US3788177A

US3788177A - Forming tool and fixture therefor

Info

Publication number: US3788177A
Authority: US
Inventors: R Williamson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-07-02
Filing date: 1971-07-02
Publication date: 1974-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 1991-01-29

Abstract

A forming tool and fixture therefor that is adapted to perform a variety of work functions on a workpiece and which lends itself to rapid relocation and change in function. A forming tool is constructed as a compact member including a force amplification device. Due to the compact construction, a number of the forming tools may be juxtaposed to each other so as to perform work functions on closely adjacent areas of the workpiece. The tool may function as a punch and an improved and simplified stripper arrangement is provided for the punch which stripper uses an elastomeric member. The tool may function as a punch and embodies a die structure that facilitates rapid and convenient adjustment in the location of the formed hole. The fixture for the tool includes a supporting or mounting bracket that facilitates convenient adjustment of the tool in a variety of planes. A novel clevis is also provided for accommodating a connection between the shaft of an actuator and the driven element.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Williamson FORMING TOOL AND FIXTURE THEREFOR [76] Inventor: Robert W. Williamson, 62701 Haven Ridge Rd., New Haven, Mich.

[22] Filed: July 2, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 159,176

I [52] U.S. Cl 83/454, 83/138, 83/617,

[451 Jan.29, 1974 Primary ExaminerAndrew R. Juhasz Assistant Examiner-James F. Coan 57 ABSTRACT A forming tool and fixture therefor that is adapted to perform a variety of work functions on a workpiece and which lends itself to rapid relocation and change in function. A forming tool is constructed as a compact member including a force amplification device. Due to the compact construction, a number of the forming tools may be juxtaposed to each other so as to perform work functions on closely adjacent areas of the workpiece. The tool may function as a punch and an improved and simplified stripper arrangement is provided for the punch which stripper uses an elastomeric member. The tool may function as a punch and embodies a die structure that facilitates rapid and convenient adjustment in the location of the formed hole. The fixture for the tool includes a supporting or mounting bracket that facilitates convenient adjustment of the tool in a variety of planes. A novel clevis is also provided for accommodating a connection between the shaft of an actuator and the driven element.

13 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PArimgnJmzsxsn 3,788,177

' sum 2 or 7 INVENTOR.

PATENTED JAN 2 9 974 SHEET 8 0F 7 i l 5' v INVENTOR.

PATENTEU 3.788.177

SHEET 7 0F 7 INVENTOR.

FORMING-TOOL AND FIXTURE THEREFOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a forming tool and fixture therefor and more particularly to an improved compact forming tool and supporting fixture that permits a wide variation in the setup arrangement.

In many types of forming operations a tool is employed to apply a force to a workpiece. This force can be applied merely to hold the workpiece, to deform it or to pierce a hole in it. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are frequently used for generating the force to be applied. In many instances considerable force is required, particularly when holes are being punched in the workpiece. In order to generate such high forces it has, heretofore, been the practice to employ relatively large cylinders for generating the required force. The use of large cylinders has several disadvantages. In addition to greater cost, the large cylinders result in large tools. If it is necessary to form two adjacent areas of the workpiece, it may be necessary to perform the forming steps in two stages since the large size of prior art tools does not permit close side-by-side placement. In addition, the previously employed tools using hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders as force generating devices have not lent themselves to modification of the generated forces or to perform varying work functions.

It is, therefore, one of the principle objects of this invention to provide a compact cylinder operated force applying device. 1

It is another object of this phase of the invention to provide a force applying device that is low in cost and versatile in function.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a force applying device that incorporates a mechanical force amplifier and which may be conveniently changed to provide a'variety of functions.

One common work forming operation is the punching or piercing of openings in a workpiece. With such an arrangement, a punch forms the hole in conjunction with adie. Once the hole is formed it is generally necessary to provide a stripping arrangement for permitting retraction of the forming tool from the workpiece. Most strippers employ metal "springs which are expen sive both in initial cost and as replacement items and which do not necessarily lend themselves to compact constructions.

It is, therefore, a principal object of a second feature of this invention to provide an improved non metallic stripper.

In conjunction with this feature of the invention, it is a further object to provide a stripper for a punch or the like that embodies an elastomeric member.

As has been noted, a common type of work forming operation is accomplished through the use of a punch. Normally a die is also associated with the punch. If it is desired to modify the location of the hole performed by the punch and die on a production line basis, it has been heretofore necessary to perform this adjustment in the supporting fixture of the tool. Obviously, this involves considerable expense and setup time.

It is, therefore, a principal object of a third feature of this invention to provide a work forming member that facilitates adjustment.

In conjunction with this feature of the invention, it is another object of the invention to provide a punch and die arrangement embodying a simplified adjustment for the die.

Frequently, work forming operations are performed on a production line basis and design changes necessitate a relocation of one or more of the forming operations relative to the workpiece. The fixturing for machine tools previously employed has, however, not lent itself to convenient modification of the tool positions.

It is, therefore, a principal object of a fourth feature of this invention to provide an improved mounting bracket for a forming tool that facilitates convenient and rapid adjustment.

It is another object of the invention to provide a forming tool mounting bracket that permits a wide range of adjustment in any of three planes.

As has been previously noted, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are frequently employed for use in forming tools. Such cylinders generally have as their output shaft a threaded piston rod. The threads on the piston rod are used to facilitate connection to a member to be driven. The threads, however, form the weakened area on the output rod that results in stress concentrations and premature failures.

It is, therefore, a principal object of a fifth feature of this invention to provide an improved clevis assembly for connection to a threaded output shaft.

It is a further feature of the invention to provide a clevis assembly for connectionto a threaded output shaft which transmits force to a stronger portion of the shaft and thus reduces stress concentrations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A firstfeature of the invention is adapted to be embodied in a device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like. Such a device includes a supporting assembly comprised of a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing the plates to the guide member. A force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece is guided for reciprocatory movement by the guide member. The supporting assembly supports a motor having a reciprocating output member. A cam member is also supported by the supporting assembly and has a cam surface. Means'pivotally connect the force transmitting member to the output member of the motor and to the force applying member. A follower is carried by the force transmitting member and is engaged with the cam surface for defining a path of movement to establish a predetermined relationship between the reciprocatory movement of the motor output member and the force applying member.

A second feature of the inventionis adapted to be embodied in a punch or the like which punch includes a tool supported for reciprocation. A stripping member is juxtaposed to the tool and has a surface adapted to engage the associated workpiece. The stripping member is supported both for movement with the tool and for movement relative to the tool. An elastomeric member is operatively interposed between the tool and the stripping member and is adapted to be elastically deformed upon contact of the stripping member with the workpiece and upon continued movement of the tool. The elastomeric member is adapted to apply a force to the workpiece when the tool is subsequently retracted for stripping the workpiece from the tool.

A third feature of the invention is adapted to be embodied in an adjustable work forming member that has a forming surface adapted to cooperate in forming a workpiece. A cylindrical mounting portion formed on the work forming member cooperates to support and locate the work forming member. The forming surface is disposed coaxially with the axis of the cylindrical mounting portion for maintaining the location of the forming surface regardless of the annular position of the work forming member. A locating surface is formed on the work forming member contiguous to the forming surface. The locating surface is adapted to engage the workpiece and to locate it relative to the forming surface. The locating surface is disposed eccentrically relative to the mounting portion and to the forming surface for adjustment of the position of the workpiece relative to the forming surface upon rotation of the work forming member about its cylindrical mounting portion.

A fourth feature of the invention is adapted to be embodied in a mounting bracket for adjustably supporting a metal forming tool or the like. The mounting bracket includes supporting means for supporting a tool and for locating the tool in first and second angularly disposed directions. A locating surface of the mounting bracket is adapted .to be adjustably positioned with respect to either of opposite sides of an associated supporting member. Adjustment of the locating surface of the mounting bracket relative to the sides of the associated supporting member is effective to adjust location of the support tool in a third direction which third direction is angularly related to the first and second directions. The supporting means of the mounting bracket which supports the tool is so related to the locating surface so as to maintain the support tool in the same position in the first and second directions regardless of which side of the supporting member the locating surface is adjustably positioned relative to.

A fifth feature of the invention is adapted to be embodied in a clevis for affording a connection to the end of a shaft which is partially threaded. The clevis is formed from sheet metal and has portions adapted to engage diametrically opposite sides of the shaft. At least one of the portions has female threaded parts complementary to and engaged with the threads of the shaft and a part adapted to engage the unthreaded part of the shaft adjacent to its threaded portion. The engagement of the part with the unthreaded portion of the shaft minimizes stress concentrations. Means are provided for clamping the clevis portions into engagement with opposite sides of the shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of a machine tool fixture embodying portions of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1, with the tools removed to show the supporting assemblies.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the tools shown in FIG. 1 with a portion removed and is taken generally in the direction of the arrow 3 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the member that pivotally connects the force transmitting member to the tool in FIGS. 3 through 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a cam that may be used alternatively with the tool shown in FIGS. 3 through 6 to achieve a different tool motion.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 99 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing a clevis embodying another feature of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of the clevis shown in FIG. 10 and taken in the direction of the arrow 11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an end elevational view of one of the clevis segments shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side elevational view of a forming tool that may be used in conjunction with the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 14l4 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a view taken along the line 15--15 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged side elevational view, taken in the same general direction as the arrow 3 in FIG. 1 showing the adjustable mounting bracket used for the tools.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an end elevational view, taken generally in the direction of the arrow 18 in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1, a portion of a fixture and associated tools embodying certainfeatures of the invention is illustrated. The fixturing tools illustrated in FIG.

1 are particularly adapted to perform piercing, punch-' ing and other similar forming operations on a workpiece. In the illustrated embodiment the arrangement is particularly adapted for forming an automotive trim strip having a generally U-shape. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art certain features of the invention described in this embodiment are readily adapted for use in other applications. The described embodiment is only one in which the various inventive features may be used and these features may be used independently of each other.

The fixture includes a base, indicated generally by the reference numeral 21 and a plurality of forming tools, indicated generally by the

reference numerals

22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. Certain of the forming tools, in this embodiment, the tools 23, 25 and 27 carry auxiliary clamping cylinders, each identified generally by the reference numeral 31, for holding the associated workpiece.

FIG. 2 shows the mechanism of FIG. 1 with the tools removed. In this arrangement the fixture base 21 is provided with upstanding supporting

members

32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38 and 39 each of which carries a supporting

bracket

42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 for adjustably supporting the respective tools thereupon. As will become more apparent as this description proceeds, the supporting brackets 42 through 49 are constructed in such a way as to facilitate rapid adjustment of the positions of the tools carried thereby.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 7, one of the forming tools that embodies certain of the features of the invention will be described in detail. The forming tool 24 is illustrated and will be described in detail. The tool 24 includes a pneumatic actuating cylinder assembly 51, a supporting assembly 52 and a force applying member 53. In this case, the tool is a punch and die for punching round holes in a U-shaped workpiece 54.

The supporting assembly 52 is comprised of a base or guide member, indicated generally by the reference numeral 55. The base 55 is formed from a relatively thick metal plate and has a bore 56 that intersects a jaw like opening 57 and which slidably supports the force applying member 53. At the upper end of the bore 56, the guide member 55 is formed with a pair of openings 58 that pass bolts or rivets 59 for affixing a pair of spaced plates 61 and 62 to the guide member 55. At the upper end, a pair of spacer blocks 63 and 64 and a laminated cam 65 are interposed between the plates 61 and 62. The plates 61 and 62,

spacers

63 and 64 and laminated cam 65 are bored to pass bolts or rivets 66 for securing the remaining portion of the supporting assembly together.

The cylinder 51 is suitably supported on the supporting assembly, for example by means of a trunnion assembly 67. The cylinder assembly 51 has an output member in the form of a piston rod 68 that is connected to a clevis 69, the construction of which will be described in more detail later. The clevis 69 is connected to a two piece force transmitting member 71 by means of-a pivot pin 72. The force transmitting member 71 is shaped somewhat like a bellcrank and is supported between the supporting member plates 61 and 62. Preferably, a pair of

nylon buttons

73 and 74 are affixed to the force transmitting member and bear against the plates 61 and 62 so as to locate, guide and support the force transmitting member 71. The force transmitting member 71 carries a roller follower 75 at another ofits extremities which roller follower is received in a cam groove 76 and formed in the cam plate 65. The remaining extremity of the force transmitting member 71 carries a pivot pin 77 that extends into a bore 78 (FIGQ7) ofa connecting member, indicated generally by the reference numeral 79. The connecting member 79 carries a threaded stud 81 that extends into a female threaded opening 82 formed at the upper end of the force transmitting member 53.

It should be apparent that reciprocation of the piston rod 68 will be transmitted through the force transmitting member 71 into reciprocation of the force applying member 53. The geometry of the construction and specifically the shape of the cam track 76 will deter mine the instantaneous motion transmission ratio between the driving and driven elements. If desired, the arrangement may be constructed in such a way as to provide a force amplification. Generally this is desired and permits a greater force to be exerted upon the workpiece for a given size cylinder. 'As a result, a more compact assembly results. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the cam track 76 is such that the force applying member 53 will move with a relatively rapid stroke and hence have a low force amplification, until the tool carried at its lower end closely approaches the workpiece 54. The shape of the cam track 76 then changes abruptly so as to provide a slower rate of movement and a significant force amplification.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting member 79 is formed with an outstanding projection 83 which carries a roller 84 at its extremity. The roller 84 is engaged between the inner surfaces of the plates 61 and 62 so as to insure against rotation of the force applying member 53. In some embodiments such an antirotation feature may be neither desired nor necessary and the extension 83 and roller 84 may be eliminated.

The force applying member 53 carries a punch 85 and stripper unit, indicated generally by the reference numeral 86, at its lower end. The punch 85 cooperates with a die 87 to form a hole in the workpiece 54 (FIG. 4).

The punch 85 is a generally cylindrical member and is received and affixed within a bore 88 in the force applying member 53. The stripper unit 86 includes an outer sleeve 89 having internal threads 91 formed at one end. The internal threads 91 of the sleeve 89 are turned on to external threads 92 formed at the lower end of the force applying member 53. The sleeve 89 is formed with a shoulder 93 at its lowermost end in which a bore 94 is formed. A stripping element 95 is guided within the bore 94 and has an enlarged diameter portion 96 that is guided within an internal bore 97 of the sleeve 89. The stripping element 95 also is formed with an internal bore 98 through which the punch 85 extends.

An elastomeric sleeve 99 is received within the bore 97 and bears against the stripping element portion 96 and the lower face 101 of the force applying member 53. The elastomeric sleeve 99 may be formed from any suitable material having rubber like properties. Preferably, however, the sleeve is formed from a synthetic material that will not be adversely effected by lubricants and cutting fluids.

The die 87 has a die opening 102 into which the lower end of the punch 85 is adapted to extend when removing a slug 103 from the workpiece 54. The punch 85 is rigidly affixed to the force applying member 53 and thus moves along with the force applying member 53. When the punch 85 and force applying member 53 is retracted the elastomeric sleeve 99 will force the stripping element portion 96 into engagement with the shoulder 93. At this point, the lower face of the stripping element 95 is juxtaposed to the lower face of the punch 85. When the force applying member 53, punch 85 and stripping element 95 move downwardly and initially contact the workpiece 54 the engagement of the stripping element 95 with the portion of the workpiece 54 that is supported by the die 87 will prevent further downward movement of the stripping element 95. The force applying member 53 and punch 85 will, however, continue their downward movement. At this point, the punch 85 and force applying member 53 will move relative to the stripping element 95. This will cause the elastomeric sleeve 99 to be resiliently deformed as shown in FIG. 4. When the punch 85 has pierced the hole and it and the force applying member 53 are retracted, the elastomeric member 99 will continue to exert a force on the workpiece 54 and will strip the workpiece 54 from the punch 53 as the punch is retracted.

The die 87, as has been noted, has a die opening 102 that coacts with the punch 85 in performing the work forming function. The die opening 102 is formed coaxially with a cylindrical mounting portion 105 which portion is received in a bore 106 formed in a lower leg 107 of the guide member 55. A set screw 108 intersects the bore 107 and engages the cylindrical portion 105 for holding the die 87 in place.

