Workpiece machining device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a workpiece processing device including a base plate member, a slider located above the base plate member, and a punch projecting downward from the slider. The base plate member is formed with a hydraulic chamber that is fillable with a liquid. The hydraulic chamber has a workpiece processing chamber and a hydraulic pressure generating chamber combined together. Each of the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber extends in an up-down direction and is open upward. The base plate member includes a piston that is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber. When the slider moves downward, the punch moves downward and presses a workpiece into the workpiece processing chamber, and the piston receives a downward force and moves downward. The piston thus moved increases the hydraulic pressure of the liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a workpiece processing apparatus configured to process an object workpiece using hydraulic pressure.

[0002] For example, this type of workpiece processing apparatus is disclosed in JP H08-150426A (Patent Document 1), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] refer to Figure 16 Patent Document 1 discloses a workpiece processing apparatus 90, which is a typical existing workpiece processing apparatus configured to process material (object) 98 using hydraulic pressure. The workpiece processing apparatus 90 includes a die 91, a blank holder 92, a punch 93, and a hydraulic control device 95. The die 91 has a hydraulic chamber 94. The hydraulic chamber 94 is filled with a liquid such as oil. The hydraulic pressure of the liquid is controlled by the hydraulic control device 95, which includes a pump and a safety valve. The blank holder 92 can be moved vertically by a power device (not shown). The punch 93 can be moved vertically relative to the blank holder 92 by another power device (not shown). When the blank holder 92 moves downward, the object 98 is clamped between the die 91 and the blank holder 92. Subsequently, when the punch 93 moves downward, the object is pulled using hydraulic pressure.

[0004] Existing workpiece processing apparatuses, such as the workpiece processing apparatus 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1, have complex power units and hydraulic generation mechanisms, and are suitable for processing large objects such as car bodies. However, there is a need for a workpiece processing apparatus suitable for small objects such as the housing of connectors used in electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece processing apparatus configured to process an object using hydraulic pressure, and having a structure suitable for small objects.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a workpiece processing apparatus configured to process a workpiece using hydraulic pressure. The workpiece processing apparatus includes a main component and a slider. The main component includes a base plate component and a punch. The slider is positioned above the base plate component in a vertical direction and is movable between an upper position and a lower position in the vertical direction. The punch protrudes downward from the slider and moves vertically in accordance with the slider's vertical movement. The base plate component has a hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic chamber is capable of being filled with liquid. The hydraulic chamber has a workpiece processing chamber, a hydraulic generation chamber, and a coupling chamber. Each of the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic generation chamber extends vertically and opens upward. The coupling chamber joins the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic generation chamber together. The base plate component includes a piston. The piston is partially received in the hydraulic generation chamber such that it is movable vertically and protrudes upward from the hydraulic generation chamber. The piston receives downward pressure from the slider as the slider moves from the upper position to the lower position. When the slider moves from the upper position to the lower position with the hydraulic chamber filled with liquid and the workpiece placed on the workpiece processing chamber, the punch moves downward and presses the workpiece into the workpiece processing chamber, and the piston moves downward according to the pressure, increasing the hydraulic pressure of the liquid. The hydraulic chamber is equipped with a safety valve. The safety valve controls the hydraulic pressure to ensure that the hydraulic pressure does not exceed a predetermined value.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic generation chamber extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction and open upwards. According to this structure, the workpiece can be processed by lowering the punch and simultaneously increasing the hydraulic pressure to a necessary high value by lowering the piston, simply by moving the slider downwards. The workpiece processing apparatus of one aspect of the invention has the simple mechanism described above and can reduce its size. Another aspect of the invention provides a workpiece processing apparatus configured to process workpieces using hydraulic pressure and has a structure suitable for small workpieces.

[0008] The object of the invention and its structure can be understood more fully by studying the following description of the preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a workpiece processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an object is placed on the workpiece processing apparatus. Although the illustrated punch and the illustrated spacer are separate from the slider, the actual punch and the actual spacer are fixed to the slider. A portion of the workpiece processing apparatus surrounded by dotted lines is enlarged and shown, and the location of the hidden branch channels is shown in dashed lines in the enlarged view.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the workpiece processing device shown;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The rear view of the workpiece processing device shown indicates the location of the hidden hydraulic chamber and the safety valve, which are indicated by dashed lines.

[0012] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the workpiece processing device, where the slider is not shown, and the location of the hidden workpiece processing chamber opening and the hidden piston are shown in dashed lines;

[0013] Figure 5 It is taken along the VV line. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the workpiece processing device shown shows the slider at the top, the position of the lower end of the slider and the position of the safety valve indicated by dashed lines, and an enlarged view of a part of the workpiece processing device surrounded by dotted lines.

