This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-353163 filed Dec. 27, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates to a press machine and, more particularly, to a press machine having a linkage for converting rotation of a crankshaft into vertical motion of a slide, in which a stroke length of a slide can be adjusted.
A conventional press machine, specifically, a mechanical press, has been disclosed that includes a connection swingably connected to each of two eccentric portions of a crank shaft borne rotatably on a frame, and a lever connected to a slide, in which the connection and the lever are movably connected to the crankshaft. See Japanese Patent Appln. Public Disclosure No. 8-118082; Japanese Patent Appln. Public Disclosure No. 2000-202691; and Japanese Patent Appln. Public Disclosure No. 2002-35993.
According to the above documents, a load providing a vertical force is converted into equal loads providing horizontal forces in directions opposite from each other relative to a crankshaft, by symmetric linkages to eccentric portions of the crankshaft. This configuration results in the horizontal loads of the crankshaft being mutually cancelled to maintain a balance in the loads, thereby enabling efficient transmission of power from a power source to facilitate rotation of the crankshaft. Thus, constant balance between the horizontal loads is an advantageous feature for a press machine with a crankshaft having two symmetric eccentric portions.
In the foregoing conventional press machine, however, the stroke length of the slide was always constant and was not adjustable. Depending on an object to be pressed, however, a press machine may require change in a top dead center and a bottom dead center to adjust the stroke length.
A press machine includes a link mechanism in which horizontal loads to a crankshaft are mutually cancelled to maintain the load balance and which is capable of adjusting a slide stroke length. The press machine of the present disclosure includes, in one embodiment, a frame, a crankshaft with two eccentric portions rotatably borne on the frame, an elevatable slide disposed under the crankshaft, and two sets of levers on both sides of the crankshaft supporting the slide. Additionally, each set of the levers includes a first lever borne on the frame swingably about an axis parallel to the axis of the crankshaft, and a second lever connected to the first lever through a first pin parallel to the crankshaft. The press machine also includes a displacing mechanism attached to the frame to displace the first pin, and a linear approximation mechanism for exerting a horizontal force on each first pin so as to convert the rotation of each eccentric portion of the crankshaft into the elevating motion of the slide. The linear approximation mechanism includes: the first lever, a connection swingably connected to each eccentric portion of the crankshaft, a third lever connected to the connection through the second pin parallel to the crankshaft, and a fourth lever connected to the third lever through a third pin parallel to the crankshaft, in which the first pin penetrates the fourth lever.
The frame, in at least one embodiment, is provided with a first groove slidably supporting the second pin extending horizontally relative to the crankshaft.
The displacing mechanism, in at least one embodiment, includes: the fourth lever, a fifth lever connected to the third pin, and an adjusting screw connected to the fifth lever through the fourth pin, in which the adjusting screw is attached to the frame so as to freely advance or retreat relative to the frame.
Also, in at least one embodiment, the linear approximation mechanism shares with the displacing mechanism the fourth pin and the adjusting screw.
The displacing mechanism, in another embodiment includes: the fourth lever, a fifth lever connected to the third pin, and an adjusting screw connected to the fifth lever through the fourth pin, in which the adjusting screw is attached to the frame so as to move freely along the frame.
Also, the linear approximation mechanism, in another embodiment, shares with the displacing mechanism the adjusting screw.
The displacing mechanism, in another embodiment, includes: the fourth lever, a rotating member rotatably attached to the frame, and a mechanism for adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating member. The rotating member is provided with a second groove for supporting the third pin so as to slide.
According to the present disclosure, the first lever, the connection swingably connected to each eccentric portion of the crankshaft, the third lever connected to the connection relative to the crankshaft through the second pin, and the fourth lever connected to the third lever through the third pin parallel to the crankshaft are provided relative to each first pin. The first pin penetrates the fourth lever of the linear approximation mechanism, thereby realizing a symmetrical linkage. Thus, horizontal loads from right and left relative to the crankshaft are mutually cancelled to maintain load balance.
Because the displacing mechanism displaces the first pin, the first pin forming a nodal point of the second lever that supports the slide, the slide can be displaced through the second lever. Thereby, the stroke length can be adjusted by changing the top and bottom dead centers of the slide.
Since the frame has the first groove slidably supporting the second pin, the second pin can move linearly along the first groove when the press machine is operating. Also, the second pin, being connected to the first pin through the third lever and the fourth lever, does not directly receive a vertical load due to a load applied to the first pin, so that generation of frictional heat generated between the first groove and the second pin to cause inhibition in accelerating the press machine can be reduced.
