Workpiece transfer device

Abstract

The transfer device (60) is provided with a moving mechanism (61) and a plate (89). The moving mechanism (61) is provided with a pinion (63), a conversion mechanism (70) that converts the up-and-down movement of the upper mold (31) into the rotational movement of the pinion (63), and a rack (79) that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the pinion (63). The plate (89) is configured to receive the workpiece discharged from the upper mold (31) when the rack (79) is in an upper dead point position. The moving mechanism (61) is configured to move the plate (89) to a position that is away from the mold apparatus (20) in the conveyance direction and lower than the conveyance surface (41) when the rack (79) moves from the upper dead point position to a lower dead point position. The pinion (63) includes a toothless portion (63b) that does not engage with the rack (79) when the rack (79) moves between an intermediate position and the lower dead point position, the intermediate position being between the upper dead point position and the lower dead point position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a workpiece transfer device that transfers a workpiece discharged from the upper mold assembly of a mold equipment to a conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the workpiece manufacturing equipment disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a workpiece transfer device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a mold apparatus comprising a lower mold assembly and an upper mold assembly, the upper mold assembly being configured to move vertically relative to the lower mold assembly. The lower mold assembly includes a punch. The punch is configured to punch a workpiece from a sheet of metal (an unprocessed material) when the upper and lower mold assemblies are clamped together. The upper mold assembly includes an ejector. The ejector is configured to eject the punched workpiece, which is held in the upper mold assembly, downwards when the mold assembly is opened.

[0004] The manufacturing equipment includes a conveying device and a take-out device. The conveying device includes a conveying surface capable of conveying workpieces in the horizontal direction. The take-out device, which serves as a transfer device, transfers workpieces discharged from the mold equipment to the conveying device.

[0005] The take-out device includes a catch plate and a moving mechanism. The catch plate is configured to receive the workpiece at the top dead center position, which is directly below the upper mold assembly in the open state. The moving mechanism is configured to move the catch plate from the top dead center position to the bottom dead center position as the upper mold assembly moves downward. The bottom dead center position is a position that is horizontally away from the mold equipment and below the conveying surface of the conveying device.

[0006] The moving mechanism includes a gear block, a pinion, a conversion mechanism, and a rack.

[0007] The gear block is installed onto the upper mold assembly.

[0008] A shaft extending downwards from the gear block rotatably supports the pinion.

[0009] The conversion mechanism is configured to convert the up-and-down motion of the gear block into the rotational motion of the pinion. The conversion mechanism includes a ball screw and a transmission gear. The ball screw includes a screw shaft extending upward from the lower die assembly and a nut fixed to the gear block. The screw shaft is screwed into the nut. The ball screw converts the up-and-down motion of the gear block into the rotational motion of the nut. The transmission gear is drivenly connected to the nut and meshes with the pinion to convert the rotational motion of the nut into the rotational motion of the pinion.

[0010] The rack is supported in such a way that it can slide horizontally relative to the upper mold assembly (i.e., in the direction in which the conveyor transports the workpiece). The rack meshes with the pinion and converts the rotational motion of the pinion into the sliding motion of the rack.

[0011] The clamp is fixed to the rack.

[0012] Existing technical documents

[0013] Patent documents

[0014] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-5762 Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0016] In the workpiece removal device described in Patent Document 1, as the upper mold assembly moves downward, the rack and the clamping plate fixed to the rack move downward at an angle from the top dead center position to the bottom dead center position. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the size of the equipment in the workpiece conveying direction.

[0017] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece transfer device that can reduce its size in the workpiece conveying direction.

[0018] Solution for solving the problem

[0019] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, a workpiece transfer device for use in a manufacturing apparatus is provided. The manufacturing apparatus includes a die-making device and a transfer device. The die-making device includes a lower die assembly and an upper die assembly, the upper die assembly being configured to move vertically relative to the lower die assembly. The die-making device is capable of stamping workpieces from unprocessed material through the cooperation of the lower and upper die assemblies, and is capable of discharging the stamped workpieces stuck within the upper die assembly downwards. The transfer device includes a transfer surface capable of transporting workpieces in a horizontal direction. The workpiece transfer device is configured to transfer workpieces discharged from the upper die assembly to the transfer device. The workpiece transfer device includes a moving mechanism and a plate. The moving mechanism includes a pinion, a conversion mechanism, and a rack. The pinion is disposed in the upper die assembly and supported in a manner rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The conversion mechanism is configured to convert the vertical movement of the upper die assembly into the rotational movement of the pinion. The rack is disposed in the upper die assembly and supported in a manner slidable in the workpiece transport direction, and moves in the transport direction as the pinion rotates. A plate is connected to a rack and configured to receive a workpiece discharged from the upper die assembly at a receiving position directly below the upper die assembly when the rack is at the top dead center position. A moving mechanism is configured to move the plate from the receiving position to a position away from the die assembly and below the conveying surface in the conveying direction as the rack moves from the top dead center position to the bottom dead center position. The pinion includes a toothless portion that does not mesh with the rack when the rack moves between the bottom dead center position and an intermediate position. The intermediate position is between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position. Attached Figure Description

[0020] [Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a front view of a workpiece manufacturing apparatus using a workpiece transfer device according to one embodiment.

[0021] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The side view of the manufacturing equipment is viewed in the direction of arrow A.

[0022] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The side view of the manufacturing equipment is viewed in the direction of arrow B.

[0023] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The plan view of the manufacturing equipment is observed in the direction of arrow C.

[0024] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the mold equipment of this embodiment in the closed state.

[0025] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the mold equipment of this embodiment in the open state.

[0026] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a rear view showing the moving mechanism and pinion in the manufacturing equipment of this embodiment.

[0027] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 A is a side view showing the moving mechanism of this embodiment when the rack is in the top dead center position. Figure 8 B is a side view showing the moving mechanism of this embodiment when the rack is in the middle position. Figure 8 C is a side view showing the moving mechanism of this embodiment when the rack is in the bottom dead center position.

[0028] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 A is a bottom view showing the pinion and rack of this embodiment when the rack is in the top dead center position. Figure 9 B is a bottom view showing the pinion and rack of this embodiment when the rack is in the middle position. Figure 9 C is a bottom view showing the pinion and rack of this embodiment when the rack is in the bottom dead center position.

[0029] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 A corresponds to Figure 7The reverse side view shows the manufacturing equipment when the rack is in the middle position. Figure 10 B corresponds to Figure 7 The back view shows the manufacturing equipment when the rack is at the bottom dead center position. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Now refer to Figures 1 to 10 B describes a workpiece transfer device according to one embodiment. This workpiece transfer device is used in a workpiece manufacturing equipment. The manufacturing equipment in this embodiment is, for example, equipment for manufacturing fuel cell separators.

[0031] The terms “horizontal” and “orthogonal” are not necessarily used in a strict sense, but can be used to describe situations where the elements are approximately horizontal or approximately orthogonal to each other within the range that the effect of this embodiment is achieved by this construction.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the manufacturing equipment includes a fixture conveying device 10, a mold device 20, a conveying device 40, and a transfer device 60. The fixture conveying device 10 is configured to convey a fixture 11. An unprocessed material part P (which is a metal sheet) is placed on the fixture 11. The mold device 20 is configured to stamp a workpiece W from the unprocessed part P conveyed by the fixture conveying device 10. The conveying device 40 is configured to convey the workpiece W. The transfer device 60 is configured to transfer the workpiece W discharged from the mold device 20 to the conveying device 40.

[0033] <Mold Equipment 20>

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mold equipment 20 includes a lower mold assembly 21 and an upper mold assembly 31. The upper mold assembly 31 is disposed above the lower mold assembly 21 in a manner that allows it to move vertically relative to the lower mold assembly 21. Specifically, the upper mold assembly 31 moves vertically in the vertical direction Z.

[0035] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the lower mold assembly 21 includes a lower mold body 22 and a punch 26.

[0036] The lower mold body 22 includes a bottom mold frame 23, a base plate 24 fixed to the upper surface of the bottom mold frame 23, and a rectangular frame-shaped retaining plate 25 fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 24.

[0037] The punch 26 has a cuboid shape and is arranged inside the retaining plate 25.

[0038] The upper mold assembly 31 includes an upper mold body 32, a mold 36, and an ejector 37.

[0039] The upper mold body 32 includes a top mold frame 33 that moves up and down in the vertical direction Z via an upper mold drive device (not shown), a base plate 34 fixed to the lower surface of the top mold frame 33, and a stationary block 35 fixed to the lower surface of the base plate 34.

[0040] The mold 36 includes a rectangular frame fixed to the lower surface of the base plate 34. The mold 36 is positioned outside the stationary block 35. The inner edge of the mold 36 is located slightly outside the outer edge of the punch 26.

[0041] Ejector 37 includes a rectangular plate ejector plate 38 and a drive mechanism 39. The ejector plate 38 is located inside the mold 36 and below the stationary block 35. The drive mechanism 39 connects the ejector plate 38 to the upper mold body 32 in such a way that the ejector plate 38 can move up and down relative to the upper mold body 32.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, in the mold equipment 20, when the upper mold assembly 31 descends to close the lower mold assembly 21 and the upper mold assembly 31, the lower mold assembly 21 and the upper mold assembly 31 cooperate with each other. More specifically, the punch 26 and the mold 36 cooperate with each other to punch out the workpiece W from the unprocessed workpiece P. At this time, the punched workpiece W is stuck in the mold 36.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, when the upper mold assembly 31 is raised to open the mold equipment 20, the ejector plate 38 moves downward through the drive mechanism 39, so that the workpiece W stuck in the upper mold assembly 31 is discharged below the mold 36.

[0044] <Clamping and conveying equipment 10>

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the clamping and conveying device 10 includes a plurality of clamps 11, a support mechanism 16, and a drive unit (not shown). A workpiece P having a rectangular plate shape is placed on each clamp 11 with its edges positioned. The support mechanism 16 supports the plurality of clamps 11 arranged adjacent to each other in a row along the conveying direction X (which is horizontal), allowing the clamps 11 to move along the conveying direction X. The drive unit (not shown) moves the plurality of clamps 11 together and intermittently. In the following description, the direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction Z and the conveying direction X will be referred to as the width direction Y.

[0046] like Figure 4As shown, each clamp 11 includes a pair of extensions 12 and a pair of connecting portions 13. The extensions 12 extend in the conveying direction X and are spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y. The connecting portions 13 extend in the width direction Y, are spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction X, and connect the extensions 12 to each other. Each extension 12 protrudes relative to each connecting portion 13 toward the upstream and downstream sides in the conveying direction X.

[0047] A pair of extensions 12 and a pair of connecting portions 13 form a rectangular opening 14. The workpiece P is placed on the upper periphery 14a of the opening 14. The upper periphery 14a includes holes at the four corners. These holes receive locating pins 15, which are inserted into the holes at the four corners of the workpiece P. That is, the workpiece P is positioned relative to the fixture 11 using the locating pins 15.

[0048] With the clamp 11 positioned directly above the punch 26, the inner edge of the opening 14 of the clamp 11 is positioned outside the outer edge of the punch 26. In this state, the clamp 11 is located above the upper surface of the punch 26 (see [link]). Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0049] In the following description, the side closer to the center of the clamp 11 in the width direction Y will be referred to as the inner side in the width direction Y, while the side farther away from the center of the clamp 11 in the width direction Y will be referred to as the outer side in the width direction Y.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the support mechanism 16 includes multiple support blocks 17 fixed to the upper surface of the bottom mold frame 23 and multiple cam followers 18, 19 fixed to the support blocks 17. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram of support mechanism 16 is omitted.

[0051] In this embodiment, two pairs of support blocks 17 are provided.

[0052] One pair of the two pairs of support blocks 17 is arranged upstream of the base plate 24 and the holding plate 25 in the conveying direction X. The support blocks 17 are respectively arranged on the outside of a pair of extensions 12 of the clamp 11 in the width direction Y.

[0053] Another pair of support blocks 17 are arranged downstream of the substrate 24 and the holding plate 25 in the conveying direction X. The support blocks 17 are respectively arranged on the outside of a pair of extensions 12 of the clamp 11 in the width direction Y.

[0054] Each of the support blocks 17 includes a plate-shaped block body 17a and a protrusion 17b. The block body 17a is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom mold frame 23 and extends in the conveying direction X. The protrusion 17b protrudes from the block body 17a inward in the width direction Y.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, a cam follower 18 is provided on the upper surface of the protrusion 17b for the lower surface of the support extension 12. Each support block 17 is provided with a plurality of cam followers 18 arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction X.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, a cam follower 19 on the outer surface of the support extension 12 in the width direction Y is provided on the upper surface of the block body 17a. Each support block 17 is provided with a plurality of (three in this embodiment) cam followers 19 arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction X.

[0057] <Conveying device 40>

[0058] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the conveying device 40 includes a conveying surface 41, which is capable of conveying the workpiece W away from the mold equipment 20 in the conveying direction X.

[0059] The conveying device 40 is arranged on the downstream side of the mold equipment 20 in the conveying direction X.

[0060] The conveying surface 41 is located above the clamp 11 on the clamp conveying device 10.

[0061] The conveying device 40 in this embodiment is a conveyor belt, which includes an annular belt 42 having a conveying surface 41.

[0062] <Transfer Device 60>

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transfer device 60 includes a moving mechanism 61, a connecting mechanism 82, and a plate 89.

[0064] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the moving mechanism 61 includes a gear block 62, a pinion 63, a conversion mechanism 70, and a rack 79.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the gear block 62 is fixed to the lower surface of the top mold frame 33 at a position on the outer side of the width direction Y adjacent to the base plate 34 and the mold 36.

[0066] The pinion 63 is supported on the lower surface of the gear block 62 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis C1 extending in the vertical direction Z. The pinion 63 includes a plurality of teeth 63a on its outer circumferential surface (see [link to pinion 63]). Figure 9 A to Figure 9 C).

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the conversion mechanism 70 is configured to convert the up-and-down movement of the gear block 62, which accompanies the up-and-down movement of the upper mold assembly 31, into the rotational movement of the pinion 63.

[0068] Specifically, the conversion mechanism 70 includes a ball screw 71 and a speed-changing gear system 75.

[0069] The ball screw 71 includes a screw shaft 72 extending upward from the bottom mold frame 23, a sleeve 73 fixed to the gear block 62, and a nut 74 rotatably inserted into the sleeve 73. The screw shaft 72 is screwed into the nut 74.

[0070] The ball screw 71 converts the up-and-down motion of the gear block 62 into the rotational motion of the nut 74.

[0071] The gear block 62 and the top mold holder 33 include a hole (not shown) through which the screw shaft 72 extends. Thus, the gear block 62 and the top mold holder 33 are configured to accommodate the screw shaft 72 as the upper mold assembly 31 moves up and down.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the gear train 75 converts the rotational motion of the nut 74 into the rotational motion of the pinion 63, and includes gears 75a to 75d that mesh with each other.

[0073] Specifically, the transmission gear system 75 includes a first gear 75a connected to the upper surface of the nut 74, a second gear 75b meshing with the first gear 75a, a third gear 75c coaxially and integrally rotating with the second gear 75b, and a fourth gear 75d meshing with the third gear 75c. The first gear 75a and the second gear 75b are both housed within the gear block 62. The third gear 75c and the fourth gear 75d are both located below the gear block 62. The fourth gear 75d is coaxially and integrally rotating with the pinion 63.

[0074] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rack 79 is supported in a manner movable relative to the upper mold assembly 31 in the conveying direction X. The rack 79 includes teeth 79a that mesh with the teeth 63a of the pinion 63 (see [reference]). Figure 9 A to Figure 9 C).

[0075] A pair of guide members 80 are fixed to the lower surface of the gear block 62. The pair of guide members 80 are spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction X.

[0076] The guide member 80 supports the rack support member 81 located below the guide member 80 in a manner that allows the rack support member 81 to move in the conveying direction X.

[0077] The rack and pinion support member 81 extends in the conveying direction X.

[0078] The rack 79 is connected to the lower surface of the rack support member 81. The rack 79 moves integrally with the rack support member 81 in the conveying direction X as the pinion 63 rotates.

[0079] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, plate 89 is connected to rack 79 by connecting mechanism 82.

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown, the connecting mechanism 82 includes multiple connecting shafts 83 and connecting members 84, with the multiple connecting shafts 83 passing through the connecting members 84.

[0081] Each connecting shaft 83 includes a shaft portion 83a protruding downward from the lower surface of the rack 79 and a limiting portion 83b disposed at the lower end of the shaft portion 83a and having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion 83a.

[0082] In this embodiment, the two connecting shafts 83 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction X.

[0083] The connecting member 84 includes a base 85, a vertical wall portion 86, and an extension portion 87. The base 85 includes an insertion hole 85a into which the shaft portion 83a of the connecting shaft 83 is inserted. The vertical wall portion 86 extends upward from the inside in the width direction Y of the base 85. The extension portion 87 extends from the upper end of the vertical wall portion 86 toward the downstream side in the conveying direction X.

