US 5,016,335 A · Tapping attachment for a punch press

Abstract

A tapping attachment for threading a relatively large number of holes through a sheet metal part at a relatively low cost per hole. The tapping attachment includes a thrust bearing assembly which is aligned with a turret-type punch press or the like and movable in response to an axially directed force generated by the punch press. The axially directed force applied from the press to the thrust bearing assembly is transferred to a spline shaft. The spline shaft is rotated wihin and moved linearly relative to a screw threaded roller nut, whereby the axially directed force is converted into a rotating force for advancing and turning a tap at high speeds of rotation. A nitrogen reservoir is provided so that a supply of gas is available for returning the thrust bearing assembly and the spline shaft to their initial positions in order that a new hole can be tapped in response to another axially directed force. Also provided is an oil reservoir so that a supply of oil is available for lubricating and cooling the tap via an oil spout.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A tapping attachment having a threaded tap by which to tap a hole formed in a workpiece and a body to be received at and supported by a press of the type having reciprocally movable force generating means, said tapping attachment comprising:

surface means aligned with the press to receive a force generated thereby and movable linearly from a first position to a second position in response to the force generated by the press;
shaft means interfaced with said surface means and movable linearly therewith in response to the force generated by the press;
means located between said shaft means and the tap to convert the linear movement of said shaft means into both linear and rotary movements of the tap to advance the tap into and thread the hole in the workpiece;
and
pneumatically operated means cooperating with said surface means and adapted for movement therewith for returning said surface means to the first position from the second position when the force generated by the discontinued so as to withdraw the tap from the hole in the workpiece.

2 more elements

A tapping unit having a tap for threading a hole formed in a workpiece, said tapping unit comprising:

shaft means having screw threads formed at a first end thereof and splines formed at an opposite end;
screw threaded nut means for receiving the screw threaded end of said shaft means;
surface means to which a force is applied for causing said surface means to move in a first direction, said surface means interconnected with said shaft means for correspondingly moving the screw threaded end of said shaft means linearly through said screw threaded nut means to cause said shaft means to rotate;
nut means having internal splines at which to receive the spline end of said shaft means, said spline end being moved linearly through said splined nut means, whereby the linear movement and rotation of said shaft means is imparted to said splined nut means;
and
motion transferring means connected between said splined nut means and the tap to transfer the linear movement and rotation imparted to said splined nut means to the tap and thereby cause a corresponding linear advancement and rotation of the tap in the hole of the workpiece.

3 more elements

A tapping unit having a tap for threading a hole formed in a workpiece, said tapping unit comprising:

shaft means;
surface means to which a force is applied for causing said surface means to be moved from a first position to a second position, said surface means interconnected with said shaft means for correspondingly moving said shaft means linearly in a first direction;
transmission means located between said shaft means and the tap, said transmission means having motion translating means in which to receive said shaft means and covert the linear movement of said shaft means into both linear and rotary movements of the tap to advance the tap into and thread the hole in the workpiece;
and
piston means interfaced with said surface means for returning said surface means to the first position from the second position to thereby cause the shaft means to be moved linearly in an opposite direction and the tap to be withdrawn from the workpiece.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tapping attachment for a punch press

Life of this patent

Tapping attachment for a punch press

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25