[0014] Figure 6 It was taken along line VI-VI. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the workpiece processing device shown is shown, in which the slider is located at the top position, and the position of the lower end of the slider is indicated by a dashed line;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Other cross-sectional views of the workpiece processing device shown, in which the slider moves downward and the lower end of the spacer contacts the piston;

[0016] Figure 8 It is shown by Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the workpiece processing device enclosed by the dashed line A in the image;

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Other cross-sectional views of the workpiece processing apparatus shown, in which the slider moves further downward and is located at a lower position;

[0018] Figure 10 It is shown by Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the workpiece processing device enclosed by the dashed line B in the image.

[0019] Figure 11 It is shown by Figure 10 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the workpiece processing device enclosed by the dashed line C in the image;

[0020] Figure 12 It is shown by Figure 11 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the workpiece processing device enclosed by the dashed line D in the image;

[0021] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a variant of the workpiece processing device;

[0022] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The cross-sectional view of the workpiece processing device shown is shown, wherein the cross-section shown is the same as... Figure 5 Corresponding to the cross section;

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 Other cross-sectional views of the workpiece processing device shown, wherein the cross-section shown is similar to... Figure 6 Corresponding to the cross section;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the workpiece processing apparatus of Patent Document 1.

[0025] While the invention is adaptable to various modifications and substitutions, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 is a workpiece processing apparatus configured to process a workpiece (blank) 82 of an object 80 using hydraulic pressure. In this embodiment, "hydraulic pressure" refers to hydraulic pressure generated by a liquid 50L (reference...) Figure 5 The pressure applied to workpiece 82, as described later, includes the concepts of "hydraulic counterpressure OP" and "peripheral hydraulic pressure PP". In this embodiment, object 80 is a single metal sheet and has a thin, flat shape prior to processing. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 4 The object 80 shown has a carrier 81 and three workpieces 82 connected to the carrier 81.

[0027] The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is suitable for progressive processing of an object 80. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but can be applied to an apparatus for performing transfer processing on an object 80. Furthermore, the object 80 may be a workpiece 82 separate from the carrier 81. Therefore, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 may be an apparatus that performs a single processing on only one workpiece 82.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a base plate component 20 and a movable component 60. The movable component 60 is located above the base plate component 20 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction refers to the Z direction. In this embodiment, "upward" represents the positive Z direction, and "downward" represents the negative Z direction. The vertical direction is preferably aligned with the direction of gravity. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vertical direction may intersect the direction of gravity within the range where the workpiece 80 can be processed.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the substrate component 20 has a channel 18. The channel 18 is a downwardly recessed space. The channel 18 extends continuously in a transverse direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and opens outward at opposite ends in the transverse direction. In this embodiment, the transverse direction is the Y direction. The channel 18 has a bottom surface extending along a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction. An object 80 is placed on the bottom surface of the channel 18. The workpiece 82 of the object 80 is arranged transversely.

[0030] refer to Figures 1 to 3 In this embodiment, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 includes only the aforementioned base plate component 20 and movable component 60. The workpiece processing apparatus 10 has a small size of at most tens of centimeters in the lateral direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but can be applied to large workpiece processing apparatus 10. In addition, besides the aforementioned components, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 may also include other components.

[0031] The substrate component 20 in this embodiment includes three substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T, namely, the first component (substrate component) 20F, the second component (substrate component) 20S, and the third component (substrate component) 20T. The substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T are arranged in the transverse direction. The three substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T can each process three workpieces 82.

[0032] The forming process of this embodiment includes three processing steps. The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T used in the three processing steps respectively. The substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T of this embodiment are formed separately from each other and arranged without gaps between them in the lateral direction. According to this embodiment, two or more substrate components 20F, 20S, 20T, etc., can be arranged depending on the number of processing steps. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T can be integrally formed with each other. When the number of processing steps is 1, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 may include only one substrate component 20F.

[0033] The substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T in this embodiment have the same outline and similar structures. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T may have different outlines and different structures.

[0034] The substrate component 20F of this embodiment will now be described. The description below applies to each substrate component 20S and 20T.

[0035] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 1In this embodiment, the substrate component 20F includes a base 22, a metal mold 30, a metal cylinder 40, and a metal piston 42. The base 22 includes an upper component 222 and a lower component 224, both made of metal. The upper component 222 is placed on the lower component 224. The upper component 222 has the aforementioned channel 18. The substrate component 20F has a hydraulic chamber 50. The hydraulic chamber 50 is an internal space located within the substrate component 20F and is enclosed within the substrate component 20F except for some openings described later. The hydraulic chamber 50 may be filled with a liquid 50L, such as oil. The hydraulic chamber 50 shown is filled with liquid 50L.

[0036] refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, the substrate component 20F is composed of an upper component 222, a lower component 224, a mold 30, a cylinder 40, and a piston 42. Based on this structure, a hydraulic chamber 50 can be easily formed. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the upper component 222, the mold 30, and the cylinder 40 can be integrally formed with each other. In addition to the aforementioned components, the substrate component 20F may also include other components.

[0037] Each mold 30 and cylinder 40 in this embodiment has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. Each of the mold 30 and cylinder 40 has a central hole with a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The upper component 222 has two attachment holes 223, each cylindrical. The mold 30 and cylinder 40 are respectively fitted into the two attachment holes 223. These cylindrical components can be easily fitted into the cylindrical holes while eliminating gaps through which liquid 50L might leak. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the mold 30 and cylinder 40 is not particularly limited, as long as each of the mold 30 and cylinder 40 has a central hole.

[0038] The mold 30 and cylinder 40 have upper end faces exposed upwards from the upper component 222. The mold 30 is located in front of the cylinder 40 in the forward and backward directions perpendicular to the vertical direction and laterally. In this embodiment, the forward and backward direction is the X direction. In this embodiment, "forward" means the positive X direction, and "backward" means the negative X direction. The upper end face of the mold 30 forms part of the bottom surface of the channel 18. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 11 A recess 32 is formed on the upper end face of the mold 30. The recess 32 is a downwardly recessed space. The recess 32 has an annular shape in the XY plane and surrounds the central hole of the mold 30.

[0039] like Figure 5As shown, the hydraulic chamber 50 includes a workpiece processing chamber 51, a hydraulic generation chamber 53, and a coupling chamber 55. Both the workpiece processing chamber 51 and the hydraulic generation chamber 53 extend vertically and open upwards. In other words, the workpiece processing chamber 51 and the hydraulic generation chamber 53 extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction and have openings 52 and 54 respectively. The coupling chamber 55 joins the workpiece processing chamber 51 and the hydraulic generation chamber 53 together.

[0040] In this embodiment, the workpiece processing chamber 51 extends through the central hole of the mold 30. The opening 52 of the workpiece processing chamber 51 is located on the upper end face of the mold 30. In this embodiment, the hydraulic generation chamber 53 extends through the central hole of the cylinder 40. The opening 54 of the hydraulic generation chamber 53 is located on the upper end face of the cylinder 40 and above the opening 52. Each of the workpiece processing chamber 51 and the hydraulic generation chamber 53 has a circular shape in the XY plane. In this embodiment, the joining chamber 55 extends along the front-rear direction and joins the lower ends of the workpiece processing chamber 51 and the hydraulic generation chamber 53 together. The joining chamber 55 has a circular shape in a vertical plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0041] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 and Figure 1 In this embodiment, the hydraulic chamber 50 also has four branch channels 56. The four branch channels 56 are located in front of the workpiece processing chamber 51, behind the workpiece processing chamber 51, and on opposite sides of the workpiece processing chamber 51 in the lateral direction. Each branch channel 56 branches off from the workpiece processing chamber 51. Specifically, a portion of the lower end face of the mold 30 is located slightly above the upper end face of the lower component 224, and this arrangement forms a flow channel extending outward from the workpiece processing chamber 51 in the XY plane. Each branch channel 56 extends upward from this flow channel.

[0042] Each branch channel 56 extends vertically parallel to the workpiece processing chamber 51 through a small hole formed in the mold 30 and opens upwards. Each of the branch channels 56 thus formed has an opening 57 that opens outwards from the base plate component 20F. (See reference) Figure 11 Each opening 57 is located on the bottom surface of the recess 32 of the mold 30. Each opening 57 thus formed is located slightly below the opening 52 of the workpiece processing chamber 51.

[0043] refer to Figure 5 The hydraulic chamber 50 in this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the hydraulic chamber 50 can be modified as needed. For example, a branch passage 56 can be provided as needed. Conversely, the hydraulic chamber 50 may have other parts in addition to the parts described above.

[0044] Hydraulic chamber 50 is equipped with safety valve 59. Safety valve 59 is partially connected to hydraulic chamber 50 and partially exposed from base plate component 20F. Figure 5 As shown, when the object 80 is not yet processed, the safety valve 59 is closed. When the safety valve 59 is closed, the liquid level 58 of the liquid 50L is below the openings 52 and 57. Therefore, the liquid 50L is held in the hydraulic chamber 50. As the object 80 is processed, the hydraulic pressure of the liquid 50L becomes higher. When the hydraulic pressure of the liquid 50L exceeds a predetermined value, the safety valve 59 opens, and a portion of the liquid 50L is discharged from the base plate component 20F. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure of the liquid 50L decreases to a value equal to or less than the predetermined value. In this embodiment, the safety valve 59 is located behind the lower end of the hydraulic generation chamber 53. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the arrangement and internal structure of the safety valve 59 are not particularly limited.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the piston 42 of this embodiment has a main body 44 and a pressurized portion 46. Each of the main body 44 and the pressurized portion 46 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The dimension of the pressurized portion 46 in the XY plane is larger than other dimensions of the main body 44 in the XY plane. The main body 44 extends downward from the lower end of the pressurized portion 46.

