Hand held powered metal clinching tool

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a power integrated sequential timing and drive mechanism for operating the forming unit of a hand held powered metal clinching tool through a cycle beginning with a normally open position and passing through a clinching position and return. The drive mechanism, which is interposed between a forming unit and a suitable power source such as a reciprocating pneumatic motor comprises a driving arm which is pivotally mounted to effect a multiplication of the force generated by the motor on a punch which comprises a portion of the forming unit. A slave arm is disposed opposite the driving arm and is operable in conjunction therewith by means of an interconnected collapsible link disposed between the two. The assembly is so constructed that upon operation of the motor on a clinching stroke, the collapsible link is moved to a lock position causing coincident but time sequenced movement of the punch and die of the forming unit whereby the punch is initially driven through the metal flanges to be clinched. Upon initial return, the die follows to engage the flanges, causing metal tabs formed by the punching movement to be folded back to effect the clinching action. As the return stroke continues, the collapsible link is urged into contact with a cam causing it to collapse and the forming unit to be opened to permit freeing of the clinched flanges thereby setting the unit for its next cycle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.