Adjacent its upper end the die 87 is formed with a locating portion 109 which in the illustrated embodiment is cylindrical. The axis of the locating portion 109 is eccentrically disposed relative to the axis of the die opening 102 and cylindrical portion 105. The diameter of the locating portion 109 is equal to the transverse width of the workpiece 54 and thus locates the workpiece 54. Since the locating portion 109 is disposed eccentrically to the die opening 102 rotation of the die 87 about the axis of the guide member bore 106 will cause the workpiece 54 to be shifted transversely relative to the punch 85. Thus, rotation of the punch 87 will effect transverse adjustment of the location that the hole is formed in the workpiece 54 by the punch 85. This adjustment is ac complished without necessitating relocation of the punch 85 due to the coaxial disposition of the die opening 102.

It has been noted that the cam track 76 and geometry of the force transmitting member 71 is such that the punch 85 rapidly approaches the workpiece 54, and once it is juxtaposed to the workpiece it moves slower with a large force amplification. It has also been noted that other cam and follower arrangements may be employed to achieve different types of motions. FIG. 8 illustrates a cam, indicated generally by the reference numeral 121, that may be used to accomplish a different form of movement. The cam 121 has a cam track 122 made up of two segments 123 and 124 each of which has the same shape. The cam track 122 is adapted to coact with a suitable force transmitting member and will achieve a complete cycle of reciprocation of the force applying member for each stroke of the piston rod. Hence, the same effect is obtained as if a double acting cylinder were employed.

The construction of the supporting member 52 lends itself to rapid replacement of the cams and associated force transmitting member so that the mechanism may be adapted to a variety of purposes. Also, it should be noted that the arrangement is extremely compact. This compactness results from the use of the cam and force transmitting members which can, as has been noted, accomplish a force amplification. Because of this smaller cylinder assemblies may be used and the tools may be stacked closely adjacent to each other as is apparent from FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 9, the construction of the clevis 69 will be described in'detail. The clevis 69 is formed from sheet metal. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the clevis is of a single piece construction and is adapted to cooperate with the piston rod 68, which rod is threaded for only a portion of its length at its outer end, as identified by the reference numeral 128. The threaded end of the rod 128 results in the formation of a weakened or stress concentration area at the point where the threads 128 meet the unthreaded portion of the rod 68. The clevis 69 spans this area and insures against failure.

The clevis 69 extends around the lower end of the rod 68 and has a first portion 129 that engages diametrically opposite sides of the rod 68 for a substantial portion of the unthreaded length of the rod 68 adjacent the threads 128. A second portion 131 of the clevis engages diametrically opposite sides of the threads 128. The portion 131 preferably is formed with at least partial internal threads which mate with the threads 128 and serve to axially position the clevis 69 on the rod 68. The diametrically opposite sides of the portions 129 and 131 are held in tight engagement with the rod 68 by means of threaded fastners (not shown) which extend through suitable apertures 132 (FIG. 3) formed in outstanding portions 133 of the clevis 69.

Beneath the portion 131, the clevis is formed with a section 134 that is aperturcd, as at 135 to receive the pin 72 and forms a pivotal connection with the arm of the force transmitting member 71.

The clevis assembly may take other forms. In each such embodiment, however, it is important that the clevis have a first portion that engages the threaded end of the associated piston rod and a second portion that engages the adjacent unthreaded portion of the piston rod. FIGS. 10 through 12 show another embodiment of the invention in which a clevis, indicated generally by the reference numeral 141 is adapted to cooperate with other components so as to form a universal joint, indicated generally by the reference 142. In this embodiment the clevis 141 is made up of two sheet metal stampings 143 (FIG. 12). Each sheet metal stamping has a first portion that is unthreaded and which is adapted to engage one side of the corresponding unthreaded portion of the associated piston rod 68 and a second partially threaded portion that is adapted to engage one side of the threaded portion of the piston rod. A pair of

outstanding flanges

144 and 145 are formed at opposite sides of each stamping 143. The

flanges

144 and 145 are apertured as at 146 to pass threaded fastners (not shown) so that the stampings will rigidly engage opposite sides of the rod 68.

At their lower ends the stamping 143 are formed with extending portions 147 in which an aperture 148 is formed. The apertures 148 of the stampings 143 are aligned when the unit is assembled and journal opposite bearing portions 149 of a cruciform member 151. The opposite bearing portions 152 of the cruciform member 1511 are received in suitable bores 153 formed in outstanding legs 154 of a cooperating clevis assembly 155. Thus, the

clevis assemblies

141 and 155 and the cruciform member 151 form a universal joint.

The forming tool 24, which has been described in detail, included a single force applying member and force generating fluid motor. In some instances, it may be desirable to provide tools in which two force applying members are used. Such tools are identified generally by the reference numerals 23 and 27 in FIG. 1 and are shown in more detail in FIGS. 13 through 15. Referring to FIGS. 13 through 15, a forming tool of this type is identified generally by the reference numeral 171. The tool 171 includes a supporting member 172. The supporting member 172 defines an opening 173 in which a workpiece is adapted to be received, such as the workpiece 54. On opposite sides of the opening 173, the supporting member slidably supports

force appl'ying members

174 and 175 in the manner of the previously described embodiment. A force transmitting mechanism and fluid motor of the type also previously described is provided at each side of the supporting member 172 for operating the

force applying members

174 and 175. A fixed anvil or workpiece supporting part 176 is juxtaposed to the opening and is adapted to coact with the workpiece 54 so as to locate it with respect to the tools carried by the

force applying members

174 and 175. A clamping cylinder, indicated generally by the reference numeral 177 has a plunger 178 that engages the workpiece 54 and holds it against the tool supporting piece 176. The clamping cylinder is connected to a bracket 179 which, in turn, is affixed to the side plates of the force transmitting mechanism associated with the force applying member 175. Clamping cylinders 31 (FIG. 1) may also be attached to any of the other tools such as the tools 23, 25 and 27 to assist in holding of the workpiece 54.

The

force applying members

174 and 175 may carry any suitable tools, as has been noted. Depending upon the type of work to be performed suitable force transmitting mechanisms may be provided. Applications of this principle for various types of tools will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

In describing FIGS. 1 and 2 it has been previously noted that the fixture arrangement is constructed in such a way as to facilitate rapid adjustment of the position of the tools. This rapid adjustment is particularlyfacilitated by the arrangement of the supporting brackets 42 through 49, the construction of which will be described in detail by reference to FIGS. 16 through 18 wherein the supporting bracket 42 is shown in detail. The bracket 42 is affixed to the fixture base supporting member 32 in a manner which will become more apparent as this description proceeds.

The supporting bracket 42 is formed as sheet metal assemblage and defines a tool receiving cavity, indicated generally by the reference numeral 181. The cavity 181 is defined by locating surfaces 182 and 183 which surfaces are disposed at right angles to each other. Side faces 184 and 185 are formed at the opposite edges of the locating surface 182 and

similar surfaces

186 and 187 are formed at opposite sides of the locating surface 183. The side surfaces 184, 185, 186 and 187 are spaced at a distance equal to the thickness of the supporting members 55 and 172 so as to permit "insertion of the appropriate tool into the cavities defined thereby.

As will be noted from an inspection of FIG. 5, the supporting member 55 is formed with tapped openings 188 and 189, which openings are disposed at right angles to each other. In a like manner, the locating surfaces 182 and 183 are formed with elongated openings 191 and 192 that pass socket headed

bolts

193 and 194, respectively. The

bolts

193 and 194 are adapted to be threaded into either of the tapped holes 188 and 189-depending 'upon the orientation of the tool and bracket42, as will become more apparent as this description proceeds. Shims 197 and shims 200 are adapted to be positioned between the locating surfaces 182 and 183, respectively, and the respective surfaces of the supporting member 55 .The use of these shims permits adjustment of the tool relative to the supporting bracket 42. The shims 197 permit adjustment in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 16 and the shims 200 permit adjustment in the direction of the arrow X in this Figure.

It should be readily apparent from the construction thus far described that the tool may be conveniently and rapidly adjusted in the X and Y directions. Adjustment in a direction perpendicular to these directions, indicated by the arrows Z in FIGS. 17 and 18 is permitted in the manner now to be described. The supporting bracket 42 has an outwardly projecting, generally L shaped leg 195. The leg 195 is offset to one side of the center of the surfaces 183' and 184. The leg 195 has a locating surface 196 formed at one of its sides. The locating surface 196 is disposed in perpendicular relationship to the surfaces 182 and 183. The surface 196 is adapted to be juxtaposed-to the surface 198 or the surface 199 of the supporting member 32. The leg is formed with suitable apertures 20] and the supporting member 32 is formed with complementary apertures so as to pass fastners 202. In addition, adjacent apertures 203 are provided so as to receive locating pins 204. It will be noted from an inspection of FIGS. 17 and 18 that shims 205 may be interposed between the locating surface 196 of the leg 195 and the locating surface 198 of the supporting member 32. The number and size of these shims will permit adjustment of the spacing on one side of the supporting member 32. Should adjustment be desired on the opposite side, the supporting bracket 42 may be placed on this side with the locating surface 196 juxtaposed to the supporting member locating surface 199. In order to permit this transposition of the supporting bracket 42 it is necessary to invert the supporting bracket so that its locating surface 183 is now used to locate in the Y direction and the locating surface 182 locates in the X direction. This reversal is possibly due to the fact that the surfaces 182 and 183 are symmetric about a plane that bisects the angle between these surfaces.

When all of the tools are suitably located they are rigidly clamped together by the supporting bracket and by means of stabilizing or supporting bars 211 (FIG. 3) which are affixed to each of the tools by means of socket headed bolts 212 that are received in tapped openings 114 that are formed in supporting members 55.

As has been noted, the invention has been described in combination with a complete machine tool and fixture. Certain facets of the invention may be used in various other applications. For example, as has been noted, the forming tool may perform various functions and may include one or more force applying members. These force applying members can be disposed at any angular relationship relative to each other. Also, such individual features as the locating bracket, the stripping assembly, and the clevis may be used in other applications than those described. Furthermore, various changes and modifications may be made in the aforedescribed structures which are only those of preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, apair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a force applying member adapted to apply a forceto a workpiece, said force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having an oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a laminated cam member supported by said supporting assembly between said spaced plates, said laminated cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor output member and to said force applying member, and a follower carried by said force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface for defining a path of movement'therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the oscillating movement of said motor output member and the reciprocating movement of said force applying member.

' 2. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cam member is detachably supported by said supporting assembly for facilitating replacement of said cam member with cam members having different shaped cam surfaces.

3. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cam surface and force transmitting member are constructed and arranged to achieve a complete cycle of movement of said force applying member 4. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cam surface comprises a groove formed in the cam member and the follower comprises a roller received in said groove.

5. A device as set forth in claim 4 further including thrust members affixed to the force transmitting member and engaged with at least one of the supporting assembly plates for restraining said force transmitting member against transverse movement.

6. A device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having a oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a cam member stopped by said supporting assembly, said cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor output member and to said force applying member, a follower carried by said force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface for defining apath of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the movement of said motor output member and said force applying member, and thrust members affixed to the force transmitting member and engaged with at least one of the supporting assembly plates for restraining said force transmitting member against transverse movement.

7. A device as set forth in claim 1, further including a clamping cylinder carried by the supporting assembly and having an output member adapted to engage and hold a workpiece.

8. A device for applying force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a first pair of spaced plates, means for affixing said first pair of plates to said guide member, a second pair of spaced plates, means for affixing said second pair of plates to said guide means at a spaced location from said first pair of plates, a first force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said first force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a first motor having a reciprocatory force output member, means for supporting said first motor upon said supporting assembly, a first cam member supported by said supporting assembly and juxtaposed to said first pair of plates, said first cam member having a cam surface, a first force transmitting member, means pivotally connecting said first force transmitting member from said first motor output member and to said first force applying member, a first follower carried by said first force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface of said first cam member for defining a path of movement therefor to establish a relationship between the reciprocatory movement of said first motor output member and said first force applying member, a second force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said second force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide means at an angular relationsip relative to said first force applying member, a second motor having a reciprocatory output member, means for supporting said second motor upon said supporting member, a second cam member supported by said supporting assembly and juxtaposed to said second pair of plates, said second cam member having a cam surface, a second force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said second force transmitting member to said second motor output member and to said second force applying member, and a second follower carried by said second force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface of said second cam member for defininga path of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the reciprocatory movement of said second motor output member and said second force applying member.

9. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the motor is supported upon the supporting assembly by a trunnion that permits pivotal movement of said motor.

10. A device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having a oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a cam member supported by said supporting assembly, said cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor'output member and to said force applying member, a follower carried by said force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface for defining a path of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the movement of said motor output member and said force applying member, and means. for precluding rotation of the force applying member including a connecting member operatively connecting the force transmitting member to said force applying member, said connecting member having an offset arm carrying means at its outer extremity slidably engaged between the plates of the supporting assembly.

