Device for feeding a sheet metal strip to a processing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for feeding a sheet metal strip (B) to a processing device (1) arranged downstream in a transport or X-direction, comprising a roller feed (6) for transporting the sheet metal strip (B) in the X-direction, wherein the roller feed (6) is movable back and forth in a Y-direction running transversely to the X-direction, wherein a residual strip transport device (7) for transporting a residual strip to the processing device (1) is provided between the roller feed (6) and the processing device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for feeding a sheet metal strip to a processing device arranged downstream in a transport or X-direction.

[0002] DE 10 2009 027 908 B3 discloses a device for feeding a sheet metal strip to a sheet metal processing device. A sheet metal strip is fed cyclically to a transfer press by means of a roller drive. In the transfer press, sheet metal parts are punched from the sheet metal strip. The punched sheet metal parts are transported from one processing station to the next in the transfer press using a transfer device, for example a 2-beam transfer, and processed in the respective processing stations. The roller feed for feeding the sheet metal strip is usually located several meters upstream from the transfer device and the tool. When one strip end leaves the roller feed, the remaining strip or the remaining strip section can no longer be gripped and processed by the transfer device. The remaining strip is usually discarded.In order to be able to utilize the remaining strip, it is known from the aforementioned document to provide special gripping devices at the inlet ends of the transfer beams, with which the remaining strip can be gripped and fed to the transfer device or the tool.

[0003] Sheet metal strips are offered on the market in so-called coils, i.e., as sheet metal strip spools. Coils are offered in specific, predefined sheet metal strip widths. Depending on the geometry of the sheet metal parts to be punched from the sheet metal strip, a relatively large amount of scrap may remain.

[0004] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is intended to provide a device for feeding a sheet metal strip with which sheet metal parts can be produced with improved efficiency. In particular, scrap is to be reduced.

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1. Useful embodiments emerge from the features of the dependent patent claims.

[0006] According to the invention, a device for feeding a sheet metal strip to a processing device arranged downstream in a transport or X-direction is proposed, comprising a roller feed for transporting the sheet metal strip in the X-direction, wherein the roller feed is movable back and forth in a Y-direction running transversely to the X-direction, wherein a residual strip transport device for transporting a residual strip to the processing device is provided between the roller feed and the processing device.

[0007] By allowing the roller feed to move back and forth in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, it is possible to feed the sheet metal strip to a first processing station in a zigzag motion. The first processing station typically includes a punching tool. If the sheet metal strip is fed to the first processing station in a zigzag motion, significantly more parts can be punched from the sheet metal strip per given length than if the sheet metal strip were simply moved in the X direction.

[0008] If a residual strip transport device is also provided for transporting residual strip, the residual strip leaving the roller feed can also be fed into the processing device. This further increases the efficiency of the device. The residual strip can also be processed, thus reducing scrap.

[0009] The processing device advantageously comprises a press with processing stations arranged consecutively in the transport direction and a transfer device for transporting workpieces from one processing station to the next. The processing station can, for example, also comprise a Prodgie tool. The proposed residual strip transport device can advantageously be optionally inserted between the roller feed and the processing device. The residual strip transport device is expediently not mechanically coupled to the transfer device.

[0010] The residual strip transport device can have grippers for gripping or holding the residual strip, which can be moved back and forth in the X and Y directions and in a Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. This means that the grippers can be moved in the X direction as well as in a vertical direction perpendicular to an XY plane.

[0011] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the grippers can also be moved back and forth in the Y-direction. This advantageously makes it possible to feed the remaining strip to a first processing station of the processing device using the proposed remaining strip transport device in a zigzag motion. This further improves the efficiency of the device and saves scrap.

[0012] According to a specific embodiment, the residual strip transport device can comprise two telescopic arms that can be moved back and forth in the X direction and to which at least one gripper, preferably several grippers, are attached.

[0013] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, several grippers are attached to each of the telescopic arms, arranged in sequence in the X direction. This makes it possible to feed large remaining strip sections to the processing device.

