FIELD OF INVENTION:
This invention relates to a pneumatically operated automatic cutting machine for
preparing DIN rails installable in control panel assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
During the manufacture of control panels DIN rails are mounted at different
lengths on various locations for fixing the terminal blocks for ultimate wiring. DIN
rails are procured in standard lengths of one meter and they need to be cut into
short lengths to enable assembly of the rails inside the panels. So far , the
cutting was done in different methods like , a) using a hand hacksaw b) with a
conventional type of press tool on a standard press and c) with a hand lever
press. The DIN-rails are to be cut without burr in a minimum time so that the
material is ready in a shortest time.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
It is therefore an object of this invention to propose a pneumatically operated
automatic cutting machine for preparing DIN rails installable on control panels.
Another object of this invention is to propose a pneumatically operated
automatic cutting machine for preparing DIN rails installable on control panels,
which eliminates the step of manual shearing so as to reduce strain and fatigue
to the operator.
A still another object of this invention is to propose a pneumatically operated
automatic cutting machine for preparing DIN rails installable on control panels,
which eliminates a secondary operation like deburring by producing rails without
burrs on the cut edge.
Yet another object of this invention is to propose a pneumatically operated
automatic cutting machine for preparing DIN rails installable on control panels,
which can enable to produce a square edge at the cut end of the rail.
A further object of this invention is to propose a pneumatically operated
automatic cutting machine for preparing DIN rails installable on control panels,
which is capable of being operated without noise allowing the machine to
function in an electronic assembly shop environment.
A still further object of this invention is to propose a pneumatically operated
automatic cutting machine for preparing DIN rails installable on control panels,
which allows an easy and efficient operation with reduced time.
Yet further object of this invention is to propose a pneumatically operated
automatic culling machine for preparing DIN rails installable on control panels,
which is cost-effective and operable by even an unskilled operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a pneumatically operated cutting machine is provided with a
machine table (1) for supporting the base, tool (3), pedal switch (2), pneumatic
actuator (4), and also the measuring system (5) for setting the length to be cut
out of the standard rails. The machine is operated under pneumatic principle
using a double acting pneumatic actuator. The machine has been provided with
a pneumatic pedal switch which can be pressed and actuated easily by the
operator with his one foot. A cutting tool having a moveable die plate and a
stationary plate to shear the rail . A slot for fixing the rails is provided in the tool
to match the rail profile.
Consistently this machine can cut the DIN rails with square edge without burr.
The system incorporates a pneumatic cylinder to apply the necessary force to the
cutting tool through a lever and cam that multiply the load of the cylinder.
A pneumatic foot pedal switch has been incorporated to operate the machine so
that it can be operated by workmen with ease.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Fig. 1: shows the Line diagram of the full machine
Fig. 2: shows another view of the machine
Fig.3: shows the Line diagram of the tool
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
As shown in figs. 1&2, a pneumatic pedal switch has been incorporated in the
machine for operation of the machine in such a way that the operator can use
his leg to actuate the machine.
The tool has been configured to cut the rails by shearing action to avoid noise.
As the blades of the tool are hardened and ground for sharpness they can give
almost lifelong service. Also the cut edges of the rails give burr-free cut edges.
A length setting means has been provided in the machine to set the length of the
DIN-rails quickly in the machine.
The various parts of the machine are briefly described hereinbelow:
MACHINE TABLE (1)
The table (1) (Fi.l) has been designed to economically to place a cutting tool at
a convenient height for operation. The table (1) is made of steel tubes for
stability and strength. Further, the table (1) provides a support for a pedal switch
and a length setting arrangement.
CUTTING TOOL (3)
Cutting tool (3) comprises one stationery plate (3b) and one moving plate (3a)
(Figs. 1&3) which have been manufactured from hardened tool steel for lifelong
service. Cutting is performed when the moving plate (3a) that slides against the
stationary plate (3b) to shear the rail and cut the material with no burr. The
cutting tool is provided with a tool shank and operated pneumatically via a
pneumatic cylinder.
PEDAL SWITCH (2)
The actuating pedal switch (2), in (Fig. 1&2) works pneumatically and used for
opening and closing a valve. The machine operates when the switch (2) is
pressed and gets reset automatically once the pedal is released.
