Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PRESS BRAKE TOOL INCORPORATING SEATING AND/OR
LOCATING MECHANISM
Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to industrial presses. More
particularly,
this invention relates to press brakes and press brake tooling.
Background of Invention
Press brakes are commonly used to bend or otherwise deform sheet-like
workpieces, such as sheet metal workpieces. A conventional press brake has an
upper
beani and a lower beam, at least one of which is movable toward and away from
the other.
Typically, the upper beam is movable vertically while the lower beam is fixed
in a
stationary position. It is common for a male forming punch and a female
forming die to
be mounted respectively on the upper and lower beams of a press brake.
Typically, the punch has a downwardly oriented, workpiece-deforming surface
(or
"tip"). The configuration of this surface is dictated by the shape into which
it is desired to
deform a workpiece. The die typically has a recess, bounded by one or more
workpiece-
deforming surfaces, that is aligned with the tip of the punch. The
configuration of this
recess corresponds to the configuration of the punch's tip. Thus, when the
beams are
brought together, a workpiece between them is pressed by the punch into the
die to give
the workpiece a desired deformation (e.g., a desired bend).
In order to accurately deform a workpiece, it is necessary for the tools to be
mounted securely on the tool holder. This is accomplished by forcibly clamping
the
holder about each tool. Multiple steps are sometimes required, for example, to
mount a
punch on the upper beam of a press brake. The punch may be moved into an
initial-mount
position by lifting the shank of the punch upwardly between a support plate
and clamp of
the tool holder. In some cases, when the punch is moved into this position, a
safety key of
the punch engages a safety slot of the tool holder. In other cases, a safety
groove on the
punch is engaged by a lip on the clamp of the tool holder. Either way, the
tool holder is
subsequently clamped forcibly on the shank of the punch. Even at this point,
the load-
bearing surfaces of the tool holder and punch may not be securely engaged.
Rather,
additional steps may be required. For example, with many tool holder designs,
the upper
and lower tables of the press brake must subsequently be inoved together until
the punch
comes into contact with a die on the lower table. By forcing the tip of the
punch against
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the die, the punch can be urged upwardly relative to the tool holder until the
load-bearing
surface(s) of the tool is/are moved into contact with the corresponding load-
bearing
surface(s) of the tool holder. When a punch is in this operative position, the
load-bearing
surfaces of the tool holder and punch are engaged and the tang of the punch is
forcibly
clamped, e.g., between a support plate and clamp of the tool holder. During
pressing
operations, the punch is maintained in this position. Thus, several steps may
be required
to operatively mount a punch on the upper table of a press brake.
It would be desirable to provide a tool that can be operatively clamped by a
tool
holder in such a way that the load-bearing surfaces of the tool and tool
holder are engaged
as an adjunct of the clamping action of the tool holder (e.g., without having
to press the tip
of a loosely-clamped punch against a die on the lower table of the press
brake). The
present invention provides new press brake tool technologies, in which a
seating and/or
locating mechanism is incorporated into the tool.
Summary of Invention
Press brake tool seating has been attempted in a few instances by building
tool
seating mechanisms into press brake tool holders. These tool holder mechanisms
may be
less than ideal in terms of their complexity, propensity to fail, etc.
Furthermore, building a
seating mechanism into the tool holder requires a machinist to possess a
specialized tool
holder in order to enjoy the benefits of tool seating. Some embodiments of the
present
invention provide a press brake tool wherein a seating mechanism is
incorporated into the
tool itself. Thus, a machinist can accomplish tool seating using any of a
variety of
conventional press brake tool holders.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool configured
for
being operatively mounted on a tool holder of a press brake having a pressing
axis. The
tool has a shank adapted for being positioned in a tool-mount channel of the
tool holder
such that the shank when clamped forcibly between confronting walls of the
tool holder
receives a force having a clamping component directed at least generally
perpendicular to
the pressing axis. In the present embodiments, the tool has a seating
mechanism adapted
for at least partially converting this force into a seating component directed
at least
generally parallel to the pressing axis. Preferably, the seating mechanism
comprises a
moveable body mounted on the tool so as to be moveable relative to a
stationary portion of
the tool's shank.
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In certain embodiments, the invention provides, in combination, a press brake
tool
and a tool holder of a press brake having a pressing axis. In the present
embodiments, the
tool is operatively mounted on the tool holder. The operatively mounted tool
has a shank
positioned in a tool-mount channel of the tool holder such that the shank is
clamped
forcibly between confronting walls of the tool holder, the tool's shank
thereby receiving
from the tool holder a force having a clamping component directed at least
generally
perpendicular to the pressing axis. In the present embodiments, the tool has a
seating
mechanism at least partially converting this force into a seating component
directed at
least generally parallel to the pressing axis. In the present embodiments, the
seating
mechanism comprises a moveable body mounted on the tool so as to be moveable
relative
to a stationary portion of the tool's shank.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of mounting a press
brake tool on a tool holder (of a press brake) having a pressing axis. The
tool holder has a
tool-mount channel bounded by first and second confronting walls. In the
present
embodiments, the first confronting wall of the tool holder is moveable at
least in part
toward the second confronting wall of the tool holder. The tool holder has at
least one
load-delivering surface (in some embodiments, it is adapted for moving the
tool, when
operatively mounted on the tool holder, along the pressing axis). The tool has
a shank and
at least one load-receiving surface. In the present embodiments, the tool has
a seating
mechanism comprising a moveable body mounted on the tool so as to be moveable
relative to a stationary portion of the tool's shank. The present method
comprises
positioning the tool's shank in the tool-mount channel and moving the first
confronting
wall at least in part toward the second confronting wall thereby forcibly
clamping the
tool's shank between these confronting walls so as to deliver to the shank a
force that is at
least partially converted by the tool's seating mechanism into a seating
conzponent
directed at least generally parallel to the pressing axis. Preferably, the
seating component
of this force moves the tool relative to the tool holder so as to bring the
load-receiving
surface of the tool into engagement with the load-delivering surface of the
tool holder.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a press bralce tool having a
shank
that is provided with a retractable safety key. Here, the safety key is
moveable between an
extended position and a retracted position. Preferably, the safety key is
operably coupled
with a moveable link member such that the safety key moves from its extended
position to
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its retracted position in response to the link member moving along a vertical
axis of the
tool.
In one group of embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool having
a
shank adapted for being positioned in a tool-mount channel of a tool holder,
and a ball
member is mounted on the tool so as to be moveable relative to a stationary
portion of the
tool's shank. Here, the ball member is moveable between an extended position
and a
retracted position, and at least a portion of the ball member projects
outwardly from the
tool's shank when the ball member is in its extended position. In some
embodiments of
this nature, the ball member comprises a metal sphere. Optionally, the tool's
shank has a
lateral width and the ball member is a sphere having a diameter of at least
about 1/5th
(perhaps more preferably at least about 1/4th) this lateral width. In some of
the present
embodiments, the tool's shank has two generally opposed sidewalls, a portion
of the ball
member projects outwardly from a first of these sidewalls when the ball member
is in its
extended position, and a second of these sidewalls is at least generally
planar. Conjointly,
the tool can optionally include a load-receiving surface that is at least
generally planar, and
this load-receiving surface can optionally be at least generally perpendicular
to the second
of the noted sidewalls of the tool's shanlc. An optional feature in the
present group of
embodiments (and in the other embodiments described throughout the present
specification) is that the tool's shank has a non-cylindrical configuration.
Optionally, the
ball member is housed in a bore of the tool, at least part of a spring member
is disposed in
this bore, and the spring member is adapted for resiliently biasing, either
directly or via
one or more other bodies, the ball member toward its extended position.
Conjointly, an
elongated link member can optionally be housed in the bore, the elongated link
member
can optionally have opposed first and second end regions, the link member can
optionally
be slidable in the bore between first and second positions, the ball member
can optionally
assume its extended position when the link member is in its first position,
the ball member
can optionally be slidable in the bore between its extended and retracted
positions, and the
spring member optionally bears forcibly against the second end region of the
link member
to resiliently bias the link member toward its first position. The optional
link member in
the bore can, for example, be located between the ball member and the spring
member.
The tool can optionally include an actuator that can be operated so as to
cause the linlc
member to slide to its second position, thereby overcoming the resilient bias
of the
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optional spring member and allowing the ball member to move to its retracted
position.
When provided, the actuator can optionally comprise a moveable cam body that
is adapted
to bear forcibly against, and cam with, a cam surface of the link member (when
the
actuator is operated so as to cause the link member to slide to its second
position). The
5 optional link member can comprise (e.g., be) an elongated shaft having
therein formed a
notch that defmes the cam surface of the link member. In some cases, the link
member
comprises an elongated shaft having a concave first end region in which a
portion of the
ball member is nested (at least when the ball member is in its extended
position).
