EP0393649A2

EP0393649A2 - Press

Info

Publication number: EP0393649A2
Application number: EP90107390A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Toshiaki Enami
Original assignee: Enami Seiki Mfg Co Ltd
Current assignee: Enami Seiki Mfg Co Ltd
Priority date: 1989-04-21
Filing date: 1990-04-19
Publication date: 1990-10-24
Also published as: AU5367390A; CA2014952A1; CN1046480A; KR900015903A; BR9001867A; EP0393649A3; JPH02281000A

Abstract

A press performs first-stage press working on a long plate member (9) with a first upper die (83) and a first lower die (183) which are provided in a first working station (81), and then performs second-stage press working on the long plate member (9) with a second upper die (94) and a second lower die (194) which are provided in a second working station (82). The first upper die (83) and the first lower die (183) circularly move in opposite directions, to press-work the long plate member (9). The second upper die (94) and the second lower die (194) circularly move in opposite directions, to press-work the long plate member (9). The circular motions of the first upper die (83) and the first lower die (183) and the circular motions of the second upper die (94) and the second lower die (194) are 180° out of phase. Inertial forces caused in the respective dies (83, 183, 94, 194) are mutually cancelled, whereby the press can be entirely kept in good mass balance.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a press for press-working a long plate member which is introduced between an upper die and a lower die by approaching the upper and lower dies to each other, and more particularly, it relates to a press which can correctly conform the speed for feeding the long plate member to that of the press operation.

