Including Fluid Cushion For Die Opposite To Ram Patents (Class 72/453.13)
  • Patent number: 11850646
    Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a hat-shaped section component including a curved projection portion such that a to-become-top-plate portion is pressed by a punch in a state where a to-become-flange portion is sandwiched between a die and a holder. The manufacturing apparatus includes the punch having a first mold surface including a curved projection portion mold surface, the holder, and the die having a fourth mold surface facing the first mold surface. An opening is formed in a part, of the fourth mold surface, that corresponds to the curved projection portion mold surface. The manufacturing apparatus includes a pad provided in the die and having a fifth mold surface facing the curved projection portion mold surface, the pad being configured to be relatively movable upward against downward biasing force so that the fifth mold surface becomes flush with the fourth mold surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Isao Nojiri
  • Patent number: 11298736
    Abstract: In a press machine having a die cushion device which supports a cushion pad and which generates a die cushion force when a slide of the press machine is lowered, the wrinkle generation detection device includes: a slide position detector which detects a height position of the slide; a cushion pad position detector which detects a height position of the cushion pad; and a computing unit which consecutively calculates a deviation between the height position of the slide detected by the slide position detector and the height position of the cushion pad detected by the cushion pad position detector, during a time period from the start of forming of a material by the slide lowering to the end of the forming, wherein a wrinkle generated in the material is detected based on an increase of the deviation consecutively calculated by the computing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: AIDA ENGINEERING, LTD.
    Inventor: Junji Makabe
  • Patent number: 9778624
    Abstract: A motor control device. When the motor control device executes pressure control of which a minor loop is speed control or position control, the pressure control is executed in a manner that pressurization or depressurization is performed while a control parameter of the speed control is fixed; a control parameter of the pressure control is gradually increased; an oscillation amount is successively detected and stored. If the oscillation amount exceeds an acceptable value, on the basis of the control parameter of the pressure control and the oscillation amount stored during adjustment, the control parameter of the pressure control is adjusted such that the oscillation amount is equal to or less than the acceptable value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 9174261
    Abstract: A press working apparatus for processing a heated workpiece is provided with a base part which is relatively movable so as to advance and retreat with respect to the workpiece, a pad provided on the base part and configured to hold the workpiece, a working tool provided on the base part to pass through the pad and adapted to process the workpiece, and a support member configured to movably support the working tool in a direction perpendicular to an advance and retreat direction of the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Matsuda, Kohei Teshima, Kazuya Saito, Jiro Watanabe, Hiroyuki Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20150143866
    Abstract: Press table (3) or press beam (4) for a press brake (1), comprising a beam element (17) having an elongate support surface (18) for attaching a bending tool (19) or tool adapter, a support beam element (24) having approximately the same length (39) as the beam element (17), connecting elements (26) with which connecting points (25) on the beam element (17) are connected, with respect to the length (39) thereof, in particular symmetrically to the support beam element (24), at least one actuator (30) which acts between mutually facing pressure surfaces (28, 29) on the beam element (17) and on the support beam element (24) and which can exert an adjusting force (32) that runs approximately in the pressing direction (31) of the press brake (1) and as a result the support surface (18) of the beam element (17) is actively adjustable between a planar profile and a convex profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co.KG.
