JP7207018B2 - Billet supply device and billet supply method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a billet feeding device and a billet feeding method for a rear loading extrusion press.

When extruding a billet (extruded material) of a metal material, such as aluminum or its alloy material, with a conventional extrusion press apparatus, first, a new billet is inserted into the billet accommodating portion of the container and held (upset). . Specifically, an extrusion stem attached via a main crosshead to the tip of a main ram, which is housed in a main cylinder (or main cylinder housing) so as to advance in the extrusion direction, is retracted in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction. . This retraction of the push stem is performed by a hydraulic actuator separate from the main cylinder, such as a side cylinder connected to the main crosshead. Also, at this time, the container is in a state of being pressed against the die on the end platen side by a container cylinder or the like.

Next, a billet preheated from a billet heater arranged outside the extrusion press is conveyed to a billet supply position on the side of the extrusion press by a billet conveying means such as a billet conveying device, and then by a billet pusher or the like. , the billet is placed on the billet placing portion at the tip of the moving frame of the billet feeding device. Then, the moving frame of the billet feeding device is moved forward to move the billet on the billet placing section onto the extrusion center. Thereafter, the extrusion stem is advanced in the extrusion direction to insert the billet on the billet placing portion of the billet feeding device into the billet accommodating portion of the container. Subsequently, after the moving frame of the billet feeding device is retracted to retract the billet placement section from the extrusion center, the extrusion stem is advanced in the extrusion direction so that the outer peripheral surface of the billet is aligned with the inner peripheral surface of the billet storage section of the container. The upset is completed by plastically deforming the billet into contact. When the main ram is further advanced in the extrusion direction and the extrusion stem presses the billet against the die, the extruded product is continuously extruded from the exit of the die which has a cross-sectional shape of the product.

In such a conventional extrusion press, in order to secure a space for feeding the billet on the extrusion center between the container end face and the extrusion stem tip, the tip of the extrusion stem is moved from the container end face to the full length of this billet. I have to back off a lot. Therefore, the main ram is required to have an advance (retreat) stroke equal to or longer than the total length of the billet to be supplied plus the length of the extrusion stem. As a result, the main ram and the main cylinder that accommodates the main ram are also elongated, and the overall length of the extrusion press device is elongated. In addition, the amount of hydraulic oil for advancing the main ram also increases.

In recent years, a short-stroke press type extrusion press device that suppresses an increase in the overall length of the extrusion press device has been adopted. One of them is a rear-loading type extrusion press. In this rear-loading type extrusion press device, in order to secure a space for supplying the billet on the center of extrusion, the extrusion stem arranged in front of the main crosshead is not retracted, and the extrusion direction is perpendicular to the extrusion direction in front of the main crosshead. By moving in a direction, for example, horizontally, the extrusion stem is temporarily moved (retracted) from the extrusion center, thereby suppressing an increase in the overall length of the extrusion press device.

A billet feeding method in the rear loading extrusion press will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view for explaining a billet feeding method in a rear loading type extrusion press. FIG. 2 is a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1(b).

FIG. 1(a) shows a rear-loading extrusion press 20 (hereinafter extrusion press 20) before the billet is fed onto the extrusion center. An end platen 1 and a cylinder mounting block 2 are connected and fixed by tie rods 3 . A die 4 is attached to the end platen 1, and a container 5 having a billet accommodating portion C is pressed against the die 4 by a container cylinder or the like (not shown).

A main cylinder 8 for moving (advancing/pressing) the pushing stem 6 is attached to the cylinder mounting block 2 . A main ram 8a is built in the main cylinder 8 and can be advanced by supplying hydraulic oil. On the other hand, the main crosshead 7 is attached to the tip of the main ram 8a, and the extrusion stem 6 is attached on the front surface of the main crosshead 7 on the extrusion center. When the main ram 8a is advanced, the extrusion stem 6 is advanced, and the billet B in the billet storage section C of the container 5 can be pushed in the extrusion direction P by the extrusion stem 6. As shown in FIG.

When the billet B is supplied to the extrusion press device 20, first, as shown in FIG. 1B, the extrusion stem 6 is moved leftward (upward in FIG. evacuate). Next, the moving frame 12 of the billet feeding device 10 (not shown) is advanced toward the center of extrusion from the right side (downward/billet feeding position in FIG. 1(a)) as viewed from the end platen 1 side to move The billet B placed on the billet placement portion BL at the tip of the frame 12 is moved to the extrusion center. Then, as shown in FIG. 1(c), the end surface of the billet B on the billet mounting portion BL is pressed by the pressing member BS of the billet insertion mechanism (not shown) provided on the billet mounting portion BL. , into the billet accommodating portion C of the container 5 .

After the billet B is completely inserted into the billet accommodating portion C of the container 5, the moving frame 12 (not shown) of the billet feeding device 10 (not shown) is retracted as shown in FIG. 1(d). to withdraw the moving frame 12 and the billet placement section BL from the extrusion center. After that, the extrusion stem 6 that has been moved (retracted) to the left when viewed from the end platen 1 side is moved to the center of the extrusion. Subsequently, the main ram 8a is advanced in the extrusion direction P to complete the upset. Since the subsequent extrusion process is the same as that of the conventional extrusion press described above, the description is omitted.

Here, the outline of the billet feeding device 10, which is omitted in FIG. 1, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a view in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1(b). At the billet supply position shown in FIG. 2(a), the billet supply device 10 is guided by the base 11 and the base 11, which are spaced apart so that the billet B can be placed on the billet placement portion BL. A moving frame 12 supported by the base 11 so as to move back and forth toward the center of extrusion, and having a billet placement section BL and a billet insertion mechanism (not shown) arranged at the end on the center of extrusion. Configuration.

The billet supply position shown in FIG. 2( a ) does not interfere with the movement of the main crosshead 7 in the extrusion operation or the like, and does not interfere with the extrusion press device 20 and peripheral devices such as the tie rod 3 . can be placed on the billet placement portion BL in parallel with the billet storage portion C of the container 5 by, for example, a billet pusher (not shown). As described above, the pusher stem 6 is moved (retracted) leftward as viewed from the end platen 1 side along the pusher stem guide means 6a by a driving means (not shown). Here, the horizontal distance between the billet supply position and the extrusion center of the extrusion stem 6 of the extrusion press device 20 in FIG. 2(a) is defined as the billet transport distance L1.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the moving frame 12 is advanced to move the billet B placed on the billet placement portion BL to the center of extrusion. In FIG. 2, the guide and support structure of the moving frame 12 on the base 11 is a vertical roller support structure, which is easy to understand graphically. A rigid moving frame and a known support structure with vertical support stiffness for the moving frame are employed.

On the other hand, in the rear-loading type extrusion press, there is no extrusion stem at the extrusion center during billet feeding. Therefore, a billet inserting mechanism for inserting the billet into the billet accommodating portion of the container by means of a pressing member or the like is arranged in the billet placing portion at the tip of the moving frame of the billet feeding device.

This billet insertion mechanism is driven with the moving frame advanced by the billet transport distance. Therefore, the reaction force of the insertion resistance when the billet is inserted into the billet storage section of the container is applied to the front end of the moving frame in the advanced state via the billet insertion mechanism in the direction opposite to the pushing direction P (of the moving frame). (horizontal direction perpendicular to the advance/retreat direction). In the base of the billet feeding device of the rear loading type extrusion press, in addition to the support rigidity in the vertical direction of the moving frame described above, it is possible to cope with such a reaction force of the insertion resistance force when inserting the billet. There is the problem of having to provide horizontal support stiffness for the moving frame.

In view of the above-described problems, a rear loading extrusion press is disclosed that can supply billets to the center of extrusion even if the billet feeding device does not have a billet inserting mechanism in the billet placing section.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cylinder 16 for inserting a billet 13 supplied onto the extrusion center into a cavity 12a of a container 12 separately from a press shank 17 (extrusion stem) moved from the extrusion center. , and a method of supplying billets by an extrusion press (device) in which an extrusion rod 16a that can be advanced and retracted in the extrusion direction by the same cylinder 16 is built in the extrusion center of a main press piston 14a (main ram).

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an extrusion press having a plunger 48 (extrusion stem) and a billet loader 50 (billet placing portion) at both ends of a rotating arm 46 disposed on a movable cross member 28 (main crosshead). is disclosed. The rotary arm 46 is configured to be rotatable about the pin 42 as a rotary shaft, and to position the plunger 48 and the billet loader 50 respectively at the center of extrusion by the same rotation. Then, the billet B supplied to the billet loader 50 at a position other than the center of extrusion is moved to the center of extrusion by the rotation of the rotary arm 46 (at this time, the plunger 48 is located at a position other than the center of extrusion), and the movable cross member 28 advances, or Advancement of a rotating arm 46 with a cylinder incorporated in the pin 42 is configured to insert the billet B at the extrusion center into the vessel 16 (container).

JP-A-04-231110 JP-A-05-237539

The rear-loading extrusion press devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both have a mechanism for inserting the billet at the center of extrusion into the container, not in the billet feeding device but in the extrusion press device. This configuration, that is, in Patent Document 1, the cylinder 16 and the push rod 16a, and in Patent Document 2, the billet loader 50 arranged at one end of the rotating arm 46 causes the billet to be inserted into the container. The reaction force is received by the extrusion press itself, and the reaction force is prevented from acting on the forward end of the moving frame in the opposite direction to the extrusion direction.

However, in the rear-loading type extrusion press devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the configuration for inserting the billet into the container is provided not in the billet feeding device but in the extrusion press device. There is the problem of complexity. In Patent Literature 1, it is necessary to machine a continuous elongated hole in the extrusion center of the main press piston 14a (main ram) to incorporate the cylinder 16 and the push rod 16a. In Patent Document 2, it is necessary to dispose the rotating arm 46 and its rotating mechanism and advancing mechanism on the movable cross member 28 (main crosshead).

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is a rear-loading extrusion press that can suppress the reaction force of the insertion resistance force when inserting a billet into a container from acting on a billet feeding device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a billet feeding device and a billet feeding method for an apparatus.

The above object of the present invention includes a billet gripping mechanism for gripping a billet;
a billet insertion mechanism for inserting the billet into the container by pressing the billet with a pressing member;
The billet gripping mechanism has a gripping mechanism main body in which a fixed gripping portion is arranged, and a movable gripping portion that opens and closes facing the fixed gripping portion,
The billet insertion mechanism is arranged in the gripping mechanism body,
When the billet inserting mechanism inserts the billet into the container, an abutting portion that abuts the billet gripping mechanism and the main crosshead is disposed in the gripping mechanism main body, Accomplished by the billet feeder of the rear loading extrusion press.

Further, in the billet feeding device according to the present invention, the center of the abutting portion is attached to the gripping mechanism body so that the center of the contact portion is coaxial with the central axis of the billet in a state in which the billet is gripped by the billet gripping mechanism. It is preferably disposed, and can be switched between a contact position where the contact portion protrudes a predetermined amount with respect to the gripping mechanism main body and a non-contact position where the contact portion does not protrude the predetermined amount. It can be.

Further, in the billet feeding device according to the present invention, the billet insertion mechanism includes a ball screw shaft having at least one end rotatably supported, a ball nut combined with the ball screw shaft, and the pressing member fixed to the ball nut. and
The ball screw shaft may be arranged in the gripping mechanism body in parallel with the central axis of the billet in a state where the billet is gripped by the billet gripping mechanism.

On the other hand, in the billet feeding device according to the present invention, the billet gripping mechanism may be attached to an industrial robot having multiple axes and moved to an arbitrary position.

Further, the above object of the present invention is a billet feeding method using a billet feeding device of a rear-loading extrusion press device according to the present invention, wherein the billet is gripped via the contact portion of the billet gripping mechanism. This is achieved by causing the billet insertion mechanism to insert the billet into the container while the mechanism and the main crosshead are in abutment.

Further, in the billet supply method according to the present invention, the billet is moved into the container by the billet insertion mechanism in a state in which the fixed gripping portion of the gripping mechanism body portion of the billet gripping mechanism is below the billet. It is preferable to insert the

A billet feeding device for a rear loading type extrusion press according to the present invention includes a billet gripping mechanism for gripping a billet,
a billet insertion mechanism for inserting the billet into the container by pressing the billet with a pressing member;
The billet gripping mechanism has a gripping mechanism main body in which a fixed gripping portion is arranged, and a movable gripping portion that opens and closes facing the fixed gripping portion,
The billet insertion mechanism is arranged in the gripping mechanism body,
When the billet inserting mechanism inserts the billet into the container, the abutting portion for abutting the billet gripping mechanism and the main crosshead is arranged in the gripping mechanism main body. It is possible to suppress the reaction force of the insertion resistance force during insertion from acting on the billet feeding device.

On the other hand, in the billet insertion method using the billet feeding device of the rear loading extrusion press apparatus according to the present invention, the billet gripping mechanism and the main crosshead are brought into contact with each other through the contact portion of the billet gripping mechanism. In this state, the billet inserting mechanism inserts the billet into the container. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reaction force of the insertion resistance when the billet is inserted into the container from acting on the billet feeding device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining a billet feeding method in a rear-loading extrusion press. It is an A arrow directional view of FIG.1(b). FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view and others for explaining a billet supply device according to the first embodiment and a billet supply method; 4 is a view in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the billet gripping mechanism shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a view taken along line DD of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a view taken along line EE of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a view taken along line FF of FIG. 6; 7 is a view in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 6; FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the billet supply apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the billet supply method.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution of the invention. .

[First embodiment]
A billet supply apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment and a billet supply method to the extrusion press apparatus 20, which is a rear-loading extrusion press apparatus, will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view for explaining the billet feeding device and the billet feeding method according to the first embodiment, and is FIG. 1 for explaining the billet feeding method in the billet feeding device of the rear loading type extrusion press. It corresponds to the state of (b). 3(b) and 3(c) are both an enlarged view of the main part X in FIG. 3(a) and a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 3(a). 4 is a view in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3, in which FIG. 4(a) is the state (billet supply position) of FIG. (extrusion center).

When the billet B is supplied to the extrusion press device 20, a billet preheated from a billet heater arranged outside the extrusion press device is transported to a billet supply position on the side of the extrusion press device by billet transport means such as a billet transport device. be transported. After that, at the billet supply position (FIG. 4(a)), a billet pusher or the like (not shown) pushes the billet B out of the billet conveying means (not shown), and the billet B is moved to the open billet gripping mechanism 30. After moving, the billet B is gripped. Next, the moving frame 12 of the billet feeding device 100 (not shown) is advanced from the retraction limit position toward the center of extrusion, and the billet B gripped by the billet gripping mechanism 30 at the tip of the moving frame 12 is moved to the center of extrusion (Fig. 4). (b)).

At this time, in order to avoid interference with the container 5 and the main crosshead 7, the billet gripping mechanism 30 is moved to the extrusion center while ensuring a predetermined clearance (predetermined amount) with respect to these structures. Here, as shown in the main part X of FIG. 3(a), on the central axis of the billet B at the end of the billet gripping mechanism 30 on the main crosshead 7 side (the billet B is gripped by the billet gripping mechanism 30). is provided with a contact portion 36 . Further, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3(b), a clearance L2 of the contact portion 36 with respect to the main crosshead 7 is secured in a state in which the billet B is moved to the extrusion center. Let the position of the contact part 36 at this time be a non-contact position.

Next, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3(c), the contact portion 36 is projected from the billet gripping mechanism 30 by the clearance L2 and brought into contact with the main crosshead 7. Next, as shown in FIG. The position of the contact portion 36 at this time is defined as the contact position. Then, after weakening the gripping force of the billet B by the billet gripping mechanism 30 or opening the billet B, the end surface of the billet B is pressed by the pressing member BS of the billet insertion mechanism 40 (not shown) to accommodate the billet in the container 5. Insert it into part C. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the billet inserting mechanism 40 inserts the billet B into the container 5 in a state where the fixed gripping portion 32, which will be described later, is below the billet B. Even if the gripping force of B is weakened or released, the billet B is held at the extrusion center.

As described above, the billet feeding device 100 according to the first embodiment is arranged such that the billet insertion mechanism 40 is in contact with the billet gripping mechanism 30 and the main crosshead 7 via the contact portion 36 of the billet gripping mechanism 30 . In order to insert the billet B into the container 5, the reaction force of the insertion resistance force when the billet B is inserted into the container 5 is applied to the main crosshead 7 via the contact portion 36, and the reaction force is applied. Force can be suppressed from acting on the billet feeder 100 . As a result, the base 11 of the billet feeder 100 does not need to have the horizontal support rigidity of the moving frame 12 to deal with the reaction force of the insertion resistance force when the billet is inserted, and the vertical support is provided. Only rigidity should be provided.

Considering the advance/retreat accuracy of the moving frame 12 of the billet feeding device 100, the clearance of the contact portion 36 with respect to the main crosshead 7 is 20 mm when the moving frame 12 is advanced and the billet B is moved to the extrusion center. ~30 mm is sufficient. Therefore, the movement stroke of the contact portion 36 of the position switching mechanism that can switch between the contact position where the contact portion 36 protrudes by the clearance L2 and the non-contact position where the contact portion 36 does not protrude with respect to the billet gripping mechanism 30 is should be about the same. On the other hand, the abutting portion 36 receives a reaction force (acting in the direction opposite to the pushing direction P) against the insertion resistance force when the billet is inserted into the container 5 at the abutting position. In view of these, the mechanism for switching between the contact position and the non-contact position of the contact portion 36 is preferably a mechanism that does not require a large driving force to maintain the contact position of the contact portion 36 .

As an example of the position switching mechanism of the contact portion 36, as shown in the cross-sectional views shown in the lower part of FIGS. are aligned on the extrusion center. The links 36a and 36b are switched between a straight state (abutment position) and a bent state (a non-abutment position) on the center of extrusion by advancing and retreating a cylinder rod of an actuator 36c such as an air cylinder. Advancement of the cylinder rod of the actuator 36c causes the support member of at least one of the links 36a and 36b to align on the extrusion center in the direction opposite to the bent state in the non-contact position. It is preferable that a guide portion 36d is formed to prevent bending and to maintain a straight state. In the first embodiment, the guide portion 36d is formed in the support member on the contact portion 36 side of the link 36b.

In this manner, a toggle mechanism is employed as a position switching mechanism between the non-contact position and the contact position of the contact portion 36, and in a state in which the links 36a and 36b are aligned on the extrusion center, the contact portion 36: Since the reaction force of the insertion resistance force when the billet B is inserted into the container 5 is applied, even if the actuator 36c is an air cylinder or the like that is difficult to generate a large pressing force, the billet B can be inserted into the container 5. During insertion, the contact position of the contact portion 36 can be maintained against the reaction force.

Next, the billet gripping mechanism 30 and the billet inserting mechanism 40 of the billet feeding device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the billet gripping mechanism 30 shown in FIG. This is a side view 1 of the billet gripping mechanism 30. FIG. Similarly, FIG. 6 is a view (front view) along line DD of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a view (plan view) along line EE of FIG. 8 is a view (partial cross-sectional plan view) taken along line FF of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a view taken along line G of FIG. 6 (side view 2). 5 to 9 show the moving frame 12 of the billet feeding device 100 and the contact shown in FIGS. Illustration of the position switching mechanism of the contact portion 36 and others is omitted.

A billet gripping mechanism 30 for gripping a billet B has a gripping mechanism main body 31 in which a fixed gripping portion 32 is arranged, and a movable gripping portion 33 that opens and closes facing the fixed gripping portion 32 of the gripping mechanism main body 31. are doing. A billet insertion mechanism 40 , which will be described later, is arranged in the gripping mechanism main body 31 . Further, when the billet inserting mechanism 40 inserts the billet B into the container 5, the center of the abutment portion 36 that makes the billet gripping mechanism 30 and the main crosshead 7 abut against each other is the billet gripping mechanism 30 gripping the billet B. It is arranged in the gripping mechanism main body 31 so as to be coaxial with the central axis of the billet B in the folded state.

The gripping mechanism main body 31 includes side portions 31a/31b, a back portion 31c, an upper rib portion 31d and a lower rib portion 31e that connect between the side portions 31a/31b and are also fixed to the back portion 31c, and side portions. 31b and a contact portion support 37 having a contact portion 36. In order to make the drawing easier to see, the grasping mechanism main body 31 is represented by the reference numerals of the constituent members mentioned above in the drawing, and the reference numeral 31 of the grasping mechanism main body 31 is omitted.

Above the lower rib portion 31e of the gripping mechanism main body portion 31, a stationary gripping portion 32 having a plurality of rollers 32a is arranged. When the fixed gripping portion 32 is positioned below the billet B and the billet B gripped by the movable gripping portion 33 is released, the billet B is moved in the central axis direction of the billet B by the rollers 32a. supported as possible.

The movable grip portion 33 is rotatably supported by a movable grip portion support rod 33b fixed between the side portions 31a/31b, and is opened and closed facing the fixed grip portion 32 by a movable grip portion cylinder 33c. The movable gripping portion cylinder 33c is rotatably supported by the rear portion 31c on the cylinder body side, and rotatably supported by the movable gripping portion 33 on the cylinder rod side. Further, a gripping member 33a that contacts the billet B is arranged on the billet B side of the movable gripping portion 33, and the billet B on the fixed gripping portion 32 is sandwiched between the gripping members 33a by the opening and closing operation of the movable gripping portion 33. A gripping state (closed state) and an open state in which the gripping member 33a is separated from the billet B can be selected. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the billet B of the gripping member 33a is preferably a shape that allows the billet B to be gripped while the central axis of the billet B is held. As shown in FIG. 5, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the billet B is an inverted V shape, and the cross-sectional shape that holds the central axis of the billet B by the concave portion in the longitudinal direction of the billet B having the inverted V shape is also a preferable shape. is one of

Next, the billet insertion mechanism 40 will be explained. The billet insertion mechanism 40 is arranged in the gripping mechanism body portion 31 . Specifically, it has a ball screw shaft 40a rotatably supported at least at one end, a ball nut 40b combined with the ball screw shaft 40a, and a pressing member BS fixed to the ball nut 40b. One end of the ball screw shaft 40 a is rotatably supported by a rotation support member 40 c such as a bearing disposed inside the contact portion support 37 . Although not shown, the end of the ball screw shaft 40a on the side of the side surface 31a may also be rotationally supported by a rotationally supporting member such as a bearing.

Two guide rods 40d are passed through the pressing member BS with a predetermined distance therebetween via sliding members such as bushes (not shown). Due to the structure fixed between 31b, the movement of the billet B in the central axis direction of the billet B is guided within the gripping mechanism main body 31 by the pressing member BS. The ball screw shaft 40 a and the two guide rods 40 d are arranged parallel to the central axis of the billet B when the billet B is gripped by the billet gripping mechanism 30 . On the other hand, between one end of the ball screw shaft 40a which is rotatably supported by the rotation support member 40c and protrudes from the contact support 37, and the output shaft of the servomotor 40e which is arranged to protrude from the side surface portion 31b, , a rotation transmission mechanism 40f composed of a pulley, a belt, etc. is arranged, and the pressing member BS can be moved in the central axis direction of the billet B by driving the servomotor 40e to rotate the ball screw shaft 40a. . In order to make the drawings easier to see, the billet insertion mechanism 40 is represented by the reference numerals of the constituent members mentioned above in the drawings, and the reference numeral 40 of the billet insertion mechanism 40 is omitted except for FIG.

From the state shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, as shown in FIG. It is brought into contact with the crosshead 7 (contact position). Then, in the state shown in FIG. 4B, the movable gripping portion 33 of the billet gripping mechanism 30 is moved to weaken the gripping force of the billet B by the movable gripping portion 33 or to open the billet B. As shown in FIG. After that, when the servomotor 40e is driven to rotate the ball screw shaft 40a, the pressing member BS is advanced toward the billet B to press the billet B and insert the billet B into the container 5. .

As described above, the billet gripping mechanism 30 for gripping the billet B inserts the billet B into the container 5 by the billet inserting mechanism 40 in a state where the fixed gripper 32 is below the billet B. Even if the gripping force of the billet B by the mechanism 30 (movable gripper 33) is weakened or released, the billet B is held at the center of extrusion.

The billet B is gripped by opening and closing the movable gripper 33 above the billet B so as to face the fixed gripper 32 . Therefore, all of the components related to the opening and closing operation of the movable gripper 33 (movable gripper support rod 33b, movable gripper cylinder 33c, etc.) can be placed at a distance from With this configuration, the pressing member BS is advanced on the center axis of the billet B in the same state, and each configuration (pressing member BS, ball screw shaft 40a, guide rod 40d, etc.) of the billet insertion mechanism 40 for pressing the billet B is adjusted. , can be arranged in the gripping mechanism main body 31 .

Further, the pressing member BS of the billet insertion mechanism 40 is driven by a combination of a ball screw mechanism (ball screw shaft 40a and ball nut 40b) and a servomotor 40e, as opposed to a configuration driven by a cylinder (pneumatic/hydraulic). Due to the configuration, the forward stroke of the pressing member BS, that is, the stroke of inserting the billet B into the container 5 can overlap the entire length of the billet B in the direction of the central axis of the billet B. As a result, the width (length) of the billet gripping mechanism 30 in the central axis direction of the billet B can be suppressed when the billet B is gripped by the billet gripping mechanism 30. As shown in FIG. In addition, the billet gripping mechanism 30 can be inserted in a state in which the billet B is gripped on the extrusion center where the extrusion stem 6 is retracted.

On the other hand, by adopting the servomotor 40e as the driving means of the billet insertion mechanism 40, it is possible to obtain advantages in terms of control. For example, by monitoring the insertion resistance force when the billet B is inserted into the container 5 by the actual rotational torque generated in the servomotor 40e, or by monitoring the rotation speed (rotation angle) of the servomotor, the ball screw The position of the pressing member BS (billet B) with respect to the billet gripping mechanism 30 can be grasped together with the specifications (leads, etc.) of the mechanism. These information are used to determine abnormality by detecting the actual rotational torque equal to or greater than the upper limit, to identify the location of abnormality, or to control the insertion speed for each position of the billet B in the container. Stable insertion can be made.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a billet feeding device 200 according to the second embodiment and a billet feeding method to the extrusion press device 20, which is a rear loading type extrusion press device, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the billet feeding device and the billet feeding method according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to the state of FIG. 4 explaining the billet feeding method in the billet feeding device 100 according to the first embodiment. .

The billet feeding device 200 according to the second embodiment is an industrial robot 210 having a plurality of axes, instead of the moving frame 12 and the base 11 that movably supports the frame 12 of the billet feeding device 100 according to the first embodiment. , and the billet gripping mechanism 30 is attached to the tip of the arm of the industrial robot 210 and moved to an arbitrary position. The billet gripping mechanism 30 and the billet insertion mechanism 40 have the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and the description of each configuration is omitted.

The industrial robot 210 is a general 6-axis vertical articulated robot. The billet gripping mechanism 30 attached to the tip of the arm, the billet insertion mechanism 40, and the billet B have movable range specifications and weight capacity specifications according to the total weight. When the billet B is supplied to the extrusion press device 20, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of arms (first arm 220a, second arm 220b, third arm 220c) of the industrial robot 210 are extended from the billet supply position. to move the billet B gripped by the billet gripping mechanism 30 attached to the tip of the third arm 220c to the extrusion center. The state (orientation) of the industrial robot 210 at this time corresponds to the state of the billet feeding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. (b) is indicated in the figure.

On the other hand, in the industrial robot 210, the support base that supports the first arm 220a can turn around the vertical axis with respect to the fixed base of the industrial robot 210. As shown in FIG. Therefore, at the billet feeding position corresponding to the state of FIG. 4(a) of the billet feeding device 100 according to the first embodiment, (a) is added to the reference numeral to indicate the industrial robot 210(a) in the figure. A plurality of arms of the billet feeder 200 are . By rotating the extrusion press device 20 to the side, the billet gripping mechanism 30 can be lowered from above the billet B to grip the billet B from above.

The billet supply position is generally a position where the billet B is pushed out from the billet conveying means (not shown) by a billet pusher or the like (not shown). Also in FIG. 10, for the sake of simplicity, the central axis of the billet B at the billet feeding position is shown parallel to the center of extrusion, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 4(a)). . However, in the 6-axis vertical multi-joint robot, not only are the relative angles of each of the multiple arms varied within the movable range, but the third arm 220c and the second arm 220b also move along the axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of each arm. It can swivel around. Therefore, in the state (orientation) indicated by the industrial robot 210(a), the billet gripping mechanism 30 can grip the billet B in any orientation.

Therefore, as long as the billet B is arranged within the movable range of the industrial robot 210 described above and the central axis of the billet B is horizontal, the billet B can be easily gripped. In addition, if there is no obstacle such as interference with other components such as the tie rod 3 in the state (posture) described as the industrial robot 210 (a) that moves the billet gripping mechanism 30 to the center of extrusion, the extrusion press device 20 There are few restrictions on the layout of the industrial robot 210 on the plan view.

As a result, the placement of the base 11 is limited according to the forward/backward stroke of the moving frame 12, and the billet supply position is the center axis of the billet B on the billet gripping mechanism 30 when the moving frame 12 is at the retraction limit position. The billet feeding device 200 (industrial robot 210) according to the second embodiment is arranged on the plan view with respect to the extrusion press device 20, in contrast to the billet feeding device 100 according to the first embodiment, which is limited coaxially with less restrictions.

Therefore, with respect to the placement of the industrial robot 210 determined according to the state (orientation) denoted by industrial robot 210(a) that moves the billet gripping mechanism 30 to the extrusion center, the above-described industrial robot 210 If the billet heater 230 can be arranged within the movable range, or if a position where the billet B is pushed out from the billet heater 230 by a billet pusher or the like (not shown) can be secured, the billet B pushed out from the billet heater 230 can be handled by the billet gripping mechanism. It can be gripped at 30 and moved directly to the extrusion center.

As a result, when the billet B preheated by the billet heater 230 is supplied to the center of extrusion, a billet conveying means (not shown) from the billet heater 230 to the billet supply position becomes unnecessary, thereby saving space. Moreover, the time required for supplying the billet B can be shortened, and the temperature drop of the preheated billet B can be suppressed.

In addition, when the billet gripping mechanism 30 grips the billet B, the fixed gripper 33 applies a gripping force (a reaction force to the gripping force of the movable gripper 33) to the billet B via the plurality of rollers 32a. However, the movable gripping portion 33 exerts a gripping force on the billet B via a gripping member 33a that contacts the billet B in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, even if the central axis of the billet B is slightly tilted from the horizontal while the billet B is being conveyed from the billet heater 230 to the center of extrusion, the movable gripping cylinder 33c can generate a predetermined gripping force so that the billet can be The gripping state of B is maintained.

Next, a method of supplying billets to the extrusion press device 20 will be described. As described above, in a state in which the billet B gripped by the billet gripping mechanism 30 is moved to the extrusion center, the main cross of the abutting portion 36 is pushed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (part X in FIG. Assume that a clearance L2 with respect to the head 7 is ensured.

In the billet feeding device 200 according to the second embodiment as well, while the billet gripping mechanism 30 (gripping mechanism main body portion 31) and the main crosshead 7 are in contact via the contact portion 36 of the billet gripping mechanism 30, The billet B is inserted into the container 5 by the billet insertion mechanism 40 .

In the billet feeding device 200 according to the second embodiment, as described in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 3(b)/3(c)), the non-contact position and the contact position of the contact portion 36 are , and the billet gripping mechanism 30 (gripping mechanism main body 31) and the main crosshead 7 may be brought into contact with each other. However, they can also be abutted in other ways. Specifically, the billet gripping mechanism 30 is attached to the tip of the third arm 220c of the industrial robot 210, and the center axis of the billet B gripped by the billet gripping mechanism 30 is aligned with the center of extrusion. While maintaining the state, the billet gripping mechanism 30 attached to the tip of the third arm 220c may be retracted toward the main crosshead 7 by the clearance L2 to bring the contact portion 36 into contact with the main crosshead 7. .

As described above, when the billet gripping mechanism 30 attached to the tip of the third arm 220c is retracted toward the main crosshead 7 by the clearance L2 to bring the contact portion 36 into contact with the main crosshead 7, the first embodiment The mechanism for switching the position of the contact portion 36 between the non-contact position and the contact position (see FIGS. 3(b)/3(c)) is not essential. On the other hand, even if a position switching mechanism for the contact portion 36 is provided, it is possible to retract the billet gripping mechanism 30 toward the main crosshead 7 by L2 while maintaining the non-contact position of the contact portion 36. Therefore, whether or not the position switching mechanism for the contact portion 36 is required may be appropriately determined in consideration of the size of the clearance L2, the cost of the position switching mechanism, and the like.

In the billet feeding device 200 according to the second embodiment as well, by bringing the contact portion 36 into contact with the main crosshead 7, the reaction force of the insertion resistance when the billet B is inserted into the container 5 can be suppressed. An industrial robot 210 having multiple axes can be employed instead of the moving frame 12 and the base 11 that movably supports the moving frame 12 of the billet feeding apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. That is, since the reaction force can be suppressed from acting on the joints connecting a plurality of arms of the industrial robot 210 and the support shafts of these joints, damage to the precise joint support structure of the industrial robot 210 can be prevented. can do.

In addition, the billet feeding device 200 (industrial robot 210) according to the second embodiment has fewer restrictions on the layout of the extrusion press device 20 in plan view than the billet feeding device 100 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, if the billet heater 230 can be arranged within the movable range of the industrial robot 210 with respect to the arrangement of the industrial robot 210, or the billet B is pushed out from the billet heater 230 by a billet pusher or the like (not shown). If the position can be secured, billet conveying means (not shown) from the billet heater 230 to the billet feeding position becomes unnecessary when the billet B preheated by the billet heater 230 is fed to the extrusion center, thereby saving space. Moreover, it is possible to shorten the time required for supplying the billet B, and to suppress the temperature drop of the preheated billet B, which is a new effect.

As described above, the first embodiment and the second embodiment have been described as the modes for carrying out the invention. can be implemented in various ways without departing from

For example, in the first embodiment, the toggle mechanism is exemplified as a position switching mechanism that does not require a large driving force to maintain the contact position of the contact portion 36 . On the other hand, although not shown, a mechanism in which a pinion gear is combined with a rack gear arranged in the moving direction between the contact position and the non-contact position of the contact portion 36, and the pinion gear is rotated by a worm gear. , The reaction force of the insertion resistance force when the billet B is inserted into the container 5 is received by the rotation support portion of the pinion gear, and the reaction force is suppressed from acting on the output shaft of the rotation drive means that rotates the worm gear. can.

Further, in the second embodiment, it has been explained that the billet B extruded from the billet heater 230 can be directly moved to the extrusion center. On the other hand, even if the billet heater 230 cannot be arranged within the movable range of the industrial robot 210, or the position where the billet B is pushed out from the billet heater 230 by a billet pusher (not shown) or the like cannot be secured, , the billet supply position can be secured within the movable range of the industrial robot 210 .

That is, even if there is a constraint that the billet heater must be placed outside the movable range of the industrial robot 210, billet conveying means for conveying the billet between the billet supply positions within the movable range from the billet heater. By shortening the conveying distance as much as possible, it is possible to save space for the billet supply structure, shorten the time required for billet supply, or thereby suppress the temperature drop of the preheated billet. Obtainable. Also in this case, if the central axis of the billet at the billet supply position secured within the movable range is basically horizontal, there is no restriction, and the billet is supplied to the billet supply position in a state where the central axis of the billet is different from the extrusion center. Even so, since the billet can be easily gripped from above by the billet gripping mechanism 30, there are few restrictions on the arrangement of the billet heater, billet pusher, and billet conveying means in plan view.

On the other hand, in some industrial robots, not only can the size of the end effector attached to the tip of the arm (the billet gripping mechanism 30 in this application) and the posture during operation be recognized within the control device, but this function can also be utilized. There are also commercially available products that have the function of supporting the end effector movably at a preselected position only in a preselected direction without resisting an external force.

Therefore, in the industrial robot 210 constituting the billet feeding device 200 of the second embodiment, the billet gripping mechanism 30 (gripping mechanism main body 31) and the main crosshead are preliminarily connected via the contact portion 36 of the billet gripping mechanism 30. The above-mentioned function is utilized by selecting the position where 7 abuts and selecting the extrusion center direction as the movement direction for movably supporting without resisting external force. As a result, even if a slight gap is generated between the abutting portion 36 and the main crosshead 7 due to vibration of the extrusion press device 20 or vibration of the base portion to which the industrial robot 210 is fixed, the movement into the container 5 is prevented. The billet gripping mechanism 30 is prevented from rotating around the extrusion center by the reaction force of the insertion resistance force when the billet B is inserted, and the abutting portion 36 of the billet gripping mechanism 30 is the main part in a state where the load in the vertical direction is supported. It retreats until it abuts on the crosshead 7 . In addition, the reaction force continues to keep the contact portion 36 pressed against the main crosshead 7 . Of course, in this state, the reaction force does not act on the joints connecting the plurality of arms of the industrial robot 210 and the support shafts of these joints, and the billet B is stably placed in the billet storage section C of the container 5. can be inserted into

5 container, 6 extrusion stem, 6a extrusion stem guide means, 7 main crosshead, 10 billet supply device, 11 base, 12 moving frame, 20 rear loading extrusion press device (extrusion press device), 30 billet gripping mechanism, 31 Gripping mechanism main body 31a/31b Side surface 31c Rear surface 31d Upper rib 31e Lower rib 32 Fixed grip 32a Roller 33 Movable grip 33a Grip member 33b Movable grip support rod 33c Movable Grip Cylinder 36 Contact Part 36a/36b Link 36c Actuator 36d Guide Part 37 Contact Part Support Body 40 Billet Insertion Mechanism 40a Ball Screw Shaft 40b Ball Nut 40c Rotation Support Member 40d Guide Rod 40e Servo Motor 40f Rotation Transmission Mechanism 100 Billet Supply Device 200 Billet Supply Device 210 Industrial Robot 220a First Arm 220b Second Arm 220c Third Arm 230 Billet Heater
B billet, C billet storage section, P extrusion direction, L1 billet conveying distance, L2 clearance, BL billet placement section, BS pressing member

Claims (5)

A billet feeder for a rear-loading extrusion press, comprising:
a billet gripping mechanism for gripping a billet;
a billet insertion mechanism for inserting the billet into the container by pressing the billet with a pressing member;
The billet gripping mechanism has a gripping mechanism main body in which a fixed gripping portion is arranged, and a movable gripping portion that opens and closes facing the fixed gripping portion,
The billet insertion mechanism is arranged in the gripping mechanism body,
an abutting portion for abutting the billet gripping mechanism and the main crosshead when the billet inserting mechanism inserts the billet into the container, is arranged in the gripping mechanism main body ;
The center of the contact portion is arranged in the gripping mechanism body portion so as to be coaxial with the central axis of the billet in a state in which the billet is gripped by the billet gripping mechanism,
It is possible to switch between a contact position in which the contact portion protrudes by a predetermined amount with respect to the gripping mechanism main body and a non-contact position in which the contact portion does not protrude by the predetermined amount.
A billet feeder for a rear-loading extrusion press, characterized by: The billet insertion mechanism has a ball screw shaft at least one end of which is rotatably supported, a ball nut combined with the ball screw shaft, and the pressing member fixed to the ball nut,
The ball screw shaft is arranged in the gripping mechanism main body in parallel with the central axis of the billet in a state where the billet is gripped by the billet gripping mechanism. Billet feeder for rear loading extrusion press. The billet feeding of the rear loading extrusion press device according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the billet gripping mechanism is attached to an industrial robot having multiple axes and moved to an arbitrary position. Device. The billet is inserted into the container by the billet insertion mechanism while the billet gripping mechanism and the main crosshead are in contact with each other via the contact portion of the billet gripping mechanism. 4. The billet feeding method by the billet feeding device of the rear loading type extrusion press device according to claim 1 . The billet insertion mechanism inserts the billet into the container in a state in which the fixed gripping portion of the gripping mechanism main body of the billet gripping mechanism is below the billet. 4. The billet supply method according to 4.

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