US2440599A - Bending machine - Google Patents

Description

April 27, 1948. H. E. COLWELL BENDING MACHINE Fi 1ed Jufie 16, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 27,1948.

H. E. CO LWELL SENDING MAcHtnE Filed June 16, 1944 i 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR. fiAHHYfl UULWELL Patented Apr. 27, 1948 BENDING MACHINE Harry E. Colwell, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to The A P Parts Corporation, Toledo, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 16, 1944, Serial No. 540,660

12' Claims. 1 t

This invention relates to bending machine and apparatus and more especially to apparatus for performing work upon or configurating metal articles.

Th invention contemplates the provision of a machine especially adapted for performing successive operations upon work and particularly for impressing bends or predetermined configurations into the work. 1

An object of the invention resides in the provision of a machine tool embodying means for selectively impressing a plurality of configurations in work wherein each successive configuration may be of a different contour.

Another object of the invention embraces a machine of this character which is semi-automatic in its operation and embodying automatic means for indexing or successively positioning a plurality of tools into operative relationship for performing successive operations upon the work,

Another object is the provision of a hydraulically actuated, electrically controlled apparatus embodying a plurality of bending dies for impressing bends in rods, tubing shafting or the like wherein successive bends in each piece of work are of different configuration.

Still another object is the provision of apparatus including a supporting head associated with a reciprocating ram and which is adapted to be equipped with a plurality of tools or dies, the head being arranged to be progressively moved to predetermined positions for successively bringing the tools or dies into position to perform bending operations upon the work and arranged whereby the dies are positioned to permit free movement of the work adjacentv the bent portions without the same impinging upon parts of the apparatus.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economics of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of the apparatlls particularly illustrating in semi-diagrammatic form the hydraulic system utilized in actuating component elements of the mechanism;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus;

Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on.the line 9-9 of Figure 5;

Figure 10 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the line Ill-I0 of figure 4; Figure 11 is a detail sectional view taken on the line I |--H of Figure 4;

1 Figure 12 is adetail sectional view taken substantially on the line l2--l 2 of Figure 4;

Figure 13 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the line I3-l 3 of Figure 4;

Figure 14 is fragmentary sectional view showing one position of the work supporting means at the completion of a bending operation in which a shallow bend is impressed in the work;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 showing the position of the work and supporting means therefor at the completion of a bending opera tion in which a bending die of diiferent configuration is utilized;

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuits and control devices for initiating and controlling movement of component elements of the mechanism;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary detail sectional view taken substantially on the line l1--l1 of Figure 6;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary detail sectionalview taken substantially on the line 18-48 of Figure 6. v

While I have illustrated the apparatus of my invention as particularly adapted for performing bending operations on thin Wall tubing of a character utilized especially for tail or exhaust pipes in an exhaust system of an internal come bustion engine, it is to be understood I contemplate the use of the principles of my invention for performing work operations wherever the same may be found to have utility.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the apparatus is inclusive of a frame structure In formed with two spaced vertically arranged plates l2 and I3 joined together by transversely extending members I4, l5, l6, l1, l8 and a subvby means of bolts 23.

stantially rectangular plate l9, all of said members and plate being welded to the uprights l2 and 13. The plate is of the top portion of the frame supports a cylinder 2 I the latter being provided with a head portion 22 secured to the plate Slidably mounted within the cylinder 21 is apiston 25 to which is secured a rod 26, the latter being threadedinto a ram or member "2? locked in adjusted relation thereto by means of a nut 28.

Secured to the opposing interior walls of the frame plates l2 and i3 are the bars or stripsill and 3|, disposed in pairs and arranged in vertical parallel relationship forming guides or =yvays for flanged rollers $5, the latter being -journaled for rotation upon end portions of a shaft 36 supported adjacent the lower exlzrlmlitifi z letss 31 forming component parts of the ram Z1. Positioned above shaft 3b is a second shaft 39 carried by plates 3?, and ijournaled upon the end portions of shaft :35} .are flanged strollers M) 'Mlhih engage and are adapted toztravel along :bars or guides dl, as shown tiwEigure 6. -nlso;sedured"to the inner walls of the frame plates 11.2 and :lzSzare vertically disposed :bars e3 1 adapted .tozformguilies for flanged rollers t4 ijournalediuponaendiportions of shaft M5, the latter alsoibeing carried :by the spaced plates: 3l'as showniniEignreu'Z. :Byzmeans of the' bars 'or traksiallfi l 143 and'flangedrollers 35, 40 and' fiii, the ram or member 21 andele-v merits carried thereby -are arranged if or relative movement in=a vertical direction under theinfiue ence of fluid pressure'ex-erted against the :piston 25, in a manner tofbe hereinafter described.

A horizontally extending plate portion 148 of the ram 2 1 -is-welded or otherwlse'secured tower tically disposed pl tes or members 49 and 59, the latter having aligned openings accommodatingbearings orbushings 5i and 52 in which-is journaled a shaft or arbor 53, a portion of the shaft 53 projecting forwardly of the plate 49 and sup por ing a rnemberEi as shownin Figured l he nember'fifiissnugly-fitted upon-the shaft 53, being held in place by means -of a key'56 and a washerfi-l gsecure d'to the-shaft by meansofa bolt 58, The shaft '53 and member 55 form a tool supportingmeans or holder and'which is-arranged for'rotative'movement -relative tothe ram 2-1 for a purpose to "be hereinafter explained.

I have illustrated the embodiment of the invention as especially adapted "for making successive bends of the same or different contour in thin-walled tubing, the work performing implemerits or bending dies for such purpose "being carried by t e to l sup iinam b 'fi hi an n r o di f ntly confisura o s o dies may be carried upon the tool or die holder, I have sh wma arran ement r m untin three end g to ls o di i x and 62.; chha a working face of different contour. The periphcry of the toolsupport fii'iisgenerally. of hexagna shape, thre .o the fi seis th re f h ving o es :or ways to muslmcmmmodete tape '5 carried br ach nitric diesfe properly p t nng th m in t ho der. The a te na e m ets diseased between the d e nga ing fac ts are adapted to receive plates r615, the extremities of which enga e lablll' mel'llls rormed-on the d for s y clamping and retainin the-latte 9.1 the supportiii, The plateslifi are retainedinpQSition by meansofscrews 61. 7

it :should be :noted that in the Embodiment illnstrated, the central, axes of the three .dies are adia y g ia ly sr eed'iie- 1 0ariart Th -present invention is inclusive of means for indexing or shifting the tool or die supporting means to move the dies successively into operative position to :arerthreaded into members 82 and 83, the latter being bored to receive bearing bushings l8 adapteolto iit onfjcurnal pin E i, members 82 and 83 and-their bearings being retained in proper relationby-a disc-orwasher 81} secured by means at 1 t ine-J The rear plate 50 forming a component of the ram "21 extends upwardly as shown in Figure 5 and is provided with laterally extending arms 84 and 1&5 \to which i are welded the rearwardly :rrojecting members B5 and -81. :Each of members 315 and 81 {is formed withan opening to'accommodate the threaded tenons 83 of members 85, thelatter laeingrsecured in place by flock nutsso.

:Rod 3E5 extends-a stuffing gland formed on :a head at and :is cured to 'a pi t n slida r dise posediinra ,cylinderfifi. The, rear end of-the-cylin der is closed by means of a plate 96 formed with a :hiiurcated projection oi, the r a ns rand memberyflt beingbored to'receive a pinfiil, which forms '2 pivotal support (jg;- the cylinder .95. Similarly the rod l?! extends ithrcugh a head -i up into a cylinder lili, a' pistoniis insaidoyl-inder beingzsecuredztoithesend'ofrcd la-l. The :rearend of the cylinder is closed :by :a plate Hi2 having :a

bifurcated projection -=li3 of the sari reconfigurati'on fELS ':proj ection 18.! and ,is pivotally connected to :member :89 by means-of a pivotpin AM. "An abutment M5 is associated with the vertically disposed plate so forms stop means engagfiable with =surfaces Hit and 101 :of ;arm FH' when :the arm flsi, shaft ,53 and bending die holder :55 :are moved'under the influence of fluid pressure act,-

ing on the pistons in cylinders and HM :in 'a manner to be hereinafter explained.

