JP2007289994A - Clamping apparatus, manufacturing equipment having clamping apparatus, and method of using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a clamping apparatus that eliminates a gap between the opposing ends of a belt-like material such as a rim before welding, that miniaturizes a transporting means to the next process, and that is free from deviation in the shape once formed, and also to provide manufacturing equipment having the clamping apparatus and the manufacturing method. <P>SOLUTION: The clamping apparatus is equipped with a pair of clamping members 70 which are designed to clamp each end of a belt-like member 100 and which are symmetrical with each other. The clamping member is provided with a first and a second member 71, 72, which are movably structured so as to approach to and recede from each other and which are constituted adjustably in the width and thickness direction of the belt-like member. In addition, with the first and the second members close to each other, the pair of clamping members are designed to be movable in the direction of coming into contact with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to the manufacture of an article formed by connecting belt-like members in a ring shape, such as a rim of a vehicle tire. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gripping device for gripping the strip-shaped member, a manufacturing apparatus having the gripping device, and use of the manufacturing apparatus in manufacturing an article formed by connecting the strip-shaped members in an annular shape. Regarding the method.

FIG. 12 to FIG. 18 show so-called “first-packing” processing and “first-bending” processing in the manufacturing process of the conventional vehicle rim. Here, FIG. 12 to FIG. 18 are all plan views (views of the entire processing apparatus as viewed from above).
The “first-packing” processing and “first-bending” processing shown in FIGS. 12 to 18 are processing methods as a previous stage for rounding the belt-like member into an annular shape and securely connecting the end portions by welding. In FIGS. 12 to 18, it is shown as a flat belt-like member, but in actuality, it is a rim section having a complicated curve defined by a standard (see FIGS. 21 and 7 to 9).

In order to deepen the understanding of the present invention, first, a part of a rim manufacturing process for a vehicle tire will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a process of setting a workpiece (work), that is, a process of setting the rim element ring 100 to be processed on the processing machine 1.

  12, the processing machine 1 is sandwiched between a first holder 2, a pair of left and right rim receiving plates 3, 3 positioned below the first holder 2 in FIG. 12, and the rim receiving plates 3, 3. The fixing member 4 fixed to a pedestal (not shown) at the position, and the second holder 5 disposed at a position facing the first holder 2 with the rim receiving plates 3 and 3 and the fixing member 4 interposed therebetween. ing.

  The first holder 2 has a pre-bend outer die 7. The pre-bend outer die 7 extends the guide pin 6 (in FIG. 12, in the vertical direction of the holder 2) by an advancing / retreating mechanism (not shown) such as an air cylinder. It is configured to advance and retreat (in the direction along the existing central axis). The entire first holder 2 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction of FIG. 12 by a moving mechanism (not shown) such as a hydraulic cylinder.

  The second holder 5 has a center leading edge outer mold 8 and left and right leading edge outer molds 9, 9 disposed on the left and right (of the center leading edge outer mold 8). The entire second holder 5 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 12 by a moving mechanism (not shown) such as a hydraulic cylinder.

  The fixing member 4 is provided with a pre-bending inner die 11 on the side facing the pre-bending outer die 7 (upper side in FIG. 12), and on the side facing the central pre-packing outer die 8 (lower side in FIG. 12). A pre-packed inner mold 12 is attached to the.

In particular, the illustrated upper surface of the pre-bending inner mold 11 and the illustrated lower surface of the pre-bending outer mold 7 are formed horizontally in the illustrated state. Then, if the pre-bending outer die 7 is moved downward in the drawing (see FIG. 15), a rim that is a work is formed between the lower surface of the pre-bending outer die 7 and the upper surface of the pre-bending inner die 11 shown in the drawing. The both ends of the elemental ring (hereinafter, the elemental ring of the rim is abbreviated as rim) 100 and the area in the vicinity thereof are pressed.
As a result, a part of the rim 100 having an annular shape as a whole (regions at both ends and the vicinity thereof: regions pressed by the illustrated upper surface of the pre-bent inner die 11 and the illustrated lower surface of the pre-bent outer die 7) Thus, there is a region that is horizontal and embossed (see FIG. 16).

  The pair of left and right rim receiving plates 3 and 3 are provided with work holding members 31 and 31 (see FIGS. 12, 13 and 18) one by one. The work holding members 31 and 31 are configured to be close to each other or separated from each other so that the distance between them can be adjusted. That is, the workpieces can be held by approaching each other (FIGS. 13 to 17), and the held workpieces can be released by separating them from each other (FIGS. 12 and 18).

