Wire bending machine combining a sequential shaping device and a device using a tool plate

Abstract

The invention concerns a machine for automatically shaping components via different types of bending provided in a common plane or different planes. The machine includes a first device for performing a sequential shaping with standard tools by individual bending, and a second device using a tool plate. Both devices are managed by a single digital control. The method for controlling such a machine is characterized in that digital control provides the possibility for producing a blank of a component by individual bending on the first device followed by transfer of the component on the second device for finishing the component. Digital control provides the possibility of shaping one part of the component on the first device and shaping the remaining parts on the second device. The digital control also provides the possibility of using each machine alone and the possibility of using both machines for producing the same component.

1 . A machine for automatically shaping components using various bending operations performed in at least one plane, said machine comprising:
 a first means for carrying out sequential shaping bend by bend using standard tools;   a second for carrying out sequential shaping bend by bend using a tool plate; and   a single numerical control means for both the first and second means, producing components at a production rate of 8 to 30 components per minute.   
   
   
       2 . The machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the first means comprises at least one turntable. 
   
   
       3 . The machine as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the first means further comprises at least one rotary clamp. 
   
   
       4 . The machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said tool plate is mounted and actuated in a different plane from a shaping plane of the first means, further comprising:
 a transfer device suited to a change in plane from the first means to the second means.   
   
   
       5 . The machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second means comprises an active means, a work plate, said tool plate, through-bolts and tools, the active means being autonomous, independent, and secured to the tool plate, said through-bolts connecting actuate levers to the tools mounted on the tool plate, the active means being mounted on a common translation means via a disengageable means, said active means having brushless electric motors being moveable via ball screws, the actuating levers being connected to the through-bolts by connections via one end thereof and being connected to the translation means via an opposite end thereof. 
   
   
       6 . The machine as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the common translation means is a rotating screw driven by a motor, the disengageable means being half-nuts in mesh with said rotating screw. 
   
   
       7 . The machine as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the active means, when in a disengaged position, are fixed to the work plate. 
   
   
       8 . A method of controlling a machine as claimed in  claim 1 , the method comprising the steps of:
 synchronizing the first and second means by the numerical control device.   
   
   
       9 . The method of controlling a machine as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising the step of:
 providing an option of creating a part-finished component bend by bend on the first device and then transferring a component to the second means in order to complete the component.   
   
   
       10 . The method of controlling the machine as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising the step of:
 providing an option of shaping part of the component using the first means and shaping the remaining part or parts on the second means.   
   
   
       11 . The method of controlling the machine as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising the step of:
 providing an option of using the first means or the second means independently.   
   
   
       12 . The method of controlling a machine as claimed in  claim 8 , further comprising the step of:
 providing an option of employing the first means and the second means for a single component.