US3127099A - la barre - Google Patents

Description

March 31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 3, 1962 tm kuJ 23min UT 865 m win J $3 w S mw mm 9 m J m s. m A 2 3 M m f w m E NJ mm I0 w R w h ma w n. W h m March 31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE 3,127,099

AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH Filed Oct. 5, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 J. LaBarre 9344 @JE.)

96 Attorneys March 31, 1964 1.. J. LA BARRE AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 3, 1962 3 mvsmon Lawrence J. LaBarre BY 744 wwl Attorneys March 31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 3, 1962 m m M us Lawrence J. LaBarre BY ZZZ Attorneys March 31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE 3,127,099

AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH Filed Oct. 3, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 ig./2A Fig/2B Fig. /2c Fig. 120 Fig. IZE

INVENTOR. Lawrence J. LaBarre Attorneys United States Patent 3,127,099 AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI- HOLE PUNCH Lawrence J. La Barre, 2481 Richard Court, Mountain View, Calif. Filed Get. 3, 1962, Ser. No. 228,935 20 Claims. ((31. 234-78) This invention relates to a multi-hole punch and more particularly to an automatic progressive multi-hole punch.

Multiple holes have been punched in panels or plates in a substantially manual process which has been termed in the trade as slipping the gag. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the gag is a piece of sheet metal which is inserted into a press to cause a certain group of punches to go down and punch holes in the metal plate or panel. Upon lifting the punches, a stripper plate strips the plate from the punches. The gag is then shifted manually so that other punches are pushed through the metal on the next operation of the press. This process continues until the desired number of holes have been punched in the plate. This method of punching multiple holes in a plate has been found to be time consuming and costly. In addition, it has been difficult to obtain an intricate pattern of holes. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved multi-hole punch.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic progressive multi-hole punch.

Another obg'ect of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of the above character in which intricate patterns can be readily produced.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of the above character which makes it possible to greatly reduce the cost of punching multiple holes of intricate variable patterns into sheets.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of the above character which progresses automatically.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of the above character which can be utilized by relatively unskilled personnel.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment is set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a press incorporating my automatic progressive multi-hole punch.

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG- URE 1 with certain parts broken away.

FiGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 3 with certain parts broken away.

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 55 or" FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5A is a side elevational view of one of the punches.

FIGURE 6 is a view looking along the line 66 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged detail view of the portion of the apparatus enclosed by the line 7-7 in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE -8 is an enlarged detail view with certain parts broken away of the portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 is a view looking along the line 9-9' of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 10 is a view looking along the line Iii-10 of FIGURE 2 with certain parts broken away.

FIGURE 11 is a circuit diagram of the electrical circuitry utilized in my multi-hole punch.

FIGURES 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E are semi- 3,127,099 Patented Mar. 31, 1964 schematic illustrations showing the manner in which multiple holes are progressively punched into a sheet of metal to provide a symmetrical pattern.

In general, my automatic progressive multi-hole punch consists of a die shoe and a punch holder mounted on one side of the die shoe. A plurality of punches are mounted in the punch holder. A template is normally spaced from the punch holder on the side opposite the die shoe out of engagement With the punches. Means is provided for carrying a sheet of material between the die shoe and the punch holder. Means is also provided for advancing the template and the sheet in unison. Means is provided that moves the template into engagement with the punches to push the punches through the sheet and into the die shoe after the template and the sheet have been moved.

More in particular, as shown in the drawings, my automatic progressive multi-hole punch 11 is mounted in a suitable large press as, for example, a 60 ton Bliss press. The press consists of a base 13 and a frame 14 which is pivotally mounted on the base at 16. The frame 14 can be adjusted about the pivot by movement of locking bolts 17 threaded into the frame and riding in grooves 18 provided in the base 13 and held in a predetermined position within the grooves 18. Normally, the frame 14 is positioned so that the automatic progressive multi-hole punch 11 lies in a horizontal plane.

The press also includes a drive mechanism which consists of a motor, a fiwvheel and an electrically operated clutch mechanism which are mounted behind protective covers '19 and 21. The clutch mechanism drives an adjustable crankshaft (not shown) which drives a vertically reciprocating ram 23. As shown in the drawings, the press is provided with a U-shaped feed mouth 24 in which there is mounted a bolster plate 26. The bolster plate is secured to the press frame 14 by suitable means such as bolts 27 mounted on opposite sides of the bolster plate and threaded into the press frame. The bolster plate is provided with T-shaped slots 28 to facilitate removal of the bolster plate from the press frame. The automatic progressive multi hole punch 11 is mounted upon this bolster plate.

' 26 by a suitable means such as :a dowel 32 on each side of the base plate and a pair of hold-down screws 33 also provided on each side of the base plate. The dowels ensure exact alignment of the base plate, whereas the holddown screws secure the base plate to the bolster plate. In a similar manner, the rear section 31b of the base plate is secured to the bolster plate by dowels 34 and screws 36.

A die shoe 37 is disposed above the base plate and is detachably secured thereto by a dowel 38 disposed on each side of the die shoe and a pair of hold-down screws 39 also positioned on each side of the die shoe and extending into the base plate.

Means is provided for pivotally mounting the die shoe 37 on the base plate 31 so that the die shoe and the apparatus hereinafter described mounted on the die shoe can 'be swung outwardly and forwardly from the press frame 14. This means consists of a flanged lower pivot block 41 which is mounted in the base plate .31 and extends upwardly through the base plate and an upper flanged pivot block 42 which is mounted in the die shoe 37 and seats within the lower pivot block 41. The upper and lower pivot blocks are held together by suitable means such as a screw 43. From this construction, it can be seen that the pivot blocks 41 and 42 serve as a hinge pin for permitting travel of the die shoe 37 in a horizontal plane.

A pair of leader pins 44 extend upwardly through the front portion of the die shoe 37. The heads 46 of the pins 44 extend into openings 46 provided in the base plate 31. Reinforcing portions 48 are affixed to the die shoe by suitable means such as welding as shown in the drawings and provide additional support for the leader pins.

A punch holder 51 which is in the form of a relatively large casting is slidably mounted on the leader pins for vertical movement longitudinally of the leader pins on one side of the die shoe 37. It is provided with a large recess 52 which serves to lighten the punch holder. Means is provided for reducing the friction between the leader pin and the punch holder 51 during vertical movement of the punch holder and consists of longitudinal ball bearings 52 which engage the leader pins and sleeves 53 provided in the punch holder. The leader pins are hardened to provide additional wear resistance and also to provide additional strength. The sleeves 53 are also hardened to reduce wear. The punch holder 51 is secured to each of the leader pins 44 by a pair of nuts 54 and 56 as shown particularly in FIGURE 4 which engage the threaded upper end 44a of the leader pin which has a reduced diameter. The nut 54 engages a metal washer 57. A ring 58 of suitable resilient material such as foamed neoprene with thin metal shims above and below is disposed between the washer 57 and the upper ends of the punch holder 51.

Means is provided for yieldably urging the punch holder upwardly into engagement with the resilient neoprene rings 53 and in a vertical direction away from the die shoe and consists of a pair of springs 61 which are mounted in sleeves 62 seated in wells 63 provided in the punch holder and wells 64 provided in the reinforcing members 48.

From the construction thus far described, it can be seen that the punch holder 51 is restrained in its vertical movement. The neoprene washers or rings 58 serve to reduce the shock when the punch holder strikes the rings 58 and the bolt washers 57 after it is raised by the compression springs 61. The leader pins 44 are provided with relatively large heads 46 so that the leader pins cannot be pulled up through the die shoe 37.

A plurality of punches 66 are mounted in the punch holder 51. As shown in the drawing, the punch holder carries four rows of punches in which two rows are provided with 17 punches and the other two rows are provided with 16 punches. The reason for the different number of punches in the different rows is because the punches in adjacent rows are staggered as shown particularly in FIGURE 3.

The punches 66 are guided in the punch holder 51 by upper and lower bearing plates 67 and 68. These bearing plates are secured to the punch holder 51 by suitable means such as screws 69 and dowels 71. The punches 66 also extend through a stripper plate 73 which is secured to the punch holder by large screws 74 (FIGURE 4) which extend downwardly through the punch holder 51 and are threaded into the stripper plate 73. Means is provided for yieldably urging the stripper plate 76 downwardly away from the punch holder 51 so that there is normally a space between the stripper plate 76 and the punch holder 51 and consists of springs 76 which are mounted in wells 77 provided in the punch holder and wells 78 provided in the stripper plate. The springs 76 are of adequate strength so that their combined force will strip the sheet metal from the combined punches simultaneously in case all of the punches should be used for perforating at the same time.

In addition to screws 74, there are provided four leader pins 81 which are utilized for guiding the stripper block 73. The lower ends of these leader pins are pressed into the stripper plate 73. These leader pins are also hardened and extend upwardly into the punch holder 51 and engage longitudinal ball bearings 82 mounted in hardened sleeves 83 provided in the punch holder 51. Covers 84 are provided over the tops of the leader pins 81 and serve to keep dust and dirt out of the leader pins 81.

A stripper plate insert 86 is provided in the lower side of the stripper plate 73 and is secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 87 and dowels 88. The stripperplate-insert is provided with holes 89 which have a diameter greater than the punches which extend into the holes. An insert 91 is provided in the die shoe 37 and is secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 92 and dowels 93. The die shoe insert 91 is provided with a plurality of holes 94 which are in alignment with the punches and which serve as female dies for the punches. The holes are formed so that they have a gradually increasing diameter so that material punched from sheets of metal will readily drop downwardly through the holes 94 and and through holes 95 in the die shoe 37 and through an opening 96 provided in the base plate 31.

An enlarged view of one of the punches 66 is shown in FIGURE 5A. As shown therein, the punch 66 is provided with a head portion 660, a shoulder or flanged portion 66b, an upper shank portion 660, a portion 66d of decreased diameter, a lower shank 66c and a punching stem 66f. The portion 66d is formed by cutting an annular groove 97 in the shank to provide upper and lower shoulders 98 and 99. In examining FIGURE 5, it can be seen that the flanged portion 66a rests above the upper bearing plate 67 and that the bearing plates 67 and 68 serve to guide the upper shank portion 66c of each of the punches. The punch stem 66 is guided by the die shoe insert 86.

Means is provided to ensure that the punches 66 will be lowered when the punch holder 51 is raised as hereinafter described and consists of a pair of bars 101 and 102 which are mounted upon the stripper plate 73 and extend between the four rows of punches so that each bar engages two rows of punches. The bars are seated within the annular recesses 97 formed in the punches 66 and are adapted to engage the lower shoulders 99 when the punch holder 51 is raised to pull all of the punches down so that the punches will not obstruct movement of the template as hereinafter described. The bars 101 and 102 are held in place by L-shaped retaining members 103 and 104 which overlie the bars 101 and 102 and are secured to the stripper plate 73 by suitable means such as screws 106.

A sheet metal carriage 111 and a template carrier 112 are mounted upon the rear section 31a of the base plate 31. Common drive means 113 is provided for shifting the sheet metal carriage 111 and the template carrier 112' transversely of the base plate 31. It consists of a cylindrical rod 114 which extends laterally of the base plate section 31b and is secured to the base plate section by suitable means such as cap screws 116 extending upwardly through the base plate and threaded into the rod 114. Spacers 117 are provided above the base plate for spacing the rod 114 a predetermined distance above the base plate section 31. A carriage block 113 is slidably mounted on the rod for movement lonigtudinally of the rod. It is provided with suitable means such as longitudinal ball bearings 119 to facilitate this longitudinal movement. A pair of rollers 120 mounted on stub shafts in the block 118 travel on the base plate section 131a and serve as means for maintaining the block 118 in a horizontal plane on the rod 114.

A pair of leader pins 121 extend upwardly through the block 118 and are provided with heads 122 to prevent the leader pins from being pulled upwardly through the block. The template carrier 112 is mounted on these leader pins and consists of a template block 123 which is mounted upon the leader pins 121 for movement vertically of the template carrier 112. The leader pins are hardened as are the other leader pins and longitudinal ball bearings 124 are provided which engage the leader pins and sleeves 126 which are mounted in the template block. The template block 123 is retained on the leader pins by a pair of nuts 127 and 123 which are threaded on the upper extremity of the leader pin and which engage a washer 129 of suitable resilient material such as foamed neoprene.

A template plate 131 is mounted on the upper extremity of the template block 132 and is removably secured thereto by suitable means such as cap screws 1311 and dowels 135 as shown in FIGURE 3. The template plate, as shown particularly in FIGURE 5, extends forwardly in a cantilever fashion over the punches 66 carried by the punch block 51. A template 133 is secured to the lower surface of the template plate 131 and is provided with scalloped leading and trailing edges 134 so that the template will not clear punches which are not to be depressed as the template 133 progresses in its various positions over the punches as hereinafter described.

Means is provided for urging the template carrier upwardly so that the template block 123 engages the resilient washer 129 and consists of springs 136 which engage the lower extremity of the sleeve 126 and which is seated within wells 137 provided in the block 118. Sleeves 138 are mounted on the leader pins within the springs 136 and serve to properly position the springs 13 6.

The template plate 131 is situated so as to have pressure applied on it by an adapter plate 141 which is secured to the ram 23 of the press. Filler plates 142 and 143 are mounted on the bottom side of the adapter plate and are adapted to engage the punch holder 51 when the template 133 is moved into engagement with the punches. These filler plates are provided to positively push down the punch holder 51 against the force of the springs 61, and become particularly desirable when only a few punches are being pushed downwardly by the template and, therefore, reduce the downward pressure which must be applied by the punches to the punch holder 51.

Means is provided for moving the carriage block 113 longitudinally on the rod 114 and consists of a rack 146 which is secured to the back side of the carriage block 118 by suitable means such as cap screws 147 (see FIG- URE The rack146 is parallel to the shaft 114 and is provided with upper and lower sets of teeth 14%:1 and 14%. The teeth 146a of the rack 146 are adapted to be engaged by a toothed rack engaging member 148. This member 143 is secured to one end of a push rod 149 by suitable means such as cap screws 151. The other end of the push rod 149 is secured in one end of a crank member 152 by shear pins 153. The crank member 152 is engaged by an eccentric portion 154a provided on a drive pinion 154. The drive pinion 154 is fixed to a shaft 155 which is rotatably mounted in bearings 156 mounted in a block 150 secured to the base plate section 3112. The drive pinion 154 is driven by a drive cylinder rack 157. The rack is retained in engagement with the pinion 154 by a guide roller 158 which is rotatably mounted upon a stud shaft 159 mounted in the block 150 and which is provided with an annular recess 161) which receives the rear side of the rack 157.

The drive cylinder rack 157 is connected by a cap screw 161 and two dowels 165 to a clevis 162. The clevis 162 is secured to the piston rod 163 of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator 164. Flow of fluid to the hydraulic actuator is controlled by a solenoid operated valve 166 which includes solenoids SOL1 and SOL-2.

A pair of limit switches LS-l and LS-2' are mounted on the base plate section 31b and are adapted to be engaged by arms 168 and 169 (see FIGURE 6), respectively.

The solenoid operated valve 166 is connected to an air supply line 171. This line is connected to a lubricator 172. The lubricator is connected to an accumulator or surge tank 173 by a line 174. The surge tank 173 is connected to an air strainer 176 by piping 177. The

(i strainer 176 is connected to a supply pipe 178 through a shut-off valve 179.

Means is provided for moving the toothed rack-engaging member 148 into and out of engagement with the rack 146 and consists of a clevis 181 which is pivotally connected to the end of the push rod 149 by a pin 182. The clevis 181 is secured to a piston rod 183 which is part of a hydraulic actuator 184. The actuator 184 is controlled by a solenoid actuated valve 186 which contains solenoids SOL-3 and SOL4. The valve 186 is connected to the piping 171 by a line 187.

A limit switch LS-3 is mounted on the base plate 138b and is adapted to be operated by a member 188 which is mounted on the clevis 181.

A pair of additional limit switches LS-4 and LS-S are mounted on the base plate section 31. The limit switch LS- is provided with an operating lever 191 which is adapted to operate an operating arm 192. The lever 191 carries a roller 193 which is adapted to engage a cam surface 194 formed in a recess 196 (see FIGURE 10) in the rack 146, so that when the roller 193 is in engage ment with the cam surface 194, the limit switch LS-4 is closed.

The limit switch LS5 is mounted on one end of a block 197 which is secured to the base plate section 3112 by suitable means such as a dowel 198 and a screw 199 provided on each side of the block. The limit switch LS5 is provided with an operating arm 201 which is adapted to be engaged by screw 292 threaded into one end of a lever 2113. A pivot plate 294 is secured to the lever 203 by suitable means such as a pair of dowels 206 and a screw 207. The pivot plate is pivotally mounted upon a block 2613 by a pivot pin 299. The block 268 is secured to the large block 197 by suitable means such as cap screws 211.

A pair of inclined cam members 212 and 213 are secured on the end of the lever 2113 by suitable means such as dowels 214 and screws 216. The cam members 212 and 213 are mounted on the lever 263 so that they can be extended or retracted to thereby provide a cam surface on the lever 293 which is greater or less in length.

The plate 2% is formed so as to be adapted to engage the block 2113 and to thereby limit the extreme positions of travel of the lever 203. The cam members 212 and 213 are adapted to engage a pair of vertical pins 217 and 218 which are removably positioned in a plurality of holes 219 equally spaced and extending longitudinally of the rack 14-6.

Means is provided for holding the sheet metal carriage 111 in a precise position when the toothed rackengaging member 14-3 is out of engagement with the rack 146 and consists of a pair of arms 221 which are mounted in recesses 222 provided in the block 197 by means of pins 223. A roller 224 is rotatably mounted on the end of each of the arms 221 upon pins 226. Means is provided for yieldably urging the rollers 224 into engagement with the rack 14d and consists of pointed bearing members 227 having one end seated in a well 228 provided in the arm 221 andhaving the other end extending upwardly into a spring 229 mounted in a bore 231 provided in the block 197. The amount of force exerted by the spring upon the arm 221 is determined by a screw 232 which is threaded into the block 197.

As hereinbefore explained, the rack 14-6 is provided with two rows of teeth 146a and 146b, respectively. As will be noted from FIGURES 7 and 8, only one-half as many teeth are provided in row 1 16b as in row 1416a. In other words, the teeth 1 161; are spaced twice as far apart as teeth 146a. As shown in FIGURE 8, the rollers 224 are positioned so that when one roller is on top of one of the teeth 14612, the other roller is between two of the teeth 14612. With this arrangement, it can be seen that when one of the rollers 224 moves on top of a tooth 146b, the other roller is moving between two of the teeth so that at all times lateral movement of the sheet metal carriage 111 is precisely controlled even though the toothed rack-engaging member 148 may be out of engagement with the rack 146.

The sheet metal carriage 111 includes a plurality of sheet metal clamps 236 which are mounted upon the carriage block 118. Each of these clamps consists of a lower jaw 237 and an upper jaw 238. The lower jaw 237 is mounted in a U-shaped shoe member 239 which is mounted in a recess in the carriage block 118. The U-shaped member 239 is secured to the block 118 by a pair of cap screws 241 which extend vertically down through the side walls of the U-shaped member and into the block 118. The lower jaw 237 is secured to a member 242 which is disposed within the U-shaped member 239 by suitable means such as cap screws 243. The member 242 is mounted for rocking movement within the U-shaped shoe member 239 by means of a pin 244 which extends into slots 246 provided in the side walls of the U-shaped shoe member 239. The upper jaw 238 is pivotally mounted between forked portions 242a of the member 24-2 by means of a pin 247.

Means is provided for rocking the upper jaw 238 towards and away from the lower jaw 237 and consists of a pneumatic actuator 250 which is mounted in a saddle 251 that is pivotally mounted on a bracket 252 secured to the member 242 by suitable means such as cap screws 253. The actuator is provided with a piston rod 254 which is pivotally connected to the upper end of the jaw 238 by a pin 256. A limit switch (one of limit switches LS-7 through LS-IO) is associated with each of the sheet metal clamps 236 and is adapted to be operated by an adjustable screw 258 carried by tie upper jaw 238.

From the construction of the sheet metal clamps 236 hereinbefore described, it can be seen that the pivot point (pin 247) for the upper jaw is very close to the gripping nose for the jaw so that there is a great multiplication of the force which is applied by the pneumatic actuator 250. It also will be noted that because of the manner in which the upper and lower jaws are mounted, the jaws can float up and down slightly to match any position required by the plate while it is being punched as hereinafter described. However, it will be noted that the jaws 237 and 238 are restrained against back and forth movement as well as lateral movement so that the plate will be held in a very precise position while it is being punched.

Means is provided for controlling the pneumatic actuators 250 and consists of a solenoid operated valve 261 which includes solenoids SOL and SOL-6. This solenoid operated valve is connected by piping 262 to a lubricator 263. This lubricator is connected to a regulator 264 and the regulator is connected to the piping 177. A gauge 266 is associated with the regulator 264 to determine the pressure being applied to the solenoid operated valve 261, The regulator makes it possible to adjust the pressure so that the clamps 236 will not bite into or mar the sheet 281 held by the clamps 236. The solenoid operated valve 261 is connected to an air distributor 267 by a line 268. The distributor 267 is connected to one of the sheet metal clamps by line 269. The distributor 267 is connected to another distributor 271 by a line 272. The distributor 271 is connected to the other sheet metal clamps by lines 173 and 274 as shown.