In the following, the rim “first-packing” processing and “first-bending” processing will be described in order.
In the process of FIG. 12, first, a work carrier (not shown) on which a rim 100 as a workpiece is placed is stopped above the fixing member 4, and the rim 100 is lowered and set on the rim receiving plates 3 and 3. At this time, the guide pin 6 is set above the central gap 100 s at both ends of the annular rim 100, that is, above the gap 100 s formed by both ends (cuts) that are not joined.

  In the process of FIG. 13, the rim 100 is held by the work holding members 31 and 31. After releasing the rim 100, the work carrier moves up and moves back to the upstream process side (not shown). Then, the second holder 5 holding the pre-packed outer dies 8 and 9 is moved to the fixing member 4 side (the direction of the arrow on the lower side in FIG. 13: the upper side in FIG. 13). Further, almost simultaneously with the start of advancement of the second holder 5, the guide pin 6 advances or protrudes downward in FIG.

In the process of FIG. 14, the second holder 5 is advanced until the center leading outer die 8 contacts the rim 100. At this time, the first holder 2 is also advanced until the pre-bending outer die 7 contacts the rim 100 (in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 14). As a result, the opening (gap) 100 s of the rim 100 is contracted until both ends of the rim 100 come into contact with the guide pins 6.
In the step of FIG. 15, the second holder 5 is retracted (in the direction of the arrow below FIG. 15). Then, the first holder 2 is advanced downward in FIG.

In the process of FIG. 16, the bending of the rim 100 is performed in a state where the guide pins 6 are sandwiched between the both ends of the rim 100 (processing in which both end portions of the rim 100 and the vicinity thereof are horizontal in the illustrated state). To start.
At the stage where the pre-bending outer die 7 has moved to a position slightly before the limit position to be advanced (downward in FIG. 16), the guide pin 6 is retracted. After that, the bend outer die 7 is further advanced (downward in FIG. 16) to press both end portions of the rim 100 and the area in the vicinity thereof, and is plastically deformed horizontally in the state shown in the drawing to complete the bend bending process. To do.

In the process of FIG. 17, the first bending is completed, and the first holder 2 and the first bending outer die 7 are moved (retracted) (upward in the drawing). In the process of FIG. 18, the work holding member 31 on the rim receiving plate 3 side is released.
Thereafter, a workpiece carrier (not shown) moves above the processing machine 1 and stops at that position, and the rim 100 is supported by a support device not shown in FIG. 18 on the workpiece carrier side. Unload to the next process equipment side.

The gripping device that supports the rim 100 described above constitutes a “clamp claw” N.
FIG. 19 shows the clamp claws N in a simplified manner, and the clamps 137 and 141 constitute the clamp claws N.

  In the example of FIG. 19, the cross-sectional shapes of the clamps 137 and 141 are both substantially U-shaped, and the open sides of the U-shape are arranged to face each other. A pair of upper and lower arrows Y in FIG. 19 indicate directions in which the rim 100 is sandwiched between the clamps 137 and 141.

In order to convey the rim 100, a clamp nail N is provided separately, and a receiving clamp 20 that holds the rim 100 is used.
FIG. 20 shows the arrangement of the receiving clamp 20 and the clamp claws N sandwiching the rim 100.

The receiving clamp 20 is composed of two upper and lower members 20A and 20B, and the two upper and lower members 20A and 20B are attached to the tips of the receiving arms 21A and 21B, respectively.
In FIG. 20, the opposing surfaces of the members 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B are depicted as planes, but actually, a cross section similar to a part of the cross section of the rim 100 is formed as shown in FIG. 21.

The receiving clamp 20 is inserted into the groove Ni (a U-shaped open side portion) of the clamp claw N when the rim 100 is gripped.
Therefore, the width W of the groove Ni of the clamp claw N must be wider than the width B of the receiving clamp 20.
Here, the width B of the receiving clamp 20 requires a predetermined width or more in order to transport a rim whose both ends are close to each other. Therefore, the width W of the groove portion Ni of the clamp claw N cannot be set to a predetermined value or less.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, since the guide pin is sandwiched between the cuts of the rim 100 (see reference numeral 6 in FIG. 15), there is a gap (so-called “elementary ring gap”) at both ends of the cut of the rim 100. I can do it. If the rim is processed in a state in which such a gap (a gap between both ends of the rim 100 exists), the processing accuracy of the rim is lowered. However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is impossible to close the gap (a gap between both end portions of the rim 100: a blanket gap).

  In the above-described steps from FIGS. 12 to 18, the vicinity of the rim cuts (both ends) is horizontal in the drawing so that the welding operation can be easily performed when welding the rim cuts in a subsequent step (not shown). Although it is formed in a state (pre-bending process), an error due to the rim 100 being twisted during the pre-bending process or an axial shift at both ends 100e and 100e (see FIGS. 4 to 6) of the rim. In addition, there is a step in the radial direction, and there is a problem that the “twist”, “displacement”, and “step” must be corrected during processing.

Here, the present applicant has proposed a technique for performing pre-packing and pre-bending molding of a vehicle wheel (rim) with high accuracy (see Patent Document 1).
However, in this prior art, the guide pin is sandwiched between the rim breaks so as to make the width of the gap between the rim breaks constant, but the gap itself is not removed. Therefore, the gap (element gap) between the cuts (both ends) of the rim cannot be made zero, and further high accuracy cannot be ensured.

  Also, in the series of processes, the rim breaks are not fixed by welding or the like, so even if the rim pre-packing and pre-bending molding are performed with high accuracy, the pre-packed and pre-bending rim is followed. There is a problem that misalignment such as the axial displacement, the radial step, and the gap described above occurs at the rim cuts due to the springback phenomenon during the transfer to the facility performing the above process.

As another conventional technique, an upset butt welding method for a disc wheel rim has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
However, the technique (Patent Document 2) aims to improve the welding quality at the time of welding the rim, and does not solve the above-described problems.
JP 2000-280041 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-276058

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and can correct various inconsistencies at both ends of the belt-shaped member (rim), and can be joined at both ends of the rim that are joined at one end. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gripping apparatus, a manufacturing apparatus, and a method of using the same that can prevent various inconsistencies from occurring again.

  The gripping device of the present invention has a pair of gripping members (70) that are configured to grip the end portions (100e) facing each other of the belt-shaped member (rim 100) and are symmetrical to each other, and the pair of gripping members Each of (70) has the 1st member (71) and the 2nd member (72), and the 1st member and the 2nd member (71, 72) approach or separate mutually. The first member (71) is configured to be adjustable in the width direction (corresponding to the axial direction) and the thickness direction (corresponding to the radial direction) of the belt-like member (100). And it is comprised so that it can move to the direction which a pair of holding members (70,70) contact | abut in the state which the 2nd member (72) approached (Claim 1).

  In addition, the gripping device (37) of the present invention is configured to grip both ends (100e, 100e) of a belt-shaped member (element ring; rim 100) formed in an annular shape, and is configured to be symmetrical to each other. The gripping member (70) is movable in the width direction (X direction in FIG. 1) of the belt-like member (100), and the first convex portion (71a) and A first member (71) having a second convex portion (71b) and a second member configured to approach or separate from the first member (71) (movement in the Z direction in FIG. 1). The first convex portion (71a) has one widthwise edge (100a) of the strip-shaped member (100) when moved in the width direction of the strip-shaped member (100). It is comprised so that it may contact | abut, and the 2nd convex part (71b) has the holding | grip edge part (71d) and the 2nd member ( 2) in cooperation with the gripping edge portion (72d) of the belt-like member (100) so as to grip at least a portion in the vicinity of both end portions (100e) in the width direction. In a state where the two members (72) are close to each other, the pair of gripping members (70, 70) are moved in a direction in which the pair of gripping members (70, 70) approach each other (Y direction in FIG. 1), and the ends (100e, 100e) are configured to contact each other (claim 2).

The manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes the gripping device (37) for the belt-like member (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, and the end portions (100e, 100e) of the belt-like member (100) are in contact with each other. It is characterized by having a welding device (200) that welds the contact portion of the end portion (100e) of the belt-like member (as a temporary fixing) from between the pair of gripping members (70, 70) in the state ( Claim 3 and FIG. 11).
Here, it has a conveying device that grips the vicinity of the welded end portions (100e, 100e) of the belt-shaped member (100) and transports the belt-shaped member (100) from the gripping device (37) to another processing machine. It can be configured as follows.

  The welding apparatus is configured to weld two contact portions between the end portions (100e, 100e) of the belt-like member (100).

The manufacturing method of the present invention is the manufacturing method using the gripping device (37) of the belt-like member (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first member (71) and the second member (72) of the gripping device (37). ) Are moved toward each other, and the position of the end portion (100e) of the strip member (100) is adjusted in the width direction and the thickness direction of the strip member (100) (steps of FIGS. 7 to 9). And in a state where the first member (71) and the second member (72) are close to each other, the pair of gripping members (70, 70) are moved toward each other, and the end of the belt-like member (100) ( 100e, 100e) between the pair of gripping members (70, 70) in a state in which the end portions (100e, 100e) of the band-shaped member (100) are in contact with each other. From the end (100e, 100e) of the belt-shaped member The contact portions (temporary fixing as) welding step (11), is characterized by having a capital (claim 5).
Here, the vicinity of the welded end portions (100e, 100e) of the belt-like member (100) is gripped by a transport device (a member corresponding to the reference numeral 20 in FIG. 20; a receiving side clamp), and the belt-like member (100) is thus removed. It can be configured to convey from the gripping device (37) to another processing machine.

