EP1600226A2 - Method and bearing device for releasably connecting a gripping tool to the transverse beam of a transfer press - Google Patents

Abstract

Process for detachedly fixing a gripping tool (12) to a moving crossbeam (10) of a transfer press comprises passing the gripping tool into a rounded or tapered recess and pivoting with a bracket (16) to the crossbeam. Wedge surfaces on the bracket press a protrusion axially against the wall of the recess and the bracket is locked with a bearing. An independent claim is also included for a bearing arrangement for detachedly fixing a gripping tool to a moving crossbeam of a transfer press. Preferred Features: An axially moving locking bolt is guided into a bore in the bracket parallel to the middle longitudinal axis of the crossbeam.

Description

The invention relates to a method for releasably securing a gripping tool on a movable crossbar a Heat press, two saddles spaced apart and with these attached with two on the crossbar Bearings engaged and in a particular engaged position is locked, as well as a bearing assembly for Implementation of such a procedure.

From US-PS 5,746,567 it is known one of two saddles and two support tubes, to which suction pads are attached, existing ones Grasping tool first with both saddles on the Set up the crossbeam of a transfer press and then by means of a tensioning and locking lever with overcoming the friction along the crossbeam to move parallel wedge surfaces on both saddles simultaneously with corresponding Wedge surfaces firmly connected to the crossbar To bring camps to the plant and also during this Move centering pins into matching center holes on the Saddles or the camps introduce. It is the Time and effort for the horizontal shifting of the Gripping tool on the transom and cramping between the wedge surfaces disturbing.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a method and a bearing arrangement of the type mentioned to provide a faster and easier, positionally accurate Clamping and fixing the gripper tool on Allow crossbeams.

The above object is according to the proposal of the invention procedurally solved in that the gripping tool in Slope with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbar with at least one rounded in a longitudinal section or wedge-shaped tapering projection on the first saddle into one corresponding rounded or V-shaped narrowing recess introduced in the first bearing and then with the second saddle is pivoted to the crossbeam, where belonging together Wedge surfaces on the second saddle and on the second bearing under gravity, the projection axially against the wall press the recess, and then the second saddle with the second bearing is locked.

The invention offers the advantage of being able to position accurately the gripping tool is sufficient, one end of which Projection in the associated recess of the first bearing and then lower the other end of the gripping tool or drop. During this pivoting movement come the cooperating wedge surfaces on the second saddle and at the second bearing for mutual investment and slide the gripping tool automatically in its predetermined position with reference to the transom. In this final position is the Gripping tool clamped between the wedge surface on the second Bearings and the recess on the first bearing. Subsequently needs this end position of the gripping tool only through Locking the second saddle secured to the second bearing to become. For this purpose, preferably at least an axially guided in the second bearing locking bolt in the direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbeam in a suitable Bore introduced in the second saddle. It can by cooperating wedge or conical surfaces on the locking bolt and the hole to be taken to ensure that in a case where the gripping tool not yet exactly parallel to the central longitudinal axis Aligned during locking a little further into the predetermined end position is pivoted.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention during pivoting of the gripping tool in the predetermined end position Vacuum supply lines via cooperative Coupling halves of pneumatic clutches on the second Bearings and the second saddle on tool-side vacuum lines connected. Because the pivoting of the gripping tool is done automatically by gravity, too for this coupling process no additional handle and Required effort.

The bearing assembly according to the invention is characterized that the first saddle is fitted with at least one rounded in a longitudinal section or tapering in a wedge shape Projection already in inclined position of the gripping tool with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbar in a a correspondingly narrowing recess can be inserted in the first bearing and in engagement position the gripping tool with the second saddle is pivotable towards the crossbar that the second saddle and the second bearing in the course of the pivoting movement to the mutual plant coming wedge surfaces are provided by the under gravity effect of Projection axially pressed against the wall of the recess is, and that in this strained position the second saddle can be locked with the second bearing.

The projection can, for example, at its free end one have approximately semi-cylindrical shape with a mounted in the Condition of the gripping tool horizontally extending cylinder axis. The rounded recess is corresponding in this case hollow cylindrical, expediently with an extended Entrance area, train. Alternatively, the free could End of the projection also with an upper and lower wedge surface formed and the recess with corresponding mating surfaces be designed. In the preferred embodiment however, are on the axially outer side of the first saddle two at the free end substantially spherical cap-shaped projections attached, which in corresponding spherical cap concave recesses with conically enlarged entrance area in attached to the side surfaces of the crossbar parts of the first bearing are insertable. The two in the assembled State horizontally juxtaposed spherical cap Projections allow easy insertion into the in its entrance area extended spherical cap concave Recesses, then lead the gripping tool but reliable in a aligned with the longitudinal median plane of the crossbar Location in which the final phase of the pivoting movement when placing the gripping tool on the crossbeam takes place.

