Processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a processing apparatus with a structure suitable for a small object, which processes the object with a liquid pressure.SOLUTION: A processing apparatus 10 comprises a base member 20, a slider 61 positioned above the base member 20, and a punch 64 projecting downward from the slider 61. On the base member 20 is formed a liquid chamber 50 filled with liquid 50L. A liquid chamber 50 has a processing chamber 51 and a liquid pressure generation chamber 53 connected with each other. The processing chamber 51 and the liquid pressure generation chamber 53 extend vertically to open upward. The base member 20 comprises a piston 42 received partially by the liquid pressure generation chamber 53. When the slider 61 is made to move downward, the punch 64 moves downward to pressurize a portion to be processed 82 of an object 80 toward the inside of the processing chamber 51, and the piston 42 receives a downward force to move downward and raises a liquid pressure of the liquid 50L.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device that processes an object using hydraulic pressure. [Background technology]

[0002] This type of processing device is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0003] Referring to FIG. 16 , the processing device 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a conventional processing device that processes a blank (object) 98 using hydraulic pressure. The processing device 90 includes a die 91, a blank holder 92, a punch 93, and a hydraulic pressure control device 95. The die 91 has a fluid chamber 94 formed therein. The fluid chamber 94 is filled with a liquid such as oil. The hydraulic pressure of the liquid is controlled by the hydraulic pressure control device 95, which includes a pump and a relief valve. The blank holder 92 is movable up and down by a power unit (not shown). The punch 93 is movable up and down relative to the blank holder 92 by another power unit (not shown). The blank holder 92 is lowered to sandwich the object 98 between the die 91 and the blank holder 92, and then the punch 93 is lowered to draw the object 98 using hydraulic pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-150426 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional processing devices having complex power mechanisms and hydraulic pressure generating mechanisms, such as the processing device 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1, are suitable for processing large objects such as automobile bodies. On the other hand, there is a demand for processing devices suitable for processing small objects such as connector shells used inside electronic devices.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a processing device that processes an object using hydraulic pressure and that has a structure suitable for processing small objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first processing device, A processing device that processes a processed portion of an object using hydraulic pressure, the processing device includes a main member and a slider; The main member includes a base member and a punch, the slider is positioned above the base member in the vertical direction and is movable in the vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position; the punch protrudes downward from the slider and moves in the up-down direction in accordance with the movement of the slider in the up-down direction; A liquid chamber is formed in the base member, The liquid chamber is capable of being filled with a liquid; The liquid chamber has a processing chamber, a liquid pressure generating chamber, and a connecting chamber, The processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber each extend in the vertical direction and open upward, the connecting chamber connects the processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber to each other, The base member includes a piston; the piston is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber so as to be movable in the up and down direction, and protrudes upward from the hydraulic pressure generating chamber; the piston receives a downward pressure from the slider while the slider is moving from the upper position to the lower position, When the slider is moved from the upper position to the lower position in a state in which the liquid chamber is filled with the liquid and the workpiece is placed above the processing chamber, the punch moves downward to pressurize the workpiece toward the inside of the processing chamber, and the piston moves downward in response to the pressing force to increase the liquid pressure of the liquid, A relief valve is provided in the fluid chamber, The relief valve controls the hydraulic pressure so that it does not exceed a predetermined value. Processing equipment is provided.

[0008] The present invention provides a second processing apparatus, which is the first processing apparatus, The processing device includes two or more processing sets; Each of the processing sets includes the liquid chamber, the piston, and the punch, All of the punches protrude downward from one of the sliders, At a predetermined timing, the hydraulic pressure in at least one of the processing sets is different from the hydraulic pressure in another of the processing sets. Processing equipment is provided.

[0009] The present invention provides a third processing apparatus, which is the second processing apparatus, At least one of the pistons receives the pressure from the slider at a timing different from that of the other of the pistons. Processing equipment is provided.

[0010] The present invention provides a fourth processing apparatus, which is the second processing apparatus, Each of the processing sets includes a spacer; All the spacers protrude downward from one of the sliders, each of the pistons receives the pressure force from the spacer while the slider is moving from the upper position to the lower position; When the slider is at the upper position, each of the spacers is spaced a predetermined distance from the piston in the up-down direction, At least one of the predetermined distances is different from another of the predetermined distances. Processing equipment is provided.

[0011] The present invention provides a fifth processing apparatus, which is the fourth processing apparatus, Each of the spacers includes a pressure portion and a support member, Each of the pressure applying portions is a portion that applies pressure downward to the piston, Each of the support members has elasticity and supports the pressure applying portion so as to be movable relative to the slider. Processing equipment is provided.

[0012] The present invention provides a sixth processing apparatus, which is the second processing apparatus, Each of the pistons has a main portion; Each of the main portions is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber, At least one of the main portions has a cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction that is different from that of another of the main portions. Processing equipment is provided.

[0013] The present invention provides a seventh processing apparatus, which is any one of the first to sixth processing apparatuses, The main member includes a holder and a holder support member, the holder is located outside the punch in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, the holder support member has elasticity and supports the holder so as to be movable relative to the slider; When the slider is moved downward with the workpiece placed above the processing chamber, the holder moves downward to press the workpiece against the base member. Processing equipment is provided.

[0014] The present invention provides an eighth processing apparatus, which is the seventh processing apparatus, The liquid chamber has a branch flow path, the branch flow path branches off from the processing chamber and has an opening that opens to the outside of the base member, When the holder presses the workpiece against the base member, the opening is located below the holder in the vertical direction and outside the periphery of the workpiece in the horizontal plane. Processing equipment is provided.

[0015] The present invention provides a first main member, A main member that, together with a slider, forms a processing device that processes a processed portion of an object using hydraulic pressure, The main member includes a base member and a punch, When the processing device is formed, the slider is positioned above the base member in the vertical direction and is movable in the vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position; the punch is attachable to the slider; When the punch is attached to the slider, the punch protrudes downward from the slider and moves in the up-down direction in accordance with the movement of the slider in the up-down direction; A liquid chamber is formed in the base member, The liquid chamber is capable of being filled with a liquid; The liquid chamber has a processing chamber, a liquid pressure generating chamber, and a connecting chamber, The processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber each extend in the vertical direction and open upward, the connecting chamber connects the processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber to each other, The base member includes a piston; the piston is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber so as to be movable in the up and down direction, and protrudes upward from the hydraulic pressure generating chamber; the piston receives a downward pressure from the slider while the slider is moving from the upper position to the lower position, When the slider is moved from the upper position to the lower position in a state in which the liquid chamber is filled with the liquid and the workpiece is placed above the processing chamber, the punch moves downward to pressurize the workpiece toward the inside of the processing chamber, and the piston moves downward in response to the pressing force to increase the liquid pressure of the liquid, A relief valve is provided in the fluid chamber, The relief valve controls the hydraulic pressure so that it does not exceed a predetermined value. Provide the main member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The machining chamber and hydraulic pressure generating chamber of the present invention extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction and open upward. With this structure, by simply lowering the slider, the lowered piston can increase the hydraulic pressure to the required level, while the lowered punch can machine the object. As described above, the machining device of the present invention has a simple mechanism and can be made compact. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a machining device that uses hydraulic pressure to machine an object and has a structure suitable for small objects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. An object is placed in the processing device. Although the punch and spacer are shown separated from the slider, the punch and spacer are actually fixed to the slider. A portion of the processing device (enclosed by a dashed line) is shown enlarged. In the enlarged view, the position of a hidden branch channel is shown by a dashed line. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the processing device of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a rear view showing the processing apparatus of FIG. 1. The positions of the hidden liquid chamber and the relief valve are drawn with dashed lines. [Figure 4] 2 is a top view showing the processing apparatus of FIG. 1. The slider is not drawn. The position of the opening of the hidden processing chamber and the position of the hidden piston are drawn with dashed lines. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view of the processing device shown in Figure 4 taken along line VV. The slider is in the upper position. The position of the lower end of the slider and the position of the relief valve are depicted by dashed lines. A portion of the processing device (the area surrounded by the dashed line) is depicted in an enlarged view. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the processing apparatus taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. The slider is in the upper position. The position of the lower end of the slider is depicted by a dashed line. [Figure 7] 6 is another cross-sectional view showing the processing apparatus of FIG. 5. The slider is lowered and the lower end of the spacer is in contact with the piston. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part (a part surrounded by a dashed dotted line A) of the processing device of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is another cross-sectional view showing the processing device of FIG. 7, with the slider further lowered and in the lower position. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part (a part surrounded by a dashed dotted line B) of the processing device of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part (a part surrounded by a dashed dotted line C) of the processing device of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part (a part surrounded by a dashed dotted line D) of the processing device of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the processing device of FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the processing apparatus of Fig. 13. The depicted cross section corresponds to the cross section of Fig. 5. [Figure 15] 14 is another cross-sectional view showing the processing apparatus of FIG. 13. The depicted cross section corresponds to the cross section of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a processing device of Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a processing apparatus that uses hydraulic pressure to process a workpiece (blank) 82 of an object 80. The "hydraulic pressure" in this embodiment refers to the pressure applied to the workpiece 82 by a liquid 50L (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, and is a concept that includes the "counter hydraulic pressure OP" and "circumferential hydraulic pressure PP," which will be described later. The object 80 in this embodiment is a single metal plate, and has a thin, flat shape before processing. Referring to FIG. 1 together with FIG. 4, the illustrated object 80 has a carrier 81 and three workpieces 82 connected to the carrier 81.

