Patent ID: 6122952
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: B21D,B21J,B30B

Abstract:
A multiple actuation forming press having a first component side and a second component side, said forming press comprising a support structure, a first primary ram guide connected to said support structure on a first component side thereof, a second primary ram guide connected to said support structure at a predetermined alignment thereof with respect to said first primary ram guide and on a second component side of said support structure so as to defame a forming area between said first and second primary ram guides, a first outer ram slidably guided by an opening defined at least in part by said first primary ram guide, a second outer ram slidably guided by an opening defined at least in part by said second primary ram guide, a first actuator for moving said first outer ram between extended and retracted positions toward and away from the forming area, and a second actuator for moving said second outer ram between extended and retracted positions toward and away from the forming area, wherein said first outer ram is provided with an inner guiding surface that extends in the same direction of slidable movement of said first outer ram, and which slidably guides a first inner ram that is connected with a first inner ram actuator for moving said first inner ram between extended and retracted positions independently from the slidable movement of said first outer ram toward and away from the forming area based upon the alignment of the first and second primary ram guides, such that a press forming operation can be performed between said first outer ram and said second outer ram within the forming area by movement of said first and second outer rams toward the forming area.