Patent ID: 9656404
Date: 2017-05-23
CPC Classifications: B26D,B26F,B60R,Y10T

Claim:
1. A method for punching a bodywork component, in particular a skin in order to install parking-assistance sensors or headlight washers therein, in which said method comprises the steps of: placing said bodywork component on an anvil associated with a punch that is held at a distance therefrom when in a rest position; activating a first actuator to move said punch toward said bodywork component over a first stroke in order to bring said punch close to said bodywork component; activating a second actuator to move said punch over a second stroke in order to pierce said bodywork component; said movement of said punch over said second stroke being performed at a travel speed relative to said bodywork component that does not exceed 10 mm/s and that is less than a travel speed of said punch over its first stroke, said second actuator, which is coupled to a force-multiplication mechanism, being distinct from said first actuator; wherein said punch is mounted at a first end of an axially-movable support that has said first end and a second end opposite said first end, wherein said axially-movable support travels along said first stroke in order to place said second end in a vicinity of said force-multiplication mechanism so that said second end can be subjected to thrust from said mechanism during said second stroke when said punch is moved by said second means; wherein the movement of said punch over said first stroke by said first actuator over said second stroke by said second actuator is always directed towards the anvil.