JP2007175855A - Method and device for manufacture of connecting rod - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote the removal and release of chips produced on the mating fractured surfaces by abutting the fractured surface of a cap part and the fractured surface of a rod part immediately after being fractured and divided into the cap part and the rod part. <P>SOLUTION: A device for manufacturing a connecting rod comprises a fixed stage 62 secured onto a base 60, a movable stage 64 so installed as to be move close to or apart from the fixed stage 62, and a set of backup cylinders 153, 155 displacing the overall movable stage 64 along the axial direction of the connecting rod 30. The set of backup cylinders 153, 155 are substantially simultaneously biased to displace a cap part 32 together with the movable stage 64 until the fractured surface of the cap part 32 of the connecting rod abuts on the fractured surface of the rod part 34 of the connecting rod held on the fixed stage 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a connecting rod constituting, for example, a vehicle engine component, and more specifically, after integrally forming a connecting rod having a large end and a small end, the large end The present invention relates to a connecting rod manufacturing method and apparatus for breaking and dividing a cap portion and a rod portion.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a connecting rod that connects a piston pin and a crank pin has been widely used in a vehicle engine. The connecting rod has a large end connected to the crank pin and a small end connected to the piston pin. In the manufacturing process, from the large end to the small end of the connecting rod In general, for example, the large end portion is fractured and divided into a cap portion and a rod portion after being integrally formed by forging or the like.

  As a method of breaking and dividing this type of connecting rod, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an internal pressure applying device that applies an internal pressure in an outward direction to a bearing hole of a bearing portion of a connecting rod, and an external pressure applied to the bearing portion. A set of external pressure applying devices, the external pressure applying device applies the external pressure to the bearing portion, the internal pressure applying device applies the internal pressure to the bearing portion, and the internal pressure applied by the internal pressure applying device divides the bearing portion. A method is disclosed in which the external pressure of the external pressure applying device is instantaneously released when the internal pressure is at a possible internal pressure, and the bearing portion is instantaneously divided by the internal pressure.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses first and second support members that are disposed on a base of a pallet on which a connecting rod is placed so as to be movable away from each other and horizontally support the connecting rod, A half mandrel comprising mandrel halves that are suspended from the first and second support members and each outer peripheral surface abuts against the inner surface of the opening, and surfaces that abut the opposing end surfaces of the mandrel halves are respectively tapered surfaces A wedge that evenly separates and expands each mandrel half, an actuator that applies a load to the wedge, an initial load applied to the actuator, and the mandrel half abuts against the inner surface of the opening, and then breaks. A connecting rod breaking device including a control circuit that momentarily breaks an opening by applying a load is disclosed.

  Next, regarding this type of connecting rod fracture break, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses that the pair of semi-cylindrical protrusions on both sides in the axial direction of the pair of semi-cylindrical protrusions fitted in the large end holes of the connecting rod. Disclosed is a connecting rod splitting device in which it is possible to prevent distortion of a large end hole after splitting by uniformly applying a destructive force in a direction in which they are separated from each other.

  In Patent Document 4, a pair of cutouts are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the large end hole formed at the large end portion of the connecting rod, and the cap portion and the rod portion are formed along the fracture plane based on the cutout. And a method of breaking and dividing is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-277848 JP 2002-66998 A JP-A-6-42527 JP-A 64-64729

  However, in the fracture splitting method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the internal pressure that can be split is detected and the timing for instantaneously releasing the external pressure of the external pressure applying device is controlled due to variations due to manufacturing errors of the connecting rod. Is difficult.

  Further, in the breaking device disclosed in Patent Document 2, there is a possibility that the horizontal shake that occurs when the large end portion is broken and divided into the cap portion and the rod portion cannot be completely suppressed. It is difficult to shorten the time lag between the first rupture in which one side is ruptured first and the subsequent rupture in which one of the other is slightly delayed.

  By the way, when the connecting rod is broken and divided into the cap portion and the rod portion, a shrinkage phenomenon occurs in the cap portion and the rod portion due to residual stress generated after the breaking division. The fracture split recombination site in which the fracture split surface on the cap portion side and the fracture split surface on the rod portion side are joined by this contraction phenomenon is a stepped portion formed by combining the concave and convex surfaces instead of a flat surface. In addition to the contraction phenomenon, there is a case where an expansion (expansion) phenomenon occurs in the cap part and the rod part due to residual stress generated after the fracture division.

  In addition, for example, a pair of grooves (notches) having a V-shaped cross section are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the connecting rod on the inner peripheral surface of the large end, and the fracture is divided starting from the pair of grooves having the V-shaped cross section. In this case, since the crack (main crack) progresses by propagating due to brittle fracture, a fine sub-crack is generated during the propagation due to the branching of the crack (main crack). Accordingly, when the connecting rod is assembled to the internal combustion engine or when the internal combustion engine is operated, the sub-cracks propagate with each other, and as a result, there is a concern that the portion may be a fragment made of a minute space lacking.

  A general object of the present invention is to remove fragments generated on a fractured joint surface by bringing the fracture surface of the cap portion and the fracture surface of the rod portion into contact with each other immediately after being divided into a cap portion and a rod portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connecting rod manufacturing method and apparatus capable of facilitating disengagement.

  A main object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a connecting rod that does not require the timing for releasing the external pressure and that can reduce the time lag between the pre-break and post-break as much as possible.

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, after integrally forming a connecting rod having a large end and a small end, the coupling hole of the large end is set in a set of expansion tools, A connecting rod manufacturing apparatus that breaks and divides the large end into a cap part and a rod part by press-fitting a wedge member between a pair of extension parts to expand the extension part,
A rod fixed to the fixed stage, having a fixed stage fixed on a base, and a movable stage disposed opposite to the fixed stage and provided in a horizontal direction so as to approach or separate from the fixed stage. The connecting rod is set in a state where the connecting rod is positioned at a predetermined position by one part-side extension tool and the other extension tool on the cap part side that is fixed to the movable stage and is integrally displaced. A workpiece positioning holding mechanism for holding the connecting rod;
A load mechanism for applying a rupture load in the press-fitting direction of the wedge member in order to break and divide the large end portion;
After the large end portion is broken and divided into a cap portion and a rod portion, the movable stage is held on the fixed stage side while the cap portion and the rod portion are held by the movable stage and the fixed stage, respectively. A debris removal detachment promoting mechanism for urging the removal or detachment of the fragments generated on the fractured joint surface by bringing the fracture surface of the cap portion and the fracture surface of the rod portion into contact with each other.
It is characterized by providing.

