JP2001129687A - Automatic processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic processing equipment which is capable of moving a processing unit, during processing, in the moving direction of a loader, by using a moving means of the loader. SOLUTION: In a loader 4 in such as state that a main frame 6 and sub frame 8 are separably combined by combining means 21, both frames 6 and 8 move together in the moving direction of the loader 4 by the driving of a moving motor 13. On the contrary, in a state that the main frame 6 and sub frame 8 are separated, only the main frame 6 moves in the moving direction of the loader 4 by the driving of the moving motor 13, and a laser applicator 5 is moved in such direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an automatic processing device such as an automatic laser processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an automatic processing apparatus for automatically performing processing such as welding, cutting, bending, and punching on a workpiece.

[0003] As such an automatic processing apparatus, the applicant has previously provided a preparation station including a preparation table, and a processing station including a processing machine body and a processing table.
An automatic processing device that automatically loads a work from the preparation station to the processing station, positions the loaded work, and fixes the work for processing, and is a movable type that reciprocates between the two stations. The loader is provided with means for holding and transporting the work on the preparation table and placing it on the processing table, and means for pressing the work against the processing table. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-53825 discloses a device in which means for positioning a work placed on a table is provided.

In such an apparatus, when the processing at the processing station is completed, the loader returns to the preparation station for the next work to be processed, and returns to the processing station with the work. Then, the loader always reciprocates between the preparation station and the processing station. Also, when the loader is in the processing station, the work to be processed next is only preset in the preparation station, and the work such as positioning of the work for processing is performed by moving the loader to the processing station side. This is performed after the work is placed on the processing station.

[0005] Therefore, in the above-mentioned automatic processing apparatus, the work time for positioning and the like is added to the time required for the reciprocating movement as the time from the completion of one processing to the start of the next processing. The cycle time per machining is considerably long, and the machining efficiency is low.

If the preparation stations are provided on both sides of the processing station, and the work is alternately transported to the processing stations from the two preparation stations, the processing efficiency can be improved. Two sets of loaders and processing machines are required for one automatic processing apparatus, which is expensive.

In order to improve the processing efficiency by shortening the cycle time, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
As described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-209, a laser processing machine provided with a laser processing head for irradiating a laser beam at a position above a work table for supporting and fixing the work so as to be movable in the left-right direction and the vertical direction. A table has been proposed in which a table is divided into a plurality of divided tables and each divided table is movably provided in the front-rear direction. However, in this apparatus, not only the laser processing head can be moved in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, but also the divided table (work table) on which the work is supported and fixed can be moved in the laser processing machine in the front-rear direction. Therefore, not only the number of motors increases and the cost increases, but also the number of control axes increases and the control becomes complicated.

Therefore, the inventor has reduced the time from the completion of processing to the start of the next processing with an inexpensive and simple configuration.
In order to improve the processing efficiency, a plurality of processing stations including a processing table, and a movable loader that moves between the plurality of processing stations, performing processing in each processing station, the loader A processing machine and pressing means for pressing a work against the processing table are provided, while each processing station is provided with a positioning means for positioning a work placed on the processing table. Has invented an automatic processing device that has been filed earlier (Japanese Patent Application No. 11-1).
No. 46380).

[0009]

However, in such an automatic processing apparatus, when processing is performed in the moving direction of the loader and in a direction orthogonal thereto,
In the moving direction of the loader, it is necessary to provide a driving device for moving the processing machine in parallel with the loader moving axis, in addition to the moving axis. This is because the loader and the processing machine are connected by a floating connector, so once the loader clamps the work, the processing machine can move only in the floating direction in the moving direction of the loader. . Further, even when the floating connector is used to be separably coupled by an actuator, when the processing machine moves in the moving direction of the loader, it may interfere with the main body of the loader. Is restricted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic processing apparatus which can move the loader in a moving direction at the time of processing of a processing machine by using a moving means of the loader.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of processing stations including a processing table;
A processing machine is provided and includes a movable loader that moves between the plurality of processing stations, and is an automatic processing apparatus that performs processing at each processing station, wherein the loader has a main frame that supports the processing machine. Moving means for moving the main frame in the moving direction of the loader, provided on the main frame, and a sub-frame having pressing means for pressing a work against the processing table; A connecting means is provided between the frame and the sub-frame to connect the main frame and the sub-frame in a separable manner. Here, the same processing may be performed at each processing station, or different processing may be performed at each processing station. In that case, the processing machine may move in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the loader on the main frame so that the processing machine moves differently for each processing station.

