WO2018235097A1

WO2018235097A1 - EMBOSSING TOOL FOR FREE EMBOSSING MACHINE

Info

Publication number: WO2018235097A1
Application number: PCT/IN2018/050401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rushang SHAH; Deepak Bhardwaj; Ravikant PATIL; Santosh Vishwakarma; Saurabh Srivastava; Jagtar SEKHON
Original assignee: Funplates India Pvt Ltd
Current assignee: Funplates India Pvt Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-19
Filing date: 2018-06-19
Publication date: 2018-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 2019-12-19

Abstract

An embossing tool for a free embossing machine, tool comprises: elongate shaft (12) with protruded cap (14) at its distal end, shaft being configured to move upward and downward along its longitudinal axis; hemispherical housing (16), at distal end of said shaft, configured to house an embossing ball (18), said embossing ball being the pressure imparting point (19) for embossing; a configuration of balls (24) configured to be interspersed within upper hemisphere of ball and within inner side of hemispherical housing, configuration of balls being configured to act as resilience to allow near-frictionless functioning of ball when longitudinal axial force is imparted to ball, through shaft, and onto a sheet that is to be embossed, said configuration of balls configured to ensure that ball is angularly displaceable in all degrees of freedom within said hemispherical housing to allow near-frictionless embossing; and a resilient mechanism (26) between shaft and cap.

Description

AN EMBOSSING TOOL FOR A FREE EMBOSSING MACHINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

This invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering.

Particularly, this invention relates to the field of embossing machines.

Specifically, this invention relates to an embossing tool for a free embossing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Embossing is an art form that has existed for centuries. Metal embossing is used to a design upon metal sheets. The metal sheet embossing operation is commonly accomplished with application of pressure on the sheet metal.

According to one method, sheet metal embossing is a stamping process for producing raised or sunken designs or relief in sheet metal. This process can be made by means of matched male and female dies.

According to another method, the metal is pushed with an embossing tool or stylus in order to create a raised effect on the opposite side.

The most common form of embossed metal plates are number plates for vehicles. Embossed metal sheets are also used to decorate items like tins, lanterns, windows, or doors.

PRIOR ART: According to one prior art, embossing in multiple languages or forms is possible by creating dies and presses for such forms. This necessitates making a very large number of dies with huge cost for making each die. This is highly impractical from a business standpoint.

According to another prior art, small machines that are currently available are very delicate. These can emboss very thin foils only and not be used to sheet metals.

According to yet another prior art, CNC machines with some special tools can be used. However, they cannot emboss alpha-numeric symbols. Also, these are highly expensive machines and rely on a discrete embossing pattern which makes a seemingly continuous pattern.

Therefore, there was a need to invent a tool which overcomes the limitations of the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

An object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss alpha-numeric inputs or symbols in all languages.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss a free form design.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to provide a continuous embossing mechanism as opposed to a discrete or a nibbling kind of embossing mechanism. Still another object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss in a manner which has relatively negligible friction.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss wherein x-axis and y-axis orientation can be controlled.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss where z-axis orientation can be controlled.

Yet an additional object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss in a manner where there is relatively greater accuracy of control.

Yet an additional object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss in a manner where there is relatively greater accuracy of embossing.

Still an additional object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss wherein control can exercised in the range of microns.

Another additional object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to emboss characters, words, sentences, in different languages, on a metal sheet in real time, without using any die. Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a tool for an embossing machine which tool is configured to provide customized embossing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

According to this invention, there is provided an embossing tool for a free embossing machine, said tool comprises:

an elongate shaft with a protruded cap at its operative distal end, said shaft being configured to move operatively upward and downward along its longitudinal axis;

a hemispherical housing, at the operative distal end of said shaft, configured to house an embossing ball, said embossing ball being the pressure imparting point for embossing on a sheet;

a configuration of balls configured to be interspersed within said operative upper hemisphere of said ball and within inner side of said hemispherical housing, said configuration of balls being configured to act as resilience in order to allow near-frictionless functioning of said ball when longitudinal axial force is imparted to said ball, through said shaft, and onto the sheet that is embossed, said configuration of balls being configured to ensure that said ball is angularly displaceable in all degrees of freedom within said hemispherical housing to allow near-frictionless embossing; and

a resilient mechanism between said shaft and said cap.

Typically, said cap and said shaft are two separate elements such that a distal portion of said shaft being ensconced within said cap.

Typically, said cap's inner diameter matches the outer diameter of said shaft. Typically, said tool comprises a drive mechanism configured to drive various movements of said shaft.

Typically, said tool comprises a drive mechanism configured to drive various movements of said shaft, characterized in that, said movements comprising at least an operative upward motion (positive z-axis motion), at least an operative downward motion (negative z-axis motion), at least operative lateral motions (positive y-axis motion, negative y-axis motion), at least an operative forward motion (positive x-axis motion), and at least an operative backward motion (negative x-axis motion).

Typically, said cap comprises an operative distal face which is substantially parallel to the sheet metal that is to be embossed.

Typically, a hemispherical housing, at the operative distal end of said shaft, configured to house an embossing ball, characterized in that, dimensions of said hemisphere being such that the operative lower hemisphere of said ball protrudes out of said shaft.

Typically, the operative distal end of said shaft being ensconced within said cap.

Typically, said cap comprises a substantial circular opening corresponding but greater in diameter than the diameter of said embossing ball so that the operative lower hemisphere of said embossing ball protrudes out of said shaft as well as out of said cap. Typically, said tool comprises at least a plate provided in order to secure said embossing ball in place in said hemispherical housing and the opening of the cap.

Typically, said tool comprises at least a plate provided in order to secure said embossing ball in place in said hemispherical housing and the opening of the cap, characterized in that, said plate being an annular plate with a concentric opening at its centre.

Typically, said embossing ball is a replaceable ball in said tool, each replaceable ball being of a specific diameter corresponding to the thickness of character that is to be embossed.

Typically, said embossing ball comprising a variety of tips.

Typically, said configuration of balls being such that it forms a locus of points equidistant from the centre, the centre being the centre of said hemispherical housing.

Typically, said resilient mechanism is a spring ensconcing said shaft and seated at its operative distal end with said cap.

Typically, said shaft comprises a collar at its operative upper portion to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative top portion.

Typically, said cap comprises a collar, advantageously located, in order to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative bottom portion. Typically, said shaft comprises a collar at its operative upper portion to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative top portion, characterized in that, said collar being circumferential in nature such that said resilient mechanism envelopes said shaft for congruent distribution of forces.

Typically, said cap comprises a collar, advantageously located, in order to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative bottom portion, characterized in that, said collar being circumferential in nature such that said resilient mechanism envelopes said shaft for congruent distribution of forces.

Typically, said resilient mechanism is sandwiched between said shaft's operative top part and said cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates an exploited view of this tool; FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross-section view of this tool; and FIGURE 3 illustrates this tool as held by a machine tool head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

According to this invention, there is provided an embossing tool for a free embossing machine. FIGURE 1 illustrates an exploited view of this tool (10).

FIGURE 2 illustrates a cross-section view of this tool (10).

FIGURE 3 illustrates this tool (10) as held by a machine tool head (20).

In accordance with embodiment of this invention, there is provided an elongate shaft (12) with a protruded cap (14) at its operative distal end. Typically, this cap and the shaft are two separate elements such that a distal portion of the shaft is ensconced within the cap. Typically, the cap has an inner diameter which matches the outer diameter of the shaft. The shaft is configured to move operatively upward and downward along its longitudinal axis. A drive mechanism (not shown) is configured to drive various movements of the shaft. These movements comprise operative upward motion (positive z-axis motion), operative downward motion (negative z-axis motion), operative lateral motions (positive y-axis motion, negative y-axis motion), operative forward motion (positive x-axis motion), and operative backward motion (negative x-axis motion). This cap comprises an operative distal face which is substantially parallel to the sheet metal that is to be embossed. A sheet metal that is to be embossed is kept on a surface and the tool of this invention is driven across the sheet metal with the operative distal end of the tool in contact with the sheet metal.

In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, the distal end of the shaft comprises a hemispherical housing (16) configured to house an embossing ball (18). The dimensions of the hemisphere are such that the operative lower hemisphere of the ball protrudes out of the shaft. Since the distal end of the shaft is ensconced within the cap, the cap also comprises a substantial circular opening corresponding but greater in diameter than the diameter of the ball so that the operative lower hemisphere of the ball protrudes out of the shaft as well as the cap. This ball is the pressure imparting point (19) for embossing on the metal sheet. In other words, the ball is the part which embosses. In at least one embodiment, a plate (22) is provided in order to secure this ball in place in the hemispherical housing and the opening of the cap. This plate may be an annular plate with a concentric opening at the centre.

Each embossing ball comprises a specific diameter which corresponds to the thickness of character that is to be embossed. Additionally, it is to be understood, that the ball may assume a variety of tips, if required. Also, the ball need not necessarily be a sphere, per se.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, a configuration of balls (24) is provided to be interspersed within the operative upper hemisphere of the ball and the inner side of the hemispherical housing. In at least one embodiment, the configuration of balls is such that it forms a locus of points equidistant from the centre, the centre being the centre of the hemispherical housing. These balls act as resilience in order to allow smooth functioning or near- frictionless functioning of the ball when the longitudinal axial force is imparted from the drive through to the shaft to the ball and onto the metal sheet that is embossed. Also, this configuration of balls ensures that the ball is angularly displaceable in all degrees of freedom within the hemispherical housing to allow smooth functioning or near-frictionless embossing.

In accordance with still another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a resilient mechanism (26) between the shaft and the cap. In at least one embodiment, this resilient mechanism is a spring ensconcing the shaft and seated at its distal end with the cap. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the shaft comprises a collar at its operative upper portion to allow the resilient mechanism to anchor its operative top portion and the cap comprises a collar, advantageously location, in order to allow the resilient mechanism to anchor its operative bottom portion. Each of the collars are circumferential in nature such that the resilient mechanism envelopes the shaft for congruent distribution of forces. In other words, the resilient mechanism is sandwiched between the shaft's operative top part and the cap.

This tool is compatible with manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic machines.

The TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT of this invention lies in providing a tool which enables near-frictionless continuous free form embossing on a sheet. Typically, metal sheets up to 1.5 mm can be embossed. The use of this tool eliminates the need for relatively expensive dies and presses. This tool enables embossing of all alpha-numeric characters without any barrier of languages along with free-form design at relatively lower costs. The use of this tool enables accurate control in x, y, and z directions.

While this detailed description has disclosed certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS,

1. An embossing tool for a free embossing machine, said tool comprising:

- an elongate shaft (12) with a protruded cap (14) at its operative distal end, said shaft being configured to move operatively upward and downward along its longitudinal axis;

- a hemispherical housing (16), at the operative distal end of said shaft, configured to house an embossing ball (18), said embossing ball being the pressure imparting point (19) for embossing on a sheet;

- a configuration of balls (24) configured to be interspersed within said operative upper hemisphere of said ball and within inner side of said hemispherical housing, said configuration of balls being configured to act as resilience in order to allow near-frictionless functioning of said ball when longitudinal axial force is imparted to said ball, through said shaft, and onto the sheet that is embossed, said configuration of balls being configured to ensure that said ball is angularly displaceable in all degrees of freedom within said hemispherical housing to allow near-frictionless embossing; and

- a resilient mechanism (26) between said shaft and said cap.

2. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said cap and said shaft being two separate elements such that a distal portion of said shaft being ensconced within said cap.

3. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said cap's inner diameter matches the outer diameter of said shaft.

4. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tool comprising a drive mechanism configured to drive various movements of said shaft.

5. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tool comprising a drive mechanism configured to drive various movements of said shaft, characterized in that, said movements comprising at least an operative upward motion (positive z-axis motion), at least an operative downward motion (negative z-axis motion), at least operative lateral motions (positive y-axis motion, negative y-axis motion), at least an operative forward motion (positive x-axis motion), and at least an operative backward motion (negative x-axis motion).

6. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said cap comprising an operative distal face which is substantially parallel to the sheet metal that is to be embossed.

7. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tool comprising a hemispherical housing (16), at the operative distal end of said shaft, configured to house an embossing ball (18), characterized in that, dimensions of said hemisphere being such that the operative lower hemisphere of said ball protrudes out of said shaft.

8. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the operative distal end of said shaft being ensconced within said cap.

9. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said cap comprising a substantial circular opening corresponding but greater in diameter than the diameter of said embossing ball so that the operative lower hemisphere of said embossing ball protrudes out of said shaft as well as out of said cap.

10. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tool comprising at least a plate (22) provided in order to secure said embossing ball in place in said hemispherical housing and the opening of the cap.

11. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tool comprising at least a plate (22) provided in order to secure said embossing ball in place in said hemispherical housing and the opening of the cap, characterized in that, said plate being an annular plate with a concentric opening at its centre.

12. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said embossing ball being a replaceable ball in said tool, each replaceable ball being of a specific diameter corresponding to the thickness of character that is to be embossed.

13. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said embossing ball comprising a variety of tips.

14. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said configuration of balls being such that it forms a locus of points equidistant from the centre, the centre being the centre of said hemispherical housing.

15. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said resilient mechanism being a spring ensconcing said shaft and seated at its operative distal end with said cap.

16. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said shaft comprises a collar at its operative upper portion to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative top portion.

17. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said cap comprises a collar, advantageously located, in order to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative bottom portion.

18. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said shaft comprises a collar at its operative upper portion to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative top portion, characterized in that, said collar being circumferential in nature such that said resilient mechanism envelopes said shaft for congruent distribution of forces.

19. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said cap comprises a collar, advantageously located, in order to allow said resilient mechanism to anchor its operative bottom portion, characterized in that, said collar being circumferential in nature such that said resilient mechanism envelopes said shaft for congruent distribution of forces.

20. An embossing tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said resilient mechanism being sandwiched between said shaft's operative top part and said cap.