Automatic closing machine for sheet metal joints

Abstract

An automatic closing machine for sheet metal joints in sheet metal ducts or the like consists of a powered rotary hammer for continuous application of a hammering force to the edge portion of a joint to be formed to fold such edge into a closed joint. A supporting frame with a vertically adjustable support permits varying the relative vertical spacing of the edge of the duct and the rotary hammer. Stops locate the duct longitudinally to set the length of the joint relative to the location of the end connecting edges of the duct. Pneumatic clamps secure the duct accurately for forming the joint by the rotary hammer. A track supports the rotary hammer for longitudinal movement and an automatic traversing mechanism moves the rotary hammer therealong. The traversing mechanism automatically moves the rotary hammer back and forth along the track. The vertical adjustment locates the edge of the unformed duct properly relative to the path of movement of the rotary hammer for any selected duct size. Likewise, the traversing mechanism controls may vary the distance of movement of the rotary hammer for any selected duct length. The apparatus is satisfactory for forming both one-piece duct joints and two-piece duct joints.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.