A resilient wiper 278 is secured to the carriage block 118 by an L-shaped member 279 and cap screws 280 and serves to keep the base plate section 316 free of debris for travel of the rollers 120.

A limit switch LS-6 is mounted on the frame 12 by a bracket 291. An activating member 292 is mounted on the ram 23 and operates the limit switch on the upstroke of the ram.

Means is provided for properly positioning the sheet 281 before it is engaged by the clamps 236 and consists of a pair of adjustable pins 286 mounted in the block 118 and adapted to be engaged by the rear edge of the sheet 281. It also consists of a stop 287 secured to the side of 8 the block 118 by a cap screw 288. This stop is adapted to be engaged by one side edge of the sheet 281.

Operation and use of my automatic progressive multihole punch may now be briefly described in conjunction with the circuit diagram which is shown in FIGURE 11. As shown in the circuit diagram, in addition to the limit switches LS-1 through LS10 and solenoids SOL-1 through SOL-6, my punch includes a start pushbutton, a close pushbutton, an open pushbutton and control relays CR4, CR-5 and CR-6.

Now let it be assumed that my multi-hole progressive punch is in the position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. The sheet of metal 281 which is to be punched is placed in the sheet metal clamps 236 and then the close pushbutton is operated. Closing of the upper set of contacts of the close pushbutton energizes the solenoid SOL-5 which supplies air to the hydraulic actuators 250 to advance the plungers or rods 254 to move the forward end of the upper jaw 238 into engagement with the sheet 281. All of the sheet metal clamps 236 will be closed more or less simultaneously to firmly grip the sheet of material along one edge so that the sheet is supported in a cantilevered manner between the die shoe 37 and the punch holder 51.

As soon as these sheet metal clamps are closed, the limit switches LS-7, LS-8, LS9 and LS-10 are closed to light a lamp 282 to indicate that all of the sheet metal clamps have operated. It is readily apparent that if one of the sheet metal clamps fails to operate, one of its limit switches LS-7, LS8, LS-9 and LS-l!) will remain open to prevent lighting of the lamp 282.

Operation of the close pushbutton also closes its lower contacts which energize the relay CR-S if the limit switch LS-4 is closed as it is when the appaartus is in the position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 with the roller 193 riding upon the cam surface 194-. As hereinafter explained, operation of the relay CR-S causes the sheet metal carriage 111 to travel in one direction, whereas when the control relay CR-S is not energized, the sheet metal carriage will travel in an opposite direction.

After the lamp 282 has been lit, the start pushbutton can be operated. Closing of the upper contacts of the start pushbutton energizes relay CR-6. Energization of the relay CR-6 closes its contacts CR-6A to establish a holding circuit for the relay CR6 and to permit the start pushbutton to be released. It will be noted from the circuit diagram that this holding circuit for relay CR-6 is completed through limit switch LS5. Limit switch LS-S is normally closed and is not operated when the cam members 212 and 213 are in engagement with the pin 217. Closing of the contacts CR-6B of relay CR-6 establishes a circuit for energization of the relay CR-4. As soon as CR-4 is energized, a holding circuit is established for relay CR-5 through contacts CR-4A and CR-SJ.

Energization of the relay CR-4 causes energization of the clutch circuit in the press to cause reciprocation of the ram 23. As the ram 23 moves downwardly, the adapter plate 141 engages the template plate 131 and moves the template plate 131 together with the template 133 carried thereby which are pressed downwardly against the force of springs 136 into engagement with the tops of the punches. Where holes 134 are not provided in the template 133, the punches are pressed downwardly. Continued downward movement of the ram causes the flanged portions 66?) of the punches 6d to engage the upper bearing plate and also causes the filler plates 142 and 143 to engage the punch holder 51 to move the punch holder downwardly against the force of the springs 61. Continued downward movement of the ram 23 and the punch holder 51 causes the punch holder by means of the springs 76 to urge stripper plate 73 downwardly so that the stripper plate insert 36 engages the sheet metal. T hereafter, continued downward movement of the ram causes the punches to punch perforations into the metal and to 9 push the punched-out portions through the holes 94 so that they can drop through the base plate 96 into a suitable receptacle (not shown).

After the punching stroke has been completed as hereinbefore described, the ram is gradually raised to permit the punch holder to be urged upwardly by the springs 61. While the punch holder 51 is being urged upwardly, the springs 76 are urging the stripper plate 73 downwardly away from the punch holder so as to strip the sheet from the punches 66. As the punch holder 51 is being raised, the bars 161 and 1192 ensure that all of the punches 66 will be lowered out of engagement with the template so that the template can be shifted as hereinafter described.

As the ram 23 is being raised, the limit switch LS-6 is operated to close the circuit for the energization of solenoid SOL-1 through the contacts CR-SC. Energization of the solenoid SOL1 in the solenoid operated valve 166 causes the application of fluid to the actuator 164 to extend the rack 157 and to drive the pinion 154 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 2. Movement of the pinion 154 in a clockwise direction causes the push rod 149 to be urged to the right as viewed in FIGURES 2 and 12. Urging of the push rod to the right urges the rack 146 together with the sheet metal carrier 111 and the template carrier 112 to the right.

It should be noted that the cam portion 154a provided on the pinion 154 and the associated drive mechanism is such that there is a slow start and a slow stop with relatively fast travel in between so that shock forces to the apparatus are minimized. A positive stopped position without rebound is obtained.

As soon as the drive rack 157 has been extended to its full length, the limit switch LS1 is operated to energize the solenoid SOL-3 through the contacts CR-SH. Energization of the solenoid SOL-3 in the solenoid actuated valve 186 causes the application of fluid to the acutator 164 to retract the toothed rack-engaging member 148 out of engagement with the rack 146. Retraction of the toothed rack-engaging member 148 causes operation of the limit switch LS-3. Operation of the limit switch LS-3 energizes solenoid SOL-2 through contacts CR-SA. Energization of the solenoid SOL-2 of the solenoid operated valve 166 causes fluid to be applied to the actuator 164 to retract the rack 157. Retraction of the rack 157 rotates the pinion 154 in a counter-clockwise direction to move the push rod 149 to the left as viewed in FIG- URE 2.

When the rack 157 is completely retracted, the limit witch LS-2 is operated. Closing of limit switch LS2 energizes solenoid SOL-3 through contacts CR-SF. Energization of solenoid SOL-3 causes the valve 186 to apply fluid to the actuator 184 to extend the toothed rackcngaging member 148 into engagement with the rack 146.

The sheet of metal is now ready to have another set of holes to be punched into it. The ram 23 continues to reciprocate continuously and the sheet metal is advanced a step each time after the holes are punched. From the operation described, it can be seen that the sheet metal is advanced every time after the limit switch LS6 is operated by the ram. Also, it will be noted that the toothed rack-engaging member 148 is in engagement with the rack 146 during the time that the holes are being punched in the sheet metal. When the toothed rack-engaging member 148 is out of engagement with the rack 146, the sheet metal carrier 111 and template carrier 112 are held in position by the detent mechanisms including the rollers 224 which engage the rack teeth 1462:.

Thus, it can be seen that the sheet of metal will be progressively stepped along and that holes will be punched into the sheet in accordance with the pattern in the template. This continues until all of the holes have been punched into the sheet.

It should be pointed out that as soon as the rack 146 is advanced for a substantial distance, the cam members 212 and 213 no longer engage the pin 217, and for that reason the limit switch LS-5 is operated to open the holding circuit for the relay (IR-6. However, the limit switch is provided with a make-before-break contact which, when it is opened, establishes a circuit for maintaining energization of the control relay CR-4. It should be pointed out that the pins 217 and 218 are mounted in a rack 146 to determine the beginning and the end of the perforations or holes in the sheet of metal. When the cam members 212 and 213 come into engagement with the member 218, the limit switch LS-S is again operated to close its normally closed contacts and to open the circuit for maintaining energization of the relay CR-4. Deenergization of the relay CR-4 denergizes the clutch of the press to stop the press. This signifies that the plate or sheet 281 has been progressively stepped through the press and that all of the holes have been punched into the sheet. The sheet is then removed by operating the open pushbutton to open the holding circuit for the relay CR-5 through its upper set of contacts. The lower set of contacts of the open pushbutton establishes a circuit for energization of the solenoid SOL-6 through the normally closed contacts CR-4A of the relay CR-4. Energization of the solenoid SOL-6 causes the actuator 261 to supply fluid to the actuators 236 to open the sheet metal clamps and to release the sheet of metal.

Another sheet of metal can then be placed in the sheet metal clamps and clamped into place by operating the close pushbutton. Closing of the upper contacts of the close pushbutton will again energize the solenoid SOL-5 to close the sheet metal clamps in the same manner as hereinbefore described. However, operation of the close pushbutton will not energize the relay CR-S because the limit switch LS-4 is not closed with the rack 146 in this position.

Since relay CR5 is not operated, the rack 146 will be moved in an opposite direction. This is true because after the start pushbutton has been operated and limit switch LS-6 has been operated by the ram 23, the closing of limit switch LS-6 will cause energization of the solenoid SOL-2 through the normally closed contacts CR-SD which will cause the rack 157 to be retracted rather than extended which, in turn, will cause the limit switch LS-2 to be operated to energize the solenoid SOL4 to cause the rack-engaging member 148 to be extended rather than retracted. Thus, movement of the rack continues in the opposite direction until the limit switch LS-5 engages the pin 217 to again deenergize the relay CR-4 and to place the punch in the position in which it started.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that sheets of metal can be punched in both directions of travel of the sheet metal carriage and the template carrier. Thus, an operator can place a sheet in the sheet metal clamps on one side of the punch, then start the punch in operation to automatically punch a complete set of holes in the sheet. The sheet can then be removed on the other side of the punch and a new sheet placed in the punch and the punch again placed in operation to automatically punch another set of holes in the sheet while the sheet metal carriage is travelling in an opposite direction.

In FIGURES 12A through 12E, I have shown the manner in which my automaitc progressive multi-hole punch can place a symmetrical arrangement of holes within a sheet of metal. From these figures, it can be seen that the punches 66 are positioned so that in any one individual row of punchings, the punches are spaced three-hole spacings apart. However, the sheet metal 281 is advanced two-hole spacings each time it is advanced. This arrangement is used in order to obtain the maximum punch spacing and still make it possible to punch all the holes required in the sheet.