  In this case, the workpiece positioning and holding mechanism includes a first support mechanism that presses both shoulders on the cap portion side of the large end portion of the connecting rod toward the small end portion, and an end that engages with the connecting rod. And a second support mechanism that clamps the first support mechanism by pressing the end of the first support mechanism on the opposite side from the upper part, and the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism are respectively The movable stage may be fixed so as to be displaceable integrally with the movable stage.

  The second support mechanism is composed of a cylinder having a piston and a piston rod, and a block body having a pressing surface that engages with the inclined surface of the first support mechanism is connected to the tip of the piston rod. It is good to be done.

  In addition, a preload applying mechanism for applying a preload in the press-fitting direction of the wedge member may be provided in order to substantially crimp a set of expansion tools to the inner surface of the coupling hole at the large end. After the preliminary load is applied by the preliminary load applying mechanism, the second support mechanism is urged to smoothly clamp the first support mechanism.

  Furthermore, the load mechanism may be configured by a single actuator that pulls the wedge member downward.

  Furthermore, the workpiece positioning and holding mechanism is provided on the fixed stage, engages with a small end portion of the connecting rod, and presses the small end portion toward the large end portion along the axial direction. It is good to have 1 workpiece | work support member and the cylinder which moves the said 1st workpiece support member forward / backward. In that case, the one end part of the said 1st workpiece | work support member is good to provide the engaging part engaged with the small end part of the said connecting rod.

  Still further, the workpiece positioning and holding mechanism is provided on the fixed stage and presses the upper surface portion of the large end portion of the connecting rod toward the lower side, and the pin as a rotation fulcrum. It is preferable to have a cylinder that swings the second workpiece support member by a predetermined angle.

  Still further, the fragment removal or detachment promoting mechanism has a set of backup cylinders fixed to a side wall portion of a bracket connected to a base and displacing the entire movable stage along the axial direction of the connecting rod. Good.

  According to the present invention, first, the rod portion of the connecting rod is set on the fixed stage side via the workpiece positioning and holding mechanism, and the movable stage is provided so that the cap portion of the connecting rod is movable with respect to the fixed stage. Set to the side.

  Subsequently, the cap portion of the set connecting rod is pressed toward the small end portion side through the first support mechanism to support both shoulder portions of the cap portion from the lateral direction, and the second support mechanism is By energizing and pressing the first support mechanism toward the cap portion, the cap portion is fixed between the first support mechanism and the expansion device on the cap portion side.

  Next, by applying a load to the wedge member via a load mechanism, the cap portion is held while the cap portion is fixed between the first support mechanism and the expansion device on the cap portion side. Are integrally displaced together with the movable stage, and the large end portion is broken and divided into a cap portion and a rod portion.

  After the large end portion is divided into a cap portion and a rod portion, a piece removal or detachment promoting mechanism is urged, and the cap portion and the rod portion are held by the movable stage and the fixed stage, respectively. In this state, the movable stage is displaced toward the fixed stage, and the fracture surface of the cap portion and the rod portion are brought into contact with each other by bringing the fracture surface of the cap portion into contact with the fracture surface of the rod portion. The removal of the broken piece or the removal of the piece can be promoted. At that time, after bringing the fracture surface of the cap portion broken and the fracture surface of the rod portion into contact with each other, the thrust applied to the fracture surface is switched and increased, thereby generating the fracture surface. The removal or detachment of the broken pieces can be preferably promoted.

  As described above, in the present invention, immediately after the fracture and division into the cap part and the rod part, the cap part and the rod part are brought into contact with each other while being held by the movable stage and the fixed stage. It can be removed or the removal of the piece can be promoted smoothly.

  In the present invention, immediately after the large end portion is broken and divided into the cap portion and the rod portion, the cap portion and the broken surface of the rod portion are brought into contact with each other, and thereafter, a predetermined thrust is applied to the fracture joining surface. Accordingly, it is possible to favorably promote the removal or detachment of the pieces generated on the fracture joining surfaces of the cap part and the rod part.

  Further, in the present invention, the timing for releasing the external pressure is unnecessary, and the time lag between the pre-break and the post-break can be reduced as much as possible.

  A method for manufacturing a connecting rod according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving preferred embodiments in relation to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

  FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a connecting rod 30 as a workpiece to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the connecting rod 30 is broken and divided into a cap portion 32 and a rod portion 34. is there.

  The connecting rod 30 includes a large end portion 38 in which a cap portion 32 and a rod portion 34 are integrally formed via a substantially circular coupling hole 36, and a small end portion disposed on the opposite side of the large end portion 38. And an end 40. The connecting rod 30 is integrally formed by casting or forging, for example.

  In addition, bolt holes 42a and 42b are formed on both sides of the large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30 by a drilling mechanism (not shown) such as a drill, for example. In these bolt holes 42a and 42b, for example, in an assembly process of an engine or the like, bolts (not shown) are respectively screwed from the cap portion 32 side, and the cap portion 32 is fastened to the rod portion 34. In this manner, the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 that are divided by breaking are integrally fastened, whereby the large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30 is connected to the crank pin of the engine.

  In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 44 indicates a divided portion that is a boundary portion between the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 in the large end portion 38. The dividing portion 44 is set on both sides of the large end portion 38 at portions facing the coupling hole 36 as a center.

  Next, the division | segmentation processing apparatus 50 which implements the manufacturing method of the connecting rod which concerns on embodiment of this invention is shown to FIGS. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the division processing apparatus 50, FIG. 3 is a partial sectional plan view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view along the axial direction of FIG.

  The split processing device 50 is set with the connecting rod 30 positioned at a predetermined position, and includes a workpiece positioning holding mechanism 52 for holding the set connecting rod 30 and a large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30. The breaking and splitting mechanism 54 for breaking and splitting, the preloading mechanism 56 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) for applying a preload to the breaking and splitting mechanism 54, and the weight (heavy object) 57 are dropped. And a load mechanism 58 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) for applying an impact load to the fracture splitting mechanism 54.