[0046] refer to Figure 5 The piston 42 is partially received in the hydraulic generation chamber 53, allowing it to move vertically and protrude upward from the chamber. Specifically, the body 44 is inserted into the hydraulic generation chamber 53 through an opening 54. The inserted body 44 has a lower portion that is received substantially without clearance in a central bore formed in the cylinder 40. The body 44 also has an upper portion that protrudes upward from the hydraulic generation chamber 53. The body 44 is thus movable vertically. The lower end of the body 44 contacts the liquid 50L. An O-ring 48 is attached to the lower portion of the body 44 to prevent leakage of the liquid 50L. The piston 42 of this embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the O-ring 48 can be provided as needed.

[0047] The movable part 60 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the movable component 60 includes a slider 61, three workpiece processing components 62, and three spacers (pressurizing parts) 72, each spacer being made of metal. The three workpiece processing components 62 are configured to correspond to the three substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T, respectively. The three spacers 72 are also configured to correspond to the three substrate components 20F, 20S, and 20T, respectively. (See reference) Figure 4The workpiece processing components 62 are located in the XY plane at positions corresponding to the openings 52 of the workpiece processing chamber 51. The spacers 72 are located at positions corresponding to the positions of the pistons 42 in the XY plane. The number of workpiece processing components 62 and the number of spacers 72 can correspond to the number of components of the workpiece 82 of the object being processed 80. For example, when the workpiece processing apparatus 10 includes only the substrate component 20F, the number of workpiece processing components 62 and the number of spacers 72 can be one.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 Each workpiece processing component 62 in this embodiment includes a base 63 made of metal, a punch 64 made of metal, a retainer 65 made of metal, and a retainer support component 66 formed of one or more metal springs. Therefore, referring to... Figure 2 and Figure 1 The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a single slider 61, three bases 63, three punches 64, three retainers 65, three retainer support members 66, and three spacers 72. Each of the punches 64 and spacers 72 has a circular shape in the XY plane. Each of the bases 63 and retainers 65 has an annular shape in the XY plane.

[0050] The movable component 60 in this embodiment includes the components described above. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of each component is not particularly limited. The base 63, the retainer 65, the retainer support component 66, and the spacer 72 can be provided as needed. When the substrate component 20 only includes the substrate component 20F, the movable component 60 may include only a punch 64 corresponding to the substrate component 20F, in addition to the slider 61. Alternatively, the movable component 60 may include other components besides those described above.

[0051] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The slider 61 is positioned above the substrate component 20 in the vertical direction. The slider 61 is supported by a power unit (not shown) and can... Figures 1 to 3 The position above the unprocessed object 80 shown and Figure 9 The slider 61 in this embodiment moves vertically between its lower position and the position below the workpiece 80 being processed. The slider 61 in this embodiment has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. However, the shape and internal structure of the slider 61 of this invention are not particularly limited.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 1 In this embodiment, the three punches 64, three holders 65, and three spacers 72 cooperate with the three base plate components 20F, 20S, and 20T to process the three workpieces 82 of the object 80. In other words, referring to... Figure 3The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three workpiece processing groups 12, which are configured to process workpieces 82 (see reference 10) respectively. Figure 1 Specifically, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three workpiece processing groups 12, which consist of a first group (workpiece processing group) 12F, a second group (workpiece processing group) 12S, and a third group (workpiece processing group) 12T. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of workpiece processing groups 12 can be one, two, or more than three. For example, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 may include only one workpiece processing group 12F, or it may include two or more workpiece processing groups 12.

[0053] The workpiece processing group 12 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0054] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, each workpiece processing group 12 includes a hydraulic chamber 50, a piston 42, a punch 64, a retainer 65, and a spacer 72. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 may not include the retainer 65 and spacer 72 as described above. In this case, each workpiece processing group 12 should include a hydraulic chamber 50, a piston 42, and a punch 64.

[0055] refer to Figure 6 In this embodiment, each piston 42 has the aforementioned body 44. Each body 44 is partially housed in the hydraulic generation chamber 53, and its lower end is in contact with the liquid 50L.

[0056] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, each punch 64 is fixed to the slider 61 by a fixing member such as a screw, and extends downward from the lower end of the slider 61. Each base 63 in this embodiment is fixed to the slider 61 by a fixing member such as a screw. Each base 63 extends downward from the lower end of the slider 61, while surrounding the punch 64 in the XY plane.

[0057] In this embodiment, each retainer support member 66 is attached to the outer periphery of the base 63 in the XY plane and extends vertically. Each retainer 65 in this embodiment is located outside the punch 64 in the XY plane. In other words, each retainer 65 surrounds the punch 64 in the XY plane. Each retainer 65 is attached to the lower end of the retainer support member 66. Each retainer support member 66 is elastic and supports the retainer 65, allowing the retainer 65 to move relative to the slider 61. Each punch 64 protrudes downward beyond the lower end of the retainer 65.