PNEUMATIC CYLINDER (4)
The pneumatic cylinder (4) (Fig. 1 &2) is operated with compressed air at
6kg/sq.cm. When the pedal switch (2) is pressed, the piston in the cylinder (4)
moves forward and this in turn slides the cutting blades (3) to cut the rail. The
cylinder is connected to a vertical stand (9) adjoined to the machine table (1).
Such a construction of the machine enables to multiply the load produced by the
cylinder (4) so as to have sufficient load to cut the material.
LENGTH SETTING MEANS (5)
In the length setting means (5) (Fig. 2), a scale and an adjustable stopper has
been provided to set the length of the rail quickly so that cutting can be done
accurately to the required length in a short time.
Figure-3 shows the line diagram of the cutting tool (3). The tool shank (8)
accommodates the moving plate (3a) and on a downward movement presses the
rails on the stationary plate (3b). A slot (6) is provided on the machine to
accommodate the rails. A plurality of springs (7) are provided to reset the
moving blade automatically.
BENEFITS ACHIEVED
Installation of the pneumatic DIN rail cutting machine and implementing the
method for cutting DIN rails for panel assembly gives the following benefits.
- Minimization of cutting time due to elimination of post cutting operations
like filing and de-burring in the earlier manual method of cutting.
- Ease of cutting results better operator morale.
- Improvement in the overall cycle time in assembly process of the panels.
- The total cost of development of the machine is very economical.
We Claim:
1. A pneumatically operated machine for cutting DIN-rails with burr-free
square edge installable in control panels, comprising:
- a machine table (1) for accommodating all parts of the machine and DIN-
rails for cutting the rails at desired lengths;
- a cutting tool (3) placed with a tool shank (8),
- a pedal switch (2) arranged at the bottom of the machine table (1) for
actuating a pneumatic cylinder (4);
- a vertical stand (9) connected to the pneumatic cylinder (4) at a distal
end, the proximal end of the vertical stand (T) being adjoined at the
upper portion of the machine table (1);
- a slot (6) configured on the tool to releasably fix the DIN-rails to be
sheared; and
- a setting means (5) provided on the upper side surface of the machine
table (1) projecting outwardly from the top surface for setting the desired
length of the DIN-rails;
characterized in that the cutting tool (3) comprises a stationery plate (3b)
and a moving plate (3b), the moving plate (3a) being slidable against the
stationary plate (3b) on actuation of the pedal switch (2) to allow shearing of
the DIN-rails.
2. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting tool (3) is formed
with hardened tool steel.
3. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pedal switch (2) actuates
and automatically resets the machine by operating a pneumatic valve.
4. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the setting means (5)
comprises an adjustable stopper and a scale.
5. A pneumatically operated automatic machine for shearing including
cutting of burr-free DIN-rails installable in control panels as substantially
described and illustrated herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings.

TITLE: METHOD OF DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF PNEUMATICALLY
OPERATED CUTTING MACHINE FOR PREPARING THE DIN RAILS USED IN
CONTROL PANELS
The invention relates to a pneumatically operated machine for cutting DIN-rails
with burr-free square edge installable in control panels, comprising a machine
table (1) for accommodating all parts of the machine and DIN-rails for cutting
the rails at desired lengths; a cutting tool (3) placed with a tool shank (8), a
pedal switch (2) arranged at the bottom of the machine table (1) for actuating a
pneumatic cylinder (4); a vertical stand (9) connected to the pneumatic cylinder
(4) at a distal end, the proximal end of the vertical stand (T) being adjoined at
the upper portion of the machine table (1); a slot (6) configured on the tool to
releasably fix the DIN-rails to be sheared ; and a setting means (5) provided on
the upper side surface of the machine table (1) projecting outwardly from the
top surface for setting the desired length of the DIN-rails. The cutting tool (3)
comprises a stationery plate (3b) and a moving plate (3b), the moving plate (3a)
being slidable against the stationary plate (3b) on actuation of the pedal switch
(2) to allow shearing of the DIN-rails.
{Fig. 1}