WO2024135601A1

WO2024135601A1 - Feeding device and control method for feeding device

Info

Publication number: WO2024135601A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/045242
Authority: WO
Inventors: 龍介大田; 太志漆畑
Original assignee: 株式会社アマダ; 株式会社アマダプレスシステム
Priority date: 2022-12-20
Filing date: 2023-12-18
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Also published as: JP7503123B1

Abstract

Provided are a feeding device and a control method for a feeding device that make it possible for an actuator to perform a roll opening/closing operation that is optimized to a workpiece. The present invention comprises an actuator 280 that moves an upper work roll to achieve a closed state in which work rolls are in contact or an open state in which the work rolls are apart, a direction-switching valve 420 that switches between a first state in which fluid is supplied to a B chamber 280B and drained from an A chamber 280A and a second state in which fluid is supplied to the A chamber 280A and drained from the B chamber 280B, a shutoff valve 430 that shuts off drainage of fluid, and a controller that performs control to switch the direction-switching valve 420 to the first state and thereby put the work rolls in the closed state and to switch the direction-switching valve to the second state and thereby put the work rolls in the open state. When the work rolls have been put in the open state from the closed state, the controller controls the shutoff valve 430 to shut off drainage of fluid from the B chamber 280B after a shutoff start time has passed.

Description

Feeding device and method for controlling feeding device

The present invention relates to a feed device and a method for controlling the feed device.

Conventionally, feeding devices such as straightener feeders that transport workpieces while correcting curls and other imperfections of the workpieces are equipped with work rolls and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Some feeding devices open and close the work rolls and the like by actuators such as cylinders that use fluids such as gases, such as compressed air, or liquids, such as oil (hereinafter referred to as working fluids, etc.). The opening and closing of the work rolls and the like is performed by the feeding device receiving an opening and closing operation control signal from the press device, which then operates a switching device, such as an electromagnetic valve, to operate the actuator, such as the cylinder.

JP 2004-216427 A

However, in conventional feed devices, the actuator operating position is not detected, so the work rolls, etc. are left in an open state (released) more than necessary relative to the work, and the gap between the upper and lower rolls becomes larger. By moving the actuator to an unnecessary range in this way, more working fluid and electricity are consumed. Also, as the production speed of the press device increases, the opening and closing operation of the work rolls, etc. cannot keep up with the production speed. Furthermore, when the work rolls, etc. are opened from the clamped work, the gap between the work and the work rolls, etc. becomes large, which creates issues such as noise, damage to the work, and load on the machine body when the work rolls, etc. are closed and the work and the work rolls, etc. come into contact.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an exemplary objective of the present invention is to provide a feed device and a control method for the feed device that can perform opening and closing operations optimized for the workpiece when opening and closing the rolls using an actuator.

To solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

(1) A feed device comprising: a first rotating body and a second rotating body for transporting a workpiece; a first chamber and a second chamber; an actuator for moving the first rotating body so that the first rotating body and the second rotating body are in a closed state in which they are in contact with each other; or an open state in which the first rotating body is separated from the second rotating body; a switching means for switching between a first state in which a fluid is supplied from a fluid source to the first chamber (B) and discharged from the second chamber (A) and a second state in which the fluid is supplied to the second chamber (A) and discharged from the first chamber (B); a blocking means for blocking the discharge of the fluid; and a control means for controlling the switching means to switch the first rotating body and the second rotating body to the closed state by switching the switching means to the first state and to switch the first rotating body and the second rotating body to the open state by switching the switching means to the second state, wherein the control means controls the blocking means to block the discharge of the fluid from the first chamber after a predetermined time has elapsed when the first rotating body and the second rotating body are changed from the closed state to the open state.

(2) A feed device having a first rotating body and a second rotating body for transporting a workpiece, a piston, and a first chamber and a second chamber separated by the piston, the device including a cylinder for moving the first rotating body so that the first rotating body and the second rotating body are in a closed state in which they are in contact with each other, or in an open state in which the first rotating body is separated from the second rotating body, and a control means for controlling the cylinder, the control means controlling the cylinder such that when the first rotating body and the second rotating body are changed from the closed state to the open state, the difference between the pressure in the first chamber and the pressure in the second chamber disappears, thereby causing the movement of the piston to stop.

Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the attached drawings.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a feed device and a control method for the feed device that can perform opening and closing operations optimized for the workpiece when the actuator opens and closes the roll.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a press system according to the first to third embodiments. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the press system according to the first to third embodiments. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the straightener feeder of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the press apparatus according to the first to third embodiments. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating the actuator, the directional control valve, and the shutoff valve of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for explaining port switching of the directional control valve and the shutoff valve in the first embodiment, in which (a) is a diagram showing the home position, (b) is a diagram showing the start of release, and (c) is a diagram showing when exhaust air is shut off. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how to obtain the cutoff start time in the first to third embodiments, in which (a) is a diagram showing height H1, (b) is a diagram showing height H2, and (c) is a diagram showing arm length L, rotation angle θ, and eccentricity amount 1 of the eccentric shaft. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the cutoff start time, the stroke amount, and the release amount in the first to third embodiments. 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing the opening and closing operations of the rolls in the straightener feeder of the first embodiment, where FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing the process of setting the cut-off start time, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing the processing using the press system. 10A is a circuit diagram showing the actuator, the directional control valve, and the shutoff valve in each process of the flowchart in FIG. 9, where FIG. 10A is a circuit diagram showing the state at S230 in FIG. 9, FIG. 10B is a circuit diagram showing the state at S250 in FIG. 9, and FIG. 10C is a circuit diagram showing the state at S270 in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating port switching of the directional control valve and the shutoff valve in the second embodiment, in which (a) is a diagram showing the home position, (b) is a diagram showing the start of release, and (c) is a diagram showing when exhaust air is shut off. Figure 12 is a diagram showing (A-a) the conventional home position, (A-b) the conventional release start time, (A-c) the conventional state where the piston has moved to the end of chamber B, (Ba) the home position of the third embodiment, (B-b) the third embodiment at the start of release, and (B-c) the third embodiment at the time when exhaust is cut off.