At the opposite the spherical cap projections End of the gripping tool are in a further preferred embodiment the invention on the axially outer side of the second saddle with spacing next to each other two wedges formed or attached, their effective outer wedge surfaces Fall back axially from top to bottom and to corresponding Wedge surfaces come to rest on parts of the second bearing are formed, which on the side surfaces of the crossbar are attached. Again, this is in pairs Arrangement of wedge surfaces with relatively large spacing the automatic alignment of the gripping tool conducive to the central longitudinal plane of the crossbar. From the same Basically, if possible, the two on the second Saddle attached wedge surfaces in a common straight Lie flat.

The locking of the gripping tool in its predetermined Position should cause it to maintain its position on the transom. This is in a preferred embodiment of the invention achieved in a simple manner that at the two lateral Parts of the second bearing each one in the longitudinal direction the crossbar extending latch bolt axially slidably mounted, in the wedged position through the wedge surfaces into an aligned bore in the associated wedge on the second saddle is insertable. By doing in this embodiment, the free end of the locking bolt and / or the entrance area of the associated bore wedge-shaped or conical, it is achieved that the Lock bolt helps to set the second saddle in the predetermined To pull end position on the crossbeam. In addition, will achieved by suitable arrangement and dimensioning of the parts, that the wedges connected to the second saddle when lowering or preferably falling down by springs in the locking direction preloaded locking bolt push back automatically until it enters the associated holes engage.

As well as the automatic positioning and locking can be achieved, the pneumatic connections of the Gripping tool automatically to one or more supply lines be connected by the second camp and the second saddle with matching coupling parts one or more vacuum lines are provided, the when swinging the gripping tool in the wedged position come into clutch engagement.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf einen verfahrbaren Querbalken einer Transferpresse mit zwei daran befestigten Greifwerkzeugen, deren Sauggreifer im Beispielsfall ein Seitenblech eines Kraftfahrzeugs tragen;

Fig. 2

eine Schrägansicht der Innenseite eines ersten Sattels eines der beiden Greifwerkzeuge nach Fig. 1 unmittelbar vor der Verbindung mit dem Querbalken;

Fig. 3

eine Schrägansicht der Außenseite des ersten Sattels gemäß Fig. 2 nach der Verbindung mit dem Querbalken;

Fig. 4

eine Schrägansicht der Außenseite des zweiten Sattels eines der Greifwerkzeuge nach Fig. 1 im montierten Zustand und

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht, zum Teil im Längsschnitt, durch das zweite Lager mit Riegelbolzen sowie die am zweiten Sattel befestigten, mit dem zweiten Lager zusammenwirkenden Teile, wobei ebenso wie in Fig. 2 - 4 aus Gründen der zeichnerischen Klarheit der Querbalken sowie hier zusätzlich der zweite Sattel nicht dargestellt sind.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a movable crossbar of a transfer press with two gripping tools attached thereto, the suction pads wear a side plate of a motor vehicle in the example;

Fig. 2

an oblique view of the inside of a first saddle of one of the two gripper tools of Figure 1 immediately before the connection with the crossbar.

Fig. 3

an oblique view of the outside of the first saddle of Figure 2 after the connection with the crossbar.

Fig. 4

an oblique view of the outside of the second saddle of the gripping tools according to Fig. 1 in the assembled state and

Fig. 5

a side view, partly in longitudinal section, through the second bearing with locking bolts and attached to the second saddle, cooperating with the second bearing parts, as well as in Figs. 2 - 4 for reasons of clarity of drawing the crossbar and here additionally the second saddle are not shown.

Figure 1 shows only schematically, not in detail, the attachment of two gripping tools according to the invention on the in Transverse direction movable crossbar (also as Crossbarbalken designated) 10 a large-capacity transfer press. Each one in total with 12 designated gripping tools (also as Saugerbrücken each) consist of two at an axial distance arranged saddles 14, 16, with two axially extending tubes 18, z. B. aluminum, firmly connected are and form a self-contained unit. On the pipes 18 are suction pads 20 connected to a vacuum source fixed in such a form and arrangement that they total grab a particular workpiece 22 at predetermined locations and be able to keep it from one to the next workstation to transport the large capacity transfer press. Then, when a differently shaped workpiece on the Press is to be deformed, the gripping tools 12 against similar, in the same way at the same place Crossbars attachable gripping tools replaced, the only by the shape and arrangement of the suction pads 20 different.

Because of the high investment costs of large-capacity transfer presses need the changeover times for the removal of certain gripping tools and the assembly of the next to be processed Workpiece adapted gripping tools as short as possible be. In addition, the system for fixing the gripping tools 12 despite short changeover times a very accurate positioning and reliable locking in the predetermined Ensure position.

As in the case of the fastening system described in US Pat. No. 5,746,567 become the gripping tools 12 with their saddles 14, 16 placed from above on the crossbar 10, so that in assembled state, the substantially U-shaped saddles 14, 16 sit on the top of the crossbar 10 and its embrace upper side edges. For exact positioning and Locking the saddles 14, 16 are on the crossbar 10 with spacing a first bearing 24 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a second bearing 26 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 fixedly mounted. The proposed new fastening method and the new bearing arrangement proposed for its execution differ by the nature of each of the interacting Bearings and saddles mounted positioning and Fasteners and handling during retrofitting from the known bearing arrangement of US Pat. No. 5,746,567.

In Figures 2 and 3 is shown with reference to the left in Figure 1 Gripping tool 12, the outer, first saddle 14 together with the attached to the crossbar 10, not shown first Bearings 24 shown with details. Here is the U-shaped Recess through which the transverse bar 10 extends denoted by 28. For connection to the pipes 18 is the saddle 14 on the sides with longitudinally split matching Holes formed. The partitioned outer side parts 30 of the saddle 14 are by clamping screws 32 with its central part connected. By tightening the clamping screws 32 are the tubes 18 firmly clamped in the receiving holes.

The cooperating with the first saddle 14, the crossbar 10 fortified bearings 24 consists of two matching in shape Bearing halves, each one on one side of the Crossbar 10 is attached. The two halves of the camp 24 are screwed together in the example via bolts 34, horizontally across the crossbar 10th extend. Due to the tension with the crossbar 10 via the bolts 34 or corresponding tubes sit the two Halves of the first bearing 24 immovably fixed in parallel Arrangement on the side surfaces of the crossbeam 10. Alternatively could the bearing halves also individually on the side surfaces be screwed on.

Each of the two halves of the first bearing 24 consists of a massive L-shaped elbow made of steel, whose lower Leg 36 in the mounted state horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar 10 extends. At its axially outer At the end he goes into a vertically upwards reaching Thigh 38 over. He is in the assembled state of the gripping tool 12 on the axially outer side of the first saddle 14. In the vertical leg 38 is open its axially inner, the saddle 14 side facing a rounded recess 40 incorporated. It has in the example case the shape of a circular, axially extending Blind hole with a not quite hemispherical concave inner area and a conically widening outwards Entrance area.

For cooperation with the bearing 24 with the two rounded Recesses 40 are on the outside of the first saddle 14th with the same transverse distance as the recesses 40 in the bearing 24th two adapted to their spherical cap concave cross-section, spherical rounded projections 42 attached. Behind the approximately hemispherical outer end of the tapers Cross section of the projections 42. This taper also serves like the extension of the entrance area of the recesses 40 the purpose, the projections 42 in the first saddle 14 out obliquely sloping inclined position of the gripping tool 12 in the Recesses 40 to be able to insert while the saddle 14 on the horizontal legs 36 of the bearing 24 is supported. When lowering the second saddle 16 of the rounded projection 42 completely penetrate into the rounded recess 40. At the end of the saddle 14 by the engagement of the projections 42 in the recesses 40 with respect to the cross section the crossbeam 10 centered, d. H. in the level and precisely aligned laterally.

The in Fig. 4 and 5 together with the second bearing 26 with his details shown second saddle 16 is in the same way as the first saddle 14 with the tubes 18 fixed connected. Also, the U-shaped inner recess for recording of the crossbar 10 agrees with the corresponding recess 28 of the first saddle 14 match. Deviating from this is however, on the axially outer side of the second saddle 16 too both sides of the U-shaped recess each have a wedge 44th attached, the axially outer, effective wedge surface 44 itself in the assembled state from top to bottom of the axially outer Surface of the second saddle 16 approaches. As can be seen from FIG. 5, each wedge 44 is over bolts 46, which are extend axially through the second saddle 16, with a solid, L-shaped angle 48 firmly connected and braced, not shown coupling halves of pneumatic clutches and line connections 50 for vacuum lines carries, which supply the suction pads 20 with negative pressure.

