US 12,324,571 B2
Automated punching station for the production of punched components, punched component and relative production method
Gabriele Lualdi, Fagagna (IT)
Assigned to HPF S.R.L., Fagagna (IT)
Filed by HPF S.R.L., Fagagna (IT)
Filed on Aug. 6, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/396,651.
Prior Publication US 2022/0040877 A1, Feb. 10, 2022
Int. Cl. B26F 1/40 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); B26D 5/08 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/00 (2013.01) [B26D 5/08 (2013.01); B26F 1/40 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00526 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An automated punching station configured to produce punched components for prosthetic surgery instruments, wherein said station comprises:
a transport support arranged to receive and position a plurality of intermediate components, each of the intermediate components provided with through holes defined at least in part by a respective edge;
a press device comprising at least one fixed punch and a counter-punch mobile in a punching direction with respect to said fixed punch for punching each of said edges to provide a cutting part of the prosthetic surgery instrument;
at least one automated operator configured to pick up, and move one at a time, said intermediate components from said transport support, so as to place each intermediate component in cooperation on each occasion with said press device in order to punch the respective edge in a punching operation; and
a control unit configured to command the automated operator to maintain each intermediate component in a grip once placed in cooperation with the press device and move said automated operator synchronously; and
wherein, the counter-punch is configured to engage and shape a segment of the respective edge into a protruding cutting edge.