Title of Invention	A STRIPPING DEVICE
Abstract	In the case of a stripping ,device (3) for use with a cutting tool (1) with a cutting element, in pe.rticular a pU:1cr. (2), for machining a workpiece, in parr.icular a curved metal sheet (6), at least one fastening piece (4, 28, 40) for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spri:1g-elastic element (21)' arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element (15, 34)which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrour.ds the cutting element (2), and at least one guide element (11, 26, 33) guiding the stripping element (IS, 34) being provided, a device for securing against rotation is provided to essentially prevent the stripping element (15) from rotating.

Title of Invention

A STRIPPING DEVICE

Abstract

In the case of a stripping ,device (3) for use with a cutting tool (1) with a cutting element, in pe.rticular a pU:1cr. (2), for machining a workpiece, in parr.icular a curved metal sheet (6), at least one fastening piece (4, 28, 40) for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spri:1g-elastic element (21)' arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element (15, 34)which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrour.ds the cutting element (2), and at least one guide element (11, 26, 33) guiding the stripping element (IS, 34) being provided, a device for securing against rotation is provided to essentially prevent the stripping element (15) from rotating.

Full Text	The invention relates to a stripping device for use with a cutting tool with a cutting element, in particular a punch, for machining a workpiece, in particular a curved metal sheet, at least one fastening element for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spring-elastic element arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds the cutting element, and at least one guide element guiding the stripping element being provided. Stripping devices are known in conjunction with various types of cutting tools (DE 196 05 113 Al, DE 40 35 938 Al, DE 42 35 972 Al and WO 99/67038 Al). A Stripping device of this type is required for enabling, in particular in the case of punches or other cutting elements, the machined workpiece, in particular metal sheet, to be stripped off from the cutting element, in part icular punch, During the cutting process, in particular punching process, a front surface of the stripper is placed against the surface of the workpiece, deflects inward somewhat during the penetration of the workpiece by the punch and, when the cutting tool is pulled back out of the workpiece, springs out again, thus ensuring that the, for example, punch will be pulled out of the workpiece. Various models of strippers are available commercially. Most of them have a fastening plate by means of which they can be fastened to the cutting tool, in particular a punch fastening plate. The stripper body is composed, for example, as a rubber spring of a hard plastic, the front surface of which is formed in accordance with the contour of the workpiece. The shaping can be undertaken here by trimming. The rubber spring surrounds the punch on all sides, In most cases, the shape of the front surface of the stripper is not symmetrical, since the warkpiece to be machined generally has an irregular shaping. US 2,168,377 discloses a stripping device for use with a punch for machining a flat, planar metal sheet, in which an outer element is fastened to a specially configured retaining plate of a cutting tool via screws and bolts. The outer element is provided on its inside with a longitudinal opening into which a stripping element, and in it the punch, are fitted. A spring-elastic element in the form of a helical spring is fitted between the stripping element, the outer element and the punch. The stripping element has an essentially-straight section and a protruding section, which can be supported on a projection within the longitudinal opening of the outer element or is secured thereon in order not to be pushed inadvertently out of the element. US 1,723,935 discloses a similar construction of a stripping device as the above publication, in the same manner as said publication, US 1,723,935 also uses a helical spring which is arranged within an outer guide sleeve between punch, stripping element and a special fastening device for fastening it to the cutting tool. The outer guide sleeve is screwed onto a fastening piece which is fastened to a further fastening piece which is connected via a flange to the cutting tool via a screw connection. US 4,993,295 discloses a stripping device for use with a punch for machining a planar metal sheet, in which, as in US 1,723,935, guide surfaces between an outer guide sleeve and a stripping element are relatively short, which means that, in the event of higher loads, the stripping element may tilt within the guide sleeve. As spring-elastic element, various disk springs are provided which are layered on one another within the guide sleeve in such a manner that the curved surfaces in each case are directed toward one another. A punch is arranged wichin the spring-elastic element. The stripper also has the task of keeping the workpiece in the desired shape during the machining process. This is particularly important if punchings are to be undertaken in Che region of metal-sheet edges, since deformations may easily occur there because of the punching process, However, the stripper is not intended to automatically deform the workpiece, but merely to keep the latter in the desired, premanufactured shape. If a rubber spring stripper which completely surrounds a punch and has an irregular front shaping facing the metal sheet is provided, this proves problematic if the stripper, after a number of punching processes, rotates around the punch. The shaping of the surface of the stripper then does not correspond to the shaping of the surface of the metal sheet which is to be punched, for which reason problems of quality and complaints may occur in this case. For this purpose, DE 812 4 98 discloses a stripping device for a punch with a helical spring which is arranged between a stripper plate and a punch head. The helical spring surrounds the region of the punch. Three strips are provided which are fastened between the punch head and stripper plate and maintain a distance between these two elements. The fastening takes place via screws and elongated holes, so that the distance between stripper plate and punch head can be adjusted. By contrast, a rotation of the stripper plate is scarcely possible because of the strips. FR 1 455 310 discloses a stripping device which, in one embodiment, comprises a helical spring and, in another, comprises an elastic element which is fitted between two fixed plates. In the case of the second embodiment. a screw bolt is arranged between the two fixed plates, in a simi lar manner as provided by the strips in DE 812 49B for stably connecting the two platea. The screw bolt can also prevent the plates from rotating in relation to each other. However, these publications do not disclose any possibility of allowing matching to the particular shaping of deformed metal sheets. In all of the publications only straight metal sheets are ever punched. However, it is required in particular in the automobile industry to provide stripping devices which match the particular shapings of deformed metal sheets or can be matched to them without any problem, essentially do not leave any traces on the punched metal sheets and have a long service life, i.e. of such stable design that they withstand a large number of strokes, in particular more than one million strokes without any maintenance. In addition, the stripping device is to be designed in such a manner that a simple and rapid changing and interchanging of stripping devices can be undertaken. This is not possible with the devices of the prior art that are fastened to the cutting tool in a complicated manner. In order to prevent rotation, Dayton Progress GmbH has also disclosed a spring-mounted steel stripper. A means of securing against rotation for the punch is formed by Che punch being constricted in cross section in a subregion and being flattened in rectangular form. A section of the stripper, which section is fastened Co Che steel stripper by means of screws, engages in this region. This solution proves to be disadvantageous because of its suscepcibility to failure due to limited stability in the region of the small fastening screws and risk of fracture of the constricted punch. Since the individual parts of a stripper have Co be matched precisely to one another and a complicated mounting is frequently required, in the case of alternatives manufactured manually average prices of 18 00 euros per piece arise. In contrast to this, the pure rubber strippers, as described further above, cost approx. 10 0 euros per piece. However, these have Che disadvantage, in addition to the disadvantages already mentioned above, that, when a metal sheet is punched from the inside, only small piece numbers for use with only certain shapes are possible. The steel stripper also has the disadvantage that the screws retaining the engaging section on the steel stripper are very small and frequently do not permanently withstand the forces which occur, particularly since said screws are loaded transversely. The durability of a rubber stripper, as described above, is approx. 80 00 0 strokes, meaning that correct stripping is no longer ensured or possible and the manufacturing reliabiliCy is Cherefore impaired. The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved stripping device which is sCable and in which, in particular, a securing againsc rotation within the range of a hundredth of a millimeter is possible and unilateral shearing forces can be eliminated. In addition, high numbers of strokes of, in particular, more than one million strokes are Co be possible in particular for use in the automobile industry, i.e. the durability and stability are to be improved in comparison Co Che stripping devices of the prior art. In addition, the stripping device is to be comparatively cost-effective and as compact as possible. This object is achieved by a stripping device according to the precharacterizing clause of claim 1 by a device for securing against rotation being provided to essentially prevent the stripping element from rotating. Developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. A stripping device for use with a cutting cool with a cutting element, in particular a punch, is thus provided, in which a long-term durability of the spring-elastic element is made possible, since the latter does not come into contact with the workplace, In addition, it is preferably loaded centrically and in a manner free from torque, as a result of which a nonuniform wear or loading is likewise prevented. A durability of the spring-alastic element of more than one million strokes is thus possible. Owing to the use of a number {visible at a glance) of individual parts which, plugged together, produce the stripping device, the latter is more robust than the stripping devices of the prior art. The use of a guide element, preferably of guide sleeves or guide bushings, advantageously also enables a reproducible movement of the stripping device in relation to the cutting tool or the cutting element, in particular a punch. In addition, guidance by means of columns is no longer necessary, as is required in numerous strippers of the prior art, in order to enable it to be attached fixedly in the cutting tool. Such columns are intended, in particular, to intercept transverse forces which may occur during the cutting process and may rotate or displace the stripper. In addition, a more cost-effective Eolution is provided than, for example, in the case of the usual, manually constructed steel strippers of the prior art. This is made possible, in particular, by the fact that the manufacturing outlay is very much smaller than in these products, The arrangement of the spring-elastic element outside the workpiece contact region affords various advantages. By this means, the spring-elastic element is no longer constantly in contact with oils and greases which gradually corrode and destroy it. In addition, by means of the contact of the workpiece with the stripping element instead of the spring-elastic element, an essentially inflexible contact surface is provided which enables the workpiece to be kept in shape and, conversely, is not deformed by the workpiece. The stripping element therefore particularly preferably consists of bronze or of another material which can be matched to the shape of the workpiece surface and is firm enough not to be able to be deformed by the workpiece during the machining process. A material is preferably selected which makes it possible to configure the stripping element individually in respect of its front surface shape in order to match the latter to the workpiece to be cut . The spring-elastic element is preferably a rubber spring or preferably consists of another spring-elastic, restoring and/or flexible material. Particularly when a rubber spring is used, a fatigue fracture, for example of a helical spring, can be avoided. The device for securing against rotation preferably comprises a stripping element with an irregular cross-sectional shape and/or an elongated hole or polygonal hole in the guide element. It has proven particularly advantageous if the device for securing against rotation has a pairing, formed asymmetrically at least in one orientation, of stripping element and hole or opening in the guide element so as to ensure that the stripping element will be installed with a unique orientation, in particular an elongated hole with three straight sides and one curved side and a correspondingly designed stripping element. The provision of a stripping element with a nonuniform cross section or asymmetrical shape at least in part and, in particular, of a cross section, matched thereto, of the opening in the guide element in which the stripping element is guided, a rotation and a wrongly oriented installation of the stripping element in the guide element can be essentially avoided. By virtue of the provision of an elongated hole or polygonal hole and/or of a stripping element with an irregular cross-sectional shape, an unambiguous position is specified for Che installation, so that the stripping element, which is shaped on its front surface in accordance with the contour of the workpiece, cannot inadvertently be installed rotated in its position even when changed rapidly. In addition, a more rapid installation is possible, since the precise position of the stripping element does not first have to be determined, but rather is predetermined by the shaping of the stripping element and of the opening in the guide element, preferably of the guide