EP0997208A1 - Transfer arrangement of workpieces between two stations of a press tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The press tool transfer feed has a gripper (10) for the workpiece, a support (20) for the gripper, placed on either side of the press station, and a drive (23) to move the gripper in two perpendicular directions (A,B). The press tool controls the displacement of the gripper.

Description

The invention relates to a device for transferring a part between two stations of a tool mounted on a press, especially intended for the manufacture of body parts.

In known manner, such a part can be produced at from a flat side, with a range of tools mounted on a press line. In this case, a tool is assigned to each press. Transfer of parts from one press to another can in particular be carried out by robots.

Another concept consists in providing, on the same press equipped with a single tool, several workstations. Robots can also be provided to transfer the part being manufactured from one press to another.

On a multi-station press, the transfer of a part into manufacturing course from one station to another can be carried out manually. This solution is expensive and difficult to implement for security reasons.

We also know a transfer device mechanized for a multi-station press equipped with a tool given. This device has two transfer bars arranged substantially parallel, outside two opposite sides of the press. Gripping systems are fixed, irremovably, on these bars and are arranged opposite.

The transfer bars are also very long to be able to supply the parts and evacuate them from the hurry.

This transfer device also includes a bar control system for transfer from one room from one station to another.

So the control system brings everything closer first the bars so that the gripping systems come into contact with the part after it has been lifted perpendicular to the plane of the press. He them then move to the other station. The system of command finally causes the spacing of the transfer bars after the part has been placed on the other station.

The movement of lifting and lowering of the pieces can be done not by the bars themselves, but by a specific element of the slide type provided in the tool himself.

The transfer of a part during the manufacture of a post to another is therefore carried out thanks to at least two movements along perpendicular axes.

This mechanized transfer device includes many disadvantages.

First of all, it requires significant infrastructure around and on the press, because of its complexity and its volume. Therefore, this device is only used on a single press and not on a press line.

In addition, each transfer device must be suitable for the tool mounted on the press and therefore for the type of parts to be manufactured. Indeed, the gripping systems of pieces are specific to each type of piece.

Consequently, on the same press, different transfers can be assembled and disassembled according to the parts to be manufactured and therefore the tools to be used. Different transfer devices, including both transfer bars and gripping systems attached to they must therefore be stored and occupy a very important.

The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by offering a device for transferring a part between two press tool stations, this device being easily adaptable to said tool and to the number of stations of said tool, less bulky and able to equip a tool used in a press line.

The invention therefore relates to a transfer device of a part between two stations of a press tool, arranged according to a first direction of the press, the device comprising means for gripping said part, support means for gripping means arranged on the side and other press stations to expand according said first direction, as well as means for moving said gripping means according to at least said first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, characterized in that the displacement of said gripping means and said support means in said second direction, towards / or at away from said positions, is controlled by the tool, and in this that the gripping means are mounted movable on said support means in the first direction.

Preferably, said support means are connected to cylinders and the tool comprises at least one cam which moves in another direction, substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, for act on said cylinders and thus control the movement of support means in the second direction.

In a preferred embodiment, said jacks are of the constant pressure type and fixed on said tool, the movable part of the jacks being connected to said means of support, the lowering of the cams towards said part causing the recoil of the mobile part of the cylinders, means of support as well as gripping means, relative at said posts, while the rise of said cams away of said part causes the moving part of the cylinders, support means as well as means of gripping, towards said posts.

Preferably, at least two jacks are associated with each support means.

Furthermore, the support means are advantageously mounted sliding on guide means fixed on a base of the tool.

Preferably, the transfer device according to the invention comprises at least one double pneumatic cylinder effect to ensure the movement of the gripping means with respect to said support means, according to said first direction.

Each gripping means is advantageously connected to a pneumatic cylinder associated with a support means and extending in the first direction.

In a first variant, the connection between each gripping means and a pneumatic cylinder associated, is achieved by means of a coach.

In another alternative embodiment, each means of grip is slidably mounted on a extending element in the first direction and associated with a support means, displacement in the first direction of each means of gripping being provided by a cable system, said cable systems being controlled by a single cylinder pneumatic.

Advantageously, the means for gripping the transfer device according to the invention are mounted removably on said support means, to be able adapt them to the type of parts produced by said tool of the press and the number of stations provided in said tool of the hurry.

In an exemplary embodiment, each means of gripping comprises an arm intended to be mounted on a means support and ending with a forming element substantially a T with said arm, said element supporting clamps or the like to be able to take said piece.

In one embodiment of the device transfer according to the invention, this comprises means arranged in the lower part of the tool to print at said part moving in said other direction, substantially perpendicular to said first and second directions and so extract it from said bottom or position it in this lower part.

• la figure 1 comporte les figures 1a et 1b : la figure 1a est une vue de dessus du dispositif de transfert selon l'invention équipant un outil de presse à deux postes, les moyens de préhension étant en vis-à-vis du premier poste et à l'écart de celui-ci, et la figure 1b est une vue partielle en coupe selon la ligne IB - IB du dispositif de transfert et de l'outil de presse représentés sur la figure la ;
• la figure 2 comprend les figures 2a et 2b : la figure 2a est une vue similaire à la figure 1a, dans laquelle les moyens de préhension du dispositif de transfert emprisonnent la pièce située sur le premier poste, et la figure 2b est une vue partielle en coupe selon la ligne IIB-IIB du dispositif de transfert et de l'outil illustrés à la figure 2a ;
• la figure 3 comprend les figures 3a et 3b : la figure 3a est une vue similaire à la figure la, dans laquelle les moyens de préhension emprisonnent toujours la pièce et se trouvent au niveau du deuxième poste de l'outil de presse, et la figure 3b est une vue partielle en coupe selon la ligne IIIB - IIIB du dispositif de transfert et de l'outil illustrés à la figure 3a ;
• la figure 4 comprend les figures 4a et 4b : la figure 4a est une vue similaire à la figure 3a tandis que la figure 4b est une vue partielle en coupe selon la ligne IVB-IVB du dispositif de transfert et de l'outil illustrés à la figure 4a, ces figures illustrent une situation intermédiaire dans laquelle le dispositif de transfert ne réalise aucun mouvement ;
• la figure 5 comporte les figures 5a et 5b : la figure 5a est une vue similaire à la figure la, dans laquelle les moyens de préhension libèrent la pièce sur le deuxième poste, et la figure 5b est une vue partielle en coupe selon la ligne VB - VB du dispositif de transfert et de l'outil de presse illustrés à la figure 5a ;
• la figure 6 comporte les figures 6a et 6b : la figure 6a est une vue de dessus d'une variante d'un dispositif de transfert selon l'invention, tandis que la figure 6b est une vue partielle en coupe selon VIB - VIB de la figure 6a et
• la figure 7 comporte les figures 7a et 7b ; la figure 7a étant une vue de dessus d'un système pour déplacer les pièces perpendiculairement au plan de la presse, la figure 7b étant une vue de côté de la figure 7a.

The invention will be better understood and other objects, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows and which is given with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 comprises FIGS. 1a and 1b: FIG. 1a is a top view of the transfer device according to the invention fitted to a press tool with two stations, the gripping means being opposite the first station and away from it, and Figure 1b is a partial sectional view along line IB - IB of the transfer device and the press tool shown in Figure la;
• FIG. 2 includes FIGS. 2a and 2b: FIG. 2a is a view similar to FIG. 1a, in which the gripping means of the transfer device trap the part located on the first station, and FIG. 2b is a partial view in section along line IIB-IIB of the transfer device and the tool illustrated in FIG. 2a;
• FIG. 3 includes FIGS. 3a and 3b: FIG. 3a is a view similar to FIG. 1a, in which the gripping means always trap the part and are located at the second station of the press tool, and FIG. 3b is a partial sectional view along the line IIIB - IIIB of the transfer device and the tool illustrated in FIG. 3a;
• Figure 4 includes Figures 4a and 4b: Figure 4a is a view similar to Figure 3a while Figure 4b is a partial sectional view along the line IVB-IVB of the transfer device and the tool illustrated in FIG. 4a, these figures illustrate an intermediate situation in which the transfer device does not carry out any movement;
• Figure 5 includes Figures 5a and 5b: Figure 5a is a view similar to Figure la, in which the gripping means release the part on the second station, and Figure 5b is a partial sectional view along the line VB - VB of the transfer device and the press tool illustrated in FIG. 5a;
• Figure 6 includes Figures 6a and 6b: Figure 6a is a top view of a variant of a transfer device according to the invention, while Figure 6b is a partial sectional view along VIB - VIB of the Figure 6a and
• Figure 7 includes Figures 7a and 7b; Figure 7a being a top view of a system for moving the parts perpendicular to the plane of the press, Figure 7b being a side view of Figure 7a.

