Title of Invention

"DEVICE TO RECEIVE TOOLS FOR THE CALIBRATION OF WORKPIECES"

Abstract Device to receive tools for the calibration of workpieces, comprising a base plate (11) for mounting on the table (13) of a press, a lower coupling plate (15) for attachment at the lower ram of the press, an upper coupling plate (19) for attachment at the upper ram (21) of the press, a die supporting plate (23) located between the base plate (11) and the upper coupling plate (19), characterized in that the device comprises: a lower tool receiving unit (25) connected to the lower coupling plate (15) and movable as a whole with the corresponding tool supports, and an upper tool receiving unit (29) connected to the upper coupling plate (19) and movable as a whole with the corresponding tool supports, to receive tools for the calibration of workpieces, in particular workpieces manufactured by a powder metallurgical process, at least one of said tool receiving units (25,29) comprising several tool supports (31,32,33; 31',32',33') and an actuating device (37,38,39;37',38',39') provided for each tool support for individually moving the tool support back and forth
Full Text The present invention relates to a device to receive tools for the calibration of workpieces.
In powder metallurgical manufacturing of workpieces metallic powder or granulate is first compacted in a die. The object obtained in this way is then sintered in a oven. The workpieces manufactured in this way often do not have the desired dimensional accuracy and quality of the surfaces. In order to improve the dimensional accuracy and the quality of the surfaces it is known to subject the workpieces to a further operation, namely to the so-called calibration. For this purpose the workpiece is placed in a die and subjected to high pressure which may be in the'order of 60 KN per cm2. In this way the structure of the workpiece is compacted. Also the quality of the surfaces and the dimensional accuracy will be increased. Up to the present time calibrating was carried out with relatively simple devices. However, in practice these devices are not sufficiently modular and flexible for use with complicated workpieces.
In the patent literature no devices have been found for receiving tools for the calibration of workpieces. A utility patent under no. DB 9012 752.8 from the year 1991 discloses an adapter for tools for the manufacturing of workpieces by compacting of metallic powder. However, in this publication no indication is found that this device could also be used for pressing a sintered, that is a solid workpiece, to compact its structure in order to improve its surface quality and to increase its dimensional accuracy. Compacting the structure, improving surface quality and increasing dimensional accuracy of sintered workpieces represents a different problem than the forming of an article of powdery material
It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a device which is of modular design, flexible in application and capable to receive a plurality of stamps on different-tool planes, so that also complicated workpieces, such as gears or gear segments, can be calibrated.
According to the invention this is accomplished by a device comprising a base plate for mounting on the table of a press, a lower coupling plate for attachment at the lower ram of the press, an upper coupling plate for-attachment at the upper ram of the press, a die supporting plate located between the base plate and the upper coupling plate, a lower tool receiving unit connected to the lower coupling plate and movable as a whole with the corresponding tool supports, and an upper tool receiving unit connected to the upper coupling plate and movable as a whole with the corresponding tool supports, at least one of the tool receiving units comprising several tool supports and an actuating device


provided for each tool support for individually moving the tool support back and forth.
This device permits calibrating of relatively complicated workpieces as this will be
illustrated below. This device allows to individually move the stamps of the tool during
the pressing operation! However, on the subsequent ejecting operation all lower stamps
will be moved together with the lower ram which permits to free the workpiece and its
transfer to a transfer device.
The lower as well as the upper tool receiving unit preferably comprise several tool
supports. However, if it is desired to employ the device for single use with a certain tool
for calibrating very large numbers of a certain workpiece for which one part of the tool
contains only one stamp eventually only one of both tool receiving units may be provided
with several tool supports.
According to an embodiment of the invention the actuating devices for the tool supports
are integrated into the tool receiving unit. In this case the calibration device is
substantially independent of the design of the press. However, it is also possible to
connect the tool supports to coupling rods which are actuatable by actuating devices of
the press.
The device may contain a central tool support which is actuatable by an actuating device
of the press. This central tool support serves to receive the central pin which can engage
the central bore of the workpiece, .if the workpiece contains such a bore.
The respective actuating device may be preferably hydraulically actuatable, for example
by a hydraulic cylinder.
An embodiment of the device is characterised in that the die supporting plate is
supported by rods which are axially movable in the base plate, and in that the upper
position of each rod is limited by a stop. These rods may be connectable to hydraulic
cylinders of the press. This device provides that the die supporting plate will be on the
same level both on feeding and removing the workpiece. This facilitates automation of
these operations. Another embodiment provides that between the base plate and the die
supporting plate hydraulic cylinders are located. In both cases a so-called floating support
of the die supporting plate is obtained. The die supporting plate is located at a small
distance from a support member which encircles the lower tool receiving unit close to die
center. Accordingly, if in calibrating the pressure acting on the die supporting plate
exceeds a certain limit the die supporting plate comes to a rest on the support member.
The central location of the support member has the advantage that the die supporting
plate is not inadmissibly bent when the pressure is further increased. The support
member is preferably provided with an adjustable stop, e.g. in form of a threaded ring, for
the die supporting plate. On a tool change this permits to reduce the change over time,
because no special spacers must be inserted. For each tool support an adjustable stop for
the press position and for the ejecting position may be provided. However, it is also
possible to provide a measuring system instead of a stop for the ejecting position. Such a
measuring system may be located in the device itself or in the press. Also these features
limit the time necessary for a tool change.
The invention also concerns a press for calibrating workpieces with a device according to
one of the claims 1 to 15. A preferred embodiment of the press is characterised in that the
die supporting plate is supported by rods which are axially movable in the base plate, the
upper position of each rod being limited by a stop, and each rod being movable by a •
hydraulic cylinder. Advantageously also a central tool support is provided which may be
actuatable, preferably hydraulically, by an actuating device located in the lower ram of
the press. Embodiments of the invention will now be described with the reference to the
drawing.
Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through the device,
Figure 2 shows the device as in figure 1, but with inserted tools and a workpiece
located on the die,
Figure 3 shows a modified version of the device,
Figure 4 shows a further modification of the device, and
Figure 5 illustrates the different steps of the calibration operation.
In order to better represent the inventive features the figures have been somewhat
schematised.
As figures 1 and 2 show, the device comprises a base plate 11, for example of square
configuration, for mounting on the table 13 of a press, a lower coupling plate 15 to be
mounted on the injection piston or on the lower ram 17 of the press, an upper coupling
plate 19 for mounting at the upper ram 21 of the press, and a die supporting plate 23
located in the space between the base plate 1-1 and the upper coupling plate 19.
f
A lower tool receiving unit 25 is connected with four rods 27 to the coupling plate 15. An
upper tool receiving unit 29 is connected with the upper coupling plate 90. The lower tool
receiving unit 25 comprises three tool supports 31,3233 which may be individually or
together moved back and forward by actuating devices, e.g. hydraulic cylinders 37,38,39
parallel to the central axis 40. On the embodiment shown the actuating devices 37,38,39
are integrated in the tool receiving unit. The tool supports 31,32,33 are in the form of
rings. Several hydraulic cylinders located at equal distances are provided for each tool
support
Further, a central tool support 41 is provided, which is actuatable by an actuating device
43, e.g. a hydraulic cylinder, of the press. For each tool support an adjustable stop 45,46,47
for the press position is provided. Also for the ejecting position an adjustable stop 49,50,51
is provided. The adjustable stops may be in the form of threaded rings.
In the embodiment shown the upper tool receiving unit 29 is of analogous design as the
lower tool receiving unit 25, so that in this respect reference may be had to the lower tool
receiving unit 25. For me corresponding parts the same reference numerals are used, but
provided with an apostrophe. It is obvious for the man skilled in the art that it is possible
to provide the tool receiving units 25,29 with more or less tool supports.
The supporting plate 23 may be supported by four rods 55 which are axially movable in
the base plate 11. The rods 55 may be coupled by coupling members 57 to the hydraulic
cylinders 58 of the press. The coupling members 57 also act as stops limiting the upper
position of the rods 55 and of the die supporting plate 23, respectively. As figures 3 and 4
show, it is also possible to provide the hydraulic cylinders 58 at the device instead at the
press.
A support member 59 with an adjustable stop 61 encircles the lower tool receiving unit 25
dose to the center. Between the stop 61 and the die supporting plate 23 is a small gap 63.
When during the calibrating operation the pressure on the die 84 reaches a certain value '
the die supporting plate 23 comes to a rest on the stop 61.'The adjustable stop 61 can have
the form of a threaded ring.
Pour guide columns 65 extending from the upper coupling plate 19 into bores 67 of the
die supporting plate 23 serve to guide the upper tool receiving unit 29 on its movement
relative to the lower tool receiving unit 25.
5
Fig. 2 shows the device of Fig. 1 with the tool and a workplace 83 inserted. The tool shown
comprises the die 84 and the lower and upper stamps 77,78,79; 80,81,82, and the center pin
85.
As the embodiments according to figure 3 and 4 show a measuring system 69,70,71 and
69',70'71', respectively, can be provided for positioning each tool support 31,32,33;
31'/32',33' into the ejecting position. In this case no adjustable stop is necessary for the
ejecting position.
On the embodiment of figure 4 it can be seen that each tool support 31',32'/33' is
connected to a coupling rod 73,74,75, respectively, which can be actuated by actuating
devices, e.g. hydraulic cylinders 37',38',39' of the press.
It is obvious for the man-skilled in the art that different features shown in the figures 1 to
4 can be differently combined. For example, also on the device of figure 2 the hydraulic
cylinders 37,38,39 can be located at the press as in figure 4.
In figure 5 the calibrating operation with a device according to figures 1 and 2 is shown. A
tool has been inserted into the device. The lower part of the tool comprises the stamps
77,78,79 and the upper part the stamps 80,81,82. In addition a center pin 85 is provided.
Also the workpiece 83 is shown. It has the form of a body of rotation.
The following phases of the calibrating operation are shown:
a) All stamps are in base position. The die supporting plate 23 with the die 84 is in
the upper position with a gap 63 being visible. The workpiece 83 to be calibrated is
put on the die 84.
b) The upper tool is moving downward and pushes the workpiece 83 into the die 84.
c) The workpiece 83 is now under high pressure in press position and the floating die
supporting plate 23 abuts on the stop 61 of the support member 59.
d) The upper tool is moved upward. On this example the stamps 80,82 make it
possible for the stamp 81 located in between to withdraw from the groove of the
workpiece 83.
e) The calibrated workpiece 83 is ejected from the die 84. All stamps 77,78,79y the
center pin 85 included, are moved upward by the hydraulic cylinder 43.
f) The center pin 85 is pulled down and the inner most stamp 77 ejects on this
example the workpiece. The calibrated workpiece 83 is now free.
Summarizing the following can be noted:
The device serves to receive a tool for calibrating of workpieces 83, preferably workpieces
manufactured by a powder metallurgical process. On the example shown the tool
comprises the lower stamps 77,78,79 and the upper stamps 80,81,82 located on tool
supports 31,32,33; 31',32',33'. These stamps may be moved up and down individually or
together parallel to the axis 40. Also movable up and down is the tool support 41 on
which, if required, a center pin 85 is mounted. The device is particularly suitable for the
calibration of complicated workpieces, such as represented for example by the workpiece
83 having the form of a body of rotation.





We claim:
1. Device to receive tools for the calibration of workpieces, comprising
a base plate (11) for mounting on the table (13) of a press,
a lower coupling plate (15) for attachment at the lower ram of the press,
an upper coupling plate (19) for attachment at the upper ram (21) of the press,
a die supporting plate (23) located between the base plate (11) and the upper coupling plate (19),
characterized in that the device comprises:
a lower tool receiving unit (25) connected to the lower coupling plate (15) and movable as a whole with the corresponding tool supports, and
an upper tool receiving unit (29) connected to the upper coupling plate (19) and movable as a whole with the corresponding tool supports, to receive tools for the calibration of workpieces, in particular workpieces manufactured by a powder metallurgical process,
at least one of said tool receiving units (25,29) comprising several tool supports (31,32,33; 31',32',33') and an actuating device (37,38,39;37',38',39') provided for each tool support for individually moving the tool support back and forth.
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower tool receiving unit (25) comprises several tool supports (31, 32, 33).
3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper tool receiving unit (29) comprises several tool supports (31', 32', 33').
4. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating device (37,38,39; 37',38',39') is integrated into the tool receiving unit (25,29).
5. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the tool supports (31',32',33') are connected to coupling rods (73,74,75) actuatable by actuating devices (37',38',39') of the press.
6. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein a central tool support (41) is provided which is actuatable by an actuating device of the press.
7. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the respective actuating device (37,38,39; 37',38',39') is hydraulically actuatable.
8. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the supporting plate (23) is supported by rods (55) which are axially movable in the base plate (11), and in that the upper position of each rod is limited by a stop (57).
9. Device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rods (55) are movable by hydraulic cylinders (58) of the press.
10. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein between the base plate (11) and the die supporting plate (23) hydraulic cylinders (58) are located.
11. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein a support member (59) for the die supporting plate (23) encircles the lower tool receiving unit (25) close to the center.
12. Device as claimed in claim 11, wherein at the support member (59) an adjustable stop (61), preferably in the form of a threaded ring, for the die supporting plate (23) is located.
13. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein for each tool support (31, 32,33; 31',32',33') an adjustable stop (45,46,47; 45',46',47') for the press position is provided.
14. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein for each tool support
(31,32,33;31',32',33') an adjustable stop (49,50,51;49',50',51') for the
ejecting position is provided.
15. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein for the positioning of each tool
support (31,32,33; 31',32',33') into ejecting position a measuring system (69) is provided.
16. Device as claimed in one of the claims 1 to 15, wherein said device is applied with a press for calibrating workpieces (83), in particular workpieces manufactured by a powder metallurgical process.

Documents:

1569-DELNP-2006-Abstract-(12-09-2011).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Abstract-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Abstract.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Claims-(12-09-2011).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Claims-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Claims.pdf

1569-delnp-2006-Correspodence Others-(05-01-2012).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Correspondence Others-(12-09-2011).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Description (Complete)-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Description (Complete).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Drawings-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Drawings.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-1-(12-09-2011).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-1-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-1.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-18.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-2-(12-09-2011).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-2-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-2.pdf

1569-delnp-2006-Form-24-(05-01-2012).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-3-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-3.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Form-5.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-GPA-(20-05-2009).pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-GPA.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-PCT-210.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-PCT-220.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-PCT-304.pdf

1569-DELNP-2006-Petition-137-(12-09-2011).pdf


Patent Number 249869
Indian Patent Application Number 1569/DELNP/2006
PG Journal Number 47/2011
Publication Date 25-Nov-2011
Grant Date 17-Nov-2011
Date of Filing 23-Mar-2006
Name of Patentee ALVIER AG PM-TECHNOLOGY
Applicant Address FABRIKSTRASSE 17, 9470 BUCHS, SWITZERLAND
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 HERMANN GOOD SAGEWEG 6, 9470 BUCHS, SWITZERLAND
2 PETER RAUCH HUBSTRASSE 55, 6800 FELDKIRCH-TISIS, AUSTRIA
PCT International Classification Number B22F 3/03
PCT International Application Number PCT/CH2004/000650
PCT International Filing date 2004-10-28
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 1841/03 2003-10-29 Switzerland