Universal aerial cam unit

Abstract

An adjustable aerial cam unit for use in a power press comprising a stationary driver assembly coupled to the press bed, a slide block to which the working tool is mounted, and means for coupling the slide block to the ram of the power press for movement therewith. The slide block is slidably mounted at an angle relative to the plane of movement of the ram to move between extended and retracted positions. The slide block includes a lower inclined bearing surface and the driver assembly an upper inclined bearing surface, so that when the pressure pad and the ram are lowered, the slide block will abut the driver assembly, and the inclined bearing surfaces slide against each other. As the ram motion continues, the slide block moves from the extended to the retracted position with respect to the ram. The movement of the slide block at an angle to the plane of movement of the ram results in a corresponding component of movement transverse to the plane of movement of the ram and a component of movement in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of the ram to bring the tool into engagement with a workpiece disposed between the pressure pad unit and the lower die to perform a desired operation. According to an aspect of the invention, the components of the aerial cam unit may be disassembled and selectively replaced, so that the unit may be adapted for use in a desired application.