[0019] The processing device 10 of this embodiment is suitable for progressive processing of the object 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a device that transfer processes the object 80. The object 80 may also be a single processed part 82 that has been separated from the carrier 81. In other words, the processing device 10 may be a device that processes only one processed part 82 in a single operation.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes one base member 20 and one movable member 60. The movable member 60 is located above the base member 20 in the vertical direction. The vertical direction in this embodiment is the Z direction. Up is the +Z direction, and down is the -Z direction. It is preferable that the vertical direction coincides with the direction of gravity. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vertical direction may intersect with the direction of gravity within a range in which the target object 80 can be processed.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a groove 18 is formed in the base member 20. The groove 18 is a space recessed downward. The groove 18 extends continuously along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and is open on both sides in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction is the Y direction. The bottom surface of the groove 18 extends along a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction. The object 80 is placed on the bottom surface of the groove 18. The processed portions 82 of the object 80 are aligned in the horizontal direction.

[0022] 1 to 3, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes only the base member 20 and the movable member 60 described above. The horizontal size of the processing apparatus 10 is small, at most several tens of centimeters. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a large processing apparatus 10. Furthermore, the processing apparatus 10 may further include other members in addition to the members described above.

[0023] The base member 20 of this embodiment includes three base members 20F, 20S, and 20T: a first member (base member) 20F, a second member (base member) 20S, and a third member (base member) 20T. The base members 20F, 20S, and 20T are aligned in the horizontal direction. The three base members 20F, 20S, and 20T are capable of machining three workpieces 82, respectively.

[0024] The present embodiment has three processing steps. The processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is provided with three base members 20F, 20S, and 20T, each used in one of the three processing steps. The base members 20F, 20S, and 20T of the present embodiment are formed separately from one another and are arranged side by side without any gaps. According to the present embodiment, two or more base members 20F, 20S, and 20T can be arranged depending on the number of processing steps. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the base members 20F, 20S, and 20T may be formed integrally with one another. When the number of processing steps is one, the processing apparatus 10 may be provided with only one base member 20F.

[0025] In this embodiment, the base members 20F, 20S, and 20T have the same outer shape and similar structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the base members 20F, 20S, and 20T may have different outer shapes or structures.

[0026] The base member 20F of this embodiment will be described below, but the following description is applicable to both the base members 20S and 20T.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIG. 1, the base member 20F of this embodiment includes a bed 22, a metal mold 30, a metal cylinder 40, and a metal piston 42. The bed 22 includes a metal upper member 222 and a metal lower member 224. The upper member 222 is placed on the lower member 224. The groove portion 18 described above is formed in the upper member 222. A liquid chamber 50 is formed in the base member 20F. The liquid chamber 50 is an internal space of the base member 20F and is closed to the interior of the base member 20F except for several openings described below. The liquid chamber 50 can be filled with 50L of liquid such as oil. The illustrated liquid chamber 50 is filled with the liquid 50L.

[0028] 5, the base member 20F of this embodiment is formed by combining an upper member 222, a lower member 224, a mold 30, a cylinder 40, and a piston 42. This structure makes it easy to form the liquid chamber 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper member 222, the mold 30, and the cylinder 40 may be integral members. On the other hand, the base member 20F may further include other members in addition to the above-mentioned members.