The elements common to the different figures will be designated by the same references.

We first refer to Figures 1a and 1b which illustrate an example of a transfer device according to the invention which equips a press tool comprising two stations 1 and 2, arranged in a first direction A of the hurry.

The transfer device includes means for gripping 10, each of them being mounted on a means of support 20, these support means 20 being arranged so symmetrical, on both sides of stations 1 and 2.

These support means extend in the first direction A of the press, while the gripping means 10 extend in a second direction B of the press, substantially perpendicular to the first direction A and located in the press plan.

Direction A can correspond to direction transverse press and direction B to direction longitudinal of the press.

On either side of each support means 20, is provided with a jack 21, 22. The fixed part 21a, 22a of the jacks 21,22 is connected to a fixed part of the press tool, by example in support 3.

The movable part 21b, 22b of the jacks 21 and 22 is, meanwhile, connected to a support means 20 by any means appropriate 29.

The movable part 21b and 22b of the jacks 21 and 22 appears more clearly in Figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b.

The jacks 21, 22, like their moving parts 21b and 22b, extend in the second direction B of the press.

The jacks 21, 22 are of the gas jack type and their moving part therefore exerts a constant thrust towards stations 1 and 2, on the support means 20 which are movable mounted on the lower part of the press tool.

Furthermore, each gripping means 10 is mounted mobile on a support means 20, according to the first direction A of the press.

The support means 20 include means 23 to ensure movement according to the direction A gripping means 10. In the example of embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 5b, these means of displacement 23 are constituted by a pneumatic cylinder with double effect.

Figure 1b also partially illustrates the part upper 4 of the tool mounted on the press slide (not shown), which is used to work the part in the hurry.

The upper part of the tool also has a cam system. In the example illustrated in the figures, this system comprises a group of two cams 5, extending along the first direction A, the cams of each group being arranged opposite in the second direction B of the hurry.

As we will see later, this cam system is adjusted in relation to the movements of the press tool, so as to coordinate the movements caused by the transfer device according to the invention with movement of the press slide.

As shown in Figure 1b, the connection between each gripping means 10 and a jack 23 is produced by means a coach 15.

The operation of the transfer device according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1a to 5b.

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate the first step of a cycle of production of a part in the press.

The piece to be stamped was loaded on station 1 as shown in Figure 1a, the upper part 4 of the tool the press is at the bottom of the race. Thus, the tool comprising the upper part 4 formed by the punch (not illustrated) secured to the press slide and the die fixed on the lower frame of the tool is closed.

Cams 5 are ordered to also be in low position. They then come into contact with each support means 20 and push the movable part 21b, 22b, cylinders 21 and 22 in the fixed part 21a, 22a of these cylinders.

So when the tool acts on the part on the post 1, the gripping means 10 and their support means 20 are away from the room.

We now refer to Figures 2a and 2b which illustrate another step in the life cycle of a room.

The operation on station 1 being completed, the slide 4 of the press went up, about half of its course. Cams 5 also perform a movement of rise and therefore no longer exert pressure on the part mobile 21b, 22b of the cylinders 21 and 22.

Consequently, the moving parts 21b and 22b of the cylinders come out of the fixed parts 21a and 22a. Their movement takes place in direction B of the press.