[0058] Each spacer 72 in this embodiment is fixed to the slider 61 by a fixing component such as a screw, and extends downward from the lower end of the slider 61.

[0059] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, all punches 64 and all spacers 72 are directly fixed to a single slider 61 and protrude downward from the single slider 61. All retainers 65 are indirectly fixed to the single slider 61 via their respective resilient retainer support members 66 and protrude downward from the single slider 61. Therefore, by moving only the single slider 61 in the vertical direction, all punches 64, all retainers 65, and all spacers 72 move in the vertical direction.

[0060] refer to Figure 2 Each workpiece processing group 12 in this embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure used to support the retainer 65 is not particularly limited. The retainer support member 66 is not limited to a metal spring, as long as the retainer support member 66 is elastic.

[0061] refer to Figure 3 The processing steps performed in the first group 12F (a workpiece processing group 12 in this embodiment) will be described below. The explanations described below are applicable to each of the second group 12S and the third group 12T.

[0062] refer to Figure 5 The punch 64 protrudes downward from the slider 61 and moves vertically in accordance with the vertical movement of the slider 61. (Reference) Figure 5 and Figure 7 When slider 61 moves from Figure 5 The indicated upper position moves downwards. Figure 7 In the intermediate position shown, the lower end of the punch 64 abuts against the workpiece 82 of the object 80, pressing the workpiece 82 into the workpiece processing chamber 51. Therefore, the workpiece 82 is partially contained within the workpiece processing chamber 51 and contacts the liquid surface 58 while undergoing slight deformation. (Reference) Figure 8 The workpiece 82 slightly pushes the liquid surface 58 downward, thereby generating a passive hydraulic back pressure POP that pushes the workpiece 82 upward. The strength of this passive hydraulic back pressure POP is very small. When the hydraulic back pressure POP is generated, the liquid surface 58 of the branch channel 56 hardly rises and remains below the opening 57.

[0063] refer to Figure 7 The spacer 72 moves vertically along with the slider 61. When the slider 61 moves downward to the position... Figure 7 In the intermediate position shown, the lower end of the spacer 72 is in contact with the pressurized portion 46 of the piston 42. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 9 When slider 61 moves further downward, slider 61 moves to Figure 9The lower position is shown. During the movement of slider 61 from the middle position to the lower position, spacer 72 continuously presses piston 42 downwards with a predetermined pressure PP. The piston 42, thus pressed, moves downwards and applies pressure PP to the liquid 50L in the hydraulic generation chamber 53. Therefore, for example, an active hydraulic counter-pressure OP (hereinafter referred to as "hydraulic counter-pressure OP") of approximately 30 to 60 MPa is generated. During the movement of slider 61 from the middle position to the lower position, punch 64 continuously presses against workpiece 82 against the hydraulic counter-pressure OP, thereby pulling workpiece 82.

[0064] Summarize the above references Figure 5 , 7 As explained in 9, slider 61 from Figure 5 The position shown above has been moved to... Figure 9 During the process shown in the lower position, piston 42 receives downward pressure PP from slider 61. When slider 61 moves from the upper position to the lower position with hydraulic chamber 50 filled with liquid 50L and workpiece 82 placed on workpiece processing chamber 51, punch 64 moves downward and presses workpiece 82 into workpiece processing chamber 51, and piston 42 moves downward according to pressure PP and increases hydraulic pressure of liquid 50L.

[0065] In this embodiment, the workpiece processing chamber 51 and the hydraulic generation chamber 53 extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction and open upwards. According to this structure, by simply moving the slider 61 downwards, the object 80 can be processed by lowering the punch 64 while simultaneously increasing the hydraulic pressure to a necessary high value by lowering the piston 42. Furthermore, as previously described, the safety valve 59 controls the hydraulic pressure so that it does not exceed a predetermined value. In other words, the safety valve 59 acts as a hydraulic pressure regulating mechanism. The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment has the aforementioned simple mechanism and can reduce its size. This embodiment provides a workpiece processing apparatus 10 configured to process the object 80 using hydraulic pressure and has a structure suitable for small objects 80.

[0066] The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for processing small parts such as the housing (not shown) of a connector (not shown), which is configured to be included in an electronic device (not shown). For example, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 can shape a workpiece 82 having a size of about a few millimeters into a desired shape. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the size of the object 80 is not particularly limited.

[0067] refer to Figure 5 According to this embodiment, when slider 61 is located at Figure 5 In the upper position shown, the vertical distance, or first distance, between the lower end of the punch 64 and the workpiece 82 of the object 80 is less than the vertical distance, or second distance, between the lower end of the spacer 72 and the upper end of the piston 42. (Reference) Figure 5 and Figure 7 According to this arrangement, after the punch 64 begins processing the workpiece 82, the piston 42 receives pressure PP. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first distance can be greater than the second distance. In this case, after the piston 42 receives pressure PP and generates hydraulic counterpressure OP, the workpiece 82 is processed by the punch 64.

[0068] refer to Figure 9 In this embodiment, the piston 42 receives pressure PP from the slider 61 via the spacer 72. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the spacer 72 is not provided, the piston 42 can directly receive pressure PP from the slider 61. More specifically, the lower end face of the slider 61 can press the piston 42 downward.

[0069] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to this embodiment, when slider 61 moves to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 Before reaching the lower position shown, the lower end of the retainer 65 is adjacent to the outer periphery of the workpiece 82 in the XY plane. As the slider 61 moves toward the lower position, the retainer support member 66 is elastically compressed. When the slider 61 moves to the lower position, the retainer 65 applies a force to the outer periphery of the workpiece 82 in the XY plane due to the restoring force of the retainer support member 66. Therefore, the retainer 65 presses the outer periphery of the workpiece 82 in the XY plane against the upper end face of the mold 30.

[0070] In summary, according to this embodiment, when the slider 61 moves downward with the workpiece 82 placed on the workpiece processing chamber 51, the retainer 65 moves downward and presses the workpiece 82 against the base plate member 20F. Based on this mechanism, the workpiece 82 can be drawn without forming wrinkles. According to this embodiment, the retainer 65 presses the workpiece 82 after the punch 64 begins processing. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the retainer 65 can press the workpiece 82 before the punch 64 begins processing it. More specifically, when the slider 61 is located in… Figure 5 In the upper position shown, the retainer 65 may protrude downwards beyond the lower end of the punch 64. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the retainer 65 can be configured as needed.

[0071] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12The workpiece 82, pressed against the substrate component 20F, forms a closed space, which includes a recess 32, a retainer 65, and the substrate component 20F. An opening 57 of the branch channel 56 is open within this closed space. When the retainer 65 presses the workpiece 82 against the substrate component 20F, the opening 57 of the branch channel 56 is located below the retainer 65 in the vertical direction and outside the periphery 84 of the workpiece 82 in the XY plane.

[0072] Simultaneously, liquid 50L flows into the enclosed space through opening 57. Liquid 50L fills the enclosed space and applies peripheral hydraulic pressure PP to the outer peripheral edge 84 of workpiece 82. Workpiece 82 is pushed into the workpiece processing chamber 51 by the peripheral hydraulic pressure PP. Based on this mechanism, workpiece 82 can be easily drawn, thereby giving workpiece 82 the desired shape. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, only by moving a single slider 61 downwards (see reference)... Figure 9 This allows for the simultaneous generation of hydraulic back pressure OP and peripheral hydraulic pressure PP. However, the invention is not limited to this. As mentioned earlier, branch channels 56 can be provided as needed.

[0073] refer to Figure 2 The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three workpiece processing groups 12 as described above. As described below, the workpiece processing groups 12 of this embodiment generate different hydraulic pressures at different times.

[0074] refer to Figure 6 In slider 61 from Figure 6 The position shown above has been moved to... Figure 9 During the process in the lower position shown, each piston 42 of the three workpiece processing groups 12 receives pressure PP from the spacer 72. When the slider 61 is in the upper position, each spacer 72 is separated from the piston 42 by a predetermined distance D1, D2, or D3 in the vertical direction.

[0075] In this embodiment, the predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3 are different from each other. From these distance conditions, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the piston 42 receives pressure PP from the spacer 72 at different timings (reference). Figure 9 However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, two of the three predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3 may be equal to each other. Therefore, at least one of the predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3 may be different from the other of the predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3. In other words, at least one of the pistons 42 may receive the pressing force from the slider 61 at a different timing than the other piston 42 receiving the pressing force PP.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the punches 64 of the three workpiece processing groups 12 have the same diameter. (See reference...) Figure 6The piston bodies 44 of workpiece machining groups 12F and 12S have the same diameter in the XY plane, and therefore have the same cross-sectional area in the XY plane. Conversely, the piston body 44 of workpiece machining group 12T has a different cross-sectional area in the XY plane than the piston bodies 44 of workpiece machining groups 12F and 12S. Therefore, at least one body 44 has a different cross-sectional area in the XY plane than the other body 44.

[0077] According to this embodiment, workpiece processing groups 12F and 12S generate the same hydraulic pressure, but workpiece processing group 12T generates a different hydraulic pressure than workpiece processing groups 12F and 12S. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the bodies 44 of the three workpiece processing groups 12 can have different cross-sectional areas in the XY plane. Therefore, the three workpiece processing groups 12 can generate different hydraulic pressures.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the hydraulic pressure of at least one workpiece processing group 12 differs from that of another workpiece processing group 12 at a predetermined timing. (Reference) Figure 9 In this embodiment, the predetermined timing is the timing at which workpiece 82 is processed.

[0079] refer to Figure 3 According to this embodiment, the workpiece processing group 12F generates relatively large hydraulic pressure in the early stages, the workpiece processing group 12S generates the same hydraulic pressure as the workpiece processing group 12F in the later stages, and the workpiece processing group 12T generates relatively small hydraulic pressure in the even later stages.

[0080] refer to Figure 4 The workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three workpiece processing groups 12 as described above, and can perform deep drawing on a workpiece 82 through three processing steps, each using hydraulic pressure. In other words, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a deep drawing apparatus. The workpiece processing apparatus 10 can process a workpiece 82 step by step by sequentially conveying the object 80 along the channel 18 (see reference). Figure 1 For example, workpiece processing group 12F can perform drawing, workpiece processing group 12S can perform deeper drawing, and workpiece processing group 12T can perform final drawing, thereby preventing springback. Conversely, different processing can be performed on three workpieces 82 simultaneously. Furthermore, other workpiece processing groups 12 can be set up to cut the workpiece 82 off the carrier 81 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0081] refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the three workpiece processing components 62 have the same shape. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the three punches 64 may have different diameters. In this case, the workpiece processing chamber 51 (refer to...) Figure 5 Each can have an inner diameter corresponding to the punch 64.

[0082] refer to Figure 1 To explain the structure of the workpiece processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment from another perspective, the workpiece processing apparatus includes a main component (partial device) 11 and a slider 61. The main component 11 in this embodiment includes all components of the workpiece processing apparatus 10 except for the slider 61. The main component 11 is configured to form the workpiece processing apparatus 10 together with the slider 61, and the workpiece processing apparatus 10 is configured to use hydraulic pressure to process the workpiece 82 of the object 80. Therefore, the main component 11 is a partial device 11 of the workpiece processing apparatus 10. In other words, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 includes a partial device 11 that functions as the main component 11 of the workpiece processing apparatus 10.

[0083] The main component 11 in this embodiment includes at least a base plate component 20 and a punch 64 (see...). Figure 2 ), Holder 65 (see Figure 2 ), retainer support component 66 (see Figure 2 ) and spacer 72 (see Figure 3 Each component of the main component 11 has the structure already described and operates as described. For example, when forming the workpiece processing apparatus 10, the slider 61 is positioned above the base plate component 20 in the vertical direction and can... Figure 5 The position shown above and Figure 9 The lower position shown can be moved vertically. The punch 64, retainer 65, and spacer 72 can be attached to the slider 61. When the punch 64 is attached to the slider 61, the punch 64 protrudes downward from the slider 61 and moves vertically as the slider 61 moves vertically.

[0084] In addition to the variations already described, the workpiece processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment can be further modified in various ways. Hereinafter, one variation of the workpiece processing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0085] Compare Figure 13 and Figure 1 The workpiece processing apparatus 10A according to this variant includes three spacers 72A, instead of the spacers 72 of the workpiece processing apparatus 10. Therefore, the workpiece processing apparatus 10A includes a main component (partial device) 11A that is different from the main component 11 of the workpiece processing apparatus 10. The main component 11A of this variant includes all the components of the workpiece processing apparatus 10A shown except for the slider 61. Apart from the differences described above, the workpiece processing apparatus 10A has the same structure as the workpiece processing apparatus 10.

[0086] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15Each spacer 72A includes a base 73A made of metal, a pressure portion 74A made of metal, and a support member 76A. Each of the base 73A and the pressure portion 74A has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. Each base 73A is fixed to and protrudes downward from a single slider 61. Each pressure portion 74A is configured to press down on a piston 42. Each support member 76A is formed by one or more metal springs and is elastic. In each spacer 72A, the upper end of each metal spring is attached to the base 73A, and the lower end of each metal spring is attached to the pressure portion 74A. According to this structure, each support member 76A supports the pressure portion 74A such that the pressure portion 74A is movable relative to the slider 61 in the vertical direction.

[0087] from Figure 15 As can be seen, when the slider 61 moves downward, the pressurizing parts 74A of workpiece processing group 12F, 12S, and 12T press the piston 42 in sequence and generate hydraulic pressure. Therefore, the timing of hydraulic pressure generation in the three workpiece processing groups 12 of the workpiece processing device 10A is different from each other. Furthermore, the support member 76A of workpiece processing group 12T has a different elasticity than the support members 76A of workpiece processing group 12F and 12S, thereby generating hydraulic pressure different from that of workpiece processing group 12F and 12S.

[0088] refer to Figure 14 The hydraulic pressure generated in the workpiece machining group 12F according to this variant can be adjusted by the elastic force of the support member 76A, and more specifically, by the elastic modulus of the metal spring. Therefore, it is more reliable to prevent the hydraulic pressure from exceeding a predetermined value. Thus, the support member 76A, together with the safety valve 59, serves as a hydraulic pressure regulating mechanism.