[0029] In this embodiment, the mold 30 and the cylinder 40 each have a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. That is, the mold 30 and the cylinder 40 each have a cylindrical central hole extending in the vertical direction. Two cylindrical mounting holes 223 are formed in the upper member 222. The mold 30 and the cylinder 40 are fitted into the two mounting holes 223, respectively. The cylindrical members can be easily fitted into the cylindrical holes while eliminating gaps that allow leakage of the liquid 50L. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the mold 30 and the cylinder 40 each have a central hole, the shapes of the mold 30 and the cylinder 40 are not particularly limited.

[0030] The upper end surfaces of the mold 30 and the cylinder 40 are exposed upward from the upper member 222. The mold 30 is located in front of the cylinder 40 in the front-rear direction, which is perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the front-rear direction is the X direction. The front is the +X direction, and the rear is the -X direction. The upper end surface of the mold 30 forms part of the bottom surface of the groove portion 18. With reference to Figures 1 and 11, a recess 32 is formed in the upper end surface of the mold 30. The recess 32 is a space recessed downward. The recess 32 has a ring shape in the XY plane and surrounds the central hole of the mold 30.

[0031] 5, the fluid chamber 50 has a machining chamber 51, a fluid pressure generating chamber 53, and a connecting chamber 55. The machining chamber 51 and the fluid pressure generating chamber 53 each extend in the vertical direction and open upward. In other words, the machining chamber 51 and the fluid pressure generating chamber 53 extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction and have an opening 52 and an opening 54, respectively. The connecting chamber 55 connects the machining chamber 51 and the fluid pressure generating chamber 53 to each other.

[0032] The machining chamber 51 in this embodiment extends through the central hole of the mold 30. An opening 52 of the machining chamber 51 is located on the upper end surface of the mold 30. The hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53 in this embodiment extends through the central hole of the cylinder 40. An opening 54 of the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53 is located on the upper end surface of the cylinder 40, above the opening 52. The machining chamber 51 and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53 each have a circular shape in the XY plane. The connecting chamber 55 in this embodiment extends along the front-to-rear direction and connects the lower end of the machining chamber 51 and the lower end of the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53 to each other. The connecting chamber 55 has a circular shape in an orthogonal plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0033] 5 and 8 together with FIG. 1, the liquid chamber 50 of this embodiment further has four branch flow paths 56. The four branch flow paths 56 are located in front of, behind, and on both lateral sides of the processing chamber 51, respectively. Each of the branch flow paths 56 branches off from the processing chamber 51. More specifically, a portion of the lower end surface of the mold 30 is located slightly above the upper end surface of the lower member 224, thereby forming a flow path that extends from the processing chamber 51 outside the XY plane. Each of the branch flow paths 56 extends upward from this flow path.

[0034] Each of the branch flow paths 56 passes through a small hole formed inside the mold 30, extends in the vertical direction parallel to the processing chamber 51, and opens upward. That is, each of the branch flow paths 56 has an opening 57 that opens to the outside of the base member 20F. With reference to FIG. 11 , each of the openings 57 is located on the bottom surface of the recess 32 of the mold 30. That is, each of the openings 57 is located slightly below the opening 52 of the processing chamber 51.

[0035] 5, the liquid chamber 50 of this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the liquid chamber 50 can be modified as needed. For example, the branch flow path 56 may be provided as needed. Meanwhile, the liquid chamber 50 may further have other portions in addition to the portions described above.

[0036] A relief valve 59 is provided in the liquid chamber 50. The relief valve 59 is partially connected to the liquid chamber 50 and partially exposed to the outside of the base member 20F. The relief valve 59 is closed before the object 80 is machined (the state shown in FIG. 5). At this time, a liquid level 58 of the liquid 50L is located below the openings 52 and 57. That is, the liquid 50L is maintained inside the liquid chamber 50. Meanwhile, as the object 80 is machined, the liquid pressure of the liquid 50L increases. When the liquid pressure of the liquid 50L exceeds a predetermined value, the relief valve 59 opens, and a portion of the liquid 50L is discharged to the outside of the base member 20F. As a result, the liquid pressure of the liquid 50L drops below the predetermined value. In this embodiment, the relief valve 59 is located behind the lower end of the liquid pressure generating chamber 53. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement and internal structure of the relief valve 59 are not particularly limited.

