DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering.

Particularly, this invention relates to the field of embossing machines.

Specifically, this invention relates to a free embossing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Sheet metal embossing is a stamping process for producing raised or sunken designs or relief in sheet metal. This process can be made by means of matched male and female dies.

The metal sheet embossing operation is commonly accomplished with application of pressure on the sheet metal.

Metal sheet is drawn between the male and female dies, producing a pattern or design on the metal sheet. According to the prior art, these dies are aligned linearly adjacent to each other because the templates on to which they are loaded comprise die locating mechanism. Die locating mechanism are required so that the male die when spaced apart from the female die when a sheet is to be inserted therebetween need to remain aligned in correspondence with each other.

There are certain other machines analogous in the art. These machines are CNC machines specifically used for cutting actions. Computer numerical control (CNC) is the automation of machine tools by means of computers executing pre-programmed sequences of machine control commands. The design of a mechanical part and its manufacturing program is highly automated. The part's mechanical dimensions are defined using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and then translated into manufacturing directives by computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. The resulting directives are transformed (by "post processor" software) into the specific commands necessary for a particular machine to produce the component, and then loaded into the CNC machine.

There is a need to provide a machine which is specific to the purposes of embossing.

Also, there is a need to provide a machine which does not conform to this linear alignment protocol and which provides a wide range of character orientations, spacings, sizes etc. in an efficient and aesthetic manner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
An object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss alpha-numeric inputs or symbols in all languages.

Another object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss a free form design.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to provide a continuous embossing mechanism rather than a discrete or a nibbling kind of embossing mechanism.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss in a manner which has relatively negligible friction.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss wherein x-axis and y-axis orientation can be controlled.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss where z-axis orientation can be controlled.

Yet an additional object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss in a manner where there is relatively greater accuracy of control.

Yet an additional object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss in a manner where there is relatively greater accuracy of embossing.

Still an additional object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss wherein control can exercised in the range of microns.

Another additional object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to emboss characters, words, sentences, in different languages, on a metal sheet in real time, without using any die.

Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide an embossing machine which is configured to provide customized embossing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
According to this invention, there is provided a free embossing machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said machine comprising:
- a base platform configured to provide support to a metal sheet that is to be embossed;
- a tool holder which holds a tool that performs the function on embossing on the metal sheet that is placed on the base platform, said tool being defined by a first shaft and a second shaft with a sleeve therebetweeen, said first shaft being a tapered tool head, with operative proximal end of said first shaft being a threaded lock head, an operative distal end of said second shaft comprising a ball tip configured to facilitate embossing on to said metal sheet, said operative distal end being a flat head;
- an X-axis actuator configured to move the tool holder along an X-axis;
- a Y-axis actuator configured to move the tool holder along a Y-axis;
- a Z-axis actuator configured to move the tool holder along a Z-axis;
- clamps provided, advantageously, to hold the metal sheet on to the base; and
- a tool holding mechanism configured to hold tools of various sizes, each tool having a specific tip size which correlates to the size of the font that is to be embossed, said tool holding mechanism being a V-shaped clamp with prongs extending outwardly from a base, each clamp being supported by said base, said V-shaped clamp being resilient and forming a void where a corresponding tool is received and stored.

Typically, said tool holder is positioned from an operative top position with respect to the base platform.

Typically, said X-axis actuator being coupled with linear slides may be provided to facilitate X-axis motion.

Typically, said Y-axis actuator being coupled with linear slides may be provided to facilitate Y-axis motion.

Typically, said Y-axis actuator being coupled with linear slides may be provided to facilitate Y-axis motion.

Typically, said machine comprises a control mechanism adapted to provide control signals in accordance with desired embossing pattern, said control signal being fed by means of a computational device, said computational device being configured to convert input into a set of at least X-coordinates for said X-axis actuator so as to plot said embossing pattern.

Typically, said machine comprises a control mechanism adapted to provide control signals in accordance with desired embossing pattern, said control signal being fed by means of a computational device, said computational device being configured to convert input into a set of at least Y-coordinates for said Y-axis actuator so as to plot said embossing pattern.

Typically, said machine comprises a control mechanism adapted to provide control signals in accordance with desired embossing pattern, said control signal being fed by means of a computational device, said computational device being configured to convert input into a set of at least Z-coordinates for said Z-axis actuator so as to plot said embossing pattern.

Typically, said tool comprises a pneumatic extension, extending out of said second shaft, which allows pneumatic pressure build up in said second shaft so as to blow out any dust or particles to keep the ball rolling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate various views of the free embossing machine;

Figure 5 illustrates this tool holding mechanism; and

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
According to this invention, there is provided a free embossing machine (100).

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate various views of the free embossing machine.

In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, there is provided a base platform (12) configured to provide support to a metal sheet (11) that is to be embossed.