  The work positioning and holding mechanism 52 includes a base 60 formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above, a fixed stage 62 fixed on the base 60, and a fixed stage 62 that is disposed opposite to the fixed stage 62. On the other hand, a movable stage 64 provided so as to be able to approach or separate in the horizontal direction along the axial direction of the base 60, and the base 60 so as to protrude outward in the axial direction of the base 60. A first bracket 66 and a second bracket 68 fixed to both ends are provided.

  The fixed stage 62 includes a fixed table 70 fixed to the base 60 through a first bracket 66, a first hydraulic cylinder 72 fixed to the fixed table 70, and a piston rod of the first hydraulic cylinder 72. 72a, a movable block 76 connected to the distal end portion of the connecting rod 30 along the guide rail 74 and movable in the axial direction of the connecting rod 30, and a predetermined length protruding from the end of the movable block 76. It is fixed to the groove of the movable block 76, and engages with the small end 40 of the connecting rod 30 under the driving action of the first hydraulic cylinder 72 so that the small end 40 moves toward the large end 38 along the axial direction. And a first workpiece support member 78 that presses toward the first side.

  The first hydraulic cylinder 72 switches the small end portion 40 of the connecting rod 30 along the axial direction by switching the pressure of the supplied pressure oil between a low pressure and a high pressure under the switching action of a switching valve (not shown). The force (thrust) pressing toward the portion 38 side can be switched.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the front end portion of the first work support member 78 has a tapered engagement that is recessed in a v-shaped cross section that engages with the small end portion 40 of the connecting rod 30. Part 80 is formed.

  Further, the fixed stage 62 is slid along a pair of guide members 82a and 82b fixed on the fixed table 70 substantially in parallel with the movable block 76 therebetween, and the guide members 82a and 82b. The slider 86 is provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the connecting rod 30 via a pair of guide blocks 84, and a first air cylinder 88 fixed to the fixed table 70 and moving the slider 86 forward and backward.

  The slider 86 includes a second air cylinder 94 that is rotatably provided at a predetermined angle with a first pin 92 pivotally attached to a pair of bearing blocks 90a and 90b as a fulcrum, and a bifurcated branch portion. The joint member 96 connected to the piston rod 94a of the second air cylinder 94 and one end portion thereof are pivotally mounted between the branch portions of the joint member 96 via the second pin 98, and the central portion is connected to the third pin 100. And a second work support member 104 pivotally supported on the connecting plate 102 of the slider 86.

  The tip of the second workpiece support member 104 is provided with a pressing portion 104a having a substantially Y shape, and the pressing portion 104a rotates the third pin 100 under the driving action of the second air cylinder 94. By swinging (turning) a predetermined angle as a fulcrum, the upper surface portion of the large end portion 38 (rod portion 34) of the connecting rod 30 is pressed downward to hold the connecting rod 30.

  On the base 60 close to the fixing table 70, as shown in FIG. 5, a fixing block 108 protruding in a bifurcated shape with a rectangular cross section interposed therebetween is fixed. The concave portion 106 of the block 108 is provided with a positioning fixing pin 110 that positions and holds the end of the connecting rod 30 through the hole of the small end 40.

  In this case, when the first work support member 78 enters from the horizontal direction along the concave section 106 having a rectangular cross section of the fixed block 108, the axes of the first work support member 78 and the connecting rod 30 coincide with each other. Thus, the engaging portion 80 formed at the distal end portion of the first work support member 78 is guided so as to be surely engaged with the small end portion 40 of the connecting rod 30.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a holding block 112 fixed to the base 60 is provided between the fixed block 108 and the movable stage 64. On the holding block 112, a first mandrel 114 having a semicircular projection 114a that contacts the opening of the large end 38 is fixed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a set of first guide elements 116 a and 116 b that guide the movable stage 64 along the axial direction of the connecting rod 30 are fixed on the base 60 substantially in parallel. . Each of the pair of first guide elements 116a and 116b is formed with a long groove extending in the axial direction between the upper surface of the base 60, and the flange portion 118a of the slide block 118 slides on the long groove. It is provided to move.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a second mandrel 120 having a semicircular convex portion 120 a contacting the opening of the large end portion 38 is fixed to the upper surface of the slide block 118, and the second When the mandrel 120 is displaced integrally with the movable stage 64, the mandrel 120 is provided so as to be close to or separated from the first mandrel 114 on the fixed stage 62 side by a predetermined distance. The semicircular projections 114a and 120a of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120 each function as a set of expansion tools.

  The mating surfaces of the semicircular convex portions 114a and 120a of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120 are respectively formed with concave portions 114b and 120b having a rectangular cross section, and the vertical portions are obtained by combining the concave portions 114b and 120b. A through hole is formed along the direction. The through hole is provided with a wedge member 122 having a rectangular cross section. In this case, the semicircular convex portions 114a and 120a of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120 are combined to form a circular convex portion, and the large end of the connecting rod 30 is connected to the circular convex portion. The coupling hole 36 of the part 38 is set.

  Further, a connecting plate 124 erected along the vertical direction is fixed to the end of the slide block 118, and a set of third air cylinders 126a and 126b are arranged on the connecting plate 124 along the horizontal direction at a predetermined interval. They are connected at a distance (see FIG. 3). A pair of third work support members (first support mechanisms) 130a and 130b are coupled to the tip ends of the piston rods of the third air cylinders 126a and 126b via a shaft 128. The set of third work support members 130a and 130b can advance and retreat on the plane of the second mandrel 120 along the axial direction of the connecting rod 30 under the driving action of the set of third air cylinders 126a and 126b, respectively. Provided.

  One end portion of the pair of third work support members 130a and 130b along the axial direction is in contact with the cap portion 32 of the large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30, and the connecting rod 30 is made small from the large end portion 38. A pair of protrusions 132 that are pressed in parallel with the axial direction toward the end 40 side are provided. An inclined surface 138 that engages with a pressing surface 136 of fourth work support members 134a and 134b, which will be described later, is provided at the other end of the third work support members 130a and 130b on the opposite side of the protrusion 132.

  In this case, the set of third work support members 130a and 130b is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, two sets of second guides fixed substantially parallel to the upper surface of the planar portion of the second mandrel 120. It is provided so as to be displaced linearly along the axial direction of the connecting rod 30 by the guiding action of the elements 140a to 140d.

  Furthermore, a fixed plate 141 is provided on the upper surface of the slide block 118, and a set of second hydraulic cylinders (second support mechanism) is provided above the fixed plate 141 via a top plate 144 supported by a support portion 142. 146a and 146b are fixed (see FIG. 2). A set of fourth work support members 134a and 134b each formed of a substantially cubic block body is connected to the tip of the piston rod of the set of second hydraulic cylinders 146a and 146b, and the fourth work support member 134a. , 134b are provided to be displaceable along the vertical vertical direction.

  The set of second hydraulic cylinders 146a and 146b respectively switch the pressure of the supplied pressure oil between a low pressure and a high pressure under the switching action of a switching valve (not shown), thereby setting a set of third work support members 130a. , 130b can be switched between the forces (thrust force) for pressing the connecting rod 30 toward the cap portion 32 side.

  One side surface of the fourth work support members 134a and 134b is engaged with the inclined surface 138 of the third work support members 130a and 130b and presses the third work support members 130a and 130b toward the connecting rod 30 side. A pressing surface 136 is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the support portion 142 is erected and fixed on the upper surface of the fixing plate 141, and is a set of first sets extending substantially parallel to the axis of the connecting rod 30 at a predetermined interval. Support plates 142a, 142b, a second support plate 142c connected to the upper side walls of the pair of first support plates 142a, 142b so as to be horizontally mounted along the horizontal direction, and the second support plate 142c. And a pair of third support plates 142d and 142e connected substantially in parallel along the vertical plane.

  The third support plates 142d and 142e are formed with a pair of convex portions 148 extending substantially parallel to the vertical direction, and the concave portions 150 and the convex portions respectively formed on the fourth work support members 134a and 134b. When the part 148 is engaged, the fourth work support members 134a and 134b are smoothly guided along the vertical direction.

  Further, the reaction force when the pressing surface 136 of the fourth workpiece support members 134a and 134b engages with the inclined surface 138 of the third workpiece support members 130a and 130b and presses the third workpiece support members 130a and 130b, It is suitably supported by a pair of third support plates 142d and 142e via first support plates 142a and 142b that are erected along the vertical direction.

  The first side wall 68a of the second bracket 68 projecting outward from the base 60 is connected to the tip of the first piston rod 152a by the connecting plate 124 so that the entire movable stage 64 is connected to the axis of the connecting rod 30. A fourth air cylinder 152 that is displaced along the direction is fixed.

  The fourth air cylinder 152 is configured by a double rod type in which each of the first piston rod 152a and the second piston rod 152b protrudes from both end portions along the axial direction of the cylinder tube. In this case, the first piston rod 152a is fixed to the connecting plate 124 connected to the slide block 118, and the second piston rod 152b is provided as a free end.

  A pair of backup cylinders 153 and 155 are fixed to the first side wall 68a of the second bracket 68 on both sides of the fourth air cylinder 152. The distal ends of the piston rods 153a and 155a of the set of backup cylinders 153 and 155 are respectively connected to the connecting plate 124, and the entire movable stage 64 is displaced along the axial direction of the connecting rod 30, as will be described later. The fracture surface of the cap portion 32 that is displaced integrally with the movable stage 64 is provided so as to abut the fracture surface of the rod portion 34 on the fixed side.

  A fifth air cylinder 154 is fixed to the second side wall 68b of the second bracket 68, and the end of the piston rod 154a of the fifth air cylinder 154 faces the second piston rod 152b of the fourth air cylinder 152. It is provided so that it can contact. By driving the fifth air cylinder 154 and extending the piston rod 154a, it abuts on the second piston rod 152b of the fourth air cylinder 152 and presses the entire movable stage 64 to displace it along the horizontal direction. Can do.

  The fracture splitting mechanism 54 includes a first and second mandrels 114 and 120 having a pair of semicircular convex portions 114a and 120a in which the coupling hole 36 of the large end portion 38 is set, and the first and second mandrels 114. , 120 and a wedge member 122 that is press-fitted in order to expand in a direction away from each other.

  The semicircular convex portions 114a and 120a of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120 are formed with concave portions 114b and 120b into which the wedge member 122 is inserted, and the concave portions 114b of the first mandrel 114 on the fixed stage 62 side are formed. The wall surface is formed substantially along the vertical direction, and the wall surface of the recess 120b of the second mandrel 120 on the movable stage 64 side is formed in a taper shape that is inclined outward and directed upward (FIGS. 4 and 4). See 6).

  The wedge member 122 has a tapered surface 122a that widens toward the tip portion. The wedge member 122 is inserted into the recesses 114b and 120b so that the tapered surface 122a is in sliding contact with the wall surface of the second mandrel 120. Therefore, when the wedge member 122 is urged downward in FIG. 4, the first mandrel 114 and the second mandrel 120 slide away from each other due to the sliding action between the tapered surface 122a and the wall surface. Will be extended.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the preliminary load applying mechanism 56 includes a third hydraulic cylinder 156 that generates a preliminary load to be applied to the wedge member 122. The third hydraulic cylinder 156 includes a piston rod (load transmission tool) 162 coupled to the end of the wedge member 122 via a coupling mechanism 160 including a coupling pin 158 and the like, and an annular formed on the piston rod 162. The piston 164 which has the step part 164a engaged with the level | step difference surface 162a of this is provided.

  The piston rod 162 passes through the central portion of the piston 164 and is slidable with respect to the piston 164. Therefore, the piston 164 of the third hydraulic cylinder 156 is integrally displaced with respect to the piston rod 162 in the press-fitting direction of the wedge member 122 and is provided so as to be able to be separated in a direction opposite to the press-fitting direction of the wedge member 122. ing. In other words, the third hydraulic cylinder 156 can apply the preliminary load only in one direction (vertically downward) of the piston rod 162 via the piston 164.

  The preliminary load applying mechanism 56 and the load mechanism 58 are provided with a common load transmission shaft (load transmission tool) 166 connected to the wedge member 122 via the piston rod 162. The shaft 166 is formed integrally with the piston rod 162 on the stepped surface 162a side. Further, a flange portion 166 a is provided on the other end side of the shaft 166, and the position of the flange portion 166 a can be adjusted in the axial direction of the shaft 166.

  On the load mechanism 58, a weight 57 is placed, and a lifting table 168 for generating an impact load applied to the wedge member 122 via the shaft 166 by contacting the flange portion 166a from above, and the lifting mechanism 58 A set of guide members 170a and 170b that slidably support the table 168 along the vertical vertical direction, and a set of buffer members 172a and 172b that alleviate the impact of the falling lift table 168 are provided. .

  The load mechanism 58 includes a stopper mechanism (not shown) that can adjust the lower limit position of the drop stroke of the lift table 168, and a lift table return mechanism (not shown) that returns the dropped lift table 168 to the upper drop standby position. And a return cylinder (not shown) for returning the wedge member displaced downward when the large end portion is broken and broken to the initial position.

  The connecting rod splitting apparatus 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation and effects thereof will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. This will be described in detail.

  First, the integrally formed connecting rod 30 is set on the workpiece positioning and holding mechanism 52 (see FIG. 4). At that time, the connecting rod 30 is positioned on the small end portion 40 side by the positioning fixing pin 110 and the coupling hole 36 of the large end portion 38 is a circular convex portion 114a in which the first and second mandrels 114 and 120 are combined. , 120a (step S1).

  The connecting rod 30 set in this way is held at a predetermined position via the workpiece positioning holding mechanism 52. That is, by driving the first hydraulic cylinder 72, the movable block 76 connected to the tip of the piston rod 72a is displaced toward the connecting rod 30 side under the guide action of the guide rail 74. The first work support member 78 fixed to the groove portion of the movable block 76 engages with the small end portion 40 of the connecting rod 30 and presses the small end portion 40 toward the large end portion 38 along the axial direction. (Step S2).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the first work support member 78 advances in the horizontal direction along the concave portion 106 having a rectangular cross section that branches into a bifurcated shape of the fixed block 108. An engaging portion 80 having a v-shaped cross section formed at the distal end portion of the support member 78 is guided so as to engage with the small end portion 40 of the connecting rod 30 in a coaxial state along the axial direction.

  Subsequently, by driving the pair of third air cylinders 126a and 126b, respectively, the pair of third work support members 130a and 130b connected to the tip end portion of the piston rod via the shaft 128 becomes the second guide. It slides and displaces along the axial direction of the connecting rod 30 under the guiding action of the elements 140a to 140d. Accordingly, the protrusions 132 of the pair of third work support members 130a and 130b abut against both shoulders of the cap portion 32 of the connecting rod 30, and the connecting rod 30 is moved from the large end portion 38 to the small end portion 40 side. By pressing along the axial direction, both shoulder portions of the cap portion 32 are supported from the lateral direction (horizontal direction) (step S3).

  In this case, the protrusions 132 of the third work support members 130a and 130b abut against both shoulders of the cap portion 32 of the connecting rod 30 so that the inclination (axis) of the connecting rod 30 is set in a predetermined positioning direction. Is slightly pressed (correction with respect to the axial direction of the connecting rod 30).

  Subsequently, by driving the second air cylinder 94 and extending the piston rod 94a connected to the joint member 96, the second work support member 104 has a predetermined angle toward the lower side with the third pin 100 as a rotation fulcrum. Rotate only. When the second workpiece support member 104 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the tip end of the substantially Y-shaped pressing portion 104a comes into contact with the upper surface of the large end portion 38 near the coupling hole 36 of the connecting rod 30 at two points. The large end portion 38 is pressed downward (step S4).

  In this case, the convex portions 114a and 120a of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120 engage with the coupling hole 36 on the large end portion 38 side of the connecting rod 30 and are positioned in the hole portion on the small end portion 40 side. It is confirmed by a seating confirmation mechanism (not shown) that the fixing pin 110 is engaged and that the connecting rod 30 is seated on the flat portion of the upper surface of the first mandrel 114 (step S5).

  Specifically, for example, as a seating confirmation mechanism, an air discharge hole is provided in the flat portion on the upper surface of the first mandrel 114, and the connecting rod 30 is seated on the flat portion of the first mandrel 114, thereby closing the air discharge hole. Thus, it is confirmed that the connecting rod 30 is securely seated by detecting by a sensor (not shown) that the air discharge flow rate has decreased (the air discharge pressure from the air discharge hole has decreased).

  Next, by driving the third hydraulic cylinder 156 of the preliminary load applying mechanism 56, the piston 164 is urged downward, and is engaged with the step portion 164a as the piston 164 is lowered. The piston rod 162 is similarly operated downward through the step surface 162a (see FIG. 7). At the same time, the wedge member 122 connected to the piston rod 162 is biased downward, and a preliminary load is applied to the wedge member 122 (step S6).

  Accordingly, the wedge member 122 is sandwiched and press-fitted between the concave portions 114 b and 120 b of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120, and the wall surface of the tapered concave portion 120 b of the second mandrel 120 and the wedge member 122. Under the sliding action with the taper surface 122a, it is slightly expanded while sliding. Then, the convex portion 114a of the first mandrel 114 and the convex portion 120a of the second mandrel 120 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the horizontal direction, and the convex portions 114a and 120a are substantially crimped to the inner surface of the coupling hole 36. The

  In this case, the preliminary load applied to the wedge member 122 is such that the large end portion 38 is not broken even when the convex portions 114a and 120a contact the inner surface of the coupling hole 36 of the large end portion 38, that is, the large end portion. It is set within a range where the portion 38 can be elastically deformed. As a result, there is no rattling between the large end portion 38 and the convex portions 114a and 120a of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120, and the connecting rod 30 as the workpiece is the first and second. The mandrel 114, 120 is securely held by the pair of convex portions 114a, 120a.

  In this manner, in the state in which the preload is applied to the coupling hole 36 of the large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30, the pair of second hydraulic cylinders 146a and 146b are driven to support the fourth workpiece made of a block body. The members 134a and 134b are displaced vertically downward. In this case, the convex portion 148 formed on the pair of third support plates 142d and 142e of the support portion 142 and the side surfaces of the fourth work support members 134a and 134b facing the third support plates 142d and 142e are formed. By engaging with the recessed portion 150, a guide action for the vertically downward direction is performed (see FIG. 3).

  As the fourth work support members 134a and 134b are lowered, the pressing surfaces 136 of the fourth work support members 134a and 134b and the inclined surfaces 138 formed at the ends of the third work support members 130a and 130b are mutually connected. And the pair of third work support members 130a and 130b are pressed toward the cap portion 32 side of the connecting rod 30 (step S7).

  As a result, the cap portion 32 of the connecting rod 30 supports a pair of third portions that support both shoulder portions of the cap portion 32 under the pressing action of the pair of fourth work support members 134a and 134b in the vertical downward direction. The workpiece supporting members 130a and 130b and the convex portion 120a of the second mandrel 120 between the shoulder portions of the cap portion 32 are completely fixed.

  In this state where the cap portion 32 of the connecting rod 30 is firmly locked, the lift table 168 is dropped together with the weight 57 under the guide action of the guide members 170a and 170b after the stopper for the lift table 168 is released. . Therefore, when the dropped lifting table 168 contacts the flange portion 166a of the shaft 166, the shaft 166 is urged downward and an impact load is applied to the wedge member 122 (see FIG. 8) (step). S8). At this time, the piston 164 of the third hydraulic cylinder 156 can be separated from the shaft 166 in the press-fitting direction of the wedge member 122, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction of the impact load. A predetermined impact load is surely applied to the wedge member 122 without being attenuated by 156.

  The wedge member 122 is further press-fitted into the concave portions 114b and 120b of the first and second mandrels 114 and 120, and the wall surface of the tapered concave portion 120b of the second mandrel 120 and the tapered surface 122a of the wedge member 122 It is further expanded while sliding under the sliding action. When the first mandrel 114 and the second mandrel 120 are further separated from each other in the substantially horizontal direction, the large end portion 38 exceeds the elastically deformable limit, and the divided portion 44 where stress is concentrated is used as a boundary. The cap part 32 and the rod part 34 are broken and divided (see FIGS. 9 and 10) (step S9). At this time, since the cap portion 32 is held by the protrusions 132 of the third work support members 130a and 130b under the urging action of the second hydraulic cylinders 146a and 146b, the cap portion 32 that has been divided by breaking is scattered. Definitely blocked.

  That is, in a state where the first mandrel 114 provided on the fixed stage 62 side is fixed, the second mandrel 120 provided on the movable stage 64 side is applied by applying a predetermined impact load to the wedge member 122. Under the guide action of the first guide elements 116a, 116b, the slide block 118 is integrally displaced on the base 60.

  Therefore, in the state where the rod portion 34 of the connecting rod 30 is fixed to the fixed stage 62 side by the first mandrel 114, the positioning fixing pin 110, and the first workpiece support member 78, the cap portion 32 is a set of fourth workpiece support members. The second mandrel 120 and the slide block 118 on the movable stage 64 side are separated from the fixed stage 62 while maintaining a state of being firmly locked by the 134a and 134b, the third work support members 130a and 130b, and the second mandrel 120. By sliding and displacing on the base 60 in the direction, the connecting rod 30 is broken and divided into a cap portion 32 and a rod portion 34.

  After the large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30 is split into the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34, a return cylinder (not shown) is driven to raise the wedge member 122 to return to the initial position.

  In a state where the upper end portion of the wedge member 122 is exposed by a predetermined length from the upper surface between the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 which are divided by breaking in this way, the piston rods 152a, 153a and 155a are interposed via the second bracket 68. The fourth air cylinder 152 and the pair of backup cylinders 153 and 155, each of which is fixed to the movable stage 64, are driven substantially simultaneously, and the piston rods 152a, 153a and 155a are respectively extended to fix the movable stage 64. By displacing toward the stage 62 side, the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 of the large end portion 38 and the fracture surface of the rod portion 34 are brought into contact with each other.

  In the state where the cap part 32 and the rod part 34 which are divided in this way are in contact with each other, the hydraulic pressure of the pressure oil supplied to the first hydraulic cylinder 72 is switched from low pressure to high pressure under the switching action of a switching valve (not shown). As a result, the force (thrust) that presses the small end portion 40 of the connecting rod 30 toward the large end portion 38 along the axial direction is increased, and at the same time, a set of first sets of the switching rod 30 is switched under the switching action of a switching valve (not shown). (2) A force for pressing the pair of third work support members 130a and 130b toward the cap portion 32 side of the connecting rod 30 by switching the pressure of the pressure oil supplied to the hydraulic cylinders 146a and 146b from low pressure to high pressure ( (Thrust) is increased. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 of the large end portion 38 and the fracture surface of the rod portion 34 can be brought into contact with each other with a predetermined thrust applied (step S10). . In other words, by bringing the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 of the large end portion 38 into contact with the fracture surface of the rod portion 34, the thrust (pressing force) applied to the fracture mating surface is simultaneously switched from low pressure to high pressure. The removal or detachment of the fragments generated on the fractured mating surfaces can be facilitated.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, when the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 are ruptured, the main crack 200 propagates to cause brittle fracture, and the main crack 200 is being propagated. There is a possibility that a fine sub-crack 202 may be generated due to the main crack 200 branching. When the connecting rod 30 is assembled to the internal combustion engine or when the internal combustion engine is driven, the sub-crack 202 grows or the sub-cracks 202 propagate to each other so that the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 and the fracture surface of the rod portion 34 are transmitted. The location 204 where the contact point on the mating surface disappears substantially (see FIG. 13B). Such a part 204 is fragile, and when a load (stress) is applied to the part 204 for some reason, there is a concern that the part 204 may be lost and become a fragment as shown in FIG. 13C. .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, immediately after the connecting rod 30 is broken into the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 by the lowering action of the wedge member 122, the fourth air cylinder 152 and the pair of backup cylinders 153 and 153 are connected. The movable stage 64 is driven substantially simultaneously to displace the movable stage 64 toward the fixed stage 62 side, and the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 of the large end portion 38 and the fracture surface of the rod portion 34 are brought into contact with each other. On the other hand, by applying a predetermined thrust, it is possible to detach the pieces generated on the fracture mating surfaces, or to favorably promote the detachment of the pieces.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the movable portion 64 and the rod portion 34 are held by the movable stage 64 and the fixed stage 62, respectively, immediately after the fracture and division into the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34. When the stage 64 is moved to the fixed stage 62 side, the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 is brought into contact with the fracture surface of the rod portion 34, and the fracture-matching surface is further pressed, whereby a piece is generated on the fracture-matching surface. Even if it exists, the said piece can be removed or detachment | leave of the said piece can be accelerated | stimulated suitably.

