U.S. patent application number 09/880334 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for crimping die employing powered chuck.
Invention is credited to Piantoni, Raymond W., Ray,, Robert E. JR..
Application Number | 20010029769 09/880334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23968976 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010029769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piantoni, Raymond W. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Crimping die employing powered chuck
Abstract
A forming die includes a base and at least two die segments. At
least a first one of the die segments is moveably mounted to the
base for shifting between closed and opened positions. The die
segments together define a cavity having an opening when the first
die segment is in the closed position. A punch is moveably mounted
to the base for shifting between a retracted position and an
extended position wherein the punch crimps a part positioned within
the cavity. A powered actuator is connected to at least the first
one of the die segments, and shifts the first die segment between
the closed and opened positions such that a part positioned within
the cavity can be removed after crimping by shifting of the first
die segment to the open position. The forming die is particularly
well-suited for crimping electrochemical cells.
Inventors: |
Piantoni, Raymond W.;
(Pownal, VT) ; Ray,, Robert E. JR.; (Strongsville,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
25225 Detroit Road
P. O. Box 450777
Westlake
OH
44145
US
|
Family ID: |
23968976 |
Appl. No.: |
09/880334 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09880334 |
Jun 13, 2001 |
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09495528 |
Jan 31, 2000 |
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6256853 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
72/402 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/53996 20150115;
Y10T 29/49108 20150115; B21D 39/048 20130101; Y10T 29/53709
20150115; H01M 50/166 20210101; H01M 6/005 20130101; H01M 50/167
20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
72/402 |
International
Class: |
B21J 007/16 |
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A forming die, comprising: a base; at least two die segments, at
least a first one of which is movably mounted to said base for
shifting between closed and open positions, said die segments
together defining a cavity having an opening when said first die
segment is in said closed position, said cavity having a
cylindrical portion with a radiused portion at one end thereof for
crimping a part having a circular edge; a punch movably mounted to
said base for shifting between a retracted position and an extended
position wherein said punch pushes against a part positioned within
said cavity, thereby causing the part to be crimped by inward
bending of the circular edge of the part; and a powered actuator
directly connected to at least the first one of said die segments
and shifting said first die segment between said closed and open
positions without sliding contact on a tapered surface such that a
part positioned within said cavity can be removed after crimping by
shifting of the first die segment to the open position.
2. The forming die set in claim 1, wherein: said powered actuator
comprises a pneumatic chuck having at least two powered jaws
actuated by pneumatic pressure, each of said powered jaws having
one of said die segments mounted thereon.
3. The forming die set forth in claim 1, wherein: said die cavity
has a sidewall surface defining a generally cylindrical shape.
4. A forming die, comprising: a base; at least two die segments, at
least a first one of which is movably mounted to said base for
shifting between closed and open positions, said die segments
together defining a cavity having an opening when said first die
segment is in said closed position; a punch movably mounted to said
base for shifting between a retracted position and an extended
position wherein said punch pushes against a part positioned within
said cavity, thereby causing the part to be crimped; a powered
actuator connected to at least the first one of said die segments
and shifting said first die segment between said closed and open
positions such that a part positioned within said cavity can be
removed after crimping by shifting of the first die segment to the
open position; said powered actuator comprises a pneumatic chuck
having at least two powered jaws actuated by pneumatic pressure,
each of said powered jaws having one of said die segments mounted
thereon, and wherein: said pneumatic chuck is a three-jaw air
chuck.
5. The forming die set forth in claim 4, wherein: said pneumatic
chuck includes a diaphragm operably connected to said jaws for
shifting said die segments between said open and closed
positions.
6. A forming die, comprising: a base; at least two die segments, at
least a first one of which is movably mounted to said base for
shifting between closed and open positions, said die segments
together defining a cavity having an opening when said first die
segment is in said closed position; a punch movably mounted to said
base for shifting between a retracted position and an extended
position wherein said punch pushes against a part positioned within
said cavity, thereby causing the part to be crimped; a powered
actuator connected to at least the first one of said die segments
and shifting said first die segment between said closed and open
positions such that a part positioned within said cavity can be
removed after crimping by shifting of the first die segment to the
open position, and wherein: said powered actuator includes a
flexible member and a chamber on a first side of said member, said
die segments mounted on a second side of said member, said member
flexing upon pressurization of said chamber to shift said die
segments to said open position.
7. A forming die, comprising: a base; a pneumatic chuck having at
least three powered jaws movably mounted to said base, said powered
jaws shiftable between extended and retracted positions; a die
piece mounted to each of said powered jaws, said die pieces
together defining a die forming surface shaped to bend the circular
periphery of a part when said powered jaws are in said extended
position; a punch movably mounted to said base and shiftable to an
extended position to form a part positioned against said die
forming surface; and said powered jaws shiftable to the retracted
position to permit removal of a part from the forming die.
8. The forming die of claim 7, wherein: said die forming surfaces
have a cylindrically shaped portion with a taper at one end
thereof.
9. The forming die of claim 7, wherein: said die forming surface
forms a die cavity having a generally cylindrical shape with
openings at opposite ends thereof.
10. A forming die, comprising: a base; a pneumatic chuck having at
least two powered jaws mounted to said base, said powered jaws
shiftable between extended and retracted positions; a die piece
mounted to each of said powered jaws, said die pieces together
defining a die forming surface when said powered jaws are in said
extended position; a punch movably mounted to said base and
shiftable to an extended position to form a part positioned against
said die forming surface; said powered jaws shiftable to the
retracted position to permit removal of a part from the forming
die, and wherein: said pneumatic chuck has at least three jaws,
each having a die piece mounted thereon.
11. A forming die, comprising: a base; a pneumatic chuck having at
least three powered jaws movably mounted to said base, said powered
jaws shiftable between extended and retracted positions; a die
piece mounted to each of said powered jaws, said die pieces
together defining a die forming surface shaped to bend the circular
periphery of a part when said powered jaws are in said extended
position; a punch movably mounted to said base and shiftable to an
extended position to form a part positioned against said die
forming surface; said powered jaws shiftable to the retracted
position to permit removal of a part from the forming die; said die
forming surface forms a die cavity having a generally cylindrical
shape with openings at opposite ends thereof; said punch comprises
a first punch that enters a first one of said openings of said die
cavity to form a part positioned therein, and including: a second
punch that shifts into a second one of said openings to eject a
formed part.
12. The forming die of claim 11, wherein: said cavity tapers
inwardly adjacent said second end.
13. The forming die of claim 12, including: a powered actuator
connected to said first punch for shifting said first punch between
extended and retracted positions.
14. A forming die, comprising: a base; a fluid actuated clamp
including a chamber, connectable to a source of pressurized fluid,
and a flexible member communicating with said chamber, such that
said flexible member moves in response to changes of pressure
within said chamber; a die assembly including at least two die
pieces, each of which is operably connected to said flexible member
for shifting from a disengaged position to an engaged position upon
pressurization of fluid within said chamber, said die pieces
defining a die forming surface when in said engaged position; and a
punch movably mounted to said base and shifting between a
disengaged position away from said die forming surfaces, and an
engaged position wherein said punch pushes a part positioned in
said die assembly, such that the part is formed by said die forming
surfaces, said die pieces shiftable to said disengaged position
upon pressurization of fluid within said chamber to release a
formed part for removal from the forming die.
15. The forming die set forth in claim 14, wherein: said die
forming surface forms a die cavity having a generally cylindrical
shape with first and second open ends and an inwardly tapering
portion adjacent said second open end.
16. The forming die set forth in claim 15, including: a second
punch movably mounted to said base and engagable with said second
open end to eject a formed part from said die cavity.
17. The forming die set forth in claim 16, wherein: said flexible
member is configured to rotate said die pieces upon pressurization
of said chamber.
18. The forming die set forth in claim 14, wherein: said fluid
actuated clamp includes three jaws, said die pieces mounted on said
jaws.
19. The forming die set forth in claim 14, wherein: said flexible
member is a diaphragm.
20. A method of crimping an electrochemical cell having a sidewall
forming a circular outer edge, comprising: mounting die pieces on
the jaws of a powered chuck; actuating the chuck to move the jaws
into a clamped position such that said die pieces form a die cavity
having sidewalls; punching an electrochemical cell in the die
cavity to crimp the outer edge of the part along the sidewalls of
the die cavity by bending said sidewalls inwardly; and actuating
the chuck to move the jaws into a released position.
21. The method set forth in claim 20, wherein: said powered chuck
is a pneumatic chuck.
22. The method set forth in claim 20, wherein: said electrochemical
cell has a metal casing, an anode cup, and a seal that is tightly
crimped between said metal casing and said anode cup upon crimping
of said electrochemical cell.
23. A method of crimping a deformable part, comprising: mounting
die pieces on the jaws of a powered chuck; actuating the chuck to
move the jaws into a clamped position such that said die pieces
form a die cavity having sidewalls; punching a part in the die
cavity to crimp the outer edge of the part along the sidewalls of
the die cavity; actuating the chuck to move the jaws into a
released position, and wherein: actuation of the powered chuck
includes deforming a flexible member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional
Application No. 09/495,528, filed Jan. 31, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to crimping dies and the like,
and in particular to a crimping die that utilizes a powered chuck
and segmented die to release a formed part.
[0003] Various types of metal forming dies have been used in the
fabrication of a wide array of parts. One example is an
electrochemical battery cell having a two piece cladding that is
crimped together to form the finished battery cell. Known crimping
methods utilize a one piece female die. A punch drives the two
pieces of the cell into the female die segment, thereby deforming
the outer edge of one of the cell pieces, and crimping the two
sections together to form the electrochemical cell.
[0004] One problem encountered in such an arrangement is that the
formed steel part will have some residual stress, causing the part
to "spring" outwardly against the inner sidewalls of the female die
segment. The friction generated between the part and the sidewalls
of the female die segment can make removal of the formed cell
difficult, leading to damage of the cell. Although lubricants may
aid removal of the cell to some degree, such lubricants may lead to
contamination of the cell. Even with lubrication it may not be
possible to crimp the cell as tightly as desired and still permit
removal of the cell without damage thereto, particularly for cells
with thin sidewalls, such as miniature air cells.
[0005] A prior art segmented crimping die is shown in FIGS. 8 and
9A-9C. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the prior art die includes a
one-piece base support 101 having a bore 102 through which a lower
punch 103 may be moved. Base plate 101 is generally fixed relative
to the other parts. Base plate 101 further includes a recess 104 in
which a one-piece crimp die 105 is disposed. Crimp die 105 also
includes a central aperture through which lower punch 103 extends.
The die further includes a tapered guide housing 106 disposed in
fixed relation on base plate 101 and a top plate 107 mounted atop
tapered guide housing 106. Tapered guide housing 106 includes a
centrally disposed tapered opening 109 for receiving four segmented
dies 108a-108d. As shown in FIG. 8, which is a top view of the four
segmented dies, the four segmented dies together form annular side
walls of the die and define a central opening through which an
upper punch 111 and a battery 110 to be crimped may be moved. Top
plate 107 also includes a centrally disposed hole of the same
diameter for similarly allowing upper punch 111 and cell 110 to be
moved therethrough. As shown, the four segmented dies are tapered
and allowed to slide vertically along the tapered surface 109 of
guide 106. In this matter, as the four segmented dies 108a-108d
move vertically between the upper surface of the one-piece crimp
die 105 and the lower surface of top plate 107, the four segmented
dies move radially inward and outward to thereby increase/decrease
the diameter of the centrally disposed aperture defined by the four
segmented dies 108a-108d.
[0006] In operation, the die press is positioned with the four
segmented dies 108a-108d in their lowermost position resting upon
the upper surface of one-piece crimp die 105. A battery 110 is
placed within aperture 112, and upper punch 111 is moved vertically
downward to push the cell down against the curved portion of crimp
die 105. Once the cell has been crimped, upper punch 111 is raised
and lower punch 103 is moved vertically upward as shown in FIG. 9B
to push the crimped battery upward through aperture 112. Because of
the close tolerances with aperture 112 relative to the outer
dimensions of the battery, the four segmented dies 108a-108d tend
to move upward as the battery is lifted by lower punch 103. As the
four segmented dies 108a-108d are lifted, they will move radially
outward at the same time until their upper surfaces abut the stops
on top plate 107. With the four segmented dies in their uppermost
position, the diameter of aperture 112 is sufficient to freely
remove battery 110 from the die apparatus.
[0007] A problem exists, however, in that some of the segmented
dies 108a-108d may at times become hung up, as shown in FIG. 9C.
Thus, when the next battery is inserted for crimping, the battery
may become misaligned and a uniform crimping of the battery may not
be obtained. A similar problem can occur during crimping, with one
segment rising up independent of the other segments, due to the
axial component of the radial stress on the angled surface, and
thereby limiting the amount of radial stress that can be applied
during crimping.
[0008] Accordingly, an apparatus and method for alleviating the
above-identified problems would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a forming
die including a base and at least two die segments. At least a
first one of the die segments is moveably mounted to the base for
shifting between closed and opened positions. The die segments
together define a cavity having an opening when the first die
segment is in the closed position. A punch is moveably mounted to
the base for shifting between a retracted position and an extended
position wherein the punch crimps a part positioned within the
cavity. A powered actuator is connected to at least the first one
of the die segments, and shifts the first die segment between the
closed and opened positions such that a part positioned within the
cavity can be removed after crimping by shifting of the first die
segment to the open position.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a forming die
including a base and a pneumatic chuck. The pneumatic chuck has at
least two powered jaws mounted to the base. The powered jaws are
shiftable between extended and retracted positions. A die piece is
mounted to each of the powered jaws, and the die pieces together
define a die forming surface when the powered jaws are in the
extended (closed) position. A punch is movably mounted to the base,
and shifts to an extended position to form a part positioned
against the die forming surface. The powered jaws shift to the
retracted position to permit removal of a part from the forming
die.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a forming die
including a base and a fluid actuated clamp. The clamp includes a
chamber connectable to a source of pressurized fluid. The clamp
also includes a flexible diaphragm in fluid communication with the
chamber. A die assembly includes at least two die pieces, each of
which is operably connected to the flexible diaphragm and shifts
from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon
pressurization of fluid within the chamber. Together, the die
pieces define a die forming surface when in the engaged position. A
punch is movably mounted to the base and shifts between a
disengaged position away from the die forming surfaces, and an
engaged position wherein the punch forms a part positioned in the
die assembly. The die pieces shift to the disengaged position upon
pressurization of fluid within the chamber to release a formed part
for removal from the forming die.
[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of
crimping a deformable part. The method includes mounting die pieces
on the jaws of a pneumatic chuck. The chuck is actuated to move the
jaws into a clamped position such that the die pieces form a die
cavity having sidewalls. A part positioned in the die cavity is
punched to crimp the outer edge of the part along the sidewalls of
the die cavity, and the chuck is actuated to move the jaws into a
released position.
[0013] These and other advantages of the present invention will be
further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by
reference to the following written specification, claims, and
appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a partially fragmentary, front elevational view of
a crimping die embodying the present invention, comprising an upper
punch, and a lower segmented die utilizing an air chuck to release
a crimped part;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the crimping die of FIG.
1, taken along the line II-II.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the crimping die of FIG.
1, taken along the line III-III;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the die segments;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partially fragmentary, front elevational view of
the die segment of FIG. 4, taken along the line IV-IV;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partially fragmentary, cross-sectional view
illustrating the crimping of a part;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a partially fragmentary, cross-sectional view
illustrating the crimping of a part;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a partially schematic top plan view of a prior art
segmented crimping die;
[0022] FIG. 9A is a partially fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
the prior art crimping die of FIG. 8 taken along the line
IXA-IXA;
[0023] FIG. 9B is a partially fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
the prior art segment die of FIG. 9A showing the segmented die in
the open position;
[0024] FIG. 9C is a partially fragmentary, cross-sectional view of
the prior art crimping die of FIGS. 8 and 9 showing the upper punch
in the raised position;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of a membrane type air
chuck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations and step
sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is
also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following
specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the
claims expressly state otherwise.
[0027] The reference numeral 1 (FIG. 1) generally designates a
forming die embodying the present invention, which is particularly
designed for forming electrochemical cells and the like, as by
crimping. In the illustrated example, the forming die includes at
least two die segments 2, at least a first one of which is movably
mounted to a base or support structure 3 for shifting between
closed and open positions. In the illustrated example, the die
segments 2 are mounted to the jaws 5 of a pneumatic, or "air" chuck
4. The die segments 2 together define a die cavity 6 (see also
FIGS. 4-7) having an opening 7 when the die segments 2 are in the
closed position. A punch 8 is moveably mounted to the base 3 for
shifting between a retracted position and an extended position. In
the extended position the punch 8 forces a part, such as a
miniature electrochemical cell 9, into the walls of cavity 6
thereby crimping the cell. A powered actuator is connected to at
least one of the die segments 2, and shifts the die segment 2
between the closed and opened positions, such that the
electrochemical cell 9 positioned within the cavity 6 can be
removed after crimping by shifting of the die segments 2 to the
opened position.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the base 3 generally
includes a vertical plate 10, and upper and lower horizontal plates
11 and 12, respectively. A bearing plate 13 is slidably mounted to
the vertical plate 10 by a pair of vertical rods 14 and pillow
blocks 15. A punch holder assembly 16 is secured to the bearing
plate 13 by conventional fasteners or the like (not shown). The
punch holder assembly 16 securely holds the punch 8 in alignment
with the lower cavity 6 formed by the die segments 2. A rod 17 is
secured to the punch holder assembly 16. Rod 17 is attached to an
electric servo, hydraulic driver, or other powered actuator (not
shown) having sufficient force to form the part 9 in the die cavity
6.
[0029] The electrochemical cells 9 are transferred to the die and
crimped cells 9 are removed from the die after the forming
operation. Any suitable mechanism, such as an index wheel, can be
used for this purpose.
[0030] The pneumatic chuck 4 is securely supported on a horizontal
plate 19 of the base 3 by a support assembly 18. A lower punch 20
is positioned below the pneumatic chuck 4. Punch 20 is slidably
supported in alignment with the cavity 6 by a punch holder assembly
21. A spring 22 is supported by a stop block 23, and biases the
lower punch 20 upwardly into the die cavity 6. An adjustable stop
24 is threadably received within the stop block 23, and limits the
downward travel of the lower punch 20. As discussed in more detail
below, spring 22 is relatively light weight, and lifts the formed
electrochemical cell upwardly upon shifting of the die segments 2
to the opened, released position. With further reference to FIGS. 4
and 5, each die segment 2 is made of a suitable hardened tool
steel, and includes a plurality of openings 25 to secure the die
segment 2 to the jaws 5 of the pneumatic chuck 4. Each die segment
2 includes a sidewall 26 that is radiused, such that the die
segments 2 together form a cylindrical die cavity 6. The upper
portion 28 of the sidewall 26 is generally parallel to a vertical
axis, and the lower portion 29 of the sidewall curves inwardly at
radius 27.
[0031] With further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a standard
electrochemical cell 9 includes a first metal casing portion 30
(also known as the "can") having a shape similar to an inverted
cup. The electrochemical cell 9 also includes a second metal casing
part 31 (also known as the "anode cup") that is also generally cup
shaped. The part 31 has a slightly smaller diameter than part 30,
such that part 31 fits inside part 30. A seal 34 fits between parts
30 and 31 and prevents electrical conduction between parts 30 and
31. The internal components 32 of the cell 9 are sandwiched between
the first and second parts 30 and 31. During operation, an
uncrimped electrochemical cell 9 is shifted into position at the
upper portion of the die cavity 6. The electrochemical cell 9 is
placed on the lower punch 20, which is in its uppermost position
due to the upward bias of spring 22. The die segments are shifted
into the extended, or closed, position by actuation of the
pneumatic chuck 4. The upper punch 8 is then shifted downwardly by
actuation of the electrochemical servo (not shown). As the upper
punch 8 shifts downwardly, the uncrimped electrochemical cell 9 is
pushed downwardly within the die cavity 6 until the electrochemical
cell 9 is crimped on the radiused portion 27 of the die cavity 6.
The die segments 2 are then shifted outwardly by actuation of the
pneumatic chuck 4 into the unclamped, or open position. The powered
ram and upper punch 8 are then shifted upwardly, with the lower
punch 20 holding the crimped cell 9 against the upper punch 8. The
die segments 2 are then shifted into the extended, or closed,
position; the finished, crimped cell 9 is removed; and a new,
uncrimped cell 9 is brought into the die. Alternatively, the die
segments 2 could be in the open position when cell 9 is pushed into
the die cavity and then closed to crimp the cell. However, this may
leave undesirable marks, corresponding to the parting lines of die
segments 2, on the crimped surface of cell 9.
[0032] In the illustrated example described above, the die segments
2 are mounted to a pneumatic chuck 4. A preferred pneumatic chuck
is a five-inch diaphragm chuck available from Northfield Precision
Instrument Corporation of Island Park, N.Y. A membrane air chuck 40
is shown schematically in FIG. 10. Peripheral portions 41 of the
jaws 5 are mounted to a peripheral base 42 via a flexible diaphragm
43. When compressed air is introduced into air passageway 45, a
resulting force is applied to the lower side 44 of the jaws 5 by
the chuck. This causes jaws 5 and attached die segments 2 to pivot
upward and outward to the open position. When compressed air is
introduced into air passageway 46, the jaws 5 are moved to the
closed position. Other pneumatic chucks may also be used. For
example, a six-inch air chuck, model no. 6-120NR-3, available from
MicroCentric Corporation of Plainview, N.Y., may be used. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, jaws 5 of this type of chuck are
mechanically driven radially inward and outward, to the closed and
opened positions respectively. It is anticipated that other types
of powered actuators could be connected to one or more of the die
segments 2 to permit shifting of the die segments for release of
the crimped cell. For example, the die segments 2 could be movably
mounted to the base by a conventional slide arrangement, with an
electrochemical, pneumatic, or other powered actuator connected to
the movable die segment(s) for shifting between closed and open
positions. Die segments 2 may be mounted to jaws 5 by any suitable
means, such as bolting, screwing, welding, clamping, pinning,
gluing and so on; or die segments 2 may be an integral part of jaws
5. It is also anticipated that other types of flexible members
could be used instead of a flexible diaphragm. For example, each
die segment could be biased by one or more separate flexible
members. Because die segments 2 are fastened to jaws 5, undesirable
vertical movement of die segments 2 is prevented.
[0033] The forming die of the present invention facilitates removal
of the finished electrochemical cell, without damage of the cell,
or contamination by lubricants or the like. Furthermore, the
diameter of the cylindrical die cavity 6 can be made smaller
relative to the part being formed, thereby permitting a tighter
crimp of the electrochemical cell 9, yet still permitting removal
of the crimped cell without damage.
[0034] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *