JP2013233581A - Transfer feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transfer feeder capable of suppressing an increase in the deflection of transfer bars when they are increased in size.SOLUTION: A transfer feeder 10 includes a pair of transfer bars 14 parallel to each other, driving mechanisms 16-20 which horizontally support both the transfer bars at their both ends, and cause both the transfer bars to move in a longitudinal direction thereof, to move in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction thereof, and to move in a vertical direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction thereof, and an auxiliary mechanism 22 for aiding the support to the transfer bars. The auxiliary mechanism has at least one table 32 on which each of the transfer bars is slidably loaded between both ends thereof to support the transfer bars in an auxiliary manner. Each table permits each of the transfer bars to move in the longitudinal direction and to move in the horizontal direction of the transfer bar, moves in the vertical direction synchronously with the movement of the transfer bars in the vertical direction, and restricts the movement of the transfer bars in the vertical direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a transfer feeder, particularly a so-called three-dimensional transfer feeder, incorporated in a press machine such as a transfer press or applied to a plurality of press machines.

  The three-dimensional transfer feeder is used to sequentially perform a plurality of press processes on one workpiece (work) in one or a plurality of press machines, grips the work, and removes it from one press processing position. A pair of parallel transfer bars for moving to the next other pressing position is provided. The transfer bar is sequentially moved in three directions orthogonal to each other by a drive mechanism in order to grip, move and release the workpiece by a pair of fingers attached to the transfer bar.

  Recently, with the increase in size of a press machine, the type or quantity of press work performed on a workpiece has increased, and thus a three-dimensional transfer feeder having a transfer bar having a longer length has been demanded. When the transfer bar is horizontally supported by the drive mechanism at both ends thereof, the increase in length leads to an increase in the deflection generated in the transfer bar. The deflection of the transfer bar causes incomplete gripping of the workpiece, contact of the transfer bar with the mold, and the like, which cause the continuation of press working.

  Conventionally, the transfer bar has a larger cross-sectional area in order to suppress an increase in bending due to an increase in the length of the transfer bar. However, an increase in the weight of the transfer bar accompanying an increase in the cross-sectional area also causes an increase in weight due to an increase in the size of the drive mechanism of the transfer bar. For this reason, a great amount of driving force and cost are required to move the transfer bar. Nevertheless, it is difficult to increase the operating speed of the transfer feeder.

  Conventionally, in order to suppress an increase in the deflection of the transfer bar, it has been proposed to support one end of the transfer bar with a rail extending in parallel with the transfer bar (see Patent Document 1 below). However, in this proposal, the transfer feeder must be lengthened or enlarged.

JP 2000-135657 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a transfer feeder that can suppress an increase in deflection of a transfer bar due to an increase in length from a viewpoint different from the conventional one.

  The transfer feeder according to the present invention includes a pair of transfer bars parallel to each other, horizontally supports both transfer bars at both ends thereof, and moves in the longitudinal direction with respect to both transfer bars. A driving mechanism for causing a movement in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and a movement in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and an auxiliary mechanism for assisting support for both transfer bars. The auxiliary mechanism includes at least one table on which each transfer bar is placed between both ends thereof and supports each transfer bar in an auxiliary manner. Each table allows the transfer bar to move in the longitudinal direction and move in the horizontal direction with respect to each transfer bar, and moves in the vertical direction in synchronization with the movement of each transfer bar in the vertical direction. Each table restrains the movement of the transfer bar in the vertical direction.

  In the present invention, each table in the auxiliary mechanism receives the placement of the transfer bar between the both end portions of each transfer bar and supports it in an auxiliary manner. Thereby, the increase in the bending of this transfer bar which arises with the enlargement of the said transfer bar can be suppressed. Further, the auxiliary support of the transfer bar between both ends of the transfer bar, that is, within the length range of the transfer bar, does not substantially increase the length or size of the transfer feeder. In the present invention, the transfer bar is supported by the table so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction and in the horizontal direction, and the table moves in the vertical direction in synchronization with the movement of the transfer bar in the vertical direction. For this reason, the transfer bar on the table is not prevented from moving in each direction by the drive mechanism. The arrangement of the table between both ends of the transfer bar, that is, within the range of the length of the transfer bar, does not substantially increase the length or size of the transfer feeder. Further, the table restrains the transfer bar from moving in the vertical direction with respect to the transfer bar. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of bending due to the inertia of the transfer bar accompanying the vertical movement.

