Patent GB-683691-A (GB)
Abstract: 683,691. Punching-machines. WALKER, A. W. May 5, 1949. No. 12020/49. Class 31 (ii). [Also in Group XIX] Card-punching mechanism. A record card R Figs. 3, 7, is inserted in a stationary vertical holder A with openings 30 in both faces to allow the card to be punched in any line or column according to the position of a punch B mounted in a carriage C which is time-driven horizontally step by step in a carriage D, which itself moves down a step during each return of the carriage C. A solenoid 50, Fig. 7, actuates the punch B against the action of a spring 55 through levers and a toggle-joint so that the punch is reciprocated through a guide block into a hole in a die 31 connected with a passage 31a for discharging the pieces of card punched out. The cutting end of the punch is preferably rectangular and inclined. As the punch is actuated an extension 58 of the toggle link 53 pushes a lever 57, having a pin and slot connection with a plunger, against a spring 59 in a socket in the plunger which thus clamps the card from just before, till just after each punching. A locking bar 63, Figs. 4, 7, fixed in the carriage D has vertical notches 64 one of which registers with an extension 60 of the toggle link 53 at each step of the carriage C to justify its position, the arm 60 entering the notch 64 and locking the carriage while the punch is in action. Actuation of the punch is initiated by the proper insertion of a card or cards in the holder to close a microswitch 66, Fig. 18, in the circuit of the solenoid 50. A corner of each card is removed so that if one card is inserted and is the wrong way round the switch arm is not depressed, if two are inserted and one is the wrong way its corner depresses a finger 68a so that a lever 68 raises a finger 68b to engage the other card and prevent it depressing the switch arm. Carriage-shifting mechanism. The carriage C Fig. 4, comprises a horizontal plate with a slot 33 through which the card holder A freely extends and the main carriage D comprises end bars 34, 35 and front and rear connecting bars 36, 37 upon which the carriage C is mounted preferably by rollers 38 while the end bars, 36, 37 have four sleeves 40 preferably carrying rollers 42 for guiding the carriage D on four vertical posts 41 mounted in a base 43 forming part of an outer casing. Carriage-shift mechanism may be actuated by a solenoid 70, Figs. 4, 10, in a circuit with a microswitch preferably carried on an adjustable arm and controlled by a clock-driven cam disc. The solenoid 70 actuates a pawl 86, Fig. 10, through a toggle joint 79, 79a, and lever 87 to advance a ratchet wheel 84 at regular intervals to drive through clutch means a shaft 81 journaled in the carriage D and carrying a worm 82, Fig. 3, which in cooperating with a roller 83a mounted in a sleeve 83, Fig. 7, fixed in the carriage C advances the carriage C step by step at the same time winding a spring 90, Fig. 3. At the end of its advance travel a trip 91 on the carriage engages a collar 92 on a rod 93 which moves to disengage the clutch and free the ratchet 84 and shaft 81 so that the spring 90 returns the carriage and the trip 91 engages a second collar 95 to re-engage the clutch. Two vertical shafts 100, Fig. 3, journaled in the framework carry worms 102 for co-operation with rollers 103 mounted in sleeves 104 in the carriage D and are clutched to ratchet wheels 106 operated through pawl levers 110 interconnected by a bar 112 joined by a vertical rod 113 passing through slots in the plate 43 and carriage C to another bar 114 pivoted to arm 115 freely rotatable on the shafts 100. The carriage C has two feelers 116, 117, the first 116 engaging the rod 113, while the carriage C is advanced, to turn the pawl levers 110 to inoperative position and the second 117 engaging the rod 113 while the carriage C is returned, to turn the levers 110 operatively to advance the ratchet wheels 106 and, in turning the worms 102, lower the carriage D one step at the same time winding up springs 118. At the downward limit of travel of carriage a trip 119 engages a collar 120 on a rod 121 to actuate linked levers 122, 124 to disengage the clutches and cause the springs 118 to return the carriage D to the top and the trip 119. to lift a collar 125 to re-engage the clutches. Safety devices. A switch S mounted in the carriage D, Fig. 3, has its actuating arm 127 in the path of a finger 128 on the clutch lever 94 so that when the clutch is disengaged for the return travel of the carriage C, the switch arm 127 moves to open the punch actuating circuit and so prevent punching during the return of the carriage C. A switch S<SP>1</SP> in the same circuit is similarly operated by the clutchactuating rod to prevent punching during the return of the carriage D. When the presence of a card has prevented the carriage C from advancing a step upon actuation of the solenoid 70 by the time-cam disc an impulse is stored by a spring 136, Fig. 10, which is compressed by a plunger 135 due to the action of the toggle link 79a against the resistance to movement of the ratchet 84, a finger 141 on an auxiliary bar 138 pivoted to the plunger 135 riding over a stud 42 on the pawl lever 87, to be positioned therebehind in preparation for advancing the pawl lever when the punching operation is completed and the ratchet 84 freed. The bar 138 passes freely through a guide 140 and rests on a plunger 143 sufficient play being allowed for the stud 142 to ride over the finger 141 on normal actuation of the solenoid 70.