Patent ID: 6357329
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: B21D,Y10T

Abstract:
A tool centering mechanism for a punch press comprising a first support including a tool holder having a plurality of tool support sections spaced at a determined pitch along an axis of said first support and which can each support a tool, and a second support having an axis parallel to the axis of said first support for allowing cooperating tools associated with said tools in punching to be each installed on the axis of a corresponding one of said plurality of tool support sections, wherein said tool holder and one of said cooperating tools are mounted for movement in a direction orthogonal with respect to the axes of the first and second supports, respectively, to establish a reference position and in that said tools and said cooperating tools are subjected to simulated punching to move said tool holder and said movable cooperating tool in said orthogonal direction in order to install the cooperating tool on the axis of an associated one of the tools on the first support whereby said cooperating tools are inserted into said tools to be fixed and centered in a lateral direction in which they can be used for punching.