In the following explanation, the direction in which the workpiece (coil material) is transported when processing is being performed in the press device of the press system is referred to as the transport direction. The height of the workpiece being transported is referred to as the processing height, and the imaginary line connecting the processing heights along the transport direction is referred to as the path line. The processing height is, for example, a height based on the floor surface on which the press system is installed or the lower die or bolster of the die of the press device.

In addition, the state in which the pair of rolls that clamp and transport the workpiece are separated is called the open state, and the state in which they are in contact is called the closed state. The action of the pair of rolls changing from an open state to a closed state, or from a closed state to an open state, is called the opening and closing action. Here, the release of a pair of rolls mainly refers to the action of changing from a closed state to an open state, but in the following explanation, the term release may also include the action of changing from an open state to a closed state. Furthermore, a pair of rolls includes a pair of rolls consisting of one upper roll and one lower roll, a set of rolls consisting of multiple upper rolls and multiple lower rolls, etc.

[First embodiment]
<Press System>
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a press system 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 also shows the workpiece conveying direction, upstream, downstream, up-down direction, and pass line PL (dashed line). FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the press system 1 of the first embodiment. The press system 1 of this embodiment includes an uncoiler 100, a straightener feeder 200, and a press device 300. The uncoiler 100 and the straightener feeder 200 operate in conjunction with the processing operation of the press device 300. The press system 1 is installed on a floor surface 10. In the following description, the configuration and function of each device will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

<Uncoiler>
The uncoiler 100, which is a holding device that holds the workpiece 120, has a mandrel 110, a control unit 130, and a drive unit 140. The mandrel 110 holds the workpiece 120, which is an object to be processed by the press device 300. For example, the inner diameter of the workpiece 120 wound in a coil shape is held by the mandrel 110. The control unit 130 rotates the mandrel 110 by the drive unit 140 so as to be linked with the processing operation by the press device 300, thereby unwinding the workpiece 120.

The uncoiler 100 supplies the work 120 to the straightener feeder 200 at a constant speed until the work 120 runs out. In other words, the uncoiler 100 supplies the work 120 at a speed that corresponds to the operation of the press device 300.

<Straightener Feeder>
The straightener feeder 200 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 as well. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the straightener feeder 200 of the first embodiment, and also shows the conveying direction (upstream, downstream) and the up-down direction. The straightener feeder 200 functions as a feeding device that conveys (also called supplying or sending out) the work 120 while correcting curling or the like of the work 120 held by the uncoiler 100. The straightener feeder 200 supplies the work 120 to the press device 300 at a constant speed. That is, the straightener feeder 200 conveys the work 120 at a speed corresponding to the operation of the press device 300, and operates by repeatedly starting and stopping.

The straightener feeder 200 has an arm 261, a knuckle joint 263, an eccentric shaft 262, a link 264, an eccentric shaft 268, and an upper frame 266. The straightener feeder 200 also has an inlet roll 220, a plurality of work rolls 230, a feed roll 250, a control unit 260, a memory unit 270,

actuators

280, 282, a motor 290,

directional switching valves

420, 422,

shutoff valves

430, 432, and

silencers

420s, 422s, 430s, 432s.

The arm 261 is connected to the actuator 280 via a knuckle joint 263, and moves back and forth in conjunction with the actuator 280. The eccentric shaft 262 rotates in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the arm 261. The upper frame 266 moves up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the eccentric shaft 262. The link 264 and the eccentric shaft 268 are members for adjusting the amount of correction, which indicates the degree to which the workpiece 120 is corrected by the work roll 230.

The entrance roll 220 is a roll for receiving the work 120 uncoiled by the uncoiler 100 into the straightener feeder 200 and transporting it to the work roll 230. The entrance roll 220 is in a closed state to clamp the work 120, and in an open state to release the clamped state of the work 120 and release the work 120.

The work rolls 230 include multiple upper work rolls 230a and multiple lower work rolls 230b. The upper work rolls 230a correspond to the first rotating body, and the lower work rolls 230b correspond to the second rotating body. In FIG. 3, for example, four upper work rolls 230a and three lower work rolls 230b are shown. The upper work rolls 230a are fixed to the upper frame 266 and move up and down in conjunction with the up and down movement of the upper frame 266. The lower work rolls 230b are fixed to the main body of the straightener feeder 200. The work rolls 230 correct the curling tendency of the work 120 in the closed state. The multiple work rolls 230 are arranged, for example, in a staggered arrangement with alternating steps, that is, in a staggered arrangement, and by clamping and transporting the work 120 unwound by the uncoiler 100, the curling tendency of the work 120 is gradually corrected from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transport direction of the work 120.

The feed rolls 250 are closed to clamp and transport the work 120, and open to release the work 120. The feed rolls 250 include an upper feed roll 250a and a lower feed roll 250b. The upper feed roll 250a corresponds to the first rotating body, and the lower feed roll 250b corresponds to the second rotating body. The upper feed roll 250a is connected to an actuator 282. The lower feed roll 250b is fixed to the leveller feeder 200. In this embodiment, the lower work roll 230b and the lower feed roll 250b are fixed, and the upper work roll 230a and the upper feed roll 250a are movable, but this is not limited to this. The upper work roll 230a and the upper feed roll 250a may be fixed, and the lower work roll 230b and the lower feed roll 250b may be movable.

Actuator 280 switches the work roll 230 between a closed state and an open state, and actuator 282 switches the feed roll 250 between a closed state and an open state. The

actuators

280 and 282 are, for example, cylinders, and operate using a gas such as air or a liquid such as oil, that is, a fluid. The compressor 410 is a fluid source that supplies compressed fluid to the

actuators

280 and 282. The motor 290 drives the rotation of the inlet roll 220, the work roll 230, and the feed roll 250.

The direction switching valve 420, which is a direction switching means, is provided between the compressor 410 and the actuator 280, and switches the direction of the opening and closing operation of the work roll 230 by the actuator 280. The direction switching valve 422, which is a direction switching means, is provided between the compressor 410 and the actuator 282, and switches the direction of the opening and closing operation of the feed roll 250 by the actuator 282. Here, switching the direction of the opening and closing operation refers to switching from a closed state to an open state, and switching from an open state to a closed state.

Shut-off valve 430, which is a shut-off means, is connected to directional change valve 420. That is, directional change valve 420 is provided between actuator 280 and shut-off valve 430. Shut-off valve 432, which is a shut-off means, is connected to directional change valve 422. That is, directional change valve 422 is provided between actuator 282 and shut-off valve 432. The configurations of

directional change valves

420, 422 and shut-off

valves

430, 432 will be described later.

The control unit 260 controls the

actuators

280, 282 and the motor 290 in conjunction with the operation of other devices in the press system 1 to correct curls and the like of the work 120, and sends the work 120 to the press device 300. The control unit 260 controls the rotation of the entrance roll 220, the work roll 230, and the feed roll 250 by a known method using a detection means (not shown), such as an encoder. The control unit 260 controls the straightener feeder 200 in conjunction with other devices in the press system 1 according to various programs stored in the storage unit 270. The straightener feeder 200 may have a display unit and an input unit. In this embodiment, the straightener feeder 200 performs the correction of curls and the supply of the work 120 to the press device 300, but is not limited to this. The straightener that corrects curls and the feeder that supplies the work 120 to the press device 300 may be separate devices.

<Pressing equipment>
The press device 300 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the press device 300 of the first embodiment, for example, a schematic view of an integral straight-side frame type or C-frame type press device 300. FIG. 4 also shows the conveying direction of the workpiece 120, the upstream (left), downstream (right), up-down direction, and front-rear direction (front, back) in the conveying direction. The press device 300 is configured to have a drive motor 304 (drive means), a transmission mechanism 306, a crankshaft 308, a connecting rod 310, a slide 312, and a bolster 322 inside and outside a housing 302. The press device 300 also has a controller 314, a memory unit 315, a display unit 316, and an input unit 318. The press device 300 also has a sensor 324, a rotary encoder 325, and a gibber 326.

The drive motor 304 is, for example, a servo-controlled servo motor, which moves the die 303 (described later) up and down via the transmission mechanism 306, crankshaft 308, and connecting rod 310 while controlling the amount and direction of rotation. The transmission mechanism 306 is configured with transmission members such as gears and belts, and transmits the rotation of the motor shaft of the drive motor 304 to the crankshaft 308. A control signal to the drive motor 304 is sent from the controller 314.

The crankshaft 308 and connecting rod 310 are used to convert the rotational movement of the motor shaft transmitted by the transmission mechanism 306 into reciprocating movement (up and down movement in this embodiment). Rotation of the motor shaft rotates the crankshaft 308, and the rotation is transmitted to the connecting rod 310, which is connected near one end to the crankshaft 308, causing the connecting rod 310 to move up and down (raise and lower).

The crankshaft 308 is also provided with a rotary cam switch (not shown) that outputs an on or off signal in conjunction with the rotation of the crankshaft 308. The rotary cam switch outputs an on or off signal, for example, when the rotation of the crankshaft 308 reaches a predetermined angle, in other words, when a predetermined timing occurs during the machining operation. The timing at which the rotary cam switch outputs an on signal (or an off signal) is hereinafter referred to as the output timing. The controller 314 performs machining operations in conjunction with other devices of the press system 1 based on the signal output from the rotary cam switch.

A slide 312 is connected near the other end of the connecting rod 310. As the connecting rod 310 moves up and down, the slide 312 moves up and down along the gibb 326. In the press device 300, a bolster 322 is arranged to face the slide 312. An upper die 303a is attached as part of a die 303 to the surface of the slide 312 facing the bolster 322 (the lower surface in this embodiment). A lower die 303b that pairs with the upper die 303a is attached as part of the die 303 to the surface of the bolster 322 facing the slide 312 (the upper surface in this embodiment).

The workpiece 120, which is the object to be processed, is placed between the upper die 303a and the lower die 303b, and is pressed by the upper die 303a and the lower die 303b, whereby the press device 300 performs press processing (hereinafter, simply referred to as processing) on the workpiece 120. The workpiece 120 is transported, for example, from the left (upstream) side to the right (downstream) side in FIG. 2.

More specifically, the drive motor 304 rotates under the control of the controller 314. The rotation of the drive motor 304 is transmitted to the connecting rod 310 via the transmission mechanism 306 and the crankshaft 308, and the slide 312 moves up and down. The downward movement of the slide 312 presses the upper die 303a and the lower die 303b, and press processing of the workpiece 120 is performed. That is, in the press device 300, the drive motor 304, the transmission mechanism 306, the crankshaft 308, the connecting rod 310, and the slide 312 constitute the press section. The transmission mechanism 306 is provided with a rotary encoder 325, which is a rotation speed detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the crankshaft 308. The controller 314 is able to detect the position of the slide 312 by detecting the rotation speed of the crankshaft 308 with the rotary encoder 325. The controller 314 can also detect the angle of the crankshaft 308 based on the detection results of the rotary encoder 325, and functions as an angle detection means. The angle detection means may include the rotary cam switch described above.

The sensor 324, which is a load detection means for detecting the load during processing, is a sensor for detecting the load acting on the connecting rod 310 when the press device 300 performs press processing on the workpiece 120, and is, for example, a load cell. The sensor 324 may be, for example, a strain gauge installed in the housing 302. The sensor 324 may be installed at any position on the connecting rod 310 (for example, a position near the center). Furthermore, multiple sensors 324 may be installed, and for example, the strain on the left and right sides of the housing 302 may be detected separately, and the detected results may be added up to determine the total load. Note that in FIG. 2, the side on which the display unit 316 is located is the front side of the press device 300.

The controller 314 controls the press device 300 in accordance with various programs stored in the memory unit 315. The memory unit 315 stores a program (motion program) corresponding to each die 303 used. It also stores information related to the die 303 (including, for example, die specifications). The display unit 316 displays data showing the state of the press device 300. The input unit 318 is used to input data necessary for operating the press device 300. The input unit 318 is used when the user inputs parameters necessary for processing. The controller 314 controls the press device 300 and other devices of the press system 1 so that they work in conjunction with each other to perform processing.

<Directional switching valves, shutoff valves, actuators>
The configurations of the directional control valve 420 and the shutoff valve 430 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 5. Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining the actuator 280, the directional control valve 420, and the shutoff valve 430 of the first embodiment, and also shows the left-right direction. Since the directional control valve 420 and the directional control valve 422 have the same configuration, and the shutoff valve 430 and the shutoff valve 432 have the same configuration, the description of the directional control valve 422 and the shutoff valve 432 will be omitted. Furthermore, the actuator 280 differs in that it moves in the left-right direction and the actuator 282 moves in the up-down direction, but since the other configurations are the same, the description of the actuator 282 will also be omitted. The movement direction of the actuator may be set according to the design of the leveller feeder 200.

In the following explanation, the case where the directional control valve 420 and the shutoff valve 430 are electromagnetic valves (solenoid valves) will be described. Also, the case where the compressor 410 is an air compressor will be described. Furthermore, the case where the actuator 280 is an air cylinder will be described.

(Directional valve)
The directional control valve 420 has a P port, an A port, a B port, an R1 port, and an R2 port. The P port is connected to the compressor 410 and is supplied with air from the compressor 410. The A port is connected to an A chamber 280A of the actuator 280, which will be described later. The B port is connected to a B chamber 280B of the actuator 280, which will be described later. The R1 port is a port for discharging air, and is connected to a silencer 420s. In the following description, discharging air is also referred to as exhaust. The R2 port is also a port for discharging air, and is connected to a p port of a shutoff valve 430, which will be described later.

(Shut-off valve)
The shutoff valve 430 has a p port, an a port, and a b port. The p port is connected to the R2 port of the directional control valve 420, and is a port to which air is supplied from the R2 port of the directional control valve 420. The a port is a port for exhausting air, and is connected to a silencer 430s. The b port is a port for blocking the exhaust of air, and is designed to prevent air from being discharged. The

silencers

420s and 430s are intended to reduce the volume of sound generated when air is exhausted.

(Actuator)
The actuator 280 is, for example, a hollow cylindrical cylinder, and includes a rod 280r and a piston 280p. The piston 280p divides the space inside the actuator 280 into an A chamber 280A, which is a second chamber, and a B chamber 280B, which is a first chamber. The A chamber 280A may function as the first chamber, and the B chamber 280B may function as the second chamber. One end of the rod 280r is connected to the A chamber 280A side of the piston 280p, and the rod 280r also moves in conjunction with the movement of the piston 280p. The other end of the rod 280r is connected to a transmission mechanism that converts the reciprocating motion of the rod 280r into opening and closing motion in the vertical direction of the work roll 230. The transmission mechanism includes the arm 261, the knuckle joint 263, the eccentric shaft 262, and the upper frame 266 described above.

When air is supplied to chamber A 280A and air is exhausted from chamber B 280B, piston 280p moves toward chamber B 280B, i.e., from left to right. Conversely, when air is supplied to chamber B 280B and air is exhausted from chamber A 280A, piston 280p moves toward chamber A 280A, i.e., from right to left.

In FIG. 5, the compressor 410 is connected to the P port of the directional control valve 420, which is connected to the B port inside the directional control valve 420, and air is supplied to the B chamber 280B of the actuator 280. Meanwhile, the A chamber of the actuator 280 is connected to the A port, which is connected to the R1 port inside the directional control valve 420. At this time, the piston 280p is pushed from right to left in the left-right direction in FIG. 5, and the work roll 230 is in a closed state, which is the home position. The home position is a first state in which air is supplied from the compressor 410 to the B chamber 280B and discharged from the A chamber 280A.

<Operation of directional control valves, shutoff valves, and actuators>
The operation of the directional control valve 420, the shutoff valve 430, and the actuator 280 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram for explaining the switching of ports of the directional control valve 420 and the shutoff valve 430 in the first embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing the home position, (b) is a diagram showing the start of release, and (c) is a diagram showing the time when exhaust is shut off. In Fig. 6, the direction in which the piston 280p and the rod 280r move is defined as the left-right direction.

Figure 6(a) shows the home position described in Figure 5, with the work roll 230 in a closed state. That is, air is supplied to chamber B 280B of the actuator 280, air is exhausted from chamber A 280A, and the piston 280p is pushed from the right to the left of the actuator 280.

FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the state when the control unit 260 controls the work roll 230 to change from a closed state to an open state, i.e., when release begins (release process). Here, the control unit 260 controls the opening and closing operation of the work roll 230 in response to a signal output from the controller 314 of the press device 300. The signal output from the controller 314 is called a release signal. The controller 314 turns the release signal ON when releasing the work roll 230 in the leveller feeder 200, i.e., when changing from a closed state to an open state, and turns the release signal OFF when changing from an open state to a closed state.

FIG. 6(b) shows the second state in which air is supplied to chamber A 280A and exhausted from chamber B 280B. The control unit 260 controls the directional control valve 420 to switch to the first state to close the work roll 230, and to switch to the second state to open the work roll 230. Note that the timing and operation control for the press device 300 to send a release signal to the straightener feeder 200 are well known, and will not be described here.

Under the control of the control unit 260, the directional control valve 420 switches the connection between the P port and the B port from one between the P port and the A port to one between the P port and the A port. The directional control valve 420 also connects the B port to the R2 port. As a result, air flows from the P port of the directional control valve 420 connected to the compressor 410 to the A port, and the piston 280p of the actuator 280 starts to move from left to right in the figure. The moving piston 280p causes the air in the B chamber 280B in the actuator 280 to flow through the B port and the R2 port, to the p port of the shutoff valve 430, and is exhausted from the a port.

FIG. 6(c) is a diagram showing a feature of this embodiment, and shows how the shutoff valve 430 operates while the work roll 230 is changing from a closed state to an open state, and the exhaust of air is shut off (shutoff process). When the control unit 260 starts releasing the work roll 230 and a predetermined shutoff start time (described below) has elapsed, the control unit 260 causes the shutoff valve 430 to shut off the exhaust of air. Under the control of the control unit 260, the shutoff valve 430 switches the connection between the p port and the a port to the connection between the p port and the b port.

At this time, the air that was being exhausted from port a of the shutoff valve 430 via the directional control valve 420 is blocked at port b by the operation of the piston 280p of the actuator 280. This causes the pressure in chamber B 280B of the actuator 280 to rise, and when it becomes equal to the pressure of the air flowing in from port A, the movement of the piston 280p stops. This series of operations limits the operation of the actuator 280. The opening operation of the work roll 230, which is connected via the rod 280r and the transmission mechanism, also stops. In this way, when the work roll 230 is changed from the closed state to the open state, the control unit 260 controls the shutoff valve 430 to shut off the exhaust of air from chamber B 280B once the shutoff start time has elapsed.

<Setting the cutoff start time from the start of release to the start of air cutoff>
The cut-off start time Ts, which is the time from when the control unit 260 starts releasing the work roll 230 to when the shutoff valve 430 starts to shut off the air, is set so that the gap between the upper work roll 230a and the lower work roll 230b is an appropriate distance. The setting of the cut-off start time Ts will be described below.

First, the amount of correction of the workpiece 120 by the work roll 230 is determined based on information about the workpiece 120 (including, for example, the specifications of the workpiece 120). Here, the amount of correction is an amount that is managed by the dimensions of the gap between the upper work roll 230a and the lower work roll 230b. In addition, the information about the workpiece 120 includes, for example, the thickness (hereinafter also referred to as plate thickness) and physical properties of the workpiece 120.

When releasing the work roll 230, it is necessary to release the workpiece 120 that is being straightened, so it is necessary to move the piston 280p of the actuator 280 from a state in which the workpiece 120 is being straightened to a state in which the workpiece 120 is released. Here, the amount of movement of the upper work roll 230a relative to the lower work roll 230b when the work roll 230 goes from a closed state to an open state is also called the release amount. From the above, if information about the workpiece 120 is known, the straightening amount and release amount can be determined, and the amount of movement of the piston 280p can also be determined. The straightening amount and release amount are calculated using the following formulas.

Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining how to calculate the cutoff start time Ts in the first embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing height H1, (b) is a diagram showing height H2, and (c) is a diagram showing arm length L, rotation angle θ, and eccentricity amount l of the eccentric shaft. Note that some symbols have been omitted to make the diagram easier to see. First, the height of the upper work roll 230a relative to the lower work roll 230b when the work roll 230 straightens the workpiece 120 is set to H1. Height H1 is the height shown in FIG. 7(a). Furthermore, the height of the upper work roll 230a relative to the lower work roll 230b when the workpiece 120 is released is set to H2. Height H2 is the height shown in FIG. 7(b).

In this case, if the total amount of movement required for release is H, the amount of movement H can be calculated by the following formula (1).
H=H2-H1 (1)
Here, the reference value is 0 when the gap between the upper work roll 230a and the lower work roll 230b is 0. In other words, the position of the pass line PL is 0. In addition, the side above the pass line PL (the plate thickness side of the workpiece 120) is + (plus), and the side below the pass line PL (the side biting into the workpiece 120) is - (minus).

Furthermore, in order to obtain the movement amount H, the parameters including information about the workpiece 120 are defined as follows:
E: Modulus of longitudinal elasticity of the workpiece 120 (kgf/mm)
ξ: plastic deformation rate of the workpiece 120 t: thickness of the workpiece 120 (mm)
σe: Yield stress of the workpiece 120 (kgf/mm ² )
S: Pitch between the upper work roll 230a and the lower work roll 230b (mm)
r: bending radius of the workpiece 120 after springback (mm)

Height H1 is the height of the upper work roll 230a required to impart sufficient plastic deformation to the workpiece 120, as shown in FIG. 7(a), and is calculated by the following formula (2).
H1=f1(E, ξ, t, σe, S) (2)
Here, f1(E, ξ, t, σe, S) is a function represented by the above-mentioned parameters E, ξ, t, σe, and S.

7(b) is a height of the upper work roll 230a that takes into consideration the springback (return or bounce of the work 120) of the straightened workpiece 120 and does not interfere with the processing by the press device 300, and does not separate the upper work roll 230a too much. Height H2 can be calculated from the following formula (3).
H2=f2(r, S, t) (3)
Here, f2(r, S, t) is a function represented by the above-mentioned parameters r, S, and t. Note that the specific formulas of f1 and f2 may be set according to the specifications of the entire press system 1 and the workpiece 120.

The amount of movement H calculated from equation (1) represents the height of the upper work roll 230a. Therefore, the amount of movement of the piston 280p required to move the upper work roll 230a by the amount of movement H mm is calculated. The amount of movement of the piston 280p is hereinafter referred to as the stroke amount st.

The release of the straightener feeder 200 is performed by using an eccentric shaft 262. The tip fitting of a rod 280r of the actuator 280 is connected to a knuckle joint 263, and an arm 261 connected to the knuckle joint 263 is attached to the eccentric shaft 262. The arm 261 is swung by a piston 280p to rotate the eccentric shaft 262, thereby performing an up-down movement by an eccentric amount l. From the above, the rotation angle θ of the eccentric shaft 262, which corresponds to the movement amount H, can be obtained from the following formula (4).
θ=sin ⁻¹ (H/l) (4)
Here, l is the amount of eccentricity of the eccentric shaft 262. The rotation angle θ and the amount of eccentricity l of the eccentric shaft 262 are as shown in Fig. 7C. In Fig. 7C, the arm 261 and the like when the eccentric shaft 262 has rotated by the rotation angle θ are shown by dashed lines.

From the rotation angle θ obtained from equation (4), the stroke amount st can be obtained from the following equation (5).
st=Lsinθ (5)
Here, the arm length L is as shown in FIG.

Once the stroke amount st is determined from equation (5), the blocking start time Ts for restricting the operation of the piston 280p is determined. Note that in this embodiment, the blocking start time Ts is determined using the movement amount H of the work roll 230, but this is not limiting. It is sufficient to determine the movement amount that provides the strictest conditions among the rolls used in the leveller feeder 200.

Here, FIG. 8 is a graph showing the cutoff start time Ts, stroke amount st, and release amount in the first embodiment, with the horizontal axis showing the cutoff start time (msec), the left vertical axis showing the stroke amount st (mm), and the right vertical axis showing the release amount (mm). Note that the solid line shows the stroke amount st of the piston 280p, and the dashed line shows the release amount of the work roll 230. The actuator 280 in this embodiment has a maximum stroke amount of, for example, 70 mm.

At this time, as can be seen from Fig. 8, both the stroke amount st and the release amount are in a proportional relationship with the cutoff start time Ts. At this time, if the proportionality coefficient is k, the relationship of the following equation (6) is established from the graph of Fig. 8.
st=k×Ts (6)
Therefore, the cutoff start time Ts is calculated from the following equation (7).
Ts=st/k (7)
The proportionality coefficient k is an inherent value that depends on the model of the straightener feeder 200, and may be a parameter that can be selected according to each model. The control unit 260 sets the cutoff start time Ts from the above-mentioned formula (7) at the timing when the workpiece 120 to be used is determined. The cutoff start time Ts may be manually set by the user using an input unit (not shown).

<Control of release amount of each roll of straightener feeder>
A method for controlling the straightener feeder 200, which is a feeding device, will be described below. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing operation process of each roll in the straightener feeder 200 of the first embodiment, (a) is a flowchart showing the setting process of the shutoff start time Ts, and (b) is a flowchart showing the processing using the press system 1. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the

actuators

280, 282, the

directional switching valves

420, 422, and the

shutoff valves

430, 432 in each process of the flowchart in FIG. 9, (a) is a circuit diagram showing the state at step (hereinafter, S) 230 in FIG. 9 described later, (b) is a circuit diagram showing the state at S250 in FIG. 9, and (c) is a circuit diagram showing the state at S270 in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 also shows the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Using the flowchart in FIG. 9, the control of the release amount (or stroke amount st) for stopping the release of each roll of the straightener feeder 200 at an optimal position will be described.

FIG. 9(a) shows processing that is performed before the start of continuous processing operation by the press system 1, such as when the workpiece 120 is set in the uncoiler 100. In S110, the control unit 260 receives the specifications of the workpiece 120 from an input unit (not shown). In S120, the control unit 260 uses the above-mentioned formulas (1) to (7) to determine the cutoff start time Ts, and ends the processing.

FIG. 9(b) is a flowchart explaining the processing after the press system 1 starts continuous processing operation. When press processing starts in S210, the control unit 260 starts transporting the workpiece 120 in cooperation with the press device 300. In S220, the control unit 260 determines whether or not a release signal (ON) for changing each roll from a closed state to an open state has been received from the controller 314 of the press device 300.

If the control unit 260 determines in S220 that a release signal has not been received, it returns the process to S220, and if it determines that a release signal has been received, it advances the process to S230. In S230, the control unit 260 starts the release so that each roll changes from a closed state to an open state. Specifically, the control unit 260 controls the

actuators

280, 282, the

directional switching valves

420, 422, and the

shutoff valves

430, 432 to be in the connected state shown in FIG. 10(a). The control unit 260 also resets a timer (not shown) and starts the timer to measure the shutoff start time Ts calculated in S120.

In S240, the control unit 260 refers to the timer and determines whether the cutoff start time Ts has elapsed. If the control unit 260 determines in S240 that the cutoff start time Ts has not elapsed, the process returns to S240, and if the control unit 260 determines that the cutoff start time Ts has elapsed, the process proceeds to S250.

In S250, the control unit 260 stops the release of each roll. Specifically, the control unit 260 switches the connection of each port of the

shutoff valves

430, 432. This blocks the exhaust of air, stops the movement of the piston 280p, and stops the release of each roll. At this time, the

actuators

280, 282, the

directional switching valves

420, 422, and the

shutoff valves

430, 432 are in the connection state shown in FIG. 10(b).

In S260, the control unit 260 determines whether or not a release signal (OFF) for changing each roll from an open state to a closed state has been received from the controller 314 of the press device 300. If the control unit determines in S260 that a release signal has not been received, the process returns to S260, and if the control unit determines that a release signal has been received, the process proceeds to S270.

In S270, the control unit 260 changes each roll from an open state to a closed state. Specifically, the control unit 260 switches the

directional control valves

420, 422 and the

shutoff valves

430, 432. At this time, the

actuators

280, 282, the

directional control valves

420, 422, and the

shutoff valves

430, 432 are in the connected state as shown in FIG. 10(c) (home position).

In S280, the control unit 260 determines whether or not it has received a feed command (hereinafter referred to as a feeder feed signal) from the press device 300 to supply the workpiece 120 to the press device 300. When the controller 314 of the press device 300 causes the straightener feeder 200 to supply the workpiece 120, it turns on the feeder feed signal and sends it to the control unit 260. If the control unit 260 determines in S280 that it has not received the feeder feed signal, it returns the process to S280, and if it determines that it has received the feeder feed signal, it proceeds to S290.

In S290, the control unit 260 starts feeding (feeder feeding) the workpiece 120 by the leveller feeder 200. In S300, the control unit 260 determines whether or not a signal to stop continuous operation has been received from the press device 300. Note that the press device 300 transmits an ON signal when stopping continuous operation. If the control unit 260 determines in S300 that a signal to stop continuous operation has not been received, the process proceeds to S310; if the control unit 260 determines that a signal to stop continuous operation has been received, the process proceeds to S320.

In S310, the control unit 260 determines whether or not it has received a feeder feed completion signal from the press device 300, indicating that the amount of workpiece 120 required for processing has been sent. If the control unit 260 determines in S310 that it has not received a feeder feed completion signal, it returns the process to S300, and if it determines that it has received a feed completion signal, it returns the process to S220. In S320, the control unit 260 transports the workpiece 120 to a specified position and stops it, ending the process. The press device 300 moves the slide 312 so that it is at the top dead center, and then ends the process. The process when the press system 1 is stopped is performed, for example, by known control, and a description of this is omitted.

In this way, simply by adding a circuit-breaking solenoid valve to the existing operating circuit, it is possible to limit the operation of the actuator that releases each roll, and to set the release amount as desired. This reduces the release amount of each roll, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of fluid consumed by the compressor. It is also possible to optimize the release amount of each roll and increase production speed. Furthermore, with the feed roll, it is possible to reduce the impact when gripping (clamping) the workpiece again after release has begun, thereby reducing dents on the workpiece, noise due to impact, and load on the machine body.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a feed device and a control method for the feed device that can perform opening and closing operations optimized for the workpiece when the actuator opens and closes the roll.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the

shutoff valves

430, 432 were connected to the R2 port which is the outlet of the

directional control valves

420, 422. In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the

shutoff valves

430, 432 are provided between the

actuators

280, 282 and the

directional control valves

420, 422. Note that the connection state of the shutoff valve 432, the directional control valve 422, and the actuator 282 is the same as that of the shutoff valve 430, the directional control valve 420, and the actuator 280, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

<Directional switching valves, shutoff valves, actuators>
11 is a circuit diagram for explaining the switching of ports of the directional control valve 420 and the shutoff valve 430 in the second embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing the home position, (b) is a diagram showing the start of release, and (c) is a diagram showing the time when exhaust is shut off. The following describes connections that are different from those in Figs. 5 and 6.

FIG. 11(a) is a circuit diagram showing the connection state of each port at the home position. In this embodiment, the directional control valve 420 has its B port connected to the p port of the shutoff valve 430, its R1 port connected to the silencer 420s1, and its R2 port connected to the silencer 420s2. The shutoff valve 430 has its p port connected to the B port of the directional control valve 420, and its a port connected to the B chamber 280B of the actuator 280. The actuator 280 has its B chamber 280B connected to the a port of the shutoff valve 430.

<Operation of directional control valves, shutoff valves, and actuators>
The operations of the directional control valve 420, the shutoff valve 430, and the actuator 280 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the direction in which the piston 280p and the rod 280r move is defined as the left-right direction.

FIG. 11(a) shows the home position described above, with the work roll 230 in a closed state. That is, air flows from port P to port B of the directional control valve 420 connected to the compressor 410, and air is supplied to chamber B 280B via port p to port a of the shutoff valve 430. As a result, the piston 280p of the actuator 280 is pushed from right to left.

FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the state when the control unit 260 controls the work roll 230 from a closed state to an open state. Under control of the control unit 260, the directional control valve 420 switches the connection between the P port and the B port from a connection between the P port and the A port to a connection between the P port and the A port. The directional control valve 420 also connects the B port to the R2 port. As a result, air flows from the P port of the directional control valve 420 connected to the compressor 410 to the A port, and is supplied to the A chamber 280A. As a result, the piston 280p of the actuator 280 starts to move from left to right in the figure. The moving piston 280p exhausts the air in the B chamber 280B in the actuator 280 from the R2 port connected to the B port via the shutoff valve 430.

FIG. 11(c) is a diagram showing a feature of this embodiment, illustrating how the shutoff valve 430 operates and cuts off the exhaust of air while the work roll 230 is changing from a closed state to an open state. The control unit 260 starts releasing the work roll 230, and when the cutoff start time Ts described in the first embodiment has elapsed, the shutoff valve 430 cuts off the exhaust of air. Under the control of the control unit 260, the shutoff valve 430 switches the connection between the p port and the a port to the connection between the p port and the b port.

At this time, the air that was being exhausted from port R2 of directional control valve 420 via shutoff valve 430 is blocked at port a by the operation of piston 280p of actuator 280. This causes the pressure in chamber B 280B of actuator 280 to rise, and when this pressure becomes equal to the pressure of the air flowing in from port A, the movement of piston 280p stops. This series of operations makes it possible to limit the operation of actuator 280. The opening operation of work roll 230, which is connected via rod 280r and a transmission mechanism, also stops.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a feed device and a control method for the feed device that can perform opening and closing operations optimized for the workpiece when the actuator opens and closes the roll.

[Third embodiment]
In the above-mentioned embodiment, the

actuators

280, 282 are controlled so that the release amount of each roll is appropriate using the

shutoff valves

430, 432, which are solenoid valves, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 12 (A-a) is a diagram showing a conventional home position, (A-b) is a diagram showing a conventional release start time, (A-c) is a diagram showing a conventional state in which the piston has moved to the end of the B chamber 280B, (B-a) is a diagram showing a home position of the third embodiment, (B-b) is a diagram showing a release start time of the third embodiment, and (B-c) is a diagram showing a time when the exhaust is shut off in the third embodiment. In Fig. 12, the black arrow indicates the supply of air, and the white arrow indicates the exhaust of air.

Figure 10 (A-a) shows the state when a release signal is received from the press device 300, and shows the state when the directional control valve 420 switches the connection of each port to supply air to chamber A 280A and exhaust air from chamber B 280B, and the pressure in chamber A 280A begins to rise.

Figure 10 (A-b) shows how the movement of rod 280r is maintained due to the low pressure in chamber B 280B of actuator 280. Figure 10 (A-c) shows how rod 280r and piston 280p have moved to the end (right end) of chamber B 280B. For this reason, conventionally the gap between upper feed roll 250a and lower feed roll 250b has opened up to an unnecessary dimension.

Figures 10(B-a) and (B-b) are similar to Figures 10(A-a) and (A-b), and their explanation will be omitted. In Figure 10(B-c), exhaust from chamber B 280B of actuator 280 is blocked. As a result, piston 280p stops moving when the pressure in chamber A 280A and the pressure in chamber B 280B are balanced, in other words, when the pressure difference between the two chambers disappears.

In the third embodiment, the actuator 280 (cylinder) moves the upper work roll 230a so that the work roll 230 is in a closed or open state. The control unit 260 controls the actuator 280 so that when the work roll 230 is changed from a closed state to an open state, the difference between the pressure in chamber B 280B and the pressure in chamber A 280A disappears, and the movement of the actuator 280 stops.

In this way, as long as the pressure difference between chamber A 280A and chamber B 280B of actuator 280 disappears and piston 280p can be controlled to stop during the release of each roll, the configuration is not limited to the first and second embodiments and any parts may be used for control.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to provide a feed device and a control method for the feed device that can perform opening and closing operations optimized for the workpiece when the actuator opens and closes the roll.

The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

1 Press system 10 Floor surface 100 Uncoiler 110 Mandrel 120 Work 130 Control unit 140 Drive unit 200 Straightener feeder 220 Inlet roll 230 Work roll, 230a Upper work roll, 230b Lower work roll 250 Feed roll, 250a Upper feed roll, 250b Lower feed roll 260 Control unit 261 Arm 262 Eccentric shaft 263 Knuckle joint 264 Link 266 Upper frame 268 Eccentric shaft 270 Memory unit 280 Actuator, 280A A chamber, 280B B chamber,
280p piston, 280r rod 282 actuator, 282A A chamber, 282B B chamber,
282p piston, 282r rod 290 motor 300 press device 302 housing 303 die, 303a upper die, 303b lower die 304 drive motor 306 transmission mechanism 308 crankshaft 310 connecting rod 312 slide 314 controller 315 memory unit 316 display unit 318 input unit 320 slide 322 bolster 324 sensor 325 rotary encoder 326 gibb 410

compressor

420, 422

directional control valve

420s, 422s, 430s, 432s, 420s1,

420s2 silencer

430, 432 shutoff valve PL pass line

Claims

A first rotating body and a second rotating body for transporting a workpiece;
an actuator having a first chamber and a second chamber, the actuator moving the first rotor to a closed state in which the first rotor and the second rotor are in contact with each other, or to an open state in which the first rotor is separated from the second rotor;
a switching means for switching between a first state in which a fluid is supplied from a fluid source to the first chamber and discharged from the second chamber, and a second state in which the fluid is supplied to the second chamber and discharged from the first chamber;
A shutoff means for shutting off the discharge of the fluid;
a control means for controlling the switching means to switch to the first state to bring the first rotating body and the second rotating body into the closed state, and to switch the switching means to the second state to bring the first rotating body and the second rotating body into the open state;
Equipped with
A feeding device in which the control means controls the blocking means to block the discharge of the fluid from the first chamber after a predetermined time has elapsed when the first rotating body and the second rotating body are changed from the closed state to the open state.
The feed device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined time is set based on information about the workpiece.
The feed device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is connected between the actuator and the cutoff means.
The feed device according to claim 1, wherein the cutoff means is connected between the actuator and the switching means.
The feed device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switching means and the cutoff means are solenoid valves.
A first rotating body and a second rotating body for transporting a workpiece;
a cylinder having a piston and a first chamber and a second chamber separated by the piston, the cylinder moving the first rotor to a closed state in which the first rotor and the second rotor are in contact with each other, or to an open state in which the first rotor is separated from the second rotor;
A control means for controlling the cylinder;
Equipped with
The control means controls the cylinder so that when the first rotating body and the second rotating body are changed from the closed state to the open state, the difference in pressure between the first chamber and the second chamber disappears, thereby stopping the movement of the piston.
A method for controlling a feed device that transports a workpiece, comprising:
The feeding device includes:
A first rotating body and a second rotating body for transporting a workpiece;
an actuator having a first chamber and a second chamber, the actuator moving the first rotor to a closed state in which the first rotor and the second rotor are in contact with each other, or to an open state in which the first rotor is separated from the second rotor;
a switching means for switching between a first state in which a fluid is supplied from a fluid source to the first chamber and discharged from the second chamber, and a second state in which the fluid is supplied to the second chamber and discharged from the first chamber;
A shutoff means for shutting off the discharge of the fluid;
a control means for controlling the switching means to switch to the first state to bring the first rotating body and the second rotating body into the closed state, and to switch the switching means to the second state to bring the first rotating body and the second rotating body into the open state;
Equipped with
a release process in which the control means controls the switching means so that the first rotating body and the second rotating body are changed from the closed state to the open state;
a shutoff step in which the control means controls the shutoff means to shut off the discharge of the fluid from the first chamber when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the release step;
A method for controlling a feeder comprising: