EP0027434A1

EP0027434A1 - Apparatus for stamping graphic symbols on objects

Info

Publication number: EP0027434A1
Application number: EP80830080A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tonino Giuliani
Original assignee: T GIULIANI SpA
Current assignee: T GIULIANI SpA
Priority date: 1979-10-10
Filing date: 1980-10-08
Publication date: 1981-04-22
Also published as: IT1126021B; ATE3696T1; EP0027434B1; DE3063693D1; IT7903503A0

Abstract

With the invention, graphic symbols are cold stamped on objects. Each graphic symbol (letter, figure, abbreviation, etcetera) is set in the stamping plane (S) independently of the setting of the remaining graphic symbols which jointly define, in the said plane (S), a predetermined combination of symbols.

The setting of the said graphic symbols that are provided circumferentially, in relief, on corresponding, side-by-side, coaxial, stamping discs (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) takes place in observance of prefixed specifications programmed (and realized) through electrical means (22), (33), (36) and (40). Furthermore, the graphic symbols set in the stamping plane (S) are orientated in a predetermined direction and are maintained stably in the said position also at the time the stamping operation is in progress, this making it possible to achieve, on the said object, impressions (complementary to the said graphic symbols) that are clear and are identical in orientation.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus for stamping (generally cold) graphic symbols on objects.
As is known, on certain mass produced objects (such as keys, spare parts for motor cars, etcetera) corresponding combinations of graphic symbols (such as figures, special abbreviations, letters , etcetera) are cold stamped in order to establish a biunivocal correspondence (transferred on to punched cards or in special tabulations) between the object and the relevant combination. This makes it possible to trace with ease a given object and to either locate it in the stores or to make an identical one.
In the apparatus known to date for the above mentioned function, it is envisaged that there be a number of stamping discs, side by side, coaxial and of identical diameter, each disc having circumferentially, in relief, a plurality of the aforementioned graphic symbols, usually equidistant.
According to a first form of embodiment, in order to set up, in each disc, the graphic symbol on the stamping plane, the said disc is made manually to rotate intermittently and, after a rotation has been effected corresponding to one or more clicks, the disc is stabilized under the action of elastic means.
In a second form of embodiment, the aforementioned discs constitute the wheels of a (for example decimal) numbering device, wherein for the figure in respect of tens, the wheel defining units has to undergo multiples of ten turns; for the figure in respect of hundreds, the wheel defining tens has to undergo multiples of ten turns, and so on and so forth for the figure in respect of thousands and tens of thousands, etcetera.
Both of the above mentioned forms of embodiment are acceptable only when the combination of graphic symbols to be stamped is always the same, and are not suitable to be utilized in cases when frequent variations of the said combination are required (unless very low productivity can be tolerated, that is to say, limited stamping operations performed in the unit of time). Another negative aspect of the known apparatus is a consequence of the fact that they are not suitable for inclusion in an automatic cycle for the production of given objects (such as keys) that is connected to a programme control unit.
The object of the invention is to make available an apparatus for stamping graphic symbols _on objects, wherein the relevant stamping discs, on which the said graphic symbols are circumferentially in relief, are operated independently one of the other (though synchronously) through the medium of electromechanical means whose actuation is dependent on an electronic programme control unit.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus such as to ensure the programmed combination of symbols being respected for the graphic symbols present on the stamping plane, that they are side by side, and that their orientation in a predetermined direction be maintained at the time of the stamping operation.
The aforementioned objects are attained with the technical solution employed in the invention comprising an apparatus for stamping graphic symbols on objects, essential features of which are that it comprises: at least one stamping disc that protrudes partially from a window in the casing that carries rotatably the shaft supporting the said disc, provided circumferentially with lands, on each of which there are, in relief, corresponding graphic symbols; mechanical means for carrying the said disc in rotation; means for locking the said mechanical means and the said disc, provided to stabilize the latter in a plurality of configurations, each of which positions one land provided in that part of the stamping disc that protrudes from the said window , in a stamping plane; and electrical means for intermittently powering the said mechanical means in order to position a programmed graphic symbol in the stamping plane.
In order to emphasize further characteristics and advantages of the apparatus in question, a description is given hereinafter of the best form of embodiment, and to understand this adequately reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Fig. 1 is a lateral view of the apparatus according to the invention, wherein certain parts are removed and others have been shown in broken lines;
- Fig. 2 is a view of the section A-A in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is a constructional detail in respect of the mechanism of the stamping discs;
- Fig. 4 is the constructional detail B in Fig. 2;
- Fig. 5 is a possible block diagram for the electrical means connected to the said apparatus.

With reference to the above mentioned figures, at (1) there is a shaft, carried by the casing (2) of the apparatus in question, on which are mounted idly six stamping discs (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) that are identical one with the other and protrude partially from a window (9) made in the bottom of the casing.
Provision is made for each of the aforementioned stamping discs to have means for carrying them in rotation, powering them and locking them, and a programme control unit (40) is also provided. Thus, in the text that follows, reference will be made prevalently just to one stamping disc - disc (7), for example. The said disc (7) has peri- p_herally a toothing (10), the spaces (10a) and the teeth (10b), made in accordance with the known art. The said toothing is "devoid", for example, of ten spaces (10a) that define a similar number of lands (11) distributed in a regular fashion over the said toothing.
Each of the said lands has, in relief, on its external surface, a corresponding graphic symbol, for example an arabic numerals. It thues ensues that with the said ten lands it is possible to have available the ten arabic numerals, from nought to nine.
The said disc (7) has, on one side, an enlargement (7a) delimitated circumferentially by a surface (7b) of circular extension in which there are ten recesses, or housings, (12), the extension of which is curvilinear, each of which is symmetrical with respect to a-radial plane.
Each of the said housings (12) is shaped in such a way as to have snapin inserted therein the extremity (13a) of an arm, or lever, (13) pivoted at (14) to the casing (2) and subjected, furthermore, at one of its intermediate points, to the action of a flexible tongue (15). The enlargement to which prior reference has been made, positions a corresponding land (11) with respect to a stamping plane (S); more precisely, the surface of the land (11) that bears in relief the relevant arabic numeral, is positioned in a stamping plane (S).
The toothing (10) of the disc (7) meshes with the toothing (16) of an idle wheel (17) (obviously devoid of teeth (₁₆a) at a point corresponding to where there is an absence of the spaces (10a)) that is carried in rotation by a gear wheel (18) keyed to a shaft (19). A unitary velocity ratio exists between the gear wheel (18) and the disc (7).
Drilled axially in one extremity (19a) of the shaft (19) there is a dead hole (20) in which is freely inserted the extremity (21a) of the shaft (21) of an electric motor (22) of a known type (for example, a d.c. motor, a stepping motor, etcetera). The inter-connection of the shafts (19) and (21) is achieved through known means shown globally at (23).
The aforementioned extremity (19a) is externally of truncated cone shape so that it can accept, coupled thereto, a complementary hole, in the form of a frustrum of a cone, provided axially in a wheel (24). The said coupling is rendered perfect by a locking bush (25) that screw meshes with the said extremity (19a) (that is also threaded). Circumferentially, the wheel (24) has a star shaped toothing (26)that defines ten equidistant housings (27) (the number of the said housings being identical to that of the housings (12) provided in the corresponding stamping disc (7)).
In one or the other of the said housings (27) is inserted a roller (28) rotatably supported at the extremity (29a) of an arm (29) (see Fig. 4). The other extremity (29b) of the said arm is pivotally connected at (30) to the casing (2). The insertion of the roller (28) in one of the said housings (27) is done "snap-in" fashion under the elastic action of a flexible strip (31) that is locked at one extremity (31a) to the casing (2) and presses with its other extremity against the arm (29).
The snap-in insertion of the roller (28) in a housing (27) is synchronous with the snap-in insertion into a housing (12) of the extremity (13a) of the arm (13). The aforementioned synchronous insertions cooperate in positioning the corresponding land (11) in the stamping plane (S).
To the extremity (21b) of the shaft (21) is keyed, using fixing means (32) of a known type, a drum (33) also known as an "encoder".
The extremity (33a) of the said drum is open in such a way as to allow its circular wall (33b) to pass in a slit (34). The wall (33b) has in it, along directions parallel to the axis of the said drum, at least ten (non-illustrated) combinations of holes-no holes, each of which defines, in binary logic, a corresponding arabic numeral provided in one land of the stamping disc (7).
Placed in the window (34), in an opposite position, there are means (35) (of a known type) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and means (36) (of a known type) for receiving the above mentioned radiation, the latter being set up to "read" the aforementioned combinations of holes -no holes.
The electrical signal (or first electrical signal) V present in the output of the receiving means (36) is sent to a comparator (37) in which (in a first version of the programme control unit (40)) the said signal is compared with the electrical signal (or second electrical signal) V₂ forthcoming from a pushbutton panel (38) (of a known type) provided to manually programme the figure to be positioned in the stamping plane. The signal (or third electrical signal) V₃ present in the output of the comparator (38) is sent to a block (39) which, compatibly with the "sign" of the signal V₃ (that can be deduced in accordance with known systems from the binary logic of the said signal), renders power means (43) able to emit an output signal (or fourth electrical signal) V₄ of the digital type, the value of which is such as to cause the motor (22) to rotate in the direction F₁ and in the opposite direction F₂. The rotation of the motor ceases (V₄ = o) once the binary combination read by the receiving means (36) coincides with the binary combination set with the pushbutton panel (38). All this is equivalent to positioning in the stamping plane (S) the arabic numeral programmed with the pushbutton panel (38).
In a second version of the programme control unit (40), the first electrical signal V is compared (in binary logic) with a signal (or fifth electrical signal) V₅ present in the output of a block (41) constituted (for example)- by shift registers of a known type actuated by means of a tape reader (42) (of a known type) utilized for the automatic insertion of data.
As is known, the de-energizing of the motor (22) is not followed (because of the inertia of the rotating masses) by the immediate halting of the shaft (21), which could prevent the land (11) from being positioned optimally in the stamping plane (S). Such a thing is prevented because of the synchronous snap-in insertion of the roller (28) in a corresponding housing (27) and of the extremity (13a) of the arm (13) in a corresponding housing (12) since the inertia of the rotating masses of the motor (22) is not sufficient (with the motor obviously de-energized) to overcome the elastic reaction of the strip (31) and of the tongue (15).
To recapitulate what has been stated above, the stamping plane (S) has in it the land (11) that bears in relief the arabic numeral programmed either by means of the pushbutton panel (38) or through the tape reader (42). This is certainly achieved when the receiving means (36) "read" on the "encoder" (33) the binary combination that coincides with the binary combination programmed as above, which corresponds to an univocal positioning of the disc (7) and involves, for the latter, the presence in the stamp- i_ng plane (S) of the land that bears the programmed arabic numeral.
The obtainment of the said positioning is assisted, as already pointed out, by the synchronous snap-in insertion of the wheel (28) in a housing (27) and of the extremity (13a) in a housing (12).
What has been described for the disc (7) takes place likewise but independently (not necessarily at different times) also for the remaining discs (3), (4), (5), (6) and (8), and thus six lands, side by side in the direction parallel to the axis of the shaft (1), are present in the stamping plane (S).
Not only do the extremities (13a) have the task of stabilizing the lands in the stamping plane but they carry out the important function of also maintaining the said positioning at the time the stamping operation is being performed which, as is known, is realized through the movement of the said apparatus (this movement being achieved by a press to which the said apparatus is fixed) towards the surface of a given object destined to have the combination stamped on it.
The above described apparatus satisfies in full the objects outlined in the premise hereto. It is, in fact, possible to automatically set the number to be stamped and, furthermore, principally because of the presence of the locking arm (13), the lands present in the stamping plane are perfectly side-by-side and stable in the said position, and thus the impression transferred to a corresponding surface, as a consequence of the stamping operation, will be clear and will be made up of figures that are not staggered one with respect to the other.
Another advantage the apparatus in question has to offer is in consequence of the utilization of stamping discs that are constituted by an ordinary gear wheel in which the lands (that bear, in relief, the figures to be stamped) are defined by the ansence of the appropriate number of spaces in the toothing of the said gear wheel.
It is understood that the foregoing description has been given purely as an unlimited example, and thus that variations of a practical-constructional nature can be considered without this constituting a limitation to the technical solution described above and claimed hereinafter.

Claims

1. Apparatus for stamping graphic symbols on objects, essential featurea of which are that it comprises: at least one stamping disc (7) that protrudes partially from a window (9) in the casing (2) that carries rotatably the shaft (1) supporting the said disc (7), provided circumferentially with lands (11), on which there are, in relief, corresponding graphic symbols; mechanical means for carrying the said disc (7) in rotation; means for locking the said mechanical means and the said disc (7), provided to stabilize the latter in a plurality of configurations, each of which positions one land (11) provided in that part of the stamping disc that protrudes from the said window (9), in a stamping plane (S); and electrical means for intermittently powering the said mechanical means in order to position a programmed graphic symbol in the stamping plane (S).

2. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the said mechanical means comprise a shaft (19) powered by the said electrical means (40), to which is keyed a gear wheel (18) that meshes with an idle gear wheel (17), this, in turn, meshing with a toothing (10) provided circumferentially on the said stamping disc (7), each land (11) of which is defined by the absence of at least one space (10a) in the said toothing to which corresponds, in the toothing (16) of the idle wheel ((17), the absence of a corresponding tooth (16a).

3. Apparatus according to the preceding claims, wherein the said locking means comprise: at least one lever (13) that rotates with respect to an axis parallel to the axis of the stamping disc (7), one extremity (13a) of which is snap-in inserted, under the action of elastic means that exert an effect on the said lever (13), in one of a plurality of housings (12) provided, in radial directions, in one side of the said disc (7); and an arm (29) that rotates with respect to an axis parallel to the said shaft (19), provided with a roller (28) that is snap-in inserted, under the action of elastic means (31), and exerts an effect on the said arm (29), in one of a plurality of housings (27) provided circumferentially in a wheel (24) keyed to the said shaft (19); the housings (12) and (27) proid- ed in the said disc (7) and in the said wheel (24) being positioned, one with respect to the other, in such a way as to achieve a synchrony in the snap-in insertions, the purpose of these being to position a corresponding land in the stamping plane (S).

4. Apparatus according to the preceding claims, wherein the said electrical means comprise: means (36) for reading a set of holes-no holes combinations provided in a drum (33) keyed to the said shaft (19), each of the said combinations defining a corresponding graphic symbol that corresponds to the graphic symbol provided on the land (11) positioned in the stamping plane (S); and an electrical programming and control unit (40) connected to the said reading means (36), provided to programme one or the other of the said graphic symbols and to actuate electrical means (22) for powering the said shaft (19) when a lack of harmony exists between the graphic symbol "read" by the said reading means and the graphic symbol programmed with the said unit (40).