[0014] An additional gripper can be attached to each of the telescopic arms, which can be moved relative to the telescopic arm by means of a vertical movement device. The additional gripper is attached to one end of the telescopic arm facing away from the processing device. If an additional gripper is provided, only one gripper can be provided on the respective telescopic arm instead of several grippers.

[0015] Because the additional gripper can be moved vertically back and forth separately, it is possible to feed even small remaining strip sections to the processing device. To transport small remaining strip sections, the additional gripper can be moved into a vertically raised position relative to the gripper(s). This prevents collision with other components of the device. In this case, the remaining strip sections are moved in the X and / or Y transport direction only with the grippers facing the processing device.

[0016] The grippers and / or additional grippers are advantageously suction cups for sucking up the remaining strip. Of course, the grippers and / or additional grippers can also be designed differently. For example, they can be magnetic, preferably electromagnetic, or even mechanically designed grippers.

[0017] The telescopic arms are conveniently mounted on a support that can be moved back and forth in the Y direction. This support can, in turn, be mounted on a crosshead that can be moved in the Z direction.

[0018] To control the residual strip transport device, a controller with a residual strip detection device can be provided. The residual strip detection device can be an optical, mechanical, or electromechanical device with which a strip end can be detected. The residual strip detection device is expediently attached to the roller feed. When a residual strip is detected by the residual strip detection device, the controller advantageously switches from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, in which the movements of the residual strip transport device, the press, and the transfer device are controlled cyclically in dependence on one another. The residual strip transport device can expediently be moved by the controller in such a way that a previous zigzag movement of the sheet metal strip is also carried out with the residual strip.It is advisable to continue a previous zigzag path in the second operating mode.

[0019] In the second operating mode, the two telescopic arms of the residual strip transport device are conveniently moved into an area between the two transfer beams of the transfer device to transport the residual strip. After the residual strip has been positioned as specified by the control system, the grippers are released from the residual strip and the two telescopic arms are retracted from this area. A processing operation is then carried out using the transfer press. This makes it possible to re-grip the residual strip using the grippers immediately after the processing operation is completed and feed it to the processing device. This enables cycle times to be shortened.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the residual strip transport device can have a table extending in the direction of the processing device for supporting the residual strip section. The table is expediently designed as a brush or roller table. The brush table design is particularly preferred when a zigzag movement is to be performed with the strip or the residual strip.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the table comprises a support and holding device that is telescopic in the X-direction. This enables the holding or support of small or short residual strip sections. The support and holding device is expediently designed as an additional table, preferably a brush or roller table. An upper side of the table facing the telescopic arms and another upper side of the additional table expediently form a common plane for supporting the residual strip section.

[0022] The support and holding device comprises at least one additional suction cup and / or a switchable magnet as a holder, which is preferably provided on an end section facing the processing device. The holder makes it possible to hold a residual strip section in place on its underside facing the table when the grippers provided on the telescopic arms are released from an upper side of the residual strip section. This enables particularly precise feeding of the residual strip section to a downstream transfer device or a downstream tool.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device for feeding a sheet metal strip according to the prior art, Fig. 2 a schematic plan view of the essential components of a device according to the invention for feeding a sheet metal strip, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a roller feed according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a zigzag feed for producing round blanks, Fig. 5 a front view of a residual strip transport device, Fig. 6 a perspective partial view according to Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a telescopic arm according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a side view of a telescopic arm, Fig. 9 a perspective view according to Fig. 8, Fig. 10 a perspective view of a table with a support and holding device and Fig. 11 a perspective view of a residual strip transport device with a table attached thereto according to Fig. 10.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a device for feeding a sheet metal strip to a processing device, generally designated by the reference numeral 1. The processing device comprises a transfer press 2 with a transfer device for the cyclic transport of workpieces 4 from one processing station to the subsequent processing station (not shown in detail here). The transfer device has two transfer beams 3 with grippers 5, with which the workpieces 4 can be gripped and fed to the next processing station. Reference numeral 6 designates a roller feed, with which a sheet metal strip from B is clamped and fed cyclically to the processing device 1 in a transport direction T or X direction. A Y direction runs in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the X direction. A vertical direction is designated Z.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of a device according to the invention for feeding a sheet metal strip to the processing device 1. A residual strip transport device 7 is arranged between a roller feed 6 and the processing device 1. Reference numeral 8 denotes a roller straightening machine upstream of the roller feed 6, with which a sheet metal strip (not shown here) is fed to the roller feed 6.

