part mounted on it in a movable way where on either of the upper and lower machine part there is a pair of working tools designed as a bending arm and a holding arm where the principle is that the upper machine part (3), or at least the pair of the working tools connected to it, is, in relation to the lower machine part (2), or at least in relation to the pair of the working tools connected to it in the feeding direction (L) of the processed metal sheet (14), mounted in a mutually horizontally sliding bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Reinhard Franze
  • Patent number: 8033155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a press die set for forming a flange that bends an edge of a part, such as a door panel and a hood panel, at a right angle in a press-forming direction and bends an edge adjacent to the edge at a negative angle, and a flange forming method. The press die set for forming a flange according to the present invention can accomplish the flange formation described above in one step, has a simple structure, and is easy to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hirotec Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Sasaki, Nobuyuki Shiozaki
  • Patent number: 7997113
    Abstract: A hemming system and method is taught. The system and method employs tool platen assemblies comprising an anvil and one or more beam assemblies which are configured on the tool platen assembly and which tool platen assembly can be removed and replaced in the hemming system without the need for reconfiguration of the tool platen components. This allows for relatively rapid change over for the hemming system to hem different components. Further, the lift table of the hemming system includes a lift plate which moves the anvil through a predefined constant vertical stroke, but the start and end positions of that constant stroke length can be changed by inserting and removing a set of spacers from the anvil lift path. When the spacers are in the lift path, the lowered position and the raised position of the anvil are both higher than the corresponding lowered position and raised position when the spacers are removed from the lift path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dermody, Michael W. Dorsett
  • Publication number: 20100281940
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a hemming head for performing a hemming operation which comprises a support housing adapted for securement to a robot arm on a first end, and having a first roller rotatably secured to a second end. The first roller has a cylindrical body, a head, and a groove between the body and head. The head has a diameter greater than the body, and the groove has a diameter less than the body. The groove also includes a canted surface that conjoins with the head. In use, the cylindrical body is adapted to engage and force a workpiece edge downwardly to a first position and the canted surface is adapted to engage and force the workpiece from the first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Aaron E. Harrow, Thomas A. Cox
  • Publication number: 20090301160
    Abstract: A crimping device (1) comprising a crimping bed (12) provided for receiving a workpiece (10), a multiaxial manipulator, in particular an industrial robot (2), which has a crimping tool (5) with at least one crimping roller (6) on its hand, is intended to avoid fold formation on the flange (11), particularly during the pre-crimping. To this end, at least parts of the crimping roller (6) have the form of a cone or a truncated cone having an axis of symmetry (27), an apex (26), and an opening angle ?, wherein for the opening angle ? of the cone it holds that 180°>??140°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jens Baumgarten, Peter Plapper
  • Publication number: 20090013748
    Abstract: The invention deals with a sheet-metal bending machine containing a lower machine part and an upper machine part mounted on it in a movable way where on either of the upper and lower machine part there is a pair of working tools designed as a bending arm and a holding arm where the principle is that the upper machine part (3), or at least the pair of the working tools connected to it, is, in relation to the lower machine part (2), or at least in relation to the pair of the working tools connected to it in the feeding direction (L) of the processed metal sheet (14), mounted in a mutually horizontally sliding bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Reinhard FRANZE
  • Patent number: 7363794
    Abstract: While a rotational die and a predetermined position of a lower mold in which the rotational die is provided can be set in a zero contact manner, operation of setting the rotational die in the predetermined position of the lower mold can be easily performed, and occurrence of problems such as insufficient rotation of the rotational die and breakage of support shafts is reduced. To realize this, in a structure of bearing for rotatably supporting, in a bearing hole, a pivot support shaft of a rotational die arranged in a press molding apparatus, an inner diameter of at least an upper side of the bearing hole with respect to a horizontal line passing through a center of the bearing hole is formed slightly larger than a diameter of the support shaft, and a space is provided between the pivot support shaft and the inner surface of the upper side of the bearing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yourbusiness Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadatoshi Kinoshita
  • Publication number: 20070245796
    Abstract: A press die for molding an edge wall at a peripheral edge of a workpiece includes a die convexly formed along a shape of one surface of the edge wall, a punch formed with a concave portion along the other surface of the edge wall, and a stripper for holding the workpiece with the die therebetween, wherein a clearance between the die and the punch is in a range of not less than 70% and not more than 95% of a thickness of the workpiece before forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Shiga, Masayoshi Moriwaki