[0084] The lower surface of the base 85 abuts against the upper surface of the limiting part 83b of the connecting shaft 83, thus restricting the downward movement of the connecting member 84.

[0085] Both the vertical wall portion 86 and the extension portion 87 are provided with a receiving portion 88 that protrudes inward in the width direction Y. The receiving portion 88 protrudes from the lower end of the extension portion 87. The receiving portion 88 is positioned above the entire vertical wall portion 86 and the extension portion 87 in the conveying direction X.

[0086] In the plan view, the outer end of the rectangular plate 89 in the width direction Y is connected to the upper surface of the receiving part 88.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, the receiving part 88 overlaps with the upper surface of the block body 17a of the support block 17 in the width direction Y.

[0088] Plate 89 and annular belt 42 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y.

[0089] like Figure 8 As shown in Figure A, with the upper mold assembly 31 open, the rack 79 is located at the top dead center position, which is the uppermost position.

[0090] like Figure 8 As shown in Figure C, with the upper mold assembly 31 closed, the rack 79 is located at the bottom dead center position, which is the lowest position.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown in Figure A, when the rack 79 is in the top dead center position, the plate 89 is in the receiving position, which is directly below the upper mold assembly 31. Therefore, the plate 89 receives the workpiece W discharged from the upper mold assembly 31 by the ejector 37.

[0092] like Figure 8 A to Figure 8 As shown in Figure C, when the rack 79 moves between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position, the conversion mechanism 70 converts the up-and-down movement of the upper mold assembly 31 into the rotational movement of the pinion 63. As the pinion 63 rotates, the rack 79 moves in the conveying direction X. As a result, the plate 89 moves between a receiving position and a position that is separated from the mold device 20 in the conveying direction X and below the conveying surface 41.

[0093] like Figure 9 A to Figure 9 As shown in C, the pinion 63 includes a toothless portion 63b, which does not mesh with the rack 79 when the rack 79 moves between the bottom dead center position and the intermediate position (between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position).

[0094] The pinion 63 has multiple teeth 63a, including large teeth 63c at both ends of the pinion 63 in the circumferential direction. The large teeth 63c are wider than the other teeth 63a in the circumferential direction.

[0095] like Figure 8 A and Figure 8 As shown in B, when the rack 79 moves between the top dead center position and the middle position, the rack 79 is positioned such that as the position of the rack 79 gets closer to the lower end, it gets closer to the downstream end in the conveying direction X.

[0096] like Figure 8 B and Figure 8 As shown in C, when rack 79 moves between the middle position and the bottom dead center position, rack 79 moves in the vertical direction Z.

[0097] In this embodiment, the intermediate position corresponds to the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position according to the present invention. That is, this embodiment corresponds to an example where the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position according to the present invention are the same position.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, when the rack 79 moves between the top dead center position and the middle position, the upper surface of the block body 17a of the support block 17 separates from the lower surface of the receiving part 88 of the connecting member 84.

[0099] On the contrary, such as Figure 10 A and Figure 10 As shown in Figure B, when the rack 79 moves between the intermediate position and the bottom dead center position, the upper surface of the block body 17a contacts the lower surface of the receiving part 88. This prevents the connecting member 84 from moving downwards while allowing the rack 79 to move downwards.

[0100] A recess 23a for accommodating the connecting shaft 83 is formed in the upper surface of the bottom mold frame 23. The interior of the recess 23a includes an absorbent member 99 with a cuboid shape. The absorbent member 99 absorbs impacts from the restraint portion 83b of the connecting shaft 83. The absorbent member 99 is made of an elastic material such as foam.

[0101] In this embodiment, the support block 17, located between the annular belt 42 and the rack 79 in the width direction Y and downstream of the substrate 24 and the holding plate 25 in the conveying direction X, corresponds to the limiting member according to the invention.

[0102] like Figure 9 A to Figure 9 As shown in Figure C, the connecting member 90, which is a C-shaped plate in the plan view, is connected to the lower surface of the pinion 63 by bolts 91. The connecting member 90 includes an arcuate outer peripheral surface 90a extending circumferentially on the pinion 63. In this embodiment, the diameter of the connecting member 90 is larger than the diameter of the pinion 63. That is, the outer peripheral surface 90a of the connecting member 90 is located outside the outer periphery of the pinion 63.