Claims

1. A workpiece processing apparatus configured to process a workpiece using hydraulic pressure, wherein: The workpiece processing device includes a main component and a slider; The main component includes a base plate component and a punch; The slider is located above the substrate component in the vertical direction and is capable of moving between an upper position and a lower position in the vertical direction; The punch protrudes downward from the slider and moves in the vertical direction according to the movement of the slider in the vertical direction; The substrate component has a hydraulic chamber formed therein; The hydraulic chamber can be filled with liquid; The hydraulic chamber includes a workpiece processing chamber, a hydraulic generation chamber, and a bonding chamber; Each of the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic generation chamber extends along the vertical direction and opens upward; The combined chamber connects the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic generation chamber together. The substrate component includes a piston; The piston is partially received in the hydraulic generating chamber, enabling the piston to move in the vertical direction and protrude upward from the hydraulic generating chamber; The piston receives downward pressure from the slider as the slider moves from the upper position to the lower position; When the slider moves from the upper position to the lower position while the hydraulic chamber is filled with liquid and the workpiece is placed on the workpiece processing chamber, the punch moves downward and presses the workpiece into the workpiece processing chamber, and the piston moves downward according to the pressure and increases the hydraulic pressure of the liquid; The hydraulic chamber is equipped with a safety valve; and The safety valve controls the hydraulic pressure to ensure that the hydraulic pressure does not exceed a predetermined value.

2. The workpiece processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: The workpiece processing device includes two or more workpiece processing groups; Each of the workpiece processing groups includes the hydraulic chamber, the piston, and the punch; All the aforementioned punches protrude downward from the same slider; and The hydraulic pressure of at least one of the workpiece processing groups is different from that of the other workpiece processing group at a predetermined time.

3. The workpiece processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, At least one of the pistons receives pressure from the slider at a different time than the other piston receives pressure.

4. The workpiece processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein: Each of the aforementioned workpiece processing groups includes spacers; All of the spacers protrude downward from the same slider; During the movement of the slider from the upper position to the lower position, each piston receives pressure from the spacer; When the slider is in the upper position, each of the spacers is separated from the piston by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction; and At least one of the predetermined distances is different from the other of the predetermined distances.

5. The workpiece processing apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein: Each of the spacers includes a pressurizing part and a supporting part; Each of the pressurizing sections is configured to press the piston downwards; and Each of the support members is elastic and supports the pressure section, allowing the pressure section to move relative to the slider.

6. The workpiece processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein: Each of the pistons has a body; Each of the said bodies is partially received in the hydraulic generation chamber; and At least one of the main bodies has a cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction that is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the other one of the main bodies.

7. The workpiece processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The main component includes a retainer and a retainer support component; The retainer is located outside the punch in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; The retainer support member is elastic and supports the retainer, allowing the retainer to move relative to the slider; and When the slider moves downward with the workpiece placed on the workpiece processing chamber, the retainer moves downward and presses the workpiece against the base plate component.

8. The workpiece processing apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein: The hydraulic chamber has branch passages; The branch channel branches out from the workpiece processing chamber and has an opening that opens outward from the base plate component; and When the retainer presses the workpiece against the base plate component, the opening is located below the retainer in the vertical direction and outside the outer periphery of the workpiece in the horizontal plane.

9. A main component configured to form a workpiece processing device together with a slider, the workpiece processing device being configured to process a workpiece using hydraulic pressure, wherein: The main component includes a base plate component and a punch; When the workpiece processing device is formed, the slider is located above the substrate component in the vertical direction and can move between the upper and lower positions along the vertical direction; The punch can be attached to the slider; When the punch is attached to the slider, the punch protrudes downward from the slider, and the punch moves in the vertical direction according to the movement of the slider in the vertical direction; The substrate component has a hydraulic chamber formed therein; The hydraulic chamber can be filled with liquid; The hydraulic chamber includes a workpiece processing chamber, a hydraulic generation chamber, and a bonding chamber; Each of the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic generation chamber extends along the vertical direction and opens upward; The combined chamber connects the workpiece processing chamber and the hydraulic generation chamber together. The substrate component includes a piston; The piston is partially received in the hydraulic generating chamber, enabling the piston to move in the vertical direction and protrude upward from the hydraulic generating chamber; The piston receives downward pressure from the slider as the slider moves from the upper position to the lower position; When the slider moves from the upper position to the lower position while the hydraulic chamber is filled with liquid and the workpiece is placed on the workpiece processing chamber, the punch moves downward and presses the workpiece into the workpiece processing chamber, and the piston moves downward according to the pressure and increases the hydraulic pressure of the liquid; The hydraulic chamber is equipped with a safety valve; and The safety valve controls the hydraulic pressure to ensure that the hydraulic pressure does not exceed a predetermined value.

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