In FIGURES 12A-12E, the template 133 is shown as a relatively small template and is shown in five cyclic positions as it progresses over the punches 66 carried by the punch holder 51. The punches 66 which are depressed are shown in solid black, and similarly the holes which are to be punched into the sheet 281 are shown as solid black circles. Thus, it can be seen in the first position of the template 133 and the sheet 281, two rows of holes are punched into the sheet 281. In FIGURE 12B, the template 133 and the sheet 281 have been advanced two hole spacings so that three rows of punches are depressed. The holes which have been punched in the step shown in FIGURE 12A are shown as circles, whereas the holes to be punched in the step shown in FIGURE 12B are shown in solid black circles. It will be noted that the scalloped leading edge 134 provided on the template 133 makes it possible for the template 133 to clear the next row of punches 66 as shown particularly in FIGURE 12B.

In FIGURES 12C and 12D, the template 133 and the sheet 281 are successively advanced two hole spacings and additional rows of holes are placed into the sheet 281. In the step shown in FIGURE 12E, the last row of holes is punched into the sheet 281 to provide a complete pattern of holes. This pattern of holes has the same size as the template 133. Again, it will be noted that the scalloped trailing edge 134 of the template 133 permits the template to miss a row of punches as shown in FIGURE 12E.

It can be seen that by punching in this manner, the incompletely punched left-hand portion of the sheet 281 is punched so that the entire area to be perforated in the sheet 281 is completely perforated. No rows of perforations have been omitted. It can be seen that the same sequence of steps will occur when the sheet 281 and the template 133 are moved to the left rather than to the right and that the last row of holes is punched in the right-hand margin of the sheet 281 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGURE 12E.

It is apparent from the foregoing that I have provided a new and improved multi-hole progressive punch which has many unique features. The arrangement of the punch is such that the template and the sheet of metal to be punched is cantilevered over and under the punch holder. The punch holder is mounted for vertical movement with the ram of the press. The carriage which is utilized for carrying the sheet metal and the template is retained in a rigid, precise position during the punching operation and also during the time it is being shifted. The drive mechanism for the template carrier and the sheet metal carriage is particularly novel in that it starts and stops slowly so as to minimize the shock forces applied to the machine and thereby ensures precise stopped positioning. Because of the particular arrangement of the sheet metal clamps, it is readily apparent that a sheet of any length can be punched merely by progressively positioning the sheet metal in the sheet metal clamps. Also, sheets of metal of extreme widths can be punched merely by shifting the rear base plate section 31b rearwardly from the front section 31a. The width which can be run is, therefore, only limited by the size of the punch holder.

I claim:

1. In a punch for punching perforations in a sheet of material, a stationary die shoe, a punch holder, means for mounting the punch holder on the die shoe to permit vertical reciprocatory movement of the punch holder with respect to the die shoe, a plurality of punches mounted in the punch holder for vertical reciprocatory movement with respect to the punch holder, a stripper plate, means for mounting the stripper plate on the punch holder and permitting relative movement between the stripper plate and the punch holder, the stripper plate and the die shoe having holes therein in alignment with the punches and adapted to receive the punches, a sheet metal carriage, the sheet metal carriage being adapted to support a sheet of metal between the die shoe and the stripper plate, a template, means for supporting the template on the carriage in a fixed lateral position but permitting vertical reciprocatory movement of the template with respect to the carriage, means for moving the template into engagement with selected punches to move the template, the punches and the punch holder towards the die shoe and to press the selected punches through the stripper plate, the sheet of material and into the die shoe, and means for automatically advancing the carriage in a direction at right angles to the axes of the punches as the means for moving the template is operated.

2. A punch as in claim 1 wherein the template is cantilevered and in which the sheet of material is cantilevered.

3. A punch as in claim 1 wherein the means for advancing the carriage causes the carriage to travel in one direction and then to travel in an opposite direction and in which the carriage is constructed so that a sheet of material can be inserted in the carriage after completion of travel in either direction so that a sheet of material can be punched as the carriage travels in either direction.

4. A punch as in claim 1 wherein the means for moving the carriage includes a rack secured to the carriage, a rack-engaging member, means for moving the rackengaging member into and out of engagement with the rack, and means for moving the rack-engaging member in a direction substantially parallel to the rack.

5. A punch as in claim 4 wherein said means for moving the rack-engaging member in a direction substantially parallel to the rack consists of an eccentric, a pinion secured to the eccentric, and a rack for driving the eccentric.

6. A punch as in claim 4 together with detent means for retaining the carriage in a desired position while the rack-engaging member is out of engagement with the rack.

7. A punch as in claim 4 wherein the carriage for the sheet of material is movable rearwardly away from the punches to permit the punching of wider sheets of material.

8. In a punch for punching perforations in a sheet of material, a die shoe, a punch holder disposed above the die shoe, means mounting the punch holder for substantially vertical reciprocatory movement with respect to the die shoe, means yieldably urging the punch holder out of engagement with the die shoe, a stripper plate disposed above the die shoe, means mounting the stripper plate on the punch holder to permit substantially vertical reciprocatory movement of the stripper plate with respect to the punch holder, means yieldably urging the stripper plate out of engagement with the punch holder, a plurality of punches mounted in the punch holder, the stripper plate and the die shoe having holes therein aligned with the punches in the punch holder, a template overlying and normally spaced from the punch holder and the punches within the punch holder, a carriage for the sheet of material for holding the sheet of material in a position between the stripper plate and the die shoe, means for mounting the template on the carriage to permit substantially vertical reciprocatory movement of the template, means yieldably urging the template upwardly away from the carriage, means for moving the template into engagement with the punches to move the punch holder downwardly so that the punches engage the sheet of material and punch holes in the sheet of material, and means for advancing the carriage to advance the sheet of material and the template carried thereby in a direction at right angles to the axes of the punches each time after holes have been punched into the sheet of material.