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool configured
for
being operatively mounted on a tool holder of a press brake having a pressing
axis (the
tool holder in some, but not all, cases is adapted for moving the tool when
operatively
mounted on the tool holder along the pressing axis). The tool has a shank
adapted for
being positioned in a tool-mount channel of the tool holder such that the
shank when
clamped forcibly between confronting walls of the tool holder receives a force
having a
clamping component directed at least generally perpendicular to the pressing
axis. In the
present embodiments, the tool has a seating mechanism that is adapted for at
least partially
converting this force into a seating component directed at least generally
parallel to the
pressing axis. Preferably, the seating mechanism comprises a moveable body
mounted on
the tool so as to be moveable relative to a stationary portion of the tool's
shank. In the
present embodiments, this moveable body comprising a polymer.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool configured
for
being mounted on a tool holder of a press brake by moving a shank of the tool
vertically
into a tool-mount channel defmed by the tool holder. In the present
embodiments, the tool
is adapted for being dismounted from the tool holder by moving the tool
horizontally out
of the channel, and the tool is not adapted for being dismounted from the tool
holder by
moving the tool vertically out of the channel. In these embodiments, the tool
preferably
has no externally accessible actuator for retracting the safety key such that
once the tool's
shank is moved into an operative position in the channel of the tool holder a
press brake
operator is prevented from retracting the safety key and removing the tool
vertically from
the tool holder. The press brake has a pressing axis. In the present
embodiments, the
tool's shank has a retractable safety key and is adapted for being positioned
in the channel
of the tool holder such that the shank when clamped forcibly between
confronting walls of
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the tool holder receives a force having a clamping component directed at least
generally
perpendicular to the pressing axis. The tool has a seating mechanism adapted
for at least
partially converting this force into a seating component directed at least
generally parallel
to the pressing axis, and the seating mechanism preferably comprises a
moveable body
mounted on the tool. In the present embodiments, the seating component of the
noted
force preferably is adapted to move the tool relative to the tool holder so as
to bring a
load-bearing surface of the tool into engagement with a load-bearing surface
of the tool
holder. In some embodiments of the present group, the tool is provided in
combination
with the tool holder, and the tool holder has no externally accessible
actuator for causing
the tool's safety key to retract such that once the tool's shank is moved into
the operative
position in the channel of the tool holder the press brake operator is
prevented from
retracting the safety key and removing the tool vertically from the tool
holder. Further, in
some of the present embodiments, the tool has a leading body portion that
terminates at a
tip (the leading body portion being that portion of the tool that is not
concealed by the tool
holder when the tool's shank is in its operative position in the channel of
the tool holder),
and the leading body portion of the tool is defmed entirely by solid wall
having no
openings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a partially broken-away schematic side view of a press brake tool
in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 2 is a partially broken-away schematic perspective view of a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 3 is a partially broken-away, partially exploded schematic perspective
view
of a press brake tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 4 is a partially exploded, schematic perspective view of a press brake
tool in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a wedge member that is provided on a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of another wedge member that is provided on a
press
brake tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a safety key that is provided on a press
bralce tool
in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
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Figure 8 is a perspective view of an actuator that is provided on a press
brake tool
in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a link member that is provided on a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 10 is a partially broken-away perspective view of a press brake tool in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 11 is a partially broken-away perspective view of a press brake tool in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 12 is a partially broken-away side view of a press bralce tool, in
combination with a press brake tool holder, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the
invention;
Figure 13 is a partially broken-away schematic side view of a press brake
tool, in
combination with a press brake tool holder, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the
invention;
Figure 14 is a partially broken-away schematic perspective view of a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 15 is a partially broken-away schematic side view of a press brake tool
and
a press bralce tool holder, in combination, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the
invention;
Figure 16 is a partially broken-away perspective view of a press bralce tool
in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 17 is a partially broken-away schematic perspective view of a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 18 is a partially broken-away schematic perspective view of a press
bralce
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 19 is a partially broken-away schematic side view of a press brake tool
and
a press brake tool holder, in combination, in accordance with certain
embodiments of the
invention;
Figure 20 is a partially broken-away perspective view of a press brake tool in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
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Figure 21 is a broken-away schematic side view of a press brake tool and a
press
brake tool holder, in combination, in accordance with certain embodiments of
the
invention;
Figure 22 is a partially broken-away schematic perspective view of a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 23 is a partially broken-away schematic side view of a press bralce
tool in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 24 is a partially broken-away schematic side view of a press brake tool
in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 25 is a partially broken-away schematic side view of a press brake tool
and
a tool holder in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 26 is a partially broken-away, partially cross-sectional schematic side
view
of a press brake tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 27 is a partially broken-away perspective view of a press brake tool in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 28 is a partially broken-away, schematic perspective view of a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
Figure 29 is a broken-away, cross-sectional side view of a press brake tool in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention; and
Figure 30 is a partially exploded, cross-sectional perspective view of a press
brake
tool in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
The invention in some embodiments provides a brake press tool in combination
with a press brake tool holder. Generally, the tool holder TH defmes a channel
C
configured for receiving the shank S of a press brake tool TL. This channel C
is referred
to herein as the tool-mount channel. In some embodiments, the tool-mount
channel C has
a generally T-shaped cross section, although this is by no means required.
Preferably, at
least part of the channel C is bounded by two confronting walls CW, CW' of the
tool
holder. In the illustrated embodiments, the confronting walls CW, CW' are at
least
generally vertical and/or each define at least one surface that is
substantially vertical and
planar. These features, however, are not required in all embodiments. For
example, the
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configuration and construction of the wall(s) bounding the tool-mount channel
C will vary
depending upon the particular style in which the tool holder is embodied.
The tool holder, when provided, will commonly be adapted for use with American
style tools. However, the tool holder can take the form of various other tool
holder styles
known in the art, including those currently in less widespread use. In fact,
it will be
appreciated that the tool holder TH can be adapted for use with any desired
tooling style,
including styles not yet developed, that would benefit from the features of
this invention.
The tool holder, of course, can be a press brake beam, an adaptor mounted to a
press brake
beam, or any other type of press brake tool holder.
The press brake tool TL can be a male forming punch or a female forming die.
Typically, the tool TL has generally opposed first and second ends (or sides).
Preferably,
the first end (or side) of the tool defines a workpiece-deforming surface TP
(e.g., at a tip of
the tool) configured for making a desired deformation (e.g., a bend) in a
workpiece when
this surface TP is forced against the worlcpiece (e.g., when a tip of the tool
is forced
against a piece of sheet metal or the like, and/or when a workpiece is forced
against the
tool's tip). The second end (or side) of the tool has a shank (or "tang") S
configured for
being mounted in (e.g., sized and shaped to be received in) the tool-mount
channel C.
In some cases, the tool TL has a safety key SK. As shown in Figures 1-4, 10,
and
15-18, the shanlc S of the tool TL can optionally have a safety key SK adapted
for
engaging a safety recess (or "safety groove") SR, and/or moving into alignment
with a
safety shelf SCS, defmed by the tool holder TH. When provided, the safety key
SK can be
retractable or non-retractable. Safety keys of both types are described in
U.S. patent
6,467,327 (Runk et al.), and U.S. patent application 10/742,439, entitled
"Press Brake
Tooling Technology", the entire contents of each of which are incorporated
herein by
reference.
In embodiments involving a tool TL with a safety key SK, the key preferably
comprises an engagement portion 580 that is adapted to project into a safety
recess SR
(and/or into aligmnent with a safety shelf SCS) defined by the tool holder TH.
In the case
of a non-retractable safety key, the key will typically coinprise a rigid
projection from the
tool's shanlc. When provided, the non-retractable safety key preferably is
either integral to
the tool's shank or rigidly joined to the tool's shank.
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In the case of a retractable safety key, the key is mounted on the tool so as
to be
moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. In more
detail, such a
key preferably comprises a rigid engagement portion 580 that is moveable
relative to (e.g.,
generally toward and away from) the tool's shank (or at least relative to
stationary portions
5 of the shank). Such retractable safety keys are described in U.S. patent
6,467,327 and U.S.
patent application 10/742,439. In some cases, the safety key is part of a key
assembly
(e.g., mounted inside and/or on the tool) comprising at least one spring
member resiliently
biasing (directly or via one or more link members and/or other bodies) the
safety key SK
toward its extended position.
10 Thus, in some embodiments, the tool holder defmes a safety recess SR. When
provided, the safety recess SR preferably is sized to receive an engagement
portion 580 of
a desired safety key SK. In some embodiments involving a tool TL with its
shank S
received in the channel C of a tool holder TH, the tool holder has a safety
recess SR that is
at the same elevation as a safety key SK on the tool. Some embodiments of this
nature
(such as that shown in Figure 15) provide a tool TL having a safety key SK
projecting
generally away from the shank S of the tool and engaged with (e.g., extending
into) the
safety recess SR of the tool holder, such that an engagement portion 580 of
the safety key
is received in the safety recess (and/or is positioned directly above a safety
shelf SCS of
the tool holder).
Thus, certain embodiments provide a tool holder and tool in combination. In
some
of these embodiments, the second end of the tool has a shank S received in the
tool
holder's channel C. As noted above, the channel C is typically bounded at
least in part by
two confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool holder. In many combination
embodiments,
the tool's first end (which typically defmes a tip) projects (e.g., generally
vertically) away
from the tool holder.
Typically, the tool holder TH has at least one load-delivering surface LD
configured for engaging a load-receiving surface LR of a press brake tool TL.
Preferably,
the tool holder TH has one or more generally or substantially horizontal load-
delivering
surfaces LD each being adapted to engage and deliver force to (when the tool
is
operatively mounted on the tool holder) one or more corresponding generally or
substantially horizontal load-receiving surfaces LR of the tool TL. In some
embodiments
involving a tool in combination with (and operatively mounted on) a tool
holder, the tool
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holder has a load-delivering surface LD engaged with (e.g., carried directly
against) a
load-receiving surface LR of the tool TL. Preferably, these engaged surfaces
LD and LR
are generally or substantially horizontal. In some cases, the tool holder TH
has two
horizontal load-delivering surfaces LD. For example, Figures 15, 19, and 21
depict tool
holders of this nature, wherein two load-delivering surfaces LD are separated
by an
opening of the tool-mount channel C. Here, the channel C is depicted as being
downwardly open. The invention, however, also provides embodiments where the
channel C is upwardly open (e.g., embodiments where the tool holder is used to
secure a
die on the lower beam of a press bralce). The terms load-delivering and load-
receiving,
where used in the present detailed description, can each be replaced with the
term load-
bearing.
The illustrated load-delivering surfaces LD of the tool holder are configured
for
engaging, and delivering force to, corresponding load-receiving surfaces LR of
the tool
TL. In the figures, the horizontal load-delivering surfaces LD of the tool
holder TH are
shown as being downwardly facing surfaces, and the horizontal load-receiving
surfaces
LR of the tool are shown as being upwardly facing surfaces. In other
embodiments (e.g.,
where the tool holder is on a lower beam), the horizontal load-delivering
surface(s) LD of
the tool holder is/are upwardly facing, and the horizontal load-receiving
surface(s) of the
tool is/are downwardly facing. Thus, the invention provides various
combination
embodiments wherein the shank of a tool is operatively mounted in the channel
of the tool
holder such that each load-delivering surface of the tool holder is generally
or substantially
horizontal and is carried directly against a corresponding generally or
substantially
horizontal load-receiving surface of the tool.
In certain embodiments, the tool holder TH is adapted for forcing the tool TL
(e.g.,
when the tool is operatively mounted on the tool holder) against a workpiece
by delivering
force from the load-delivering surface(s) LD of the tool holder to the load-
receiving
surface(s) LR of the tool. The tool holder may move the tool into contact with
the
workpiece, or it may hold the tool in a stationary position while the
worlcpiece is forced
into contact with the tool, e.g., the upper or lower beam of a press brake may
be moveable
depending upon the press brake used. Either way, the press brake will have a
pressing
axis. Moreover, a tool holder is to be considered to have a pressing axis,
even if it holds
the tool in a stationary position during pressing operations. In some
preferred
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embodiments, the tool holder TH is adapted for moving the operatively mounted
tool TL
along the pressing axis PA (shown in Figure 15), e.g., during a pressing
operation. For
example, the tool holder TH can optionally be adapted for moving the tool TL
in a
pressing direction PD (shown in Figure 19) that is generally or substantially
normal to the
load-delivering surface(s) LD of the tool holder. In preferred embodiments of
this nature,
each load-delivering surface LD of the tool holder TH is generally or
substantially
horizontal, and the tool holder is adapted for moving the tool TL in a
generally or
substantially vertical direction. Accordingly, the tool holder in these
embodiments is
adapted for moving the tool vertically into and out of engagement with a
workpiece (e.g.,
when the workpiece is secured in a working position between the upper and
lower tables
of the press brake).
In some embodiments, the tool holder is operably coupled to a press brake ram
that
is adapted for moving the tool holder and the operatively mounted tool
together so as to
force the workpiece-defonning surface of the tool against a workpiece.
Preferably, the
ram (which can be incorporated into, or otherwise operably coupled with, a bed
BE of the
press brake) is adapted for moving the tool holder TH and tool TL together in
a pressing
direction PD that is generally or substantially normal to the load-delivering
surface(s) LD
of the tool holder (e.g., in a vertical direction). In other embodiments, the
tool holder is
not adapted for moving the operatively mounted tool, but rather is designed
for securing
the tool in a stationary position during pressing operations.
Preferably, the tool holder TH has a closed configuration and an open
configuration. When the tool holder TH is in its open configuration, the shank
S of a press
brake tool TL can be moved into and out of the tool holder's channel C. When
the tool
holder TH is in its closed configuration, the shanle S of a tool TL mounted in
the tool
holder's channel C is clamped forcibly (and held rigidly) against a wall CW of
the tool
holder.
The tool holder TH can optionally have a moveable face plate MP, jaw, clamping
pin, or the like, which preferably defines at least part of one CW' of the
confronting walls
CW, CW'. In moving such a tool holder to its closed configuration, the
moveable plate
MP, jaw, pin, etc. desirably moves toward the other CW of the confronting
walls CW,
CW'. When such a tool holder moves to its open configuration, the moveable
plate MP,
jaw, pin, etc. desirably moves away from the other wall CW. For example, the
tool
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holders shown in Figures 15 and 19 include a face plate MP that can be moved
selectively
toward or away from the tool holder body CB (which may or may not be moveable
laterally) that defmes the wall CW.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a press brake tool TL
configured
for being operatively mounted on a press brake tool holder TH (optionally one
that is
adapted for moving the tool, when operatively mounted on the tool holder,
along a
pressing axis PA). The tool TL has a shank S that is adapted for being
positioned in a
tool-mount channel C of the tool holder TH such that the shank when clamped
forcibly
between confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool holder receives a force having a
clamping
component directed at least generally perpendicular to the pressing axis PA.
In some of
the present embodiments, the tool TL has a seating mechanism SM that is
adapted for at
least partially converting this force (during at least a certain period, such
as an initial or
middle period, of the clamping) into a seating component directed at least
generally
parallel to the pressing axis PA. The seating component can optionally be a
generally or
substantially vertical (e.g., upward) force component, and the clamping
component can
optionally be a generally or substantially horizontal force component. In some
cases, once
the tool's shank is fully clamped between the walls CW, CW' of the tool
holder, the walls
CW, CW' apply only a horizontal force on the tool's shank.
Thus, a seating mechanism SM can optionally be incorporated into the tool TL.
Such embodiments extend to any press brake tool having a seating mechanism
built into
(and/or provided on) the tool itself. Embodiments of this nature can employ a
variety of
advantageous seating mechanisms. Preferably, the seating mechanism SM
comprises a
moveable body MB mounted on the tool TL (optionally so as to be moveable
relative to a
stationary portion SP of the tool's shank S). The moveable body MB in some
embodiments is mounted on the tool so as to be moveable (at least in part) in
both vertical
and lateral directions relative to other portions (e.g., stationary portions
SP) of the tool's
shank S. The moveable body preferably bears forcibly against a portion (e.g.,
a cam
surface) of the tool's shank, and thereby delivers at least the seating
component of the
noted force to the tool's shank, in response to the confronting walls of the
tool holder
being clamped forcibly on the tool's shank.
In some cases, the seating mechanism comprises a moveable body (and optionally
two such moveable bodies) contacted directly by the tool holder when the
confronting
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walls CW, CW' clamp forcibly on the tool's shank. A moveable body of this
nature can
optionally have a dimension (e.g., a major dimension) that is at least 1/5'h
(perhaps
preferably at least 1/4'h, perhaps more preferably at least 1/3ra, and in some
cases at least
'/2) of the lateral width of the tool's shank S.
In certain embodiments, the seating mechanism SM includes a moveable body MB
comprising a wedge member WM. The wedge member will commonly have two surfaces
CS, WC that are generally opposed and oriented at an oblique angle (such as
between 5
degrees and 45 degrees) relative to each other. The wedge member WM, for
example, can
optionally have at least one portion with a generally triangular cross-
sectional
configuration (optionally a cross section taken along a plane lying in both
the "x" axis and
the "y" axis of the tool). The wedge member WM can be mounted on the tool so
that at
least a portion (optionally a portion with a generally triangular cross
section) of the wedge
member is carried alongside a cam surface CM of the tool's shank. The wedge
member
preferably is adapted to (e.g., in response to the tool holder's confronting
walls being
clamped forcibly on the tool's shank) bear forcibly against, and cam with, a
cam surface
CM of the tool's shank (e.g., so as to cause relative movement of the wedge
member and
the cam surface CM). The cam surface CM can optionally be defmed by a
stationary
portion (i.e., a portion that does not move relative to the load-receiving
surface(s) LR of
the tool and/or relative to a tip of the tool) SP of the tool's shank S. This
surface CM can
be offset from vertical by an angle of greater than 0 degrees but less than 30
degrees, if so
desired.
When provided, the wedge member WM preferably is mounted on the tool TL so
that a contact surface CS of the wedge member is adapted to be engaged by one
of the
confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool holder TH when the tool's shank S is
forcibly
clamped between these walls CW, CW'. In some cases, the contact surface CS is
generally or substantially planar. The wedge member WM desirably also includes
a cam
surface WC. Preferably, this surface WC of the wedge member WM is carried
against the
cam surface CM of the tool's shank S. In Figures 1 and 3-6, the contact
surface CS of the
wedge member WM is generally opposed to the cam surface WC of the wedge
member.
A variety of wedge member configurations can be used, as described below in
further
detail.
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In some embodiments, the seating mechanism SM comprises at least one rod
member RM. Reference is made to Figures 27-30. Here, each rod member RM
comprises
an elongated rod, pin, shaft, and/or block. The rod member RM preferably is
slidably
mounted in a bore defmed by the tool, optionally so as to be slidable axially
between first
5 and second positions. As shown in Figure 29, a rod member RM of this nature
can be
resiliently biased toward it first position (the exemplary rod member in
Figure 29 is
illustrated in such a first position), which can optionally be a position in
which one end
(e.g., an end that defmes a contact surface CS) of the rod member
protrudes/projects out of
the bore. Here, when the rod member RM is in its second position (as it would
be once the
10 tool's shank is fully clamped by a tool holder), it preferably is fully
retracted inside the
bore. The rod member can be retained in the bore, for example, by virtue of a
locking
ring, clip, etc. In Figure 29, the rod member is mounted in a blind bore with
a spring
compressed between a back end of the rod member and a wall defming the blind
end of
the bore. These details, however, are by no means required.
15 In certain preferred embodiments, the seating mechanism SM comprises two
moveable bodies MB mounted at least in part on opposite sides of the tool's
shank S. In
some cases, these two moveable bodies MB are mounted on the tool TL such that
they can
both be moved (e.g., in part or in their entirety) simultaneously toward or
away from each
other and/or in generally opposite directions (e.g., directions that are
opposite at least in
terms of their lateral/x axis component, if not directly opposite). Here, both
bodies MB
are optionally contacted directly by the tool holder TH when the tool's shank
S is clamped
forcibly between the confronting walls, CW, CW' of the tool holder. In some
cases, the
bodies MB defme opposed contact surfaces CS (which optionally are at least
generally
planar) that are contacted respectively by the confronting walls CW and CW' of
the tool
holder during clamping. Figures 1, 3, 4, 12, 13, 16-18, 22-28, and 29 depict
exemplary
embodiments involving two moveable bodies MB mounted at least in part on
opposite
sides of the tool's shank S. In these embodiments, when the confronting walls
of the tool
holder clamp forcibly on the tool's shank, the moveable bodies desirably coact
with the
tool's shank so as to deliver to the shank a seating force component.
Preferably, this
clamping action causes both bodies MB to move relative to a stationary portion
SP of the
shanlc. In some cases, the moveable bodies move closer together (e.g., at
least their
contact surfaces may move closer together) in response to such clamping (while
at the
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same time optionally moving at least generally vertically relative to
stationary portions of
the tool's shank S). This is the case, for example, when both moveable bodies
are wedge
members of the type exemplified in Figures 1, 3, 4, 23, and 24. In some cases,
at least one
of the moveable bodies MB rotates in response to the tool's shank being
clamped forcibly
between the confronting walls of the tool holder. This is the case, for
example, with the
exemplary embodiments depicted in Figures 12-14, 16-18, and 25. In Figures 27-
28 and
30, the seating mechanism SM comprises two rod members RM mounted so as to
have
contact surfaces CS on opposite sides of the tool's shank S.
In one group of embodiments, the seating mechanism SM comprises two wedge
members WM. Reference is made to Figures 1, 3, 4, 23, and 24. Here, it can be
appreciated that each wedge member preferably has a contact surface CS
(optionally being
at least generally planar) adapted for being engaged by one of the confronting
walls CW,
CW' of the tool holder TH when these walls clamp forcibly upon the tool's
shanlc S. In
Figure 1, the two wedge members WM are mounted on the tool so that the contact
surfaces CS of the wedge members are disposed on (e.g., carried adjacent to)
opposite
sides of the tool's shank S. Preferably, the wedge members are adapted to bear
forcibly
against, and cam with, respective cam surfaces CM of the tool's shank S in
response to the
confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool holder TH clamping forcibly on opposite
sides of
the tool's shank. This camming action desirably results in the tool receiving
a force with a
seating component that is of a magnitude at least equal to the weight of the
tool, such that
if the tool is on the upper beam of the press brake this force component is
sufficient to lift
the tool upwardly until the load-receiving surface(s) of the tool come(s) into
direct contact
with the corresponding load-delivering surface(s) of the tool holder, at which
point upward
movement of the tool is stopped (due to the noted engagement of the load-
bearing
surfaces).
The seating mechanism in some embodiments can have an extended configuration
and a retracted configuration. For example, the opposed contact surfaces CS of
two
wedge members WM may be further apart when the seating mechanism is in its
extended
configuration than when the seating mechanism is in its retracted
configuration. Thus,
when the confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool holder TH clamp forcibly on the
tool's
shanlc S, the opposed contact surfaces CS of such wedge members WM can be
forced to
move closer together.
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In the illustrated wedge embodiments, each of the cam surfaces CM on the
tool's
shank S is defined by a slanted wall. Conjointly, each of the illustrated
wedge cam
surfaces WC is defined by a slanted wall of a wedge member W1VI. These
features,
however, are not required. If so desired, the tool's shank S can have a cam
surface CM
defined by a radiused or curved wall, and/or the wedge member can have a cam
surface
WC defined by a radiused or curved wall.
In some cases, each cam surface CM on the tool's shank S faces generally away
from a vertical axis passing through a lateral midpoint of the tool's shank
("VAD" in
Figure 23). For example, when the tool has two moveable bodies MB mounted at
least in
part on opposite sides of the tool's shank S, these bodies MB can
advantageously be
carried (at least in part) alongside respective cam surfaces CM of the tool's
shank, and
these cam surfaces CM can face generally away from the noted axis VAD and/or
away
from each other. These features, however, are by no means required.
As exemplified in Figures 12-14, 16-18, and 25, the seating mechanism SM can
optionally comprise at least one wheel member WH. When provided, each wheel
member
WH can optionally be mounted on the tool's shank S so as to be moveable
rotatably
(optionally about a longitudinally-extending axis, i.e., an axis parallel to
the tool's "z"
axis) relative to a stationary portion SP of the tool's shank. Each wheel
member, for
example, can be mounted on an axle AX that provides a desired range of linear
(e.g.,
lateral) movement for the wheel/axle. This is perhaps best appreciated with
reference to
Figure 25. Here, a spring member 299 is disposed between the respective axles
AX of the
two wheel members WH, and each axle AX is slidably received in a slot SOT
defmed by
the tool's shank. Thus, the illustrated wheel members can be moved laterally
(and in the
process the axles slide laterally in the slots SOT). With this type of
arrangement, the two
wheel members WH are resiliently biased away from each other by the spring
member
299. Preferably, when the tool's shank S is clamped forcibly between
confronting walls
CW, CW' of the tool holder TH, the force applied to the tool by the clamping
of these
walls CW, CW on the wheels WH has a seating component that is at least
generally
parallel to the pressing axis.
