JP2006346699A - Workpiece transportation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a workpiece transportation apparatus which can simplify its configuration while assuring smooth and proper operation. <P>SOLUTION: The workpiece transportation apparatus 10 comprises a pair of arm units 14 which are supported by base bodies 13 arranged at proper places between press stages, and connect a plurality of arms 15, 16 so as to mutually swivel respectively, workpiece gripping mechanisms mounted between the tip ends of the respective arm units 14, and an elevating unit 12 for elevating a pair of the arm units 14 via the base bodies 13. The workpiece W held by the workpiece gripping mechanism is transferred between the press stages by operating a pair of the arm units 14 and the elevating unit 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a work transfer device for transferring a work between press stages in a press machine, particularly a tandem press line.

Conventionally, as a work transfer device between press machines in a tandem press line, there are a loader / unloader method and a robot method.
In the loader / unloader method, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. 12, a loader 101 for loading a workpiece W is provided in the upstream press (I), and a workpiece unloader 102 is provided in the downstream press (II). Equipped.
A shuttle 100 or a belt conveyor is installed between the press machines, and the workpiece W is sequentially transferred between the unloader 101, the shuttle 100, and the loader 102 after being formed, and is loaded into the press machine in the next process.

On the other hand, in the robot system, an articulated robot is installed between the press machines, and the workpiece is taken out by the robot after forming and is put into the press machine in the next process.
Further, as this type of conveying device, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2003-382660 A

However, since the loader / unloader method requires a large installation space such as a shuttle, the pitch between the press machines becomes large.
Therefore, there is a problem that the press equipment as a whole must be enlarged.
In addition, since a plurality of apparatuses such as an unloader, a shuttle, and a loader are transferred, a conveyance abnormality is likely to occur.
In the robot system, when the press (product) is increased in size, the robot itself is also increased in size in order to ensure the rigidity of each joint of the robot, and it becomes impossible to cope with the increase in the speed and productivity of the apparatus.

Furthermore, in the conveyance apparatus described in Patent Document 1 and the like, the traveling shaft crosses between the presses, and installation and maintenance become difficult.
Also in this case, a space is required for disposing the device between the press stage and the press upright, which increases the size of the press machine.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece transfer device capable of simplifying the configuration while ensuring smooth and proper operation.

  That is, according to the present invention, (1) a pair of arm units supported by a base disposed at an appropriate position between the press stages, each of which is coupled to a plurality of arms so as to be rotatable with respect to each other, A workpiece holding mechanism to be mounted; and a lifting unit that lifts and lowers the pair of arm units via the base. A workpiece held by the workpiece holding mechanism is operated by the operations of the pair of arm units and the lifting unit. It exists in a workpiece transfer device that transfers between press stages.

  Further, according to the present invention, (2) each arm unit is connected to the first arm that can be rotated in parallel and horizontally with the workpiece conveyance direction, and is coupled to the end of the first arm so as to be parallel to and parallel to the workpiece conveyance direction. And a second arm that is rotatable, and is symmetric with respect to the workpiece conveyance direction and operates synchronously with each other.

  Further, the present invention (3) has a hand bar that is detachably supported between the end portions of the respective second arms and can move horizontally in parallel with the work transport direction, and the work gripping mechanism is mounted and supported on the hand bar. It exists in the workpiece conveyance apparatus as described in said (2).

  Further, the present invention resides in (4) the workpiece transfer apparatus according to (2), further including a tilt mechanism that allows the entire arm unit to tilt in the vertical direction.

  Moreover, this invention exists in the workpiece conveyance apparatus as described in said (2) which has a power assistance mechanism which applies a braking torque or an acceleration torque with respect to rotation operation | movement of the said 1st arm.

  Further, the present invention resides in (6) the workpiece transfer apparatus according to (2), further including a second tilt mechanism that allows the entire arm unit to be tilted horizontally and horizontally.

  Further, the present invention resides in (7) the workpiece transfer apparatus according to (2), further including a third tilt mechanism that enables the entire arm unit to be tilted vertically and horizontally.

  Moreover, this invention exists in the workpiece conveyance apparatus as described in said (3) which has a 4th tilt mechanism which enables the said hand bar to tilt to the left-right direction (8).

  Moreover, this invention exists in the workpiece conveyance apparatus of the said (5) description whose said power assistance mechanism is a leaf | plate spring (9).

  In addition, as long as the objective of this invention is met, the structure which combined the said invention suitably is also employable.

According to the present invention, since it is attached to one of the tandem presses at one place and does not have a traveling axis for traveling the arm unit between the tandem presses, the space between the tandem presses is easy and appropriate. Can be arranged.
Thereby, the installation and maintenance can be performed very easily without increasing the size of the press device due to the installation space.

Furthermore, it becomes possible to convey between the press stages at the shortest distance, and efficient and high-speed conveyance becomes possible.
In addition, the tilt mechanism in particular has an effect that the work can be taken out from one press or conveyed in a posture that can be easily transferred to the other press, and the work can be delivered smoothly and properly.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a workpiece transfer apparatus according to the present invention will be described using the same reference numerals for members that are substantially the same as or correspond to those of a conventional example, based on the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a workpiece transfer device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof, FIG. 3 is a side view thereof, and FIG.
The workpiece conveyance device 10 is disposed between the upstream press (I) and the downstream press (II).
The press (I) and the press (II) have press slides 1 (I) and 1 (II) each including an upper die and a lower die 2 (I) and 2 (II) placed on a die change carriage. Then, the molded workpiece W is conveyed from the press (I) to the press (II) by the workpiece conveying device 10.

In an appropriate space between the press (I) and the press (II), an elevating mechanism 12 is arranged via a beam 11 horizontally mounted on the upright 3, and the base 13 of the apparatus is supported by the elevating mechanism 12 so as to be movable up and down. .
As will be described later, the base 13 supports a pair of arm units 14 each composed of a plurality of arms rotatably coupled to each other, and works W held by a work gripping mechanism is operated by the arm unit 14. Transport between press stages.

Each arm unit 14 is coupled to the end of the first arm 15 in parallel and horizontally with the workpiece transfer direction (arrow X), and can be rotated in parallel with the workpiece transfer direction and horizontally. Second arm 16.
Further, each arm unit 14 operates symmetrically with respect to the workpiece conveyance direction and in synchronization with each other.

In this case, the first arm 15 rotates about the pivot 17 and the second arm 16 rotates about the pivot 18.
The first arm 15 and the second arm 16 are coupled to each other through a gear, a timing belt, and the like.
Further, a rotational drive servomotor 19 and a speed reducer 20 are arranged coaxially with the pivot 17 of the first arm 15, and the first arm 15 is rotationally driven by these.
The servo motor 19 is connected to a control unit or a control circuit (not shown) of the apparatus and can be driven and controlled independently.
The amount of rotation of the servo motor 19 can be always grasped by managing pulse signals, for example, or an encoder or the like may be attached to grasp the amount of rotation.
Thereby, the amount of rotation of the arm 15 can be detected.

Here, the elevating mechanism 12 includes an elevating rod 21 for elevating the base 13 and a vertical drive servo motor 22 for the elevating rod 21.
The servo motor 22 is also connected to a control unit or a control circuit and is driven and controlled.

Each second arm 16 of each arm unit 14 is connected to each other via a hand bar 23.
That is, it has a hand bar 23 that is detachably supported between the end portions of each second arm 16 and can move horizontally in parallel with the work transport direction, and a work gripping mechanism is mounted and supported on the hand bar 23.
The tip of each second arm 16 is detachably coupled to the hand bar 23 via an attachment 24, and both of them can rotate relative to each other around a shaft 25.

When the workpiece W is transported, the workpiece W is gripped by the workpiece gripping mechanism.
This work gripping mechanism has a work holding means 26 detachably provided on the hand bar 23.
As the work holding means 26, for example, a suction pad or the like is suitable.
A plurality of the suction pads are arranged in a well-balanced manner according to the shape of the workpiece W or the like.

Furthermore, it has the 1st tilt mechanism which enables each arm unit 14 whole to tilt in the vertical left-right direction (namely, around the horizontal axis center orthogonal to a conveyance direction).
The tilt mechanism includes a tilt base 27 fixed to the lower end of the lifting rod 21, a tilt drive servomotor 28, and a tilted body 29 coupled to the base 13.
Through the tilt mechanism, the entire arm unit 14 is supported so as to be tiltable about the tilt axis 30 (arrow T1 in FIG. 3).

Moreover, it has the power assistance mechanism which urges | biases the driving force to the direction which assists the rotation direction of the 1st arm 15 in a neutral direction.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plate spring 31 is provided along the workpiece conveyance direction (arrow X) so as to sandwich the vicinity of the base of the first arm 15 from both sides.
Each leaf spring 31 can be attached to a proper position of the base 13.

In the above configuration, the workpiece W after being formed is conveyed from the press (I) to the press (II) by the workpiece conveying device 10.
At that time, the arm unit 14 and the elevating mechanism 12 are operated to move between the press stages. By rotating the first and second arms 15 and 16 of each arm unit 14 by the servo motor 19, the arm unit 14 is desired. Can be controlled to operate along the trajectory.

For example, the arm unit 14 enters the press (I) with a substantially intermediate point (or neutral position) of the press stage shown in FIG. 1 as a base point or a start point.
Next, the work holding means 26 is lowered by the elevating mechanism 12 to a position where the work W can be sucked and sucks the work W.
Thereafter, it is raised moderately by the lifting mechanism 12 and enters the press (II) again via the press stage intermediate point.
When reaching above the lower die 2 (II) of the press (II), the workpiece W is opened on the lower die 2 (II) after descending.

The operation example of the apparatus has been described. Next, main features of the apparatus of the present invention will be described.
First, since the workpiece transfer device 10 is attached to one of the upstream press (I) and the downstream press (II) at one location, for example, it is particularly adapted to a press equipped with a vibration isolator. It can be easily and properly attached.
In addition, since the arm unit 14 does not have a traveling axis for traveling between tandem presses, it can be arranged in a space between tandem presses.
As a result, the installation and maintenance of the apparatus can be performed very easily.
That is, since there is no traveling shaft, the device of the present invention can be easily attached to the press, and the installation time and the replacement time can be shortened.

In this case, since the workpiece W is held by the pair of arm units 14 via the workpiece gripping mechanism, the load on each arm unit 14 is substantially reduced.
In particular, since the length L (FIG. 2) of the hand bar 23 is smaller than the left and right width of the mold, the weight to be carried by the arm unit 14 is reduced.
As a result, the arm unit 14 itself can be reduced in weight and size, and the rotation drive servomotor 19 can be reduced in size, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the entire unit.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second arms 15 and 16 of each arm unit 14 are rotated on a horizontal plane by driving only the rotation driving servo motor 19, whereby the hand bar 23 is indicated by a dotted line. Move in the workpiece transfer direction as shown.
In the vertical direction, the vertical rod 21, and thus the entire arm unit 14, moves up and down by driving the vertical drive servomotor 22.
As described above, by operating the workpiece conveyance direction and the vertical direction by the linear motion mechanism, the workpiece always moves along the shortest path, and an efficient apparatus operation is realized.

Here, by connecting the drive shafts of the left and right first arms 15 via gears and belts, even if an abnormality occurs in the control of one rotation drive servomotor 19, the other rotation drive is performed. The servo motor 19 can be operated only by the power.
This not only provides a fuel-safe effect, but also enables temporary operation at low speed (production is continued temporarily until failure recovery).

Further, by setting the first arm 15 and the second arm 16 of each arm unit 14 to the same length, a linear motion is given to the workpiece W as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
The control and mechanism for moving the workpiece W linearly, that is, along the shortest path, is greatly simplified.
Further, when moving at the shortest distance in this way, since there is no servo axis other than the drive control of the first arm 15, the number of servo axes is minimized in terms of mechanical structure, and the control and the structure can be simplified. it can.

Since the first and second arms 15 and 16 are rotated only on a horizontal plane, the mutual coupling structure can be configured extremely simply.
Further, as described above, the portion entering the presses (I) and (II) is thin and compact in combination with the light weight and compactness of the arm unit 14, and it is possible to effectively prevent interference with the mold. it can.
In addition, lighter, smaller and more compact devices can be operated at higher speeds, increasing productivity, reducing maintenance, and having no wiring to move at high speeds. Can be eliminated.

Although the first and second arms 15 and 16 basically rotate only on the horizontal plane, the entire arm unit 14 can be appropriately tilted by effectively utilizing the tilt mechanism described above.
For example, particularly when the workpiece W is opened with respect to the lower die 2 (II), the posture of the workpiece W is changed by appropriately tilting the arm unit 14, thereby changing the workpiece W to the lower die 2 (II). It can be transferred safely and properly.

As described above, it operates with the two drive shafts of the rotation drive servo motor 19 and the vertical drive servo motor 22, and the number of shafts of the motor is halved compared to the one described in Patent Document 1 already described. Yes.
Therefore, not only the configuration is simple, but also the servo motors 19 and 20 can be easily controlled, and the cost of the apparatus including the control system can be reduced.

Further, for example, a plate spring 31 for urging the first arm 15 of the arm unit 14 to the neutral position as shown in FIG. 5 is provided.
By having such an urging means, the torque force of the rotational drive servomotor 19 can be adjusted.
As a result, efficient and rational operation of the apparatus can be realized.
That is, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the first arm 15 rotates within a range of maximum θ = 180 ° on both sides of the neutral position.
In this case, the stationary time is short near the stroke end, the drive torque of the rotation drive servo motor 19 is high, and the elasticity of the leaf spring 31 is applied to the rotation drive servo when the hand bar 23 moves toward the stroke end. It acts as a braking torque for the motor 19.
On the other hand, when moving from the stroke end, the elasticity of the leaf spring 31 acts as acceleration torque and is added.

Further, for example, when an abnormality that loses the driving power of the first arm 15 occurs while the press (II) is descending, the hand bar 23 and the press may interfere with each other as they are.
In such a case, the arm unit 14 can be allowed to escape from the interference area of the press by the elastic action of the leaf spring 31.
Further, for example, when the apparatus enters the press (I), if any abnormality occurs in the rotational drive servomotor 19, the arm unit 14 runs out of control as it is.
In such a case, the braking torque works due to the elastic force of the leaf spring 31, and the device can be completely stopped.

Next, a second embodiment of the work transfer device of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the workpiece transfer apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a plan view thereof, FIG. 8 is a side view thereof, and FIG.
Note that members that are substantially the same as or correspond to those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of the portions already described is omitted as appropriate.

The second embodiment of the present invention includes a second tilt mechanism that enables each arm unit 14 to tilt in the horizontal and horizontal directions (that is, swingable around the vertical axis).
The second tilt mechanism includes a second tilt driving servomotor 32.
In addition, a third tilt mechanism is provided that enables the entire arm unit 14 to be tilted vertically and horizontally.
The third tilt mechanism includes a third tilt driving servomotor 33.

Particularly in the second embodiment, the entire arm unit 14 can be tilted around the second tilt shaft 34 by the second tilt drive servomotor 32 (FIG. 9, arrow T2), that is, tilted in the horizontal direction on the horizontal plane. It becomes possible.
Further, the third tilt driving servomotor 33 can be tilted around the third tilt axis 35 (arrow T3 in FIG. 9), that is, it can be tilted in the left-right direction on the vertical plane.
By appropriately operating these second and third tilt mechanisms, the arm unit 14 tilts and the posture of the workpiece W can be changed with a considerable degree of freedom.
As a result, there are advantages such as easy handling of the workpiece W.

