The present invent ion relates to a punch press which includes plural punches and plural dies and punches a work by a punch and a die that are set at a work position.
In a punch press that includes plural dies, when supplying a plate-shaped work above the dies by conveying it along a path line, a back surface of the work may contact with upper end surfaces of the dies and be subject to be damaged. A Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a punch press that can prevent this issue. In this punch press, upper end surfaces of the dies are preliminarily set below the path line of the work, and only a die requisite for punching is lifted up to the path line by a die elevating mechanism. At this time, the die that has been lifted up to the path line by the die elevating mechanism is supported by a spacer that is inserted into a lower portion of the die.
In addition, a Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a punch press that prevents damages of a work due to contacts with dies when conveying the work along upper positions of lower turrets. In this punch press, a flat-plate-shaped work support cover (a cover plate) is provided above the lower turrets. At punching positions on the cover plate, through-holes into which the dies can enter are provided. In addition, with the through-holes, shutters that can open/close the holes are provided. The contacts between the work and the dies upon conveying can be prevented by closing the through-holes with the shutters, so that damages of the work can be avoided. In addition, workings to the work can become workable by opening the shutters.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-218326
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. H4-129520
As described above, in a punch press, it is needed to prevent contacts between a work and dies when conveying the work not to damage the work.
An object of the present invention is to provide a punch press that can prevent contacts between a work and dies while conveying the work.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a punch press that includes a plurality of dies and a plurality of punches and punches a work by a punch and a die that are set at a work position, and includes a lifter for lifting the die to be set at the work position up to a path line of the work; a die-support member movably provided on a die-side of the lifter; and a die supporter provided on the die-support member for supporting the die set at the work position in a state where the die has been selectively lifted up to the path line by the lifter.
According to the first aspect, the die to be set at the work position is supported by the die supporter in a state where lifted up to the path line. Therefore, only a requisite die can be lifted up to the path line, and an unrequisite die can be held at a lower level than the path line while conveying the work. Thus, a bottom surface of the work conveyed on the path line can be prevented form damages due to contacts with the die.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a punch press that includes a plurality of dies and a plurality of punches and punches a work by a punch and a die that are set at a work position, and includes a work support cover for supporting the work; and a lifter for lifting the die to be set at the work position up to a path line of the work, wherein an opening is formed on the work support cover, the opening including an entering area into which, when the die to be set at the work position is lifted up to the path line, the die enters, a cover member that has an upper surface being flat with an upper surface of the work support cover is provided so as to move horizontally to close the opening, and the cover member is configured to move horizontally so as to make an end thereof close-to or distanced-from the entering area within the opening.
According to the second aspect, the opening is made narrower by making the end of the cover member close to the entering area of the die within the opening. Therefore, a bottom surface of the work conveyed on the path line can be prevented form damages due to contacts with the die.
Hereinafter, embodiments will be explained with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
A lower turret 13 to which plural dies D is installed is rotatably supported, via a rotary shaft 15, by a lower frame 11 located below the workspace 3. The upper turret 7 and the lower turret 11 can be rotationally stepped synchronously by a rotational stepping mechanism.
A vertical cylinder 17 is provided in the upper frame 5. A ram 21 is attached to a lower end of a piston rod 19 of the vertical cylinder 17. A striker 23 for performing punching by striking a punch P set at a work position is provided below the ram 21 so as to move horizontally in the drawing.
A shifting cylinder 25 for shifting a striker 23 horizontally is provided at the upper frame 5 in order to strike only a punch P to be used for punching (e.g. a punch P2) among punches P1 and P2 aligned along a radial direction of the upper turret 7, for example.
On the other hand, a lifter 27 is provided at a work position on the lower frame 11 (i.e. at a position below a die D stepped for punching so as to work together with the above-mentioned punch P) in order to lifted up the dies D1 and D2 aligned, in association with the punches P1 and P2, along a radial direction of the lower turret 13.
In addition, an alignment unit 29 is provided on a left side of the upper turret 7 and the lower turret 13 in the drawing in order to move and set a work W as a material to be worked to the work position.
The alignment unit 29 includes a worktable 33 having brushes 46 (shown in an after-explained third embodiment: see
Note that, as shown in
A carriage 45 having clampers 43 that for clamping the work W is provided on the carriage base 35. The carriage 45 can be moved along an X-axis direction by a shifting mechanism (not shown) and then its position is set.
Note that the brushes (damage restriction materials) 46 are mounted on the surfaces of the fixed table 31 and the movable tables 32 in order to restrict damages on a surface of the work W (see
According to configurations explained above, the work W clamped by the clamper 43 is set at the work position by movement and alignment along the Y-axis direction with the carriage base 35 and movement and alignment along the X-axis direction with the carriage 45.
On the other hand, the upper turret 7 and the lower turret 13 are synchronously rotated, so that the punch P (the punches P1 and P2) and the die D (the dies D1 and D2) to be used for punching are set at the work position. Subsequently, the striker 23 is struck to the punch P by the vertical cylinder 17 to punch out a desired portion on the work W.
The lower turret 13 has a circular plate shape as shown in
Three concentric tracks T1, T2 and T3 are provided in this order from an inner circumference to an outer circumference at attached positions on the die holders 47 of the lower turret 13. Each of the dies D in the die holders 47 is associated with any one of the three tracks T1, T2 and T3 and arranged thereon. For example, in the die holder 47A, small-diameter dies D are attached on the inner circumferential track T1 and the outer circumferential track T3, respectively. In the die holder 47B, a large-diameter die D is attached on the center track T2.
Therefore, the dies D1 and D2 aligned in the radial direction (see
On the other hand, the upper turret 7 also has a circular plate shape. The upper turret 7 includes plural punch holders that are associated with the die holders 47 of the lower turret 13 along the circumferential direction, and the punches P are installed in the punch holders.
As explained above, the die holder 47 shown in
The dies D (D1 and D2) are installed in upper-end openings of cylindrical lifter pipes 51 and 53, respectively. The lifter pipe 51 is vertically-movably housed in a through hole 13a provided in the lower turret 13 and a through hole 47a provided in the die holder 47. The lifter pipe 53 is vertically-movably housed in a through hole 13b provided in the lower turret 13 and a through hole 47b provided in the die holder 47.
Each of the lifter pipes 51 and 53 is biased downward to the lower turret 13 by a spring 55 or 57 as shown in
In addition, also with regard to the large-diameter die D provided in the die holder 47A in
Next, the lifter 27 for lifting up the lifter pipe 51, 53 or 59 together with the die D will be explained. A trapezoidal screw thread type lifting mechanism is adapted to the lifter 27. As shown in
In
A rotatable driven ring 69 that rotates together with the lift ram 65 is disposed at an upper end of the female thread member 63. The rotatable driven ring 69 is spline-coupled with the lift ram 65 above the male threads 65a. Therefore, the lift ram 65 can rotate integrally with the rotatable driven ring 69 and concurrently move vertically to the rotatable driven ring 69.
Gears 69a are formed at an outer circumference of the rotatable driven ring 69, and the gears 69a mesh with a toothed belt 71. As shown in
Therefore, when the drive motor 73 is driven, the rotatable driven ring 69 is rotated via the toothed belt 71. The lift ram 65 that rotates integrally with the rotatable driven ring 69 is moved vertically by the male threads 65a and the female threads 63a.
The attachment 67 (the die-support member) is disposed between the lift ram 65 and the lower turret 13. The attachment 67 shown in
These attachments 67, 75 and 77 can be moved along a lateral direction by an attachment base 79 extended in the lateral direction in
As shown in
Each of both edges of the attachment 67 is held vertically by an upper member 81a and a lower member 81b of the hook 81. An inner projection 81b1 of the lower member 81b engages with a bottom surface of a ring-shaped flange 65f provided at an upper end of the lift ram 65, so that the lift ram 65 is held in a vertical direction together with the attachment 67.
Each of the upper member 81a of the hooks 81 is extended outward, and an upper end of a restriction shaft 83 for restricting rotation of the attachment 67 is coupled with an extended end of the upper member 81a.
Each lower portion of the restriction shafts 83 is vertically-movably inserted into a guide 85. On the other hand, a pair of guide rails 87 is extended on sides of the attachment base 79 (see
Therefore, the hooks 81 move integrally with the attachment 67. Each of the other attachments 75 and 77 also includes equivalent components to the hooks 81, the restriction shafts 83, the guides 85 and the sliders 89 explained above. Explanations for the components of the attachment 75 and 77 are omitted by adding same numerals as of equivalent components of the attachment 67 to them.
As shown in
The cylinder 91 is fixed on an attachment plate 99 as shown in
The rod-less cylinder 101 is moved on a base 103 provided in the lower frame 11 along guide rods 105 as shown in
On the other hand, as shown in
In
On the other hand, in a case where the attachment 77 for the track T2 is to be set to the work position from the state shown in
As shown in
Namely, the protruded portion 67a supports the die D2 that is to be used for punching and set at the work position in a state where it is lifted up to the path line PL of the work W, and the flat portion 67b concurrently supports the die D1 that is to be unused for punching among the dies D (D1 and D2) and set at the work position at a lower level than the path line PL.
In addition, in the protruded portion 67a, formed is a through hole 67a1 that communicates a cavity 53a within the lifter pipe 53 located thereon with a cavity 65b within the lift ram 65 located thereunder. The cavity 53a, the cavity 65a and the through hole 67a1 constitute a hollow cavity for dropping off punched wastes made upon punching the work W.
And, this hollow cavity is suctioned from underneath of the lower frame 11 by a suction device (not shown), so that the punched wastes made upon punching are forcibly ejected outward.
Similarly, as shown in
Namely, the protruded portion 75a supports the die D1 that is to be used for punching and set at the work position in a state where it is lifted up to the path line PL of the work W, and the flat portion 75b concurrently supports the die D2 that is to be unused for punching among the dies D (D1 and D2) and set to the work position at a lower level than the path line PL.
In addition, in the protruded portion 75a, formed is a through hole 75a1 that communicates a cavity 51a within the lifter pipe 51 located thereon with a cavity 65b within the lift ram 65 located thereunder. The cavity 51a, the cavity 65b and the through hole 75a1 constitute a hollow cavity for dropping off punched wastes made upon punching the work W.
As shown in
Namely, the protruded portion 77a supports the die D that is to be used for punching and set at the work position in a state where it is lifted up to the path line PL of the work W.
