DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the manufacture of sheet metal dies. In particular, the present invention relates to standard cam units used for piercing or flanging operation in sheet metal dies. More particularly, the present invention relates to the fixture for clamping standard cam units in the machine table of the radial drilling machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The odd shape of the cam slider is difficult to hold during drilling operation and this it takes a much longer time to manufacture. Special fixtures are designed and manufactured to overcome this problem. Conventionally, a series of operations and adjustment are required to be carried out for setting up the cam slider in sheet metal dies, which are quite time consuming, unsafe and thus constitute a non-ergonomic activity.

PRIOR ART

The method of setting up cam sliders in the sheet metal dies (see Figures 1a to 1d) comprises the following steps:

- Arranging all required accessories for clamping standard cam unit on a radial drilling machine (RDM), wherein the necessary accessories include clamping vice, clamping studs, bolts, washers, clamps, spacers, screw jacks, spirit level, etc.,

- Loading drilling vice on RDM and clamping it by using the inputs of a spirit level indicator,

- Properly balancing standard cam unit in the drilling vice and manually starting the clamping activity to find a proper resting and machining surfaces for its clamping according to the shape and size of cam units,

- Placing screw jack/s or spacer/s below the resting surfaces according to the height and length of standard cam unit,

- Keeping spacer/s or screw jack/s and completing clamping operation,

- Tightening the drilling vice by using inputs of the spirit level indicator.

- Re-setting by using the inputs of the spirit level indicator, if there is any disturbance to the cam unit due to its angular resting at the time of tightening of drilling vice,

- Starting the drilling activity after ensuring proper clamping and horizontal level of the surface.

DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

However, the above explained conventional method of setting-up the standard cam units in sheet metal dies leads to the following disadvantages:

- The setting time required for setting up a standard cam unit is very high (approx. 60 minutes per unit).

- Non-Value Adding Activities (NVAs) are involved in this method.

- Drilling machine engagement time is very high.

- Special care is to be taken by the operators during this lengthy and complex operation from the operator’s safety point of view.

- Total operation unergonomic in nature and thus it is very difficult to clamp standard cam units, typically due to very odd shapes thereof.

To overcome all these disadvantages of the conventional method, the present invention is proposed which has various advantages and leads to reduction of setting up time drastically.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel fixture for setting up standard cam sliders for easy clamping on the machine table.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel fixture for setting up standard cam sliders, which substantially reduces the set-up time.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel fixture for setting up standard cam sliders in sheet metal dies, which completely eliminates the non-value adding activities.

Yet another object of the present invention is to ensure safe working conditions for the operators.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel fixture for setting up standard cam sliders in sheet metal dies, which helps in reducing the lead time and thereby increases the productivity of the die shop.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method of setting up standard cam sliders by using the fixture in accordance with the invention, which involves simple operation resulting in ergonomic operator activities.

Yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method of setting up standard cam sliders by using the fixture in accordance with the invention, which is operator-friendly.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of setting up standard cam sliders by using the fixture in accordance with the invention, which reduces the number of operators required therefor.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fixture for clamping standard cam sliders used for drilling in sheet metal dies and fixed on the machine table of the radial drilling machine, wherein the fixture comprises:

• a horizontal base having at least two pairs of the clamping slots;

• two profiled ribs mounted vertically with respect to the horizontal base;

• a first angular surface and a second angular surface disposed between the vertical ribs;

• an angular butting face each disposed between the profiled vertical ribs and the angular surface;

• a plurality of cores configured in the fixture for weight reduction thereof;

• an open core configured between the angular faces to avoid any fouling or excess material of the cam sliders;

• one lifting point each configured on top face of the profiled vertical ribs for lifting the fixture; and

• two pairs of screws provided for clamping the standard cam unit on the fixture.

Typically, the fixture is made of a cast iron casting.

Typically, the screws threads are provided through the profiled vertical ribs for fixing the standard cam unit on the fixture.

Typically, the pairs of clamping slots are of configured diagonally on the horizontal base for securely mounting the fixture on the machine table of the radial drilling machine.

Typically, the first angular surface makes an angle of about 300 to 500, preferably 400 with respect to the horizontal base.

Typically, the second angular surface makes an angle of about 400 to 600, preferably 400 with respect to the horizontal base.

Typically, the width of the fixture is made according to the width of the radial drilling machine used for the drilling operation and width of standard cam unit.

Typically, the weight of the fixture is maintained to facilitate the lifting thereof by a single operator.

Typically, a casted cast iron fixture for clamping standard cam sliders used for drilling in sheet metal dies and fixed in the machine table of the radial drilling machine, comprises:

• a horizontal base having four clamping slots configured diagonally thereon for secure mounting of the fixture on the machine table of the radial drilling machine;

• two profiled ribs mounted vertically with respect to the horizontal base and provided with screws threads therethrough for fixing the standard cam unit on the fixture;

• the first angular surface first angular surface makes an angle of 500 with respect to the horizontal base;

• the second angular surface makes an angle of 400 with respect to the horizontal base;

• an angular butting face each disposed between the profiled vertical ribs and the angular surface;

• a plurality of cores configured in the fixture for weight reduction thereof;

• an open core configured between the angular faces to avoid any fouling or excess material of the cam sliders;

• one lifting point each configured on top face of the profiled vertical ribs for lifting the fixture; and

• two pairs of screws provided for clamping the standard cam unit on the fixture;

wherein the width of the fixture is made according to the width of the radial drilling machine used for the drilling operation and the weight of the fixture is maintained to facilitate the lifting thereof by a single operator.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a method for setting up a standard cam unit in the sheet metal dies by using a radial drilling machine, the method comprises the steps of:

• Loading the fixture on a machine table of a radial drilling machine (RDM) to be used as per drilling activity to be done on the cam slider;

• putting the standard cam unit on the resting faces of fixture and clamping it by tightening the screws through the profiled vertical ribs provided in the fixture;

• cross-checking the targeted set-up by using a spirit level; and

• carrying out the drilling operation is started as per the shape and size of the cam slider to be drilled on the radial drilling machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which include:

FIGURE 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a standard cam unit used for piercing or flanging operation to be carried out in sheet metal dies.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective schematic view of a conventional arrangement of a radial drilling machine table on which a standard cam unit is clamped for carrying out piercing or flanging operation in sheet metal dies.

FIGURE 3a shows the layout of a conventional method step of the setting-up a standard cam slider in the sheet metal dies after loading the drilling machine table on the radial drilling machine. It shows a view from top of a conventional arrangement of a drilling table after clamping a standard cam unit 1 as shown in Figure 2.

FIGURE 3b shows the layout of a conventional method step of placing screw jacks or spacers as per height and length of the standard cam unit using a drilling machine table.

FIGURE 3c shows the layout of a conventional method step of tightening the machine table by using the inputs of the spirit level indicator.

FIGURE 3d shows the layout of a conventional method step of the setting the standard cam unit in the drilling machine table again by using the inputs of the spirit level indicator, if any angular resting occurs after tightening in earlier method step.

FIGURE 4 shows one of the embodiments of the fixture for setting up standard cam unit configured in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 5a shows the layout of the method of setting-of the standard cam units in sheet metal dies configured in accordance with the present invention using a radial drilling machine.

FIGURE 5b shows the layout of the method of setting-of the standard cam units in sheet metal dies configured in accordance with the present invention using a radial drilling machine.

FIGURE 5c shows the layout of the method of setting-of the standard cam units in sheet metal dies configured in accordance with the present invention using a radial drilling machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, different embodiments of the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of a standard cam unit used for piercing or flanging operation to be carried out in sheet metal dies.

FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of a conventional arrangement of a drilling table to be loaded on a radial drilling machine. The drilling table includes main body 2, jaw 3 and jaw tightening screw 4 for clamping standard cam slider units used for carrying out the piercing or flanging operation in sheet metal die. Here, one such standard cam unit 1 is shown clamped between the body 2 and jaw 3 by tightening the screw 4 by means of a handle (not shown).

FIGURE 3a shows a view from top of a conventional arrangement of a drilling table after clamping a standard cam unit 1 as shown in Figure 2. This drilling table is then correctly levelled by using a spirit level indicator 6 to manual viewing and adjusting the level of the cam unit 1 and finally clamped on the resting surface 5 of the RDM. This clamping activity is done by finding proper resting and machining surfaces as per the shape and size of cam unit 1.

FIGURE 3b shows the conventional method of correcting clamping the cam unit 1 on the resting surface 5 of RDM, necessary screw jacks and spacers are placed below the resting surface 5 as per the height and length of the cam unit 1. Now, the drilling table is tightened.

FIGURE 3c shows the layout of a conventional method step of tightening the machine table on the RDM by using the inputs of the spirit level indicator.

FIGURE 3d shows another step during the conventional method of setting-up cam unit 1 on the RDM. Often during tightening of the drilling vice, cam unit 1 gets disturbed due to its angular resting, which is corrected by re-setting its position by using the inputs from the spirit level indicator 6. After ensuring proper clamping and horizontal level of the surface in above manner, the actual drilling operation can be done.

FIGURE 4 shows a fixture 100 configured in accordance with the present invention. The fixture 100 can be used for various sizes of standard cams units. Normally, fixture 100 is made from a casting of CI, specifically FG260. Two angular surfaces 111 and 112 are provided in the fixture. Out of these, the angular surface 111 makes an angle of 400 and the angular face 112 makes an angle 500 with the horizontal. Four clamping slots 113 are also diagonally configured on the fixture for clamping purposes. Two vertical ribs 114 on each side and two angular butting faces 115 are provided on the fixture 100 to impart the required strength to the fixture during the operation. Few cores 116 are provided in the fixture for making it light-weight. Two lifting points 117 are also provided on top of the fixture 100 for facilitating the lifting of the same. An open core 118 is provided between two angular faces 115 to avoid the fouling or excess material of the cam sliders, if any. Four screws 119 are laterally provided for clamping the standard cam unit.

The weight of fixture 100 is maintained such that a single operator can easily lift it even in the absence of a lifting crane. The width of fixture 100 is kept in conformity with the width of the radial drilling machine required for the drilling operation.

The purpose of this fixture is to carry out drilling and tapping operations on standard cam units of different sizes and specifications.

FIGURE 5a shows the layout of the fixture 100 configured in accordance with the present invention by setting up a standard cam unit in the sheet metal dies by using a radial drilling machine. Initially, fixture 100 is loaded on a radial drilling machine (RDM) bed 105 to be used as per drilling activity to be done on the cam slider.

FIGURE 5b shows another view of fixture 100 set-up by putting the standard cam unit on the resting faces of fixture 100 and by tightening screws 119 for clamping it in the fixture.

FIGURE 5c shows the final set-up for cross-checking by using a spirit level 106. After ensuring the desired set-up, the drilling operation is started as per the requirement, i.e. based on the shape and size of the cam slider 1.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The advantages derived out of the present invention are as under:

- Setting time required for setting up the standard cam sliders is reduced drastically by up to 60%, such that set-up requires only 20 minutes as compared to 50 minutes that were required in the conventional practice.

- All Non-Value Adding Activities (NAAs) involved in the method are totally eliminated.

- Substantial reduction in the weight of the fixture

- Significant reduction in operator fatigue because of low-weight and also since repetitive adjustments are completely avoided.

- Setting-up operation is comparatively simple, safe, ergonomic and user friendly.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

In the claims and the description, the terms “containing” and “having” are used as linguistically neutral terminologies for the corresponding terms “comprising”.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention. Furthermore, the use of the term “one” shall not exclude the plurality of such features and components described.

The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration. The various features and advantageous details are explained with reference to this non-limiting embodiment in the above description in accordance with the present invention.

The descriptions of well-known components and manufacturing and processing techniques are consciously omitted in this specification, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the specification. In the previously detailed description, different features have been summarized for improving the conclusiveness of the representation in one or more examples.

However, it should be understood that the above description is merely illustrative, but not limiting under any circumstances. It helps in covering all alternatives, modifications and equivalents of the different features and exemplary embodiments. Many other examples are directly and immediately clear to the skilled person because of his/her professional knowledge in view of the above description.

Therefore, innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations may be made and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used may be devised to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies according to their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the specific features of the preferred embodiment described here, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention.

These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby 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.

The exemplary embodiments were selected and described in order to be able to best represent the principles and their possible practical application underlying the invention. Thereby, the skilled persons can optimally modify and use the invention and its different exemplary embodiments with reference to the intended use. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A fixture for clamping standard cam sliders used for drilling in sheet metal dies and fixed on the machine table of the radial drilling machine, wherein the fixture comprises:

• a horizontal base having at least two pairs of the clamping slots;

• two profiled ribs mounted vertically with respect to the horizontal base;

• a first angular surface and a second angular surface disposed between the vertical ribs;

• an angular butting face each disposed between the profiled vertical ribs and the angular surface;

• a plurality of cores configured in the fixture for weight reduction thereof;

• an open core configured between the angular faces to avoid any fouling or excess material of the cam sliders;

• one lifting point each configured on top face of the profiled vertical ribs for lifting the fixture; and

• two pairs of screws provided for clamping the standard cam unit on the fixture.

2. Fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixture is made of a cast iron casting.

3. Fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the screws threads are provided through the profiled vertical ribs for fixing the standard cam unit on the fixture.

4. Fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pairs of clamping slots are of configured diagonally on the horizontal base for securely mounting the fixture on the machine table of the radial drilling machine.

5. Fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first angular surface makes an angle of about 300 to 500, preferably 400 with respect to the horizontal base.

6. Fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second angular surface makes an angle of about 400 to 600, preferably 400 with respect to horizontal base.

7. Fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width of the fixture is made according to the width of the radial drilling machine used for the drilling operation and width of standard cam unit.

8. Fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight of the fixture is maintained to facilitate the lifting thereof by a single operator.

9. A casted cast iron fixture for clamping standard cam sliders used for drilling in sheet metal dies and fixed on the machine table of the radial drilling machine, wherein the fixture comprises:

• a horizontal base having four clamping slots configured diagonally thereon for secure mounting of the fixture on the machine table of the radial drilling machine;

• two profiled ribs mounted vertically with respect to the horizontal base and provided with two screw threads therethrough each for fixing the standard cam unit on the fixture;

• the first angular surface first angular surface makes an angle of 500 with respect to the horizontal base;

• the second angular surface makes an angle of 400 with respect to the horizontal base;

• an angular butting face each disposed between the profiled vertical ribs and the angular surface;

• a plurality of cores configured in the fixture for weight reduction thereof;

• an open core configured between the angular faces to avoid any fouling or excess material of the cam sliders;

• one lifting point each configured on top face of the profiled vertical ribs for lifting the fixture; and

• four of screws provided for clamping the standard cam unit on the fixture;

wherein the width of the fixture is made according to the width of the radial drilling machine used for the drilling operation and the weight of the fixture is maintained to facilitate the lifting thereof by a single operator.

10. A method for setting up a standard cam unit in the sheet metal dies by using a radial drilling machine, the method comprises the steps of:

• Loading the fixture on a machine table of a radial drilling machine (RDM) to be used as per drilling activity to be done on the cam slider;

• putting the standard cam unit on the resting faces of fixture and clamping it by tightening the screws through the profiled vertical ribs provided in the fixture;

• cross-checking the targeted set-up by using a spirit level; and

• carrying out the drilling operation is started as per the shape and size of the cam slider to be drilled on the radial drilling machine.

Dated: this day of 31st July,2015 SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT