Abstract
A die holder mounts a die to form heads on nails or screws. A top surface of the die includes a groove for longitudinally receiving and holding an elongate body. The die has a recess merging into the groove at one end of the groove to form a nail or screw head. The die is conical for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the die holder. A top surface of the die is planar to a top surface of the die holder with a bottom surface engaging bottom part of the die holder. The bottom portion of the die has a recess or engaging with a corresponding protrusion die holder fixing an angular orientation of the groove relative to the die holder. Two opposite dies are brought together by two opposite die holders forming the head.
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing a head on an elongate body comprising: receiving an elongate body in to a die for mounting in an associated die holder for the production of heads on elongate bodies, the die including a body with a top surface provided with a through-going groove for receiving and holding an elongate body longitudinally in said groove, a recess at one end of the groove suitable for forming the head on the elongate body, a side surface shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder, a stop surface for engaging with a stop part in the hole or bore of the associated die holder, so as to determine a height of the die in relation to the associated die holder, and a recess or protrusion serving to engage with a corresponding surface associated with the die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove relative to the die holder; and forming a nail from the elongate body received into the die.
2. A nail manufactured according to the method of claim 1.
3. A method of manufacturing nails comprising: receiving and holding an elongate body longitudinally in a groove on a top surface of a body, forming a head on an elongate body via a recess at one end of the groove, press fitting, by contact, a side surface with an inner surface of a bore or hole in an associated die holder, engaging a stop surface with a stop part in the hole or bore of the associated die holder, so as to determine a height of the die in relation to the associated die holder, and engaging a recess or protrusion with a corresponding a contact surface associated with die holder to fix an angular orientation of the groove relative to the die holder.
4. A die holder comprising: a body having at least a top surface part, a plurality of holes or bores in the top surface part, wherein each of the plurality of holes or bores has an inner surface configured to receive an associated die and for press fit by contact with a side surface of thereof, a stop part located in each hole or bore configured to engage a stop surface of an associated die when being pressed into the hole or bore, so as to fix a height of a top surface of its associated die in relation to the top surface part of the die holder, and a protrusion or recess associated with each hole or bore configured to engage with a corresponding contact surface of its associated die so as to fix angular orientation of its associated die relative to the die holder.
5. The die holder according to claim 4, wherein the top surface part is ring-shaped, and wherein the plurality of holes or bores are evenly distributed on the ring-shaped top surface part.
6. The die holder according to claim 5, comprising at least 10 holes or bores evenly distributed on the ring-shaped top surface part.
7. The die holder according to claim 4, wherein the body is monolithic and made of a metal.
8. A manufacture comprising: a die for mounting in an associated die holder for the production of heads on elongate bodies, the die having a rounded exterior and including: a body with a top surface provided with a through-going groove for receiving and holding an elongate body longitudinally in said groove, a recess at one end of the groove configured to form a head on the elongate body, a side surface shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder, a stop surface for engaging with a stop part in the hole or bore of the associated die holder, so as to fix a height of the die in relation to the associated die holder, and a recess or protrusion configured to engage a corresponding contact surface associated with the die holder to fix angular orientation of the groove relative to the die holder.
9. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein the groove is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis through the body of the die from the top surface to a bottom part of the body of the die.
10. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein the recess or protrusion is further configured to fix angular orientation is shaped so as to guide the die to the contact surface.
11. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein at least a part of the body is tapered.
12. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein at least part of the body has a conical shape.
13. The manufacture according to claim 8, having at least one recess for guiding the die into the associated die holder, wherein the at least one recess has a corresponding contact surface associated with the die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove relative to the die holder.
14. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein the stop surface comprises at least one surface on a lower part of the body for engaging with a corresponding surface in the hole or bore of the associated die holder.
15. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein the stop surface or bottom surface of the die has a tapered surface portion so as to allow an associated tool to engage with the tapered surface in order to push the die upwards for removal of the die from the associated die holder.
16. The manufacture according to claim 15, wherein the tapered surface has an inclination angle of 2° to 20° relative to the stop surface or bottom surface of the die.
17. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein an outer diameter (D) and an overall height (H) of said die has a ratio between 0.5 and 2.0.
18. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein the top surface includes an angled outer surface portion.
19. The manufacture according to claim 18, wherein the angled outer surface portion is configured to avoid contact with the inner surface of the hole or bore the associated die holder.
20. The manufacture according to claim 8, wherein the side surface includes first and second recessed portions.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0108] The die according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.
[0109] FIG. 1 is a trimetric view of a die embodiment.
[0110] FIG. 2 is a side view of a die embodiment.
[0111] FIG. 3 is a trimetric view of a section of a die holder with a mounted die embodiment.
[0112] FIG. 4 is a trimetric view of a section of a die holder with an unmounted die embodiment.
[0113] FIG. 5 is a top view of a section of a die holder embodiment.
[0114] FIG. 6 is a side view of a cross-section of a die holder and die, the die not entirely mounted into the die holder.
[0115] FIG. 7 is a side view of a cross-section of a die holder and die, the die pressed into the die holder.
[0116] FIG. 8 is a trimetric view of an elongate body fixed in a die and a die holder embodiment.
[0117] FIG. 9 is a trimetric view of an elongate body fixed between two corresponding dies and a section of a die holder.
[0118] FIG. 10 is a side view of a cross-section of an elongate tool, placed in an opening of a die holder, between the die holder and a die, according to an embodiment.
[0119] FIG. 11 is a trimetric view of a cross-section of an elongate tool, placed in an opening of a die holder, between the die holder and a die.
[0120] FIG. 12 is a trimetric view of a cross-section of an elongate tool and associated press tool, the press tool mounted on the die holder.
[0121] FIG. 13 is a side view of two ring-shaped die holders oriented towards each other, such as for forming part of a nail producing machine.
[0122] FIG. 14 is a cross-section of a side view of two corresponding dies mounted in two corresponding die holders.
[0123] FIG. 15 is a cross-section of a side view of a nail, fixed between two corresponding dies mounted in two corresponding die holders.
[0124] FIG. 16 is trimetric view of a section of a ring-shaped die holder with a mounted die and a corresponding, free-floating die to illustrate cooperation of recesses of two dies for producing a head on a nail.
[0125] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C show three different views of an alternative die.
[0126] FIG. 18 is a flow-chart of a method according to the invention.
[0127] FIG. 19 is a trimetric view of a die embodiment with a groove at a bottom surface.
[0128] FIG. 20 is another trimetric view of a die embodiment with a groove at a bottom surface.
[0129] FIG. 21 is trimetric view of a section of a ring-shaped die holder with a mounted die and a corresponding, free-floating die, with an inclined groove to illustrate cooperation of recesses of two dies for producing a head on a nail.
[0130] FIG. 22 is a trimetric view of a cross-section of an elongate tool, placed in an opening of a die holder, between the die holder and a die with an inclined groove at the bottom surface.
[0131] FIG. 23 is a cross-section of a side view of an elongate body formed into a nail with a head, fixed between two corresponding dies with an inclined groove at the bottom surface.
[0132] FIG. 24 is a trimetric view of a die holder embodiment in the form of a tool ring for a nail producing machine for holding 36 dies.
[0133] FIG. 25 is a side view of a cross-section of a die holder and die, the die pressed into the die holder with a bushing attached to the die holder.
[0134] FIG. 26 is a side-view of a cross-section of an elongate tool, placed in an opening of a die holder.
[0135] FIG. 27 is a trimetric view of a die embodiment with a rounded groove at a bottom surface.
[0136] FIG. 28 is a trimetric view of a die embodiment with a v-shaped groove at a bottom surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0137] FIG. 1 is a trimetric view of a die 1 embodiment. The figure illustrates a die 1 for mounting in an associated die holder for the production of heads on elongate bodies, such as a metal nail or screw. The die 1 comprises a body 2 with a top surface 3. The top surface has a through-going groove 4 suitable for receiving and holding the elongate body longitudinally in the groove 4. The groove 4 may have gripper marks (not visible) for increased friction with the elongate body to improve the holding effect. The body 2 of the die 1 has a cut-out surface 9 on one side and the cut-out surface 9 has a recess 5, which extends from the cut-out surface 9 and merges into the groove 4. The recess 5 is shaped to form half of the head on the elongate body. The die 1 has a side surface 6 shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder. The die 1 has a bottom surface 7 with a chamfer 10 for easy mounting of the die 1 into the hole or bore of the associated die holder. At the lower portion of the body 2 there are two opposite recesses 8 serving to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the associated die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove 4 relative to the die holder.
[0138] FIG. 2 is a side view of a die 1 embodiment having a conical shaped side surface 6. The figure illustrates the body 2 of the die 1 when viewed directly towards the cut-out surface 9. The cut-out surface has a recess 5, which merges into the groove 4 on the top surface 3 of the die 1. The recess 5 is substantially round, shapes so at to form half of the head of a nail or screw. The side surface 6 of the die 1 is angled, suitable for press fitting into a corresponding shape of a die holder. The angle of the side surface 6 with a central axis of the body 2 is between one and two degrees in this particular embodiment, but could be in the range of a tenth of a degree to 5 degrees. On the bottom portion of the die 1 two opposite recesses 8 are shaped to engage with corresponding protrusions or shoulders to fix the angular orientation of the recess 5 and groove 4 relative to the die holder. The bottom surface 7 of the die 1 is chamfered 10 for easy insertion and guiding of the die 1 into the die holder.
[0139] FIG. 3 is a trimetric view of a section of a die holder 20 with three mounted dies 1. The figure illustrates a section of a rings-shaped die holder 20 with a cross-section view of the die holder 20 and a mounted die 1. The top surface 3 of the die 1 and the top surface part 21 of the die holder 20 are plane in respect to each other. A side surface 22 of the die holder 20 is furthermore plane in respect to the cut-out surface 9 of the die 1, wherein the recess 5 of the die 1 for shaping the head of the elongate body is placed. On a third surface 23 of the die holder 20, parallel to the top surface 21, a pin or bolt 24 is seated for mounting the die holder 20 to a machine (not illustrated). On an inner side 25 of the die holder 20, an opening 26 is located, the opening 26 extending to the bottom surface 7 of the die 1.
[0140] FIG. 4 is a trimetric view of a section of a die holder 20 with an unmounted die. The figure illustrates a section of a rings-shaped die holder 20 with a cross-section view of the die holder 20 and a mounted die 1. Furthermore, an unmounted die 1 is floating above a bore 30 in the top surface 21 of the die holder 20. The floating die 1 has a bottom surface 7 corresponding to a bottom surface 28 of the die holder 20. The top surface 3 of the die 1 and the surface part 21 of the die holder 20 are plane in respect to each other when the stop or bottom surface 7 of the die 1 is abutting the bottom surface 28 of the die holder 20.
[0141] FIG. 5 is a top view of a section of a ring-shaped die holder 20, according to the invention. In the middle of the figure, the bore 30 in the top surface 21 of the die holder 20 is located. In the bottom of the bore 30, there is a bottom surface 28 and lower shoulder surfaces 27 parallel to each other. Furthermore, in the bottom of the bore, the opening 26 is visible, extending from the inner side 25 of the die holder 20. On a third surface 23 of the die holder 20, parallel to the top surface 21, a pin or bolt 24 is seated for mounting the die holder 20 to a machine (not illustrated).
[0142] FIG. 6 is a side view of a cross-section of a die holder 20 and die 1, the die 1 not entirely mounted into the bore 30 in the die holder 20. The die 1 has a side surface 6 shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface 29 of the bore 30 in the die holder 20. The press fit serves to interlock the die 1 within the bore 30 of the die holder 20. At the lower portion of the die 1 there are two opposite recesses 8 serving to engage with a lower shoulder surface 27 of the die holder 20, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove 4 relative to the die holder 20. Furthermore, when the bottom surface 7 of the die 1 engage with the bottom surface 28 of the die holder 20, the top surface 3 of the die 1 becomes flush or plane with the top surface 21 of the die holder 20.
[0143] FIG. 7 is a side view of a cross-section of a die holder 20 and die 1, the die 1 pressed into the die holder 20. The side surface 6 of the die interlocks with the inner surface 29 of the bore and the bottom surface 7 of the die 1 functions as a stop surface for engaging with the bottom surface 28 in the bore of the die holder 20, so as to determine the height of the top surface 3 of the die 1 in relation to the top surface 21 of the die holder 20.
[0144] FIG. 8 is a trimetric view of an elongate body 40 fixed in a die 1 and a ring-shaped die holder 20. The elongate body 40 is placed in the groove 4 of the die 1 and is furthermore locked in place by a locking mechanism 30. Part of the elongate body 40 protrudes at the recess 5 of the cut-out surface 9 of the die 1, seated to be formed onto the head of a nail.