[0037] 1 and 5, the piston 42 of this embodiment has a main portion 44 and a pressurized portion 46. The main portion 44 and the pressurized portion 46 each have a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. The size of the pressurized portion 46 in the XY plane is larger than the size of the main portion 44 in the XY plane. The main portion 44 extends downward from the lower end of the pressurized portion 46.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 5 , the piston 42 is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and protrudes upward from the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53. More specifically, the main portion 44 is inserted into the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53 through the opening 54. The lower portion of the inserted main portion 44 is received substantially tightly in a central hole formed inside the cylinder 40. Meanwhile, the upper portion of the main portion 44 protrudes upward from the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53, so that the main portion 44 is movable in the vertical direction. The lower end of the main portion 44 is in contact with the liquid 50L. An O-ring 48 is attached to the lower portion of the main portion 44, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid 50L. The piston 42 of this embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the O-ring 48 may be provided as needed.

[0039] The movable member 60 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the movable member 60 of this embodiment includes a slider 61, three processing members 62, and three metal spacers (pressure members) 72. The three processing members 62 and the three spacers 72 are provided corresponding to the three base members 20F, 20S, and 20T, respectively. Referring to FIG. 4, the processing members 62 are located in positions corresponding to the openings 52 of the processing chamber 51 in the XY plane. The spacers 72 are located in positions corresponding to the pistons 42 in the XY plane. The number of processing members 62 and the number of spacers 72 need only correspond to the number of members that process the processing portion 82 of the target object 80. For example, if the processing device 10 includes only the base member 20F, the number of processing members 62 and the number of spacers 72 need only be one.

[0041] 2, each of the processing members 62 of this embodiment includes a metal base 63, a metal punch 64, a metal holder 65, and a holder support member 66 made of one or more metal springs. That is, referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes one slider 61, three bases 63, three punches 64, three holders 65, three holder support members 66, and three spacers 72. Each of the punch 64 and the spacer 72 has a circular shape in the XY plane. Each of the base 63 and the holder 65 has an annular shape in the XY plane.

[0042] The movable member 60 of this embodiment includes the above-described components, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of each component is not particularly limited. The base 63, holder 65, holder support member 66, and spacer 72 may be provided as needed. That is, when the base member 20 includes only the base member 20F, the movable member 60 may include only one punch 64 corresponding to the base member 20F in addition to the slider 61. On the other hand, the movable member 60 may further include other components in addition to the above-described components.

[0043] 1 to 3, the slider 61 is located above the base member 20 in the vertical direction. The slider 61 is supported by a power unit (not shown) and is movable in the vertical direction between an upper position (the position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) when the object 80 is not being machined, and a lower position (the position shown in FIG. 9) when the object 80 is being machined. The slider 61 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape extending along the XY plane. However, the shape and internal structure of the slider 61 of the present invention are not particularly limited.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1, the three punches 64, three holders 65, and three spacers 72 of this embodiment cooperate with the three base members 20F, 20S, and 20T, respectively, to machine three workpieces 82 of an object 80. That is, referring to FIG. 3, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three processing sets 12 for respectively processing the workpieces 82 (see FIG. 1). More specifically, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three processing sets 12 consisting of a first set (processing set) 12F, a second set (processing set) 12S, and a third set (processing set) 12T. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of processing sets 12 may be one or more. For example, the processing apparatus 10 may include only one processing set 12F, or two or more processing sets 12.

[0045] The processing set 12 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0046] 6 together with FIG. 2, each of the machining sets 12 of this embodiment includes a liquid chamber 50, a piston 42, a punch 64, a holder 65, and a spacer 72. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as described above, the machining apparatus 10 does not need to include the holder 65 and the spacer 72. In this case, each of the machining sets 12 only needs to include the liquid chamber 50, the piston 42, and the punch 64.

[0047] 6, each of the pistons 42 in this embodiment has the aforementioned main portion 44. Each of the main portions 44 is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53, and its lower end is in contact with the liquid 50L.

[0048] 5 together with FIG. 2, each of the punches 64 of the present embodiment is fixed to the slider 61 by a fixing member such as a screw, and extends downward from the lower end surface of the slider 61. Each of the bases 63 of the present embodiment is fixed to the slider 61 by a fixing member such as a screw. Each of the bases 63 extends downward from the lower end surface of the slider 61 while surrounding the punch 64 in the XY plane.

