Die condition detection

Abstract

A die ( 13, 213, 313 ) is supported in a die holder ( 381 ) such as a frame or an adapter ( 18, 518 ) supported in a frame such that it is operational use in a material deforming operation. One or both of the die and the die holder have at least one gas passage which is substantially closed by at least part of the die. Gas such as pressurised air is directed into an end of the gas passage opposite the die via a hose ( 42, 542 ) connected to a gas source. If the die is broken or loose leak paths are available for the escape of gas past the die to or from atmosphere. A pressure sensor ( 41 ) connected to the hose detects the change in pressure of the gas and the magnitude of that pressure is used to determine the die condition. Alternatively a flow rate sensor is used to detect a change in the flow rate of the gas in order to determine the condition of the die.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for detecting the condition of a die for deforming material, the die having a first surface defining a die cavity in which material is to be deformed, the method comprising supporting the die in a die holder such that the die is operational with the die cavity being exposed for receipt of material and such that at least one gas passage is defined at least partially by the die holder, the at least one gas passage extending to a first end located between the die and the die holder, the first end being sealed substantially closed by at least a portion of the die, applying a gas at a pressure and flow rate to the at least one gas passage, detecting a change in at least one of the pressure or flow rate of the gas in the at least one gas passage and determining from the detected change a condition of the die. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the die comprises a head in which the die cavity is defined and a die stem extending from the head in a direction away from the cavity, further comprising supporting the die stem in a bore in the die holder and applying the gas at a second end of the at least one gas passage. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein there is provided a further at least one gas passage defined in the die. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising using an air catch sensor to detect the change in pressure of the gas. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising directing the gas to the at least one gas passage via a conduit by connecting an outlet of the conduit to the at least one gas passage and connecting an inlet of the conduit to a source of pressurised gas. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5 , further comprising connecting a sensor to the inlet of the conduit for detecting the change in at least one of the gas pressure or the flow rate. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the die is a riveting die for upsetting a rivet inserted into the material. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the gas is applied to the at least one gas passage with the die in-situ in apparatus for deforming material. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one gas passage has a first portion defined by the die holder and a second portion defined between the die and the die holder, the first end being defined at the end of the second portion. 
     
     
         10 . A method for detecting a loose die, the die being of the kind for deforming material, the die having a first surface defining a die cavity in which material is to be deformed, the method comprising supporting the die in a die holder such that the die is operational with the die cavity being exposed for receipt of material and such that at least one gas passage is defined at least partially by the die holder, the at least one gas passage extending to a first end located between the die and the die holder, the first end being sealed substantially closed by at least a portion of the die, applying a gas at a pressure and flow rate to the at least one gas passage, detecting a change in at least one of the pressure or flow rate of the gas in the at least one gas passage and determining from the detected change whether the die is loose. 
     
     
         11 . A die assembly comprising a die having a first surface defining a die cavity in which material is to be deformed, a die holder in which the die is supported such that the die is operational with the die cavity being exposed for receipt of material, at least one gas passage is defined at least partially by the die holder, the at least one gas passage extending to a first end located between the die and the die holder, the first end being sealed substantially closed by at least a portion of the die, the conduit having an outlet in fluid communication with the at least one gas passage and an inlet connectable to a source of pressurised gas, and a sensor for detecting the pressure or flow rate of the gas in the at least one gas passage. 
     
     
         12 . A die assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the die holder comprises a die adapter disposed between the die and a support member. 
     
     
         13 . A die assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein the die holder is defined by part of a support frame that supports the die. 
     
     
         14 . A die assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the support member is part of a support frame. 
     
     
         15 . A die assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the die adapter comprises a body having a first end in which the die is supported and a second end, at least part of the at least one gas passage extending between the first and second ends. 
     
     
         16 . A die assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the die comprises a head in which the die cavity is defined and a stem extending from the head in a direction away from the die cavity, the stem of the die being received in a first bore in the first end of the die adapter body. 
     
     
         17 . A die assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein a first portion of the at least one gas passage is defined between the stem of the die and the first bore and a second portion of the at least one gas passage extends between the outlet of the conduit and the first portion. 
     
     
         18 . A die assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein the second portion of the at least one gas passage is in the form of a second bore. 
     
     
         19 . A die assembly according to  claim 18 , wherein the first and second bores are substantially cylindrical with the first bore having diameter that is larger than that of the second bore. 
     
     
         20 . A die assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein the body of the die adapter has an outwardly extending flange that is seated on the support member.