  • Publication number: 20070193325
    Abstract: A hemming machine is provided with a frame, a hemming tool support structure and a swinging drive structure. The hemming tool support structure is rotatably coupled to the frame to rotate about a center rotation axis. The hemming tool support structure includes a hemming tool disposed at a first location such that the hemming tool moves towards and away from an edge part of a workpiece that is supported on a die upon rotation of the hemming tool support structure. The swinging drive structure transmits a rotational driving force to the hemming tool support structure via a releasable connection located on a side of the center rotation axis that is opposite of the hemming tool. The releasable connection is configured to release the swinging drive structure to allow further rotational movement of the hemming tool away from the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7237420
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the deformation of workpieces, in particular for the plastic shaping of pipe ends, with a shaping unit actuated by the pressure of a fluid and with a prestressing unit arranged on a common longitudinal axis and actuated by the pressure of a fluid and also with clamping elements of conical design which can be clamped by means of the prestressing unit, in each case at least one separate pressure space being designed in the shaping unit and in the prestressing unit, which space can be pressurized independently of the pressure space of the other unit in each case. In this connection, the shaping unit and the prestressing unit are interconnected but completely closed off in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Voss Fluid GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerd Berghaus
  • Patent number: 7204118
    Abstract: A hemming die tool assembly for use with an anvil supporting a workpiece to be hemmed. A mounting plate is pivotally secured about an axis relative to the anvil while a vertical slide is slidably attached to the mounting plate along a first direction. An elongated channel is attached to the vertical slide so that the axis of the channel is transverse to the first direction. A hemming tool is secured to the vertical slide while a rocker arm is pivotally secured at one end to the mounting plate about the pivotal axis of the mounting plate while a second end of the rocker arm is longitudinally slidably mounted in the channel. A first cam assembly pivots the mounting plate between a retracted position, in which the hemming tool is positioned away from the workpiece, and an extended position in which the hemming tool overlies the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Philip V. Wiens, Keller McGaffey, Darius Gheorghita, Kenneth St. Denis, Gabor Sztvorecz, Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 7178374
    Abstract: A press forming apparatus, for metal separators for fuel cells, has a pair of peripheral portion holding dies which hold a peripheral portion of a material and are movable toward and counter to each other; a pair of intermediate portion forming dies for forming a intermediate portion of the material, which are disposed inside the peripheral portion holding dies and are movable toward and counter to each other; and a pair of center portion forming dies for forming a center portion of the material, which are disposed inside the intermediate portion forming dies and are movable toward and counter to each other, wherein one of the peripheral portion holding dies and one of the intermediate portion forming dies are fixed to each other, one of the center portion forming dies is movable with respect to one of the intermediate portion forming dies toward the material, the other intermediate portion forming die and the other center portion forming die are fixed to each other, and the other intermediate portion forming
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Enjoji, Toshiki Kawamura, Hideaki Kikuchi, Takanori Monda
  • Patent number: 7124491
    Abstract: An apparatus for horizontally actuating hemming and stamping die sets includes a horizontal base support and a roller device horizontally mounted thereon. A linear guidance system is set in and a drive support is vertically attached to the base support. A drive mechanism is supported and an anvil die set is held by the drive support. A vertical platen rests on top of the base support and is loosely guided by the linear guidance system. A punch die set is held by the vertical platen and a plurality of bushings are set therein. At least three guide shafts are secured to the anvil die set and each is engaged to one of the bushings of the punch die set. A plurality of link bars are attached to the vertical platen via link bar attachments and coupled to the drive mechanism. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the vertical platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tesco Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: James B Toeniskoetter, James J Steed, Gerald F Erker
  • Patent number: 7124612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crimping blade with a profile such that the angle of attack ? of the sheet metal to be crimped remains constant during the entire crimping phase. In this way, the force applied to the sheet metal is always at the same angle in relation to the sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Process Conception Ingenierie
    Inventor: Gabriel Le Guevel
  • Patent number: 6968721
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine blade retainer using a material cutting device and a material bending device includes steps for suspending a bar stock material between a polyurethane shock absorber and a bore of a cutting jig support, moving the cutting punch downward to press the distal end of the bar stock material into the shock absorber and then cut the bar stock material to thereby generate a blank, clamping the blank between a bending punch and a receiving slide by pressing the bending punch against the receiving slide, bending the distal end of the blank against a chamfered section of a bending support in response to continued downward motion of the bending punch to thereby form a blade retainer precursor, and milling the blade retainer precursor to form the blade retainer. Corresponding devices for performing these steps are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenjiro Tabuchi, Go Nabatame
  • Patent number: 6923036
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved apparatus and method for prehemming and hemming is provided. More particularly, the improved apparatus and method is for folding an edge portion of a curved arcuate panel to create a hem in a single cycle of operation with a single hemming swing steel pressed only in the vertical direction. The apparatus and method use an anvil for supporting an associated assembly of the outer skin and the inner panel, an upper body, and a steel mounted to the upper body. The steel is moved between first and second operative positions and has a first angled surface for prehemming the assembly when the steel is in the first operative position and a second angled surface for fullhemming the assembly when the steel is in the second operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald C. Stefanek
  • Patent number: 6907763
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Publication number: 20040206149
    Abstract: A C-type frame is movable in a direction in which the C-type frame is adjacent to and away from a workpiece having an outer panel and an inner panel assembled with each other. After the C-type frame is advanced and a pre-hemming punch is advanced by a swing cylinder provided at the C-type frame, a hemming die is raised by a lifter hydraulic cylinder provided on a lower portion of the C-type frame and a flange of the outer panel is provisionally hemmed. Then, after retreat of the pre-hemming punch following lowering of the hemming die, the hemming die is raised again and final hemming is conducted between the hemming die and the hemming punch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hidehiko Hario, Yasuyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6804981
    Abstract: A hemming or flanging device is provided for the prehemming and finishing hemming of components with a first component having an upright standing flange before hemming and a second component with a flat edge area. The device includes a folding bed performing the hemming stroke with support surfaces for the components arranged to be approached at least in an edge area. At least one prefolding jaws movable into a prehemming position, with a flange contact surface arranged obliquely to the flange. At least one finishing folding jaw has contact surfaces arranged in parallel to the edge area. A finishing folding jaw slide moves the finishing folding jaw from an outside to an inside into a finishing hemming position. A prefolding jaw slide or a pivoting plate moves the prefolding jaw from the outside to the inside into the prehemming position and relative to the finishing folding jaw slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Technologies AG
    Inventor: Josef Maier
  • Publication number: 20040159138
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6739169
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6708548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming an end area of a workpiece (2), especially for cold press-forming an end area of a pipe, comprising two force transmitting elements (7, 9) which are guided in a common housing (3). The device is characterised in that a first pressure chamber (26) is located between the two force transmission elements (7, 9) and in that a second pressure chamber (28) is allocated to the second force transmission element (9). When the first force transmission element (7) is in the bracing position, the second force transmission element (9) can be displaced in relation to the first force transmission element (7) in order to form the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Ehrke, Udo Hunkenschroeder, Frank-Stefan Runte, Martin Ziehl
  • Patent number: 6705150
    Abstract: A raised panel door section (22, 54, 64) for an overhead garage door (20, 50, 60) includes a sheet metal layer (32, 56, 66) formed from sheet metal stock (74) that is embossed to produce a raised panel design by an automated method that selects one of a first die set (84) and a second die set (90) in response to a predetermined embossment style, installs the selected one of the first and second die sets (84, 90) into an embossing press (36) and embosses the sheet metal stock (74) with the predetermined embossment style. The predetermined embossment style includes one of a vertical raised panel design (30), a horizontal raised panel design (52), and a horizontal long raised panel design (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: 1st United Door Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Jellá
  • Patent number: 6672121
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a hem flange in an aluminum alloy sheet during the forming of the sheet into a panel that is intended to be attached to a second panel by hemming. The hem flange is formed by fluid pressure over a small radius tool portion to bend the flange from the sheet material and stretch the flange material below the bend to form a thinned hemline valley in the material. The original bend and thinned valley cooperate during the folding of the flange around the second panel to form a flat pinched hem without cracking or fracturing the flange material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Carsley, Chongmin Kim, John Robert Bradley, George K. Nurminen
  • Publication number: 20030217580
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flanging apparatus for metal sheets for use with metal sheets of the body structure in vehicle manufacturing, with a base frame, with a flanging bed movable up and down, and with flanging jacks movable into the work area of the flanging bed. The invention consists of the fact that a flanging tool has the main, workpiece-specific components, in particular the flanging bed and flanging jacks, and is arranged in the base frame as an exchangeable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Artur Ruescher, Bruno Strausfeld, Ralph Hoffstadt
  • Patent number: 6644088
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flanging apparatus for metal sheets for use with metal sheets of the body structure in vehicle manufacturing, with a base frame, with a flanging bed movable up and down, and with flanging jacks movable into the work area of the flanging bed. The invention consists of the fact that a flanging tool has the main, workpiece-specific components, in particular the flanging bed and flanging jacks, and is arranged in the base frame as an exchangeable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Artur Ruescher, Bruno Strausfeld, Ralph Hoffstadt
  • Patent number: 6640599
    Abstract: A folding tool for automatic roll folding comprises a first member (2) which is fixed to a manipulator, and a second member (3), which is rotatably connected to the first member (2). The second member (3) includes a first folding roller (4). A spring is disposed to permit a relative movement between the first member (2) and the second member (3), under the action of a force, which is increased by the movement. A method of roller folding by means of a folding tool, which includes a first member (2) fixed to a manipulator, and a second member (3) which is pivotal relative to the first. The second member is provided with a folding roller and is actuated by a spring force, which is directed away from the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Jan Persson
  • Patent number: 6640601
    Abstract: A hemming press that includes a crown and a base plate separated by four corner posts. A press ram is slidably mounted on the posts between the crown and base plate. A first die is mounted to a lower surface of the press ram and a second die is mounted to an upper surface of the base plate. Workpieces to be hemmed are placed in the second die, and the press ram is moved from an upper home position to a lower hem position to perform the hemming process. Pre-hemming and final hemming steps are performed by one continuous stroke of the press ram. A pre-hem pressure is provided to the press ram by at least one electric servomotor and roller screw assembly, and a final hem pressure is provided to the press ram by at least one hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Machine America Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hatty
  • Publication number: 20030200782
    Abstract: A method for sharp, crisp hemming inner and outer aluminum sheet metal panels in which a flange is formed along an outer edge so that the flange extends from a bend line and lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the outer panel. This bend line, furthermore, has an outer radius in the range of (1.0 mm+t)>R>(0.2 mm+t) where t=the thickness of the outer panel. The inner panel is then positioned on the outer panel so that an outer edge of the inner panel is adjacent the bend line. The flange is then bent so that the flange overlies the outer edge of the inner panel while simultaneously compressing the flange in the direction towards the bend line. Thereafter, the flange is compressed against the outer peripheral portion of the inner panel thus completing the hem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Publication number: 20030192362
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a hem flange in an aluminum alloy sheet during the forming of the sheet into a panel that is intended to be attached to a second panel by hemming. The hem flange is formed by fluid pressure over a small radius tool portion to bend the flange from the sheet material and stretch the flange material below the bend to form a thinned hemline valley in the material. The original bend and thinned valley cooperate during the folding of the flange around the second panel to form a flat pinched hem without cracking or fracturing the flange material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: John E. Carsley, Chongmin Kim, John Robert Bradley, George K. Nurminen
  • Patent number: 6612146
    Abstract: A hemming machine having a stationary base and defining a work station. A lifting beam is vertically movably mounted to the base at the work station while a motor assembly moves the lifting beam between a raised and a lowered position. Two die cartridges, each having hemming tooling and a nest vertically movably mounted to the die cartridge, are horizontally movable relative to the base by a conveyor assembly. A conveyor motor selectively moves the die cartridges between a position laterally spaced from the work station and the work station. With the die cartridge positioned at the work station, a first clamp releasably secures the nest to the lifting beam while a second clamp assembly releasably secures the die cartridge to the base. With the nest secured to the lifting beam and the die cartridge secured to the base, hemming operations are performed at the work station in the conventional fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Saint Denis, Ray Cote, Louis Raffin, Lee Harrison
  • Publication number: 20030110823
    Abstract: A machine for hemming a sheet metal assembly is disclosed in which the sheet metal assembly includes an inner sheet metal panel and an outer sheet metal panel. The outer panel also has an outer lip which lies in a plane transverse with respect to the plane of the inner panel from a bend line in the outer panel. The inner panel also has an outer edge spaced inwardly a few millimeters from the bend line of the outer panel. The apparatus includes a base and a nest adapted to receive and support the sheet metal assembly, and this nest is movably mounted relative to the base. A final hem tool mounted to the base performs a final hem operation. This final hem tool has a generally planar section overlying the outer edge of the inner panel and a portion of the lip following a prehem operation. The final hemming tool also includes a second curvilinear section adjacent the first planar section and this second curvilinear section overlies the remainder of the lip and extends to the bend line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6578401
    Abstract: A hemming machine is disclosed having a base, a plate mounted to the base and a nest adapted to support a workpiece to be hemmed which is vertically slidably mounted to the base above the plate. An inflatable bladder is sandwiched in between the plate and the nest or even the base and the plate while a source of incompressible fluid selectively inflates the bladder thus vertically displacing the nest relative to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Valiant Corporation
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Publication number: 20030061854
    Abstract: A hemming machine is disclosed having a base, a plate mounted to the base and a nest adapted to support a workpiece to be hemmed which is vertically slidably mounted to the base above the plate. An inflatable bladder is sandwiched in between the plate and the nest or even the base and the plate while a source of incompressible fluid selectively inflates the bladder thus vertically displacing the nest relative to the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Dominique Baulier
  • Patent number: 6526797
    Abstract: The present invention provides a negative-angle forming die comprising a lower die half having a supporting portion for placing a sheet metal work, and an upper die half to be lowered straightly downward onto the lower die half for forming the work, an intrusion forming portion formed in the lower die half at an edge portion near the supporting portion inward of a downward stroke line of the upper die half, a rotary cam rotatably provided in the lower die half, a slide cam including an intrusion forming portion and slidably opposed to the rotary cam, and an automatic retractor provided in the lower die half for pivoting the rotary cam back to a position thereby allowing the work to be taken out of the lower die half after a forming operation, the work placed on the supporting portion of the lower die half being formed by the intrusion forming portion of the rotary cam and the intrusion forming portion of the slide cam, the slide cam forming the work by sliding, the automatic retractor pivoting back the rotary
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Umix Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6523386
    Abstract: The present invention provides a negative-angle forming die comprising a lower die half and an upper die half. The lower die half has an intrusion forming portion, a rotary cam, a slide cam, and an automatic retractor. The work is placed on the lower die half being formed by an intrusion forming portion of the rotary cam and an intrusion forming portion of the slide cam. The slide cam forms the work by sliding. The rotary cam has two ends each including a supporting shaft projecting therefrom. The supporting shafts are supported by the lower die half for rotatably supporting the rotary cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Umix Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6519995
    Abstract: Disclosed is a negative-angle forming die. The die has upper and lower halves. The upper die half has a supporting portion for receiving a sheet metal work, and an intrusion forming portion. The lower die half carries a plate-like cam which can be moved toward the lower die half for forming the work. The die also has a rotary cam, the ends of which terminate in first and second shafts journaled in the lower die half. The die also has a slide cam, which itself has an intrusion forming portion. This portion is slidably opposed to the rotary cam. The die is equipped with a cam follower arm centrally fastened to the supporting shaft. One end of the cam follower arm carries a cam follower in operable relationship with the plate-like cam carried by the upper die half. In operation moving contact between the plate-like cam and the cam follower causes the cam follower arm to rotate. This in turn causes rotation of the rotary cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Umix Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6508097
    Abstract: A modular endforming mechanism for modifying an end of a thin-walled malleable tube is herein disclosed. The modular endformer comprises a gripping module having a collet means for grasping a tube inserted into the gripping module. The gripping module may be coupled to one of an expansion module and a reducing/flaring modular. The expansion module is constructed and arranged to actuate a sizing mandrel, which is inserted into the interior of the end of a tube to expand the diameter of the end of that tube. A forming insert works in conjunction with the sizing mandrel to limit the expansion of the tube diameter under the influence of the sizing mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Airmo, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul N. Ose