  By disposing one table at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of each transfer bar or in the vicinity thereof, it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in bending that occurs in a long transfer bar.

  Further, by arranging a plurality of tables at intervals in the longitudinal direction for each transfer bar, it is possible to more effectively suppress an increase in the bending that occurs in the long transfer bar.

It is a front view of the transfer feeder which concerns on this invention assembled | attached to the press machine. It is a top view of the transfer feeder shown in FIG. It is a side view of the transfer feeder shown in FIG. It is a front view of the transfer feeder which concerns on another example. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows a part of auxiliary mechanism of the transfer feeder shown in FIG. 1 in detail. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. It is a one part enlarged view shown in FIG. It is a one part enlarged view shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a transfer feeder according to the present invention is indicated generally at 10. The transfer feeder 10 is assembled to the press machine 12. The press machine 12 can perform a plurality of different press processes on a plurality of workpieces (workpieces) W, respectively. On the other hand, the trans-feeder 10 arranges these workpieces W at the press processing positions where the press processing related to the predetermined process is performed, and after the press processing is performed, the other other than the press processing position. It moves to the press working position related to the process, and moves from the press working position to the non-press working position. In the figure, reference numeral F denotes a floor on which the press machine 12 is installed.

  In the press machine 12, a lower mold LD LD that is used to press the plurality of works W on the plurality of workpieces W is disposed on the bolster 13. An upper mold UD that is paired with the lower mold is attached.

  On the other hand, the transfer feeder 10 includes a pair of parallel transfer bars 14 for arranging a plurality of workpieces W at the press processing position and moving the workpiece W from the press processing position to another press processing position and a non-press processing position. Both transfer bars 14 are horizontally supported and moved in three directions orthogonal to each other (the longitudinal direction of the transfer bar 14, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction). And an auxiliary mechanism 22 for assisting the support by the drive mechanism for both transfer bars 14.

  The illustrated driving mechanism includes a first driving mechanism 16, a second driving mechanism 18, and a third driving mechanism 20. Here, the first drive mechanism 16 governs the movement of both transfer bars 14 in the longitudinal direction, the second drive mechanism 18 governs the movement in the horizontal direction, and the third drive mechanism. Reference numeral 20 controls the movement in the vertical direction.

  More specifically, both transfer bars 14 are horizontally supported on the same plane by the second drive mechanism 18 and the third drive mechanism 20 at both ends thereof. Further, the second drive mechanism 18 and the third drive mechanism 20 are supported by two pairs of struts 28 extending from the press bed 24 of the press machine 12. Thereby, both transfer bars 14 extend horizontally above the bolster 13 of the press machine 12, and both end portions thereof protrude from the inside of the press machine 12 to the outside. Both transfer bars 14 have the same number of pairs of fingers 30 as the number of pressing steps, and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of both transfer bars 14. It is attached so as to face each other.

  After the pressing process in one process is performed, the plurality of workpieces W remaining on the lower mold LD are moved to perform the pressing process in the other process. In order to move these workpieces W, both transfer bars 14 are moved as follows. At this time, the two transfer bars 14 are in a state where their mutual distance is widened.

  First, (1) the two transfer bars 14 are arranged in the horizontal direction (in order that the mutual distance between the two transfer bars 14 is narrowed by the operation of the second drive mechanism 18, and thus the pairs of fingers 30 are aligned with each other. It is moved in the vertical direction as viewed in FIG. As a result, the plurality of workpieces W on the lower mold LD are respectively gripped by a plurality of pairs of fingers 30 (see the transfer bar 14 indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2).

  (2) Next, by the operation of the third drive mechanism 20, both transfer bars 14 are moved (raised) upward in the vertical direction (vertical direction as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3). As a result, the plurality of workpieces W held by the plurality of pairs of fingers 30 leave the lower mold LD and move to the upper position thereof (see the transfer bar 14 indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 6).

  (3) Next, by the operation of the first drive mechanism 16, both transfer bars 14 are moved in one of these longitudinal directions (rightward in the left-right direction as viewed in FIG. 2). Thereby, each of the plurality of workpieces W moves to the upper side of the other press working position related to the next process in the lower mold LD. However, the workpiece W located on the rightmost side in FIG. 2 is moved immediately above the non-pressing position.

  (4) Next, by the operation of the third drive mechanism 20, both transfer bars 14 are moved downward (down) in the vertical direction. Thereby, the some workpiece | work W is each mounted on lower metal mold | die LD except the said rightmost workpiece | work W in FIG.

  (5) Next, the second driving mechanism 18 is moved in the horizontal direction so that the distance between the two transfer bars 14 is widened, so that each pair of fingers 30 is separated from each other. As a result, the plurality of workpieces W placed on the lower mold LD and the rightmost workpiece W in FIG. 2 are released from gripping by the plurality of pairs of fingers 30 (imagined in FIG. 2). Transfer bar 14 indicated by a line). The plurality of workpieces W on the lower mold LD are subjected to press working according to the next process by the operation of the press machine 12, and the rightmost work W in FIG. As a completed product, it is temporarily retained on the bolster 13.

  (6) Finally, by the operation of the first drive mechanism 16, the two transfer bars 14 in the state where the distance between them is widened are moved to the other in the longitudinal direction (leftward in the left-right direction as viewed in FIG. 2). The As a result, both transfer bars 14 return to the initial positions and states shown in (1) above.

  Both transfer bars 14 repeat the operation with the six movements described in the above (1) to (6) as one cycle. Preferably, the next (rightward) longitudinal movement (3) is started immediately before the upward upward movement (2) is completed, and the next vertical direction is immediately before the movement (3) is completed. The downward movement (4) is started, and the next longitudinal movement (6) is started immediately before the horizontal movement (5) is completed.

  By the way, the repetitive movement in the vertical direction with respect to both transfer bars 14 causes both transfer bars 14 to bend and increase as the cycle time becomes shorter. The auxiliary mechanism 22 has a function of suppressing such an increase in bending.

  The illustrated auxiliary mechanism 22 includes one table 32 that supports each transfer bar 14 between its both ends. Each transfer bar 14 is placed on each table 32 so as to allow movement of each transfer bar 14 in the longitudinal direction and movement in the horizontal direction, and is thus supported on each table 32. . According to this, each table 32 has the effect | action which prevents the displacement toward the downward direction of each transfer bar 14 with respect to each transfer bar 14. FIG. Thereby, the increase in the bending of each transfer bar 14 is suppressed. At this time, each table 32 does not obstruct the movement in the longitudinal direction and the movement in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism of the transfer bar 14. An example of the structure for supporting each transfer bar 14 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction and the horizontal direction on each table 32 will be described later.

  Since the magnitude of the deflection generated in each transfer bar 14 is maximized at the central position between the both ends, each table 32 is transferred to each transfer 32 as in the illustrated example in order to suppress the increase in the deflection. It is desirable to arrange at the central position in the length direction of the bar 14 or its vicinity.

  Further, when the length of the transfer bar 14 is relatively large, as shown in FIG. 4, the two tables 32 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of each transfer bar 32 for each transfer bar 14. Thereby, the increase of the said bending of each transfer bar 14 can be suppressed more effectively. If necessary, three or more tables 32 can be arranged for each transfer bar 14 instead of the illustrated example.

  Each table 32 moves in the vertical direction in synchronization with the movement in the vertical direction of each transfer bar 14 (see transfer bar 14 and table 32 indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 6). By supporting each table 32 in accordance with the vertical movement of each transfer bar 14, the support by each table 32 with respect to each transfer bar 14 can always be maintained.

  Next, an example of the first drive mechanism 16, the second drive mechanism 18, and the third drive mechanism 20 for causing movement of both transfer bars 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. An example of the auxiliary mechanism 22 having both tables 32 that move following the vertical movement of both transfer bars 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and FIGS. Explanation will be made with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first drive mechanism 16 includes a bracket 36 that is fixed to a pair of struts 28 of the press machine 12 via a plate 34 and extends in the longitudinal direction of both transfer bars 14, Servo motor 38 disposed at and supported by the front end, slider 40 supported by bracket 36 so as to be movable in its longitudinal direction, and one end (right end in the figure) of each slider and each transfer bar 14 A pair of opposed links 42 that are connected and rotatable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bracket 36, and a converter for converting the rotational motion of the servo motor 38 into linear motion of the slider 40 ( (Not shown).

  According to the illustrated first drive mechanism 16, the slider 40 and the two pairs of links 42 linearly move along the bracket 36 by the operation of the servo motor 38. Together with these, the slider 40 and the link 42 move both the transfer bars 14 to one side (right side in FIG. 1) and the other side (left side). Both the transfer bars 14 can be moved by electrically controlling the rotation amount of the servo motor 38.