Description of the Background Art

Fig. 6 illustrates a transfer press which has a first working station 1 and a second working station 2. This transfer press is adapted to draw a long plate member 9 in the first working station 1 as shown in Fig. 7, and then cut and separate a drawn product 9a in the second working station 2 as shown in Fig. 8.
The first working station 1 is provided with an upper die 3 and a lower die 4 for drawing the long plate member 9. The upper die 3 linearly vertically moves to perform desired drawing operation.
The second working station 2 is provided with an upper die 5 and a lower die 6 for cutting and separating the product 9a. The upper die 5 has a cutter 5a in its lower peripheral edge. This upper die 5 linearly vertically moves to perform desired cutting and separating operation.
A pair of feed rolls 7 are provided in front of the first working station 1, and another pair of feed rolls 8 are provided at the back of the second working station 2. The long plate member 9 is fed by rotation of the feed rolls 7 and 8.
The feed rolls 7 and 8 are not continuously but intermittently driven to rotate. When the long plate member 9 is being press-worked by the upper dies 3 and 5, the feed rolls 7 and 8 are stopped in order to hold the long plate member 9 in a stopped state. On the other hand, the feed rolls 7 and 8 are driven when the upper dies 3 and 5 are separated from the lower dies 4 and 6, to feed the long plate member 9 by a prescribed distance. The feed operation made by the feed rolls 7 and 8 must be correctly synchronized with the press operation made by the upper dies 3 and 5.
In a press for high-speed press operation, the upper dies 3 and 5 vertically move in high-speed cycles. Consequently, the feed rolls 7 and 8 are driven to rotate in high-speed intermittent cycles.
In a conventional press, a driving mechanism for the vertical movement of the upper dies 3 and 5 is independent of a driving mechanism for the rotation of the feed rolls 7 and 8. Particularly in a press for high-speed press operation, therefore, it is difficult to correctly synchronize the press operation of the upper dies 3 and 5 with the feed operation of the feed rolls 7 and 8.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been proposed to solve the aforementioned problem, and an object thereof is to provide a press which can correctly synchronize operation for feeding a long plate member with press operation made by dies.
The invention defined in claim 1 is directed to a press for press-working a long plate member which is introduced between an upper die and a lower die by approaching the upper and lower dies to each other. The press operation of at least a first one of the dies is made by a circular motion rotating along a direction for discharging the long plate member, while the other die is associated with the operation of the first die.
The invention defined in claim 7 is directed to a press for performing first-stage press working on a long plate member with a first die unit which is provided in a first working station and then performing second-stage press working on the long plate member with a second die unit which is provided in a second working station. The first and second die units are adapted to press the long plate member by circular motions rotating along a direction for discharging the long plate member, while the same are so associated with each other as to make the press operation at a phase angle of 180°.
According to the invention defined in claim 1, the press operation of at least one of the dies is performed by a circular motion rotating along the direction for discharging the long plate member, whereby the long plate member, being press-worked by the dies, is fed in a prescribed direction by the first die. Thus, it is possible to correctly synchronize the operation for feeding the long plate member with the press operation made by the dies.
The invention defined in claim 7 can attain a working effect which is similar to that of the invention defined in claim 1. The first and second die units are so associated with each other as to press the long plate member at a phase angle of 180°, whereby inertial forces caused by actions of the die units are mutually cancelled to keep the press in good balance.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E illustrate press operation made by an upper die 11 and a lower die 12 shown in Fig. 1 in sequence;
Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate press operation made by an upper die 41 and a lower die 42 shown in Fig. 3 in sequence;
Fig. 5 illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 illustrates a conventional press;
Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a drawn long plate member 9;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing a product 9a which is cut and separated after drawing;
Fig. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 10 is a diagram for illustrating general operation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 illustrates an essential part of a press according to an embodiment of the present invention. The press shown in Fig. 1 comprises an upper die 11 and a lower die 12 for drawing a long plate member 9. The upper and lower dies 11 and 12 press the long plate member 9 by circular motions rotating along a direction for discharging the long plate member 9 respectively. In order to implement such operation, the press shown in Fig. 1 comprises a plurality of gears 13, 16, 19, 21, 24 and 27, belts 29, 32 and 35, and pulleys 30 and 33.
First, note a structure which is related to the upper die 11. The gear 13 is rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 14. This gear 13 is connected with the upper die 11 through a connecting shaft 15. Upon rotation of the gear 13, the connecting shaft 15 circularly moves about the center shaft 14. The gear 16 is also rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 17. This gear 16 is connected with the upper die 11 through a connecting shaft 18. Upon rotation of the gear 16, the connecting shaft 18 circularly moves about the center shaft 17. The gears 13 and 16 are identical in size and number of teeth to each other. The center shafts 14 and 17 and the connecting shafts 15 and 18 are arranged in positional relation capable of defining a parallelogram.
In the state shown in Fig. 1, the connecting shafts 15 and 18 are in lowermost positions. In other words, the upper die 11 is in its lowermost position. From the state shown in Fig. 1, the gears 13 and 16 so anticlockwisely rotate that the connecting shafts 15 and 18 circularly move about the center shafts 14 and 17 respectively, whereby the upper die 11 also circularly moves while keeping its attitude.
The gear 19 is rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 20, to engage with the two gears 13 and 16. This gear 19 is driven to rotate by a motor, for example.
