John F Shook

US Patent:

61614106, Dec 19, 2000

Filed:

Aug 11, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/132577

Inventors:

John B. Shook - Madison Heights MI
Philip V. Wiens - LaSalle, CA

Assignee:

Unova IP Corp. - Woodland Hills CA

International Classification:

B21D 702

US Classification:

72220

Abstract:

A multi-axis roller hemmer for forming at least a pre-hem of a flange area of a sheet metal panel having a roller engageable with the flange and movable about at least 3 axes to enable the roller to remain in contact with the flange along a substantial portion of the panel. Preferably, the apparatus is capable of varying the position of the roller along orthogonal X-Y-Z axes to enable the apparatus to form at least a pre-hem of more intricate, curved panels. Desirably, the roller may also be pivotally displaced to vary the relative angle between the roller axis of rotation and the panel to maintain the roller axis essentially parallel to the immediately underlying portion of the panels. Preferably, at least a pair of rollers are carried by the apparatus with one or more rollers forming a pre-hem of the flange and a final hem roller constructed to complete the hem of the flange area.