In addition, in the protruded portion 77a, formed is a through hole 77a1 that communicates a cavity 59a within the lifter pipe 59 located thereon with a cavity 65b within the lift ram 65 located thereunder. The cavity 59a, the cavity 65b and the through hole 77a1 constitute a hollow cavity for dropping off punched wastes made upon punching the work W.
Note that, on the center track T2, there exists a die(s) D smaller than the through hole 77a1 of the attachment 77 for the track T2. A lower end of a lifter pipe for this small-diameter die D has an inner diameter almost same as that of the through hole 77a1, and a portion upper from this large-diameter portion of the lifter pipe is formed as a small-diameter portion for supporting the small-diameter die D. Therefore, the lifter pipe for the small-diameter die D can be supported by the protruded portion 77a.
Next, operation will be explained. The upper turret 7 and the lower turret 13 are rotated adequately to set the punch P and the die D needed for punching at a position associating with the striker 23 as shown in
Here, punching by uses of the die D (D1) for the inner circumferential track T1 will be explained as an example. Note that, in this case, the striker 23 is set by the shifting cylinder 25 so as to be aligned on the track T1.
In addition, the attachment 75 for the track T1 is set at the work position. As explained above, from the state shown in
At this moment, the lift ram 65 is located at its lowermost position as shown in
Note that the above-explained sliding of the attachment 75 is done synchronously with rotation and alignment of the upper turret 7 and the lower turret 11.
When the attachment 75 has been slid to the above position of the lift ram 65, the projections 81b1 are inserted into under sides of the flange 65f of the lift ram 65, so that the relative vertical movement between the lift ram 65 and the attachment is restricted. At this moment, the lift ram 65 can rotate relatively to the hooks 81 (the projections 81b1).
When the lift ram 65 is rotated by driving the drive motor 73 (see
The attachment 75 is also lifted up together with the hooks 81 by lift-up of the lift ram 65. At this time, the protruded portion 75a of the attachment 75 contacts with the lower end of the lifter pipe 51 and the lifter pipe 51 is lifted up against the elastic force of the spring 55 (see
On the other hand, the flat portion 75b of the attachment 75 contacts with the lower end of the lifter pipe 53 for the track T3 and the lifter pipe 53 is lifted against the elastic force of the spring 57 (see
In this state, the punch P associating with the die D1 is struck by the striker 23 to perform punching. Here, the punched wastes are ejected outward as shown by an arrow A in
At this moment, an upper opening of the cavity 65b in the lift ram 65 is closed by a portion of the attachment 75 other than the through hole 75a1 (incl. the flat portion 75b). Therefore, the inside of the punched waste path is made almost sealed between the die D1 and the suction device. As a result, the punched wastes can be ejected out efficiently, and scattering of the punched wastes and remaining of the punched wastes due to short of suction force of the suction device can be prevented.
The operation by use of the attachment 75 for the track T1 is explained above as an example. Note that, when the attachment 67 for the track T3 is used, the protruded portion 67a of the attachment 67 lifts up the lifter pipe 53 for the die D2 to lift the upper end surface of the die D2 up to the path line PL as shown in
On the other hand, the flat portion 67b of the attachment 67 contacts with the lower end of the lifter pipe 51 for the die D1 on the track T1, so that the upper end surface of the die D1 is located at a level slightly lower the bottom surface of the fixed table 31. In this state, the punch P associating with the die D2 is struck by the striker 23 to perform punching.
Also in this case, the punched wastes are ejected outward through a punched waste path formed of the cavity 53a, the through hole 67a1 and the cavity 65b by driving the suction device (not shown).
At this moment, the upper opening of the cavity 65b in the lift ram 65 is closed by a portion of the attachment 67 other than the through hole 67a1 (incl. the flat portion 67b). Therefore, the inside of the punched waste path is made almost sealed between the die D2 and the suction device. As a result, the punched wastes can be ejected out efficiently, and scattering of the punched wastes and remaining of the punched wastes due to short of suction force of the suction device can be prevented.
Alternatively, when the attachment 77 for the track T2 is used, the protruded portion 77a of the attachment 77 lifts up the lifter pipe 59 to lift the upper end surface of the die D up to the path line PL as shown in
In this state, the punch P associating with the die D is struck by the striker 23 to perform punching. Also in this case, the punched wastes are ejected outward through a punched waste path formed of the cavity 59a, the through hole 77a1 and the cavity 65b by driving the suction device (not shown).
At this moment, the inside of the punched waste path is made almost sealed between the die D and the suction device, so that the punched wastes can be ejected out efficiently and scattering of the punched wastes and remaining of the punched wastes due to short of suction force of the suction device can be prevented.
In the present embodiment, the attachments 67, 75 and 77 (the die-support members) are provided with the selectable protruded portions (the die supporters) 67a, 75a and 77a for lifting the die D set at the work position up to the path line PL of the work W.
According to the present embodiment, when the work W is moved along the path line PL to be set at the work position above the lower turret 13, the die D is made waited at a lower level than the path line PL and the fixed table 31 as shown in
In addition, only a die D to be used for punching is lifted up to the path line PL when punching. Therefore, punching can be performed by the requisite die D while preventing damages on the work W as explained above.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the three attachments 75, 77 and 67 are provided in association with the dies D on the three tracks T1, T2 and T3 provided concentrically so as to be able to move independently between the work position and the waiting position(s) distanced from the work position. Therefore, the plural dies D provided not only along the circumferential direction but also provided along the radial direction can be utilized, so that punching can be performed while preventing damages on the work during upon conveying.
At that time, the attachment 75, 77 or 67 can be easily set at the work position by sliding the attachment 75, 77 or 67 on the slide base 9.
In addition, the attachment 67 (the die-support member) includes the protruded portion (the die supporter) 67a and the flat portion 67b along the radial direction of the lower turret 13, and can move along a tangential direction of the lower turret 13 located at the work position. Also the attachment 75 (the die-support member) includes the protruded portion (the die supporter) 75a and the flat portion 75b along the radial direction of the lower turret 13, and can move along the tangential direction of the lower turret 13 located at the work position.
Hence, the die to be used for punching can be associated with the protruded portion by moving, along the tangential direction, the attachment associating with the die D to be used for punching among the plural dies D provided along the radial direction of the lower turret 13. Therefore, the die D to be used for punching can be lifted up to the path line PL and also the die D to be unused for punching can be located at a lower level than the path line by the flat portion.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the lift ram 65 and the protruded portions 65a, 75a and 77a of the attachments 67, 75 and 77 include the cavity 65b and the through holes 67a1, 75a1 and 77a1 that become the hollow cavity for dropping off the punched wastes. Therefore, the punched wastes made upon punching drop off through the hollow cavity and then can be ejected outward.
[Second Embodiment]
A turret punch press according to a second embodiment will be explained with reference to
In addition, the lift ram 115 is moved between its upper position (
In
Namely, in
The two lifter pipes 133 and 135 shown in
In
Namely, when the lift ram 115 is lifted up, the die D2 on the lifter pipe 135 reaches up to the path line PL of the work by the die-support member 117, and the die D1 is located at a lower level than the path line Pl by the flat portion 119
A groove 143 is formed on an outer circumferential surface of a lower portion of the rift ram 115 than the die-support member. Blocks 145 can move between its forward position (
Next, operation will be explained. As shown in
In a case where the die D to be used for punching is the die D2 on the track T3, the lower turret is set at the work position and the dies D1 and D2 are located above the lift ram 115 in the state where the lift ram 115 is moved down. Then, the lift ram 115 is rotated via the index device 125 due to driving the drive motor 121, so that the flat portion 119 is set at a position associating with the track T1 as shown in
Subsequently, when the lift ram 115 is lifted up by driving the vertical cylinder 127, the lifter pipe 133 for the die D1 to be unused for punching enters into the flat portion 119 and the lifter pipe 135 for the die D2 to be used for punching contacts with the die supporter 117, as shown in
After the lift ram 115 is lifted up, the blocks 145 are moved forward and entered into the groove 143 on the lift ram 115 to restrict a vertical movement of the lift ram 115 (see
In this case, punched wastes of the work W are ejected outward through a punched waste path (a hollow cavity) formed of a cavity in the lifter pipe 135 and a cavity 115a in the lift ram 115.
On the other hand, in a case where the die D to be used for punching is the die D1 on the track T1, the flat portion 119 is set at a position associating with the track T3 in the state where the lift ram 115 is moved down, and operations same as the above operations are done. Namely, in this case, when the lift ram 115 is lifted up, the lifter pipe 135 for the die D2 to be unused for punching enters into the flat portion 119 and the lifter pipe 133 for the die D1 to be used for punching contacts with the die supporter 117, contrary to the state shown in
Subsequently, the blocks 145 are moved forward and entered into the groove 143 on the lift ram 115 to restrict a vertical movement of the lift ram 115 (see
In addition, in a case where the die D to be used for punching is the die D on the track T2, the lift ram 115 is lifted up from a state shown in
In this case, punched wastes of the work W are ejected outward through a punched waste path (a hollow cavity) formed of a cavity 137a in the lifter pipe 137 and the cavity 115a in the lift ram 115.
An inner diameter of the lifter pipe 137 is almost equivalent to an inner diameter of the lift ram 115, so that the inside of the punched waste path formed of the cavities 137a and 115a is made almost sealed between the die D and the suction device. As a result, the punched wastes can be ejected out efficiently, and scattering of the punched wastes and remaining of the punched wastes due to short of suction force of the suction device can be prevented.
According to the present embodiment, when the work W is moved along the path line PL to be set at the work position, the dies D (D1 and D2) are made waited at a lower level than the path line PL. Therefore, it can be prevented that the bottom surface of the work W moving along the path line PL is damaged due to contacts with the upper end surface of the dies D (D1 and D2)
In addition, in the present embodiment, the die-support member is integrated with the upper portion of the rift ram (lifter) 115 and provided rotatably together with the lift ram 115. Further, the die supporter 117 and the flat portion 119 on the die-support member are disposed along a rotational direction of the die-support member.
Therefore, damages of the bottom surface of the work W due to contacts with the upper end surface(s) of the die(s) can be prevented by a simpler configuration. In addition, only the requisite die D is lifted up to the path line PL. Therefore, punching can be performed by the requisite die D while preventing damages on the work W as explained above.
[Lift Restrictor of Die D]
Next, a sliding stopper (a lift restrictor) 115 in the turret punch press will be explained with reference to
The sliding stopper 155 is slidably provided on the die holder 47 (47A) at a side edge of the die(s) D along the radial direction of the lower turret 13. The sliding stopper 155 is covered by a stopper holder 157, so that its vertical displacement is restricted. Namely, the sliding stopper 155 slides along the radial direction of the lower turret 13 within a gap between an upper surface of the die holder 47 (47A) and the stopper holder 157.
Stopper tabs 155a and 155b are projected from a side edge of the sliding stopper 155 towards the dies (D1 and D2), respectively.
On the other hand,
Namely, the sliding stopper (lift restrictor) 155 cab be slide between its lift restricting position where the stopper tabs 155a and 155b contact with the upper surfaces of the dies D1 and D2 and its lift allowing position that deviates from the lift restricting position.
Note that,
The sliding stopper 155 includes an extended base 155c extending inward along the radial direction of the lower turret 13. A movable block 161 is fixed on a bottom surface of the sliding stopper 155 by screws 163. The movable block 161 is projected from the extended base 155c in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the lower turret 13 and coupled with a guide pin 165 (see
The guide pin 165 is extended inward along the radial direction from an inner side surface of the die holder 47A in the radial direction. A spring seat 167 is formed at an end of the guide pin 165. A lock spring (elastic member) 169 is provided between the spring seat 167 and the movable block 161.
In
Note that, although the sliding stopper 155, the movable block 161, guide pin 165, the lock spring 169 and so on shown in
However, since the one large-diameter die D is provided in the die holder 47 (47B) on the track T2, a short sliding stopper 155A shown in
In addition, a short stopper holder stopper 157A shown in
The stopper drive cylinder 159 for driving the sliding stopper 155 (the sliding stopper 155A) from the locked state shown in
Therefore, the single stopper drive cylinder 159 is provided so as to be shared by all of the die holders 47 and can unlock the sliding stopper 155 (155A) on the die holder 47 located at the work position.
The stopper drive cylinder 159 includes a piston rod 171 projected toward the die holder 47 and a sliding bracket 173 as shown in
A coupling plate 175 is fixed on an upper surface of the slider 173a by screws 177. A depression 175a is formed at an end of the coupling plate 175. Sidewalls 175a1 and 175a2 are provided on both sides of the depression 175a in the radial direction of the lower turret 13, respectively. Both sides of the depression 175 in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the radial direction are opened. On the other hand, a roller 179 that enters into the depression 175a is provided from a bottom surface of the extended base 155c of the sliding stopper 155.
Namely, when the piston rod 171 is moved backward by driving the stopper drive cylinder 159 in the locked position shown in
In addition, the die D (D1) is took down together with the lifter pipe 51 from the state shown in
The movable block 161 is contacted with the die holder 47 (47A) by the lock spring 169 under the locked state, so that the locked state of the sliding stopper 155 is kept.
When the lower turret 13 is rotated from the state shown in
Next, operation will be explained. As explained in the first embodiment, the lift ram 65 shown in
Subsequently, the piston rod 171 is moved backward by driving the stopper drive cylinder 159, so that the sliding stopper 155 is pulled inward as shown in
Further, when the lift ram 65 is lifted up as shown in
In this state, the striker 23 is moved so as to be located above the die D2 and the punch P associating with the die D2 is struck by the striker 23 to perform punching.
After completion of punching by the die D2, the lift ram 65 is moved downward and the lifter pipes 51 and 53 are moved downward together with the dies D1 and D2, so that the upper surfaces of the dies D1 and D2 is made flat to the upper surface of the die holder 47A. Then, the stopper drive cylinder 159 is driven forward, so that the lifter pipes 51 and 53 are made restricted by the stopper tabs 155a and 155b to form the locked state as shown in
Since the lock spring 169 biases the sliding stopper 155 in the direction D in
The locked state of the sliding stopper 155 can be detected through an operated position of the stopper drive cylinder 159. Alternatively, it may be detected by additionally providing a sensor for directly detecting the sliding stopper 155. According to this, it can be confirmed that the stopper tabs 155a and 155b engage with the lifter pipes 51 and 53 and the lifter pipes 51 and 53 are located at their adequate waiting positions in the die holder 47A.
Therefore, contacts between the die(s) (the lifter pipe(s)) and the fixed table 31 due to the rotation of the lower turret 13 can be prevented, so that damages of the fixed table 31 and the lifter pipe(s) can be obviated.
[Exchange of Die(s) D]
Next, an exchange operation of die(s) will be explained. This exchange operation is done in the above-explained first to third embodiments and in after-explained fourth to sixth embodiments. As explained above, the lifter pipe 51,53 and 59 are provided with the through holes 51a, 53a and 59a shown in
The ejector pipe 181, 183 or 185 is pressed upward by a pressing member (not shown) from beneath at an exchange position that locates at a position rotationally shifted from the work position by a predetermined rotational angle, so that the die D (D1, D2 or D) is upwardly protruded out from the lifter pipe 51a, 53a or 59a. The die D (D1, D2 or D) can be removed away by a gripper of an automatic tool changer (ATC: not shown) in a state where it is upwardly protruded.
Note that an outer diameter of the lower turret 13 is made larger than an outer diameter of the upper turret 7 and rotational centers of the turrets 13 and 7 are made eccentric to each other s that the gripper can grip the die D. According to this, the die exchange position of the lower turret 13 can be shifted outward in a plan view of the upper turret 7 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-140957).
The ejector pipe 181, 183 or 185 includes a cylindrical portion 181a, 183a or 185a and a flange 181b, 183b or 185b formed at an upper end of the cylindrical portion 181a, 183a or 185a. An outer diameter of the flange 181b, 183b or 185b is made almost equivalent-to or slightly smaller-than an outer diameter of the die D (D1, D2 or D).
A die housing hole 51b, 53b or 59b is formed at an upper end of the through hole 51a, 53a or 59a of the lifter pipe 51, 53 or 59. The flange 181b, 183b or 185b is disposed below the die housing hole 51b, 53b or 59b, and the die D (D1, D2 or D) is disposed in the die housing hole 51b, 53b or 59b above the flange 181b, 183b or 185b. In this state, the upper surface of the die D (D1, D2 or D) is set at a level almost equivalent-to or slightly higher-than an upper end edge of the lifter pipe 51, 53 or 59.
Namely, the flange 181b, 183b or 185b is set on a stepped portion 51c, 53c and 59c at an lower end of the die housing hole 51b, 53b or 59b, and the die D1, D2 or D is laid on the flange 181b, 183b or 185b.
Note that rotation of the die D (D1, D2 or D) in the die housing hole 51b, 53b or 59b is restricted.
When the ejector pipe 181,183 or 185 is lifted up relatively to the lifter pipe 51, 53 or 59 from a state shown in
Note that, although the lifter pipe 53 or 59 shown in
Here, as explained with reference to
Therefore, when, for example, the ejector pipe 183 is lifted up in order to remove the die D2, the die D2 can be surely lifted up by restricting upward movement of the lifter pipe 51 by the sliding stopper 155. As a result, exchange operation of the dies D1, D2 and D can be done efficiently.
Note that, as explained above, in the first embodiment, the dies D1 and D2 are installed in upper openings of the lifter pipes 51 and 53, respectively, as shown in
As explained above, the plural dies D are provided at the rotatable lower turret 13 along its circumferential direction, and the plural punches P are provided on the rotatable upper turret 7 along its circumferential direction, and the sliding stopper 155 (155A) is provided at each of the dies D, and the sliding stopper 155 (155A) is held at its lift restricting position by the lock spring 169, and the single stopper drive cylinder 159 for moving, against the lock spring 169, the sliding stopper 155 associating with the die D set at the work position is provided near the work position.
Therefore, since it is sufficient to provide the single stopper drive cylinder 159 so as to be shared by all of the die holders 47, the sliding stopper 155 (155A) can be unlocked at the work position by a simple configuration.
[Third Embodiment]
As explained in the first embodiment, the worktable 33 having the brushes 46 (see
The brush base 76 is formed as a frame having a rectangular shape whose outline is almost fit to the opening 31a. A rectangular hole 76a is formed at an almost center of the brush base 76. The eight shutter elements 74 are arranged so as to form the hole 76a.
Fixed divided tables 80 are provided on both sides of the eight shutter elements 74 in the Y-axis direction, respectively. The divided tables 80 are fixed on long sides of the brush base 76 formed as a frame. The brushes 46 are mounted also on the divided tables 80.
As shown in
The shutter elements 74 and the brush base 76 are set so that portions near other ends on sides opposite to the work position in the eight shutter elements 74 are always located on short sides 76c of the brush base 76. As shown in
The link bracket 88 includes a first link tab 88a, an intermediate plate 88b and a second link tab 88c as shown in
The second air cylinder 92 is fixed on a bottom surface of a fixed bracket 94. The fixed bracket 94 includes a fixture tab 94a, a vertical wall 94b and an attachment tab 94c. The fixture tab 94a is parallel to the intermediate plate 88b of the link bracket 88 and located beneath the intermediate plate 88b. The vertical wall 94b is extended upward from an end opposite to the piston rod 92 in the fixture tab 94a. The attachment tab 94c is curved inward from an upper end of the vertical wall 94b and attached to a bottom surface of the short side 76c of the brush base 76.
Therefore, when the second air cylinder 90 is driven, the four shutter elements 74 are slid in the X-axis direction (a lateral direction in
In addition, a slide rail 96 is attached to a bottom surface of the base plate 78 of each of the shutter elements 74 as shown in
Therefore, the shutter elements 74 slide in the X-axis direction (a direction perpendicular to a drawing plane in
Note that structure shown in
Next, operation will be explained.
On the other hand, the ends of the oppositely-located shutter elements 74 among the four shutter elements 74 associating with the die D1 are almost contacted with each other. Namely, these shutter elements 74 close an entering area for the die D1 within the opening 31a.
In this case, the second air cylinders 90 are extended and the four first air cylinders 84 associating with the die D1 are extended as shown in
Here, when the work W is to be conveyed to the work position by the alignment unit 29 shown in
Therefore, especially even in a case where the work W is curved so as to be convex toward the fixed table 31 (downward), contacts between the work W and the die D2 can be prevented effectively because the opening area is made narrow in conformity to a size of the die D2 to be used. As a result, operations for aligning the work W to the work position can become ease and damages on surfaces of the work W can be prevented.
When the work has been set at the work position, the lift ram 65 is lifted up. The attachment 67 is also lifted up by lifting-up of the lift ram 65. At this time, the protruded portion 67a of the attachment 67 contacts with the lower end of the lifter pipe 53, so that the die D2 and the lifter pope 53 at the work position are entered into the gap (the square opening in
At this moment, the upper end of the die D2 is coincident with the path line PL as shown in
In addition, as shown in
On the other hand, the ends of the oppositely-located shutter elements 74 among the four shutter elements 74 associating with the die D2 are almost contacted with each other. Namely, these shutter elements 74 close an entering area for the die D2 within the opening 31a.
In this case, the second air cylinders 90 are extended and the four first air cylinders 84 associating with the die D2 are extended as shown in
At this time, the attachment 75 is used in order to lift up the die D1 (see
Therefore, in this case, an entering area (a square opening) for the lifter pipe 51 is formed at the work position as shown in
In addition, as shown in
On the other hand, the ends of the oppositely-located remaining four shutter elements 74 are almost contacted with each other. Namely, these shutter elements 74 close an area within the opening 31a other than an entering area for the die D3.
In this case, the second air cylinders 90 are extended and the four first air cylinders 84 associating with the die D3 are shortened as shown in
At this time, an attachment for the die D3 is used in order to lift up the die D3 instead of the attachment 67 shown in
Therefore, in this case, an entering area (a square opening) for the lifter pipe 52 is formed at the work position as shown in
In addition, as shown in
In this case, the second air cylinders 90 are shortened and all of the first air cylinders 84 are also shortened as shown in
At this time, the attachment 77 is used in order to lift up the die D1 (see
Therefore, in this case, an entering area (a square opening) for the lifter pipe 59 is formed at the work position as shown in
Therefore,
Therefore, in this case, especially even in a case where the work W is curved so as to be convex toward the fixed table 31 (downward), contacts between the work W and the die D never happen because the opening 31a is closed. As a result, operations for aligning the work W to the work position can become ease and damages on surfaces of the work W can be prevented.
As explained above, the shutter elements 74 can be slid in two steps by the first and second air cylinders 84 and 90 in the present embodiment. The shutter elements 74 can be set to three positions by being slid in two steps, a position where the ends thereof are substantially contacted with the lifter pipe 51, 53 or 52 for the small-diameter die D1, D2 or D3 (
Note that the brush-mounted shutter 72 can be applied to a lifter pipe that has a different diameter from that of the lifter pipe 51, 53, 52 or 59 by adequately adjusting operational strokes of the first and second air cylinders 84 and 90.
Note that, in the cases shown in
[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be explained with reference to
In addition, a slide mechanism for the shutter elements 104 is configured of four first air cylinders (84) for sliding the shutter elements 104 in the X-axis direction and two second air cylinders (90) each for sliding, on one side, all the first air cylinder (84) in the X-axis direction, similarly to the third embodiment.
In a case for punching by the die D2, the ends of the two shutter elements 104 associating the die D2 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 53 that holds the die D2 as shown in
On the other hand, the ends of the oppositely-located shutter elements 104 associating with the die D1 are almost contacted with each other. Namely, these shutter elements 104 close an entering area for the die D1 within the opening 31a.
In this case, the second air cylinders (90) are extended and the two first air cylinders (84) associating with the die D1 are extended. Concurrently, the two first air cylinders (84) associating with the die D2 are shortened.
In a case for punching by the die D1, the ends of the two shutter elements 104 associating with the die D1 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 51 that holds the die D1 as shown in
On the other hand, the ends of the oppositely-located shutter elements 104 associating with the die D2 are almost contacted with each other. Namely, these shutter elements 104 close an entering area for the die D2 within the opening 31a.
In this case, the second air cylinders (90) are extended and the two first air cylinders (84) associating with the die D2 are extended. Concurrently, the two first air cylinders (84) associating with the die D1 are shortened.
In a case for punching by the die D3, the ends of all of the shutter elements 104 associating with the die D3 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 52 that holds the die D3 as shown in
In this case, the second air cylinders (90) are extended and all of the first air cylinders (84) are shortened.
In a case for punching by the die D4, the ends of all of the shutter elements 104 associating the die D4 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 59 that holds the die D4 as shown in
In this case, the second air cylinders (90) are shortened and all of the first air cylinders (84) are shortened.
Of course, the present embodiment can be also applied to a case where punching is not performed by the die D, for example, laser processing is performed, similarly to
Therefore, also in the present embodiment, a narrow opening is formed as an entering area for the die D to be used at the work position, or the entering area is closed. Thus, especially even in a case where the work W is curved so as to be convex toward the fixed table 31 (downward), contacts between the work W and the die D can be prevented effectively. As a result, operations for aligning the work W to the work position can become ease and damages on surfaces of the work W can be prevented.
[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be explained with reference to
In addition, a slide mechanism for the shutter elements 106 is configured of second air cylinders (90) for sliding the shutter elements 106 in the X-axis direction. Namely, piston rods (92) of the second air cylinders (90) are fixed to brackets provided on bottom surfaces of the base plates 78 of the shutter elements 106, respectively. The second air cylinders (90) are fixed on bottom surface of the brush base 76 via fixed brackets (94), respectively.
In a case for punching by the die D2, ends of the shutter elements 106 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 53 that holds the die D2 as shown in
In this case, an entering area for the die D1 is not closed but opened, and its opened area size becomes larger than that in the case shown in
In a case for punching by the die D1, the ends of the shutter elements 106 associating with the die D1 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 51 that holds the die D1 as shown in
In this case, an entering area for the die D2 is not closed but opened, and its opened area size becomes larger than that in the case shown in
In a case for punching by the die D3, the ends of the shutter elements 106 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 52 that holds the die D3 as shown in
In this case, both side areas of the die D3 are not closed but opened, and its opened area size becomes larger than that in the case shown in
In a case for punching by the die D4, the ends of the shutter elements 106 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 59 that holds the die D4 as shown in
In this case, the opened area is partially closed by the corner tabs 106a, so that the opened area is made narrower than that in the case shown in
As explained above, the shutter elements 106 can be slid in a single step by the second air cylinders (90) in the present embodiment. The shutter elements 106 can be set to two positions by being slid in a single step, a position where the ends thereof are substantially contacted with the lifter pipe 51, 53 or 52 for the small-diameter die D1, D2 or D3 (
Of course, the present embodiment can be also applied to a case where punching is not performed by the die D, for example, laser processing is performed, by sliding the shutter elements 106 closer to each other to contact the corner tabs 106 with each other.
Note that the present embodiment can be also applied to a lifter pipe that has a different diameter from that of the lifter pipe 51, 53, 52 or 59 by adequately adjusting operational strokes of the second air cylinders (90).
[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a Sixth embodiment will be explained with reference to
Each width of the shutter elements 108 along the Y-axis direction is almost identical to a diameter of the lifter pipe 52 that holds the die D3, and each width of the shutter elements 110 along the Y-axis direction is almost half the width of the shutter elements 108 and almost identical to the width of the shutter elements 74 along the Y-axis direction in the third embodiments.
In addition, a slide mechanism for the shutter elements 108 and 110 is configured of six first air cylinders (84) for sliding the shutter elements 108 and 110 in the X-axis direction and two second air cylinders (90) each for sliding, on one side, all the first air cylinder (84) in the X-axis direction, similarly to the third embodiment.
In a case for punching by the die D2, the ends of all the shutter elements 118 and 110 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 53 that holds the die D2 as shown in
Here, the ends of the two shutter elements 110 associating with the die D1 to be unused may be almost contacted with each other. According to this, the opened area can be made narrower.
In a case for punching by the die D1, the ends of all the shutter elements 108 and 110 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 51 that holds the die D1 as shown in
Here, the ends of the two shutter elements 110 associating with the die D2 to be unused may be almost contacted with each other. According to this, the opened area can be made narrower.
In a case for punching by the large-diameter die D4, the ends of all of the shutter elements 108 and 110 are almost contacted with (or made close to) the outer circumferential surface of the lifter pipe 59 that holds the die D4 as shown in
Of course, the present embodiment can be also applied to a case where punching is not performed by the die D, for example, laser processing is performed, similarly to
As explained above, the shutter elements 108 and 110 can be slid in two steps by the first and second air cylinders (84 and 90) in the present embodiment. The shutter elements 108 and 110 can be set three positions by being slid in two steps, a position where the ends thereof are substantially contacted with the lifter pipe 51, 53 or 52 for the small-diameter die D1, D2 or D3 (
In addition, in the above embodiments, at least one pair of the shutter elements (the cover member elements) 74, 104, 106, 108 or 110 is provided on both sides of the entering area of the die(s) D within the opening 31a so as to be capable of being made distanced/closed to each other. Therefore, the pair of the shutter elements can be set at a position associating with the die D to be used easily and quickly by being shifted symmetrically with each other.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2009-287571 | Dec 2009 | JP | national |
2010-031091 | Feb 2010 | JP | national |
2010-109323 | May 2010 | JP | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2010/072426 | 12/14/2010 | WO | 00 | 7/27/2012 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2011/074556 | 6/23/2011 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2002437 | Maul | May 1935 | A |
3392913 | Neilsen | Jul 1968 | A |
3685380 | Daniels | Aug 1972 | A |
4989483 | Lacrouts-Cazenave | Feb 1991 | A |
5144872 | Kakimoto | Sep 1992 | A |
5616112 | Seto | Apr 1997 | A |
5862733 | Seto | Jan 1999 | A |
5901628 | Sakamoto | May 1999 | A |
6769600 | Knox | Aug 2004 | B1 |
20020038589 | Kawai | Apr 2002 | A1 |
20040154453 | Kobayashi | Aug 2004 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
4-129520 | Nov 1992 | JP |
2000-94065 | Apr 2000 | JP |
2000-140957 | May 2000 | JP |
2000-158061 | Jun 2000 | JP |
2000-218326 | Aug 2000 | JP |
2002-143947 | May 2002 | JP |
2003-033832 | Feb 2003 | JP |
2005-081409 | Mar 2005 | JP |
Entry |
---|
Translation of JP2000218326, inventor Kato Fumio, Aug. 8, 2000. |
International Application Status Report with ISR dated Jan. 4, 2011. |
Japan Office action, dated Feb. 4, 2014 along with an english translation thereof. |
Japan Office Action cited 2003-338832 which appears to be incorrect. |
Office Action issued in Counterpart European Patent Application No. 10837582.5-1016 dated Aug. 14, 2019. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20120279369 A1 | Nov 2012 | US |