[0145] FIG. 9 is a trimetric view of an elongate body 40 fixed between two corresponding dies 1, 1′ and a section of a ring-shaped die holder 20. The recesses 5, 5′ on each die 1, 1′ forms the shape of the head of a nail, when the two dies 1, 1′ are positioned with their corresponding top surfaces facing towards each other and their grooves aligned.
[0146] FIG. 10 is a side view of a cross-section of an elongate tool 50, placed in an opening 26 of a die holder 20, between the die holder 20 and a die 1, according to the invention. The elongate tool has a tapered tip 52 abutting the bottom surface 7 of the die 1. Furthermore, the back end of the elongate tool 50 has a protrusion 51 to indicate to an operator how to orient the elongate tool about a longitudinal axis. When the elongate tool 50 is forced towards the die 1, the die 1 is forced away from the die holder 20, releasing the die 1 from the die holder 20 for maintenance of the die holder 20 or die 1.
[0147] FIG. 11 is a trimetric view of a cross-section of an elongate tool 50, placed in an opening 26 on the inner side 25 of a ring-shaped die holder 20, between the die holder 20 and a die 1, according to the invention. When the opening 26 is located at the inner side 25 of the ring-shaped die holder 20, the opening is unobstructed with the die holder 20 mounted for normal operation. The elongate tool 50 has a tapered tip 52 abutting the bottom surface 7 of the die 1. Furthermore, the back end of the elongate tool 50 has a protrusion 51 to indicate to an operator how to orient the elongate tool 50 about a longitudinal axis. When the elongate tool 50 is forced towards the die 1, the die 1 is forced away from the die holder 20, releasing the die 1 from the die holder 20 for maintenance of the die holder 20 or die 1.
[0148] FIG. 12 is a trimetric view of a cross-section of an elongate tool 50 and associated press tool 60, the press tool 60 mounted on the die holder 20, according to the invention. The press tool 60 is mounted through a bolt 61 engaging with a threaded section 70 of a neighbouring opening 26, in relation to the opening 26, which the elongate tool 50 is positioned within. When the press tool 60 is placed on the back end 51 of the elongate tool 50 and the bolt 70 is turned so as to move inwards according to the threading 70, towards the die holder 20, force is applied to the elongate tool 50. As a result, the elongate tool 50 and hence the tapered tip 52 is forced towards the die 1 and the die 1 is forced away from the die holder 20, releasing the die 1 from the die holder 20 for maintenance of the die holder 20 or die 1.
[0149] FIG. 13 is a trimetric view of two ring-shaped die holder embodiments 20, 20′ oriented towards each other. The ring-shaped die holders 20, 20′ have a central axis of rotation 100, about which they are arranged to rotate. A plurality of dies 1 are positioned within the die holders 20, 20′ around the circumference. The dies 1 are mounted on each of the die holders 20, 20′ are arranged facing towards each other. Especially, one of the die holders 20, the bores or holes for the dies are parallel with the axis of rotation 100, while on the other die holder 20′, the bores or holes for the dies are slightly angled.
[0150] FIG. 14 is a cross-section of a side view of two corresponding dies 1, 1′ mounted in two corresponding ring-shaped die holders 20, 20′, according to the invention. The dies 1, 1′ are aligned with their grooves 4, 4′ and recesses 5, 5′ facing each other. Furthermore the openings 26, 26′ are illustrated, extending towards the dies 1, 1′.
[0151] FIG. 15 is a cross-section of a side view of an elongate body 40 formed into a nail with a head 41, fixed between two corresponding dies 1, 1′ mounted in two corresponding ring-shaped die holders 20, 20′, according to the present invention.
[0152] FIG. 16 is trimetric view of a section of a ring-shaped die holder 20 with a mounted die 1 and a corresponding, free-floating die 1′. The two opposing dies 1, 1′ form the head of a nail with their corresponding recesses 5, 5′. The figure illustrates how the die 1 is seated in the die holder 20 by observing the visible bottom surface 7′ of the floating die 1′ and the recess 8′ shaped to ensure angular fixation of the groove on the top surface of the die 1′.
[0153] FIG. 17 shows three different views of an alternative die embodiment, where the groove is offset from a longitudinal axis through the body of the die from top surface 3 to bottom of the die body. FIG. 17A is a trimetric view of a die 1, the die 1 having a groove 4 which is off-center in relation to the top surface 3 of the die 1. FIG. 17B is a top view of a die 1, the die 1 having a groove 4 which is off-center in relation to the top surface 3 of the die 1. FIG. 17C is a side view of a die 1, the die 1 having a groove 4 which is off-center in relation to the top surface 3 of the die 1.
[0154] FIG. 18 is a flow-chart of a method embodiment for manufacturing a head on an elongate body, such as metal nails or screws, the method comprising:
S1 providing first and second die holders, each of the first and second die holders comprising: [0155] 1. a body having at least a substantially plane top surface part, [0156] 2. a hole or bore in the substantially plane top surface part, wherein the hole or bore has an inner surface shaped for receiving the die and for press fit by contact with a side surface of the die, [0157] 3. a stop part located in the hole or bore for engaging with a bottom surface of the die when being pressed into the hole or bore, so as to fix a height of the top surface of the die in relation to the top surface part of the die holder, and [0158] 4. a protrusion or recess serving to engage with a corresponding recess or protrusion of the die, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove of the die relative to the die holder.
S2 providing first and second dies, each of the first and second dies comprising: [0159] 1. a body with a top surface provided with a through-going groove for receiving and holding an elongate body longitudinally in said groove, [0160] 2. a recess at one end of the groove suitable for forming the head on the elongate body, [0161] 3. a side surface shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder, [0162] 4. a bottom surface for engaging with a stop part in the hole or bore of the associated die holder, so as to determine a height of the top surface of the die in relation to a surface part of the associated die holder, and [0163] 5. a recess or protrusion serving to engage with a corresponding protrusion or recess of the associated die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove relative to the die holder,
S3 bringing the top surface of the first die so near to the top surface of the second die that the grooves of the first and second dies hold the elongate body, and
S4 providing force onto the elongate body at the recess end of the grooves so as to form a head on the elongate body.
[0164] In a further embodiment, the method may comprise the step of removing the die by pushing a bottom part of the die, such as by a dedicated tool, through an opening in the die holder.
[0165] FIG. 19 is a trimetric view of a die 1 embodiment with a groove 75 at a bottom surface 7. The figure illustrates a die 1 for mounting in an associated die holder for the production of heads on elongate bodies, such as a metal nail or screw. The die 1 comprises a body 2 with a top surface 3. The top surface has a through-going groove 4 suitable for receiving and holding the elongate body longitudinally in the groove 4. The groove 4 may have gripper marks (not visible) for increased friction with the elongate body to improve the holding effect. The body 2 of the die 1 has a cut-out surface 9 on one side and the cut-out surface 9 has a recess 5, which extends from the cut-out surface 9 and merges into the groove 4. The recess 5 is shaped to form half of the head on the elongate body. The die 1 has a side surface 6 shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder. The die 1 has a bottom surface 7 with a chamfer 10 for easy mounting of the die 1 into the hole or bore of the associated die holder. At the lower portion of the body 2 there are two opposite recesses 8 serving to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the associated die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove 4 relative to the die holder.
[0166] On the bottom surface 7, a groove 75 has been cut into the body 2 of the die 1. The purpose of this groove 75 is to allow an elongate tool with a tip matching the groove 75 to engage with the groove in order to push the die 1 upwards, when press fit mounted in a die holder. Especially, such elongate tool can be inserted in an opening in the die holder and thus facilitate removing the die for replacement.
[0167] FIG. 20 is another trimetric view of a die 1 embodiment with a groove 75 at a bottom surface 7. The figure illustrates a die 1 for mounting in an associated die holder for the production of heads on elongate bodies, such as a metal nail or screw. The die 1 comprises a body 2 with a cut-out surface 9 on one side and the cut-out surface 9 has a recess 5, which extends from the cut-out surface 9. The recess 5 is shaped to form half of the head on the elongate body. The die 1 has a side surface 6 shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder. The die 1 has a bottom surface 7 with a chamfer 10 for easy mounting of the die 1 into the hole or bore of the associated die holder. At the lower portion of the body 2 there are two opposite recesses 8 (one recess not shown) serving to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the associated die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove 4 relative to the die holder.
[0168] On the bottom surface 7, an inclined groove 75 has been cut into the body 2 of the die 1. In the present embodiment, the inclined groove 75 is a plane surface being parallel with an axis 300 perpendicular to a central axis/length axis 200 of the die 1. The angle of inclination is preferably 2°-20°. The inclined plane surface helps to provide a force in an upward direction to drive out the die 1 from a die holder. The tool preferably has a tip with an inclination angle matching the inclination angle of the plane surface of the groove 75. An example of such tool will be given below.
[0169] FIG. 21 is trimetric view of a section of a ring-shaped die holder with a mounted die and a corresponding, free-floating die, with an inclined groove to illustrate cooperation of recesses of two dies for producing a head on a nail. The two opposing dies 1, 1′ form the head of a nail with their corresponding recesses 5, 5′. The figure illustrates how the die 1 is seated in the die holder 20 by observing the visible bottom surface 7′ of the floating die 1′ and the recess 8′ shaped to ensure angular fixation of the groove on the top surface of the die 1′. On the bottom surface 7 of the floating die 1′, an inclined groove 75′ is visible, i.e. a groove 75′ with the functionality as explained for the groove 75 above.
[0170] Preferably, the die holder 20 is a monolithic element made of metal, preferably a metal which is softer than the metal or other material which forms the associated dies to be press fit in the holes or bores 30. The dies are preferably made of a hard material, e.g. a hard metal, to provide a long life time. By the press fitting principle, the hard material die is securely fastened in the hole or bore 30, thus providing optimal support of the edge of the hard material die, thereby providing a long life time of the die.
[0171] The holes or bores 30 each has an inner surface shaped for receiving a die and for press fit by contact with the side surface of the die. In the hole or bore 30, a stop part is formed so as to allow engagement with a stop surface of the die when the die is being pressed into the hole or bore, so as to fix a height of a top surface of the die in relation to the top surface part of the die holder 20. Further, the die holder 20 has a protrusion or recess serving to engage with a corresponding recess or protrusion of the die, in order to fix angular orientation of the die relative to the die holder, thereby facilitating precise angular orientation of the die during the mounting in the die holder 20, e.g. after replacement of the die.
[0172] Examples of the stop part and protrusion or recess for angular orientation fixing of the die can be seen in FIGS. 4-7. These features may be made in the die holder 20 by a milling process in the hole or bore 30.
[0173] FIG. 22 is a trimetric view of a cross-section of an elongate tool 50, placed in an opening 26 on the inner side 25 of a ring-shaped die holder 20, between the die holder 20 and a die 1, according to the invention. When the opening 26 is located at the inner side 25 of the ring-shaped die holder 20, the opening is unobstructed with the die holder 20 mounted for normal operation. The elongate tool 50 has an inclined tip 52 abutting a corresponding inclined groove 75 on the bottom surface 7 of the die 1. Furthermore, the back end of the elongate tool 50 has a protrusion 51 to indicate to an operator how to orient the elongate tool 50 about a longitudinal axis. When the elongate tool 50 is forced towards the die 1, the die 1 is forced away from the die holder 20, releasing the die 1 from the die holder 20 for maintenance of the die holder 20 or die 1.
[0174] FIG. 23 is a cross-section of a side view of an elongate body 40 formed into a nail with a head 41, fixed between two corresponding dies 1, 1′ mounted in two corresponding ring-shaped die holders 20, 20′, according to the present invention. On the bottom surface 7′ of the die 1′, an inclined groove 75′ is visible.
[0175] FIG. 24 is a trimetric view of an embodiment of a die holder 20 in the form of a ring shaped tool ring for a nail manufacturing machine. The die holder 20 comprises a top surface 21 with a plurality of evenly distributed holes or bores 30 each formed to receive a die shaped for press fit mounting. The die holder 20, further comprises a side surface 22 with openings 26, corresponding to each of the holes or bores 30. These openings 26 serve to insert an elongate tool for removing the dies when press fit mounted in the holes or bores 30.
[0176] FIG. 25 is a side view of a cross-section of a die holder 20 and die 1, the die 1 being pressed into the die holder 20 with a bushing 80 attached to the die holder 20. In order to remove the die 1 from the die holder 20, a hydraulic pressure P may be applied into a cavity C within the die holder 20, so as to eject the die 1 from said die holder 20. In order to contain the hydraulic pressure P within the cavity C, a plug 85 has been inserted into the opening 26 in the side surface 22 of the die holder 20.
[0177] FIG. 26 is a side-view of a cross-section of an elongate tool 50, placed in an opening 26 of a die holder 20. The elongate tool 50 is inserted through the opening 26 of a side surface 22 of said die holder 20 and the figure illustrates how the inclined tip 52 on the elongate tool 50 corresponds to the inclination of the groove 75 on the bottom surface 7 of the die 1. In this way the elongate tool 50 can apply an upwards force on the die 1 based on a wedge principle.
[0178] FIGS. 27 and 28 serve to illustrate other examples of shapes of the groove 75 than the plane groove shape shown above. Preferably, as already described, an elongate tool for removing the die has a tip shaped to match the shape of the groove 75 of the die embodiments in FIGS. 27 and 28, i.e. rounded or v-shaped.
[0179] FIG. 27 is a trimetric view of a die 1 embodiment with a rounded groove 75 at a bottom surface 7. The figure illustrates a die 1 for mounting in an associated die holder for the production of heads on elongate bodies, such as a metal nail or screw. The die 1 comprises a body 2 with a cut-out surface 9 on one side and the cut-out surface 9 has a recess 5, which extends from the cut-out surface 9. The recess 5 is shaped to form half of the head on the elongate body. The die 1 has a side surface 6 shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder. The die 1 has a bottom surface 7 with a chamfer 10 for easy mounting of the die 1 into the hole or bore of the associated die holder. At the lower portion of the body 2 there are two opposite recesses 8 serving to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the associated die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove 4 relative to the die holder. On the bottom surface 7, a rounded groove 75 has been cut into the body 2 of the die 1. The purpose of this groove 75 is to allow an elongate tool with a rounded tip matching the rounded groove 75 to engage with the groove in order to push the die 1 upwards, when press fit mounted in a die holder.
[0180] FIG. 28 is a trimetric view of a die 1 embodiment with a v-shaped groove 75 at a bottom surface 7. The figure illustrates a die 1 for mounting in an associated die holder for the production of heads on elongate bodies, such as a metal nail or screw. The die 1 comprises a body 2 with a cut-out surface 9 on one side and the cut-out surface 9 has a recess 5, which extends from the cut-out surface 9. The recess 5 is shaped to form half of the head on the elongate body. The die 1 has a side surface 6 shaped for press fit by contact with an inner surface of a bore or hole in the associated die holder. The die 1 has a bottom surface 7 with a chamfer 10 for easy mounting of the die 1 into the hole or bore of the associated die holder. At the lower portion of the body 2 there are two opposite recesses 8 serving to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the associated die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove 4 relative to the die holder. On the bottom surface 7, a v-shaped groove 75 has been cut into the body 2 of the die 1. The purpose of this groove 75 is to allow an elongate tool with a corresponding v-shaped tip matching the v-shaped groove 75 to engage with the groove in order to push the die 1 upwards, when press fit mounted in a die holder.
[0181] To sum up, the invention provides a die (1) for mounting in an associated die holder (20) for the production of heads on elongate bodies such as nails or screws. The die has a body (2) with a top surface (3) provided with a through-going groove (4) for receiving and holding an elongate body longitudinally in said groove. Furthermore, the die has a recess in the form of a cut-out (9) on one side merging into the groove (4) at one end of the groove (4) suitable for forming the head of a nail or screw. The die is preferably shaped tapered or conical for press fit by contact with the inner surface of a bore or hole (30) in the associated die holder. The top surface (3) of the die (1) is plane in relation to the top surface (21) of the die holder (20) through a stop or bottom surface (7) which engages with a stop or bottom part (28) within the hole or bore (30) of the die holder (20). Furthermore, the bottom portion of the die has at least one recess (8) or protrusion serving to engage with a corresponding protrusion (27) or recess of the associated die holder, in order to fix angular orientation of the groove (4) relative to the die holder (20). In order to produce a nail or screw from an elongate body (40), two opposite dies are brought together by two opposite die holders, the dies together forming the head (41) with their combined recesses.
[0182] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms “comprising” or “comprises” do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as “a” or “an” etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.
