Method and apparatus for forming an arcuate sheet metal seam
US4692980A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1984 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53722
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an arcuate seam between two pieces of sheet metal. The method involves a three-step process in which an arcuate standing seam is formed on a first piece of sheet metal, the marginal edge of a second piece of sheet metal is inserted into the pocket of the standing seam, and the pocket of the standing seam and the marginal edge inserted therein are simultaneously bent so that they lie along the surface of the first piece of sheet metal, thus locking together the two pieces of sheet metal. The arcuate standing seam is formed by an apparatus including a plurality of form roller pairs arranged along an arc. Each pair of form rollers has complementary edges that form a nip through which the arcuate edge of the sheet metal workpiece is passed, the shapes of the edges of the successive roller pairs along the arc gradually attaining the shape of the standing seam. The workpiece is secured in a pivoting hold-down means in which the pivot point is coincident with the center of curvature of the arc described by the form rollers. After the workpiece edge passes through the form rollers, the seam formed thereon is forced through a straightener…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.