Thickness responsive variable position die set
AssigneeEMF Corporation
InventorMelbourne L. Griesbach
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A variable-position die set for trimming metal or other sheet stock to a particular length which is determined by the stock thickness, including upper and lower actuating die plates, a stationary cutting block arrangement positioned between and secured to the die plates, and a movable cutting block arrangement positioned between the die plates in spaced parallel relationship with the stationary cutting block arrangement. Stock thickness-sensing apparatus is also positioned between the lower and upper actuating die plates. Operatively associated with the sensing apparatus is a device for positioning the movable cutting block arrangement in relation to the sensed stock thickness.
Claims25
A variable-position die set adapted for precisely cutting sheet stock to a specified size as a function of blank thickness, comprising:
- a first actuating die plate;
- a second actuating die plate superimposed on said first die plate in a spaced, vertical relationship therewith;
- a shiftable cutting means positioned between said die plates for severing the edge of the stock upon closing movement of said actuating die plates;
- means operatively coupled to said die plates for sensing the thickness of the blank;
- and
- means operatively associated with said sensing means for shifting said cutting means a distance proportional to the sensed thickness of the stock prior to severing of the edge by said cutting means.
A method of trimming precut lengths of basically flat sheet stock, comprising the steps of:
- placing a first length of said stock in a cutting die so that said stock is generally positioned to be cut along one edge thereof by said die;
- sensing the thickness of said stock prior to actuation of said cutting die;
- shifting the position of said cutting die relative to said stock a distance proportional to the sensed thickness of said stock;
- and
- actuating said cutting die to thereby trim the edge of said stock, whereby the trimmed length of said stock has a predetermined relation to the sensed thickness.
A device for sensing the thickness of a fixedly positioned flat sheet of stock and positioning a cutting arrangement relative to said stock comprising:
- an upper plate;
- a lower plate;
- means mounting said plates in superimposed relationship for relative, closing motion toward one another;
- a sensing block mounted for limited movement relative to said upper plate;
- a spring disposed between said sensing block and said upper plate for biasing said sensing block towards said lower plate;
- a sensor base block secured to said lower plate in vertical alignment with said sensing block, said base block having a recess therein, and said sensing block including a depending projection in alignment with said recess;
- a sensor pad movably disposed in said recess so as to be engaged and moved by said projection upon closing movement of said plates, the amount of movement of said pad being dependent upon the thickness of the stock;
- and
- means operatively associated with said sensor pad for shifting the position of the cutting arrangement relative to the stock a distance proportional to the sensed stock thickness.
A method of cutting generally flat sheet stock to a particular size, comprising the steps of:
- passing the stock between a pair of mutually spaced members;
- sensing the thickness of said stock between said members;
- positioning a cutting means relative to the stock between said members as a function of at least the said sensed thickness of the stock;
- and
- using said cutting means to cut the stock after the cutting means and stock have been so positioned relative to each other, to thereby produce a cut edge on the stock whose location is a function of the thickness of the stock.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.