The machine frame Fl d is "formed with-forwardly extending portions which are joined together "by transversely extending members '15 and Hi. The upper faces of members 15 and i8 are formed with tongues Hi3 Whichifit into-grooves 'formedlin the {lower faces of members H2 .which are .se.- cured to members 15 and Iii by means of screws H3. The'bars or members H2 are provided at their upperporticns with longitudinally extending slots N4 of T'shapein cross sectionas shown iri'Figure '6. The upper surfaces of bars 112 are formed with transverse serrations. The bars ll; form a support for members M6, the latter also having serrated lower surfaces m-ating'with the serrated faces of bars N2, the serrations serving't position members fl'i 6 in adjusted position. Members H6 are :provided with projections iii slidably fitting the restricted throats of "slots i i-d and are securely held in adjusted position by means of bolts we. The members H6 have upwardly and laterally extending integral :bosses r26 which are bored and threaded to receive pintles or shafts lZl. Positioned between membersl iii areU-shaped chairs Qrbolsters I23, each bolster being pivotally supported by a pair of shafts lil mounted in-members H 8. Each of the bolsters 423 is formed with a centrally arranged recess adapted 'to receive and support a die or work support I24 secured in position by means of screws I25. The adjacent portions of the bolsters I23 are formed with threaded openings to receive pins I21 upon which are revolubly journaled rollers I28.

Positioned adjacent frame plates I2 and I3 are plates E and I3I which are each formed with vertically arranged flanges I32. The inner surfaces of plates I39, I3I and the flanges I32 form ways or tracks for guiding a head I slidably engageable therewth. Plates I30 and I3I are provided with threaded openings to receive bolts I35, the latter being threaded into bushings I31. The exterior surfaces of bushings I31 are threaded into openings in frame plates I2 and I3. By adjusting the bolts I33 and threaded bushings I31, the relative position of guide plates I35 and I3I may be varied to obtain the proper sliding fit for the head I35.

The upper portions of the head I35 are provided with hardened steel bars I38 which are engaged by rollers I28. The head I35 is formed with a central web portion I39, having a threaded opening to receive the threaded extremity I40 of a piston rod I4 I, and locked together by means of a nut I42. The rod I4I extends into a cylinder I44 and is connected to a piston I46 disposed therein. The cylinder I44 is secured to a member I45, the latter being mounted upon a plate 20 forming the base of the machine. A pipe I59 is connected to the cylinder beneath the piston and admits fluid to the'cylinder for hydraulically supporting the head I35 which is adapted to be moved downwardly during bending operations.

Particular reference is made to Figure 1 illustrating the hydraulic system for causing the functioning of various movements of the mechanism of my invention. Positioned adjacent the apparatus is a reservoir or tank I50 adapted to contain a supply of oil or other suitable actuating fluid, Mounted upon a cover I 5| of the reservoir I50 is a pair of fluid pumps I53 and I54 preferably of the rotary type and of different sizes or capacities, pump I53 being of the lesser capacity. The pump I53 is provided with an inlet pipe I55 extending into the reservoir, the lower end of pipe being equipped with a filter or strainer I55. The pump I53 is provided with an exit or outlet I51 and is connected to a sequence valve I58, the latter being connected by a tube I59 to the lower end of the cylinder I44 and a return connection I60 leading into the reservoir I 50. The sequence valve I58 is of the spring loaded type whereby excessive pressure in the cylinder I 44 permits fluid to be returned from cylinder I55 to the reservoir I50 through the return pipe I60.

The pump I55 is provided with an inlet pipe I62 extending into the reservoir I50, the lower end of the pipe being fitted with a filter I63. The outlet pipe I-64of the pump is connected to a sequence valve I55 provided with a fluid return pipe I6! leading into reservoir I50. The sequence valve I I55 is connected to a T-shaped fitting I61 by means of a connection I68, a pipe I69 leading from fitting 151 to an electrically controlled, solenoid actuated valve means contained within housing I10. The valve means in housing I10 is connected to the upper and lower portions of the cylinder 2| by means of pipes HI and I12, for the transmission of fluid pressure alternately through said pipes to cause vertical reciprocatory movement of the piston or ram 25 contained within the cylinder 2I. A pipe I13 is connected to the valve means in housing I10 through which fluid may be returned to the reservoir I50. A

branch pipe I19 isin communication with pipe I13 and a pressure relief valve interposed in pipe I12 to relieve the fluid pressure beneath the piston 25 when it has reached its uppermost position. Connected to the fitting I61 is a pipe iI11 for conveying fluid pressure from the pump I54 to an electrically controlled, solenoid actuated valve means contained within each of casings I18 and I13 mounted upon a platform provided at the upper extremity of the frame I0, the pipe I 11 dividing into branches I and IBI leading to the valve means. Valve means in casing I18 is connected by a tube I82 to the upper end of cylinder IIII while tube I83 connects the valve means with the lower portion of cylinder IOI, the tubes I92 and I33 being flexible to accommodate movement of the cylinder IOI during indexing operations.

The valve means contained within casing I19 is connected to the upper end of cylinder 95 by means are flexible tube I85 and to the lower end ofsaid cylinder by means of the flexible tube I81.

