US Patent:
20170072443, Mar 16, 2017
Inventors:
- Sterling Heights MI, US
Akshai Nakkana - Rochester MI, US
Ervin Lee Brooks - Clinton Township MI, US
International Classification:
B21D 1/02
B21D 22/02
Abstract:
A sheet metal straightener, configured for disposition between a roll of coil steel and a stamping die, uses a direct coupled eccentric drive for improved pilot release. A motor, coupled to an eccentric bearing, causes connecting arms to reciprocate. At least one of the banks of rollers is coupled to a pivot hinge, and the connecting arms are coupled to a pivoting bank of rollers, causing the pivoting bank to index toward the other bank of rollers in an engaged position for material straightening, and to index away from the other bank of rollers in a relaxed position for pilot release. The pivoting roller bank is preferably a top roller bank positioned above the lower bank. The motor rotates 360 degrees to complete a full cycle, from fully engaged at 0/360 to fully relaxed at 180. The width and degree of roller engagement may be variable to account for different materials and thicknesses.