The second bearing 26 is in a similar manner as the first bearings 24 of two on the side surfaces of the crossbar 10 attached, by bolts 34 with each other and with the crossbar 10 connected, L-shaped elbows with each one in the assembled state in the longitudinal direction of the Crossbar 10 extending horizontal leg 51 and a towering in front of the axially outer side of the second saddle 16, vertical leg 52. The axially inner side of vertical leg 52 is in each case with one to the axially outer Wedge surface 44 'of the wedge 44 mating wedge surface 52' Mistake. In the assembled state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the gripping tool 12 are the wedge surfaces 44 'and 52 'flat against each other while the tubes 18 parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbar 10 extend. These mounted end position is secured by two locking bolts 54, which are also each parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbar 10 by the associated wedge-shaped, vertical Leg 52 of the second bearing 16 extend and in a matching axial bore 56 in the wedge 44 engage. Everyone Latch bolt 54 is at its free end with a conical Beveled surface, and also the entrance of the Bore 56 is in the example with a conical extension Mistake. Each latch bolt 54 is indicated by a not shown Spring preloaded in the locking direction, but can also by means of a handle 58 attached to it Retracted via a cam guide to a neutral position be in which the in locking position facing down handle 58 has vertically upwards.

On the horizontal legs 51 of the second bearing 26 are not shown coupling halves mounted by pneumatic clutches, those in the shown in Figures 4 and 5, mounted Position with the appropriately trained, on the second saddle 16 attached halves of the pneumatic couplings in alignment Are engaged, so that the above-mentioned vacuum lines the suction pad 20 via the terminals 50, the Not shown pneumatic clutches and at the bottom of the horizontal leg 51 of the second bearing 26 arranged Line connections 60 to vacuum supply lines, not shown are connected.

The assembly of the gripper tools 12 on the crossbar 10 is very easy and runs despite the described simple mechanical Means largely automatically. It is enough in the beginning the assembly process the first saddle 14 on the horizontal Legs 36 of the first bearing 24 set up and in to this sloping sloping position of the tubes 18, the rounded To introduce projections 42 in the rounded recesses 40. Then you need only the other end of the gripping tool 12, d. H. the second saddle 16 from low altitude to the second To drop bearing 26. When falling, press lower ends of the wedges 44, the locking bolts 54 axially outward back, the wedge surfaces 44 'and 52' come to mutual Plant, and by the wedge effect is the gripping tool 12 axially displaced further towards the first bearing 24, so that there the projections 42 to the plant her hemispherical free ends against the hemispherical concave Bottom surfaces of the recesses 40 come and the gripping tool 12 between this axial bearing and the wedge surfaces 52 'axially clamped and thus accurately positioned is. The maintenance of this condition is ensured by the Lock bolt 54 in cooperation with their mounting holes 56. Normally, the second saddle 16 drops by itself far down, that the locking bolt 54 with the mounting holes 56 are aligned. If this is not quite the case, urges a sufficiently strong preload loading of the locking bolts, if necessary supplemented by manual pressure, whose conical free end respectively in the associated receiving bore and thus forces the second flange 16 in the predetermined mounted Position in which the tubes 18 horizontally and extend parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbar 10.

It is understood that the locking bolt in a different position and / or elsewhere in the second saddle 16 or a part connected to it can intervene. Indeed is the proposed in the embodiment latch assembly on the anyway required for exact positioning Wedge surfaces 44 ', 52' cheaper than another solution, with the also tried, the locking bolt automatically to engage. In addition, the locking bolt 54th in cooperation with the mounting holes 56 an accurate lateral alignment of the second saddle 16 with respect to Ensure the crossbar 10.

Alternative designs are also in the design of the rounded Projections 42 and the recesses 40 possible. Instead of a hemispherical free end of the projections 42 could, for example, also have a semi-cylindrical free end the projections 42 with horizontal, transverse to the longitudinal direction the crossbar 10 extending cylinder axis or a wedge-shaped free end with an upper and a lower Wedge surface are used. With such projections and corresponding recesses 40 can also be the functional required pivotal movement of the gripping tool 12th when mounting on the transom 10.

It is understood that beyond the outer shape of the saddles 14, 16, their connection with the tubes 18 and the outer Shape of bearings 24, 26 and their connection to the crossbeam 10 a variety of different embodiments allow. So z. B. the projections 42 on the bearing 24 and the recesses 40 may be attached to the saddle 14, and they can as well as possibly the wedge surfaces 44 ', 52' also on the axially inner side of the saddles 14 and 16 are located. Such Modifications do not bother as long as the one shown and above-described pivoting of the gripper tool 12 perform in the predetermined position on the crossbar 10 leaves.

Claims (14)

A method of releasably securing a gripping tool (12) to a traveling crossbar (10) of a transfer press having two spaced apart saddles (14, 16) and engaging them with two bearings (24, 26) mounted on the crossbar (10) is brought and locked in a certain engagement position, characterized in that the gripping tool (12) in an inclined position with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbar (10) with at least one in longitudinal section rounded or wedge-shaped tapered projection (42) on the first saddle (14 ) is introduced into a correspondingly rounded or V-shaped narrowing recess (40) in the first bearing (24) and then with the second saddle (16) to the crossbar (10) is pivoted out, with wedge surfaces (44 ', 52') on second saddle (16) and on the second bearing (26) by gravity, the projection (42) axially against the wall of the recess (40) press, and then the second saddle (16) with the two Itenlager (26) is locked. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, for locking the second saddle (16) to the second bearing (26), at least one locking bolt (54) guided axially in this direction in the direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbeam (10) into a matching bore (56 ) is introduced in the second saddle (16). A method according to claim 2, characterized in that during locking the gripping tool (12) is pivoted by cooperating wedge or conical surfaces on the locking bolt (54) and the bore (56) in the predetermined end position. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that upon pivoting of the gripping tool (12) in the predetermined end position vacuum supply lines (60) via cooperating pneumatic clutches on the second bearing (26) and the second saddle (16) on tool-side vacuum lines be connected. Bearing arrangement for the releasable attachment of a gripping tool to a movable transverse bar (10) of a transfer press which can be braced and locked in clamping engagement with two saddles (14, 16) arranged with intermediate spacing in a form-fitting manner with two bearings (24, 26) attached to the crossbar (10), characterized in that the first saddle (14) with at least one attached thereto, rounded in longitudinal section or wedge-shaped projection (42) already in an inclined position of the gripping tool (12) with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the crossbar (10) in a rounded accordingly or V-shaped narrowing recess (40) in the first bearing (24) insertable and in engagement position, the gripping tool (12) with the second saddle (16) to the crossbar (10) is pivoted out, that the second saddle (16) and the second Bearings (26) with in the course of the pivoting movement for mutual engagement coming wedge surfaces (44 ', 52') are provided by the under gravity tweff the projection (42) axially against the wall of the recess (40) is pressed, and in that clamped position of the second saddle (16) with the second bearing (26) can be locked. Bearing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that on the axially outer side of the first saddle (14) two at the free end substantially spherical cap-shaped projections (42) are mounted in the corresponding spherical cap concave recesses (40) with a conically enlarged entrance area in the Side surfaces of the crossbar (10) attached parts (38) of the first bearing (24) are insertable. Bearing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that on the axially outer side of the first saddle (14) two at the free end substantially semi-cylindrical projections with horizontal, transversely to the crossbar (10) extending cylinder axis are mounted, which in corresponding semi-cylindrical concave recesses with wedge-shaped extended entrance area in attached to the side surfaces of the crossbar (10) parts (38) of the first bearing (24) are insertable. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that on the axially outer side of the second saddle (16) with intermediate spacing two wedges (44) are mounted, the effective outer wedge surfaces (44 ') axially recede from top to bottom and on corresponding wedge surfaces (52 ') come to rest on parts (52) of the second bearing (26) are formed, which are attached to the side surfaces of the crossbar (10). Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the associated, on opposite sides of the crossbar (10) arranged parts of the first bearing (24) and the second bearing (26) each pressed by mutual tension against the crossbar (10) are. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that on the two lateral parts (52) of the second bearing (26) in each case in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar (10) extending latch bolt (54) is mounted axially displaceably, in the wedged position through the wedge surfaces (44 ', 52') into an aligned bore (56) in the associated wedge (44) on the second saddle (16) is insertable. Bearing arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the free end of the locking bolt (54) and / or the input region of the bore (56) are wedge-shaped or conical. Bearing arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the locking bolt (54) is biased by spring force in the locking position. Bearing arrangement according to claim 11 and 12, characterized in that the locking bolt (54) during pivoting of the gripping tool (12) in the wedged position by the wedge surface (44 ') on the second saddle (16) against spring force zurückdrängbar and after reaching the wedged position by the spring force can be advanced into the locking position. Bearing arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the second bearing (26) and the second saddle (16) are provided with mating coupling parts of pneumatic clutches of one or more vacuum lines (50, 60), which during pivoting of the gripping tool ( 12) come into the wedged position in clutch engagement.

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