[0026] The roller feed 6 is perspectively in Fig. 3. Mounted on a roller table 9 is a frame 9a that can be moved back and forth in the Y direction. This frame includes, among other things, two transport rollers 10 for clamping and advancing a sheet metal strip (not shown here). Support rollers 11 are arranged upstream of the transport rollers 10.

[0027] Fig. Figure 4 shows a zigzag feed of a sheet metal strip B, which can be carried out by a cyclically controlled movement in the X and Y directions of the roller feed 6. It can be seen that the proposed zigzag movements allow significantly more blanks to be punched from the sheet metal strip B than by moving the sheet metal strip B only in the X direction. The zigzag movements can be performed from left to right either in the sequence ACB; BCA; ACB (solid line) or along the path ABC; ABC; ABC (dashed line).

[0028] The Fig. 5 to 8 show an embodiment of a residual strip transport device according to the invention. Fig. 7 schematically shows the telescopic arms 15 which can be moved back and forth in the X direction in an extended and a retracted position in the X direction. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of the telescopic arms 15. A crosshead 13 that can be raised and lowered in the Z direction is attached to two press stands or columns 12. The crosshead 13 can comprise a support 14, for example, rails, on which telescopic arms 15 that can be moved back and forth in the Y direction are provided. Each of the telescopic arms 15 comprises grippers 16 designed as suction cups.

[0029] Fig. 9 shows a perspective detail view according to Fig. 8. Several grippers 16 and a further gripper 17 are mounted on the telescopic arm 15 in the X-direction. The further gripper 17 can be moved vertically back and forth relative to the grippers 16 by means of a vertical movement device 18. As shown in particular in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the additional gripper 17 is mounted at one end E1 of the telescopic arm 15. The grippers 16 are mounted near another end E2 of the telescopic arm 15. The transport device 7 is arranged with respect to the processing device 1 such that the other end E2 of the telescopic arms 15 faces the processing direction 1.

[0030] The Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show perspective views of a table that is optionally attached to the residual strip transport device 7. The table 18 extends from the residual strip transport device 7 toward a processing device (not shown here). Here, the table 18 is designed as a brush table.

[0031] As is particularly evident from Fig. 10, the table 18 can comprise a support and holding device 19 which is telescopic in the X-direction. The support and holding device 19 is designed here as an additional brush table. As can be seen in particular from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, an upper side of the table 18 facing the telescopic arms 15 and another upper side of the further table 19 form a common plane for supporting the remaining strip section (not shown here). The support and holding device 19 can have at least one further suction cup 20 as a holder. Instead of the further suction cup 20, a switchable magnet or the like can also be provided. The holder 20 is provided at an end section of the further table 19, which faces the processing device (not shown here).

[0032] The function of the device is as follows: A residual strip detection device (not shown in detail here) can be provided on the roller feed 6. This can be, for example, an optical detector. As soon as the presence of residual strip is detected, the system switches from a first operating mode to a second operating mode.

[0033] In the first mode of operation, the sheet metal strip B is moved by means of the roller feed 6 in the X and Y directions, for example, so that one of the Fig. 4 is carried out with respect to a processing device 1 provided in the transfer press 2. As long as the first operating mode is active, the residual strip transport device 7 is not active. As soon as a strip end or the like is detected by the residual strip detection device, a second operating mode is activated. The residual strip is gripped or fixed by means of the residual strip transport device 7. By means of the telescopic arms 15, the residual strip is moved in the X and / or Y direction according to a predetermined path stored in a control system in the direction of the downstream processing device 1. The movement can take place in the transport direction, i.e. exclusively in the X direction. However, it can also take place in an oblique direction, i.e. in the XY plane. By means of the residual strip transport device 7, in particular, a zigzag movement can also be carried out or continued, as for example in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, a third operating mode is provided. The third operating mode serves to feed a remaining short residual strip section, which can no longer be gripped by the additional grippers 17 in the second operating mode. In the third operating mode, the additional grippers 17 are moved into a raised position relative to the short sheet metal strip section. By raising the additional grippers 17 relative to the grippers 16, a collision with an upstream support table or other components can be avoided. The short sheet metal strip section is then gripped only by the grippers 16, which are lowered onto the short sheet metal strip section by means of the vertical movement devices 18. This allows the short sheet metal strip section to continue to be fed according to the zigzag movement of the processing device 1. This further increases the efficiency of the residual strip transport device 7.Scrap can be largely avoided.

[0035] In the third operating mode, particularly shorter residual strip sections can be supported by means of the telescopic support and holding device 19. For this purpose, the support and holding device 19 can be moved back and forth in the X direction, preferably in accordance with the advance of the telescopic arms 15. Upon reaching a predetermined end position, the residual strip section can be secured on its underside by means of the holders 20. Subsequently, the additional grippers 17 engaging the upper side of the residual strip section are released and lifted vertically. Because the sheet metal strip section is secured by the holder 20 provided on the support and holding device 19, it is ensured that the sheet metal strip section is held precisely in a predetermined position. It can thus be precisely fed to a tool and / or a transfer device arranged downstream in the transport direction X. List of reference symbols 1 processing device 2 transfer press 3 transfer bars 4 Workpiece 5 grippers 6 roller feed 7 Remaining belt transport device 8 roller straightening machine 9 roller table 9a frame 10 transport rollers 11 support rollers 12 pillar 13 Crosshead 14 recording 15 Telescopic arm 16 grippers 17 additional grippers 18 Table 19 Support and holding device 20 additional suction cups B sheet metal strip T transport or X direction A,B,C points of a zigzag movement QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2009 027 908 B3

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device for feeding a sheet metal strip (B) to a processing device (1) arranged downstream in a transport or X-direction, having a roller feed (6) for transporting the sheet metal strip (B) in the X-direction, wherein the roller feed (6) is movable back and forth in a Y-direction running transversely to the X-direction, wherein a residual strip transport device (7) for transporting a residual strip to the processing device (1) is provided between the roller feed (6) and the processing device (1). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the processing device (1) comprises a press (2) with processing stations arranged one after the other in the transport direction and a transfer device (3, 5) for transporting workpieces (4) from one processing station to the following processing station. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the residual strip transport device (7) has grippers (16) for gripping the residual strip, which are movable back and forth in the X direction and in a Z direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the grippers (16) are movable back and forth in the Y direction. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the residual strip transport device (7) comprises two telescopic arms (15) which can be moved back and forth in the X direction and to which the grippers (16) are attached. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of grippers (16) are attached successively in the X direction to each of the telescopic arms (15). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further gripper (17) is attached to each of the telescopic arms (15) and is movable relative to the telescopic arm (15) by means of a vertical movement device. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the grippers (16) and / or the further grippers (17) are designed as suction cups (16) for sucking the remaining strip. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic arms (15) are mounted on a holder (14) so as to be movable back and forth in the Y direction. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (14) is attached to a crosshead (13) movable in the Z direction. [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control with a residual tape detection device is provided for controlling the residual tape transport device (7). [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein upon detection of a residual strip by means of the residual strip detection device, the control changes from a first operating mode to a second operating mode, in which the movements of the residual strip transport device (7), the press (2) and the transfer device (3) are controlled in cycles in dependence on one another. [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the residual strip transport device (7) has a table (18) extending in the direction of the processing device (1) for supporting the residual strip section. [14] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the table (18) is designed as a brush or roller table. [15] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the table (18) comprises a support and holding device (19) which is telescopic in the X direction. [16] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting and holding device (19) is designed as a further table, preferably as a brush or roller table. [17] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper side of the table (18) facing the telescopic arms (15) and a further upper side of the further table form a common plane for supporting the remaining strip section. [18] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support and holder device (19) comprises as a holder at least one further suction cup (20) and / or a switchable magnet, which is preferably provided on an end section facing the processing device (1).

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