Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
  • B21D45/00—Ejecting or stripping-off devices arranged in machines or tools dealt with in this subclass
  • B21D45/003—Ejecting or stripping-off devices arranged in machines or tools dealt with in this subclass in punching machines or punching tools
  • B21D45/006—Stripping-off devices
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T83/00—Cutting
  • Y10T83/202—With product handling means
  • Y10T83/2092—Means to move, guide, or permit free fall or flight of product
  • Y10T83/2096—Means to move product out of contact with tool
  • Y10T83/2135—Moving stripper timed with tool stroke
  • Y10T83/215—Carried by moving tool element or its support
  • Y10T83/2155—Stripper biased against product
  • Y10T83/2159—By spring means

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a punch stripper and to a punching tool that includes a punch stripper. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a punch stripper that is adapted to be fastened to a punch retainer, which in turn may be mounted in a movable upper tool part of a press.
• punching tools are used to punch holes in metal sheets.
• the punching tool consists primarily of a retainer, a punch and a stripper.
• the punching tool operates as a closed unit and is often mounted directly in press tools in which the metal sheet is formed, but may also be mounted on shuttles that operate in the press tool to punch holes in different directions.
• the purpose of the punch is to punch a hole in metal sheets.
• the punches that are used come in different sizes and geometries. Since punches have become frequently used, they have become the subject of standardization. The same is true for the punch retainers used on the punches.
• the punch is mounted on a punch retainer and is retained in its position through a mechanical lock.
• the retainer itself is mounted in the press tool.
• the punching tool which is located in the upper tool, meets in its downward movement with a static punching die, which is located in the lower tool part.
• the stripper meets the metal sheet and makes contact therewith.
• the punch continues its movement towards the sheet and a hole is punched through the metal sheet.
• the main purpose of the stripper is to retain the metal sheet in its position during the punching operation, both during the downward movement and during the return movement.
• Another purpose of the stripper is to support the punch during the punching operation. A large stripping force is required to enable the stripper to pull back the punch after the punching operation without damaging the punched hole.
• the stripping force can be generated by using a resilient part, such as a mechanical spring or an elastically deformable polyurethane element, which is biased against the stripper part.
• a resilient part such as a mechanical spring or an elastically deformable polyurethane element
• the magnitude of the force is determined by the size and spring constant of the resilient part being employed.
• Punch strippers with a mechanical spring operate by the mechanical spring, whose inner diameter is concentric with the outer diameter of the punch body, being mounted between a stripper part and an end part, thus exerting a pressure on the unit.
• the stripper part has two outer diameters, one at the point of punching and one at the end of the spring. Both surfaces guide the stripper part during its working stroke.
• the stripper part has a plane, machined surface to prevent it from rotating.
• the punch stripper is designed as an integrated unit that can be replaced in connection with maintenance. If a larger or smaller stripping force is desired, the springs are replaced. Since needs vary, there are a large number of different springs to choose from. In addition, the user has to know how much force is required for the punching operation. In case of doubt, several spring variants and settings may be needed before the correct force is obtained. A further limitation is the useful life of mechanical springs, which may be slightly too short to meet the increasing demands in the sheet metal forming industry.
• US 6,182,545 B1 discloses different mechanisms for mounting a punch in a punch retainer, wherein the retainer comprises a retainer body in which a locking mechanism is provided for securing a punch relative to the punch retainer.
• the locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded ball that engages a groove in the punch or a wedge mechanism that is set by means of a screw.
• the punch retainer of US 6,182,545 B1 is, in turn, adapted to be fixed relative to an upper, moveable tool part.
• Punch strippers with a polyurethane element operate in a similar manner. They come in two variants. One operates in the same manner as punch strippers provided with a mechanical spring, but instead of a mechanical spring they use a polyurethane element. The other operates by the polyurethane forming the entire punch stripper.
