US 5,366,363 A · Modular apparatus for compression forming or calibrating of powder metal workpieces

Abstract

To form and compact a powdered metal workpiece (W) having an outer spiral circumference, for example a helical gear, the apparatus has a press mold (21) in a compaction press. This mold can be used for manufacture or for sizing or calibrating workpiece dimensions. A first rotatable and axially movable plunger, punch or ram (16) is movable towards the press mold, and a second rotatable or axially movable plunger or punch or ram (27) is movable through the press mold. To ensure and control rotation of the first (16) plunger, a helical cam system (13, 15) formed by a core element (15) having a spiral outer contour in engagement with a matrix or nut element (13) is provided, the system being coupled to the first plunger (16) by a gear transmission (11, 12) coupled to the matrix element and to the first plunger, punch or ram (16). An additional centering plunger, or core plunger, for example to make an axial bore (3) in the workpiece, or additional concentric portions on the workpiece, such as a smooth hub (4) and a geared hub (2) at the other side, are positioned concentrically to the first plunger and the press mold. The cam system is readily replaceable with spiral surfaces of different spiral angles, so that different workpieces can be easily made without extensive disassembly and re-assembly of the press.

Claims12

Dependent claims

Apparatus for shaping a powder metal workpiece (W) having at least in part an outer helical contour or surface (1),

said apparatus comprising
a press mold (21) having an inner helical contour or surface;
a first rotatable and axially movable plunger or punch or ram (16);
a second rotatable and axially movable plunger or punch or ram (27);
a helical cam system (13, 15) controlling rotary movement of the first plunger or punch or ram (16) upon axial movement relative to the press mold,
the helical cam system (13, 15) comprising a core element (15) having a helical outer contour and a matrix element (13) having an inner contour complementary to said helical outer contour;
a gear transmission (11, 12) between said helical cam system (13, 15) and said first plunger or punch or ram (16);
and
a guide plate (18) relatively movable with respect to said first plunger or punch or ram (16);
wherein one of said core element (15) and said matrix element (13) is securely connected to said guide plate (18);
the other one of said matrix element (13) and said core element (15) is coupled to a first gear (12) of said gear transmission, and
wherein said first plunger or punch or ram (16) is coupled to a second gear (11) of said gear transmission, in rotation-transmitting engagement with said first gear (12).

9 more elements

Apparatus for shaping a powder metal workpiece (W) having at least in part an outer helical contour or surface (1),

said apparatus comprising
a press mold (21) having an inner helical contour or surface;
a first rotatable and axially movable plunger or punch or ram (16);
a second rotatable and axially movable plunger or punch or ram (27);
a helical cam system (13, 15) controlling rotary movement of the first plunger or punch or ram (16) upon axial movement relative to the press mold;
and
a gear transmission (11, 12) between said helical cam system (13, 15) and said first plunger or punch or ram (16);
and
wherein at least two helical cam systems (13, 15) are provided, circumferentially located around said first plunger or punch or ram (16).

6 more elements

Apparatus for shaping a powder metal workpiece (W) having at least in part an outer helical contour or surface (1),

said apparatus comprising
a press mold (21) having an inner helical contour or surface;
a first rotatable and axially movable plunger or punch or ram (16);
a second rotatable and axially movable plunger or punch or ram (27);
a helical cam system (13, 15) controlling rotary movement of the first plunger or punch or ram (16) upon axial movement relative to the press mold,
the helical cam system (13, 15) comprising a core element (15) having a helical outer contour and a matrix element (13) having an inner contour complementary to said helical outer contour;
a gear transmission (11, 12) between said helical cam system (13, 15) and said first plunger or punch or ram (16);
a guide plate (18), relatively movable with respect to said first plunger or punch or ram (16), coupled to and movable with said helical cam system (13, 15);
and
connection means ((18a) connecting the guide plate to one (15) of said elements (13, 15) of the helical cam system.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular apparatus for compression forming or calibrating of powder metal workpieces

Life of this patent

Modular apparatus for compression forming or calibrating of powder metal workpieces

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12