In some embodiments involving a rotatable member (e.g., a wheel, rotatable
pin,
etc.) mounted on the shank S of a press brake tool TL, the rotatable member
has a
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diameter. This diameter can optionally be at least 1/5th the lateral width of
the tool's
shank, and perhaps more preferably at least 1/4th of the lateral width of the
tool's shank.
In Figures 12, 13, and 25, the illustrated tool TL is provided in combination
with a
tool holder TH having at least one wall portion CWA configured such that when
it
contacts a wheel member WH on the tool's shank (as an adjunct of the
confronting walls
CW, CW' clamping forcibly on the tool's shank), the force delivered to the
shank via the
wheel member has a seating component (e.g., an upward component) that causes
the tool
to move relative to the tool holder so as to bring the load-receiving
surface(s) of the tool
into direct contact with the load-delivering surface(s) of the tool holder.
The wall portion
CWA can optionally defme an angled, radiused, or curved surface. In Figures
12, 13, and
25, the wall portion CWA extends at an angle relative to the adjacent load-
delivering
surface LD of the tool holder, and this angle is not 90 degrees, but rather is
offset from 90
degrees (e.g., by at least about 2 degrees, at least about 3 degrees, or at
least about 4
degrees).
With reference to Figure 14, it can be appreciated that some embodiments
provide
a seating mechanism SM that includes a wedge member WM and a wheel member WH.
Here, the illustrated wedge member WM and wheel member WH project in part from
opposite sides of the tool's shank. That is, the illustrated wedge member WM
projects in
part from one side of the tool's shank, and the illustrated wheel member WH
projects in
part from an opposite side of the shank (at least when the seating mechanism
is in its
extended configuration).
Thus, the seating mechanism SM preferably includes at least one moveable body
MB that is adapted to bear forcibly against a portion of the tool's shank
(thereby
delivering at least a seating component of force to the tool's shank) in
response to the
confronting walls of the tool holder being clamped forcibly on opposite sides
of the tool's
shank. Preferably, the resulting seating component is of a magnitude at least
equal to the
weight of the tool, such that if the tool is on the upper beam of the press
brake this force
component is sufficient lift the tool upwardly until the load-receiving
surface(s) of the tool
come(s) into direct contact with the corresponding load-delivering surface(s)
of the tool
holder, at which point upward movement of the tool is stopped (due to the
noted
engagement of the load-bearing surfaces). Several embodiments of this nature
have been
described.
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Figure 15 depicts an embodiment wherein the seating mechanism SM comprises a
positioner PO mounted on the tool's shank S. The illustrated positioner PO has
a
generally "H"-shaped cross-sectional configuration, although this is by no
means required.
The illustrated positioner PO comprises an elongated neck portion NP
connecting two web
portions WPT. The neck portion NP extends through a lateral opening passing
through the
tool's shank, and each web portion WPT extends in a direction that is at least
generally
perpendicular to the neck portion NP. The neck portion connects respective
midpoints of
the two web portions WPT. The web portions WPT (by virtue of their connection
to the
neck portion NP extending through the lateral opening in the tool's shank)
keep the
positioner PO on the tool's shank. Preferably, the distance between the two
web portions
WPT (i.e., the length of the neck portion) is slightly greater than the
lateral width of the
tool's shank. This gives the positioner PO some freedom to move laterally
relative to
stationary portions of the tool's shank. The positioner PO preferably also has
some
freedom to move along the tool's "y" axis (which is also referred to herein as
the tool's
vertical axis) relative to stationary portions of the tool's shank. Thus, the
neck portion NP
of the positioner preferably has some play in the opening in which it is
mounted.
The tool holder in Figure 15 has a moveable face plate MP defining an angled
or
radiused cam surface AS that is adapted to bear forcibly against, and cam
witli, a shoulder
SH of the positioner PO. This camming action (when initiated at such time as
the tool is
retained loosely in the channel C by virtue of the safety key SK hanging on
the safety shelf
SCS) causes the positioner to move away from the tip of the tool (e.g.,
upwardly). This
brings the neck portion NP of the positioner PO to bear forcibly upon a
lifting surface LS
of the tool's shank, which in turn causes the tool's shank to move in such a
way that the
load-receiving surfaces LR of the tool TL come into engagement with the load-
delivering
surfaces LD of the tool holder TH. In the embodiment of Figure 15, this
involves the tool
moving upwardly until the load-bearing surfaces LR, LD of the tool and tool
holder are
seated directly against one another.
In certain embodiments, the press brake tool TL has a seating mechanism SM and
a retractable safety key SK. When provided, the retractable safety key SK is
adapted for
engaging a safety recess SR, and/or moving into alignment with a safety shelf
SCS, of the
tool holder TH.
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In embodiments wherein the seating mechanism SM comprises a wedge member
WM, the wedge member can be provided in a variety of configurations. One
configuration is shown in Figure 3. Here, it can be appreciated that each
wedge member
WM includes a wedge portion WP and a neck portion WNP. Preferably, the wedge
5 portion WP is that part of the wedge member WM that defines the contact
surface CS and
is adapted to be engaged by one of the confronting walls of the tool holder
when such
walls are clamped on the tool's shank S. With continued reference to Figure 3,
it can be
appreciated that the wedge portion WP has a small-thickness region and a large-
thickness
region. In some cases, the thickness (e.g., the lateral thickness) of the
wedge portion WP
10 gradually increases moving from the small-thickness region to the large-
thickness region.
The wedge portion WP in Figure 3, for example, has a generally triangular
cross-sectional
configuration. This particular wedge member WM is assembled on the tool so
that the
large-thickness region is located closer to the tool's tip than is the small-
thickness region.
As noted above, each wedge member WM preferably has a contact surface CS
15 adapted for being engaged by the tool holder. In the illustrated wedge
embodiments, the
contact surface CS is a generally planar surface which, when the wedge member
WM is
assembled on the tool, is generally parallel to the vertical axis of the tool
and/or is
generally perpendicular to the load-receiving surface(s) of the tool. The
contact surface
CS of each wedge member WM can optionally face generally away from a"y" axis
20 passing through a lateral midpoint of the tool's shank. Each wedge member
WM
preferably has a cam surface WC that is oriented at an angle relative to the
vertical axis of
the tool and/or relative to the contact surface CS of the wedge member. Thus,
in some
wedge embodiments, each wedge member WM has a contact surface CS and a cam
surface WC, and these surfaces are not parallel, but rather are offset from
parallel by an
acute angle, which preferably is at least about 2 degrees, more preferably at
least about 3
degrees, and perhaps optiunally at least about 4 degrees (e.g., greater than 5
degrees). In
one particular embodiment, this angle is about 13 degrees.
In connection with the neck portion WNP of the wedge member designs shown in
Figures 5 and 6, it can be appreciated that such a neck portion WNP can be
provided to
facilitate mounting the wedge member WM on the tool. Here, the neck portion
WNP of
the wedge member WM defmes a groove WG. Referring to Figure 4, it can be
appreciated that the illustrated tool TL has a link member LM extending along
the tool's
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"y" axis, and a portion LP of this link member LM is adapted to be received in
the groove
WG defmed by the neck WNP of the wedge member WM. With continued reference to
Figure 4, when the illustrated wedge members WM are assembled on the tool, the
narrow
portion LP of the link member LM is retained in the groove WG of each wedge
member
WM, and the relative dimensioning of the narrow portion LP of the link member
LM and
each groove WG is such that each wedge member WM has a desired range of
freedom to
move laterally until a lip WL of such wedge member WM butts up against the
narrow
portion LP of the link member LM. These and other optional link member
features are
described below in fiirther detail.
Figures 5 and 6 provide detailed illustrations of two exemplary wedge members
WM. Each of these wedge members WM has a wedge portion WP and a neck portion
WNP. The neck portion WNP can be omitted if so desired. For example, the wedge
portion can alternatively be mounted movably on the tool's shank by a key-like
structure
(e.g., extending from the wedge portion) that rides slidably in a slot,
channel, etc. (e.g.,
defined by the tool's shank). The wedge portion in Figure 6 has a rounded
bottom portion
RBP, whereas the bottom of the wedge portion WP in Figure 5 is generally
planar. It is to
be appreciated that many other wedge configurations can be used to provide
tool seating
functionality.