According to the automatic processing apparatus of the present invention, first, when a loader (main frame and sub-frame) is located at a specific processing station and processing is performed by the processing machine, the processing has already been completed. The completed work is removed at the working station, and the unprocessed work is appropriately positioned and set at the working station where processing is performed next, and temporary holding and the like are performed. As described above, when processing is being performed in a specific processing station, processing of a completed workpiece or setting of an unprocessed work is performed in another processing station. During processing, the loader is located at the processing station where the processing is being performed. Therefore, the processing stations other than the processing station where the loader is located are open at the top, and the next processing is performed. It is possible to easily perform the work for preparing the work to be performed.

On the other hand, at a specific processing station, the connection between the main frame and the sub-frame of the loader by the connecting means is released, and the two frames are separated from each other. The movement of the loader in the moving direction of the processing machine is not restricted by the positional relationship with the subframe,
This is performed by the moving means of the main frame (loader). The moving means for moving the main frame is also used as moving means in the moving direction of the loader of the processing machine.

Then, after the processing is completed at a specific processing station, the main frame and the sub-frame are separably connected by the connecting means by the connecting means, and the main frame and the sub-frame move together as a loader. Then, it is moved to the processing station where the processing is performed next. Then, in the processing station, the work positioned in advance is pressed and fixed on the processing table by the pressing means of the loader (sub-frame). In this fixed state, the connection by the connecting means between the main frame and the sub-frame is released, and only the main frame can be moved. As a result of this movement of the main frame, the The movement is performed, the processing machine moves to an appropriate position, and the next processing is performed.

In this way, in a state where the main frame and the sub-frame are separably connected, the moving means enables the two frames to be moved together as a loader between the processing stations. In a state where the main frame is separated from the sub-frame, by moving only the main frame in the moving direction of the loader by moving means, the processing machine is moved in the moving direction of the loader for processing. Is made possible.

Further, first and second guide rails are provided between the processing stations, and the first and second guide rails are provided below a main frame and a sub frame of the loader.
When the main frame and the sub-frame are coupled to each other by driving the moving means, the two frames are moved together in the moving direction of the loader by driving the moving means. However, when the main frame is separated from the sub-frame, it is easily realized that only the main frame can move in the moving direction of the loader. Since separate guide rails (first and second guide rails) are used for the main frame and the sub-frame, the main frame and the sub-frame do not interfere with each other.

The coupling means includes an actuator provided on the main frame or the sub-frame side, an engagement member driven forward and backward by the actuator, and an engagement member provided on the sub-frame or the main frame side for disengagement. By having the engaged member capable of engaging, the actuation of the actuator allows the engaging member on the main frame side and the engaged member on the sub frame side to be easily and easily engaged and disengaged. You.

Further, each of the processing stations may be provided with frame positioning means for positioning a sub-frame of the loader.

In this way, in each processing station, the sub-frame of the loader is positioned at a fixed position, and the pressing means is applied to the work with high accuracy.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an automatic laser processing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view of the essential part, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the same.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an automatic laser processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention has a first processing station S1 on one side and a second processing station S2 on the other side.
Are provided. Each of the first and second processing stations S1 and S2 performs a welding process, and includes a processing table 2 or 3. A movable loader 4 reciprocating between the first and second processing stations S1 and S2 is provided, and a laser irradiator 5 as a processing machine is mounted on the loader 4.

The loader 4 transfers a main frame 6 supporting a laser irradiator 5 and a positioned work W to the main frame 6.
The processing tables 2 and 3 for fixing during processing
And a sub-frame 8 having pressing means 7 for pressing the work W against the sub-frame 8.

The main frame 6 has a portal shape in which an upper frame 12 having a closed sectional structure extending in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the loader 4 is bridged between side frames 11 located on both right and left sides. On the outside of the side frame 11, a loader moving motor 13 having a motor shaft extending vertically downward is mounted.

The sub-frame 8 has a portal shape.
Similarly, an upper frame 16 extending in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the loader 4 is bridged between the side frames 15 located on the left and right sides. Therefore, when considered in a vertical section, the sub-frame 8 is located inside the main frame 6, and the main frame 6 does not interfere with the sub-frame 8 outside the sub-frame 8.
Can pass.

The pressing means 7 includes a pressing cylinder 7
a, and a pressure tool 7b attached to the lower end of the pressure cylinder 7a. When the pressure cylinder 7a operates,
The pressing tool 7b is lowered to clamp the work W between the processing tables 2 and 3 so as not to move. Here, the ascending position of the pressing tool 7b is determined by the loader 4
The lowering distance required to clamp the workpiece W is very short (about several tens of mm) since the pressing tool 7b or the like does not hit the processing tables 2 and 3 during the movement. Only a little.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2, connecting means 21 for detachably connecting the lower part of the side frame 11 of the main frame 6 and the lower part of the side frame 15 of the sub-frame 8. Is provided. The coupling means 21 includes an air cylinder 21a (actuator) provided on the main frame 6 side, a linear rod-shaped engaging member 21b driven forward and backward by the air cylinder 21a, and the And an engaged member 21c with which the engaging member 21b is disengageably engaged. Also,
The main frame 6 is provided with a guide cylinder member 22 for guiding the engagement member 21b to move forward and backward, facing the engaged member 21c. In this case, conversely, an air cylinder, an engagement member and a guide cylinder member may be provided on the sub-frame 8 side, and an engaged member may be provided on the main frame 6 side. The connecting means is not limited to the structure including the air cylinder, the engaging member, and the guide cylinder member, but may be any as long as the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 8 can be separably connected.

Further, the two processing stations S1, S2
Between them, a first guide rail 31 is provided in parallel,
A first slider 32 below the side frame 11 of the main frame 6 is slidably engaged with the first guide rail 31, and the main frame 6 is attached to the first guide rail 31. The main frame 6 can be reciprocated along.

A rack member 33 is fixed outside the first guide rail 31. The rack member 33 includes a loader moving motor 1 of the main frame 6.
The pinion 34, which is rotationally driven by the pinion 3, meshes with each other, and the main frame 6 is moved by the rotation of the pinion 34.

A second guide rail 35 is provided inside the first guide rail 31 in parallel, and the second guide rail 35 is attached to the second guide rail 35 below the side frame of the sub-frame 8. Are slidably engaged with each other, and the portion of the sub-frame 8 of the loader 4 is movable along the guide rail 35. In addition, near the both ends of the first guide rail 31, stoppers 37 for restricting further movement of the loader 4 (main frame 6) are provided.

Therefore, when the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 8 are connected by the driving of the motor 13, both frames 6, 8 move together as the loader 4 along the guide rails 31, 35. When the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 8 are separated from each other, only the main frame 6 moves in the moving direction of the loader 4. Further, since the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 8 can be moved along the first and second guide rails 31 and 35 which are separate guide rails, respectively, when they move on the same guide rail. There is no possibility of interference.

Further, in each of the processing stations S1 and S2, the sub-frame 8 is positioned on the processing tables 2 and 3 by the frame positioning means 41. This frame positioning means 41
Is an air cylinder 41a (actuator) provided on the processing station S1, S2 side, and a linear rod-shaped engaging member 4 driven forward and backward by the air cylinder 41a.
1b, and an engaged member 41c provided on the side of the sub-frame 8 to which the engaging member 41b is removably engaged. A guide tube member 42 for guiding the engaging member 41b to move forward and backward is provided at the processing stations S1 and S2 so as to face the engaged member 41c. In this case, conversely, an air cylinder, an engagement member, and a guide cylinder member are provided on the sub-frame 8 side, and the processing stations S1, S
An engaged member may be provided on the two sides.