sleeve or guide bushing, and by the preferred provision of inner and outer guide surfaces on the stripping element. A more rapid, easier and more precise installation of the stripping device on the cutting tool is therefore possible than is possible in the case of the stripping devices of the prior art. In addition to the rapid and easy installation and changing of a stripping element and the correct orientation, this also enables damage of the workpiece which is to be punched to be avoided. Even metal sheets of complex shape can therefore be machined essentially without damage, in particular likewise because of the advantageous possibility of matching the front surface of the stripping element co the shape of the workpiece, in particular metal sheet, as a result of which markings of the workpiece around the punched hole can be avoided. In the case of the stripping devices of the prior art, such markings regularly cannot be avoided, since the front surface shape of the stripping element is not matched to the shaping of Che workpiece (shaped metal sheet) which is to be machined (punched) . For example, in the case of vehicle doors, after the three-dimensional shaping thereof, holes have to be provided in the lower region, the punching of which holes using the above-described devices of the prior art is not possible without damaging the door profile, since in this case neither a securing against rotation nor a matching of the shaping of the front surface region of the stripping element to that of the door profile are provided. The spring-elastic element is preferably arranged between stripping element or guide element and cutting tool and/or within the guide element. This avoids contact of the spring-elastic element with the workpiece. in addition, the spring-elastic element is held fixedly in the stripping device. By this means, a uniform loading is possible which keeps the wear of the spring-elastic element as small as possible. In addition, a defined position of the spring-elastic element is established, an interchanging of said element in the case of wear also easily being possible at any time. The stripping element and the spring-elastic element are preferably oriented, surrounding the cutting element, in such a manner that they can be loaded in a manner essentially free from torque and, in particular, centrically. This advantageously avoids a nonuniform wear and a tilting of the spring-elastic element and of the stripping element. In addition, a reproducible position of the spring-elastic element is predetermined, in particular for the interchanging situation, which means that an interchanging can be carried out rapidly and without any problem. At least one guide sleeve is preferably arranged as a guide element outside the stripping element, at least partially surrounding the latter in a guiding manner, and/or at least one guide bushing is arranged as a guide element within the stripping element, guiding the latter. The provision of a guide element enables the stripping element co be guided, which permits a defined movement of the stripping element along the cutting element, in particular punch. In addition, the stripping element preferably has at least one guide surface on its inside facing a fitted cutting element, in particular the stem thereof. This permits the stripping element to also be guided along the cutting element, in particular the stem thereof. An inner and outer guidance of the stripping element is therefore possible. A tilting as occurs in particular in the case of rubber springs of the prior art no longer has to be of concern. On the contrary, the exact movement is still maintained even after more than 1 000 000 strokes. The stripping element preferably has an essentially straight section and a protruding secCion, guide surfaces being provided on the straight and the protruding sections of the stripping element. At least one guide surface is preferably provided between stripping element and guide element, the length of which surface can be selected as a function of the forces acting on the stripping device, in particular shearing and lateral forces, in order to ensure tilt-free guidance. The provision of a straight and of a protruding section of the stripping element provides an even better means of securing against tilting in relation to the cutting eletnent and the guide element, since two guide surfaces are provided which are arranged, in particular, at a distance from each other. The particular length of the guide surface or guide surfaces can be selected as a function of the forces acting on the stripping device. In this case, a longer guide surface is preferably selected if the forces which occur are higher. In order to improve the sliding of the stripping element within the guide element, a lubricant, in particular a lubricant suitable for maintenance-free lubrication, in particular a solid lubricant, is preferably provided at least in a subregion of the straight section, The use of a solid lubricant proves advantageous particularly in the material pairing of bronze and hardened steel for the individual elements sliding on one another. In particular, a combination of oil and graphite is suitable aa the solid lubricant. The provision in particular of maintenance-free lubrication is not provided in the prior art, for example US 2,168,377, US 1,723,935 and US 4,993,295. In these cases, a lubrication of the, surfaces sliding one inside another can be brought about only by disassembling the entire device. However, maintenance-free lubrication proves advantageous on account of the poor accessibility of Che lubricating points and the otherwise long service life of the stripping device. The guide element is preferably formed integrally with the fastening piece or guide element and fastening piece are formed as elements which can be joined together. An integral formation is suitable in particular in the case of higher forces, since, in this case, an inadvertent tilting of guide element and fastening piece one inside the other does not have to be of concern. The stability and compactness of the stripping device are therefore increased. By contrast, the formation of guide element and fastening piece as elements which can be joined together is suitable, in particular in the case of lower forces. This advantageously, in particular, also enables just one fastening with just one fastening means, in particular a screw, to be selected. As a result, the fastening piece can be designed such that it is smaller and thus more space-saving. At least one protruding region and/or protruding section, in particular a claw- or clamp-shaped section, is or are particularly preferably provided on the circumference or edge of the fastening piece for engaging around a fastening device of the cutting tool. This enables the fastening piece to be centered on the fastening device, in particular a fastening plate. A secure and centered fastening or locking of Che stripping device to the cutting tool or the fastening device thereof ia, as a result, also possible by means of just one single fastening means, in particular a screw. A compatibility of the fastening piece with a standardized fastening plate of a cutting tool proves very advantageous, since, as a result, a manufacturing of individual parts, as in the case of the stripping devices of the above-described prior art, does not need to take place and an accuracy in terms of location is provided on each existing fastening plate. A rapid and easy interchanging of a stripping device is therefore possible even for unskilled operating personnel. The stripping device is particularly preferably used together with a V-belt drive, since, with a drive of this type, not only can particularly high forces be transmitted, but this also has to take place particularly accurately. In this case, the means of securing against rotation lies within the range of a hundredth of a millimeter, which cannot be obtained with the stripping devices of the prior art. To further explain the invention, a number of exemplary eTTibodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which: f igure 1 shows a schemat ic diagram of a punch installed in a cutting tool together with a stripping device according to the invention during the process of punching a metal sheet, figure 2 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of a stripping device according to the invention, figure 3 shows a sectional view, rotated through 90°, through the stripping device according to figure 2, figure 4 shows a plan view of the stripping device according to figure 2, figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of a stripping device according to the invention for use in the case of average forces which occur, figure 6 shows a plan view of the embodiment according to figure 5, figure 7 shows a longitudinal sectional view, rotated through 90°, of the stripping device according to figure 5, figure 8 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a stripping device according to the invention with a stripping element which is rotated through 90° with respect to the embodiment in figure 6, figure 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment of a stripping device according to the invention for severe forces which occur, figure lO shows a longitudinal sectional view of the stripping device according to figure 9, and figure 11 shows a plan view of the stripping device according to figure 9. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a cutting tool 1 in the region of the detail of a punch 2 with a surrounding stripping device 3, The stripping device I is fastened to a fastening plate 5 of the punch via a fastening plate 4. The fastening plate 5 for its part is mounted on the cutting tool 1. The fastening plate 5 has a standardized shape. Figure 1 illustrates the situation in which the punch penetrates a metal sheet 6, as workpiece to be machined, in a punching manner. During the punching proceas, the metal sheet bears against a front surface 7 of the stripping device 3. After penetrating the metal sheet, the punch dips into a mating punch 8. The section punched out of the metal sheet falls through a passage opening 9 provided in the mating punch into a collecting container (not illustrated). As can be clearly gathered from figure 1, the stripping device has a front surface shape corresponding to the shape of the metal sheet. As a result, the metal sheet is supported during the punching process and at the same time is not deformed. The shaping of the front surface of the stripping device can be undertaken on-site at the particular user. As a function of the forces which occur, the stripping device may be designed differently in each case, as illustrated in detail in the following figures - Figures 2 to 4 indicate an embodiment which is suitable more for smaller forces, figures 5 to 8 an embodiment which is suitable for greater forces, and the embodiment according to figures 9 to 11 a variant which is suitable for high forces. The front surfaces of the stripping devices can be formed such that they differ correspondingly. Figure 2 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiTnent of the stripping device 3 . The stripping device 3 is fastened to the fastening plate 5 of the cutting tool via the fastening plate 4, as can be gathered better in particular from figure 3. In this embodiment, this is undertaken merely by an indicated screw 10, which can be seen better in figure 4. The fastening plate 4 fastens a guide sleeve 11 of the stripping device. As can be gathered from figures 2 and 3, Che fastening plate 4 protrudes inward in its upper region and, in the process, engages over a downwardly protruding section 12 of the guide sleeve fitted into the fastening plate. AS can be gathered in particular from figure 4, the protruding section 12 is provided only along a subregion of the circumference of the guide sleeve. This suffices in order to firmly hold the guide sleeve and to secure it against tilting. In the region in which the screw 10 is plugged through the fastening plate, the guide sleeve is formed without a protruding section, in the same manner as in the region offset 90° with respect thereto, which can be seen ' on the left in figure 4. This enables the guide sleeve to be offset by 90° within the fastening plate. An elongated hole 14 which is provided in an upper end plate 13 of the guide sleeve and which may alternatively be a polygonal hole can likewise be offset as a result by 90°, which proves advantageous in certain applications, since fewer different stripping devices have to be provided as a result. The guide sleeve 11 is essentially cylindrical and is provided in its upper region with the end plate 13, which runs essentially at right angles to the circumferential surface of the guide sleeve and has elongated hole 14. A stripping element 15 is arranged within the guide sleeve and the elongated hole. The stripping element 15 is guided within the guide sleeve and is slidable. This is made possible by provision of a lubricant 16, in particular a solid lubricant. The stripping element has a straight section 17 and a protruding section 18. The lubricant 16 is provided in the region of the straight section 17. The protruding section 18 protrudes essentially as far as the inner surface 19 of the guide sleeve and is guided on this guide surface in a sliding manner. As can be gathered in particular from figure 3, the protruding section 18 is not provided over the entire circumference of the stripping element 15, but merely along the longitudinal sides. The straight section therefore has a different wall thickness, as can be gathered from figures 2 and 3. The elongated hole and the stripping element have an irregular cross section. This is distinguished by three straight sides 141, 142, 143 and one curved side 144. Corner transitions 145, 146, which are in each case provided with radii, are formed between the two long straight sides 141, 142 and short straight side 143. Owing to this irregular and at least partially asymmetrical configuration of the cross sections, when the stripping element is installed, the correct orientation thereof can be ensured, with rapid and easy installation. In addition, straight, comparatively large surfaces on the stripping element are advantageously provided for absorbing forces Mjhen a means of securing against rotation is produced. In order to provide damping and a restoring mechanism, a spring-elastic element 21, for example in the form of a rubber spring, is provided bearing against the protruding section 18, on the lower side 2 0 thereof. Said element, in the same manner as the stripping element 15, surrounds the punch. However, in contrast CD the stripping element, said element is arranged around the punch concentrically with essentially the same wall thickness, A retaining disk 22, the outer surface 23 