11. A punch and die actuating device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a punch member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said punch member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having a oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a cam member supported by said supporting assembly, said cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor output member and to said punch member, a follower'carried by said force transcal mounting portion being effective to, transversely locate the workpiece relative to the punch and slug receiving opening. i

12; A device as set forth in claim 1 further including bracket means affixed to said guide member and providing the means for carrying said clamping cylinder.

13. A device as set forth in claim 8, wherein each of the cam members is supported between the respective pair of spaced plates.

Claims

1. A device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having an oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a laminated cam member supported by said supporting assembly between said spaced plates, said laminated cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor output member and to said force applying member, and a follower carried by said force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface for defining a path of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the oscillating movement of said motor output member and the reciprocating movement of said force applying member.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cam member is detachably supported by said supporting assembly for facilitating replacement of said cam member with cam members having different shaped cam surfaces.

3. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cam surface and force transmitting member are constructed and arranged to achieve a complete cycle of movement of said force applying member

4. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cam surface comprises a groove formed in the cam member and the follower comprises a roller received in said groove.

6. A device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having a oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a cam member stopped by said supporting assembly, said cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor output member and to said force applying member, a follower carried by said force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface for defining a path of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the movement of said motor output member and said force applying member, and thrust members affixed to the force transmitting member and engaged with at least one of the supporting assembly plates for restraining said force transmitting member against transverse movement.

8. A device for applying force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a first pair of spaced plates, means for affixing said first pair of plates to said guide member, a second pair of spaced plates, means for affixing said second pair of plates to said guide means at a spaced location from said first pair of plates, a first force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said first force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a first motor having a reciprocatory force output member, means for supporting said first motor upon said supporting assembly, a first cam member supported by said supporting assembly and juxtaposed to said first pair of plates, said first cam member having a cam surface, a first force transmitting member, means pivotally connecting said first force transmitting member from said first motor output member and to said first force applying member, a first follower carried by said first force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface of said first cam member for defining a path of movement therefor to establish a relationship between the reciprocatory movement of said first motor output member and said first force applying member, a second force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said second force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide means at an angular relationsip relative to said first force applying member, a second motor having a reciprocatory output member, means for supporting said second motor upon said supporting member, a second cam member supported by said supporting assembly and juxtaposed to said second pair of plates, said second cam member having a cam surface, a second force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said second force transmitting member to said second motor output member and to said second force applying member, and a second follower carried by said second force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface of said second cam member for defining a path of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the reciprocatory movement of said second motor outpuT member and said second force applying member.

10. A device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a force applying member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said force applying member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having a oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a cam member supported by said supporting assembly, said cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor output member and to said force applying member, a follower carried by said force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface for defining a path of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the movement of said motor output member and said force applying member, and means for precluding rotation of the force applying member including a connecting member operatively connecting the force transmitting member to said force applying member, said connecting member having an offset arm carrying means at its outer extremity slidably engaged between the plates of the supporting assembly.

11. A punch and die actuating device for applying a force to a workpiece or the like comprising a supporting assembly, said supporting assembly comprising a guide member, a pair of spaced plates and means for affixing said plates to said guide member, a punch member adapted to apply a force to a workpiece, said punch member being guided for reciprocatory movement by said guide member, a motor having a oscillating force output member, means for supporting said motor upon said supporting assembly, a cam member supported by said supporting assembly, said cam member having a cam surface, a force transmitting member, means for pivotally connecting said force transmitting member to said motor output member and to said punch member, a follower carried by said force transmitting member and engaged with said cam surface defining a path of movement therefor to establish a predetermined relationship between the movement of said motor output member and said punch member, and a die associated with said punch member, said die including a cylindrical mounting portion rotatably supported by the guide member, a slug receiving opening formed in said die coaxial with said mounting portion and a workpiece locating portion eccentrically disposed relative to said mounting portion for locating the associated workpiece, rotation of said die about its cylindrical mounting portion being effective to transversely locate the workpiece relative to the punch and slug receiving opening.

12. A device as set forth in claim 1 further including bracket means affixed to said guide member and providing the means for carrying said clamping cylinder.