  The second drive mechanism 18 and the third drive mechanism 20 include a pair of common housings 44 disposed in the vicinity of both end portions of both transfer bars 14. Each housing 44 supports a servo motor 46 that is a drive source of the second drive mechanism 18 and a servo motor 48 that is a drive source of the third drive mechanism 20. Both drive mechanisms 18 and 20 further include a pair of arm members 50 supported by the respective housings 44 and a pair of sliders 54 that are swingably coupled to the respective pair of arm members 50.

  Each housing 44 is fixed to each pair of columns 28 of the press machine 12 via a plate 56. Each pair of arm members 50 can move linearly in the horizontal direction perpendicular to both transfer bars 14 and can swing around an axis extending in the horizontal direction. Further, each pair of sliders 54 is attached to a pair of rails 55 provided on the lower surfaces of the end portions of both transfer bars 14 and extending in the longitudinal direction so as to be movable along the rails.

  Each servo motor 46 of the second drive mechanism 18 is connected to each pair of arm members 50 via a motion conversion device (not shown) disposed in the housing 44. The motion conversion device converts the rotational motion of the servo motor 46 into linear motion in the horizontal direction of each pair of arm members, more specifically, linear motion in which the pair of arm members 50 are separated from or close to each other in the horizontal direction. Convert. The linear movement in the horizontal direction of each pair of arm members 50 is transmitted to the slider 54 and the rail 55 at each end of both transfer bars 14. As a result, both transfer bars 14 are moved in the horizontal direction as described above. Both servomotors 46 are electrically controlled so that their rotational movements are synchronized with each other. At this time, the two pairs of links 42 of the first drive mechanism 16 swing with each other, and the horizontal movement of the two transfer bars 14 is not hindered. Further, the rail 55 moves relative to the slider 54 in a stationary state when both transfer bars 14 are moved in the longitudinal direction by the operation of the first drive mechanism 16.

  Each servo motor 48 of the third drive mechanism 20 is connected to each pair of arm members 50 via another motion conversion device (not shown) arranged in the housing 44. The other motion converting device converts the rotational motion of the servo motor 46 into a swinging motion around each pair of arm members 50 about the axis extending in the horizontal direction. The swinging motion of each pair of arm members 50 causes both sliders 54 to move up and down and linearly move along the rail 55. As a result, both transfer bars 14 are moved upward or downward in the vertical direction at both ends thereof. Both servo motors 48 are electrically controlled so that their rotational movements are synchronized with each other. At this time, the two pairs of links 42 of the first drive mechanism 16 swing with each other and do not hinder the vertical movement of both transfer bars 14.

  Next, the auxiliary mechanism 22 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The auxiliary mechanism 22 includes two driving devices 58 that hold the two tables 32 so as to be linearly movable upward and downward in the vertical direction. Both drive devices 58 are respectively disposed on both sides of the transfer bars 14 in the horizontal direction, that is, on both sides of the press bed 24 of the press machine 12. Each drive device 58 has a structure similar to the third drive mechanism 20 for the transfer bar 14.

  Each illustrated driving device 58 includes a servo motor 60 as a driving source. The servomotor 60 is attached to a plate 62 that is disposed relative to the side surface of the press bed 24 of the press machine 12 and supported by the press bed 24, and its axis (not shown) is parallel to the transfer bar 14. It is growing. The shaft of the servo motor 60 is connected to a speed reducer 64 that is similarly attached to the plate 62. The speed reducer 64 has a shaft portion 66 extending in the longitudinal direction of the transfer bar 14. The shaft portion 66 of the speed reducer 64 is rotatably supported by a bearing 68 attached to the plate 62. An arm member 70 that is rotatable together with the shaft portion 66 is attached to the shaft portion 66. The arm member 70 is connected to a slider 74 that can move along a rail 82 described later via a shaft member 72 that extends in parallel with the shaft portion 66 of the speed reducer 64. The shaft member 72 is rotatable about its axis with respect to the arm member 70, and the slider 74 is rotatable together with the shaft member 72.

  On the slider 74, a horizontal support plate 78 and a pair of rods 80 extending from the support plate through a part of the press bed 24 and the bolster 13 and extending upward are arranged. I support it. Each table 32 is supported horizontally at the tip (upper end) by both rods 80. The support plate 78 has a rail 82 extending in the horizontal direction on the lower surface thereof, and the rail 82 is fitted in an elongated concave groove 84 provided in the slider 74.

  According to this drive device 58, the shaft portion 66 of the speed reducer 64 is decelerated and rotated by the operation of the servo motor 60, and the arm member 70 swings together with the shaft portion 66. Accordingly, the slider 74 swings around the shaft member 72 and moves along the rail while being fitted to the rail 82. At this time, the rail 82 fitted to the slider 74, both rods 80, and each table 32 move up and down integrally. This up-and-down movement can be performed by electrically controlling the rotation amount of each servo motor 60.

  The synchronization of the lifting / lowering movement of the table 32 by the auxiliary mechanism 22 with the lifting / lowering movement (moving in the vertical direction) of the transfer bar 14 by the third driving mechanism 20 is, for example, the same as the servo motor 48 of the third driving mechanism 20. The servo motor 60 of the auxiliary mechanism 22 can be electrically controlled so that these servo motors 48 and 60 are simultaneously rotated by the same amount.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each plate 62 on which the servo motor 60, the speed reducer 64, and the like are installed is attached to the press bed 24 through a pair of slide guides 86 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. A concave groove 90 that is supported by the press bed 24 via the pressure cylinder 88 and that can receive a part of each table 32 is provided in the bolster 13. According to this, by operating each hydraulic cylinder 88 and moving each table 32 up and down, each table 32 is moved to a height position for supporting each transfer bar 14 and a height position in the groove 90. And can be held selectively. By holding the table 32 in the concave groove 90, it is possible to facilitate the operation of pulling out the lower mold LD from above the bolster 13 and its replacement.

  An example of a support structure for supporting each transfer bar 14 on each table 32 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction and the horizontal direction is as follows.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and in more detail in FIGS. 7 and 8, the support structure includes two guide mechanisms 92 and 94, that is, a guide mechanism 92 for guiding each transfer bar 14 in the longitudinal direction. And a guide mechanism 94 for guiding in the horizontal direction.

  The longitudinal guide mechanism 92 includes a rail 96 fixed to each transfer bar 14 and extending a part of the transfer bar along the lower surface thereof, and a slider 98 suspended on the rail and movable along the rail. Is provided. Further, the horizontal guide mechanism 94 is fixed to the lower surface of the slider 98 of the guide mechanism 92 via the plate 100 and extends in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the slider 102 and a pair of parallel sliders 102 and A pair of rails 104 that are fixed and extend below both sliders 102 relative thereto are provided. Both rails 104 are engaged with concave grooves 106 provided in both sliders 102 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.

  According to this support structure, when each transfer bar 14 is moved in the longitudinal direction by the first drive mechanism 16, the rail 96 fixed to the transfer bar moves relative to the slider 98. Thereby, the movement of the transfer bar 14 in the longitudinal direction is guaranteed. Further, when the horizontal movement of each transfer bar 14 by the second drive mechanism 18 occurs, the slider 98 integrated with the transfer bar is moved with respect to the rail 104 fixed to the table 32 via the plate 104. To move relative. Thereby, the movement of the transfer bar 14 in the horizontal direction is guaranteed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Transfer feeder 12 Press machine 14 Transfer bar 16 1st drive mechanism 18 2nd drive mechanism 20 3rd drive mechanism 22 Auxiliary mechanism 32 Table

Claims (3)

A pair of transfer bars parallel to each other;
Both transfer bars are horizontally supported at both ends thereof, and also move in the longitudinal direction with respect to both transfer bars, move in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A drive mechanism for causing movement to
An auxiliary mechanism for assisting support for both transfer bars,
The auxiliary mechanism is at least one table in which each transfer bar is placed between both ends thereof and supports each transfer bar in an auxiliary manner, and the movement of the transfer bar in the longitudinal direction with respect to each transfer bar and Comprising at least one table that allows movement in the horizontal direction and moves in the vertical direction in synchronization with the movement of each transfer bar in the vertical direction;
Each table is a transfer feeder that restrains the transfer bar from moving in the vertical direction.   The transfer feeder according to claim 1, wherein one table that supports each transfer bar is arranged at or near a center position in a longitudinal direction of the transfer bar.   The transfer feeder according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of tables supporting each transfer bar are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of each transfer bar.

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