9. A punch as in claim 8 wherein the template is cantilevered over the punches and wherein the sheet of material is cantilevered between the die shoe and the stripper plate.

10. A punch as in claim 8 together with a plurality of clamps mounted on said carriage, and means for sensing when one of the clamps is not operated.

11. A punch as in claim 9 together with circuit means for operating the means for advancing the carriage automatically as the template is raised and lowered.

12. A punch as in claim 9 wherein the means for advancing the carriage consists of a rack, a rack engaging member, means for moving the rack engaging member into and out of engagement with the rack, means for moving the rack engaging member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rack, and circuit means controlling the engagement of said rack engaging member with the rack and the longitudinal movement of the rack engaging member so that, the rack is periodically advanced in one direction for a predetermined distance and then periodically retracted in an opposite direction for a predetermined distance.

13. A punch as in claim 12 together with limit means for preventing the travel of the carriage beyond predetermined positions.

14. A punch as in claim 8 wherein the punches in the punch holder are spaced three hole spacings apart and wherein the means for advancing the template and the sheet of material advances the same step by step with each advance being equal to two hole spacings.

15. A punch as in claim 8 wherein the punches in the punch holder are spaced three hole spacings apart and wherein the means for advancing the carriage is advanced step by step with each advance being equal to two hole spacings.

16. In a punch for punching perforations in a sheet of material, a punch holder disposed on one side of the sheet of material, a plurality of punches mounted in the punch holder for selective movement with respect to the punch holder, a stripper plate disposed between the punch holder and the sheet of material, a stripper plate having a holder in alignment with each of the punches in the punch holder, means for mounting said punch holder and said stripper plate to permit relative movement between the stripper plate and the punch holder, a die shoe disposed on the other side of the sheet of material and having holes therein in alignment with said punches and said holes in said stripper plate, a template disposed adjacent the punch holder on the side opposite the side on which the stripper plate is mounted, means for supporting the template so that it is normally spaced from the punches in the punch holder between the punches in the punch holder and the template whereby selected punches pass through the stripper plate, the sheet of material and into the holes in the die shoe, and means for causing automatic progressive step-bystep advancement of the template and the sheet of material at right angles to the axes of the punches so as to place different portions of the sheet of material in alignment with selected punches.

17. A punch as in claim 16 wherein said means for mounting said template, said punch holder and said stripper plate are formed so that said template, said punch holder and said stripper plate are cantilevered over said sheet of material.

18. A punch as in claim 16 wherein the means for progressively advancing the template and the sheet of material includes a rack, a rack engaging member, means moving the rack engaging member into and out of engagement with the rack, means moving the rack engaging member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rack, and circuit means controlling the engagement of said rack engaging member with the rack and the longitudinal movement of the rack engaging member so that the rack is periodically advanced in one direction for a predetermined distance and then periodically retracted in an opposite direction for a predetermined distance.

19. A punch as in claim 18 wherein the means for moving the rack engaging member in a direction substantially parallel to the rack consists of an eccentric, a pinion secured to the eccentric and a rack for driving the eccentric.

20. A punch as in claim 19 together with detent means for retaining the carriage in a desired position while the rack engaging member is out of engagement with the rack.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,701,017 Wiedemann Feb. 1, 1955 2,866,366 Hadley Dec. 30, 1958 3,024,077 Harwood et a1 Mar. 6, 1962

Claims (1)

1. IN A PUNCH FOR PUNCHING PERFORATIONS IN A SHEET OF MATERIAL, A STATIONARY DIE SHOE, A PUNCH HOLDER, MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE PUNCH HOLDER ON THE DIE SHOE TO PERMIT VERTICAL RECIPROCATORY MOVEMENT OF THE PUNCH HOLDER WITH RESPECT TO THE DIE SHOE, A PLURALITY OF PUNCHES MOUNTED IN THE PUNCH HOLDER FOR VERTICAL RECIPROCATORY MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE PUNCH HOLDER, A STRIPPER PLATE, MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE STRIPPER PLATE ON THE PUNCH HOLDER AND PERMITTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE STRIPPER PLATE AND THE PUNCH HOLDER, THE STRIPPER PLATE AND THE DIE SHOE HAVING HOLES THEREIN IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE PUNCHES AND ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THE PUNCHES, A SHEET METAL CARRIAGE, THE SHEET METAL CARRIAGE BEING ADAPTED TO SUPPORT A SHEET OF METAL BETWEEN THE DIE SHOE AND THE STRIPPER PLATE, A TEMPLATE, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE TEMPLATE ON THE CARRIAGE IN A FIXED LATERAL POSITION BUT PERMITTING VERTICAL RECIPROCATORY MOVEMENT OF THE TEMPLATE WITH RESPECT TO THE CARRIAGE, MEANS FOR MOVING THE TEMPLATE INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SELECTED PUNCHES TO MOVE THE TEM-

Images