[0049] Each of the holder support members 66 in this embodiment is attached to the outer periphery of the base 63 in the XY plane and extends in the vertical direction. Each of the holders 65 in this embodiment is located outside the punch 64 in the XY plane. In other words, each of the holders 65 surrounds the punch 64 in the XY plane. Each of the holders 65 is attached to the lower end of the holder support member 66. Each of the holder support members 66 has elasticity and supports the holder 65 so that it can move relatively to the slider 61. Each of the punches 64 protrudes downward beyond the lower end of the holder 65.

[0050] Each of the spacers 72 in this embodiment is fixed to the slider 61 by a fixing member such as a screw, and extends downward from the lower end surface of the slider 61.

[0051] 2 and 3, all of the punches 64 and all of the spacers 72 in this embodiment are directly fixed to one slider 61 and protrude downward from the one slider 61. All of the holders 65 in this embodiment are indirectly fixed to one slider 61 via elastic holder support members 66 and protrude downward from the one slider 61. Therefore, simply moving one slider 61 in the vertical direction moves all of the punches 64, all of the holders 65, and all of the spacers 72 in the vertical direction.

[0052] 2, each of the processing sets 12 of this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the support structure of the holder 65 is not particularly limited. The holder support member 66 is not limited to a metal spring as long as it has elasticity.

[0053] 3, a description will be given below of the machining process by the first set 12F, which is one of the machining sets 12 of this embodiment. The following description is applicable to each of the second set 12S and the third set 12T.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, the punch 64 protrudes downward from the slider 61 and moves vertically as the slider 61 moves vertically. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, when the slider 61 is lowered from the upper position (the position in FIG. 5) to the intermediate position (the position in FIG. 7), the lower end of the punch 64 abuts against the workpiece 82 of the object 80 and presses the workpiece 82 toward the inside of the machining chamber 51. As a result, the workpiece 82 is slightly deformed and partially received inside the machining chamber 51, coming into contact with the liquid surface 58. Referring to FIG. 8, the workpiece 82 slightly presses down on the liquid surface 58, generating a passive counter hydraulic pressure POP that pushes the workpiece 82 upward. The magnitude of this passive counter hydraulic pressure POP is slight. At this time, the liquid surface 58 in the branch flow path 56 has barely risen and is located below the opening 57.

[0055] 7, the spacer 72 moves up and down in accordance with the movement of the slider 61 in the up and down direction. When the slider 61 descends to the intermediate position (the position in FIG. 7), the lower end of the spacer 72 comes into contact with the pressurized portion 46 of the piston 42. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, when the slider 61 is further lowered, the slider 61 moves to the lower position (the position in FIG. 9). While the slider 61 moves from the intermediate position to the lower position, the spacer 72 continues to pressurize the piston 42 downward with a predetermined pressure force PP. The pressurized piston 42 moves downward and applies the pressure force PP to the liquid 50L in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53. As a result, an active counter hydraulic pressure OP of, for example, about 30 to 60 MP (hereinafter simply referred to as "counter hydraulic pressure OP") is generated. On the other hand, while the slider 61 moves from the intermediate position to the lower position, the punch 64 continues to pressurize the workpiece 82 against the counter hydraulic pressure OP, whereby the workpiece 82 is drawn.

[0056] 5, 7, and 9, the piston 42 receives a downward pressure force PP from the slider 61 while the slider 61 is moving from the upper position (the position in FIG. 5) to the lower position (the position in FIG. 9). Furthermore, when the slider 61 is moved from the upper position to the lower position with the liquid chamber 50 filled with liquid 50L and the workpiece 82 positioned above the machining chamber 51, the punch 64 moves downward to pressurize the workpiece 82 toward the inside of the machining chamber 51, and the piston 42 moves downward in response to the pressure force PP to increase the liquid pressure of the liquid 50L.

[0057] In this embodiment, the machining chamber 51 and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber 53 extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction and open upward. With this structure, by simply lowering the slider 61, the lowered piston 42 increases the hydraulic pressure to a required level, and the lowered punch 64 can machine the object 80. In addition, as described above, the relief valve 59 controls the hydraulic pressure so that it does not exceed a predetermined value. In other words, the relief valve 59 functions as a hydraulic pressure adjustment mechanism. The machining apparatus 10 of this embodiment has a simple mechanism as described above and can be made compact. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a machining apparatus 10 that uses hydraulic pressure to machine the object 80 and has a structure suitable for small objects 80.

