DE10017378B4 - Quality assurance system - Google Patents

Abstract

Metal cutting and / or deforming tool (1) for a processing machine consisting of a number of sub-tools, the serially arranged Form processing stations within the tool (1) and respectively have movable and / or stationary tool parts, wherein at least a sub-tool as a testing / measuring device (H) for accommodating at least such dimensions with low tolerance tolerance is formed, which is connected to a computer (4), the measurement data from the test / measuring device gets to detect deviations from any given dimensional tolerances, where the tool (1) controlled by the computer (4) internal modification device (2) has which correspondingly detected tolerance deviations one Tool modification makes, characterized in that each such processing station immediately downstream of a test / measuring device (H) is that for the case of at least one measure to be observed therein with a small deviation tolerance selected is.

Description

The The present invention relates to a tool according to the preamble of the claim 1 and in particular a metalworking tool, for example Punching, pressing and / or Embossing tools in the form of an intelligent, self-regulating tool.

Generally In the field of metalworking, coarse and fine machining techniques are used serial machining of workpieces distinguished, which below, for example, by punching briefly explained become.

Become primary workpieces processed by a coarse punching method, preferably for this purpose known eccentric presses are equipped with punching tools, in particular such areas and edging to the low requirements of your Dimensional accuracy of finished workpiece are placed.

The However, fine-blanking has become in recent years as the modern punching method / technique for the production of finely cut parts established. The fine cut is especially through the use of Hydraulic presses allows which the stroke speed can vary with each punching operation. however is by the lack of hydraulic presses flywheel attaching example of phases from 45 ° in Tool not or only with relatively much larger presses possible.

As already executed was in the so-called Grobstanzen essentially the Excenterpressen used, in which by the uniform lifting speed a general fine cut is actually not possible. In turn, can however, the recording for the tool in such eccentric press up to two meters or more, leaving a variety of processing stations connected in series within a tool can be integrated (Up to 12 and more processing stations can be realized). The Variety of processing stations in the tool thus allows the execution of several operations per eccentric press stroke, so as to enter through the plurality of separate operations Approximate fine cut.

It has been shown that individual cut surfaces by a plurality of carried out in succession machining operations the quality achieve a fine-cutting operation by means of a hydraulic press, yes, even better can, such a workflow being referred to as "cockroaches" in the art. Furthermore allows the momentum of the eccentric press even the production of phases (Chamfers) up to 30 °.

A Metalworking line for processing punching, pressing, cutting and / or embossing workpieces shows especially at finishing stations using hydraulic presses in general bottlenecks in terms of the maximum quantity, possibly long downtimes are accepted at these stations Need to become, For example, when to replace worn tools are. This is partly because hydraulic presses normally be equipped with only a maximum of two to three workstations in the tool can, being the productivity Such a hydraulic press compared to an eccentric press low in each case with the same number of serial processing steps is. On the other hand needed a hydraulic press for a controlled pressing process (hydraulic pressure buildup and dismantling) a longer period as an eccentric press.

Out The prior art has now become known as a so-called "hicutting" cutting system. This system represents a kind of combination of deep drawing and gene cutting with traditional eccentric presses, preferably with the scraping method because only these presses have a correspondingly large intake for the offer a variety of individual stations equipped tools. The size of this Enable tools a variety of working and straightening during a lifting process, which a considerable quantity on machined workpieces per unit time are achievable and thus this system for production of bulk products is particularly suitable. In particular, the "Hicutting" - cutting system for the production, for example of carrier sheets for the Application of friction material, in disc or drum brake devices applied.

As a rule, so-called coils (roll strips wound up into rolls) serve as workpiece blanks which are fed continuously to a generic press as strip material. It has been found that due to material inaccuracies along and / or transverse of such a coil with respect to its material strength, its material thickness, its surface quality, etc. in particular during punching inaccuracies or deviations of the dimensional accuracy of the individual workpieces result. Also wear of moving parts within the tool to deviations in the dimensional accuracy of the workpieces with increasingly long processing time. For this reason, from time to time, it is necessary to stop the fine-machining devices used today in order to straighten, repair or, if necessary, replace the tool used, These maintenance measures take a considerable amount of time and thus costs.

From the patent DD 284 833 Therefore, a method and an arrangement for automating a tool change in tool wear on cutting processing machines is known. Among other things, this method or device provides for attaching sensors for detecting linear dimensions to the machine, which deliver control signals to a computer, wherein, if deviations from measuring tolerances are detected, the computer triggers a tool change or calculates readjustment values for the relevant tool.

The DE-PS 30 28 834 further relates to a generic stamping and bending machine for the production of workpieces made of tape or wire material, which is a quality assurance system for correction the mutual position of components of the punch press accordingly detected dimensional tolerance deviations Has. Therefor is a kind of measuring head provided with an evaluation unit is connected, which in turn actuates an actuating device. through This adjustment device, the evaluation device, the tool tracking the, to compensate detected deviation tolerances on an already machined workpiece. The actuator influences the position of a workpiece holder.

Finally, be still referred to DE-OS 38 36 714 A1, which in the described therein embodiment though basically the measure a separation of the workpieces with invalid moderation (Committee parts) provides, but in addition also the possibility an adjustment of the tool responds. For this purpose, measuring devices are provided, which in the form of a measuring station the Machining stations is downstream to identify rejects and weed out.

in view of In this state of the art it is the object of the present invention to create a tool with integrated quality assurance system which is a reduction of downtime, in particular of Finishing devices or machines allows.

These The object is achieved by a Tool solved with the features of claim 1.

Of the The basic idea of the invention is generally a kind of intelligent, to create a self-regulating tool. The invention goes thereby from the basic consideration from that in known coarse machining techniques as already mentioned was exemplified by the punching, the possibility of approaching to the measure (at cutting processing such as punching the so-called scraping technique) exists, i. that when arranging a plurality of processing stations in a tool a surface, an edge or a hole through successive editing an accuracy similar a finishing operation can be obtained. The invention sees Consequently, the traditional eccentric presses with a tool to provide a variety of processing stations (up to to 12 workstations are possible) includes, in each case between selected processing stations a test / measurement tool is provided, which at least the dimensions with low tolerance of just machined workpiece checks and sends corresponding measured values to a computer. This calculator controls according to detected or calculated dimensional tolerance deviations Modification of the tool to attach the tool to the corresponding processing stations or to modify a total.

On this way can make changes in terms of quantity and quality a coil in its longitudinal direction and width direction based on detected dimensional tolerance deviations of a already machined workpiece quickly detected and the tool in the preceding processing station accordingly be adjusted. This customization or modification looks like this according to the subclaims a Variety of possibilities in front.

According to the subclaims 2 to 4 it is possible the tool in the individual processing stations with adjusting devices to provide, which are driven hydraulically or by electric motor and which act at least on such tool parts, which edges or areas edit with W measures. Such adjusting devices can Slide, rotary spindles, screws and the like adjustments be on relatively movable or during the Machining fixed parts of the tool in the individual Work on processing stations.

A another possibility according to claim It is 5, the modification device as a tool and / or Tool parts changing device form, in the case of detected dimensional tolerance deviation the entire processing station, which is responsible for processing the measured and tolerance deviated measure responsible, exchanges or parts of this processing station removes and by other tool parts with correspondingly different dimensions replaced. This possibility is particularly suitable when it comes to highly stressed tool parts which are exposed to extreme wear.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the other claims.

The Invention will be described below with reference to a preferred embodiment explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It demonstrate:

1 the systematic plan view of a tool for a so-called "hicutting" cutting system (combination of deep drawing and cutting) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,

2 a section of the tool according to 1 in magnification,

3 the cross section of a workpiece along the cutting lines three-three according to 2 .

4 the cross-section of a tool for use, for example, in an eccentric press,

5 the cross section through an adjusting device of a modification device of the quality assurance system and

6 the system representation of the modification device according to the 5 in the form of a slider as a possible embodiment of the invention.

In the 1 is a thermoforming / embossing tool 1 for an eccentric press according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a systematic plan view.

Like from the 1 it can be seen in the tool 1 According to this embodiment, a total of seven processing stations and a series of the processing stations A-G downstream test / measuring tool H of a quality assurance system 2 as part of the thermoforming / embossing tool 1 integrated. Each processing station A-G is a sub-tool of the deep-drawing / embossing tool 1 formed, which in turn each having a number of relatively movable cutting, embossing and / or deep drawing dies. The first three processing stations A-C form coarse punching and embossing processing stations which pre-process a workpiece blank, in the present case a so-called coil or a punched strip. In essence, the first three processing stations serve to machine the workpiece blank at those edges and surfaces to which only a small requirement for dimensional accuracy is imposed.

