Improved bending machine and a method for bending a part
AssigneeAluminum Company of America
InventorFarhang Pourboghrat
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for determining a bending die radius of a bending machine for bending a part and an associated apparatus. The method involves entering into a computer data concerning the part to be bent and an initial estimate of the radius of the bending die. Based on the data related to the part and the initial estimate, a final value for the die radius is determined. An improved bending machine and an associated method are also disclosed.
Claims19
A rotary draw bending machine for bending a part having a first end section, an intermediate section and a second end section and including a boundary section between said first end section and said intermediate section, said bending machine comprising:
- a stationary portion;
- bending die means adapted to rotate relative to said stationary portion, said bending die means generating a torque;
- pressure holder means for holding at least a portion of said first end section against said stationary portion by applying a pressure holder force on said first end section;
- clamp holder means for holding at least a portion of said second end section against said bending die means by applying a clamping force on said second end section;
- and
- means for adjusting said pressure holder force based on said torque so that the tension in said boundary section is controlled, whereby said part is bent to a desired configuration.
A rotary draw bending machine for bending a part having a first end section, an intermediate section and a second end section and including a boundary section between said first end section and said intermediate section, said bending machine comprising:
- a stationary portion;
- bending die means adapted to rotate relative to said stationary portion, said bending die means generating a torque;
- pressure holder means for holding at least a portion of said first end section against said stationary portion by applying a pressure holder force on said first end section;
- clamp holder means for holding at least a portion of said second end section against said bending die means by applying a clamping force on said second end section;
- means for adjusting said pressure holder force while maintaining a substantially constant tension at said boundary section, whereby said part is bent to a desired configuration;
- and
- said adjusting means comprises
- means for measuring said pressure holder force;
- means for measuring said clamping force;
- means for measuring said torque;
- and
- computer means for (i) receiving said pressure holder force, said clamping force and said torque measurements;
- (ii) storing a computer program for calculating a value for M.sub.o.sup.cal from an equation describing moments and forces on said part as said part is bent by said bending machine;
- and (iii) outputting an adjusting signal when said M.sub.o.sup.cal varies by a greater than specified amount from said measured torque.
A method of bending a part having a first end section, an intermediate section and a second end section and including a boundary section between said first end section and said intermediate section, said method comprising:
- providing a rotary draw bending machine including bending die means and a stationary portion, said bending die means adapted to rotate relative to said stationary portion;
- clamping at least a portion of said first end section of said part against said stationary portion, said clamping creating a pressure holder force;
- clamping at least a portion of said second end section of said part against said bending die means, said clamping creating a clamping force;
- rotating said bending die means relative to said stationary portion, said rotating creating a torque;
- and
- during rotation of said bending die means, adjusting said pressure holder force based on said torque so that the tension in said boundary section is controlled, whereby said part is bent to a desired configuration.
A method of bending a part having a first end section, an intermediate section and a second end section and including a boundary section between said first end section and said intermediate section, said method comprising:
- providing a rotary draw bending machine including bending die means and a stationary portion, said bending die means adapted to rotate relative to said stationary portion;
- clamping at least a portion of said first end section of said part against said stationary portion, said clamping creating a pressure holder force;
- clamping at least a portion of said second end section of said part against said bending die means, said clamping creating a clamping force;
- rotating said bending die means relative to said stationary portion, said rotating creating a torque;
- during rotation of said bending die means, adjusting said pressure holder force, whereby said part is bent to a desired configuration;
- adjusting said pressure holder force to maintain a substantially constant tension at said boundary section;
- and
- providing means for measuring said pressure holder force, said clamping force and said torque, said measuring means providing measured values for said pressure holder force, said clamping force and said torque.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.