    Inventors: Egon Danninger, Bernhard Fischereder, Kabir Secibovic, Gregor Spachinger
  • Patent number: 8850864
    Abstract: This aims to provide a press process for drawing a plate material into a predetermined shape. This press process performs a first unwrinkling treatment and a second unwrinkling treatment sequentially for unwrinkling the material. Between these first and second unwrinkling treatments, an introduction for deforming the material is made so that the portion of the material on the side to be subjected to the second unwrinkling treatment may be positioned on the side of a drawing direction with respect to the portion subjected to the first unwrinkling treatment. This first unwrinkling treatment is made on such a portion to be unwrinkled in the material as is located on the side of a larger drawing depth for the predetermined shape. On the other hand, the second unwrinkling treatment is made on such a portion to be unwrinkled as is located on the side of a smaller drawing depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masao Kubo
  • Patent number: 8850865
    Abstract: A die cushion device includes a cushion pad, a support section, a servomotor, and a shock absorber device. The support section supports the cushion pad. The servomotor raises and lowers the support section for raising and lowering the cushion pad. The shock absorber device includes a damping section and relieves shock between the cushion pad and the support section. The damping section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative speed of the cushion pad with respect to the support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Takuji Miyasaka, Hirohide Sato, Shigeo Morimoto, Hiroyuki Ito, Takeo Arikabe, Shyoji Watanabe, Shigenori Nagashima
  • Patent number: 8786245
    Abstract: A motor control device main unit includes a pressure command signal generation module, a simulated pressure control module, a simulated position calculation module, a simulated pressure signal generation module, a pressure control module, a speed control module, and a current control module. The speed control module receives a motor speed command signal, which is a signal of a sum of an actual motor speed command value of an actual motor speed command signal from the pressure control module and a simulated speed calculated value of a simulated motor speed signal. The speed control module carries out speed control calculation based on a motor speed command value of the motor speed command signal and an actual motor speed of an actual motor speed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Ueda, Hidetoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8757056
    Abstract: A die cushion device for a press machine includes: a hydraulic cylinder for supporting a cushion pad and generating a die cushion pressure when a slide of the press machine moves downward; a proportional valve and a hydraulic pump/motor connected in parallel between a lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder and a low-pressure source; an electric motor connected to a rotating shaft of the hydraulic pump/motor; a die cushion pressure command issuer for outputting a predetermined die cushion pressure command; a pressure detector for detecting a pressure in the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder; and a controller for controlling an aperture of the proportional valve and a torque of the electric motor in a manner that the die cushion pressure becomes equal to a pressure corresponding to the die cushion pressure command, based on the die cushion pressure command and the pressure detected by the pressure detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Kohno
  • Patent number: 8746029
    Abstract: A gas spring mount and related method for metal forming dies includes a one-piece, split clamping ring having a generally ovate plan shape with two spaced apart axes of symmetry. A generally circular clamping portion extends around the first axis, and is shaped to receive a gas spring body therein. A hook-shaped end extends around the second axis, and is shaped to receive a tapered head mounting member therein. A resilient free end is located operably between the clamping portion and the hook-shaped end portion, whereby tightening of the mounting member shifts the hook-shaped end outwardly and the free end inwardly to constrictingly pull the clamping ring securely against the gas spring body, and contemporaneously attach the assembly to an associated die member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Patent number: 8733147
    Abstract: A gas spring mount and related method for metal forming dies includes a one-piece, generally U-shaped clamping band with an arcuate medial portion shaped to receive an associated gas spring body therein, and two enlarged ends with through apertures. Threaded mounting screws extend through the through apertures in the clamping band ends, and are anchored into threaded retainer holes in an associated die member. At least one of the mounting screws has a tapered head and is disposed laterally offset from the associated threaded retainer hole in the die, whereby tightening of the one screw shifts the related enlarged end of the mounting band laterally toward the opposite enlarged end to pull the clamping band constrictingly against the gas spring body to securely, yet detachably retain the same therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Breen, Joel T. Pyper
  • Publication number: 20140137624
    Abstract: The invention provides an aerocushion assembly in a power press having a frame. The power press includes a shape assembly; a shaft communicating with the shape assembly; a cushion assembly communicating with at least one of the shaft and the shape assembly, the cushion assembly preventing at least one of off-center loading of the shaft or deflection of the shaft during movement thereof; a snubbing assembly communicating with at least the shaft; and an adjustment assembly communicating with the shaft and adjusts a stroke length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smedberg, Jesse N. Smedberg