In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a tool holder (14) which holds a tool (16) that performs the function on embossing on the metal sheet that is placed on the base platform. In at least one embodiment, this tool holder is from an operative top position with respect to the base platform.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, there is provided an X-axis actuator (18) configured to move the tool holder along an X-axis. Linear slides may be provided to facilitate this function.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a Y-axis actuator (20) configured to move the tool holder along a Y-axis. Linear slides may be provided to facilitate this function.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a Z-axis actuator (22) configured to move the tool holder along a Z-axis.

Clamps (24) are provided, advantageously, to hold the metal sheet on to the base.

A separate tool holding mechanism (26) is provided which holds tools of various sizes. Each tool has a specific tip size which correlates to the size of the font that is to be embossed. In order to cater to various font sizes, a plurality of tools are held on this tool holding mechanism. Figure 5 illustrates this tool holding mechanism.

In accordance with still another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a control mechanism adapted to provide control signals in accordance with desired embossing pattern. The control signal is fed by means of a computational device. Taking its cue from the computational device, input is converted into a set of at least X-coordinates and at least Y-coordinates so as to plot the embossing pattern.

With reference to Figure 5, there is provided a V-shaped clamp with prongs (52) extending outwardly from a base (56). Each clamp is supported by a base. The V-shaped clamp forms a void (54) where a tool (16) is received and stored. From the plurality of tool heads, the machine figures out which tool is required and picks it from the corresponding clamp and after the job is done, places it back into the clamp. The V-shaped prongs are resilient prongs which allow for the tool(s) to be held in place and also allow for the tool to be picked up and kept back.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the tool.

The tool is defined a first shaft (62) and a second shaft (64) with a sleeve therebetweeen. Typically, the first shaft is a tapered tool head. The operative proximal end of the first shaft isa threaded lock head.

An operative distal end of the second shaft comprises a ball tip (66) which facilitates embossing on to the metal sheet. This operative distal end, typically, is a flat head (68) in order to keep metal sheet flattened during embossing process thereby imparting impartial pressure and not causing undue damage to the plate or not causing the plate to bend about the point of embossing. At the second shaft, there is a pneumatic extension (69), extending out of the second shaft, which allows pneumatic pressure build up in the second shaft so as to blow out any dust or particles to keep the ball rolling.

The TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT of this invention lies in providing a machine which provides an embossing pattern across multiple font sizes. Further, this tool provides for a single stroking action for a given font size thereby creating a smoother embossing stroke. The machine is configured to move the tool in in x, y, and z directions; to be controlled by a controller which converts fonts to a path (x, y, z co-ordinates) to be embossed on a single plate.

While this detailed description has disclosed certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM,

1. A free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said machine comprising:
- a base platform (12) configured to provide support to a metal sheet (11) that is to be embossed;
- a tool holder (14) which holds a tool (16) that performs the function on embossing on the metal sheet that is placed on the base platform, said tool being defined by a first shaft (62) and a second shaft (64) with a sleeve therebetweeen, said first shaft being a tapered tool head, with operative proximal end of said first shaft being a threaded lock head, an operative distal end of said second shaft comprising a ball tip (66) configured to facilitate embossing on to said metal sheet, said operative distal end being a flat head (68);
- an X-axis actuator (18) configured to move the tool holder along an X-axis;
- a Y-axis actuator (20) configured to move the tool holder along a Y-axis;
- a Z-axis actuator (22) configured to move the tool holder along a Z-axis;
- clamps (24) provided, advantageously, to hold the metal sheet on to the base; and
- a tool holding mechanism (26) configured to hold tools of various sizes, each tool having a specific tip size which correlates to the size of the font that is to be embossed, said tool holding mechanism being a V-shaped clamp with prongs (52) extending outwardly from a base (56), each clamp being supported by said base, said V-shaped clamp being resilient and forming a void (54) where a corresponding tool (16) is received and stored.

2. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tool holder is positioned from an operative top position with respect to the base platform.

3. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said X-axis actuator being coupled with linear slides may be provided to facilitate X-axis motion.

4. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said Y-axis actuator being coupled with linear slides may be provided to facilitate Y-axis motion.

5. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said Y-axis actuator being coupled with linear slides may be provided to facilitate Y-axis motion.

6. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said machine comprising a control mechanism adapted to provide control signals in accordance with desired embossing pattern, said control signal being fed by means of a computational device, said computational device being configured to convert input into a set of at least X-coordinates for said X-axis actuator so as to plot said embossing pattern.

7. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said machine comprising a control mechanism adapted to provide control signals in accordance with desired embossing pattern, said control signal being fed by means of a computational device, said computational device being configured to convert input into a set of at least Y-coordinates for said Y-axis actuator so as to plot said embossing pattern.

8. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said machine comprising a control mechanism adapted to provide control signals in accordance with desired embossing pattern, said control signal being fed by means of a computational device, said computational device being configured to convert input into a set of at least Z-coordinates for said Z-axis actuator so as to plot said embossing pattern.

9. The free embossing machine (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tool comprising a pneumatic extension (69), extending out of said second shaft, which allows pneumatic pressure build up in said second shaft so as to blow out any dust or particles to keep the ball rolling.

Dated this 14th day of June, 2018

CHIRAG TANNA
of LEGA SOLV
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT