Program controlled tube bending machine and a binary feed mechanism for use therein

摘要

A binary controlled tube bending machine wherein a binary punched card system is used to programmably control (1) the longitudinal position of a plurality of spaced bends along the length of a tubular workpiece; (2) the radial orientation of the bends with respect to one another; and (3) the depth of each of the bends. An elongated work support having a bending station positioned at one end thereof slidably mounts a carriage for reciprocal motion toward and away from the bending station. An arbor assembly is mounted on the carriage for releasably retaining the tubular workpiece. The reciprocal motion of a first rack gear controls the advance of the carriage to properly position the workpiece longitudinally for successive bends; the reciprocal motion of a second rack gear controls the radial orientation of the workpiece by controlling the angle through which the arbor assembly is rotated; and the vertical positioning of a limit switch which operates to terminate the stroke of a hydraulic ram having a bending die at one end thereof controls the depth of the bend. The operation of the first and second rack gears and the limit switch positioner is effected by a binary feed mechanism under the program control of a punched card system.