[0103] The support member 92 is connected to the lower surface of the rack 79 by bolts 93.

[0104] When the rack 79 is at the top dead center position, the support member 92 is located on the upstream side of the conveying direction X of the connecting member 90.

[0105] The support member 92 includes an arcuate support surface 92a. The support surface 92a extends along the outer peripheral surface 90a of the connecting member 90, such that a given point on the support surface 92a is further upstream in the conveying direction X than it is further outward in the width direction Y.

[0106] When the rack 79 moves between the intermediate position and the bottom dead center position, that is, when the pinion 63 is not engaged with the rack 79, the support surface 92a rotatably supports the engagement member 90 and slides on the outer peripheral surface 90a of the engagement member 90.

[0107] The function of this implementation method will now be explained.

[0108] When the upper mold assembly 31 rises to open, the pinion 63 rotates about the axis C1 extending in the vertical direction Z in the first direction as the upper mold assembly 31 rises, and the rack 79 approaches the mold device 20 in the conveying direction X. That is, the rack 79 moves towards the upstream side. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown in Figure A, when the rack 79 moves to the top dead center position, the plate 89 receives the workpiece W discharged from the upper mold assembly 31 at the receiving position directly below the upper mold assembly 31.

[0109] Subsequently, as Figure 8 As shown in Figure B, when the upper mold assembly 31 descends to close, the pinion 63 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the rack 79 moves away from the mold device 20 in the conveying direction X. That is, the rack 79 moves towards the downstream side. When the rack 79 moves from the top dead center position to the bottom dead center position, the plate 89 moves from the receiving position to a position away from the mold device 20 in the conveying direction X and below the conveying surface 41 of the conveying device 40. At this time, the workpiece W placed on the plate 89 is transferred to the conveying device 40.

[0110] When rack 79 moves between the bottom dead center position and the intermediate position (between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position), the toothless portion 63b of pinion 63 does not transmit the rotational force of pinion 63 to rack 79. Therefore, rack 79 remains stationary in the conveying direction X, as... Figure 9 B and Figure 9 As shown in C. That is to say, as Figure 8 B and Figure 8 As shown in C, the rack 79 moves in the vertical direction Z between the middle position and the bottom dead center position, but does not move towards the downstream side in the conveying direction X, and the workpiece W is conveyed by the conveying device 40 in the conveying direction X.

[0111] This implementation method has the following advantages.

[0112] (1) The pinion 63 includes a toothless portion 63b, which does not mesh with the rack 79 when the rack 79 moves between the bottom dead center position and the intermediate position (first intermediate position). The intermediate position is between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position.

[0113] The structure functions in the manner described above.

[0114] Therefore, the size of the transfer device 60 in the conveying direction X of the workpiece W can be reduced.

[0115] (2) The transfer device 60 includes a connecting mechanism 82 that connects the plate 89 and the rack 79 to each other. The connecting mechanism 82 is configured to move the plate 89 integrally with the rack 79 when the rack 79 moves between the top dead center position and the intermediate position (second intermediate position), and to prevent the plate 89 from moving in the vertical direction Z when the rack 79 moves between the intermediate position (second intermediate position) and the bottom dead center position.

[0116] With this structure, when the rack 79 moves between the top dead center position and the intermediate position (second intermediate position), the plate 89 moves integrally with the rack 79. Furthermore, when the rack 79 moves between the intermediate position (second intermediate position) and the bottom dead center position, the plate 89 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction Z. Since the plate 89 does not move below the intermediate position (second intermediate position), it prevents the plate 89 from interfering with other devices located below the intermediate position (second intermediate position). In other words, it prevents the plate 89 from interfering with the clamping conveying device 10.

[0117] (3) The connecting mechanism 82 includes a connecting member 84 and a connecting shaft 83. The connecting member 84 is connected to one end of the plate 89 in the width direction Y and includes an insertion hole 85a extending through the connecting member 84 in the vertical direction Z. Each connecting shaft 83 includes a shaft portion 83a that protrudes downward from the rack 79 and is inserted into the insertion hole 85a. Each connecting shaft 83 also includes a limiting portion 83b that limits the downward movement of the connecting member 84 by contacting the lower surface of the connecting member 84. This embodiment includes support blocks 17 that also serve as limiting members. When the rack 79 moves between the top dead center position and the intermediate position (second intermediate position), the support blocks 17 separate from the lower surface of the connecting member 84. When the rack 79 moves between the intermediate position (second intermediate position) and the bottom dead center position, the support blocks 17 contact the lower surface of the connecting member 84 to prevent the connecting member 84 from moving downward while allowing the rack 79 to move downward.