The valve means contained within the casings 18 and I19 are connected together by means of tubes I89, a T-shaped fitting I being interposed between the tubes I89 which is connected by means of a pipe I 9| to a four way fitting or cross I 92 connected to a return pipe I63 extending into the reservoir I50.

The control arrangement of my invention involves intercalation of electrical and mechanical devices for accomplishing the indexing and work performing functions of the apparatus in which the operator, by manual or foot actuated means initiates the cycle of operations. Secured to the frame plate I3 of the machine or press are the brackets 200, 20I and 202 which are bored with aligned openings adapted to receive a vertically positioned shaft or member 203 arranged for relative rotary movement, and for slidable movement in a direction parallel with the movement of member 21. The upper end of the shaft or rod 203 is threaded to receive a disc 204, the same being adjustable on the rod and adapted to be locked in adjusted position by means of nuts 295 and 206. Positioned between the bracket 20I and nut 296 is an expansive coil spring .201 surrounding the rod 203. Disposed upon the rod 203 between brackets 2M and 202 are three similarly shaped members 268, 209 and 2I0 arranged one above the. other. Each of these members is formed with an enlarged disc-like portion or cam plate 2 I I, 2I2, and 2I3 respectively, each portion being formed to support a plurality of radially projecting lug or cams 2I5 which are adapted to actuatesnap switches designated 2H3, 2I1 and 2 I8, the switches being provided with arms 2I9 arranged in the loci of the cams carried by discs 21], 2I2 and 2I3. Expansive coil springs 221 are interposed between the disc-like portions of members 20B, 209,and 2! to absorb any lost motion between said members and to maintain them in proper relationship.

' Positioned uponand fixed to the shaft 203 beneathLtheibracket 202 is a disc 222 having a plurality of radially disposed openings adapted to receive stop members or lugs 223, the number depending upon the number of work operations or bends to be per formed on or impressed in the work to complete a cycle of operations. Pivotally supported upon-a pintle 225 carried by bracket 202 is a pawl 224 which is arranged for cooperation with the stop 'members 223 on the disc 222 for successively positioning the control shaft 203 after thecompletion of each bending operation.

Fixedly secured upon the lower portion of the shaft .263 is 'disc225 having a plurality of radiallmspaced-threaded openings arrangedin parallelism with the shaft 203, these opening-s receiving a series of abutments or bolts 22'! providing adjustable means for limiting the downward movement of the ram and bending dies or tools carried thereby so as to predetermine the depth of each bend :or limit the travel of the tool :ior successive work performing operations. The bolts 22,! are adapted tobe locked in ad- J'usted position by means ofnuts 228.

' Secured by means'of. screws 229"to the vertically reciproca'ble ram 2 1 is a laterally extending bracket or member 239. The member is provided-with'aihorizontaly disposedrecess in which is eslidably fitted a carriage 2232, a horizontally disposed toothed member or rack .233 being secured to the carriage. The carriage-232 supports at its outer end a pin or shaft 234 upon which is fiournaled a roller 235. Secured to'the frame of the machine is a pair of angularly shaped bars or strips 236 as "shown in Figure 4 arranged in spaced relation forming guide surfacesor ways to accommodate the roller 235 and control the horizontalmovement of the carriage 232 and rack The bracket "230 is provided with an opening through which the shaft 203 extends, the bracket alsmhaving an arcuate recess to accommodate a spurrgear 2-33 journalecl for'rotation on shaft- 203 and in mesh with the teeth in the rack :233. Mounted upon shaft 203 above the gear 238 is a disc-like member 240 provided with the threaded member 2 .forming a key extending into :a *keyway 242 :formed in theshaft 203, the member. 260 being loosely :fitted on shaft so as to beslidable there along and rotatable with the shaft through the medium of the key 241. Also iournaled upon shaft 223 adjacent :member 240 is a ratchet wheel V253, and pivotally supported on pins 2 carried bymember 240 is a rpair of diametrically disposed, spring pressed pawls or ratchets 245 adapted for cooperation with ratchet wheel 243 providing a one wayor overrunning clutch means for causing rotationof shaft 203 in one direction-only for purposes to be hereinafter explained. Positioned between gear 238 and ratchet wheel 2 43 isa spacing-collar 24-1 andsurrounding the collar 24! is a coil spring 248 having itsupper and lower ends connected respecti-velyto the ratchet wheel 243 and the gear 238. The bracket 230 is provided with a dependingpin or abutment 250 which is adapted to successively engage the abutment screws carried by member 225 secured to the shaft upon downward movementof the bracket23fl. The longitudinal movement of the rank 232 at each downwardmovement of the ram 21 caused by the-angularity of ways 2% cooperating with the roller235 slightly exceeds the circumference of shaft 2113, and

therefore could effect a complete rotation of the shaft if desirable, although in actual operation, the shaft rotates through .successive radial distances, each .-less than a complete revolution.

The electrical vapparatus and control .for the hydraulic means is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 16, and switch means shown on other figures of the drawings. The operator of the machine initiates each work or bending operation by depressing a foot treadle .252 carried by abox253 housing-a switch 25 illustrated in fi ure I 6, The switch 254 .-is connected .-in alcircuit with aswitch 255, the latter being a safetyswitch for the purpose of preventing operation of the hydraulic mechanism until 0118 01 the bending dies :islin :proper working position. Theanechanism associated with the :switch 255 .is illustrated inzFigure 1'7 and includes a link 256, connected one end to the switch arm 2'51 and ithe othernnd connected to'one arm-ofabell crank 2.58 pivotally supported upon zaprojeotion 259 iormed'upon the ram 121. The extremity of the other arm of the be1l-.crank;-258 carries aroller 260 arranged to cooperate with recesses -26] "formed in-a-collar 252 secured to the die holder supporting shaft When roller 250 engages in one :of the recesses 26 l, the switch :255 is in closed circuit position and one of the .tools or dies is -;in proper work performing position. Under these conditions, the actuation oi'th'e .treadleoperatednwitch :255 willinitiateoperation of solenoid @264 tor-actuating the valve means contained within :housing I10 to control flow of fluid to the cylinder rl.

Solenoid mechanism 266, 266'. and 261, 25'! contained in housings I18 and 119 actuate the valves :for controlling fluid how :to thedi'e indexing cylinderse5 and-t0 I. V

Securedon theshaft'53 is a sleeve or collar e210, the ends of the sleeve being formed for cooperation with rollers 2H and 21-2 carried "on switch arms 21 3 and 214 :forming :parts of "switches 2:15

and 276. The portions :of collar 210 acooperating the rollers 2H :and 2112' are so configurated that both switches are in closed 'position'only in the position 'shown'in Figure '18. In this :position of shaft 53, the die =60 :is in :work performing position, and the indexing mechanism aim :the :position-shown in Figure *5. ln-theevent that the'die Ellis not moved into its :proper work performing position under the influence of the hydraulic means, switches 2-l5or 2-15 perform ithefunction of "actuating the hydraulic means, until *the -die .89 is in a centralposition. This is accomplished when rollers 2H and 21.2 rest :in aligned positions .as:shoWn:-in-Fh'gu1-'e .18.

:It is 1-0 be understood that the apparatus of I my-.-invention .issusceptibleof use in performing work operations of varying character and I have illustrated the arrangement wherein 'three :bending dies of different contour may be sequentially employed to 'make one -or more bends per each die, the number of individual bending operations in acycle of the machine being determined by the ;-number of stops or lugs 2-23 carried by the disc 2-22, The stops .223 are made removable so that the machine may be utilized for attaining varying members of work performing or bending operations in a cycle. In describing the operation of the machine, a .threeoperational cycle will be explained, i. e. one bending operation for each of the bending dies 60, 6| and 62.

.In the first instance,la motor (not shown) connected to shaft 452 is energized to drive theiluid pumps I53 and E54. These pumps are supplied.-

with oil or *othersuitable fluid from the reservoir I50 :bymeans of the inlet pipes l 55 and 462'. operator then places aslength of thin walled pipe or tubing W upon the work supporting dies J24 carried by the pivotally mounted cradles 423. The operator then depresses the treadle 12-52, closing the master switch 2515. Assuming that the bending die 6! is in a working position as illustrated in Eigure 3 and is to be utilized to produce the first bend in the tube W, the roller 2B0 carried by bell crank 25%? (see Figure 17) is received .in one of the recesses .25! in collar 2&2 which condition positions switch 255 so that an electric circuit is completed throughswitches 254 and 2.55 to energize the solenoid .264 and actuate valve mechanism in housing ill] to connect the fluid feed pipe I69 with the pipe I H to convey oil under pressure from pump I54 to the cylinder 2| above the piston 25. The fluid.pressure acting on piston 25 drives the same downwardly together with the ram 21 and the dies and support. The die 69 engages the tube W causing downward pressure on the tube, and as a bend is formed therein, the fluid pressure in cylinder I44 beneath the piston I46, set up through the medium of pump I53 being less. than that in tube Ill, is overcome and the parts associated with the worksupport move downwardly to the position illustrated in Figure 14. The ram 21, die 62 and associated parts move downwardly until the pin 25!! contacts one of the screws. 221 in alignment therewith, which engagement moves the shaft 203 and parts carried thereby downwardly causing the lower surface of .disc 224 into engagement with arm 2I4 adapted to close the switch 220 contained within housing 224 secured to the machine frame.

housing I16 disconnecting fluid pressure to the pipe HI and connecting the fluid pressure to the pipe I12 to convey oil to cylinder 2| beneath the piston 25 to cause the latter and parts carried thereby to move upwardly. 'When the solenoid 264' actuates the valve means, it connects the pipe I1I with the return pipe I13 to .permit the oil above the piston 25 to return to the reservoir I55) through tube IE6. As the shaft 263 was moved downwardly by engagement of pin 258 with one of the abutment screws 221, the lug 223, in engagement with pawl 226 is moved out of contact therewith. During downward movement of shaft 253, the roller 235, guided by ways 236, moves the rack 233 horizontally, rotating gear 233 and unwinding coil spring 248. Movement of the spring 248 is not then communicated to shaft 223 by reason of the locking action of pawls 245 in engagement with the ratchet wheel 243. During the upward movement of ram 21, the roller 235, under the influence of ways 236, retracts rack 233 and permits counter clockwise rotation of gear 238 (as viewed in Figure winding up the spring 248, the tension acting gradually to rotate the shaft 263 until the next succeeding lug 223 engages pawl 226 to re-position the shaft. The shaft 203 is moved to its initial uppermost position under the influence of spring 201 at the initial upward movement of the ram 21 so that a lug 223 will be in position to engagethe pawl 226 when the shaft is rotated. During rotation. of shaft 203, a, projection or cam 22I' on disc 2II engages the lever 2I6 on switch 2I6 to complete a circuit to solenoid 265 to actuate hydraulic valve means in housing I19 causing oil to flow under pressure through feed lines I11, I8I and I81 into the lower end of cylinder 95 to force the piston upwardly, thus rotating shaft 53 and die holder 55 to bring the die 6I into operative position, the pipe I86 communicating with a fluid return line I82, so. that oileabove the piston in cylinder 95 is returned to the reservoir I50. The operator moves the work W along thework supporting dies I24 into position to effect the secondbend in the work by means of the bending die 6|. Treadle 252 is again depressed to actuate switch 254 and through switch 255, which has been reset by engagement'ofroller 260 (see Figure 17) engaging inanotherof the recesses 26I in, collar 262, to energize solenoid 264,:actuating the hydraulic controlvalves in housingflfl directing fluid above piston 25- in cylinder 2| and causing downward The closing of switch 220 ener-' gizes solenoid 264' actuating valve means inmovement of the ram 21. This movement brings the die BI into engagement with the work, forming a bend therein as illustrated in Figure 15. Downward movement of the ram 21 brings the pin 258 into engagement with another abutment 221 adjusted toeffect the proper depth of bend to be made in the work. Shaft 203 is again molded downwardly until switch 220 in housing 224 is actuated by disc 204 to reverse the flow of oil into the cylinder 2| resulting in return movement of the ram 21. The shaft 263 and associated mechanism repeat the cycle of operations as above set forth in connection with the bending operation accomplished by die 60. On this cycle, however, a projection on cam disc 2I3 actuates switch 2H3, energizing solenoid 261 controlling valves so as to direct oil into cylinder I 2| so as to'rotate shaft 53 bringing die 62 in operative position to perform a bending operation. After the work is re-positioned for the third bend, the

treadle 252 is depressed and the ram 21 moved downwardly through the electrically controlled hydraulic valves in the manner above explained.

During the completion of the third. cycle of operations, the projection on disc 2I2 actuates switch 2I'I energizing a solenoid 265 controlling a valve so that fluid pressure acts on the piston in cylinder IUI to bring die 69 approximately to central position as in Figure 3. The switches 215 and 216 are intercalated so as to alternately actuate the solenoids controlling the valves until equal fluid pressure above the pistons in themdexing cylinders and IilI, thus retaining the die 69 in central position by equalized pressure in said cylinders.

It should be noted that an unloader or pressure relief valve I15 is interposed in the pipe I12 leading to the lower end of cylinder 2 I so that an excess of fluid pressure is prevented from building up beneath the piston which might damage the machine, the Valve I15 permitting oil to. return to the reservoir I50.

It is to be understood that while I have shown and described a form of the invention for making three successive bends of different radii, a number or series of bends of each type may be made by merely employing the required. number of stops 223 and the required number of projections on cam discs 2! I, U2 and 2E3 coupled with their proper adjustment for proper sequence of operations of the electrically controlled, solenoid actuated fiuid regulating valves.

By the utilization of the apparatus of my invention wherein the bending dies are positioned in front of the ram, many bends of Variant angularity and depth may be made in a piece of work without portions of the work striking parts of the machine.

I claim:

1. Apparatus of the character disclosed comprising in combination a frame; a member arranged. for reciprocatory movement associated with said frame; hydraulic means for reciprocating said member; an arbor supported upon said member and adapted for movement relative thereto; a plurality of work performing tools carried by said arbor; electrically actuated means for indexing said arbor to selectively move said tools into work performing position; a work supporting means associated with said frame; and hydraulic cushioning means for said work supporting means whereby the latter is adapted to be moved under the influence of one of said tools engaging the work. 2

2. Apparatus of the character disclosed comensures prising; in combination a, frame; a verticallyv res ciprocable member associated: with said frame; a plurality of ways associated with said. frame; a plurality of rollers journaledonsaidnmemberand arranged for movement. along said ways; bydraulic means ..:tor-reciprocating said member; an arbor revolubly supported uponsaid member; a plurality of bending: dies carried; by said arbor; electrically actuated means for rotatingsaid arbor to selectively move said dies-into work per-forming position; and an hydraulically cushioned. work supporting means associated withsaidirameand adapted for cooperating. with said bending dies during bending operations.v

3-; Apparatus of; the character disclosed.- com.- prising incombination a frame; a vertically re;- ip focable member associated; with saidframe; a. plurality of ways associated with. said .frame;. a plurality of rollersjournaled on saidmember. and arranged for movement along. said ways; hydraulic means. for reciprocating; said member :1 an arbor revolubly supported uponssaidmember; a plurality of. bending diescarried. by said-arbor; electrically actuated means.- forrotating, said arbor'to selectivelymove said'into work performing position; a work supporting means mounted on-said frame, and hydraulic cushioning meansassociated with said work supporting means whereby the. latter-may be moved-under the. inflllel Ceflf one of. said. dies engaging the work.

4.. Apparatus of: the; character disclosed in .com binationa. frame; a. member reciprocably mounted onsaid frame; hydraulic; means; for reciprocating said member; electricallyenergized means; for controllin saidhydrauiic means; an arbor mounted upon said member and: arranged for rotary movement independently; thereof; a plurality of bending, dies; mountedupon. said arbor; hydraulically. actuated. means. for. moving said. arbor to selectively: move; said dies into operative position; and. electrically energized means for controlling. said-hydraulic; means for reciprocating said member and. rotating said arbor;

5.. Apparatus. of the character. disclosed in combination, a frame; aram mounted'upon: said frame; hydraulic means for reciprocating-said ram; an arbor; journaled on said-ram and-' arranged for revoluble movement relative tosaid'. ram; electrically energized, means forcontrolling said ram actuating hydrauliomeans; aiplurality of 'WOIk performing, elements associated with said arbor; hydraulic means. forrotating saide arbor to selectively move said workperforming elements into operative position, and electricallyenergizedmeans; seta intonation by movement of said ram for initiating the operation of said arbor-rotating hydraulic means.

6; Apparatus of the character disclosed in combinationa frame having-a plurality of vertically. arranged ways; areciprocable member; a plurality of rollers journaled on said' member and engageable With-.said-ways tor'g-uid-i-ng: said reciprocable member; hydraulic means for reciproeating said.- member; electricallyenergized means: for controlling said hydraulic means; an arbor mounted upon said. member andarranged for. rotary movement independently thereof? a plurality of bendingdi'es associated with-said; arbor hydraulically actuated. means fonlnotating said arbor to;selectively move said diesinto opera-e tive position; electrically energized: I means. for controlling said hydraulic means-yaworlnsupporting means associated With said-frame; and

hydraulic cushioning meansfor normally maine taming said-awork supporting: meansin. workasupporting position. i

'7; Apparatus oi the. character disclosed in combination, airame; a1ram. mounted thereon; acylinder carried on-saidfra-me; apiston irrsaid cylinder connected to said ram; means-ion ire jecting fluid. under pressure into said cylinder for causing reciprocation of saidram andpiston; a member supportedon said. ram and arranged for movement relative to said ram; work'performing elements associated with said; member: a cylinder mounted uponsaidram;v apistomin saidalast mentioned cylinder; arodiconneeting saidlast. mentioned. piston with: said member; and; means for inj ecting fluid under pressureinto said last mentioned cylinder to. cause movement oft-said member relative to. said ram to'shiitthe positions of said work performing elements: and means for controlling the. flow of fluidtobotli saidcylinders.

8. A bending machine of the character closed, incombination,v a. framo'haVing-amlumi? ity' of vertically arranged ways; a reciprocable member; a. plurality. of rollers'iournaled' on said member. and engageable with said" ways for: guid ing; said reciprocable member; hydraulic-means for reciprocatingsaid'. member; a: horizontally disposed arbor journaledupon said member and arranged for rotary: movementrindependently or said member; a die: holder fixed-to saidiiarbor and disposed laterally of: said reciprocable member; a. pluralityof bending diescarried'uponsaidi dsie holder; hydraulically actuatedimea-ns tor rotatiing; said arbor; to selectively-move. said? diesrihto operative. position; means. controlled by movee merit: of said: reciprocablel memberfon initiating the: operationof the. hydraulic means for: rotate ing.v the arbor; arelativel y-movable work supporting, means: associated-with said frame; and hydraulic; cushioningmeansfonmaintainingmaid work, supporting: means: normallyin: work supporting; position.

9.. Apparatus or the. character disclosed-comprising incombination, a. frame; a-ram reciprocably-..supported"upon said frame; a die support-- ing member: movable. withsaid and capable oiz independent rotary movement; a: pliiral ity of bending; dies; carried by said member; hydrauiio means: for causing;- rotation: of said I die support-- ing-: member to. selectively move: said d-iest into worlnperforming. position; hydraulics means i or' reciprocating, said ram; and electrically:- enen gized meansvfoncontrollingrtha operation orsbotir said hydraulic means. i

10.. In. a. tube bending machine, in 'combinati'om a frame. having vertically disposed ways; aaramadapted. .to-trayerse said ways; hydraulic means tor reciprocatingssaid ram; anarbor journaled upon said. ram and revolvable about am'axis angularly disposed; to the. locus :of reciprocation of; said ram; a pluralityof. tube bending-dies carried,- by said arbor electricallyactuated means for; rotating said arbor to selectivelybring-said bending dies. intowork.-performin'g :position; a tube engaginghydraulically supported meansfas sociated' with said-frame; said 'tube engaging means being: arranged to move with the tube when a. bend is being formed in thetube by one ofisaid dies;

lln A; bending; machine comprising in; oombi s nation; aframe .formedfwith a plurality ofirwaysr a. ram reciprocable -along said ways; hydraulic means-foractuating -said -rame arrarbor j'our ;'naled upomsaid -ram and revolvableabout ani 13 axis disposed at an angle with respect to the path of movement of said ram; a plurality of tube bending dies carried by said arbor; a, control rod; means set into operation by movement of said ram for actuating said rod; switching means tuated by relative movement thereof for controlling the rotation of said arbor to selectively move said dies into tube bending position; a tube supporting means, and hydraulically cushioning means associated with said tube supporting means.

12. A tube bending machine comprising in combination; a frame; a plurality of vertically disposed ways carried by the frame; a ram movable along said ways; an arbor disposed for revolvable movement about an axis substantially at right angles to the locus of movement of said ram; a plurality of tube bending dies carried by said arbor; a control rod arranged for movement in an axis parallel with the movement of said ram; means associated with said ram for rotating said control rod; means for shifting said arbor to selectively move said dies into tube bending position; electric circuit closing devices as-- 5 associated with said rod and arranged to be ac sociated with said control rod for initiating and controlling the operating of said arbor shifting means, and hydraulic cushioning means adapted to support a tube during bending operations; said hydraulically supported means being adapted for relative movement under the influence of pressure exerted by said ram during bending operaftions.

HARRY E. COLWELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 10,665 Towle Nov. 24, 1885 395,723 Vanstone Jan. 8, 1889 526,526 Grannis Sept. 25, 1894 626,448 Tennant June 6, 1899 694,783 Quint Mar. 4, 1902 1,420,875 Smith June 27, 1922 1,460,219 Ziloccki June 26, 1923 2,289,957 Godfraiux July 14, 1942

Images