Next, a third embodiment of the workpiece transfer apparatus of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 10 is a main part plan view and main part side view of the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
Note that members that are substantially the same as or correspond to those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of the portions already described is omitted as appropriate.
In this embodiment, a fourth tilt drive servomotor 36 is attached to the tip of the second arm 16 via a bracket 37.
A bearing 38 is attached to the tip of the second arm 16.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the hand bar 23 can be tilted vertically and horizontally by the fourth tilt driving servomotor 36, that is, tiltable around the fourth tilt shaft 39 (FIG. 11). , Arrow T4).
In particular, since only the distal end portion of the second arm 16, that is, around the hand bar 23 is tilted, the inertia weight of the movable portion is significantly reduced.
Therefore, the fourth tilt drive servomotor 36 can be small, and the entire apparatus can be made compact.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated with embodiment, this invention is not limited only to these embodiment, A change etc. are possible within the scope of the present invention.
In the above embodiment, an example in which a workpiece is transported between press stages of a tandem press has been described. However, the present invention apparatus can also be applied to a case where a workpiece is taken out from a single press or supplied to a single press. It is.

It is a front view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a whole perspective view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the circumference of a power auxiliary mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a whole perspective view of the workpiece conveyance apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the principal part top view and principal part side view in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a conventional apparatus typically.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Work conveying apparatus 11 Beam 12 Elevating mechanism 13 Base | substrate 14 Arm unit 15 1st arm 16 2nd arm 17 Axis 18 Axis 19 Rotation drive servomotor 20 Reduction gear 21 Elevator rod 22 Vertical drive servomotor 23 Hand bar 24 Attachment 25 Shaft 26 Workpiece holding means 27 Tilt base 28 Tilt drive servo motor 29 Tilted body 30 Tilt shaft 31 Leaf spring 32 Tilt drive servo motor 33 Tilt drive servo motor 34 Tilt shaft 35 Tilt shaft 36 Tilt drive servo motor 37 Bracket 38 Bearing 39 Tilt axis W Workpiece

Claims (9)

A pair of arm units that are supported by a base disposed at an appropriate position between the press stages, each of which is coupled to a plurality of arms so as to be rotatable with respect to each other; a workpiece gripping mechanism mounted between tips of the arm units; An elevating unit that elevates and lowers the pair of arm units via a base,
A workpiece conveying apparatus, wherein the workpiece held by the workpiece gripping mechanism is conveyed between press stages by the operation of the pair of arm units and the lifting unit.   Each of the arm units includes a first arm that can be rotated in parallel and horizontally with the workpiece transfer direction, and a second arm that is coupled to the end of the first arm and can be rotated in parallel and horizontally with the workpiece transfer direction. 2. The workpiece transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece transfer device operates symmetrically and synchronously with each other in the workpiece transfer direction.   3. A hand bar that is detachably supported between the ends of each of the second arms and that can move horizontally in parallel with a workpiece transfer direction, and the workpiece gripping mechanism is mounted and supported on the hand bar. The workpiece transfer device described in 1.   The workpiece transfer device according to claim 2, further comprising a tilt mechanism that allows the entire arm unit to tilt in the vertical direction.   The work transfer apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a power assist mechanism that applies a braking torque or an acceleration torque to the rotation operation of the first arm.   The work conveying apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second tilt mechanism that enables the entire arm unit to be tilted horizontally and horizontally.   The work transfer apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a third tilt mechanism that enables the entire arm unit to tilt in the vertical and horizontal directions.   The work transfer apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a fourth tilt mechanism that enables the hand bar to be tilted vertically and horizontally.   6. The workpiece transfer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the power assist mechanism is a leaf spring.

Images