[0118] With this configuration, when the rack 79 moves between the top dead center position and the intermediate position (second intermediate position), a gap exists between the support block 17 (which serves as a limiting member disposed below the connecting member 84) and the lower surface of the connecting member 84. Since the downward movement of the connecting member 84 is limited by the limiting portion 83b of the connecting shaft 83 abutting against the lower surface of the connecting member 84, the plate 89 moves integrally with the rack 79.

[0119] When the rack 79 moves between the intermediate position (second intermediate position) and the bottom dead center position, the support block 17, which acts as a limiting member, contacts the lower surface of the connecting member 84, thereby preventing the connecting member 84 from moving in the vertical direction Z. The movement of the shaft portion 83a of the connecting shaft 83 in the insertion hole 85a of the connecting member 84 allows the rack 79 to move in the vertical direction Z.

[0120] As described above, the connecting mechanism 82 can be easily realized by combining the connecting member 84, the connecting shaft 83, and the support block 17 as a limiting member.

[0121] (4) Engaging member 90 is connected to pinion 63. Engaging member 90 includes an arcuate outer peripheral surface 90a extending circumferentially on pinion 63. Rack 79 includes support member 92. When pinion 63 is not engaged with rack 79, support member 92 rotatably supports engagement member 90 while sliding on outer peripheral surface 90a of engagement member 90.

[0122] When pinion 63 is not engaged with rack 79, rack 79 can be displaced relative to pinion 63.

[0123] In this respect, with the above-described structure, when the pinion 63 is not engaged with the rack 79, the support member 92 in the rack 79 slides on the outer peripheral surface 90a of the engagement member 90 in the pinion 63 while rotatably supporting the engagement member 90. This prevents the rack 79 from displacing relative to the pinion 63.

[0124] (5) The support member 92 includes an arcuate support surface 92a that extends along the outer peripheral surface 90a and rotatably supports the joint member 90 while sliding on the outer peripheral surface 90a of the joint member 90.

[0125] Using this structure, the support member 92 can be easily formed by setting the support surface 92a.

[0126] (6) The pinion 63 has multiple teeth 63a including large teeth 63c at both ends of the pinion 63 in the circumferential direction. The large teeth 63c are wider than the other teeth 63a in the circumferential direction.

[0127] The teeth of the pinion 63 adjacent to the toothless portion 63b in the circumferential direction are subjected to a large load when they begin to mesh with the teeth 79a of the rack 79.

[0128] In this respect, the above-mentioned structure increases the load-bearing strength of the large tooth 63c.

[0129] <Variation>

[0130] The above embodiments can be modified as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined, as long as the combined modifications do not contradict each other technically.

[0131] • Absorbing component 99 can be omitted.

[0132] • The large tooth 63c can be omitted.

[0133] • The diameter of the engaging member 90 can be less than or equal to the diameter of the pinion 63.

[0134] • The support member 92 is not limited to the support member having an arcuate support surface 92a in the above embodiments, but may include, for example, a cam follower.

[0135] • The connecting member 90 and the supporting member 92 can be omitted.

[0136] • The connecting mechanism 82 can be omitted, and the plate 89 can be directly or indirectly connected to the rack 79.

[0137] • The transfer device 60 is not limited to a transfer device set on one side in the width direction Y, but can be set on both sides in the width direction Y.

[0138] Using this structure, the workpiece W can be removed in a stable manner because it is supported from both sides in the width direction Y.

[0139] Although the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position are the same position (intermediate position) in the above embodiments, the second intermediate position may be a position lower than the first intermediate position.

Claims

1. A workpiece transfer device used in manufacturing equipment, wherein, The manufacturing equipment includes mold-making equipment and conveying devices. The mold equipment includes a lower mold assembly and an upper mold assembly, wherein the upper mold assembly is configured to move vertically relative to the lower mold assembly. The mold equipment can stamp out workpieces from unprocessed material parts through the cooperation of the lower mold assembly and the upper mold assembly, and can also discharge the stamped workpiece stuck in the upper mold assembly downwards. The conveying device includes a conveying surface capable of conveying the workpiece in the horizontal direction. The workpiece transfer device is configured to transfer the workpiece discharged from the upper mold assembly to the conveying device. The workpiece transfer device includes a moving mechanism and a plate. The moving mechanism includes: The small gear is disposed in the upper mold assembly and is supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction; A conversion mechanism configured to convert the up-and-down movement of the upper mold assembly into the rotational movement of the pinion; and A rack, disposed in the upper mold assembly, is supported in a manner that allows it to slide in the conveying direction of the workpiece and moves in the conveying direction as the pinion rotates. A plate is connected to the rack and configured to receive the workpiece discharged from the upper mold assembly at a receiving position directly below the upper mold assembly when the rack is at the top dead center position. The moving mechanism is configured to move the plate from the receiving position to a position away from the mold assembly and below the conveying surface in the conveying direction when the rack moves from the top dead center position to the bottom dead center position. The pinion includes a toothless portion. When the rack moves between the bottom dead center position and the intermediate position, the toothless portion does not mesh with the rack. The intermediate position is between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position. The workpiece transfer device further includes a connecting mechanism that connects the plate and the rack to each other, wherein... The intermediate position is defined as the first intermediate position. The connecting mechanism is configured to cause the plate to move integrally with the rack when the rack moves between the top dead center position and the second intermediate position, and to prevent the plate from moving in the vertical direction when the rack moves between the second intermediate position and the bottom dead center position. The second intermediate position is the same as or lower than the first intermediate position.

2. The workpiece transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction orthogonal to both the conveying direction and the vertical direction is defined as the width direction. The connecting mechanism includes: A connecting member, which is connected to one end of the plate in the width direction, and includes a hole extending through the connecting member in the vertical direction; and A connecting shaft includes a shaft portion and a limiting portion, the shaft portion protruding downward from the rack and inserted into the hole, and the limiting portion limiting the downward movement of the connecting member by contacting the lower surface of the connecting member. The system is equipped with restrictive components. When the rack moves between the top dead center position and the second intermediate position, the limiting member separates from the lower surface of the connecting member, and When the rack moves between the second intermediate position and the bottom dead center position, the limiting member contacts the lower surface of the connecting member to prevent the connecting member from moving downward while allowing the rack to move downward.

3. A workpiece transfer device used in manufacturing equipment, wherein, The manufacturing equipment includes mold-making equipment and conveying devices. The mold equipment includes a lower mold assembly and an upper mold assembly, wherein the upper mold assembly is configured to move vertically relative to the lower mold assembly. The mold equipment can stamp out workpieces from unprocessed material parts through the cooperation of the lower mold assembly and the upper mold assembly, and can also discharge the stamped workpiece stuck in the upper mold assembly downwards. The conveying device includes a conveying surface capable of conveying the workpiece in the horizontal direction. The workpiece transfer device is configured to transfer the workpiece discharged from the upper mold assembly to the conveying device. The workpiece transfer device includes a moving mechanism and a plate. The moving mechanism includes: The small gear is disposed in the upper mold assembly and is supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction; A conversion mechanism configured to convert the up-and-down movement of the upper mold assembly into the rotational movement of the pinion; and A rack, disposed in the upper mold assembly, is supported in a manner that allows it to slide in the conveying direction of the workpiece and moves in the conveying direction as the pinion rotates. A plate is connected to the rack and configured to receive the workpiece discharged from the upper mold assembly at a receiving position directly below the upper mold assembly when the rack is at the top dead center position. The moving mechanism is configured to move the plate from the receiving position to a position away from the mold assembly and below the conveying surface in the conveying direction when the rack moves from the top dead center position to the bottom dead center position. The pinion includes a toothless portion. When the rack moves between the bottom dead center position and the intermediate position, the toothless portion does not mesh with the rack. The intermediate position is between the top dead center position and the bottom dead center position. The pinion is coupled to a coupling member, the coupling member including an arcuate outer peripheral surface extending circumferentially from the pinion. The rack includes a support member, and When the pinion is not engaged with the rack, the support member can rotatably support the engagement member while sliding on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement member, thereby preventing the rack from displacing relative to the pinion.

4. The workpiece transfer device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support member includes an arcuate support surface that extends along the outer peripheral surface and is rotatably supportive of the connecting member while sliding on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting member.

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