The movement of the moving parts 21b and 22b of the cylinders drives the support means 20 as well as the means of gripping 10 also in direction B of the press, to station 1.

The support means move in pairs ends on the base 6 carried by the table 3 of the tool. This base supports guide means 6b. A stop 6a is provided on the base 6 to limit the movement of support means.

The gripping means thus ensure the imprisonment of the piece on post 1, which was at previous lifted in a direction perpendicular to the plane press to extract it from the tool die.

As the various figures illustrate, these means gripping in this embodiment include a arm 11 which is directly connected to the support means 20. This arm 11 ends with an element 12 forming substantially a T with the arm 11.

This element 12 which extends in the direction A, has a length adapted to the dimensions of the room carried out by the press.

It supports gripping elements 13 such as pliers or the like which are also suitable for the part to be gripped.

In addition, the previous part on the post 2 is complete and can be extracted from the press, in particular by means of a robot.

We now refer to Figures 3a and 3b.

In this position, the upper part 4 of the tool mounted on the press went up for its entire stroke, like the cams 5. The cylinders 21 and 22 therefore remain in the position illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b. So the means of grip 10 still trap the piece that was on the item 1 in figures 1 and 2.

The gripping means 10 are moved relative to their support means 20, in the first direction A of the press.

This movement in direction A is carried out, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 5b, by a jack tire 23 associated with each support means 20. The cylinders 23 are of the double-acting type.

They are controlled so that the movement according to the direction A of the support means stops when these are located opposite station 2.

When the piece that was on extension 1 arrives at item 2, the part previously produced is already extracted from item 2. At the same time, a new room is supplied at station 1, in particular by a robot.

We now refer to Figures 4a and 4b.

The transfer device according to the invention does not generate no movement.

However, means not shown in the figure allow the part to be placed on station 2.

Furthermore, the upper part 4 of the mounted tool on the press went down about half of its race. The same is true for cams 5.

In this position, loading station 1 with a new room is finished.

We now refer to Figures 5a and 5b.

In this position, the upper part 4 of the tool mounted on the press has come down again to close the tool.

Cams 5 are also lowered and act on the moving parts 21b and 22b of the jacks 21 and 22 for the push back into the fixed parts of the cylinders, away from the post 2.

This movement of the movable parts of the cylinders causes the support means 20 such as the gripping means 10, in the second direction B, away from station 2.

The support means slide on the bases 6, thanks to the aforementioned guide means.

The tool is closed at station 2 and the means of gripping 10 are moved in direction A towards the station 1, by means of pneumatic cylinders 23.

The transfer device according to the invention is located then in the position illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b. A new part production cycle can then be executed.

We now refer to Figures 6a and 6b which illustrate an alternative embodiment of the system gripping means 10, according to the direction A of the press.

In this alternative embodiment, the cylinders tires 23 provided in each support means 20 are replaced by a cable system fixed by means of gripping 10 mounted sliding, in a sheath fixed on the means of support 20 in direction A.

Thus, each arm 11 is associated with a cable system and sheath 25, 26. Both cable and sheath systems are connected to the same pneumatic cylinder 27. The cylinder 27 is of the double acting pneumatic type and it is mounted on a plate 28 linked to the lower part of the tool.

This jack 27 ensures the movement of each cable 25a, 26a inside its sheath 25b, 26b.

We now refer to Figures 7a and 7b which illustrate means for lifting a workpiece from the die of the tool, so that it can be transferred from one station to another other, or from the press to the outside.

We first refer to Figure 7b which is a partial sectional view of the lower part of the tool.

Reference 7 designates the lower part of the tool.

The means illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b allow to move the part in a perpendicular plane to that of the press table and therefore in one direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

These means comprise at least one element 30 which passes through the lower part of the tool 7, substantially perpendicular to the plane thereof.

In FIG. 7b, the part 30 is illustrated in position high, corresponding to the extraction of the part from the lower part of the tool 7.

The means of moving the part may include several elements 30, in general 2 or 3.

The element 30 is controlled by a cable 31 which is not illustrated only partially in Figure 7.

This cable is driven by means of a jack 32.

