The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 28, 1990
Filed:
May. 23, 1989
Werner Erlenmaier, Gerlingen, DE;
Trumpf GmbH & Co., Ditzingen, DE;
Abstract
A punching machine having a workpiece guidance system and a numeric control therefor, has one or more tool holders mounted upon the transverse rail of the guidance system, and a tool mounting assembly for receiving the punch and the die from the tool holder and securing them into position for punching of sheet metal and like workpieces. The workpiece guidance system effects the motion of the tool holder forwardly to bring the tools into the tool mounting positions, and the tools are then clamped in position. The guidance system is then moved rearwardly with the empty tool holder to a position where the punching operation can be conducted. Generally, the work table and the workpiece are moved forwardly with the workpiece guidance system during the tool changing operation, and a channel is provided in the lower portion of the frame and its worktable to permit movement of the tool holder and the die below the plane of the upper surface of the worktable. Multiple tool holders may be carried upon the transverse rail of the guidance system, or a single tool holder may be mounted at the end of the transverse rail and cooperate with adjacent tool storage devices to effect automatic exchange of tool holders and associated tool sets.