Now, note a structure which is related to the lower die 12. The gears 21 and 24 are rotatably mounted on the press body through center shafts 22 and 25 respectively. The gear 21 is connected to the lower die 12 through a connecting shaft 23, while the other gear 24 is also connected to the lower die 12 through a connecting shaft 26. The center shafts 22 and 25 and the connecting shafts 23 and 26 are arranged in positional relation for defining a parallelogram. The two gears 21 and 24 are identical in size and number of teeth to each other.
In the state shown in Fig. 1, the connecting shafts 23 and 26 are in uppermost positions. In other words, the lower die 12 is brought into its uppermost position. Upon rotation of the gears 21 and 24, the connecting shafts 23 and 26 circularly move about the center shafts 22 and 25 respectively, whereby the lower die 12 also circularly moves.
The gear 27 is also rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 28, to engage with the gears 21 and 24.
In order to associate press operation of the upper die 11 with that of the lower die 12, the pulleys 30 and 33 are rotatably mounted on the press body through center shafts 31 and 34 respectively. The rotation of the gear 19 is transferred to the pulley 30 through the belt 29. The gear 19 and the pulley 30 rotate in the same direction. The rotation of the pulley 30 is transferred to the pulley 33 through the belt 32. The belt 32 is extended along the pulleys 30 and 33 with an intermediate twist, as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, the pulleys 30 and 33 rotate in opposite directions. The rotation of the pulley 33 is transferred to the gear 27 through the belt 35. The pulley 33 and the gear 27 rotate in the same direction.
The operation of this embodiment is now described. The gear 19 is driven by a motor, for example, to rotate in the clockwise direction, whereby the gears 13 and 16 engaging with the gear 19 rotate in the anticlockwise direction. Consequently, the upper die 11 circularly moves to rotate in the anticlockwise direction.
Due to the clockwise rotation of the gear 19, the pulleys 30 and 33 rotate clockwisely and anticlockwisely respectively. The rotation of the pulley 33 is transferred to the gear 27 through the belt 35. Namely, the gear 27 rotates in the anticlockwise direction so that the gears 21 and 24 engaging with the gear 27 rotate clockwisely. Consequently, the lower die 12 circularly moves to rotate in the clockwise direction. The circular motions of the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 must be made in the same radii at the same angular velocity. When the upper die 12 is in its lowermost position, the lower die 12 is brought into its uppermost position.
Figs. 2A to 2E illustrate the press operation performed by the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 in sequence. In each figure, a center line C corresponds to a line connecting the center shafts 20 and 28 shown in Fig. 1 with each other.
In the state shown in Fig. 2A, the upper die 11 is in its uppermost position and the lower die 12 is in its lowermost position. The long plate member 9 is located between the upper and lower dies 11 and 12. From this state, the gear 19 (Fig. 1) is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction, whereby the upper die 11 moves along an arrow A and the lower die 12 moves along an arrow B.
Fig. 2B shows such a state that both the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 are in leftmost positions. The lower end surface of the upper die 11 is in contact with the upper surface of the long plate member 9. From the state shown in Fig. 2B, the upper die 11 further moves along an arrow B, and the lower die 12 moves along an arrow E. Fig. 2C shows a state after the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 slightly move from the state shown in Fig. 2B.
In the state shown in Fig. 2B, the long plate member 9 is held and slightly drawn between a projecting part of the upper die 11 and a depressed part of the lower die 12. From the state shown in Fig. 2C, the upper die 11 moves along an arrow F and the lower die 12 moves along an arrow G, whereby the vertical spacing between the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 is gradually reduced to increase the amount of drawing of the long plate member 9. At this time, both the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 move rightwardly in the figure, whereby the long plate member 9 held by the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 also moves in the rightward direction. As hereinabove described, the circular motions of the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 are identical in dimension and velocity to each other, whereby the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 rightwardly move by the same distance.
Fig. 2D shows such a state that the upper die 11 is in its lowermost position and the lower die 12 is in its uppermost position. Drawing of the long plate member 9 is completed in this state. From the state shown in Fig. 2D, the upper die 11 moves along an arrow H and the lower die 12 moves along an arrow I, to increase the vertical spacing between the upper and lower dies 11 and 12. At this time, the long plate member 9 is pulled by the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 and fed in the rightward direction.
Fig. 2E shows such a state that the upper and lower dies 11 and 12 are in rightmost positions. From the state shown in Fig. 2E, the upper die 11 moves along an arrow J, and the lower die 12 moves along an arrow K.
The operation shown in Figs. 2A to 2E is so repeated as to continuously draw the long plate member 9. The upper and lower dies 11 and 12 feed the long plate member 9 in a prescribed direction while drawing the same, whereby the operation for feeding the long plate member 9 is correctly synchronized with the press operation performed by the upper and lower dies 11 and 12. Further, there is no need to provide a specific mechanism, such as the feed rolls 7 and 8 shown in Fig. 6, for feeding the long plate member 9 in a prescribed direction.
The amount of feed of the long plate member 9 can be properly adjusted by changing the amounts of the circular motions of the upper and lower dies 11 and 12, for example.
Fig. 3 illustrates an essential part of a press according to another embodiment of the present invention. The press shown in Fig. 3 comprises an upper die 41 and a lower die 42 for press working.
A structure related to the upper die 41 is substantially identical to that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In more concrete terms, gears 43 and 46 are rotatably mounted on the press body through center shafts 44 and 47 respectively. These gears 43 and 46 are connected to the upper die 41 through connecting shafts 45 and 48 respectively. Further, a gear 49 is rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 50, to engage with the gears 43 and 46. This gear 49 is driven to rotate by a motor, for example. When the gear 49 is driven to rotate, the upper die 41 circularly moves similarly to that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.
While the lower die 12 also circularly moves in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the lower die 42 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 linearly reciprocates along a direction for feeding a long plate member.
A mechanism for driving the lower die 42 is as follows: Gears 51 and 56 are rotatably mounted on the press body through center shafts 52 and 57 respectively. These gears 51 and 56 are upwardly provided with shafts 53 and 58 in eccentric positions respectively. Further, guide members 54 and 59 are fixed to/mounted on the lower die 42. The first guide member 54 has a vertically extending flute 55, which receives the shaft 53. The second guide member 59 also has a vertically extending flute 60, which receives the shaft 58. The center shafts 52 and 57 and the shafts 553 and 58 are arranged in positional relation for defining a parallelogram.
A gear 61 is rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 62 to engage with the gears 51 and 56. The press further comprises pulleys 64 and 65 and belts 66, 67 and 68 in order to associate motions of the upper and lower dies 41 and 42 with each other. The rotation of the gear 49, which is driven by a motor, is transferred to the pulley 64 through the belt 66. The gear 49 and the pulley 64 rotate in the same direction. The rotation of the pulley 64 is transferred to the pulley 65 through the belt 67. The belt 67 is extended along the pulleys 64 and 65 with an intermediate twist, as shown in Fig. 3. Thus, the pulleys 64 and 65 rotate in opposite directions. The rotation of the pulley 65 is transferred to the gear 61 through the belt 68. The pulley 65 and the gear 61 rotate in the same direction.
In the state shown in Fig. 3, the upper die 41 is brought into its lowermost position. On the other hand, the lower die 42 simply reciprocates along the direction for feeding the long plate member, with no vertical motion. In the state shown in Fig. 3, the lower die 42 is in an intermediate position of its movement stroke. In other words, the shafts 53 and 58, which are upwardly provided on the gears 51 and 56, are in uppermost positions respectively.
The operation of this embodiment is now described.
Similarly to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the gear 49 is driven by a motor to rotate clockwisely, so that the upper die 41 circularly moves in the anticlockwise direction. The rotation of the gear 49 is transferred to the gear 61 through the pulleys 64 and 65 and the belts 66, 67 and 68. Consequently, the gears 51 and 56 engaging with the gear 61 rotate clockwisely. In response to this, the shafts 53 and 58, which are upwardly provided on the gears 51 and 56, circularly move about the center shafts 52 and 57 respectively. Since the shafts 53 and 58 are received in the flutes 55 and 60 of the guide members 54 and 59, the lower die 42 horizontally reciprocates upon such circular motions of the shafts 53 and 58.
Figs. 4A to 4D illustrate press operation performed by the upper and lower dies 41 and 42 in sequence. In each figure, a center line C corresponds to a line connecting the center shafts 50 and 62 of the gears 49 and 61 shown in Fig. 3 with each other.
In the state shown in Fig. 4A, the upper die 41 is in its uppermost position, while the lower die 42 is in the intermediate position of its movement stroke. A long plate member 9 is located between the upper and lower dies 41 and 42. Holding rollers 69 and 60 are arranged in front and at the back of the dies 41 and 42, in order to hold the long plate member 9 in a constant vertical position. From the state shown in Fig. 4A, the upper die 41 circularly moves along an arrow L, and the lower die 42 linearly moves along an arrow M.
In the state shown in Fig. 4B, the upper and lower dies 41 and 42 are in leftmost positions. At this time, the long plate member 9 is held and grasped between the upper and lower dies 41 and 42. From the state shown in Fig. 4B, the upper die 41 circularly moves along an arrow N, and the lower die 42 linearly moves along an arrow P. Following such motions of the upper and lower dies 41 and 42, the long plate member 9 also moves along the arrow P.
In the state shown in Fig. 4C, the upper die 41 is in its lowermost position and the lower die 42 is in the intermediate position of its movement stroke. The long plate member 9 is completely drawn in this state. From the state shown in Fig. 4C, the upper die 41 circularly moves along an arrow Q, and the lower die 42 linearly moves along an arrow R. Following such motions of the upper and lower dies 41 and 42, the long plate member 9 also moves along the arrow R.
In the state shown in Fig. 4D, the upper and lower dies 41 and 42 are in rightmost positions. At this time, the long plate member 9 is released from the upper and lower dies 41 and 42. From the state shown in Fig. 4D, the upper die 41 circularly moves along an arrow S, and the lower die 42 linearly moves along an arrow T.
The operation shown in Figs. 4A to 4D is so repeated as to continuously draw the long plate member 9.
Fig. 5 illustrates a press according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This press is adapted to draw the long plate member 9 as shown in Fig. 7 in a first working state 81, and then cut and separate the product 9a as shown in Fig. 8 in a second working station 82. The first working station 81 is provided with a first upper die 83 for drawing the long plate member 9. The second working station 82 is provided with a second upper die 94, having a cutter 94a, for cutting and separating the product 9a. Fig. 5 illustrates no lower dies. Also in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the mechanism shown in Fig. 1 or 3 can be employed for driving the lower dies (not shown).
First, note a mechanism for driving the first upper die 83 which is provided in the first working station 81. Gears 84 and 87 are rotatably mounted on the press body through center shafts 85 and 88 respectively. These gears 84 and 87 are connected to the first upper die 83 through connecting shafts 86 and 89 respectively. A gear 90 is further rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 91, to engage with the gears 84 and 87. Upon rotation of the gear 90, the first upper die 83 circularly moves to perform prescribed press working, similarly to those of the aforementioned embodiments. The lower die (not shown) provided in the first working station 81 is associated with the press operation of the first upper die 83, similarly to those of the aforementioned embodiments.