On the upper side of the upper frame 12 of the main frame 6, there is provided a third guide rail 51 extending in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the loader 4, and a laser irradiator is provided along the guide rail 51. 5 is movably supported. The laser irradiator 5 is configured to further move the tip processing portion 5a up and down. Therefore, the laser irradiator 5 can move in the moving direction of the loader 4, in the direction orthogonal thereto, and in the direction orthogonal thereto, and can three-dimensionally control the position of the tip processing portion 5a of the laser irradiator 5. become.

At each of the processing stations S1 and S2,
As work positioning means for positioning a work W to be processed (for example, a thin steel plate) at a predetermined processing position, although not specifically shown, fixed pins and movable setting gauges are provided on the processing tables 11 and 12. It is installed in.

Next, the processing operation by the automatic laser processing apparatus 1 will be described.

For example, when the loaders 4 (main frame 6 and sub-frame 8) are located at the first processing station S1, the loaders 4 are placed on the processing table 3 of the second processing station S2 where they are not currently located. A work (for example, a tailored blank material for welding plate materials having different thicknesses) is placed, and a series of operations such as positioning by a positioning means such as the gauge in the processing station S2 are performed. This work is performed manually or by mechanical means such as a robot or a positioning device. At this time, the loading and unloading of the work can be performed extremely smoothly because the loader 4 is located at the first processing station S1 and the upper part of the processing table 3 of the second processing station S2 is open.

When the processing at the first processing station S1 is completed, the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 8 of the loader 4 are connected by the connecting means 21, and they are joined together from the first processing station S1. It moves toward the second processing station S2. At the time of this movement and during the processing operation at the second processing station S2, the upper part of the processing table 2 of the first processing station S1 is opened, and the work that has been processed is carried out. Next, a workpiece W to be processed is placed, and positioning and the like are performed.

On the other hand, the loader 4 is connected to the second station S
When reaching 2, prior to the separation of the coupling means 21, first,
The positioned work is fixed on the processing table 3 by the pressing tool 7b of the pressing means 7 mounted on the sub-frame 8. At this time, even if the sub-frame 8 is bent by the pressurization by the pressurizing tool 7b, the laser irradiator 5
Since it is supported by the main frame 6 different from the sub-frame 8, it is not affected by the bending thereof, and the desired processing accuracy is secured. The sub-frame 8 is also positioned on the processing table 3 by the frame positioning means 41.

After being fixed in this way, the connecting means 2
1, a main frame 6 and a sub-frame 8 are separated, and a laser irradiator 5 provided on the main frame 6 is provided.
However, by moving while irradiating a laser according to a predetermined program, welding work on the work is performed. At this time, the laser irradiator 5 is moved by the drive of the motor 13 mounted on the main frame 6 in the moving direction of the loader 4, and moves in a direction perpendicular thereto and the vertical movement of the tip processing portion a. Are moved by driving different motors. The movement of the laser irradiator 5 in the movement direction of the loader 4 is shared by using the motor 13 for moving the loader. Reduction can be achieved.

After the welding at the second processing station S2 is completed, the laser irradiator 5 and the pressing tool 7b are raised, and the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 8 are connected by the connecting means 21. The workpiece is moved to the first processing station S1 side, and a similar welding process is performed on a new unprocessed work in the first processing station S1.
The welded work at the second processing station S2 is dispensed from the processing table 3 manually or by mechanical means.

As described above, the loader 4 (the main frame 6 and the sub-frame 8) includes the two processing stations S
1 and S2 are moved together, and each processing station S
Since the processing is performed alternately in steps S1 and S2, the loss time is determined by the time required to move from one processing station to the other processing station and the work between the processing tables 2 and 3 by the pressing means 7. Only the time required for fixing is achieved, and the cycle time can be reduced.