• the two designs may seem simple, but the polyurethane elements must be adapted to the stripping force required to perform the intended function.
• the user has to know both the length to be used and the dimension/initial load intended to provide the desired force.
• the useful life of polyurethane elements is generally shorter than that of mechanical springs. Thus, the useful life is a greater limitation for polyurethane.
• polyurethane Another limitation is the ability of the polyurethane to withstand repeated stress while maintaining its dimensions, since the material is susceptible to compression set or creep. Therefore, polyurethane elements cannot, without difficulty, accommodate the increased production rate. In addition, the polyurethane element requires more space, since it expands in the radial direction when compressed.
• punch strippers with a polyurethane element examples include punch strippers with a polyurethane element, punch strippers with a polyurethane element for use with punch retainers of the type disclosed in US 6,182,545 are marketed by, for example, Lane Punch Corporation.
• US 4,292,869 discloses a punch stripper in which a gas spring is used instead of a mechanical spring or a polyurethane element.
• the punch stripper in US 4,292,869 is arranged in a C-shaped part, wherein a first shank forms the upper tool part and contains the punch and punch stripper, and wherein a second shank forms the lower tool part and contains the punching die.
• a pressure chamber is arranged in the base portion of the C- shaped part, and the punch stripper piston is movable in a gap between an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The space between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve communicates with the pressure chamber through a passage in which an oil-soaked sponge is arranged for the purpose of providing lubrication for the punch stripper piston.
• US 4,316,399 discloses a punch stripper in which the punch stripper piston is sealed with respect to the punch and to an outer sleeve.
• the chamber in which the punch stripper piston is movable is connected to an external pressure source.
• the retainer, punch and stripping part are formed as one unit.
• EP 0 622 135 B1 discloses a punch tool with a punch stripper containing a gas spring and which is intended for mounting in a turret punching press.
• EP 0 646 427 B1 discloses a further development of the punch stripper shown in EP 0 622 135 B1.
• the punch strippers shown in EP 0 622 135 B1 and EP 0 646 427 B1 are adapted to be mounted in an axial bore in a turret punching press, in the manner shown in EP 0 611 188 B1.
• the punch stripper itself is resiliently suspended, by means of a lifting spring, relative to an upper tool part.
• the purpose of the lifting spring is to lift the whole assembly including punch and punch stripper from the work piece.
• a separate stripping spring provides the force required to achieve stripping of the work piece from the punch.
• the gas chambers occurring in EP 0 622 135 B1 and EP 0 646 426 B1 have a stripping function only.
• the punch strippers shown in EP 0 622 135 B1 and EP 0 646427 B1 have a punch head which is actuated by an upper tool part of the press only during the actual punching operation.
• the present invention relates to an improved punch stripper and punching tool that includes a punch stripper.
• the present invention is directed to a punch stripper that is adapted to be fastened to a punch retainer, which punch retainer can be mounted in a movable upper tool part of the press.
• a punch stripper which is adapted to be fastened to a punch retainer in a press tool.
• the punch retainer comprises a punch stripper piston and a pressure chamber adapted to spring-load the punch stripper piston.
• the pressure chamber is defined by a gap between an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve.
• the punch stripper piston has a portion that is axially displaceable in the gap.
• the whole pressure chamber is located within the outer sleeve.
• substantially the whole pressure chamber means the space that forms the pressure chamber, excluding any ducts for charging/discharging gas or for interconnection with other, similar punch strippers.
• a larger initial force can be obtained.
• the larger force can be used to improve the punch performance in high- strength sheet metal; however, this is not required.
• gas spring technology By employing gas spring technology and forming the pressure chamber between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve assembly, a more compact assembly than existing assemblies can be obtained; however, this is not required.
• the more compact assembly is advantageous since there is often little available space in today's press tools.
• the stripping force required can be easily altered and a minimal number of variants of the punch stripper can be achieved; however, this is not required.
• gas spring technology can enhance punching process reliability, since it allows for the provision of a larger stripping force and a better way of ensuring that the punching operation is carried out adequately and with the desired quality; however, this is not required.
• massive generation of force caused by mechanical springs can be avoided; however, this is not required.
• the use of the gas spring technology of the present invention allows inclined holes and contours to be punched with the same reliability and quality as a traditional punch stripper having a straight contour, since a gas spring-based punch stripper withstands a side load generated by an angle of up to 10°, and under certain conditions up to about 15-20°, and has the same useful life as when used for punching straight holes; however, this is not required.
• the pressure chamber may have a guide portion, in which the displaceable portion is movable, and a chamber portion, which is axially separated from the guide portion and which has a larger cross-sectional area than the guide portion; however, this is not required.
• the outer sleeve may have a first portion with a first, essentially constant inner cross-section, which forms a boundary surface of the guide portion, and a second portion with a second inner cross-section, which is greater than said first inner cross-section and which forms a boundary surface of the chamber portion; however, this is not required.
• an outer sleeve with an annular cross-section may have a constant outer diameter and varying inner diameter, i.e., varying wall thickness; however, this is not required.
• the outer sleeve may have a varying outer diameter too; however, this is not required.
• the outer sleeve may have an essentially constant wall thickness, but a chamber portion with a greater inner cross-sectional area, and a guide portion with a smaller cross-sectional area; however, this is not required.
• the inner sleeve may have a first portion with a first, essentially constant outer cross-section, which forms a boundary surface of the guide portion, and a second portion with a second outer cross-section, which is smaller than said first outer cross-section, and which forms a boundary surface of the chamber portion; however, this is not required.
• an inner sleeve with an annular cross-section may have a constant inner diameter and varying outer diameter; however, this is not required.
• the inner sleeve may have a varying inner diameter too; however, this is not required.
• the inner sleeve may have an essentially constant wall thickness, but a first portion with a greater outer cross-sectional area and a second portion with a smaller outer cross-sectional area; however, this is not required.
• the inner sleeve may be fixed relative to the punch; however, this is not required.
• the outer sleeve may be fixed relative to the punch; however, this is not required.
• the portion of the punch stripper piston that is displaceable in the gap may be sealed with respect to the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve; however, this is not required.
• the punch stripper may include a pressure indicating arrangement to indicate a pressure in the pressure chamber; however, this is not required. This makes it possible to avoid a lack of pressure or an incorrect pressure in the punch stripper; however, this is not required. Moreover, it is possible to determine whether the punch stripper can be safely dismantled; however, this is not required.
• the pressure indicating arrangement may be adapted to indicate that the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds and/or falls below a predetermined value; however, this is not required.
• the pressure indicating arrangement may be formed integrally with the punch stripper, for example with the outer sleeve and/or with a base portion; however, this is not required.
• the pressure indicating arrangement may comprise a spring-loaded part, which is visible from an outside of the punch stripper; however, this is not required.
• a press tool that includes a punch fastened to a punch retainer and a punch stripper that are fastened to the punch retainer; however, this is not required.
• the punch retainer may be fastened to a stroke part of the press tool; however, this is not required.
• stroke part means the part that causes the pressing motion, i.e., the piston of an eccentric press or a hydraulic press, or the runner of a screw press.
• a press tool that includes at least two punch strippers; however, this is not required.
• the respective pressure chambers of the at least two punch strippers may be in fluid communication with one another in order to maintain substantially the same pressure in the respective pressure chambers of the at least two punch strippers; however, this is not required.
• the advantage of this arrangement is that an operator only has to charge the gas in one place without dismantling the punch stripper from the retainer; however, this is not required.
• the gas pressure can be regulated in all punch strippers at the same time in a simple and flexible manner; however, this is not required.
• a punch stripper that is adapted to be fastened to a punch retainer in a press tool; however, this is not required.
• the punch stripper includes a punch stripper piston and a pressure chamber adapted to apply a spring-load to the punch stripper piston; however, this is not required.
• the punch stripper includes a pressure indicating arrangement to indicate a pressure in the pressure chamber; however, this is not required.
• a punch stripper disclosed above, or any other arbitrary design provided that a pressure chamber is used to achieve the spring load; however, this is not required.
• Non-limiting examples of such an arrangement that can be used in the present invention are disclosed in US 4,292,869, US 4,316,399, EP 0 622 135 B1 or EP 0 646427 B1 , all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
• a punch stripper adapted to be fastened to a punch retainer of a press tool
• which punch stripper includes a punch stripper piston and a pressure chamber.
• the pressure chamber is adapted to spring- load the punch stripper piston.
• the pressure chamber is at least partially defined by a gap between an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve in the punch stripper.
• the punch stripper piston includes a displaceable portion that is axially displaceable in the gap of the pressure chamber. Substantially, the whole pressure chamber is located between the inner and outer sleeve of the punch stripper; however, this is not required.
• the pressure chamber includes a guide portion in which the displaceable portion is movable therein; however, this is not required.
• the chamber portion of the pressure chamber is axially separated from the guide portion of the pressure chamber; however, this is not required.
• the chamber portion of the pressure chamber has a larger cross-sectional area than the guide portion; however, this is not required.
• the outer sleeve has a first portion with a first, substantially constant inner cross section, which forms a boundary surface of the guide portion, and a second portion with a second inner cross section, which is greater than the first inner cross section, and which forms a boundary surface of the chamber portion; however, this is not required.
• the inner sleeve has a first portion with a first, substantially constant outer cross section, which forms a boundary surface of the guide portion, and a second portion with a second outer cross section, which is smaller than the first cross section, and which forms a boundary surface of the chamber portion; however, this is not required.
• the inner sleeve is fixed relative to the punch; however, this is not required.
• the outer sleeve is fixed relative to the punch; however, this is not required.
• the portion of the punch stripper piston that is displaceable in the gap is sealed with respect to the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve; however, this is not required.
• the punch stripper piston includes an arrangement to prevent it from rotating relative to the inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve; however, this is not required.
• the pressure indicating arrangement is adapted to indicate that the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds and/or falls below a predetermined value; however, this is not required.
• the pressure indicating arrangement is formed integrally with the punch stripper; however, this is not required.
• the pressure indicating arrangement includes a spring-loaded part which is visible from an outside of the punch stripper; however, this is not required.
• a press tool that includes a punch fastened to a punch retainer and a punch stripper that are fastened to the punch retainer, and the punch retainer is fastened to a stroke part of the press tool; however, this is not required.
• the press tool includes at least two punch strippers; however, this is not required.
• the pressure chambers of at least two punch strippers are in fluid communication with one another in order to maintain substantially the same pressure in the pressure chambers of the at least two punch strippers; however, this is not required.
• a punch stripper that is adapted to be fastened to a punch retainer of a press tool that includes a punch stripper piston, and a pressure chamber adapted to spring- load the punch stripper piston; however, this is not required.
• An indicating arrangement can be provided to indicate a pressure in the pressure chamber; however, this is not required.
• the indicating arrangement is adapted to indicate whether the pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds and/or falls below a predetermined value; however, this is not required.
• the indicating arrangement is an integral part with the punch stripper; however, this is not required.
• the indicating arrangement includes a spring-loaded part which is visible from an outside of the punch stripper; however, this is not required.
• One non-limiting object of the present document is to provide an improved punch stripper.
• Another non-limiting object of the present invention is to provide a punch stripper that can be used as an alternative or complement to the punch strippers presently available on the market.
• Still another non-limiting object of the present invention is to provide a punch stripper that minimizes the risk of errors and the risk of damage to equipment and personnel in the vicinity of the punch stripper.
• Yet another non-limiting object of the present invention is to provide a punch stripper that can be used together with punch retainers of the type shown in US 6,182,545 B1 , which is incorporated by reference herein.
• FIGURES 1a-1b are schematic cross-sectional views of a press tool 3a, 3b in which a punch retainer 2 with a punch 1 and a punch stripper 10 are mounted;
• FIGURES 2 and 2' are schematic cross-sectional views of a punch retainer 2 with a punch 1 and a punch stripper 10;
• FIGURE 3 is a schematic side view of a punch stripper 10
• FIGURES 4a-4b are schematic plan views of the punch stripper 10 in FIGURE 3 viewed from above and from below, respectively;
• FIGURES 5a-5c are schematic plan views of a modified punch stripper 10.
• FIGURE 1 illustrates a press tool having an upper tool part 3a and a lower tool part 3b is shown.
• a punching die is provided in the lower tool part 3b.
• the upper tool part 3 has a punch retainer 2 on which a punch 1 has a punch stripper that is fastened by means of fastening means 18a, 18b (e.g., screw, bolt, rivet, etc.).
• the fastening means may, as shown in FIGURES 1a, 1b and 2, be a mounting screw/fastening bolt 18a, whose shank is arranged in a bore 18b in a base portion 14a of the punch stripper.
• the punch retainer 2 may be designed in any of the ways disclosed in US 6,182,545 B1 (i.e., the punch retainer may have a locking mechanism for securing a punch relative to the punch retainer). As can be appreciated, other locking mechanisms for the punch retainer can be used.
• the punch retainer 2 may be fixed relative to the upper tool part 3a, for example by means of a suitable joint, such as, but not limited to, a screw joint, bolt, rivet, weld, etc.
• the punch 1 is surrounded by a punch stripper 10.
• the punch stripper 10 is designed in such manner that it works against a chamber pressurized by a gas, such as nitrogen gas and/or other types of gas (e.g., air, inert gas, etc.), instead of against a mechanical spring or a polyurethane element.
• a gas such as nitrogen gas and/or other types of gas (e.g., air, inert gas, etc.), instead of against a mechanical spring or a polyurethane element.
• the punch stripper is formed of an outer sleeve 14, here in the form of a tube part, that is mounted on the punch retainer 2.
• an inner sleeve 13 is mounted, here in the form of an inner piston rod, which is retained in position by a locking ring 16.
• the inner piston rod has a concentric, axial through hole intended to receive the punch 1 , and a static seal 15a that are arranged at one end thereof.
• an annular piston is mounted which, during the punching operation, operates between an outer position (See FIGURE 1a) and an inner position (See FIGURE 1b).
• the outer position is limited by the piston 11 striking a mechanical stop 19.
• a dynamic seal 15b is mounted against the inner end 11b of the piston, between the inner diameter of the tube (outer sleeve 14) and the outer diameter of the inner piston rod (inner sleeve 13).
• the outer sleeve 14 may be formed integrally, for instance formed in one piece, with the base portion 14a, so that they together form a punch stripper body.
• the inner sleeve too may be formed integrally, for instance formed in one piece, with the punch stripper body.
• the punch stripper body may, for instance by way of the base portion 14a, be adapted to be detachably fastened to the punch retainer by means of fastening means 18a, 18b.
• the piston 11 can have a concentric, axial through hole intended to receive the punch.
• a milled groove 17 as illustrated in FIGURE 3 may be formed in the lateral surface of the piston.
• a corresponding groove may be formed in the inner surface of the tube part, adjacent to one end surface thereof. Together the milled surfaces form a rotary lock that prevents the piston 11 from rotating in the tube.
• FIGURES 5a-c An alternative arrangement is illustrated in FIGURES 5a-c. In this alternative arrangement, an opening, milled groove or slot is inserted on the piston. As illustrated in FIGURE 5a, slot 32 is positioned along the vertical or longitudinal axis of piston 11.
• Outer sleeve 14 includes an opening 34 that is used to receive a pin or screw 36 as illustrated in FIGURE 5c.
• the end of the pin or screw is at least partially inserted into slot 32 of the piston to thereby inhibit or prevent the piston from rotating in the tube.
• a seal stripper (not shown) can be mounted in the other end of the tube part for the purpose of removing dirt particles from the lateral surface of the piston.
• the pressure chamber 12a, 12b is formed by the space between the outer sleeve 14 and the inner sleeve 13, i.e., between the inner diameter of the tube part and the outer diameter of the inner piston rod and the seals.
• the pressure chamber 12a, 12b can be pressurized by nitrogen gas being charged through a valve 30 (See FIGURE 2 1 ) mounted in the tube part.
• the charging pressure used may be varied depending on the application, and the pressure may be up to about 200 bars. Typically, the filling pressure is between about 20-100 bars, depending on the punching application.
• the punch stripper 10 operates in the following manner: when the piston 11 meets the work piece 5 in the downward movement and the punch 1 continues its downward movement, the gas is compressed in the pressure chamber 12a, 12b by the piston 11 and the dynamic seal 15b moving axially in a first portion 12a of the pressure chamber.
• the stripping force which is generated by the gas being compressed when the piston carries out its working stroke during the punching operation, helps to pull back the punch 1 through the punched hole, without deforming or damaging the punched hole.
• a pressure indicator 20 may be integrated into the tube part, for example adjacent to the charging valve 30.
• the pressure indicator 20 may comprise an inwardly biased resilient pin 21 , possibly connected to a plate 24, which is pushed out when the pressure chamber 12a, 12b is pressurized. If the pressure chamber 12a, 12b is pressureless, the pin 21 will be pulled in. In this way, it is easy to check whether there is any pressure in the pressure chamber 12a, 12b.
• the pressure indicator 20 may comprise a resilient element 22, the spring constant of which can be selected so as to indicate pressures exceeding a predetermined value, and a seal 23, which may be in the form of an O-ring or the like.
• a longer pin 21 which is integrated into the outer sleeve 14, may form, together with scale marks provided on the outer sleeve 14, a pressure scale similar to a thermometer, which can be read directly.
• Another way of determining whether the pressure chamber is pressurized is to connect the punch stripper to some other visual indicator (e.g., light, electronic meter, etc.) and/or sound generating device. Still another or additional way of determining whether the pressure chamber is pressurized is to connect the punch stripper to a device for external pressure monitoring. This allows easy control and monitoring of the pressure in the punch stripper from outside the punching tool. It is also possible to provide an electrical indicator, for instance through a pressure transducer, which is connected by way of a control circuit to a signal arrangement such as, but not limited to, a form of a display, speaker, lamp or transmitter.
• punch strippers 10 may be connected to one another, so that the pressure is substantially the same in all the punch strippers 10; however, this is not required.
• the punch strippers may be connected to a control block, which may have a gas charging arrangement, reducing valve, excess-pressure protection and/or a pressure monitoring device to indicate that the pressure exceeds or falls below a predetermined value.
• the pressure indicator as described above may be integrated into such a control block.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Punching Or Piercing (AREA)
• Mounting, Exchange, And Manufacturing Of Dies (AREA)
• Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)

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• 2007
  • 2007-10-02 US US11/906,426 patent/US20080105095A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2007-11-05 AT AT07819573T patent/ATE474678T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2007-11-05 JP JP2009535033A patent/JP5384356B2/ja active Active
  • 2007-11-05 DE DE200760007982 patent/DE602007007982D1/de active Active
  • 2007-11-05 EP EP20070819573 patent/EP2094413B1/de active Active
  • 2007-11-05 WO PCT/EP2007/009550 patent/WO2008055631A1/en not_active Ceased
• 2013
  • 2013-04-23 JP JP2013090464A patent/JP5792222B2/ja active Active

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