Moreover, the manufacturing method of this invention is a manufacturing method using the holding | grip apparatus (37) of the strip | belt-shaped member (100) of Claim 2, and moves the said 1st member (71) to the width direction of a strip | belt-shaped member (100). When pressing, the first convex portion (71a) presses one axial edge (100a) of the band-shaped member (100) to adjust the width direction position of the end (100e) of the band-shaped member (100). And the gripping edge (71d) of the second protrusion (71b) of the first member (71) and the gripping edge of the second member (72) (steps of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). 72d), the step of gripping at least the widthwise end portions (100e) of the strip member (100) and adjusting the thickness direction position of the strip member (100) (step of FIG. 9); The first member (71) and the second member (72) are brought close to each other so that the end portion (100 ), And in the gripped state, the pair of gripping members (70, 70) are moved toward each other so that the end portions (100e, 100e) of the gripped belt-shaped members are brought into contact with each other ( The step of FIG. 10) and the contact portion of the end portion (100e) of the strip member from between the pair of gripping members (70, 70) in a state where the end portions (100e, 100e) of the strip member are in contact with each other. (As a temporary fix) and a step of welding at two locations (step of FIG. 11).
At that time, the vicinity of the welded end (100e) of the belt-like member (100) is gripped by a transport device (a member corresponding to reference numeral 20 in FIG. 20: a receiving side clamp), and the belt-like member is removed from the gripping means. It can be configured to be conveyed to another processing machine.

According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the pair of gripping members (70, 70) are moved in the direction in which the pair of gripping members (70, 70) approach each other (the Y direction in FIG. 1), and the end portion (100e) of the gripped strip-shaped member. , 100e) can be brought into contact with each other, so that the end portions (100e, 100e) of the belt-like member can be reliably brought into contact with each other, and the gap between the rings in the prior art can be eliminated.
As a result, in a subsequent process, the belt-like member (100: rim) can be formed into a desired shape with high accuracy.

  Moreover, according to this invention, when moving the 1st member (71) to the width direction of a strip | belt-shaped member (100), a 1st convex part (71a) of a 1st member (71) is a strip | belt-shaped member ( 100) is pressed so as to adjust the width direction position of the end portion (100e) of the band-shaped member (100), so that the width direction biting of the band-shaped member is performed. The difference (symbol λ in FIG. 2) is corrected or corrected.

  Then, the gripping edge (71c) of the second protrusion (71b) of the first member (71) and the gripping edge (72c) of the second member (72) cooperate with each other to form at least a belt-shaped member. Since both the width direction both ends (100e) vicinity part is hold | gripped and it is comprised so that the thickness direction position of a strip | belt-shaped member (100) may be adjusted, the 2nd convex part (71b) of a 1st member (71) When the portion near the end (100e) of the belt-like member is gripped in cooperation, the step in the thickness direction of the belt-like member (100) (symbol δ in FIG. 2) is corrected or corrected.

  Here, according to the present invention, as described above, the gap in the width direction of the belt-shaped member (symbol λ in FIG. 2) and the step in the thickness direction of the belt-shaped member (100) (symbol δ in FIG. 2) are corrected or corrected. Therefore, even if twisting occurs in the belt-shaped member (100), the twist is corrected or corrected (when the gap λ in the width direction of the belt-shaped member and the step δ in the thickness direction are corrected or corrected). is there.

  Further, the end portions (100e, 100e) of the band-shaped member are joined together to eliminate the gap between the ring-shaped members, the gap in the width direction of the band-shaped member (symbol λ in FIG. 2) is corrected or corrected, and the band-shaped member (100 ) In the thickness direction (symbol δ in FIG. 2) is corrected or corrected, the two contact points of the end portions (100e) of the belt-like member are welded between the pair of gripping members (70, 70). Therefore, the both ends (100e, 100e) of the belt-like member are temporarily fixed firmly by such welding. As a result, the gap between the end portions (100e, 100e) of the strip-shaped member (100e, 100e), the gap in the width direction, and the step in the thickness direction do not occur when transporting the strip-shaped member in a state where the end portions (100e, 100e) are joined. High processing accuracy can be realized when processing is performed in a subsequent process.

  Here, if there is only one welding location, there is a risk that both end portions (100e, 100e) of the belt-shaped member rotate around the welding location as a central axis and are not accurately joined. Since the welding at the joint portions of the both ends (100e, 100e) of the strip member is performed at a plurality of locations (for example, two locations), the both ends (100e, 100e) of the strip member rotate around the welded portion as the central axis. There is no.

  That is, according to the present invention in which the joining portions of the strip-shaped member both ends (100e, 100e) are welded at a plurality of locations (for example, two locations), the strip-shaped member (100) is not deformed when transported to the subsequent process. Therefore, no transport error (as in the prior art) occurs. And compared with the case where it conveys to a subsequent process, without welding, the structure of a conveying apparatus (for example, receiving clamp) can be simplified and can be reduced in size.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a gripping device generally indicated by reference numeral 37, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a gap and a step (hereinafter referred to as “not good in the illustrated embodiment”) generated at the ends of the belt-like member. FIG.
3-6 has shown the aspect which correct | amends the said "misalignment" according to the order of a figure number.

In FIG. 1, the gripping device 37 includes a pair of left and right gripping members (hereinafter referred to as “clamps”) 70 and 70.
The clamp 70 has a first member 71 and a second member 72. The first member 71 is configured in an L shape as a whole, and a first convex portion 71a and a second convex portion 71b are formed.

In the second convex portion 71b, a gripping edge portion 71d is formed on the side where the corner portion 71c of the first member 71 is located (the lower side in FIG. 1). The gripping edge portion 71d is configured to grip a belt-like member (for example, a rim) to be processed.
In FIG. 1, the gripping edge 71 d is expressed as a single plane, but this is a simplification for facilitating the illustration of the clamps 70, 70. In an actual rim forming apparatus, the gripping edge 71d of the clamp 70 is formed in a complementary shape with a complicated rim cross-sectional shape as shown in FIGS.

  In the second member 72, a gripping edge portion 72 d is formed on the side facing the first member 71. The gripping edge portion 72 d of the second member 72 cooperates with the gripping edge portion 71 d of the first member 71 to grip the rim. The gripping edge portion 72d of the second member 72 is also expressed as a single plane in FIG. 1, but in an actual apparatus, similarly to the gripping edge portion 71d of the first member 71, a complicated object to be processed is used. It is formed in a complementary shape to the rim cross-sectional shape.

  The gripping edge portion 71d of the first member 71 and the gripping edge portion 72d of the second member 72 are relatively moved in a direction close to each other in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. Therefore, it is configured to grip the vicinity of the end of the rim (not shown in FIG. 1) of the elemental ring that is rolled into an annular shape.

  The first member 71 and the second member 72 are also movable in the X direction in FIG. In this case, the left and right clamps 70 can be moved in the X direction at the same time on the left and right, but only the left and right clamps 70 can be moved in the X direction as needed.

As described above, the left and right clamps 70 and 70 hold the vicinity of the cut line of the rim to be processed (both ends of the band-like member: joints) by bringing the first member 71 and the second member 72 close to each other. I can do it.
Then, the left and right clamps 70 and 70 are moved (approached) in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 1 by an actuator (not shown) with each of the clamps 70 and 70 gripping the vicinity of both ends of the rim. The two end portions of the belt-like member (rim) can be brought into contact with each other.

  Here, inconsistencies as shown in FIG. 2 occur at the joints (both ends or cuts) 100e, 100e of the rim 100 that is rounded into an annular shape.

  In other words, as shown in FIG. 2, both end portions 100e and 100e of the rim 100 rounded into an annular shape are shifted from each other in the width direction (difference: deviation in the X direction in FIG. 1) λ, There is a step in the thickness direction of 100 (deviation in the Z direction in FIG. 1) δ and a gap between both end portions 100e and 100e of the rim 100 (so-called “elementary gap”: deviation in the Y direction in FIG. 1). Yes. Further, the gap in the width direction (difference: deviation in the X direction in FIG. 1) λ, the step in the thickness direction (shift in the Z direction in FIG. 1) δ, and the gap corresponding to the so-called “elementary gap” (see FIG. 1), a misalignment as shown in FIG. 2 is formed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, modes for correcting the mismatch will be sequentially described.
In FIG. 3, each of the ends (cuts) 100 e, 100 e of the rim 100 that is rounded into an annular shape is between the first member 71 and the second member 72 in each of the pair of clamps 70, 70. It is placed on the rim receiving plate 3 so as to be arranged in the above.

  In FIG. 4, the first protrusion 71 a of the first member 71 is moved to one edge 100 a of the rim 100 by moving the first member 71 of each (left and right) clamp 70 in the X direction. Make contact. Here, in FIG. 4, in the first convex portion 71 a of the first member 71, a portion that contacts the edge portion 100 a of the rim 100 is hatched.

In the stage shown in FIG. 4, the first members 71 and 71 in the left and right clamps 70 are simultaneously moved in the X direction and stopped at the same X direction position.
Here, even if there is a displacement λ in the width direction, the portions in the vicinity of both ends of the rim 100 (edge portion 100a) are pressed by the first convex portions 71a of the first member 71, and therefore the same in the X direction. When stopped at the position, the shift λ in the width direction is corrected.

In the stage shown in FIG. 5, the second member 72 in each clamp 70 moves (approaches) in the Z direction with respect to the first member 71. The first member 71 and the second member 72 cooperate to grip the rim end 100e.
At this time, even if there is a step δ in the thickness direction (see FIG. 2), the first member 71 and the second member 72 in the left and right clamps 70 and 70 are positioned at the same position in the Z direction. Since the end 100e is gripped, the step δ in the thickness direction is corrected when the first member 71 and the second member 72 cooperate to grip the end 100e of the rim.

  As described above, according to the illustrated embodiment, the displacement λ in the width direction and the step δ in the thickness direction at the rim end portions 100e and 100e are corrected, so even if the rim 100 is twisted, the twist (not shown) 1) is eliminated by correcting the shift λ in the width direction and the step δ in the thickness direction.

In the stage shown in FIG. 5, the axial displacement λ and the thickness step δ (see FIG. 2) are corrected, and the twist of the rim 100 is also eliminated. In the stage shown in FIG. 6, the left and right clamps 70 are moved in the Y direction so as to approach each other so that the both ends 100e and 100e of the rim are brought into contact with each other, and the gap between the both ends 100e and 100e of the rim ( The so-called “elementary gap” is eliminated.
Although omitted in FIG. 6, when the both ends 100e and 100e of the rim are brought into contact with each other, in the manner described later with reference to FIG. Two portions of the joint are welded by a known welding method.

7 to 11 are process diagrams for explaining in detail a method for pre-packing and pre-bending a vehicle rim.
Hereinafter, based on FIGS. 7 to 11, a method for pre-packing and pre-bending a vehicle rim will be described in detail.

In the step shown in FIG. 7, the rim 100 that is rounded into an annular shape (the rim 100 in a state where both ends 100 e and 100 e are not joined) is placed on the rim receiving plate 3. Here, the regions in the vicinity of both end portions 100 e and 100 e of the rim 100 are placed so as to be positioned between the first member 71 and the second member 72 of the clamp 70.
Although not clearly shown in FIG. 7, the end (cut) 100 e of the rim 100 is disposed between the pair of clamps 70 and 70.

As described above with reference to FIG. 1 and with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the shape of the gripping edge 71 d of the first member 71 is the center in the vertical direction in FIGS. 7 to 9. Except for the region, it matches the outer profile on the rim 100. The shape of the gripping edge portion 72d of the second member 72 matches the inner peripheral profile of the rim 100 except for the central region in the vertical direction in FIGS.
The gripping edge portion 71 d of the first member 71 and the gripping edge portion 72 d of the second member 72 have complementary shapes, and the gripping edge portion 71 d of the first member 71 and the gripping edge of the second member 72 The parts 72d cooperate to grip the rim 100 molded with a complex post-mold profile.

In FIG. 8, a first member 71 is moved by moving a first member 71 of a pair of left and right clamps 70, 70 (only one clamp 70 is shown in FIGS. 7 to 9) in the direction of arrow X in FIG. The first convex portion 71 a in 71 is brought into contact with one edge portion 100 a of the rim 100. In FIG. 8, hatching is given to a region of the first convex portion 71 a that is in contact with one edge portion 100 a of the rim 100.
The second member 72 is also movable along with the first member 71 in the direction of arrow X in FIG.

In the process shown in FIG. 8, when the first member 71 moves in the direction of the arrow X even if there is an axial displacement (difference) λ (see FIG. 2) between the both ends 100 e and 100 e of the rim 100. The end portion 100e is pressed by the first convex portion 71a of the first member 71 to move in the arrow X direction, and the left and right clamps 70, 70 stop at the same position in the arrow X direction. The axial shift λ between the portions 100e and 100e is corrected.
The process shown in FIG. 8 is the process described above with reference to FIG.

In the process shown in FIG. 9, in each of the left and right clamps 70, 70, the second member 72 and the first member 71 move so as to relatively approach in the arrow Z direction. Then, the second member 72 and the first member 71 cooperate to grip a region near the end portion 100e of the rim 100.
At this time, at the stage where the second member 72 and the first member 71 grip the vicinity of the end portion 100e, the positions of the second member 72 and the first member 71 in the arrow Z direction are the left and right clamps 70, 70.

Here, even if there is a step δ (see FIG. 2) in the thickness direction between both end portions 100e, 100e of the rim 100, the second member 72 and the first member 71 are in the stage of gripping the vicinity of the end portion 100e. Since the positions of the second member 72 and the first member 71 in the arrow Z direction are the same in the left and right clamps 70, 70, the step δ in the thickness direction is corrected and does not exist.
The process shown in FIG. 9 is the process described above with reference to FIG.