Figure 11 depicts another wedge configuration that can be used to facilitate
tool
seating. Here, the shank S of the tool TL is provided with a single (i.e.,
only one) wedge
member WM. This wedge member WM has a contact surface CS that is adapted to be
engaged by one of the confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool holder TH when
such walls
clamp forcibly upon the tool's shank. This clamping action causes the wedge
member
WM to bear forcibly against, and cam with, a cam surface CM of the tool's
shank, thereby
delivering to the shank a force having a seating component. The contact
surface CS fonns
an included angle (which can optionally be about 90 degrees) with another
external
surface ES of the wedge member WM. Both of these surfaces CS, ES can
optionally be
adapted to contact the tool holder TH when the tool TL is clamped operatively
by the tool
holder. In the illustrated embodirnent, the contact surface CS is a generally
vertical
surface and the other external surface ES is a generally horizontal surface,
although this is
by no means required.
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In Figure 11, the illustrated wedge member WM is mounted moveably on the tool
TL by virtue of a male projection (e.g., a rod) RD, which extends from the
wedge member
and is received slidably in a bore extending into the body of the tool. If so
desired, a
plurality of wedge members W1VI of this type (or of any other type described
herein) can
be disposed at longitudinally spaced apart locations on the tool's shank. This
may be
particularly desirable for a long tool. Further, wedge members of the type
shown in Figure
11 can be positioned on both sides of the tool's shank, if so desired. Still
further, one or
more wedge members of this type can be provided on the shank of a press brake
tool in
combination with one or more wheel members of the type described above. As yet
another option, one or more wedge members of the type shown in Figure 11 can
be
disposed on the shank of a tool that also is provided with one or more wedge
members of
the type shown in Figures 1-4.
Figure 10 depicts an exemplary embodiment wherein the tool TL has a seating
mechanism SM and a retractable safety key SK that is offset longitudinally
(i.e., along the
tool's longitudinal or "z" axis) from the seating mechanism SM. In other
embodiments,
the safety key SK is at substantially the same longitudinal location as the
seating
mechanism SM. In some cases, the tool TL is provided with a plurality of
safety keys
spaced apart longitudinally on the tool's shank, and respective seating
mechanisms are
provided at the same longitudinal locations as the safety keys.
Figures 1-4 depict one manner in which a linlc member LM can be used in a tool
TL having both a seating mechanism SM and a retractable safety key SK. Here,
the link
member LM is mechanically linked with the illustrated wedge members WM in such
a
way that each wedge member WM has a limited range of freedom to move
laterally. This
can be accomplished with a variety of linlc member configurations.
In embodiments like those exemplified by Figures 1-4, the link member LM is
operably coupled with the safety key SK so that the safety key (or a portion
thereof)
moves laterally along the "x" axis of the tool (e.g., horizontally) in
response to the link
member (or a portion thereof) moving along the "y" axis of the tool TL (e.g.,
vertically).
For example, the safety key SK desirably retracts in response to the linlc
member moving
in a desired direction (e.g., toward the tip of the tool) along the "y" axis
of the tool TL. In
Figures 1-4, the safety key is movable between an extended position and a
retracted
position, the linlc member is moveable between a first position and a second
position, the
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safety key moves to its retracted position in response to the link member
moving to its
second position, and the safety key moves to its extended position in response
to the link
member moving to its first position. Various embodiments of this nature can be
provided.
Figure 9 details one link member configuration that can optionally be used.
Here,
the link member comprises a rigid rod (optionally one adapted for axial
movement relative
to a stationary portion of the tool's shank). This particular link member has
two portions:
a base portion LBP and a narrow portion LP. Preferably, these two portions are
machined
from (and formed by) one integral piece of material (e.g., metal), although
they can
alternatively be separate components joined together to form the link member.
The
narrow portion LP of such a link member can be operably coupled with one or
more
wedge members (e.g., so as to limit the lateral range of movement of the wedge
member(s), as noted above). The base portion LBP can be operably coupled with
an
actuator A that can be operated so as to cause the safety key SK to retract
and/or extend, as
described below.
The link member LM, when provided, can be resiliently biased toward a first
position (e.g., away from the tip of the tool). For example, one or more
spring members
SPM can be provided to apply to the link member LM a spring force urging the
link
member toward its first position. This is perhaps best seen in Figures 1, 3,
and 4, where
the illustrated spring bears against the bottom surface LBS (shown in Figure
9) of the link
member LM. This resilient biasing of the linlc member LM keeps the safety key
SK in its
extended position (unless the link member is forced out of its first
position). Further, this
resilient biasing can optionally keep the seating mechanism in an expanded
configuration,
as described below.
In Figures 1-4, the illustrated link member LM is operably coupled with a
selectively-operable actuator A. Preferably, the actuator A is adapted for
being operated at
a desired time so as to move the link member to its second position, thereby
moving the
safety key SK to its retracted position. Here, the actuator A comprises an
externally-
accessible portion AA, which preferably is manually operable (e.g., manually
depressible).
The illustrated actuator A has a cam surface PCS that is adapted to bear
forcibly against,
and cam with, the link member in response to the actuator A being operated
(e.g., in
response to a press brake operator depressing the externally-accessible
portion AA of the
actuator). This camming action forces the link member LM to move to its second
position
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(overcoming the force of the optional spring SPM), which in turn causes the
safety key SK
to retract.
As is perhaps best seen in Figure 1, the illustrated actuator A has a tapered
end
region TP. When the tool is assembled, this tapered end region TP projects
into a slot LSL
defined by the link member LM. Preferably, when the actuator A is operated, at
least a
portion thereof moves (e.g., axially) inside, or further inside, the body B of
the tool TL.
With reference to Figure 1, it can be appreciated that depressing the
externally-accessible
portion AA of the illustrated actuator A causes at least part of that portion
AA to move
inside the body B of the tool (e.g., into a lateral bore formed in the tool's
body). This
causes a plunger portion PP of the actuator A to move (e.g., fiirther inside
the body B of
the tool) in such a way that the cam surface PCS of the actuator A (which in
the illustrated
embodiment is defined by the tapered end region TP) bears forcibly against,
and cams
with, a corner/edge LCR of the link member LM, thereby causing the link member
to
move (e.g., axially and/or toward the tip of the tool) to its second position.
While this type
of arrangement is advantageous, various link member/actuator arrangements can
be used.
The link member LM, when provided, can optionally be configured. for biasing
the
seating mechanism SM toward its extended configuration. For example, a portion
of the
link member can have a ridge with an apex and sloped side surfaces diverging
respectively
away from the apex. The apex of such a ridge can optionally be that portion of
the ridge
that is furthest from the tool's tip. When such a linlc member moves toward
its first
position (e.g., due to the bias of a spring SPM), the sloped side surfaces of
the ridge can
engage respective lips WP of two wedge members WM. As the link member LM
continues moving to its first position, the wedge members WM ride on the
respective
sloped side surfaces of the ridge, forcing the wedge members outwardly (e.g.,
away from
each other). With such an arrangement, the seating mechanism SM is kept in its
extended
configuration unless the actuator A is operated (e.g., depressed), or the tool
holder is
clamp forcibly on the tool's shank, or the wedge members are otherwise forced
to move
inwardly toward each another. This type of arrangement tends to keep the wedge
members in a default position where they are located as far from the tool's
tip as is
allowed by their range of movement. These features, however, are by no means
required.
Reference will now be made to a group of embodiments involving a press brake
tool that may or may not include a seating and/or locating mechanism. Here,
the invention
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provides a tool having a shank that is provided with a retractable safety key.
The safety
key, which is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position,
is operably
coupled with a moveable link member such that the safety key moves from its
extended
position to its retracted position in response to the link member moving
(e.g., axially)
5 along a vertical axis of the tool. Exemplary embodiments including a seating
and/or
locating mechanism have been described. However, some embodiments in the
present
group do not have such a mechanism.
In the present group of embodiments, the link member can optionally comprise
at
least one rigid rod member. For example, a link member LM of the type shown in
Figure
10 9 can be used. Here, the link member LM has a base portion LBP (which
optionally has a
generally circular or oval cross section) and a narrow portion LP (which
optionally has a
generally square or rectangular cross section). A link member of this nature
can optionally
define a notch LSL to facilitate operably coupling the link member LM with an
actuator
A, as noted above.
15 Preferably, the link member is moveable between a first position and a
second
position, the safety key moves to its retracted position in response to the
link member
moving to its second position, and the safety key moves to its extended
position in
response to the link member moving to its first position. If so desired, the
link member
can be resiliently biased by a spring member SPM toward its first position.
Conjointly, the
20 link member can be operably coupled with a selectively-operable actuator.
As noted
above, an actuator A of this nature can be adapted for being operated at a
desired time so
as to overcome the resilient bias of the spring member SPM and move the link
member to
its second position thereby moving the safety key to its retracted position.