The displacing mechanism includes: the fourth lever, the fifth lever connected to the third pin, and an adjusting screw connected to the fifth lever through the fourth pin. Moreover, the adjusting screw is attached to the frame so as to move forward and backward freely. Therefore, the third pin is displaced according to the amount of movement of the adjusting screw to the frame to enable to displace the first pin through the fourth lever. The top and bottom dead centers of the slide can be changed, thereby enabling adjustment of the stroke length.
Since the amount of displacement of the third pin is different, when different adjustments are carried out to the respective adjusting screws, each first pin and its second lever can be displaced by a different amount to give an inclination to the slide. Thus, by giving such inclination to a slide under an eccentric load, it is possible to compensate the eccentric load.
Further, since the position of the second pin is regulated by the first groove, the third pin can be displaced approximately in a horizontal line relative to the crankshaft. Thus, the third pin can be placed at a position that is easily displaced by the displacing mechanism.
The respective linear approximation mechanism can share the fourth pins and the adjusting screw. Thereby, it is not necessary to adjust the displacing amount of the third pin uniformly in each linear approximation mechanism, so that it is possible to realize a simple adjustment of displacement.
The displacing mechanism includes the fifth lever connected to the third pin, and the adjusting screw connected to the fifth lever through the fourth pin. Since the adjusting screw and the fourth pin are attached to the frame movably along the frame, the third pin can be displaced according to the amount of movement along the frame. As a result, the first pin can be displaced through the fourth lever. Thus, the top and bottom dead centers of the slide can be changed, thereby enabling to adjust the stroke length.
Since an amount of displacement of the third pin varies when different adjustment is made to each adjusting screw, each of the first pin and its second lever can be displaced by a different amount, and an inclination can be given to the slide. Thus, relative to the slide with an eccentric load, the eccentric load can be corrected by the inclination.
The respective linear approximation mechanisms can share the adjusting screw. Thus, it is not necessary to adjust the amount of displacement of the third pin uniformly in each linear approximation mechanism, thereby enabling simple adjustment of displacement.
The displacing mechanism includes the fourth lever, a rotating member rotatably attached to the frame, and a mechanism for adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating member. The rotating member is provided with a second groove that supports the third pin slidably. Hence, by adjusting the rotating angle of the rotating member, the third pin can be displaced along the second groove, so that the first pin can be displaced through the fourth lever. Thus, it is possible to change the top and bottom dead centers of the slide and adjust the stroke length.
If the rotating angles of respective rotating members are adjusted to be different, an amount of displacement of the third pin regulated by the second groove varies, so that each of the first pin and its second lever can be displaced by a different amount to give an inclination to the slide. Thus, relative to the slide with an eccentric load, the eccentric load can be corrected by giving the inclination.
Also, since the position of the bottom dead center differs with the rotating angle of the rotating member, a delicate bottom dead center position can be corrected by adjusting a delicate amount of movement.
Hereinafter, the best mode to carry out the present invention is described as Embodiment 1 through Embodiment 6.
Referring to
The press machine 10 comprises: a frame 12; a crankshaft 14; an elevatable slide 16 disposed under the crankshaft; two sets of levers 18, 20 located on both sides of crankshaft 14 and supporting elevatable slide 16; and two linear approximation mechanisms 22.
Frame 12 as shown includes a lower frame 23 and an upper frame 24. On lower frame 23, a drag of a press die (not shown) having a drag and a cope is mounted. Inside lower frame 23, a slide 16 with the cope of the press die attached is disposed so as to move up and down. Slide 16 is located below crankshaft 14.
Crankshaft 14 is disposed within upper frame 24 and rotatably borne on upper frame 24 to extend horizontally in the direction of the back of the sheet as viewed in
As shown in
Crankshaft 14 has one eccentric portion 30 and two other eccentric portions 32 (see
Eccentric portion 30 and eccentric portions 32 are equal in the amount of eccentricity. In other words, distances between the axis of each eccentric portion in crankshaft 14 and the axes of other parts excluding these eccentric portions are the same. Further, eccentric portion 30 and eccentric portions 32 are biased on opposite sides to each other. Incidentally, it is possible to provide one eccentric portion 32 instead of two as shown.
One lever (a first lever) 18 of each set of levers that support slide 16 at upper frame 24 and two levers (second levers) 20 sandwiching first lever 18 are connected swingably to each other through a pin (first pin) 34 parallel to crankshaft 14. These levers 18, 20 extend vertically like a straight line as viewed in
Among these levers, first lever 18 located above is swingably borne at its other end portion (upper end portion) on upper frame 24 through a shaft 36 parallel to crankshaft 14. On the other hand, the other end portions (lower end portion) of second levers 20 located below are connected to plungers 40 secured to slide 16 through a pin 38. Plungers 40 are provided on the bottom plate of upper frame 24 and extend upward and downward through cylindrical metal bearings 42 that penetrate the bottom plate.
As shown, when a horizontal force is applied to first pin 34 forming a nodal point of first lever 18 and second lever 20 to move in the horizontal direction (rightward), first and second levers 18, 20 respectively swing about pin 34, shaft 36, and pin 38. As a result, as viewed in
Application of the horizontal force to first pin 34 and its horizontal movement are performed through a linear approximation mechanism 22. In other words, linear approximation mechanism 22 can move first pin 34 nearly linearly in the horizontal direction within a predetermined range accompanying the rotation of the crankshaft 14 under restraint by first lever 18.
Two linear approximation mechanisms 22 forming the linkage include, in the illustration, one connection and two connections 44, respectively connected swingably to the three eccentric portions 30, 32 of crankshaft 14 and extended horizontally in the opposite direction to each other.
Linear approximation mechanisms 22 further include: two sets (one set includes two) of third levers 48 respectively connected to the one and two connections 44 through two pins (second pins) 46 parallel to crankshaft 14, two sets of two fourth levers 52 and fifth levers 56 connected swingably to third levers 48 through two pins (third pins) 50 parallel to crankshaft 14, and two adjusting screws 60 swingably connected to fifth levers 56 through two pins (fourth pins) 58 parallel to crankshaft 14.
Two sets of two guide grooves 54 extending horizontally parallel to crankshaft 14 are provided on the inner wall face in the front and back of upper frame 24 close to crankshaft 14. Pins 46 are provided with first slide members 55 fitting to both end portions, and slide members 55 slide while maintaining a parallel state with crankshaft 14 within the guide grooves 54, following the action of the eccentric portions 30, 32 of the crankshaft.
First lever 18 forms a part of the linear approximation mechanism 22. Also, each guide groove 54 is provided integrally with the inner wall face of the upper frame 24, but can be provided in a separate member attached to the upper frame 24. Further, since guide groove 54 as shown is extended horizontally to crankshaft 14, pin 46, which slides along guide groove 54, moves linearly. Within the range of guide groove 54, in which pin 46 linearly moves, linear approximation mechanism 22 includes a linear mechanism in part thereof. Incidentally, the illustrated guide groove 54 extends horizontally to crankshaft 14, but it can be given an inclination and moved linearly.
Adjusting screw 60 has a screw portion 62 to be screwed into a hole 64 of the screw portion (not shown) provided on the bottom plate of upper frame 24.
Adjusting screw 60 is provided with a worm screw 68 provided on the bottom plate of upper frame 24 in a state of being in contact with the screw portion 62, and a worm wheel 66 provided at its end portion.
When worm screw 68 is rotated, its rotational force is transmitted to the screw portion 62 of adjusting screw 60 through worm wheel 66, and screw portion 62 moves forward and backward (upward and downward in
As will be understood from a comparison between
This can be understood likewise from a comparison between
As a matter of course, according to the amount of movement of adjusting screw 60, the positions of the top and bottom dead centers of slide 16 can be adjusted, and the stroke length of slide 16 can be changed.
Also, by adjusting such that the amounts of movement of the respective adjusting screws 60 differ, the top and bottom dead centers changed by the adjusting screws 60 are different, so that slide 16 is given inclination. Thus, by giving the inclination to slide 16 with an eccentric load, it is possible to correct the eccentric load.
Since the bottom dead center differs according to an amount of movement of adjusting screw 60, a bottom dead center position can be delicately corrected by delicately adjusting screw 60.
The illustrated press machine 10 is provided with a counterbalance 70 for canceling the inertia force generated by elevating motion of slide 16 when press machine 10 is operated at a high speed and for ensuring a swift movement of slide 16.
Counterbalance 70 is disposed at the highest position within upper frame 24 so as to be able to move up and down upon receipt of a guiding action of upper frame 24.
Counterbalance 70 is connected to first lever 18 through pin 72 penetrating the upper end portion of first lever 18, a pin 74 penetrating counterbalance 70, and a pair of links 76 connected to both pins 72 and 74. Both pins 72 and 74 have axes respectively parallel to the axis of crankshaft 14. Thus, counterbalance 70 ascends (
Also, press machine 10 can be used when there is no need for high-speed operation. In this case, arrangement of the pins 72, 74 for connecting the counterbalance to first lever 18, both links 76 or the like can be dispensed with.
As shown, in press machine 11, adjusting screw 60 is attached to a side plate of upper frame 24 with inclination. According to this attaching position, a lever 49 longer than third lever 48 of press machine 10 is used to apply a horizontal force through third pin 50 and fourth lever 52 and from the side of the side plate of upper frame 24 to first pin 34 to be converted into the elevating motion of slide 16.
Like the press machine 10 in
Incidentally, if third pin 50 can be displaced, the press machine 11 can be configured using an arbitrary angle, not limited to the attaching angle of the illustrated adjusting screw 60.
Since, in this embodiment, adjusting screw 60 is not attached between plungers 40, there is no need to have a large pitch for attachment, so that the press machine itself can be downsized.
As shown, press machine 80 includes, as elements different from those of the press machine 10 in
In this embodiment, by operating a single adjusting screw, the respective first pins 34 can be displaced simultaneously by the same amount, so that the top and bottom dead centers can be easily adjusted while maintaining slide 16 horizontally. Thus, in comparison with the first embodiment in which the amounts of movement of two adjusting screws should be uniformly adjusted, the stroke length can be accurately adjusted by a simple operation according to this embodiment.
Regarding the composing elements of press machine 90, the same reference numerals are given to the same composing elements, and explanation thereon is omitted.
As shown in
Adjusting screw 94 includes a worm screw 98, and by rotating worm screw 98, slide members 92 are moved by an equal distance within through hole 96 in opposite directions to each other. This movement of slide members 92 displaces pins 34, through the pins 50, and adjusts the stroke length of slide 16, the mechanism of which is the same as that of the first embodiment.
In this embodiment, like the third embodiment, the stroke length can be adjusted by displacing first pins 34 simultaneously and by the same amount by operation of the single adjusting screw 94, so that the top and bottom dead centers can be easily changed with slide 16 maintained in the horizontal state. Thus, in comparison with the first embodiment in which the amounts of movement of the two adjusting screws should be adjusted to be uniform, the stroke length can be accurately changed by a simple operation.
As shown, as different elements from those of press machine 10, press machine 100 has two adjusting screws 60 inserted slidably within through hole 96 of bump portion 95 on the bottom plate of upper frame 24 which is extended between two plungers 40. While this bump portion 95 is provided integrally relative to upper frame 24, it may be provided in a separate member relative to upper frame 24.
By making adjusting screws 60 slide, pins 34 are displaced through pins 50, thereby adjusting the stroke length of slide 16, the mechanism of which is the same as that of the first embodiment.
In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, the stroke length of the slide 16 can not only be adjusted by each adjusting screw 60 but also the slide can be inclined according to each amount of adjustment of screws 60.
As shown in
Third levers 49 are swingably connected to fourth levers 52 through pins 50. Pins 50 have second slide members 114 to be fitted on its one end portion, and each rotating member 112 has a guide groove 116 slidably supporting slide member 114 in a radial direction of rotating member 112, and a worm screw 118 penetrating upper frame 24 as shown in
As shown in
Even if the guide angle of guide groove 116 is changed with pin 50 located at the center of the rotating member 112, as will be understood from
In this embodiment, it is possible to provide an inclination to slide 16 like the first embodiment by adjusting the guide angles of the respective guide grooves 114 to be different from each other. Thus, an eccentric load can be corrected by providing the inclination to slide 116 with the eccentric load.
As mentioned above, in the first to fifth embodiments, in order to displace first pins 34, a force is applied to pins 34 through fourth levers 52 forming a part of linear approximation mechanisms 22 connected to first pins 34, but it is possible to displace pins 34 by connecting fifth levers 56 directly to pins 34. Likewise, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to displace pins 34 directly by attaching rotating members 112 to pins 34 and by adjusting the rotation angles of rotating members 112.
In the first to fifth embodiments, fourth levers 52 forming a part of linear approximation mechanisms 22 are used as a part of displacing mechanisms for displacing first pins 34, but it is possible to provide separate levers in place of fourth levers 52.
Further, in the first to fifth embodiments, third pins 50 of linear approximation mechanisms 22 are displaced, but when separate levers as mentioned above are provided, separate pins are provided in place of third pins 50, and the separate levers can be connected to fifth levers 56, 82 through the separate pins.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2006-353163 | Dec 2006 | JP | national |