US 6,386,008 B1 · Sheet fabrication center and methods therefor of optimally fabricating worksheets

Abstract

A sheet fabrication machine is equipped with different servo motors for actuating its upper tool and its lower die. A direction converting mechanism is provided to each of the tool assembly and the die assembly so as to convert the non-vertical forces output by the servo motors into vertical forces that enable the tool and die to move relative to each other to effect work on a workpiece placed therebwtween. The sheet fabrication machine is moreover equipped with a system and logic for automatically measuring the length of the tool and for providing a setting from which the operation of the tool can be referenced. Additional features provisioned into the sheet fabrication machine include look ahead functions for optimizing the operational speed of the machine while minimizing the noise generated as a result of the operation. Also included in the sheet fabrication machine are energy saving features and automatic control of the temperature of the machine to prevent any potential damage thereto due to overheating.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method of determining the length of a tool means driven by a servo mechanism means for effecting work on a worksheet along a substantially vertical direction, comprising the steps of:

a) predefining a first distance separating said tool means with a die means;
b) driving said tool means towards said die means until said tool means comes into contact with said die means or a worksheet placed over said die means;
c) determining the force of said servo mechanism means when said tool means contacts said die means or said worksheet;
and
d) correlating the length of said tool means with said force.

2 more elements

In a sheet fabrication machine having at least one servo motor means for driving at least one of an upper tool means and a lower tool means, a method of establishing a setting whereby said upper tool means can reference as its base position when it effects work, comprising the steps of:

a) driving said upper tool means and said lower tool means towards each other along a driving direction until said upper tool means comes into contact with either said lower tool means or a worksheet placed between said upper and lower tools;
b) determining the force required to drive said upper tool means to make its first contact with either said lower tool means or said worksheet;
and
c) utilizing said determined force for defining said setting from which said upper tool means references as its base position.

1 more element

a) driving said upper tool means and said lower tool means towards each other along a driving direction until said upper tool means comes into contact with either said lower tool means or a worksheet placed between said upper and lower tools;
b) determining the distance traversed by said upper tool means to make its first contact with either said lower tool means or said worksheet;
and
c) utilizing said determined distance for defining said setting from which said upper tool means references as its base position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sheet fabrication center and methods therefor of optimally fabricating worksheets

Life of this patent

Sheet fabrication center and methods therefor of optimally fabricating worksheets

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26