Now, note a driving mechanism for the second upper die 94 which is provided in the second working station 82. Gears 95 and 98 are rotatably mounted on the press body through center shafts 96 and 99 respectively. These gears 95 and 98 are connected to the second upper die 94 through connecting shafts 97 and 100 respectively. A gear 101 is further rotatably mounted on the press body through a center shaft 102, to engage with the gears 95 and 98. Upon rotation of the gear 101, the second upper die 94 circularly moves to perform prescribed cutting and separating operation, similarly to those of the aforementioned embodiments. The lower die (not shown) provided in the second working station 82 is associated with the operation of the second upper die 94.
In order to associate the press operation of the first upper die 83 with that of the second upper die 94, a driving gear 92 is mounted on the press body through a center shaft 93. The driving gear 92 engages with the gear 90 for the first upper die 83, as well as with the gear 101 for the second upper die 94. This driving gear 92 is driven to rotate by a motor, for example.
The first and second upper dies 83 and 94 are adapted to press the long plate member at a phase angle of 180°. In the state shown in Fig. 5, the first upper die 83 is in its lowermost position, while the second upper die 94 is in its uppermost position.
The operation of this embodiment is now described.
Fig. 5 shows such an instant that the long plate member 9 is completely drawn by the first upper die 83. From the state shown in Fig. 5, the driving gear 92 is driven by a motor to rotate in the anticlockwise direction, whereby the first upper die 83 right-upwardly moves along an arrow V. On the other hand, the second upper die 94 left-downwardly moves along an arrow W. That is, the first and second upper dies 83 and 94 operate to mutually cancel inertial forces thereof, to keep the entire press in good mass balance.
The press operation of the first and second upper dies 83 and 94 and operation for feeding the long plate member 9 are similar to those of the aforementioned embodiments.
Fig. 10 is a diagram for illustrating general operation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5. The general operation of this embodiment is now described with reference to Fig. 10. A first lower die 183 provided in the first working station 81 and a second lower die 194 provided in the second working station 82 circularly move in association with the first and second upper dies 83 and 94 respectively.
When the first upper die 83 is in its lowermost position denoted by A1 in Fig. 10, the first lower die 183 is in its uppermost position denoted by a1. In this state, the second upper die 94 is in its uppermost position denoted by B1 and the second lower die 194 is in its lowermost position denoted by b1. Rightward forces FA1 and Fa1 act on the first upper and lower dies 83 and 183 respectively. Leftward forces FB1 and Fb1 act on the first and second lower dies 94 and 194 respectively. Thus, rightward inertial forces acting on the first upper and lower dies 83 and 183 are cancelled by leftward inertial forces acting on the second upper and lower dies 94 and 194.
Consider that each die moves by an angle of rotation of 90°. This time the first upper die 83 is in a position denoted by A2 in Fig. 10 and the first lower die 183 is in a position denoted by a2. The second upper die 94 is in a position denoted by B2, and the second lower die 194 is in a position denoted by b2. An upward inertial force FA2 acting on the first upper die 83 is cancelled by a downward inertial force Fa2 acting on the first lower die 183. Similarly, a downward inertial force FB2 acting on the second upper die 94 is cancelled by an upward inertial force Fb2 acting on the second lower die 194.
Consider that each die further moves by an angle of rotation of 90°. This time the first upper die 83 is in a position denoted by A3 in Fig. 10, and the first lower die 183 is in a position denoted by a3. The second upper die 94 is in a position denoted by B3, and the second lower die 194 is in a position denoted by b3. Leftward inertial forces FA3 and Fa3 acting on the first upper and lower dies 83 and 183 are cancelled by rightward inertial forces FB3 and Fb3 acting on the second upper and lower dies 94 and 194.
Consider that each die further moves by an angle of rotation of 90°. This time the first upper die 83 is in a position denoted by A4 in Fig. 10, and the first lower die 183 is in a position denoted by a4. The second upper die 94 is in a position denoted by B4, and the second lower die 194 is in a position denoted by b4. A downward inertial force FA4 acting on the first upper die 83 is cancelled by an upward inertial force Fa4 acting on the first lower die 183. An upward inertial force FB4 acting on the second upper die 94 is cancelled by a downward inertial force Fb4 acting on the second lower die 194.
As understood from the explanatory diagram shown in Fig. 10, the inertial forces acting on the respective dies are mutually cancelled according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, whereby the press can be entirely kept in good mass balance.
Fig. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an upper die 201 circularly moves and a lower die 202 linearly reciprocates in association with the operation of the upper die 201, similarly to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3. In more concrete terms, the lower die 202 is linearly reciprocable along a stand 203 through rollers 204 or the like. Guide posts 205 are fixed to/mounted on the upper die 201. The lower die 202 is provided with slots 206 for slidably receiving the guide posts 205. Thus, when the upper die 201 circularly moves through a mechanism such as that shown in Fig. 3, the lower die 202 linearly reciprocates on the stand 203 through actions of the guide posts 205 and the slots 206.
Although gears are employed as the mechanisms for driving the upper and lower dies in the aforementioned embodiments, the same motions can be implemented by elements other than the gears, as a matter of course.
According to the present invention, a long plate member is fed in a prescribed direction through pressing operation made by upper and lower dies. Therefore, it may not be necessary to provide a mechanism for feeding the long plate member, such as the feed rolls 7 and 8 shown in Fig. 6. However, the inventive press may be provided with the mechanism for feeding the long plate member, as a matter of course. In this case, the mechanism for feeding the long plate member may not intermittently but continuously feed the long plate member at a feed rate which is identical to that by press working.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A press for press-working a long plate member, being introduced between an upper die (11) and a lower die (12), by approaching said upper and lower dies to each other, wherein
press operation of at least first said die (11) is made by a circular motion rotating along a direction for discharging said long plate memberand the other said die (12) is associated with said operation of said first die.

2. A press in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said press comprises a rotating member (13) being driven by a drive source to rotate about a rotation axis (14), and
said rotating member (13) and said first die (11) are rotatably connected with each other through a connecting shaft (15) in a position deviating from said rotation axis (14).

3. A press in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said press comprises a first gear (13) and a second gear (21) being driven by drive sources to rotate about rotation axes (14, 22),
said upper die (11) and said first gear (13) are rotatably connected with each other through a connecting shaft (15) in a position deviating from said rotation axis (14), and
said lower die (12) and said second gear (21) are rotatably connected with each other through a connecting shaft (23) in a position deviating from said rotation axis (22).

4. A press in accordance with claim 3, wherein
said first gear (13) and said second gear (21) are provided to interlock with each other through a gear train and belts.

5. A press in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said other die (12) linearly reciprocates in association with said circular motion of said first die (11).

6. A press in accordance with claim 1, wherein
both said upper die (11) and said lower die (12) make circular motions, and
the rotational direction of said circular motion of said upper die (11) is opposite to that of said circular motion of said lower die (12).

7. A press for performing first-stage press working on a long plate member (9) with a first die unit (83, 183) being provided in a first working station (81) and then performing second-stage press working on said long plate member (9) with a second die unit (94, 194) being provided in a subsequent second working station (82), wherein
press operation of said first and second die units (83, 183, 94, 194) is performed by circular motions rotating along a direction for discharging said long plate member (9), and said first die unit (83, 183) and said second die unit (94, 194) are so associated as to perform said press operation at a phase angle of 180°.

8. A press in accordance with claim 7, wherein
said first die unit (83, 183) comprises a first upper die (83) and a first lower die (183) for performing press working on said long plate member (9) by opposite circular motions, and
said second die unit (94, 194) comprises a second upper die (94) and a second lower die (194) for performing press working on said long plate member (9) by opposite circular motions.

9. A press in accordance with claim 8, wherein
inertial forces caused in respective said dies (83, 183, 94, 194) are mutually cancelled.