  • Publication number: 20140090441
    Abstract: A die cushion drive includes a first pump, operated by a first electrical machine and at least one hydraulic cylinder having first and second chambers, with the first chamber in fluid communication with the first pump. A die cushion mechanically connected to the hydraulic cylinder. During a controlled movement of the die cushion, a pressure regulation and a preliminary control are active, with a second pump being coupled to a second electrical machine. During preliminary control, the second electrical machine is operated as a generator, with a first valve being used as an adjustment element of the pressure regulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Knoche, Johannes Kurz, Oleg Schlegel, Stephan Schäufele
  • Patent number: 8631678
    Abstract: A press mold comprises lower mold (9), upper mold (3), working limiter (6) and rigid storing restrictor (2). The lower mold (9) and the upper mold (3) are coupled each other by guide post (1) having guiding function so that they can move relative to each other. The working limiter (6) and the rigid storing limiter (2) are located between the lower mold (9) and the upper mold (3). The press mold also includes at least one elastic storing limiter provided between the upper mold (3) and the lower mold (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianghuai Cao
  • Patent number: 8522595
    Abstract: A guided keeper assembly for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face and a fastener aperture to mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. A guide pin having a central portion is closely received in the central guide aperture for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and the die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at one end which abuts the the-base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at an opposite end with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the guide pin on the die pad. A fastener extends through the fastener aperture in the base to securely connect the same with the die shoe. Another fastener securely connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel T. Pyper, Scott M. Breen, Gordon L. Chaisson, Jeremie J. Yoder, Theodore A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8468866
    Abstract: In the die cushion device, a shock absorber device relieves shock between a cushion pad and a support section. The shock absorber device includes a damping section and an elastic section. The damping section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative speed of the cushion pad with respect to the support section. The elastic section generates reaction force in accordance with the relative displacement of the cushion pad with respect to the support section. The controller section controls a servomotor so that a speed difference between the speed of the slide member and the speed of the support section is set to be a predetermined target speed difference value that changes over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuji Miyasaka, Hirohide Sato, Ryota Yoshimura, Masaya Nakagawa, Eiji Doba, Hiroyuki Ito, Takeo Arikabe
  • Patent number: 8429946
    Abstract: A press-working apparatus capable of forming a clear character line. The press-working apparatus forms a product having a character line. The press-working apparatus comprises an upper die and a lower die arranged across a steel sheet, an upper die mechanism for moving the upper die toward and away from the lower die, a first holder and a second holder for clamping the steel sheet and applying an unwrinkling force to the same, and a control unit for controlling the upper die mechanism and the first holder. The upper die is divided on the character line of the product into a first upper die and a second upper die. The control unit makes the unwrinkling force by the first holder stronger than that by the second holder, so that the steel sheet is press-worked by the second upper die and then by the first upper die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Maeda, Hideo Meguri, Seiji Takahashi, Yuichi Nagai
  • Patent number: 8393264
    Abstract: A press machine includes a cushion shaft, a press shaft, a motor, and a motor control device. The cushion shaft is connected to a lower die. The press shaft is connected to an upper die and configured to press a workpiece between the upper die and the lower die in cooperation with the cushion shaft. The motor is configured to drive the upper die. The motor control device is configured to control the motor and includes a disturbance observer and an intrusion detector. The disturbance observer is configured to calculate an estimated disturbance value with respect to the motor based on a torque command and a motor velocity of the motor. The intrusion detector is configured to detect, based on the estimated disturbance value, a state of a foreign object between the press shaft and the cushion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Takeki Inoue, Yuji Shiozaki
  • Patent number: 8375765
    Abstract: The cylinder/piston unit for a counterforce ram or vee ring of a fineblanking or stamping press equipped with at least one tool is continuously maintained at a preadjustable cushion pressure (P1) and is then subjected to a preadjustable displacement pressure (P2) from a connectable high-pressure source, with said pressure being set to a pressure (PU) varying between the cushion pressure (P1) and the pressure for forming or blanking by supplying a separate control oil quantity to a second accumulator via a central control unit, whereby a rise in pressure caused by the impact between the tool and the workpiece is regulated, independently of quantity of the control oil, from the pressure (P3) in the second accumulator to a permissible set pressure by discharging a significant part of the pressure pulse into a separate tank and the available cushion pressure allows ejection of the workpiece to be synchronized with retraction of the press ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Feintool Intellectual Property AG
    Inventors: Markus Schaltegger, Thomas Winkler, Francois Juhasz
  • Patent number: 8341996
    Abstract: A method and a deep-drawing apparatus for the deep drawing of a metal sheet by means of a press, a table, a drawing punch, and also a drawing die and a counterpressure plate interacting with the drawing die, which together form a flow path for the metal sheet, wherein at least one drawing strip movable relative to the counterpressure plate is pushed transversely through the flow path of the metal sheet in order to deflect the metal sheet during a drawing phase (first deflection phase) and the drawing strip, for a stop phase, is pushed by a further short distance transversely through the flow path (F) (second deflection stage), wherein a deflection increased once again inhibits the flow of the metal sheet during the second deflection stage, and wherein the metal sheet is essentially plastically formed at the end of the deep-drawing operation, wherein the degree of deflection required during the first deflection stage is set by means of an interchangeable distance piece which is arranged between the counterpres
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Torsten Hallfeldt, Raymund Pflitsch, Carsten Greisert, Juergen Wesemann
  • Patent number: 8342085
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compensating for such deformations as occur in operation in first and second clamping surfaces intended for a tool in a press. The clamping surfaces are reciprocally moveable towards and away from one another in order to move a first and second part of the tool towards and away from one another, and the first and second tool parts have a first and second abutment surface for abutment against the first and second clamping surfaces and the deformations cause uneven pressure in at least one contact region between the tool and the clamping surfaces. According to the present invention, there is disposed, in at least one contact region between a clamping surface and an abutment surface, a power unit which, on activation, is operative to press, away from the clamping surface located in the contact region at least a part of the abutment surface of the tool located there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Automation Presses Tooling AP&T AB
    Inventors: Mikael Karlsson, Bengt Walkin
  • Patent number: 8316686
    Abstract: A press tool arrangement for use in hot creep forming, a method of hot creep forming a component of titanium alloy, and a resilient urging arrangement usable at elevated temperatures are described. The press tool arrangement includes a die, a holder member engageable with a blank of material in the die, and a resilient urging arrangement engageable with the holder member to urge same against a blank of material in the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. Summers
  • Patent number: 8166791
    Abstract: A die cushion pad 13 is divided into four small pads 15 and a large pad 16. With this arrangement, a load applied to an action point of each of the small pads 15 can be equalized by the large pad 16, and an overturning moment arising between the action point and a reaction force point that equates the center of the small pad 15 can be canceled, thereby preventing flexure of the small pad 15. Accordingly, since flexure of the cushion pin and the like can be prevented, there is no risk that the cushion pin is frictioned against the penetrating hole of a bolster, and the lifting operation can be smoothly performed, whereby a higher-accuracy pressing forming operation can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd, Komatsu Industries Corp., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Baba, Hiroaki Honma, Masahide Sunata, Hajime Yoshida, Hirohide Satou
  • Patent number: 8151619
    Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face, a connector portion and a central aperture. A guide pin has a cylindrical center portion closely received in the central aperture of the base for reciprocation, an enlarged first end with an alignment member, and an outwardly opening circumferential groove. A retainer ring is removably mounted in and protrudes radially outwardly of the groove to securely, yet detachably, retain the base on the guide pin between the enlarged head and the retainer ring in an assembled condition to facilitate transport and mounting of the guided keeper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel T. Pyper, Scott M. Breen
  • Patent number: 8127590
    Abstract: In a die-cushion device of a press machine a controller controls an opening degree of a proportional flow-rate control valve to an appropriate opening degree in order to control the flow rate flowing out of a lower chamber of a hydraulic cylinder supporting a cushion pad before a slide collides against the cushion pad using a die-cushion pressure command commanded from a commander in advance and a slide speed signal inputted from a slide speed detector. By this, generation of a surge pressure when a slide collides against the cushion pad at a high speed is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kohno, Katsunori Haseba, Junko Haseba
  • Patent number: 8091395
    Abstract: A system, method and software arrangement are provided for generating press-formed parts having a more consistent quality based on improved determination of processing conditions. For example, an apparatus can be configured to compare actual performance values of material properties provided by a material property database with standard values, and to adjust forming conditions such as a forming speed and a blank-holder pressure in accordance with the compared result. A control arrangement can be provided to control a press-forming device using the adjusted forming conditions. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce occurrences of defects such as cracks and wrinkles when press-forming materials, and to obtain products having consistent quality and substantially identical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Arcelor France
    Inventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Akihiro Uenishi, Yukihisa Kuriyama, Toshiyuki Niwa, Takuya Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 8061176
    Abstract: A press molding device, which has a die 2, a punch 3 and a cushion ring constituted by a first cushion ring 5 and a second cushion ring 6, is characterized in that the first cushion ring 5 is disposed around the punch 3, the punch 3 has a void 3c which houses the second cushion ring 6, and the second cushion ring 6 is housed in the void 3c of the punch 3 and has a reinforcing structure 50 maintaining posture of the second cushion ring 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiro Takayama, Yasuhito Hanaki
  • Patent number: 8042375
    Abstract: A die-cushion controlling device includes: a position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal of a die-cushion pad; a position detecting means for detecting a position of the die-cushion pad; a position comparing section for outputting a position deviation signal corresponding to a deviation between the target position value based on the position command signal and a position detection value based on a position detection signal; a position controlling section for outputting a position-speed command signal based on the position deviation signal; a speed controlling section for outputting a motor-current command signal based on the position-speed command signal from the position controlling section; a servo amplifier for generating a current corresponding to the motor-current command signal; and an output switching section that, based on a press signal output when a slide has reached a bottom dead center, switches the position detection signal from the position detection means
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Yuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8037735
    Abstract: A die cushion apparatus of a press machine in which a discharge opening of a fluid hydraulic pump/motor is directly connected to a pressure chamber on a cushion pressure production side of a fluid hydraulic cylinder and the torque of a rotating shaft of the fluid hydraulic pump/motor is controlled by an electric motor to control a pressure (die cushion pressure) of the pressure chamber on the cushion pressure production side. It is therefore possible to control the die cushion pressure with excellent responsiveness with respect to a die cushion pressure command and prevent occurrence of a surge pressure. The die cushion apparatus also has excellent energy efficiency since energy required for a die cushioning action that a cushion pad receives when effecting die cushioning of a press machine is regenerated as electrical energy through the fluid hydraulic cylinder, fluid hydraulic pump/motor, and electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kohno, Minoru Somukawa
  • Patent number: 7958765
    Abstract: A pressing machine 1 includes: a bed 6 on which a die-cushion device 10 is provided; and a bolster 51 provided on the bed 6. The bed 6 has an inner space 61 in which a die-cushion pad 13 of the die-cushion device 10 is lifted up and down. A supporting portion 63 penetrating the die-cushion pad 13 in a lifting direction and supporting a lower surface of the bolster 51 via a carrier 52 is provided in the inner space 61. With this arrangement, since the bolster 51 is supported by the supporting portion 63, the bolster 51 can be prevented from being flexed during a press forming operation, whereby a highly accurate press forming operation can be realized. In addition, since the supporting portion 63 penetrates the die-cushion pad 13, unlike conventional arrangements, the die-cushion pad 13 does not need to be divided, whereby a complication of the arrangement can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Baba, Hiroaki Honma, Masahide Sunata, Hajime Yoshida, Hirohide Satou
  • Patent number: 7950262
    Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel T. Pyper, Scott M. Breen, Gordon L. Chaisson, Jeremie J. Yoder, Theodore A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7926399
    Abstract: A punching assembly includes a die base, a sleeve, an adjusting screw, a pull portion, a latching block, an elastic element, a fixing ring and a stop member. A top of the die base is received in the sleeve. The adjusting screw includes a contact end, a mounted end inserting into the sleeve and connecting to the top of the die base, and a latching portion located between the contact end and the mounted end. The pull portion is disposed around the sleeve. The latching block engages the latching portion. The elastic element is disposed around the adjusting screw, supporting the latching block. The fixing ring surrounding the adjusting screw is fixed on the sleeve. The stop member, contiguous with the fixing ring, prevents axial movement of the adjusting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Jung Huang, Jian Luo, Fu-Shun Huang, Chun-Nan Ou, Chia-Hsiang Ou, Yi-Hua Liu, Shu-Wei Zhou
  • Publication number: 20110083487
    Abstract: A die cushion device includes: a cushion pad which is located below a blank holder and is movable up and down while being synchronized with the blank holder; a linear driving device which drives a brake member along a predetermined line and regenerates energy from the linear movement of the brake member by combination of a servo motor and a conversion mechanism; and a hydraulic speed change device which transfers the speed of the cushion pad to the brake member via the pressure of hydraulic fluid while increasing the speed and transfers the speed of the brake member to the cushion pad via the pressure of the enclosed hydraulic fluid while decreasing the speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidenari OTA, Yuichi OTSUKI
  • Patent number: 7921689
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator, and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement between the driving member and the driven member of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving and driven members in extending and retracting the linear actuator. The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robb G. Anderson, James P. McCrickard, Thomas L. Beck
  • Patent number: 7918120
    Abstract: A die cushion controller controls an ascending/descending speed of a die cushion pad based on a preset pressure pattern and positional pattern. A position/pressure control switching unit constantly monitors and compares a first speed command signal ?pc corresponding to a pressure deviation signal ep and a second speed command signal ?hc corresponding to a position deviation signal eh, and selects a smaller one of the speed command signals to be sent to a speed control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., Komatsu Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Yuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7886564
    Abstract: A system, method and software arrangement are provided for generating press-formed parts having a more consistent quality based on improved determination of processing conditions. For example, an apparatus can be configured to compare actual performance values of material properties provided by a material property database with standard values, and to adjust forming conditions such as a forming speed and a blank -holder pressure in accordance with the compared result. A control arrangement can be provided to control a press-forming device using the adjusted forming conditions. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce occurrences of defects such as cracks and wrinkles when press-forming materials, and to obtain products having consistent quality and substantially identical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Arcelor France
    Inventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Akihiro Uenishi, Yukihisa Kuriyama, Toshiyuki Niwa, Takuya Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 7827843
    Abstract: A device for controlling the drawing process in a transfer press has two tool parts which act in opposition to one another and between which the workpiece to be deformed is held. One tool part is moved between two reversal points by a mechanical crank mechanism driven at a constant rotational speed. The second tool part is connected to the piston of a hydraulic differential cylinder via a piston rod. The movement of the piston is controlled by the supply of pressure medium into a first chamber and by the discharge of pressure medium out of the second chamber of the differential cylinder. During a first time segment within a range delimited by the first and the second reversal point, the rod-side face of the piston is acted upon by a pressure which is sufficiently high to accelerate the second tool part as that, when the two tool parts impinge one onto the other, both tool parts move virtually at the same speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Stefan Arns, Helmut Behl
  • Patent number: 7823434
    Abstract: In conventional ram-driven presses, the downward stroke of the ram into a tool causes acceleration of the tool, thereby facilitating an operation on a workpiece by the tip of the tool. While the ram stroke is found to impart sufficient dynamic energy to the tool to facilitate the necessitated operation by the tool tip, there are other more efficient, and in turn, more effective, means and methods of actuating the tool tip, with such means and methods being facilitated from energy derived from the tool's acceleration or from energy from other external sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wilson Tool International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Lee, Jon M. Shimota
  • Patent number: 7757526
    Abstract: A method for changing a force control gain expressed as a ratio of force error to velocity command value in a control circuit performing a force control of a servo motor driving a die cushion disposed opposite to a slide in a press machine. The method includes: obtaining a difference between a displacement of the slide and a displacement of the die cushion in a state in which the slide and the die cushion collide with and are exerting force on each other; detecting the force when the difference of the displacements is obtained; calculating a spring constant of a structural portion based on a proportionality between the difference of the displacements and the force, when regarding the structural portion including the slide and the die cushion as an elastic structure; and changing the force control gain based on the spring constant using a fixed proportionality that exists between the force control gain and a reciprocal of the spring constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yasusuke Iwashita, Tadashi Okita, Hiroyuki Kawamura, Satoshi Ikai
  • Patent number: 7739894
    Abstract: Provided is a die cushion controller that controls an ascending/descending speed of a die cushion based on a predetermined pressure pattern 56. The pressure pattern 56 has a low pressure target value PL which is first followed by an increased cushion pressure, a high pressure target value PH corresponding to a requisite cushion pressure for retaining a workpiece, and a complementary target value PC which is followed by the cushion pressure at a substantially linear increase rate for a predetermined period of time T2 until the cushion pressure exceeds the low pressure target value PL and reaches the high pressure target value PH. The cushion pressure overshooting the low pressure target value PL continues to follow the complementary target value PC, so that an overshooting amount occurring at a time point at which the cushion pressure reaches the high pressure target value PH can be reduced. As a result, pressure variation in the cushion pressure can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7730757
    Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a flat mounting face and at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. The assembly also includes a guide pin having a central portion closely received in the central guide aperture of the base for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and an associated die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at a first end thereof which abuts the mounting face of the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at the opposite or second end thereof with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the second end of the guide pin on the die pad. A first fastener extends through the marginal fastener aperture in the base to securely, yet detachably, connect the same with the die shoe. A second fastener securely, yet detachably, connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Standard Lifters, LLC
    Inventors: Joel T. Pyper, Scott M. Breen, Gordon L. Chaisson, Jeremie J. Yoder, Theodore A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7685860
    Abstract: A control device for a press machine, by which one of the slide and the die cushion is suitably controlled, when a malfunction occurs in the other, such that the force between the slide and the die cushion does not excessively increase. The control device includes a slide control part for controlling the motion of the slide and a die cushion control part for controlling the motion of the die cushion. A first transmitter transmits an abnormal signal from the die cushion control part to the slide control part when a first detector detects a malfunction of the die cushion. The slide control part is configured to move the slide, when receiving the abnormal signal, such that the slide is away from the position of the die cushion at the time of receiving the abnormal signal by a certain distance and, to stop the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yasusuke Iwashita, Tadashi Okita, Hiroyuki Kawamura, Satoshi Ikai
  • Patent number: 7681427
    Abstract: A device for the production and/or machining of parts, in particular for the production of stampings, by at least one die which is capable of being put under pressure and/or force, and which has at least one plate and one die element, the die element being supported in the plate against pressure elements via a resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Feintool International Management AG
    Inventors: Michael Op de Hipt, Rudolf Welk
  • Publication number: 20090158810
    Abstract: In a die-cushion device of a press machine a controller controls an opening degree of a proportional flow-rate control valve to an appropriate opening degree in order to control the flow rate flowing out of a lower chamber of a hydraulic cylinder supporting a cushion pad before a slide collides against the cushion pad using a die-cushion pressure command commanded from a commander in advance and a slide speed signal inputted from a slide speed detector. By this, generation of a surge pressure when a slide collides against the cushion pad at a high speed is restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Aida Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kohno, Katsunori Haseba, Junko Haseba
  • Publication number: 20090126453
    Abstract: A die-cushion controlling device includes: a position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal of a die-cushion pad; a position detecting means for detecting a position of the die-cushion pad; a position comparing section for outputting a position deviation signal corresponding to a deviation between the target position value based on the position command signal and a position detection value based on a position detection signal; a position controlling section for outputting a position-speed command signal based on the position deviation signal; a speed controlling section for outputting a motor-current command signal based on the position-speed command signal from the position controlling section; a servo amplifier for generating a current corresponding to the motor-current command signal; and an output switching section that, based on a press signal output when a slide has reached a bottom dead center, switches the position detection signal from the position detection means
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Yuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7472897
    Abstract: A high-pressure, inert gas cushion assembly for the ram or bolster of a metal stamping press includes a manifold having fluid-flow passages defined therein, along with a plurality of cylinder mounting locations each in communication with at least one of the fluid-flow passages. A plurality of cushion cylinders are located respectively in the cylinder mounting locations. Each cylinder includes a body having an inner wall that defines a bore of diameter D. A piston is located in the bore and includes opposite inner and outer faces, wherein the outer face is oriented outwardly relative to the bore and manifold. A fluid seal is supported on the piston and is slidably engaged with the wall defining the bore. One or more bearings are supported on the piston and slidably engaged with the inner wall that defines the bore. The bearing(s) support the piston slidably in the bore for reciprocal sliding movement between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Barnes Group Inc.
    Inventors: Harold L. Lanterman, Steven J. Reilly, Terry L. Gang, Jr., Henry J. Kelm
  • Patent number: 7406851
    Abstract: A die cushion controlling apparatus for controlling an operation of a cushion pad, which comprises a pad drive mechanism for driving to raise or lower the cushion pad while applying an upward energizing force, a load measuring unit for measuring a load generated in the cushion pad, a time detecting unit for detecting a generating time and a vanishing time of the load, and a control unit for controlling the pad drive mechanism so that a load measured value measured by the load measuring unit follows a preset load pattern during a period from when the time detecting unit detects the generating time of the load until when the time detecting unit detects the vanishing time of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., KOMATSU Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Shiroza, Yukiyoshi Takayama, Hiroaki Honma, Seiji Seki
  • Patent number: 7401488
    Abstract: A cylinder is formed in the lower portion of a cushion pad, and a piston coupled to an upper end of a rod is slidably contained in the cylinder. The rod is coupled to a rotary shaft of a servomotor. An oil pressure chamber is formed of an inner wall surface of the cylinder and a wall surface of the piston. The axial center of the oil pressure chamber is identical with the axial center of the rod. The pressure oil for alleviating an impact is filled in the oil pressure chamber. The pressure oil filled in the oil pressure chamber absorbs a force operating instantaneously at the cushion pad. According to this structure, the impact generated in a press machine can be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Komatsu Ltd., KOMATSU Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Kiyokazu Baba
  • Publication number: 20080060407
    Abstract: A cushion assembly for forming metallic door skins in an industrial press, the method of manufacturing a door skin using the cushion assembly and the door skin produced by that method. The cushion assembly has a plurality of gas-filled cylinders positioned around the perimeter of said cushion assembly, a solid interior disposed within said perimeter of said gas-filled cylinders and a transfer pad disposed on top of said gas-filled cylinders. In some aspects, the solid interior comprises a plurality of solid cylinders or blocks wherein the solid cylinders extend through openings in the transfer pad and the openings are sized and shaped to be complementary with said solids cylinders or blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Samuel Stamping Technologies
    Inventors: Daniel S. Turner, Colin McConnell
  • Patent number: 7337645
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed for producing a deep drawn part and a shallow drawn part from sheet metal blanks in a single action draw press. A floating draw punch and a fixed draw punch are provided. The first draw die forms a part that is drawn over the fixed draw punch while the second blank does not begin forming the second part until the floating draw punch bottoms out on the bed of the press. The floating draw punch moves with the binder ring until the additional draw depth required to form the deep drawn part is essentially equal to the draw depth of a shallow drawn part. A process for producing multiple unattached sheet metal parts in a single action draw press is also disclosed wherein a first sheet metal part has a draw depth D1 and a second sheet metal part has a draw depth D2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: John W. Davis, Kevin J. Blaser, Gary L. Smith