In the three further processing stations following the roughing stations D-F becomes the workpiece blank subjected to a finishing process. In these three finishing stations Become D-F especially those areas and edged edges, to which a great requirement for dimensional accuracy is placed. As already stated in the introduction to the description, is for example the cutting or cutting and embossing fine machining implemented with the so-called Schabtechnik, according to which in a majority of serially connected processing stations (present three processing stations) the finely machined edges and surfaces gradually approaching the given dimensional tolerance. A comparable approach process is natural even with a form processing (deep drawing, embossing) possible.

In the seventh processing station G, the machined workpiece 3 cut from the coil or rolling strip. The finished workpiece 3 finally enters the one eighth processing station of the tool 1 performing test / measuring device H, which is a part of the quality assurance system according to the invention 2 represents and in which at least the dimensions with low deviation tolerance (so-called W-dimensions) checked and possibly tolerance deviations are found.

As already indicated above, the illustrated tool is suitable 1 in particular for use in eccentric presses with correspondingly large support tables for large numbers. However, it is of course also possible to use a comparatively designed tool, however, with fewer processing stations even with hydraulic presses for small quantities in order to improve the dimensional accuracy. In addition, only cutting and embossing work are provided in the processing stations A-G shown, the stations can of course be equipped with other part tools for machining, rolling or rolling or deep drawing. It is also not absolutely necessary to connect the testing / measuring device H to the processing stations A-G as in the present example. On the contrary, it is advantageous to immediately connect downstream test / measuring devices to selected processing stations or even to integrate them in the selected stations in order to detect tolerance deviations more quickly and allocate them more reliably to the responsible sub-tools.

A possible embodiment of the quality assurance system according to the invention 2 is described below on the basis of 5 and 6 closer wrote.

The quality assurance system 2 has therefore the test / measuring device H, which with a central computer 4 electrically connected. The testing / measuring device H can for scanning the workpiece styli 5 , Appropriate optics, laser or the like have scanning devices, by means of which the outer dimensions of the workpiece 3 are detectable. According to the 1 is the test / measuring device H in the present embodiment with a number of scanning pins 5 provided by means of which at least the edges and surfaces are scanned with high Maßhaltigkeitsanforderungen. The dimensional and / or tolerance deviation information generated here is sent to the computer 4 transferred, as in the 6 is shown symbolically.

At the calculator 4 It is a programmable computer with a pre-stored data management program, in which different dimensions and tolerances can be entered. After the calculator 4 preferably has measured values, in particular of the edges and surfaces with high Maßhaltigkeitsanforderungen received from the test / measuring device H, he makes a setpoint / actual value comparison before and then checks whether the calculated difference is still within the pre-entered dimensional tolerance or not.

The computer is also electrically with an actuator 6 or adjusting devices connected in the individual selected processing stations A-G, preferably for fine machining of the workpiece 3 are arranged. In the 6 is an adjusting device exemplified in the form of a hydraulic actuator.

Consequently, the adjusting device in the present case consists of a hydraulic cylinder 7 as drive unit and one from the hydraulic cylinder 7 actuatable slide 8th as adjusting device. The slider 8th is present on a stamp 9 for embossing a recess in the fourth processing station D according to 1 arranged, as will be described in more detail below. The slider 8th is via a piston rod 10 with the hydraulic drive unit 7 connected and has three parking positions, in which the tool part, ie the die 9 is adjustable to three different embossing depths.

In 3 is the workpiece 3 illustrated in cross-sectional view, wherein the section line (3-3) through the processing point of the embossing stamp exemplified above 10 runs. As a result, the workpiece has 3 on a longitudinal edge a U-shaped recess or notch 11 that of a band-shaped frame 12 surrounded by pressing the workpiece material by means of the stamping die 9 will be produced. The indentation depth in the thickness direction of the workpiece 3 in this example, represents one of the W dimensions of the workpiece 3 which must be achieved over the entire coil length again and again.

To the position of the slider 8th as well as the embossing stamp 9 within the tool 1 to be able to better illustrate, will be described below with reference to 4 and 5 a description of the tool 3 in the region of the fourth processing station D according to 1 given.

in the general are in known eccentric presses an upper removable plate and a lower removable plate over Guide pillars with each other connected. To the upper removable plate and to the lower removable plate are T-shaped Rail attached, which is a quick setting of the tool frame not closer in here serve shown eccentric press. Such a quick release device is from the prior art known, so on closer Description can be omitted here.

Like from the 4 it can be seen, between the upper removable plate and the lower removable plate (not shown), the tool having the plurality of processing stations (A-H) 1 used, which consists of a tool shell 15 and a tool lower part 14 consists. The tool shell 15 is via an upper insert ring 13 and the lower tool part 14 via a lower insert ring 16 connected to the upper removable plate or the lower removable plate. This connection is done in this case via appropriate bolts (not shown).

The lower part of the tool 14 also has an insert 17 with shrink ring 18 on. The cutting plate 17 is a punch plate 19 placed. Inside the cutting insert is an insert insert 20 or a die, which is fixed by screws. It is also located in the cutting plate 17 an ejector 21 that is above an intermediate plate 22 against a pole 23 which in turn is mounted on a plate 24 in the lower storage ring 16 incident. In the ejector 21 there is still a hole and the die 9 , the corresponding work elements of the tool shell 15 cooperates to emboss the above-defined U-shaped edge about the notch. Furthermore, the ejector 21 via a shoulder screw in the lower insert ring 16 held.

Next to the ejector 21 is located in the cutting plate 17 another counter bearing 25 for a locking bolt 26 in the tool shell 15 ,

Overall, the tool lower part 14 via screws with the lower insert ring 16 connected.

The tool shell 15 has a stamp unit 27 on which is a stamp centering plate 28 and a punch plate 29 has. Both are together over screws with a base plate 30 connected. This is in turn about screws on the upper bearing ring 13 stated.

In the stamp unit 27 There are various processing elements, namely a Anschneidestempel, various other punches and in particular a main punch 31 , in which also the punch mark as well as the further stamps are led. This main stamp 31 lies the ejector 21 across from. He is also still from a countermark 32 interspersed, with the invention modifiable die 9 interacts.

The tool shell 15 is further from pressure pin 33 interspersed in the assembly position, the upper Einlagering 13 go through and there on a counter plate 34 incident. On this counter-plate 34 incidentally, also the countermark 32 on.

The base plate 30 is from a Abdrückbolzen 35 interspersed in the assembly position under the pressure of a coil spring in the upper insert ring 13 stands. Front side meets the Abdrückbolzen 35 on the surface of the stamp unit or on the surface of the punch holder plate 29 on. Furthermore, the tool shell 15 from the locking bolts 26 interspersed.

These are in the stamp centering plate 28 fixed by a screw or bolt while fixing in the base plate 30 detachable by a manually operable knurled screw 36 he follows.

The upper insert ring 13 has corresponding holes for receiving the locking bolt 26 , the coil spring and the associated Abdrückbolzen 35 , the countermark 32 , as well as the pressure bolt 33 on, which are not described in detail.

According to the 4 is between the die 9 and the die 9 supporting insert ring 16 the slider 8th arranged perpendicular to the die 9 extends and along the insert ring 16 , Is preferably held displaceably on the surface as a guide. The stamp 9 itself is axially displaceable in the ejector 21 and the punch plate 19 held and can according to the position of the slider 8th be moved axially to different embossing depths.

Of the Machining sequence of the illustrated tool corresponds substantially the prior art and therefore need not be further described to become. Therefore, only the modification process will be described below of the quality assurance system according to the invention discussed in more detail.

For example, for the production of stamped and deep-drawn components, the coil or stamped strip is used 3 introduced between the tool upper and lower part of the eccentric and the machining process, ie triggered a lifting movement of the eccentric press. Subsequently, the punched strip 3 advanced to a processing station in the eccentric press and triggered a renewed lifting movement, etc.

As stated above, at least one, preferably a plurality of test / measuring devices H is located between or in selected processing stations in the tool 1 integrated, which after each lifting movement with their scanning devices 5 the respective workpiece 3 at least partially scan its dimensions and corresponding measurements to the computer 4 send. This compares the actual dimensions with previously stored desired dimensions, determines an actual / nominal dimension difference and compares the determined difference with a previously stored maximum tolerance.

If the actual / nominal dimension difference is within the maximum tolerance, the calculator returns 4 a release signal for triggering a next advancing movement of the punching strip 3 with subsequent stroke movement of the eccentric press.

Represents the calculator 4 However, the computer determines that the actual / nominal dimension difference is outside the maximum tolerance 4 a tool modification mode. In this mode, the calculator determines 4 Type and size of the tolerance deviation and has the tolerance deviation one or more tool parts, possibly the die 9 to. This is the calculator 4 a control signal to the drive unit 7 for example, the slider 8th off, causing the slider 8th for a desired enlargement or reduction of the embossing depth by the embossing stamp 9 into positions A, B or C according to 6 is adjusted.

After completion of the modification mode the calculator starts 4 again a lifting movement of the eccentric press with subsequent measurement and testing by the test / measuring devices H.

The quality assurance system according to the invention provides the tool 1 so to say automatically to changes of the workpiece blank 3 or the tool 1 This guarantees a dimensional accuracy of the workpieces within specified tolerances with a low scrap content.

It should be noted at this point that the above-described modification device 2 in the form of a hydraulically adjustable slider 8th for adjusting only a tool part of a processing station of the tool 1 is only one of many modification options, as they are listed below by way of example.

Basically, it is possible to make adjustments to tools or tool parts to correct detected tolerance deviations. Depending on the type of tool, relatively movable parts but also during the machining process fixed workpiece parts can be adjusted in terms of their relative position and position. Instead of the described slider 8th , which is pushed like a wedge between two tool parts to change their relative position (distance), adjustment screws, spindles, and the like devices are conceivable, the electromotive from the computer 4 can be operated. Piezo elements can also be used as actuators.

The readjustment as a Modifiziermöglichkeit but has reached its limits when tolerance deviations are exceeded by available Justierwege for individual tool parts as a result of their cramped installation space, for example. In particular, in such cases, as a modification means, a tool or tool parts changing device is inevitable. A suitable changing device comprises a tool or parts magazine in which a number of tools or parts are stored with different fits and dimensions and from the computer 4 to get managed. If the tolerance deviates, the calculator controls 4 For example, a removal gripper, which performs the tool or part change.

Provided as part of a tool modification, the entire tool or a Machining station of the tool should be completely replaced, It is advantageous to have one or more replacement tools, for example To anchor in a holding frame, which is like a sled on the Processing machine is slidably mounted. At a tool or -teilewechsel the carriage is moved gradually, the worn-out tool also anchored in the frame from the processing station pushed out and at the same time the new tool in the processing station is pushed into it.

The quality assurance system according to the invention in the form of the intelligent self-regulating tool Consequently, the basis for the Use of so far only for Machining also used for fine machining and thus contributes significantly to productivity and cost reduction.

Claims (11)

Machining and / or deforming tool ( 1 ) for a processing machine consisting of a number of sub-tools, the serially arranged processing stations within the tool ( 1 ) and each having movable and / or stationary tool parts, wherein at least one sub-tool as a test / measuring device (H) is designed for receiving at least of such dimensions with low tolerance tolerance, which to a computer ( 4 ), which receives measured data from the test / measuring device in order to detect deviations from the respective predetermined dimensional tolerances, wherein the tool ( 1 ) one from the computer ( 4 ) controlled internal modification device ( 2 ), which according to detected tolerance deviations performs a tool modification, characterized in that each such processing station is a test / measuring device (H) immediately downstream, which is selected in the case of at least one measure to be complied with a small deviation tolerance. Tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the modification device ( 2 ) an adjusting device ( 6 ) is for adjusting the positional relationship of relatively movable and / or fixed parts of the tool. Tool according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjusting device ( 6 ) a motor-driven or hydraulically driven slide ( 8th ) and / or has an adjusting spindle. Tool according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive is a hydraulic cylinder ( 7 ), a piezoelectric element or an electric motor. Tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the modification device ( 2 ) is a tool or tool parts changing device which, after detected tolerance deviation for replacement of the corresponding tool or tool part of the computer ( 4 ) is controllable. Tool according to claim 5, characterized in that that the changing device has a tool or tool parts magazine, in which unverschlissene or differently sized tools or parts are bunkered. Tool according to claim 5, characterized gekenn records that the changing device has a tool or tool parts removal unit. Tool according to claim 7, characterized that the removal unit is a pallet or a holding frame, wherein a number of tools or tool parts lined up are, and slidable on the processing machine slide is stored for a tool or tool part change through the processing area the processing machine can be pushed gradually. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test / measuring device (H) a scanning device in the form of styli ( 5 ), Light beam transmitters and receivers, lasers or photocells, with the computer ( 4 ) are connected for data transmission. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer ( 4 ) has a programmable dimensional tolerance database in which at least the W dimensions and associated tolerances are stored, wherein the computer ( 4 ) after receipt of the recorded measurement data by the test / measuring device (H) performs a target / actual comparison and in the case of a tolerance deviation of a certain degree the drive ( 6 ) of the modification device ( 2 ). Tool according to claim 10, characterized in that the target / actual comparison and a possibly required modification after each machining cycle of a workpiece ( 3 ) is carried out.