  As described above, since the shift λ in the width direction and the step δ in the thickness direction of both ends 100e and 100e of the rim 100 are corrected or corrected, even if the rim 100 is twisted, the twist (not shown) is Is eliminated by correcting the gap λ and the step δ in the thickness direction.

When the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed, the axial displacement λ and the thickness step δ are corrected, and the twist of the rim 100 is eliminated.
In the step shown in FIG. 10, the state where the both ends 100e and 100e of the rim are adjacent to each other with a gap (so-called “elementary gap”) is moved close to each other by moving the left and right clamps 70 in the arrow Y direction. Thus, both end portions 100e and 100e are brought into contact with each other.
The process shown in FIG. 10 is the process described above with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 10, the code | symbol 73 shows the 1st moving member for making the 1st members 71 in the right-and-left clamp 70 approach or separate about arrow Y direction. Reference numeral 74 denotes a second moving member for causing the second members 72 of the left and right clamps 70 to approach or separate from each other in the arrow Y direction.
That is, in the process shown in FIG. 10, the clamps 70 in the state where the first moving member 73 and the second moving member 74 are gripping the vicinity of both end portions 100e and 100e of the rim are approached in the arrow Y direction. The two end portions 100e and 100e of the rim are joined to each other. And if the both ends 100e and 100e of a rim are joined together, the above-mentioned gap (elementary ring gap) will disappear.

At the stage shown in FIG. 10, the rim end portions 100e and 100e are joined (abutted) with no mismatch.
In the next step shown in FIG. 11, a known welding method (for example, arc welding) is performed at two locations (two points separated from each other in the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 11) at the joint portion between the abutted rim end portions 100e and 100e. ).
For example, the welding rod denoted by reference numeral 200 is lowered from above in FIG. 11, and a welding portion (not shown) at the lower end of the welding rod is joined to the rim end portions 100e and 100e via the gap between the left and right clamps 70 and 70. Thus, the joint portions of the rim end portions 100e and 100e are welded.

Here, at the stage where the process shown in FIG. 10 is executed, the left and right clamps 70 and 70 are connected even if both ends 100e and 100e of the rim 100 are joined as schematically shown in FIG. They are not in contact with each other.
Therefore, even if the process shown in FIG. 10 is completed, the left and right clamps 70 and 70 are separated from each other in the arrow Y direction in FIG. 10 (or FIG. 6). There is a gap. The welding shown in FIG. 11 can be performed by causing the welding machine to enter the joint between the rim end portions 100e and 100e via the gap between the left and right clamps 70 and 70.

For example, the gap between the left and right clamps 70 and 70 cannot be provided in the clamp claws N shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. While being placed on the receiving plate 3, the joints between the rim end portions 100e and 100e could not be welded.
In other words, welding of the joints between the rim end portions 100e and 100e must be performed in the illustrated embodiment in which the rim gripping mechanism corresponding to the clamp claws N of the prior art is configured by a pair of left and right clamps 70 and 70. It is impossible to execute.

  By welding the joint portions of the rim end portions 100e and 100e at two locations, the rim 100 can maintain an annular shape even when gripped by the receiving clamp 20, so that the processing accuracy of the rim 100 is improved. It can be done.

  That is, according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, when the first member 71 is moved in the width direction of the vehicle rim 100, one of the rims 100 of the rim 100 is moved by the first protrusion 71 a of the first member 71. Since it is configured to adjust the width direction position of the rim end portion 100e by pressing the axial edge portion 100a, there is no gap in the rim width direction (reference numeral λ in FIG. 2).

  Further, the gripping edge portion 71d of the second convex portion 71b of the first member 71 and the gripping edge portion 72d of the second member 72 cooperate to grip at least a portion in the vicinity of both end portions 100e in the width direction of the rim. Since the position of the rim 100 in the thickness direction is adjusted, a step in the thickness direction of the rim 100 (symbol δ in FIG. 2) does not occur.

  Further, in each clamp 70, the first member 71 and the second member 72 are brought close to each other to grip a region near the rim end 100e, and a pair of the rim end 100e is gripped. Between the rim end portions 100e and 100e, which could not be eliminated in the prior art, by moving the clamps 70 and 70 in the approaching direction and bringing the gripped rim end portions 100e and 100e into contact with each other. Can be eliminated.

  In addition, since the two rim end portions 100e are welded at two locations between the pair of clamps 70, 70, the rim end portions 100e, 100e are not connected to each other. It is possible to move to the processing equipment after the next process by the receiving clamp 20 while maintaining an unmatched state. As a result, accurate machining on the rim 100 is continued.

  In addition, by welding a plurality of contact locations (two locations), the rim end portions 100e and 100e are not misaligned, and are transported to the next process without welding as in the prior art. Compared to the above, it is possible to further reduce the gripping area in the transport device (for example, the receiving clamp).

  It should be noted that the illustrated embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

The perspective view which showed typically the structure of the holding | gripping apparatus of embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the mismatching of a process target. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the state at the time of setting a process target in embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the correction of the width direction in embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the correction of the thickness direction in embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows typically joining of the both ends of a process target in embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the state which set the process target on the rim | limb receiving plate in embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the correction of the width direction concretely in embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the correction of the thickness direction concretely in embodiment. The top view which shows specifically the state which makes the both ends of a process target approach in embodiment. The top view which shows concretely joining of the both ends of a process target in embodiment. The top view explaining the set time before a process with a prior art. The top view explaining the set state of the alignment by a guide pin with a prior art. The top view explaining the alignment by a guide pin with a prior art. The top view explaining the state which pulls out a guide pin with a prior art. The top view explaining the prior bending process of a prior art. A state in which the first holder is retracted in the prior art will be described. The top view explaining the standby state before unloading a rim to the next process in the prior art. The perspective view which shows typically the clamp which is a holding device of a prior art. The perspective view which shows the state which clamped the rim | limb with the clamp in the prior art. Sectional drawing which shows a receiving clamp and a rim | limb with a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Processing machine 37 ... Gripping device 70 ... Gripping member / clamp 71 ... 1st member 71a ... 1st convex part 71b ... 2nd convex part 71d ... Gripping edge 72 ... second member 72d ... gripping edge 100 ... rim / rim 100a of the belt-shaped member rolled into an annular shape ... one edge 100e of the rim ... end

Claims (6)

  Each of the pair of gripping members includes a first member and a second member. The pair of gripping members are configured to grip the opposite end portions of the belt-shaped member and are symmetrical to each other. The first member and the second member are configured to be movable so as to approach or separate from each other, and are configured to be adjustable in the width direction and the thickness direction of the belt-shaped member. A belt-shaped member gripping device configured to be movable in a direction in which a pair of gripping members come into contact with each other in a state in which the member and the second member are close to each other.   It has a pair of gripping members that are configured to grip both ends of the belt-shaped member formed in an annular shape and are symmetrical to each other, and the gripping members are movable in the width direction of the band-shaped member. And a first member having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and a second member configured to approach or separate from the first member, The convex portion is configured to come into contact with one width direction edge portion of the belt-shaped member when moved in the width direction of the belt-shaped member, and the second convex portion is formed of the grip edge portion and the second member. In cooperation with the gripping edge, the belt-shaped member is configured to grip at least the vicinity of both ends in the width direction, and the pair of gripping members are in contact with each other with the first member and the second member approaching each other. Are moved in the approaching direction, and the end portions of the gripped belt-like member are brought into contact with each other. Gripping device of the belt-shaped member to be.   A gripping device for a belt-like member according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the end portions of the belt-like member are located between the pair of gripping members in a state where the ends of the belt-like members are in contact with each other. A manufacturing apparatus comprising a welding apparatus for welding.   The said welding apparatus is a manufacturing apparatus of Claim 3 comprised so that two contact parts of the edge parts of a strip | belt-shaped member may be welded.   5. The method of using the gripping device according to claim 3, wherein the first member and the second member of the gripping device are moved in a direction in which they approach each other, and the position of the end of the belt-shaped member is moved to the belt-shaped member. Adjusting the width direction and the thickness direction of the belt, and moving the pair of gripping members toward each other in a state in which the first member and the second member are close to each other, thereby bringing the ends of the belt-shaped members into contact with each other And a step of welding a contact portion of the end portion of the band-shaped member from between the pair of gripping members in a state where the end portions of the band-shaped member are in contact with each other.   When moving the first member in the width direction of the band-shaped member, the step of pressing one axial edge of the band-shaped member with the first convex portion to adjust the width direction position of the end of the band-shaped member And the gripping edge portion of the second protrusion of the first member and the gripping edge portion of the second member in cooperation with each other, gripping at least the widthwise end portions of the strip-shaped member, The step of adjusting the position in the thickness direction, the first member and the second member are brought close to each other, the end of the belt-like member is gripped, and in the gripped state, the pair of gripping members are moved toward each other. Then, in the state in which the ends of the gripped band-shaped member are in contact with each other and the ends of the band-shaped member are in contact with each other, the contact portion of the end of the band-shaped member is set to 2 between the pair of gripping members. 6. The method of claim 5, comprising the step of spot welding.

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