In the above description, one embodiment of the automatic processing apparatus of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made as described below. (1) A mobile loader is not limited to a self-propelled loader having a motor for movement itself, and a loader which does not have a motor for movement itself and can be moved by traction means or conveyor means. It can also be used. (2) Pressing means 7 mounted on subframe 8
Uses a pressurizing cylinder 7a (for example, a fluid pressure cylinder) as a means for operating the pressurizing tool 7b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any actuator that can hold the pressurized state by lowering the pressurizing tool 7b is used. It can be used. (3) In each processing station, when the pressing means 7 presses the work, the sub-frame 8 which receives the reaction force is also immovable, and the sub-frame 8 is 6, the holding means 7 is used as a frame positioning means for positioning the sub-frame 8, and the frame positioning means 41 may be omitted. it can. In this case, not only the pressing but also the sub-frame may be detachably engaged with the processing station and provided separately from the pressing means 7. (4) Multiple processes can be performed, such as welding a large number of works with a plurality of welding lines. (5) Of course, the target work is not limited to a thin steel plate, and the processing machine is not limited to the one that performs laser welding, but employs one that performs various processing operations such as cutting, bending, and punching. be able to. (6) The number of processing stations is not limited to two. The number of processing stations may be plural, and the processing may be performed by sequentially moving the loader. (7) The main frame 6 of the loader 4 need not always move in the moving direction of the loader 4 at the processing station, and only the processing machine moves in other directions during processing. You can also.

[0043]

The present invention is embodied as described above, and has the following effects.

In the automatic processing apparatus of the present invention, a processing machine is provided on the main frame of the loader and moving means for moving the loader in the moving direction is provided, and the main frame and the subframe are separably connected by the connecting means. In the state where the main frame and the sub-frame are combined, the moving means can move both frames as a loader, and in a state where the main frame and the sub-frame are separated, By moving the main frame in the moving direction of the loader by the moving means, the processing machine can be moved in the moving direction of the loader without being restricted by the positional relationship with the subframe. Therefore, by using the moving means for moving the main frame, it is not necessary to provide a moving means dedicated to the processing machine in the moving direction of the loader, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure. Can be.

Further, the first and second guide rails are provided between the processing stations, and the sliders at the lower portions of the main frame and the sub-frame are slidably engaged with the guide rails. With a simple structure, stable movement of the main frame and the sub frame can be realized. In particular, separate guide rails (first
And the second guide rail), so that the main frame and the sub-frame do not interfere with each other.

Further, the coupling means includes an actuator provided on the main frame or the sub-frame side, an engaging member driven forward and backward by the actuator, and an engaging member provided on the sub-frame or the main frame side. Has an engaged member which is disengageably engaged, and by operating the actuator, the engagement and disengagement between the engaging member and the engaged member can be easily and easily realized. .

In each of the processing stations, a frame positioning means for positioning the sub-frame of the loader is provided. In each of the processing stations, the sub-frame of the loader is positioned at a fixed position and pressed against a work. The means can be applied with high accuracy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an automatic laser processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the main part.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the same.

[Explanation of symbols]

 S1 first processing station S2 second processing station 1 automatic laser processing apparatus 2 processing table 3 processing table 4 loader 5 laser irradiator 6 main frame 7 pressing means 7a pressurizing cylinder 7b pressurizing tool 8 subframe 13 moving Motor 21 coupling means 21a air cylinder (actuator) 21b engaging member 21c engaged member 31 first guide rail 32 first slider 35 second guide rail 36 second slider 41 frame positioning means 41a air cylinder (actuator) ) 41b engaging member 41c engaged member

Claims (4)

[Claims] A plurality of processing stations each including a processing table; and a movable loader provided with a processing machine and moving between the plurality of processing stations. An automatic processing apparatus for performing, with respect to the processing table, the loader, a main frame supporting the processing machine, a moving means provided on the main frame for moving the main frame in a moving direction of the loader, A subframe having pressing means for pressing the work; and a connecting means for detachably connecting the mainframe and the subframe is provided between the main frame and the subframe of the loader. An automatic processing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first and second guide rails provided between said processing stations, said first and second guide rails being slidably connected to said first and second guide rails under a main frame and a sub frame of said loader. The automatic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a matching slider. 3. The coupling means includes an actuator provided on a main frame or a sub-frame side, an engagement member driven forward and backward by the actuator, and the engagement member provided on the sub-frame or the main frame side. The automatic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an engaged member that is detachably engaged. 4. The automatic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising frame positioning means for positioning a subframe of said loader at each of said processing stations.