In certain embodiments of the present group, the safety key SK is operably
coupled
25 with the link member LM by virtue of a male projection RD of the link
member that is
slidably received in a slot SLT defined by the safety key. When provided, this
slot can
advantageously be configured to extend at an angle relative to both the "x"
axis and the
"y" axis of the tool. The angle of such a slot SLT can be varied as desired.
In one
embodiment, the slot SLT extends at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to
the "x" axis
of the tool. Alternatively, the slot SLT can be parallel, or substantially
parallel, to the
vertical axis of the tool, such that the safety key stays in an extended
position as the link
member moves along the vertical axis of the tool. The noted male projection
can be a pin
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26
PN (e.g., extending from the link member) slidably received in the elongated
slot defmed
by the safety key. If so desired, the safety key SK can be resiliently biased
by a spring
member 199 in such way that the safety key SK is urged toward its extended
position.
Reference is made to Figures 23 and 24.
The invention provides one group of embodiments wherein the tool TL has a
seating mechanism and/or a locating mechanism (e.g., of any type described
above) in
combination with a click-in/slide-out design. Here, the tool is adapted for
being mounted
on a tool holder by moving the tool vertically into a channel defmed by the
tool holder,
and for being dismounted from the tool holder by moving the tool horizontally
(i.e., by
sliding the tool lengthwise) out of the channel. Press brake tools of this
nature are referred
to herein as click-in/slide-out tools. Preferably, when these tools are
mounted in the tool
holder they produce an audible "click" sound upon reaching their operative
position. In
preferred embodiments, this sound results when the safety key(s) on the tool
snaps into
place in a safety slot defmed by the tool holder. It is to be understood that
this audible
clicking is an optional feature, which is by no means required.
Some existing press brake tools are adapted for both vertical mounting (i.e.,
mounting by moving the tool vertically into the channel of the tool holder)
and vertical
dismounting (i.e., dismounting by moving the tool vertically out of this
channel). Vertical
dismounting has the disadvantage that it suddenly releases the full weight of
the tool on
the operator. This can be less than ideal in some cases, such as when
particularly heavy
tools are used. In contrast, the embodiments of the present group provide a
tool that is not
adapted for being dismounted by moving the tool vertically out of the tool
holder's
channel. Rather, this tool is adapted to prevent vertical dismounting.
In the present embodiment group, the tool has a retractable safety key, and
the tool
T is not adapted for being dismounted from the tool holder by moving the tool
vertically
out of the channel. Rather, the tool is adapted to prevent such vertical
dismounting. In
certain embodiments, this is accomplished by providing a tool that has no
externally
accessible actuator for retracting the safety key. Further, some embodiments
provide a
tool of this nature in combination with a tool holder that has no device for
retracting the
safety key (once it has been extended into/engaged with a safety groove/recess
of the tool
holder). Thus, once the tool's shank is moved into its operative position in
the channel of
the tool liolder a press brake operator is prevented from retracting the
safety key and
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27
removing the tool vertically from the tool holder. As a result, the tool T is
designed to
prevent vertical removal and to only allow removal by sliding the tool
lengthwise (i.e.,
longitudinally) out of the channel C of the tool holder. Further details of
click-in/slide-out
tools are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,021,116, the entire contents of which
are
incorporated herein by reference.
Figure 30 depicts one exemplary embodiment of a click-in/slide-out tool having
a
seating mechanism SM. Here, the seating mechanism comprises a plurality of rod
members RM. The seating mechanism, however, can alternatively comprise one or
more
wedge members and/or any other type(s) of moveable seating bodies described
above. For
example, another embodiment involves an arrangement like that shown in Figure
30 with
the exception that at least one of the rod members RM (optionally each rod
member) is
replaced with a wedge member (or a pair of wedge members) adapted to provide
the
seating functionality described herein. Many other variants will be apparent
to skilled
artisans given the present disclosure as a guide.
The invention provides a variety of methods for operating a press brake. Some
embodiments, for example, provide a method of mounting a press brake tool TL
on a tool
holder TH of a press brake having a pressing axis. The tool holder has a tool-
mount
channel C bounded by first and second confronting walls CW, CW'. Here, the
first
confronting wall CW' is moveable at least in part toward the second
confronting wall CW.
The tool holder TH, in some embodiments, has at least one load-delivering
surface LD and
is adapted for moving the tool TL when operatively mounted on the tool holder
along the
pressing axis PA. The tool TL has a shank S and at least one load-receiving
surface LR.
The tool TL in the present method also has a seating mechanism SM. The method
comprises positioning the tool's shank S in the tool-mount channel C and
moving the first
confronting wall CW' at least in part toward the second confronting wall CW
thereby
forcibly clamping the tool's shanlc between the confronting walls CW, CW' so
as to
deliver to the shank a force that is at least partially converted into a
seating component
directed at least generally parallel to the pressing axis PA. The seating
component of this
force moves the tool TL relative to the tool holder TH so as to bring the load-
receiving
surface LR of the tool into engagement with the load-delivering surface LD of
the tool
holder.
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The seating mechanism SM in the present method optionally comprises a
moveable body MB mounted on the tool TL so as to be moveable relative to a
portion
(e.g., a stationary portion SP) of the tool's shank S, such that forcibly
clamping the tool's
shank between the confronting walls CW, CW' causes the moveable body to bear
forcibly
against a portion of the tool's shank thereby delivering at least the seating
component of
the force to the tool's shank (and desirably moving the tool in the manner
described
above).
The moveable body MB in the present method can optionally be a wedge member
WM carried (at least in part) alongside a cam surface CM of the tool's shank
S. Here,
forcibly clamping the tool's shank S between the confronting walls CW, CW'
causes the
wedge member WM to bear forcibly against, and cam with, the cam surface CM of
the
tool's shank so as to cause relative movement of the wedge member and the cam
surface
CM.
In the present method, the seating mechanism SM can optionally comprise two
moveable bodies MB mounted at least in part on opposite sides of the tool's
shank S. The
two moveable bodies MB can be wedge members, if so desired. Forcibly clamping
the
shank S of such a tool TL between the confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool
holder TH
causes the wedge members WM to bear forcibly against, and cam with, respective
cam
surfaces CM on the tool's shank. As noted above, this clamping can optionally
cause
opposed contact surfaces of the two wedge members to move closer together.
In some of the present method embodiments, the moveable body MB is a wheel
member WH and forcibly clamping the tool's shank S between the confronting
walls CW,
CW' of the tool holder TH involves the wheel member engaging one of the
confronting
walls thereby causing the wheel to rotate.
In some embodiments of the present method, the tool holder TH defines a safety
groove SR open to the tool-mount channel C, the tool TL further comprises a
retractable
safety key SK, and the method includes moving the tool's safety key into the
tool holder's
safety groove.
When provided, the safety key SK can optionally be operably coupled with a
moveable link member LM such that the safety key moves along a lateral axis of
the tool
TL in response to the link member moving along a vertical axis of the tool. In
some
methods involving a press brake tool TL of this nature, moving the tool's
safety key SK
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29
into the tool holder's safety groove SR involves the safety key moving along
the lateral
axis of the tool in response to the link member moving along the vertical axis
of the tool.
In some embodiments of the present method wherein the tool TL includes both a
retractable safety key SK and a link member LM, the safety key SK is moveable
between
an extended position and a retracted position, the link member LM is moveable
between a
first position and a second position, the safety key moves to its retracted
position in
response to the link member moving to its second position, the safety key
moves to its
extended position in response to the link member moving to its first position,
and moving
the tool's safety key into the tool holder's safety groove SR involves the
safety key
moving to its extended position in response to the link member moving to its
first position.
Figures 19 through 22 exemplify a further embodiment wherein a moveable ball
member BA is provided on the tool TL so as to facilitate tool locating (i.e.,
so as to
facilitate locating the shank S of the tool in the channel C of the tool
holder TH). Here,
the confronting walls CW, CW' of the tool holder TH each defme a recess SRE
bounded
by a curved wall portion SSF. The shanlc S of the tool TL has a ball member BA
that is
resiliently biased toward a first position. When the ball member BA is in its
first position,
a portion of the ball member projects outwardly through an opening BO in the
tool's
shank. Thus, when the tool's shank S is positioned in the tool holder's
channel C, the ball
member BA engages a recess SRE of the tool holder TH and is thereby wedged
between a
curved wall portion SSF of the tool holder and a stationary portion of the
tool's shank.
Referring to Figure 19, it can be appreciated that the ball member BA is
mounted in a bore
BOB extending through at least a portion of the tool. The bore has an outlet
BO, which
opens through a wall of the tool's shanlc. This is perhaps best seen in Figure
20.
Referring again to Figure 19, it can be appreciated that a link member LM is
slidably
disposed in the bore BOB and has one end region LMER against which the ball
member
BA is received. In Figure 19, it can be appreciated that this end region LMER
can
optionally have a concave end surface that is adapted to cradle the ball
member BA. The
illustrated linlc member LM also has a base end LMBE against which a spring
member
(not shown, but optionally mounted in a blind end region PCK of the bore BOB)
is
adapted to bear forcibly so as to resiliently bias the link member LM toward
its first
position. The tool TL shown in Figure 19 has an actuator A that can be
operated so as to
move the link member LM out of its first position (in the process overcoming
the resilient
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bias of a spring in the blind end region PCK of the bore BOB), which in turn
allows the
ball member BA to move entirely inside the bore BOB and out of engagement with
the
tool holder TH.
In Figure 19, the illustrated actuator A and link member LM are adapted to
coact
5 by virtue of a camming action. In particular, when the actuator A is
operated (e.g., by
depressing its externally-accessible portion AA), an end region AAL of the
actuator bears
forcibly against, and cams with, a cam surface LMC of the link member LM. The
illustrated link member LM has a notch formed in its side surface, and this
notch is
bounded by the cam surface LMC.
10 In some of the present ball member embodiments, the ball member BA has a
diameter that is at least about one-fifth of the lateral width of the tool's
shank, and perhaps
more preferably is at least about one-fourth the lateral width of the tool's
shank.
Thus, the tool TL can be provided with a seating mechanism comprising one or
more moveable bodies (e.g., wedge members, rod members, wheel members, and/or
ball
15 members) of various different designs. In one group of embodiments, the
tool holder
includes a moveable body having at least one part (optionally the whole
moveable body)
comprising a polymer, optionally with a filler. In some of these embodiments,
the
moveable body consists essentially of the polymer and the filler. One useful
polymer is
nylon, such as nylon 66. Torlon or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
may also be
20 suitable. If so desired, the polymer can comprise a filler that provides
increased hardness,
increased durability, and/or decreased flexibility. Glass fibers are an
advantageous filler.
One embodiment involves a nylon polymer with a glass filler (e.g., nylon 66
with 20%
glass filler). Other useful fillers may include fumed silica or talc. When
provided, each
moveable body comprising polymer can be produced by conventional molding
methods.
25 Suitable polymer components can also be obtained commercially from
companies like The
ProtoMold Company (Maple Plain, Minnesota, U.S.A.).
In certain embodiments involving a moveable body MB comprising a polymer, the
moveable body comprises (e.g., optionally is) a wedge member WM at least a
portion of
which is carried alongside a cam surface CM of the tool's shank. Here, the
wedge
30 member WM comprises the polymer and is adapted to bear forcibly against,
and cam with,
the cam surface CM so as to cause relative movement of the wedge member and
the cam
surface. The cam surface can optionally be defined by a slanted and/or
radiused wall of
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31
the tool's shank. Seating mechanisms of this nature are described above in
more detail.
Some embodiments provide the cam surface CM in the form of metal (e.g., steel)
over
which a coating is provided. The coating, for example, can comprise nitrogen
and/or
carbon (e.g., it can be a nitride and/or nitrocarbide enhancement, as
described below).
Certain embodiments involving polymer technology provide a seating mechanism
that includes two moveable bodies MB mounted at least in part on opposite
sides of the
tool's shank. The two moveable bodies, for example, can be wedge members WM
that
bear forcibly against, and cam with, respective cam surfaces CM on the tool's
shank in
response to the confronting walls of the tool holder clamping forcibly on
opposite sides of
the tool's shank. In the present embodiments, each wedge member WM comprises
the
polymer. The seating mechanism in some of these embodiments has an extended
configuration and a retracted configuration, where opposed contact surfaces CS
of the two
wedge members are further apart when the seating mechanism is in its extended
configuration than when the seating mechanism is in its retracted
configuration, and where
the opposed contact surfaces of the two wedge members move closer together in
response
to the confronting walls of the tool holder clamping forcibly on the opposite
sides of the
tool's shank. Each cam surface CM can optionally be defmed by a slanted and/or
radiused
wall of the tool's shank. Seating mechanisms of this nature are described
above in more
detail.
The invention provides a number of embodiments wherein the seating mechanism
comprises at least one moveable body formed of one material while the tool's
shank (or at
least a cam surface thereof and/or a stationary portion thereof) is formed of
another
(different) material. The seating mechanism, for example, can include a
moveable body
comprising a polymer while the tool's shank (or at least a cam surface
thereof, and/or a
stationary portion thereof, optionally a major portion thereof) comprises
metal (e.g., steel).
In one group of embodiments, the tool TL is provided with a coating 907 over
at
least one surface. In some embodiments of this group, a coating 907 is
provided on a cam
surface CM (e.g., a surface against which a moveable body MB of the seating
mechanism
is adapted to cam during clamping of a tool holder on the tool's shank) of the
tool's shank.
Here, the cam surface CM is not a surface that comes into contact with the
tool holder or
the worlcpiece during operation. The coating 907, however, can be provided on
such a
cam surface to minimize or reduce any binding that may otherwise occur between
the
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32
moveable body or bodies of the seating mechanism and the cam surface(s) CM of
the
tool's shank. Reference is made to Figure 26.
In some embodiments, the tool TL is provided with a coating 907 over at least
a
majority of its shank's surface area (optionally over substantially all of its
surface area,
over substantially all of its surface area excluding at least some internal
surfaces, over
substantially all of its surface area including internal surfaces, over
substantially all of its
surface area excluding surfaces of a safety key and/or link member, etc.). The
coating can
be provided to increase surface hardness, to increase lubricity, and/or to
otherwise protect
against wear, corrosion, sticking, and/or galling.
When provided, the coating can optionally be a dry lubricant coating. For
example, the coating can comprise nickel (e.g., nickel alloy) and/or a low
friction polymer.
In some cases, the coated surface has one or more of the following features:
(i) a
coefficient of static friction below 0.35, below 0.3, or even below 0.2; (ii)
a coefficient of
dynamic friction below 0.3, below 0.25, below 0.18, or even below 0.1. Useful
dry
lubricant coatings are available commercially from, for example, General
Magnaplate
Corporation (Linden, New Jersey, USA) and Poeton Industries, Ltd. (Gloucester,
England). As one example, the coating can be a NEDOX coating.
In one subgroup of the present embodiments, the coating comprises a nitride
and/or
a carbide. One commercially available nitride coating is the Nitrex coating,
which is a
high endurance surface enhancement available commercially from Nitrex, Inc.
(Aurora,
Illinois, USA). Particularly useful nitriding and nitrocarburizing
enhancements are
described in U.S. Patent 6,327,884, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein
by reference.
Nitriding and nitrocarburizing processes are lcnown in the field and need not
be
described in great detail. Reference is made to U.S. Patent Nos. 4,790,888 and
4,268,323,
the teachings of which regarding such enhancements are incorporated herein by
reference.
The latter patent refers to the use of a fused salt bath to enable nitrogen
and carbon to
diffuse into the surface of a steel piece suspended in the bath to form a
carbonitride case.
Reference is made also to U.S. Patent No. 5,234,721 (referring to methods of
forming
carbonitride coatings), the teachings of which regarding such coatings are
incorporated
herein by reference.
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Nitriding processes, both plasma (ion) nitriding and liquid nitriding, are
described
in detail in the ASM Handbook prepared under the direction of the ASM
International
Handbook Committee, Revised vol. 4: Heat Treating, pp. 410-424 (1994), the
teachings of
which concerning nitriding enhancements are incorporated herein by reference.
Plasma or
ion nitriding involves the use of glow discharge technology to provide nascent
nitrogen to
the surface of a heated steel part. Here, the part is subjected to a nitrogen
plasma in a
vacuum chamber. Nascent nitrogen diffuses into the surface of the part to form
an outer
"compound" zone containing y(Fe4N) and E(Fe2,3N) intermetallics, and an inner
"diffi.i.sion" zone which may be described as the original core microstructure
with some
solid solution and precipitation strengthening. Liquid nitriding involves
immersing a steel
part in a molten, nitrogen-containing fused salt bath containing cyanides or
cyanates, e.g.,
NaCN or NaCNO. Tool components can be enhanced by liquid nitriding through a
wide
variety of commercial coating manufacturers, such as Metal Treaters Inc. of
St. Paul,
Minnesota, USA.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it
is to
be understood that numerous changes, adaptations, and modifications can be
made to the
preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention and
the scope of
the claims. Thus, the invention has been described in connection with specific
embodiments for purposes of illustration. The scope of the invention is
described in the
claims, which are set forth below.