of which is essentially aligned with the outer surface 2 4 of the fastening plate 4, is arranged on the other side of the spring-elastic element. This produces a defined mating surface for supporting the spring-elastic element. On the fastening plate 4, a region 50 protruding at the edge over the actual outer surface 2 4 and a further section 51 protruding in a claw- or clamp-shaped manner are provided. This can best be seen in figure 4. The protruding region 50 and the protruding section 51 engage around the outer edge 52 of the fastening plate 5 of the cutting tool. As a result, a centering of the fastening plate 4 and therefore of the entire stripping device 3 and a secure locking to the fastening plate S of the cutting tool by means of just one screw 10 are possible. In the region of the elongated hole 14 in the end plate 13, the stripping element 15 la guided from the outside and, along its passage opening 25, is guided from the inside on the punch which is to be plugged here through said opening. For this purpose, the fit on the punch is preferably designed as a snug fit. The front surface of the stripping element 15 is beveled or shaped in accordance with the shape of the workpiece. The passage opening 25, which is already provided in the stripping element and is intended for passing the punch through, is also completely driven through the stripping element, as is already indicated by the broken lines in figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, a bevel angle a of up to 5° is preferably selected. For larger bevel angles, one of the embodiments according to figures 5 to 8 is preferably selected. In these, the bevel angle a is preferably up to 10°. The further shaping of the front surface of the stripping element 15 is preferably matched to the shaping of the workpiece to be machined, in particular metal sheet of complex shape. It is also possible, by means of this matching, to avoid inadvertent markings caused by the stripping element on the surface of the punched workpiece. Such markings, in particular circular markings, regularly occur in the case of the devices of the prior art and lead to a reduced quality of the punched workpieces or to wastage. In contrast to the embodiment according to figures 2 to 4, in the embodiments according to figures 5 to 8 the fastening plate is formed integrally with the guide sleeve. In addition, this guide sleeve 26 is designed such that it is longer in the region of its straight section 27 than the guide sleeve 11 according to figures 2 and 3. The fastening plate part 28 of the guide sleeve 2 6 has a greater material thickness than the fastening plate 4 according to figures 2 and 3. In addition, as can be gathered from figures 6 and 8, two fastening screws ID and two fixing pins 53 can be provided in it to fasten it to the cutting tool or to the fastening plate of the punch. The thicker fastening plate part results in greater stability, as a result of which the larger lateral and shearing forces can be compensated for. In contrast to the embodiments according to figures 2 to 4, the guide sleeve is designed to be of such a length that it can be attached directly on the cutting tool and, in the process, at the same time covers the fastening plate 5 of the punch having, in particular, a standardized shaping. This can be gathered in particular from figures 5 and 7. The covering is merely on one side, as can be gathered from figure 5, in a manner similar to in the above region 50 according to f Igures 2 to 4, for which reason the circumference of the guide sleeve ia not of uniform length. In the region of the fastening plate of the punch, the guide sleeve is designed such that it is shorter in order to end above said plate. The difference of the embodiments according to figures 5 CO 7 and 8 resides in the fact that, although in both cases an elongated hole or polygonal hole is provided, this is arranged offset by 90°. This possibility has already been discussed with reference to figures 2 to 4. The rotation of stripping element or guide sleeve through 90° is clear from figures 6 and 8. The remaining design of the stripping element and of the guide sleeve and of the spring-elastic element and of the retaining disk is essentially identical in both embodiments. In all of the embodiments illustrated, after installation and fastening inadvertent rotation is no longer possible, since the provision of the elongated hole 31 with three straight aides 3ii, 312, 313 and one curved side 314 and with corner transitions 315, 316, which are provided with radii or of a different hole shaped as desired and the corresponding design of the stripping element result in the provision of a means of securing against rotation which lies in the range of a hundredth of a millimeter. The stripping element preferably consists of high-quality bronze. The guide sleeve preferably consists of steel. On account of this pairing of material, a particularly high-quality guidance of the stripping element in the steel body of the guide sleeve can be produced, with it being possible to provide long-term durability or service life of the stripping element. This amounts to approximately five to ten times the stripping devices known hitherto. The only wearing part is the spring-elastic element. However, this withstands more than one million strokes and is therefore much more durable than the known stripping devices. The protruding section 18 of the stripping element, which corresponds to the stripping element according to figures 2 to 4 except for the dimensions, may, in addition to the means for securing against rotation, also produce a stroke limit. This takes place by the fact that said element can be displaced until at maximum shortly before the end plate 13 or 29. By the provision of the means of securing against rotation in the form of the elongated hole 14, 31 and the corresponding design of the stripping element, in addition to the guidance function shearing forces may also be intercepted. Depending on the application, it is also possible Co undertake a matching to different stem diameters of the punch by differently sized passage openings 25 or 30 of the stripping element or of the passage opening 32 of the spring-elastic element. Larger lateral forces which occur can also be intercepted by the larger guide length of the guide sleeve. As in figures 2 to 4, the guidance in respect of the stripping element again takes place from the inside and outside, i.e. in the end plate 2 9 of the guide sleeve 2 6 and on the punch along the passage opening 32 of the stripping element 15. In spite of the partially very different shaping of the front surface of the stripping element, torques acting on the stripping device can be optimally intercepted by the provision of the guide surface pairings and the device for securing against rotation. Figures 9 to 11 illustrate an embodiment which is suitable for particularly high shearing forces or lateral forces, In this embodiment, guide bushings 3 3 are provided instead of guide sleeves, the guide bushings 3 3 being arranged within a stripping element 3 4. The guide bushing 3 3 runs along the punch (not illustrated). For this purpose, it has an inner passage opening 3 5. The stripping element 34 is designed Co be larger than in figures 2 to 8. It is in the form of a truncated trapezoid, with large passage openings 39 in which fastening means for fastening the stripping device to the cutting tool f it. This region of the stripping element is the fastening section which, instead of a separate fastening plate and a fastening section as in figures 5 to 8, is formed on the stripping element itself. In order to be able to better absorb lateral or shearing forces, fastening to the cutting tool is provided via two fitting shoulder screws 36. The latter fit in guide bushings 37, 38 which are fitted into steps in the passage openings 39. As can be gathered from figure 11, the fitting shoulder screws 3 6 are fastened directly in the cutting tool, surrounding the fastening plate 5 for the punch on both sides. This corresponds to the construction according to figures 5 to 8. In comparison to the embodiments according to figures 2 to 4 and 5 to 8, the guide length of the stripping element is increased once again, this length being determined by the shaping of the stripping element and the manner of fastening via three guide bushings. In this case, guidance of the stripping element from the outside and from the inside is provided, as can be gathered in particular from figure 9, a1ong the punch and on the fi11ing shoulder screws. This embodiment ia secured against inadvertent rotation by provision of a special formation of the region of the stripping element which surrounds the two fitting shoulder screws 3 6 and is intended for engaging around the fastening plate 5, and by the fastening to the cutting tool via the two fitting shoulder screws (see in particular figure 11) . In addition to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures, numerous further embodiments may also be farmed, in which in each case a stripping element which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds a cutting element, at least one guide device guiding the stripping element and a means for securing against rotation are provided on the stripping element. A spring-elastic element which is likewise provided is arranged outside the workpiece contact region and serves merely for damping and restoring the stripping device. List of reference numbers 1 Cutting tool 2 Punch 3 Stripping device 4 Fastening plate 5 Fastening plate 6 Metal sheet 7 Front surface 8 Mating punch 9 Passage opening 10 Screw H Guide sleeve 12 Protruding section 13 End plate 14 Elongated hole 15 Stripping element 16 Lubricant 17 Straight section IB Protruding section 19 Inner surface 20 Lower side 21 Spring-elastic element 22 Retaining disk 23 Outer surface 24 Outer surface 25 Passage opening 26 Guide sleeve 27 Straight section 28 Fastening plate part 29 End plate 30 Passage opening 31 Elongated hole 32 Passage opening 33 Guide bushing 34 Stripping element 35 Passage opening 36 Fitting shoulder screw 37 Guide bushing 38 Guide bushing 3 9 Passage opening 40 Fastening section 50 Protruding region 51 Protruding section 52 Outer edge 53 Fixing pin 141 Long straight side 142 Long Straight side 143 Short straight side 144 Curved side 14 5 Corner transition 14 6 Corner trans i tion 311 Long straight side 3 12 Long straight side 313 Short straight side 314 Curved side 315 Corner transition 316 corner transition a Bevel angle I CLAIM : 1. A stripping device (3) for a cutting tool (1) with a cutting element, in particular a punch (2), for machining a workpiece, in particular a curved metal sheet (6), at least one fastening piece (4, 28, 40) for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spring-elastic element (21) arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element (15, 34) which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds the cutting element (2), and at least one guide element (11, 26, 33) guiding the stripping element (15, 34) being provided, and a device for securing against rotation to prevent the stripping element (15) from rotating is provided, characterized in that the device for securing against rotation having a pairing, formed asymmetrically at least in one direction, of stripping element and a hole or an opening in the guide element in which to fit the stripping element so as to ensure that the stripping element will be installed with a definite orientation. 2. The stripping device (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device for securing against rotation comprises a stripping element with an irregular cross-sectional shape. 3. The stripping device (3) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the device for securing against rotation comprises an elongated hole (14) or polygonal hole in the guide element. 4. The stripping device (3) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein an elongated hole having three straight sides (141, 142, 143, 311, 312, 313) and one curved side (144, 314) and a correspondingly constructed stripping element (15) are provided. 5. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one guide sleeve (II, 26) is arranged as a guide element outside the stripping element (15), at least partially surrounding the latter in a guiding manner, and/or at least one guide bushing (33) is arranged as a guide element within the stripping element (34), guiding the latter. 6. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one guide surface (19) is provided between stripping element (15) and guide element (11. 26), the length of which surface is selected as a function of the forces acting on the stripping device, in particular shearing and lateral forces, in order to ensure tilt- free guidance. 7. The stripping device (3) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the stripping element (15) has an straight section (17) and a protruding section (18), guide surfaces being provided on the straight and the protruding sections (17, 18) of the stripping element (15). 8. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stripping element (15, 34) has at least one guide surface on its inside facing a fitted cutting element (2), in particular the stem thereof, and/or the stripping element (IS, 34) and the spring-elastic element (21) are oriented, surrounding the cutting element (2), in such a manner that they are loaded in a manner free from torque. 9. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lubricant (16), in particular a solid lubricant, is provided at least in a subregion of the straight section (17). 10. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (26) is formed integrally with the fastening piece (28) or guide element (11) and fastening piece (4) are formed as elements which are joined together. 11. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring-elastic element (21) is arranged between stripping element (15) or guide element (33) and cutting tool (1) and/or within the guide element (11, 26). 12. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one protruding region (50) and/or protruding section (51) in particular a claw-or clamp-shaped section, is or are provided on the circumference of the fastening piece (4) for engaging around a fastening device (5) of the cutting tool (1), in particular standardized fastening plate. 13. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stripping element (15. 34) can be provided or is provided with a shape corresponding to the workpiece and consists, in particular, of bronze or another material which are machined and matched to the shape of the workpiece surface. 14. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring elastic element (21) is a rubber spring or consists of another spring-elastic, restoring or flexible material.

Full Text

The invention relates to a stripping device for use with a cutting tool with a cutting element, in particular a punch, for machining a workpiece, in particular a curved metal sheet, at least one fastening element for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spring-elastic element arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds the cutting element, and at least one guide element guiding the stripping element being provided.
Stripping devices are known in conjunction with various types of cutting tools (DE 196 05 113 Al, DE 40 35 938 Al, DE 42 35 972 Al and WO 99/67038 Al). A Stripping device of this type is required for enabling, in particular in the case of punches or other cutting elements, the machined workpiece, in particular metal sheet, to be stripped off from the cutting element, in part icular punch, During the cutting process, in particular punching process, a front surface of the stripper is placed against the surface of the workpiece, deflects inward somewhat during the penetration of the workpiece by the punch and, when the cutting tool is pulled back out of the workpiece, springs out again, thus ensuring that the, for example, punch will be pulled out of the workpiece.
Various models of strippers are available commercially. Most of them have a fastening plate by means of which they can be fastened to the cutting tool, in particular a punch fastening plate. The stripper body is composed, for example, as a rubber spring of a hard plastic, the front surface of which is formed in accordance with the contour of the workpiece. The shaping can be undertaken here by trimming. The rubber spring surrounds the punch on all sides, In most cases, the shape of the front surface of the stripper is not symmetrical, since the

warkpiece to be machined generally has an irregular shaping.
US 2,168,377 discloses a stripping device for use with a punch for machining a flat, planar metal sheet, in which an outer element is fastened to a specially configured retaining plate of a cutting tool via screws and bolts. The outer element is provided on its inside with a longitudinal opening into which a stripping element, and in it the punch, are fitted. A spring-elastic element in the form of a helical spring is fitted between the stripping element, the outer element and the punch. The stripping element has an essentially-straight section and a protruding section, which can be supported on a projection within the longitudinal opening of the outer element or is secured thereon in order not to be pushed inadvertently out of the element.
US 1,723,935 discloses a similar construction of a stripping device as the above publication, in the same manner as said publication, US 1,723,935 also uses a helical spring which is arranged within an outer guide sleeve between punch, stripping element and a special fastening device for fastening it to the cutting tool. The outer guide sleeve is screwed onto a fastening piece which is fastened to a further fastening piece which is connected via a flange to the cutting tool via a screw connection.
US 4,993,295 discloses a stripping device for use with a punch for machining a planar metal sheet, in which, as in US 1,723,935, guide surfaces between an outer guide sleeve and a stripping element are relatively short, which means that, in the event of higher loads, the stripping element may tilt within the guide sleeve. As spring-elastic element, various disk springs are provided which are layered on one another within the

guide sleeve in such a manner that the curved surfaces in each case are directed toward one another. A punch is arranged wichin the spring-elastic element.
The stripper also has the task of keeping the workpiece in the desired shape during the machining process. This is particularly important if punchings are to be undertaken in Che region of metal-sheet edges, since deformations may easily occur there because of the punching process, However, the stripper is not intended to automatically deform the workpiece, but merely to keep the latter in the desired, premanufactured shape. If a rubber spring stripper which completely surrounds a punch and has an irregular front shaping facing the metal sheet is provided, this proves problematic if the stripper, after a number of punching processes, rotates around the punch. The shaping of the surface of the stripper then does not correspond to the shaping of the surface of the metal sheet which is to be punched, for which reason problems of quality and complaints may occur in this case.
For this purpose, DE 812 4 98 discloses a stripping device for a punch with a helical spring which is arranged between a stripper plate and a punch head. The helical spring surrounds the region of the punch. Three strips are provided which are fastened between the punch head and stripper plate and maintain a distance between these two elements. The fastening takes place via screws and elongated holes, so that the distance between stripper plate and punch head can be adjusted. By contrast, a rotation of the stripper plate is scarcely possible because of the strips.
FR 1 455 310 discloses a stripping device which, in one embodiment, comprises a helical spring and, in another, comprises an elastic element which is fitted between two fixed plates. In the case of the second embodiment.

a screw bolt is arranged between the two fixed plates, in a simi lar manner as provided by the strips in DE 812 49B for stably connecting the two platea. The screw bolt can also prevent the plates from rotating in relation to each other.
However, these publications do not disclose any possibility of allowing matching to the particular shaping of deformed metal sheets. In all of the publications only straight metal sheets are ever punched. However, it is required in particular in the automobile industry to provide stripping devices which match the particular shapings of deformed metal sheets or can be matched to them without any problem, essentially do not leave any traces on the punched metal sheets and have a long service life, i.e. of such stable design that they withstand a large number of strokes, in particular more than one million strokes without any maintenance. In addition, the stripping device is to be designed in such a manner that a simple and rapid changing and interchanging of stripping devices can be undertaken. This is not possible with the devices of the prior art that are fastened to the cutting tool in a complicated manner.
In order to prevent rotation, Dayton Progress GmbH has also disclosed a spring-mounted steel stripper. A means of securing against rotation for the punch is formed by Che punch being constricted in cross section in a subregion and being flattened in rectangular form. A section of the stripper, which section is fastened Co Che steel stripper by means of screws, engages in this region.
This solution proves to be disadvantageous because of its suscepcibility to failure due to limited stability in the region of the small fastening screws and risk of fracture of the constricted punch. Since the individual

parts of a stripper have Co be matched precisely to one another and a complicated mounting is frequently required, in the case of alternatives manufactured manually average prices of 18 00 euros per piece arise. In contrast to this, the pure rubber strippers, as described further above, cost approx. 10 0 euros per piece. However, these have Che disadvantage, in addition to the disadvantages already mentioned above, that, when a metal sheet is punched from the inside, only small piece numbers for use with only certain shapes are possible. The steel stripper also has the disadvantage that the screws retaining the engaging section on the steel stripper are very small and frequently do not permanently withstand the forces which occur, particularly since said screws are loaded transversely. The durability of a rubber stripper, as described above, is approx. 80 00 0 strokes, meaning that correct stripping is no longer ensured or possible and the manufacturing reliabiliCy is Cherefore impaired.
The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved stripping device which is sCable and in which, in particular, a securing againsc rotation within the range of a hundredth of a millimeter is possible and unilateral shearing forces can be eliminated. In addition, high numbers of strokes of, in particular, more than one million strokes are Co be possible in particular for use in the automobile industry, i.e. the durability and stability are to be improved in comparison Co Che stripping devices of the prior art. In addition, the stripping device is to be comparatively cost-effective and as compact as possible.
This object is achieved by a stripping device according to the precharacterizing clause of claim 1 by a device for securing against rotation being provided to

essentially prevent the stripping element from rotating. Developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
A stripping device for use with a cutting cool with a cutting element, in particular a punch, is thus provided, in which a long-term durability of the spring-elastic element is made possible, since the latter does not come into contact with the workplace, In addition, it is preferably loaded centrically and in a manner free from torque, as a result of which a nonuniform wear or loading is likewise prevented. A durability of the spring-alastic element of more than one million strokes is thus possible. Owing to the use of a number {visible at a glance) of individual parts which, plugged together, produce the stripping device, the latter is more robust than the stripping devices of the prior art. The use of a guide element, preferably of guide sleeves or guide bushings, advantageously also enables a reproducible movement of the stripping device in relation to the cutting tool or the cutting element, in particular a punch. In addition, guidance by means of columns is no longer necessary, as is required in numerous strippers of the prior art, in order to enable it to be attached fixedly in the cutting tool. Such columns are intended, in particular, to intercept transverse forces which may occur during the cutting process and may rotate or displace the stripper. In addition, a more cost-effective Eolution is provided than, for example, in the case of the usual, manually constructed steel strippers of the prior art. This is made possible, in particular, by the fact that the manufacturing outlay is very much smaller than in these products,
The arrangement of the spring-elastic element outside the workpiece contact region affords various advantages. By this means, the spring-elastic element

is no longer constantly in contact with oils and greases which gradually corrode and destroy it. In addition, by means of the contact of the workpiece with the stripping element instead of the spring-elastic element, an essentially inflexible contact surface is provided which enables the workpiece to be kept in shape and, conversely, is not deformed by the workpiece. The stripping element therefore particularly preferably consists of bronze or of another material which can be matched to the shape of the workpiece surface and is firm enough not to be able to be deformed by the workpiece during the machining process. A material is preferably selected which makes it possible to configure the stripping element individually in respect of its front surface shape in order to match the latter to the workpiece to be cut . The spring-elastic element is preferably a rubber spring or preferably consists of another spring-elastic, restoring and/or flexible material. Particularly when a rubber spring is used, a fatigue fracture, for example of a helical spring, can be avoided.
The device for securing against rotation preferably comprises a stripping element with an irregular cross-sectional shape and/or an elongated hole or polygonal hole in the guide element. It has proven particularly advantageous if the device for securing against rotation has a pairing, formed asymmetrically at least in one orientation, of stripping element and hole or opening in the guide element so as to ensure that the stripping element will be installed with a unique orientation, in particular an elongated hole with three straight sides and one curved side and a correspondingly designed stripping element. The provision of a stripping element with a nonuniform cross section or asymmetrical shape at least in part and, in particular, of a cross section, matched

thereto, of the opening in the guide element in which the stripping element is guided, a rotation and a wrongly oriented installation of the stripping element in the guide element can be essentially avoided. By virtue of the provision of an elongated hole or polygonal hole and/or of a stripping element with an irregular cross-sectional shape, an unambiguous position is specified for Che installation, so that the stripping element, which is shaped on its front surface in accordance with the contour of the workpiece, cannot inadvertently be installed rotated in its position even when changed rapidly. In addition, a more rapid installation is possible, since the precise position of the stripping element does not first have to be determined, but rather is predetermined by the shaping of the stripping element and of the opening in the guide element, preferably of the guide sleeve or guide bushing, and by the preferred provision of inner and outer guide surfaces on the stripping element. A more rapid, easier and more precise installation of the stripping device on the cutting tool is therefore possible than is possible in the case of the stripping devices of the prior art. In addition to the rapid and easy installation and changing of a stripping element and the correct orientation, this also enables damage of the workpiece which is to be punched to be avoided. Even metal sheets of complex shape can therefore be machined essentially without damage, in particular likewise because of the advantageous possibility of matching the front surface of the stripping element co the shape of the workpiece, in particular metal sheet, as a result of which markings of the workpiece around the punched hole can be avoided. In the case of the stripping devices of the prior art, such markings regularly cannot be avoided, since the front surface shape of the stripping element is not matched to the shaping of Che workpiece (shaped metal sheet) which is to be machined (punched) . For example, in the case of

vehicle doors, after the three-dimensional shaping thereof, holes have to be provided in the lower region, the punching of which holes using the above-described devices of the prior art is not possible without damaging the door profile, since in this case neither a securing against rotation nor a matching of the shaping of the front surface region of the stripping element to that of the door profile are provided.
The spring-elastic element is preferably arranged between stripping element or guide element and cutting tool and/or within the guide element. This avoids contact of the spring-elastic element with the workpiece. in addition, the spring-elastic element is held fixedly in the stripping device. By this means, a uniform loading is possible which keeps the wear of the spring-elastic element as small as possible. In addition, a defined position of the spring-elastic element is established, an interchanging of said element in the case of wear also easily being possible at any time.
The stripping element and the spring-elastic element are preferably oriented, surrounding the cutting element, in such a manner that they can be loaded in a manner essentially free from torque and, in particular, centrically. This advantageously avoids a nonuniform wear and a tilting of the spring-elastic element and of the stripping element. In addition, a reproducible position of the spring-elastic element is predetermined, in particular for the interchanging situation, which means that an interchanging can be carried out rapidly and without any problem.
At least one guide sleeve is preferably arranged as a guide element outside the stripping element, at least partially surrounding the latter in a guiding manner, and/or at least one guide bushing is arranged as a

guide element within the stripping element, guiding the latter. The provision of a guide element enables the stripping element co be guided, which permits a defined movement of the stripping element along the cutting element, in particular punch. In addition, the stripping element preferably has at least one guide surface on its inside facing a fitted cutting element, in particular the stem thereof. This permits the stripping element to also be guided along the cutting element, in particular the stem thereof. An inner and outer guidance of the stripping element is therefore possible. A tilting as occurs in particular in the case of rubber springs of the prior art no longer has to be of concern. On the contrary, the exact movement is still maintained even after more than 1 000 000 strokes.
The stripping element preferably has an essentially straight section and a protruding secCion, guide surfaces being provided on the straight and the protruding sections of the stripping element. At least one guide surface is preferably provided between stripping element and guide element, the length of which surface can be selected as a function of the forces acting on the stripping device, in particular shearing and lateral forces, in order to ensure tilt-free guidance. The provision of a straight and of a protruding section of the stripping element provides an even better means of securing against tilting in relation to the cutting eletnent and the guide element, since two guide surfaces are provided which are arranged, in particular, at a distance from each other. The particular length of the guide surface or guide surfaces can be selected as a function of the forces acting on the stripping device. In this case, a longer guide surface is preferably selected if the forces which occur are higher.

In order to improve the sliding of the stripping element within the guide element, a lubricant, in particular a lubricant suitable for maintenance-free lubrication, in particular a solid lubricant, is preferably provided at least in a subregion of the straight section, The use of a solid lubricant proves advantageous particularly in the material pairing of bronze and hardened steel for the individual elements sliding on one another. In particular, a combination of oil and graphite is suitable aa the solid lubricant. The provision in particular of maintenance-free lubrication is not provided in the prior art, for example US 2,168,377, US 1,723,935 and US 4,993,295. In these cases, a lubrication of the, surfaces sliding one inside another can be brought about only by disassembling the entire device. However, maintenance-free lubrication proves advantageous on account of the poor accessibility of Che lubricating points and the otherwise long service life of the stripping device.
The guide element is preferably formed integrally with the fastening piece or guide element and fastening piece are formed as elements which can be joined together. An integral formation is suitable in particular in the case of higher forces, since, in this case, an inadvertent tilting of guide element and fastening piece one inside the other does not have to be of concern. The stability and compactness of the stripping device are therefore increased. By contrast, the formation of guide element and fastening piece as elements which can be joined together is suitable, in particular in the case of lower forces. This advantageously, in particular, also enables just one fastening with just one fastening means, in particular a screw, to be selected. As a result, the fastening piece can be designed such that it is smaller and thus more space-saving.

At least one protruding region and/or protruding section, in particular a claw- or clamp-shaped section, is or are particularly preferably provided on the circumference or edge of the fastening piece for engaging around a fastening device of the cutting tool. This enables the fastening piece to be centered on the fastening device, in particular a fastening plate. A secure and centered fastening or locking of Che stripping device to the cutting tool or the fastening device thereof ia, as a result, also possible by means of just one single fastening means, in particular a screw. A compatibility of the fastening piece with a standardized fastening plate of a cutting tool proves very advantageous, since, as a result, a manufacturing of individual parts, as in the case of the stripping devices of the above-described prior art, does not need to take place and an accuracy in terms of location is provided on each existing fastening plate. A rapid and easy interchanging of a stripping device is therefore possible even for unskilled operating personnel.
The stripping device is particularly preferably used together with a V-belt drive, since, with a drive of this type, not only can particularly high forces be transmitted, but this also has to take place particularly accurately. In this case, the means of securing against rotation lies within the range of a hundredth of a millimeter, which cannot be obtained with the stripping devices of the prior art.
To further explain the invention, a number of exemplary eTTibodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:
f igure 1 shows a schemat ic diagram of a punch installed in a cutting tool together with a stripping device according to the invention during the process of punching a metal sheet,

figure 2 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment
of a stripping device according to the
invention, figure 3 shows a sectional view, rotated through 90°,
through the stripping device according to
figure 2, figure 4 shows a plan view of the stripping device
according to figure 2, figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a
second embodiment of a stripping device
according to the invention for use in the
case of average forces which occur, figure 6 shows a plan view of the embodiment according
to figure 5, figure 7 shows a longitudinal sectional view, rotated
through 90°, of the stripping device
according to figure 5, figure 8 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of
a stripping device according to the invention
with a stripping element which is rotated
through 90° with respect to the embodiment in
figure 6, figure 9 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a
further embodiment of a stripping device
according to the invention for severe forces
which occur, figure lO shows a longitudinal sectional view of the
stripping device according to figure 9, and figure 11 shows a plan view of the stripping device
according to figure 9.
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a cutting tool 1 in the region of the detail of a punch 2 with a surrounding stripping device 3, The stripping device I is fastened to a fastening plate 5 of the punch via a fastening plate 4. The fastening plate 5 for its part is mounted on the cutting tool 1. The fastening plate 5

has a standardized shape. Figure 1 illustrates the situation in which the punch penetrates a metal sheet 6, as workpiece to be machined, in a punching manner. During the punching proceas, the metal sheet bears against a front surface 7 of the stripping device 3. After penetrating the metal sheet, the punch dips into a mating punch 8. The section punched out of the metal sheet falls through a passage opening 9 provided in the mating punch into a collecting container (not illustrated).
As can be clearly gathered from figure 1, the stripping device has a front surface shape corresponding to the shape of the metal sheet. As a result, the metal sheet is supported during the punching process and at the same time is not deformed. The shaping of the front surface of the stripping device can be undertaken on-site at the particular user. As a function of the forces which occur, the stripping device may be designed differently in each case, as illustrated in detail in the following figures - Figures 2 to 4 indicate an embodiment which is suitable more for smaller forces, figures 5 to 8 an embodiment which is suitable for greater forces, and the embodiment according to figures 9 to 11 a variant which is suitable for high forces. The front surfaces of the stripping devices can be formed such that they differ correspondingly.
Figure 2 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiTnent of the stripping device 3 . The stripping device 3 is fastened to the fastening plate 5 of the cutting tool via the fastening plate 4, as can be gathered better in particular from figure 3. In this embodiment, this is undertaken merely by an indicated screw 10, which can be seen better in figure 4. The fastening plate 4 fastens a guide sleeve 11 of the stripping device. As can be gathered from figures 2 and

3, Che fastening plate 4 protrudes inward in its upper region and, in the process, engages over a downwardly protruding section 12 of the guide sleeve fitted into the fastening plate. AS can be gathered in particular from figure 4, the protruding section 12 is provided only along a subregion of the circumference of the guide sleeve. This suffices in order to firmly hold the guide sleeve and to secure it against tilting. In the region in which the screw 10 is plugged through the fastening plate, the guide sleeve is formed without a protruding section, in the same manner as in the region offset 90° with respect thereto, which can be seen ' on the left in figure 4. This enables the guide sleeve to be offset by 90° within the fastening plate. An elongated hole 14 which is provided in an upper end plate 13 of the guide sleeve and which may alternatively be a polygonal hole can likewise be offset as a result by 90°, which proves advantageous in certain applications, since fewer different stripping devices have to be provided as a result.
The guide sleeve 11 is essentially cylindrical and is provided in its upper region with the end plate 13, which runs essentially at right angles to the circumferential surface of the guide sleeve and has elongated hole 14. A stripping element 15 is arranged within the guide sleeve and the elongated hole. The stripping element 15 is guided within the guide sleeve and is slidable. This is made possible by provision of a lubricant 16, in particular a solid lubricant. The stripping element has a straight section 17 and a protruding section 18. The lubricant 16 is provided in the region of the straight section 17. The protruding section 18 protrudes essentially as far as the inner surface 19 of the guide sleeve and is guided on this guide surface in a sliding manner. As can be gathered in particular from figure 3, the protruding section 18 is not provided over the entire circumference of the

stripping element 15, but merely along the longitudinal sides. The straight section therefore has a different wall thickness, as can be gathered from figures 2 and
3.
The elongated hole and the stripping element have an irregular cross section. This is distinguished by three straight sides 141, 142, 143 and one curved side 144. Corner transitions 145, 146, which are in each case provided with radii, are formed between the two long straight sides 141, 142 and short straight side 143. Owing to this irregular and at least partially asymmetrical configuration of the cross sections, when the stripping element is installed, the correct orientation thereof can be ensured, with rapid and easy installation. In addition, straight, comparatively large surfaces on the stripping element are advantageously provided for absorbing forces Mjhen a means of securing against rotation is produced.
In order to provide damping and a restoring mechanism, a spring-elastic element 21, for example in the form of a rubber spring, is provided bearing against the protruding section 18, on the lower side 2 0 thereof. Said element, in the same manner as the stripping element 15, surrounds the punch. However, in contrast CD the stripping element, said element is arranged around the punch concentrically with essentially the same wall thickness, A retaining disk 22, the outer surface 23 of which is essentially aligned with the outer surface 2 4 of the fastening plate 4, is arranged on the other side of the spring-elastic element. This produces a defined mating surface for supporting the spring-elastic element.
On the fastening plate 4, a region 50 protruding at the edge over the actual outer surface 2 4 and a further section 51 protruding in a claw- or clamp-shaped manner

are provided. This can best be seen in figure 4. The protruding region 50 and the protruding section 51 engage around the outer edge 52 of the fastening plate 5 of the cutting tool. As a result, a centering of the fastening plate 4 and therefore of the entire stripping device 3 and a secure locking to the fastening plate S of the cutting tool by means of just one screw 10 are possible.
In the region of the elongated hole 14 in the end plate 13, the stripping element 15 la guided from the outside and, along its passage opening 25, is guided from the inside on the punch which is to be plugged here through said opening. For this purpose, the fit on the punch is preferably designed as a snug fit.
The front surface of the stripping element 15 is beveled or shaped in accordance with the shape of the workpiece. The passage opening 25, which is already provided in the stripping element and is intended for passing the punch through, is also completely driven through the stripping element, as is already indicated by the broken lines in figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, a bevel angle a of up to 5° is preferably selected. For larger bevel angles, one of the embodiments according to figures 5 to 8 is preferably selected. In these, the bevel angle a is preferably up to 10°. The further shaping of the front surface of the stripping element 15 is preferably matched to the shaping of the workpiece to be machined, in particular metal sheet of complex shape. It is also possible, by means of this matching, to avoid inadvertent markings caused by the stripping element on the surface of the punched workpiece. Such markings, in particular circular markings, regularly occur in the case of the devices of the prior art and lead to a reduced quality of the punched workpieces or to wastage.

In contrast to the embodiment according to figures 2 to 4, in the embodiments according to figures 5 to 8 the fastening plate is formed integrally with the guide sleeve. In addition, this guide sleeve 26 is designed such that it is longer in the region of its straight section 27 than the guide sleeve 11 according to figures 2 and 3. The fastening plate part 28 of the guide sleeve 2 6 has a greater material thickness than the fastening plate 4 according to figures 2 and 3. In addition, as can be gathered from figures 6 and 8, two fastening screws ID and two fixing pins 53 can be provided in it to fasten it to the cutting tool or to the fastening plate of the punch. The thicker fastening plate part results in greater stability, as a result of which the larger lateral and shearing forces can be compensated for.
In contrast to the embodiments according to figures 2 to 4, the guide sleeve is designed to be of such a length that it can be attached directly on the cutting tool and, in the process, at the same time covers the fastening plate 5 of the punch having, in particular, a standardized shaping. This can be gathered in particular from figures 5 and 7. The covering is merely on one side, as can be gathered from figure 5, in a manner similar to in the above region 50 according to f Igures 2 to 4, for which reason the circumference of the guide sleeve ia not of uniform length. In the region of the fastening plate of the punch, the guide sleeve is designed such that it is shorter in order to end above said plate.
The difference of the embodiments according to figures 5 CO 7 and 8 resides in the fact that, although in both cases an elongated hole or polygonal hole is provided, this is arranged offset by 90°. This possibility has already been discussed with reference to figures 2 to 4. The rotation of stripping element or guide sleeve

through 90° is clear from figures 6 and 8. The remaining design of the stripping element and of the guide sleeve and of the spring-elastic element and of the retaining disk is essentially identical in both embodiments. In all of the embodiments illustrated, after installation and fastening inadvertent rotation is no longer possible, since the provision of the elongated hole 31 with three straight aides 3ii, 312, 313 and one curved side 314 and with corner transitions 315, 316, which are provided with radii or of a different hole shaped as desired and the corresponding design of the stripping element result in the provision of a means of securing against rotation which lies in the range of a hundredth of a millimeter. The stripping element preferably consists of high-quality bronze. The guide sleeve preferably consists of steel. On account of this pairing of material, a particularly high-quality guidance of the stripping element in the steel body of the guide sleeve can be produced, with it being possible to provide long-term durability or service life of the stripping element. This amounts to approximately five to ten times the stripping devices known hitherto. The only wearing part is the spring-elastic element. However, this withstands more than one million strokes and is therefore much more durable than the known stripping devices.
The protruding section 18 of the stripping element, which corresponds to the stripping element according to figures 2 to 4 except for the dimensions, may, in addition to the means for securing against rotation, also produce a stroke limit. This takes place by the fact that said element can be displaced until at maximum shortly before the end plate 13 or 29. By the provision of the means of securing against rotation in the form of the elongated hole 14, 31 and the corresponding design of the stripping element, in addition to the guidance function shearing forces may

also be intercepted. Depending on the application, it is also possible Co undertake a matching to different stem diameters of the punch by differently sized passage openings 25 or 30 of the stripping element or of the passage opening 32 of the spring-elastic element. Larger lateral forces which occur can also be intercepted by the larger guide length of the guide sleeve. As in figures 2 to 4, the guidance in respect of the stripping element again takes place from the inside and outside, i.e. in the end plate 2 9 of the guide sleeve 2 6 and on the punch along the passage opening 32 of the stripping element 15. In spite of the partially very different shaping of the front surface of the stripping element, torques acting on the stripping device can be optimally intercepted by the provision of the guide surface pairings and the device for securing against rotation.
Figures 9 to 11 illustrate an embodiment which is suitable for particularly high shearing forces or lateral forces, In this embodiment, guide bushings 3 3 are provided instead of guide sleeves, the guide bushings 3 3 being arranged within a stripping element 3 4. The guide bushing 3 3 runs along the punch (not illustrated). For this purpose, it has an inner passage opening 3 5. The stripping element 34 is designed Co be larger than in figures 2 to 8. It is in the form of a truncated trapezoid, with large passage openings 39 in which fastening means for fastening the stripping device to the cutting tool f it. This region of the stripping element is the fastening section which, instead of a separate fastening plate and a fastening section as in figures 5 to 8, is formed on the stripping element itself. In order to be able to better absorb lateral or shearing forces, fastening to the cutting tool is provided via two fitting shoulder screws 36. The latter fit in guide bushings 37, 38 which are fitted into steps in the passage openings 39.

As can be gathered from figure 11, the fitting shoulder screws 3 6 are fastened directly in the cutting tool, surrounding the fastening plate 5 for the punch on both sides. This corresponds to the construction according to figures 5 to 8. In comparison to the embodiments according to figures 2 to 4 and 5 to 8, the guide length of the stripping element is increased once again, this length being determined by the shaping of the stripping element and the manner of fastening via three guide bushings. In this case, guidance of the stripping element from the outside and from the inside is provided, as can be gathered in particular from figure 9, a1ong the punch and on the fi11ing shoulder screws. This embodiment ia secured against inadvertent rotation by provision of a special formation of the region of the stripping element which surrounds the two fitting shoulder screws 3 6 and is intended for engaging around the fastening plate 5, and by the fastening to the cutting tool via the two fitting shoulder screws (see in particular figure 11) .
In addition to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures, numerous further embodiments may also be farmed, in which in each case a stripping element which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds a cutting element, at least one guide device guiding the stripping element and a means for securing against rotation are provided on the stripping element. A spring-elastic element which is likewise provided is arranged outside the workpiece contact region and serves merely for damping and restoring the stripping device.

List of reference numbers

1 Cutting tool
2 Punch
3 Stripping device
4 Fastening plate
5 Fastening plate
6 Metal sheet
7 Front surface
8 Mating punch
9 Passage opening
10 Screw
H Guide sleeve
12 Protruding section
13 End plate
14 Elongated hole
15 Stripping element
16 Lubricant
17 Straight section
IB Protruding section
19 Inner surface
20 Lower side
21 Spring-elastic element
22 Retaining disk
23 Outer surface
24 Outer surface
25 Passage opening
26 Guide sleeve
27 Straight section
28 Fastening plate part
29 End plate
30 Passage opening
31 Elongated hole
32 Passage opening
33 Guide bushing
34 Stripping element
35 Passage opening
36 Fitting shoulder screw

37 Guide bushing
38 Guide bushing
3 9 Passage opening
40 Fastening section
50 Protruding region
51 Protruding section
52 Outer edge
53 Fixing pin

141 Long straight side
142 Long Straight side
143 Short straight side
144 Curved side
14 5 Corner transition
14 6 Corner trans i tion
311 Long straight side
3 12 Long straight side
313 Short straight side
314 Curved side
315 Corner transition
316 corner transition
a Bevel angle

I CLAIM :
1. A stripping device (3) for a cutting tool (1) with a cutting element, in particular a punch (2), for machining a workpiece, in particular a curved metal sheet (6), at least one fastening piece (4, 28, 40) for fastening it to the cutting tool, a spring-elastic element (21) arranged outside the workpiece contact region, a stripping element (15, 34) which comes into contact with the workpiece and surrounds the cutting element (2), and at least one guide element (11, 26, 33) guiding the stripping element (15, 34) being provided, and a device for securing against rotation to prevent the stripping element (15) from rotating is provided, characterized in that the device for securing against rotation having a pairing, formed asymmetrically at least in one direction, of stripping element and a hole or an opening in the guide element in which to fit the stripping element so as to ensure that the stripping element will be installed with a definite orientation.
2. The stripping device (3) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device for securing against rotation comprises a stripping element with an irregular cross-sectional shape.
3. The stripping device (3) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the device for securing against rotation comprises an elongated hole (14) or polygonal hole in the guide element.
4. The stripping device (3) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein an elongated hole having three straight sides (141, 142, 143, 311, 312, 313) and one curved side (144, 314) and a correspondingly constructed stripping element (15) are provided.

5. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one guide sleeve (II, 26) is arranged as a guide element outside the stripping element (15), at least partially surrounding the latter in a guiding manner, and/or at least one guide bushing (33) is arranged as a guide element within the stripping element (34), guiding the latter.
6. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one guide surface (19) is provided between stripping element (15) and guide element (11. 26), the length of which surface is selected as a function of the forces acting on the stripping device, in particular shearing and lateral forces, in order to ensure tilt- free guidance.
7. The stripping device (3) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the stripping element (15) has an straight section (17) and a protruding section (18), guide surfaces being provided on the straight and the protruding sections (17, 18) of the stripping element (15).
8. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stripping element (15, 34) has at least one guide surface on its inside facing a fitted cutting element (2), in particular the stem thereof, and/or the stripping element (IS, 34) and the spring-elastic element (21) are oriented, surrounding the cutting element (2), in such a manner that they are loaded in a manner free from torque.
9. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lubricant (16), in particular a solid lubricant, is provided at least in a subregion of the straight section (17).

10. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the guide element (26) is formed integrally with the fastening piece (28) or guide
element (11) and fastening piece (4) are formed as elements which are joined together.
11. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the spring-elastic element (21) is arranged between stripping element (15) or guide
element (33) and cutting tool (1) and/or within the guide element (11, 26).
12. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one protruding region (50) and/or protruding section (51) in particular a claw-or clamp-shaped section, is or are provided on the circumference of the fastening piece (4) for engaging around a fastening device (5) of the cutting tool (1), in particular standardized fastening plate.
13. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stripping element (15. 34) can be provided or is provided with a shape corresponding to the workpiece and consists, in particular, of bronze or another material which are machined and matched to the shape of the workpiece surface.
14. The stripping device (3) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein
the spring elastic element (21) is a rubber spring or consists of another spring-elastic,
restoring or flexible material.

Documents:

0058-chenp-2005 abstract duplicate.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 abstract.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 claims duplicate.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 claims.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 correspondence-others.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 correspondence-po.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 description (comeplete) duplicate.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 description (comeplete).pdf

0058-chenp-2005 drawings.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 form-1.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 form-13.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 form-18.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 form-26.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 form-3.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 form-5.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 pct search report.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 pct.pdf

0058-chenp-2005 petition.pdf

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Patent Number

223270

Indian Patent Application Number

58/CHENP/2005

PG Journal Number

47/2008

Publication Date

21-Nov-2008

Grant Date

09-Sep-2008

Date of Filing

24-Jan-2005

Name of Patentee

WEIGELT, HARALD

Applicant Address

UNTERBLISSENBACH 8, 51515 KURTEN,

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	WEIGELT, HARALD	UNTERBLISSENBACH 8, 51515 KURTEN,

PCT International Classification Number

B21D45/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP03/08239

PCT International Filing date

2003-07-25

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	02016591.6	2002-07-25	EUROPEAN UNION