Apparatus and method for curving metal panels
US9079234B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D19/043
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The pressures provided by several wheels or rollers on various members of a metal panel are controlled to produce a curved panel of desired radius with little or no distortion. Predetermined pressures are used to achieve the desired curvature and increased pressures provide smaller radii of curvature. For metal “U” panels pressure is preferably applied on two members. For seamed metal panels pressure is preferably applied on three members. Additional curvature may be obtained by use of a curving bar. Motors drive the wheels, which urge these panel members through the wheels, the wheels having a separation distance less than the original thickness of the metal. This results in the metal of those members being elongated, thereby curving the panel with little or no distortion. In exemplary embodiments curved panels may be formed at a rate of 22-25 feet per minute or at 40-55 feet per minute.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.