  In addition, the connecting rod 30 whose detachment is promoted can be reliably removed from the fracture surface by, for example, a metal brush, an adhesive tape, a suction machine, or a vibrator in the next step. . That is, when using a metal brush, brushing is performed on the fracture surface. Moreover, when using an adhesive tape, after pressing and adhering an adhesive tape to a torn surface, a piece can be made to adhere to an adhesive tape by peeling the said adhesive tape from a torn surface. And when using a suction machine, a piece can be made to peel from a torn surface under a suction action of a suction machine. Thus, in any case, the fragments can be reliably removed from the fracture surface.

  After the removal or detachment of the fragment where the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 and the fracture surface of the rod portion 34 contacted is promoted, a predetermined thrust is applied to the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34. The first hydraulic cylinder 72 and the pair of second hydraulic cylinders 146a and 146b that have been used are deenergized, and the application of thrust to the fracture mating surface of the connecting rod is released. As a result, the fracture joining surfaces of the cap part 32 and the rod part 34 are slightly separated from each other, and the pieces generated on the fracture joining surface are smoothly separated.

  Subsequently, by driving the first hydraulic cylinder 72, the second hydraulic cylinders 146a, 146b, the second air cylinder 94, the third air cylinders 126a, 126b, the fourth air cylinder 152, and the backup cylinders 153, 155, respectively. The first to fourth work support members 78, 104, 130a, 130b, 134a, 134b return to the initial positions substantially simultaneously (step S11).

  After the members restraining the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 of the connecting rod 30 thus broken and divided return to the initial position and the connecting rod 30 is opened, it is attached to the arm of a multi-axis robot (not shown). The cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 are respectively held by the set of chuck mechanisms, and the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 are transferred to the next process. Finally, the fifth air cylinder 154 is driven to displace the entire movable stage 64, and the movable stage 64 returns to the initial position.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when a large end portion is broken and divided into a cap portion and a rod portion using a break dividing device (not shown) according to the prior art, a first break (part) and a rear break (part) If a slight time lag is generated between the two, a stress that causes the first fracture to act on the rod portion and a force that deforms the rod portion toward the rear fracture site is applied. As a result, there is a possibility that an adverse effect of deforming the rod portion and deforming the hole portion of the small end portion as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 14 may occur. Note that the connecting rod 30 is required to have high dimensional accuracy in the shape of the hole portion of the rod portion and the small end portion due to its characteristics as a product.

  In other words, when the integrally formed connecting rod 30 is divided into two parts, that is, the cap part 32 and the rod part 34, bending stress acts on a part of the divided part, resulting in distortion on a part of the divided surface. Or may adversely affect part accuracy. That is, the two parts have bifurcated legs by division, but at the time of division, division at both legs does not proceed at the same time, and usually division at one of the legs is not performed. Precedes, and the division proceeds at the other leg with some time delay. Therefore, when the division of one leg that breaks first is completed, the division at the other leg that breaks later is still in progress, and the last of the division of the other leg is advanced at the latest. This is because the separation between the two parts begins on the one leg side divided in this manner.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the rod portion 34 side of the large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30 is fixed to the fixing stage 62, while the cap portion 32 side is fixed to a pair of third work support members 130a, 130b and The third workpiece support members 130a and 130b are firmly fixed to the movable stage 64 side by a pair of second hydraulic cylinders 146a and 146b.

  In this state, in the present embodiment, when the large end portion 38 of the connecting rod 30 is divided into the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34, only the cap portion 32 is displaced together with the movable stage 64. Therefore, the time lag between the first rupture and the rear rupture at the fracture surface of the cap portion 32 and the rod portion 34 can be suppressed as much as possible.

  As a result, in this embodiment, the timing for releasing the external pressure is not required as in the prior art, and the time lag between the pre-break and post-break can be reduced as much as possible.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the connecting rod 30 is described as being broken and divided based on the impact load due to the falling of a heavy object. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in the division processing apparatus according to the embodiment, the wedge member 122 is pulled downward only by the driving force of the hydraulic cylinder 156 functioning as a single actuator, and a breaking load is applied to the wedge member 122. You may make it do.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, a large load is applied to the wedge member 122 by gradually increasing the driving force (tensile force) of the hydraulic cylinder 156 without applying a preload (preload). 38 can be broken and divided into a cap portion 32 and a rod portion 34 (see step S7).

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a connecting rod to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a state in which the connecting rod is broken and divided into a cap portion and a rod portion. It is a partial exploded perspective view of the division | segmentation processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a partial cross section top view of the division | segmentation processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the division | segmentation processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a partial cross-section enlarged perspective view of the division processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a partial expanded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the division | segmentation processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a partial cross section front view which shows the state in which the preliminary load was provided by the preliminary load provision mechanism in the said division | segmentation processing apparatus. It is a partial cross section front view which shows the state to which the impact load was provided by the said preliminary load provision mechanism. It is a partial expansion perspective view which shows the state by which the connecting rod was fractured | ruptured into the cap part and the rod part. It is a partial expansion perspective view which shows the state by which the connecting rod was fractured | ruptured into the cap part and the rod part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the division | segmentation processing apparatus of FIG. It is a partial expansion perspective view which shows the state which the fracture surface of the cap part and the fracture surface of the rod part which were fracture-divided contact | abutted and pressed. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C are principal part enlarged front views respectively showing a process until a crack develops from a fractured surface and a sub-crack is generated, and further, the sub-crack propagates and is lost as a fragment. When a cap part and a rod part are ruptured, it is a figure used for description of an adverse effect when there is a time lag between a first rupture and a subsequent rupture. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the division | segmentation processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the division | segmentation processing apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Connecting rod 32 ... Cap part 34 ... Rod part 38 ... Large end part 40 ... Small end part 50 ... Division processing device 52 ... Work positioning holding mechanism 54 ... Breaking division mechanism 56 ... Pre-load application mechanism 58 ... Load mechanism 62 ... Fixed stage 64 ... movable stages 66 and 68 ... brackets 114 and 120 ... mandrels 153 and 155 ... backup cylinders

Claims (14)

After integrally forming a connecting rod having a large end and a small end, the coupling hole of the large end is set in a set of expansion tools, and a wedge member is press-fitted between the set of expansion tools. A connecting rod manufacturing apparatus that breaks and splits the large end into a cap part and a rod part by expanding an extension tool,
A rod fixed to the fixed stage, having a fixed stage fixed on a base, and a movable stage disposed opposite to the fixed stage and provided in a horizontal direction so as to approach or separate from the fixed stage. The connecting rod is set in a state where the connecting rod is positioned at a predetermined position by one part-side extension tool and the other extension tool on the cap part side that is fixed to the movable stage and is integrally displaced. A workpiece positioning holding mechanism for holding the connecting rod;
A load mechanism for applying a rupture load in the press-fitting direction of the wedge member in order to break and divide the large end portion;
After the large end portion is broken and divided into a cap portion and a rod portion, the movable stage is held on the fixed stage side while the cap portion and the rod portion are held by the movable stage and the fixed stage, respectively. A debris removal detachment promoting mechanism for urging the removal or detachment of the fragments generated on the fractured joint surface by bringing the fracture surface of the cap portion and the fracture surface of the rod portion into contact with each other.
An apparatus for manufacturing a connecting rod, comprising: The apparatus of claim 1.
The work positioning and holding mechanism is opposite to a first support mechanism that presses both shoulders on the cap portion side of the large end portion of the connecting rod toward the small end portion, and an end portion that engages with the connecting rod. A second support mechanism that clamps the first support mechanism by pressing an end portion of the first support mechanism on the side from above, and each of the first support mechanism and the second support mechanism includes the movable stage. An apparatus for manufacturing a connecting rod, which is fixed to the movable stage and is displaceable integrally with the movable stage. The apparatus of claim 1.
The second support mechanism includes a cylinder having a piston and a piston rod, and a block body having a pressing surface that engages with the inclined surface of the first support mechanism is connected to a tip portion of the piston rod. An apparatus for manufacturing a connecting rod. The apparatus of claim 1.
A preload application mechanism is provided for applying a preload in the press-fitting direction of the wedge member in order to substantially crimp a set of expansion tools to the inner surface of the coupling hole at the large end, and the preload is provided by the preload application mechanism. Then, the second support mechanism is urged to clamp the first support mechanism. The apparatus of claim 1.
The connecting rod manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load mechanism includes a single actuator that pulls the wedge member downward. The apparatus of claim 1.
The workpiece positioning and holding mechanism is provided on the fixed stage, and engages with a small end portion of the connecting rod and presses the small end portion toward the large end portion along the axial direction. An apparatus for manufacturing a connecting rod, comprising: a member; and a cylinder for moving the first work support member forward and backward. The apparatus of claim 6.
The connecting rod manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an engaging portion that engages with a small end portion of the connecting rod is provided at one end portion of the first work support member. The apparatus of claim 1.
The workpiece positioning and holding mechanism is provided on the fixed stage, and presses the upper surface portion of the large end portion of the connecting rod toward the lower side, and the second workpiece with the pin as a rotation fulcrum. An apparatus for manufacturing a connecting rod, comprising: a cylinder for swinging the support member at a predetermined angle. The apparatus of claim 1.
The fragment removal / removal promoting mechanism is fixed to a side wall portion of a bracket connected to a base, and has a set of backup cylinders that displace the entire movable stage along the axial direction of the connecting rod. Connecting rod manufacturing equipment. After integrally forming a connecting rod having a large end and a small end, the coupling hole of the large end is set in a set of expansion tools, and a wedge member is press-fitted between the set of expansion tools. A method of manufacturing a connecting rod by expanding and extending an extension tool, and breaking the large end into a cap part and a rod part,
Setting the rod portion of the connecting rod on the fixed stage side, and setting the cap portion of the connecting rod on the movable stage side movably provided with respect to the fixed stage;
A step of supporting both shoulder portions of the cap portion from the lateral direction by pressing the cap portion toward the small end portion side via the first support mechanism;
Urging the second support mechanism to press the first support mechanism toward the cap portion, thereby fixing the cap portion between the first support mechanism and the expansion device on the cap portion side; ,
By applying a load to the wedge member, the cap portion is integrated with the movable stage while keeping the cap portion fixed between the first support mechanism and the expansion device on the cap portion side. Displacing and breaking the large end into a cap part and a rod part
After the large end portion is broken and divided into a cap portion and a rod portion, the movable stage is held on the fixed stage side while the cap portion and the rod portion are held by the movable stage and the fixed stage, respectively. A step of urging the fracture surface of the cap portion and the fracture surface of the rod portion to contact each other to promote the removal or detachment of the fragments generated on the fracture joining surface;
The manufacturing method of the connecting rod characterized by having. The method of claim 10, wherein:
After a preliminary load is applied to the wedge member by the preliminary load applying mechanism, the second support mechanism is urged to fix the cap portion between the first support mechanism and the expansion device on the cap portion side. The manufacturing method of the connecting rod characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 10, wherein:
After the cap portion is fixed between the first support mechanism and the expansion device on the cap portion side, a breaking load is applied to the wedge member only by the driving force of the actuator that pulls the wedge member. A method for manufacturing a connecting rod. The method of claim 10, wherein:
The piece removal or detachment promoting mechanism includes a set of backup cylinders fixed to a side wall portion of a bracket connected to a base and displacing the entire movable stage along the axial direction of the connecting rod. By urging the pair of backup cylinders substantially simultaneously and displacing the cap part integrally with the movable stage, the fracture surface of the cap part comes into contact with the fracture surface of the rod part held by the fixed stage. A manufacturing method of a connecting rod. The method of claim 10, wherein:
After bringing the fracture surface of the cap portion and the fracture surface of the rod portion into contact with each other, the thrust applied to the fracture surface is increased by switching, so that the piece generated on the fracture mating surface A method of manufacturing a connecting rod, characterized by promoting removal or detachment.

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