US 6,089,061 A · Modularized reconfigurable heated forming tool

Abstract

Tooling apparatus comprises opposing first and second dies adapted to receive a three-dimensional honeycomb core article therebetween and including opposedly aligned arrays of elongated mutually parallel translating pins, each terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position engageable with the article. A controller individually moves each of the translating pins in a coordinated manner between the retracted and extended positions and into engagement with the article to form it to a predetermined contour. Each die includes a housing on which the translating pins are movably mounted, a plurality of drive output shafts each drivingly connected with an associated translating pin, and a transmission disposed in the base for independent driving controllable interconnection of each translating pin with a rotational drive source, and a controller interconnecting each transmission for selective energization thereof to thereby achieve selective rotation of at least one of the translating pins. The translating pins may have planar sides which prevent their rotation by the restraining action of adjacent translating pins. Each of the translating pins may define an internal cavity extending between bottom and tip ends, each being perforated and the apparatus may include a pump for delivering temperature controlled gas to each hollow pin tube for flow through the perforations in the bottom end, through the internal cavity, and out through the perforations in the tip end for delivery to cells of the article.

Claims25

Dependent claims

Tooling apparatus for forming a three-dimensional honeycomb core article comprising:

a first die module including an array of first elongated mutually parallel translating pins terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions;
a second die module including an array of second elongated mutually parallel translating pins terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions, each of said second translating pins being opposedly aligned with an associated one of said first translating pins;
said first and second die modules adapted to receive the honeycomb core article therebetween, said tip ends of said first and second translating pins being engageable with the honeycomb core article;
a controller for moving individually each of said first and second translating pins in a coordinated manner between the retracted and extended positions and into engagement with the honeycomb core article to thereby form the honeycomb core article to a predetermined contour;
a lead screw operable by said controller for moving each of said translating pins between the retracted and extended positions;
and
wherein each of said translating pins is defined by an elongated shank having internal threads which are correspondingly sized and shaped to mate with an associated one of said lead screws.

4 more elements

Tooling apparatus for forming a three-dimensional honeycomb core article comprising:

a first die module including an array of first elongated mutually parallel translating pins terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions;
a second die module including an array of second elongated mutually parallel translating pins terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions, each of said second translating pins being opposedly aligned with an associated one of said first translating pins;
said first and second die modules adapted to receive the honeycomb core article therebetween, said tip ends of said first and second translating pins being engageable with the honeycomb core article;
a controller for moving individually each of said first and second translating pins in a coordinated manner between the retracted and extended positions and into engagement with the honeycomb core article to thereby form the honeycomb core article to a predetermined contour;
and
wherein each of said translating pins includes a pin tube having an internal cavity extending from a bottom end having perforations therethrough to said tip end having perforations therethrough;
and
including:
a source of temperature controlled air;
and
pump means for delivering air from said source to said bottom of each of said hollow pin tubes for flow through the perforations in said bottom end, through the internal cavity, and out through the perforations in said tip end for delivery to cells of the honeycomb core article.

8 more elements

Tooling apparatus for forming a three-dimensional honeycomb core article comprising:

a first die module including an array of first elongated mutually parallel translating pins terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions;
a second die module including an array of second elongated mutually parallel translating pins terminating at a tip end and arranged in a matrix for longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions, each of said second translating pins being opposedly aligned with an associated one of said first translating pins;
said first and second die modules adapted to receive the honeycomb core article therebetween, said tip ends of said first and second translating pins being engageable with the honeycomb core article;
a controller for moving individually each of said first and second translating pins in a coordinated manner between the retracted and extended positions and into engagement with the honeycomb core article to thereby form the honeycomb core article to a predetermined contour;
wherein each of said translating pins extends between a bottom end and said tip end and is impervious to the flow of air therethrough;
and
wherein each of said translating pins has an outer peripheral surface chamfered to thereby define longitudinally extending passages intermediate adjoining ones of said translating pins and extending from said bottom ends to said tip ends;
and
including:
a source of temperature controlled air;
and
pump means for delivering air from said source to the bottom ends of said hollow pin tubes for flow through the chamfered passages for delivery to cells of the honeycomb core article.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modularized reconfigurable heated forming tool

Life of this patent

Modularized reconfigurable heated forming tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25