Method and machine for punching bodywork components

A machine for punching a bodywork component, in particular a skin in order to install parking-assistance sensors or headlight washers therein, said machine comprising an anvil suitable for receiving a bodywork component, a punch that is held at a distance from said anvil when in a rest position, and movement means for moving said punch initially over a first stroke in order to bring it into a utilization position close to said bodywork component, and then over a second stroke in order to pierce said bodywork component, said movement means being designed so that said movement of said punch over said second stroke takes place at a travel speed relative to said bodywork component that does not exceed 10 mm/s and that is less than a travel speed of said punch over said first stroke, wherein said movement means comprise a first means for moving said punch over said first stroke and a second means, distinct from said first means, for moving said punch over said second stroke, and wherein the second means for moving said punch over said second stroke comprises a punching actuator coupled to a force-multiplication mechanism;

• wherein said first means for moving said punch over said first stroke and said second means for moving said punch over said second stroke both cause said punch to move towards said anvil;
• wherein said punch is mounted at a first end of an axially-movable support that has said first end and a second end opposite said first end, wherein said axially-movable support travels along said first stroke in order to place said second end in a vicinity of said force-multiplication mechanism so that said second end can be subjected to thrust from said mechanism during said second stroke when said punch is moved by said second means.

A machine for punching a bodywork component comprising:

• an anvil suitable for receiving said bodywork component;
• a punch that is held at a distance from said anvil when in a rest position;
• and
• a first driver or mover for moving said punch initially over a first stroke in order to bring it into a utilization position close to said bodywork component, and a second driver or mover for moving said punch over a second stroke in order to pierce said bodywork component;
• wherein said movement of said punch over said second stroke takes place at a travel speed relative to said bodywork component that does not exceed 10 mm/s and that is less than a travel speed of said punch over said first stroke, wherein said first driver or mover for moving said punch over said first stroke is distinct from said second driver or mover for moving said punch over said second stroke, and wherein said second driver or mover for moving said punch over said second stroke comprises a punching actuator;
• wherein said first driver or mover moves said punch over said first stroke and said second driver or mover moves said movement of said punch over said second stroke, wherein said movement of said punch over said first stroke and said second stroke is always directed towards the anvil;
• wherein said punch is mounted at a first end of an axially-movable support that has said first end and a second end opposite side first end, wherein said axially-movable support travels along said first stroke in order to place said second end in a vicinity of a force-multiplication mechanism so that said second end can be subjected to thrust from said force-multiplication mechanism during said second stroke when said punch is moved by said second driver or mover.