This jack 32 supports a plate 33 on which can to be fixed several cables, so as to control others elements 30 which are not illustrated in the figures.

Figure 7a partially illustrates another cable 31a intended for another element 30.

In the position illustrated in solid lines in the figure 7b, the jack 32 is in a first extreme position in which the cable 31 presses on the part 30 which is in position high.

Figure 7b illustrates in dotted lines the other extreme position of the jack 33. In this position, the cable 31 is pulled out and part 30 is in the low position (not illustrated in the figures).

Moving a part in a perpendicular plane in terms of the press can be achieved by any other means appropriate.

In addition, the tool may include more than two posts.

Preferably, the gripping means 10 are mounted removably on the support means 20. Thus, it just modify the plug elements 13 to be able to adapt the transfer device according to the invention to parts to be produced as well as the number of stations provided in the hurry.

As is also apparent from the description which precedes, the size of the support means 20 corresponds substantially to that of the press and the device transfer according to the invention therefore generates no additional space.

It can also be noted that the pneumatic cylinders can be connected to standard air inlets available on the press.

Furthermore, the invention includes all equivalents techniques of the means described, as well as their combinations, if these are carried out within the framework of the claims that follow.

Finally, the reference signs inserted after the technical features in the claims have the sole purpose of facilitating the understanding of these and cannot limit its scope.

Claims (12)

Device for transferring a part between two stations (1, 2) of a tool mounted on a press, these stations being arranged in a first direction (A) of the press, the device comprising gripping means (10) of said part, support means (20) of said means of gripping, these support means being arranged on the side and other of said press stations (1, 2) to expand along said first direction (A), as well as means (23; 25, 26, 27; 21, 22) for moving said means of gripping (10) in said first direction (A) and a second direction (B) of the press, substantially perpendicular to said first direction (A), characterized in that the displacement of the gripping means (10) and said support means (20) in the second direction (B) from the press, towards / or away from said posts (1, 2), is controlled by the tool, and in that said means of gripping (10) are movably mounted on said means of support (20) in the first direction (A) of the press. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said support means (20) are connected to cylinders (21, 22) and the tool comprises at least one cam (5) which moves in another direction, substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (A, B), to act on said jacks (21, 22) and thus control the displacement of said support means (20) according to the second direction (B). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said jacks (21, 22) are of the pressure type constant and fixed on the tool, the mobile part (21b, 22b) said jacks being connected to said support means (20), the lowering of the cams (5) towards said part causing the recoil of the movable part (21b, 22b) of the jacks (21, 22), support means (20) as well as gripping means (10), with respect to said posts (1,2), while the rise said cams (5) away from said part causes the advance of the movable part (21b, 22b) of said jacks (21, 22), support means (20) as well as means gripping (10), towards said stations (1, 2). Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least two cylinders (21, 22) are associated with each support means (20). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said support means (20) are sliding mounted on guide means (6b) fixed on a base (6) of the tool. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one jack pneumatic (23, 27) double acting to ensure the displacement of said gripping means relative to said support means, in the first direction (A). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that each gripping means (10) is connected to a jack tire (23) associated with a support means (20) and extending in the first direction (A). Device according to claim 7, characterized in what the connection between each gripping means (10) and a associated pneumatic cylinder (23), is produced by means of a coach (15). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that each gripping means (10) is slidably mounted on an element (24) extending in the first direction (A) and associated with a support means (20), the displacement in the first direction (A) of each gripping means (10) being provided by a cable system (25, 26), said cables cable systems (25, 26) being controlled by the same cylinder pneumatic (27). Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said gripping means (10) are removably mounted on said support means (20), to be able to adapt them to the type of parts produced by the tool of said press and the number of stations provided in the tool of said press. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each gripping means (10) comprises an arm (11) intended to be mounted on a means of support (20) and ending with an element (12) forming substantially a T with said arm, said element supporting clamps (13) or the like to be able to take said room. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises means arranged in the lower part (7) of the tool for printing on said piece a movement in said other direction, substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions (A, B), and thus extract it from said lower part or the position in said lower part.

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