[0058] The processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for processing small components such as the shell (not shown) of a connector (not shown) to be incorporated into an electronic device (not shown). The processing apparatus 10 can process a workpiece 82 having a size of, for example, about several millimeters into a desired shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the size of the target object 80 is not particularly limited.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, when the slider 61 is in the upper position (the position in FIG. 5 ), the vertical distance (first distance) between the lower end of the punch 64 and the workpiece 82 of the object 80 is shorter than the vertical distance (second distance) between the lower end of the spacer 72 and the upper end of the piston 42. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7 , with this arrangement, the piston 42 receives the pressing force PP after the punch 64 starts to process the workpiece 82. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first distance may be longer than the second distance. In this case, the punch 64 processes the workpiece 82 after the piston 42 receives the pressing force PP and generates the counter hydraulic pressure OP.

[0060] 9, the piston 42 in this embodiment receives a pressure force PP from the slider 61 via the spacer 72. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the spacer 72 is not provided, the piston 42 may receive the pressure force PP directly from the slider 61. More specifically, the lower end surface of the slider 61 may press the piston 42 downward.

[0061] 9 and 10, according to this embodiment, before the slider 61 moves to the lower position (the position in FIGS. 9 and 10), the lower end of the holder 65 abuts against the outer periphery in the XY plane of the workpiece 82. When the slider 61 moves to the lower position, the holder support member 66 is elastically compressed. When the slider 61 moves to the lower position, the holder 65 applies a force resulting from the restoring force of the holder support member 66 to the outer periphery in the XY plane of the workpiece 82. In other words, the holder 65 presses the outer periphery in the XY plane of the workpiece 82 against the upper end surface of the mold 30.

[0062] To summarize the above explanation, according to this embodiment, when the slider 61 is moved downward with the workpiece 82 positioned above the processing chamber 51, the holder 65 moves downward and presses the workpiece 82 against the base member 20F. This mechanism allows the workpiece 82 to be drawn without causing wrinkles in the workpiece 82. According to this embodiment, the holder 65 presses the workpiece 82 after processing by the punch 64 begins. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holder 65 may press the workpiece 82 before processing by the punch 64 begins. More specifically, when the slider 61 is in the upper position (the position shown in FIG. 5 ), the holder 65 may protrude downward beyond the lower end of the punch 64. As described above, the holder 65 may be provided as needed.

[0063] 11 and 12, the workpiece 82 pressed against the base member 20F, together with the holder 65 and the base member 20F, forms a sealed space including the recess 32. The opening 57 of the branch flow path 56 opens into this sealed space. Specifically, when the holder 65 presses the workpiece 82 against the base member 20F, the opening 57 of the branch flow path 56 is located below the holder 65 in the up-down direction and outside the periphery 84 of the workpiece 82 in the XY plane.

[0064] At this time, the liquid 50L passes through the opening 57 and flows into the sealed space. The liquid 50L fills the sealed space and applies a peripheral hydraulic pressure PP to the periphery 84 of the workpiece 82. The workpiece 82 is pushed toward the inside of the machining chamber 51 by the peripheral hydraulic pressure PP. This mechanism makes it easy to draw the workpiece 82 into a desired shape. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the counter hydraulic pressure OP and the peripheral hydraulic pressure PP can be generated simultaneously by simply lowering one slider 61 (see Figure 9). However, the present invention is not limited to this. As mentioned above, the branch flow path 56 may be provided as needed.

[0065] 2, as described above, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes three processing sets 12. As will be described below, the processing sets 12 of this embodiment generate different hydraulic pressures at different times.

[0066] 6, each of the pistons 42 of the three machining sets 12 receives a pressure force PP from the spacer 72 while the slider 61 is moving from the upper position (position in FIG. 6) to the lower position (position in FIG. 9). When the slider 61 is in the upper position, each of the spacers 72 is spaced apart from the piston 42 in the vertical direction by a predetermined distance D1, D2, or D3.

[0067] In this embodiment, the predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3 are different from one another. As can be understood from these distance conditions, the pistons 42 in this embodiment receive the pressure force PP (see FIG. 9 ) from the spacer 72 at different times. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two of the three predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3 may be the same. That is, at least one of the predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3 may be different from the other one of the predetermined distances D1, D2, and D3. In other words, at least one of the pistons 42 may receive the pressure force PP from the slider 61 at a different time from the other one of the pistons 42.

[0068] 2, the punches 64 of the three machining sets 12 of this embodiment have the same diameter. Referring to FIG. 6, the main portions 44 of the pistons 42 of the machining sets 12F and 12S have the same diameter (i.e., cross-sectional area) in the XY plane. Meanwhile, the main portion 44 of the piston 42 of the machining set 12T has a different cross-sectional area in the XY plane from the main portions 44 of the pistons 42 of the machining sets 12F and 12S. That is, at least one of the main portions 44 has a different cross-sectional area in the XY plane from the other of the main portions 44.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the machining sets 12F and 12S generate the same hydraulic pressure, and the machining set 12T generates a hydraulic pressure different from those of the machining sets 12F and 12S. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main portions 44 of the three machining sets 12 may have different cross-sectional areas in the XY plane. That is, the three machining sets 12 may generate different hydraulic pressures.

[0070] According to this embodiment, at a predetermined timing, the hydraulic pressure in at least one of the machining sets 12 is different from the hydraulic pressure in another of the machining sets 12. Referring to Fig. 9, the predetermined timing in this embodiment is the timing at which the workpiece 82 is machined.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the machining set 12F generates a relatively large hydraulic pressure at an early timing, the machining set 12S generates the same hydraulic pressure as the machining set 12F at a later timing, and the machining set 12T generates a relatively small hydraulic pressure at an even later timing.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is equipped with the three processing sets 12 as described above, and by using hydraulic pressure, one workpiece 82 can be drawn through three processing steps. The processing apparatus 10 can sequentially process one workpiece 82 (see FIG. 1) by feeding the object 80 progressively along the groove portion 18. For example, the processing set 12F can perform drawing, the processing set 12S can perform further drawing, and the processing set 12T can perform finish drawing to prevent springback. It is also possible to simultaneously perform different processes on the three workpieces 82. Furthermore, a processing set 12 can be provided that separates the workpiece 82 from the carrier 81 (see FIG. 1).

[0073] 2, the three processing members 62 in this embodiment have the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the three punches 64 may have different diameters. In this case, the processing chamber 51 (see FIG. 5) may have inner diameters corresponding to the punches 64.

[0074] Explaining the structure of the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment from another perspective with reference to FIG. 1, the processing apparatus 10 includes a main member (partial device) 11 and a slider 61. The main member 11 of this embodiment is all of the components of the processing apparatus 10 shown in the figure except for the slider 61. The main member 11, together with the slider 61, forms the processing apparatus 10 that processes the processing portion 82 of the object 80 using hydraulic pressure. In other words, the main member 11 is a partial device 11 of the processing apparatus 10. In other words, the processing apparatus 10 includes a partial device 11 that functions as the main member 11 of the processing apparatus 10.

[0075] The main member 11 of this embodiment includes at least a base member 20, a punch 64 (see FIG. 2), a holder 65 (see FIG. 2), a holder support member 66 (see FIG. 2), and a spacer 72 (see FIG. 3). Each component of the main member 11 has the structure already described and functions as already described. For example, when the processing device 10 is formed, the slider 61 is positioned above the base member 20 in the vertical direction and is movable in the vertical direction between an upper position (position in FIG. 5) and a lower position (position in FIG. 9). The punch 64, the holder 65, and the 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 in the vertical direction in conjunction with the movement of the slider 61 in the vertical direction.

[0076] In addition to the modifications already described, the processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment can be further modified in various ways. One of the modifications of the processing apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0077] Comparing FIG. 13 with FIG. 1, the processing apparatus 10A according to this modification has three spacers 72A instead of the spacer 72 of the processing apparatus 10. That is, the processing apparatus 10A has a main member (partial device) 11A that is different from the main member 11 of the processing apparatus 10. The main member 11A of this modification is all the members of the processing apparatus 10A shown in the figure except for the slider 61. Except for this difference, the processing apparatus 10A has the same structure as the processing apparatus 10.

[0078] 14 and 15, each spacer 72A includes a metal base 73A, a metal pressure member 74A, and a support member 76A. The base 73A and the pressure member 74A each have a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. Each base 73A is fixed to one slider 61 and protrudes downward from the slider 61. Each pressure member 74A applies downward pressure to the piston 42. Each support member 76A is made of one or more elastic metal springs. 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 member 74A. With this structure, each support member 76A supports the pressure member 74A so that it can move in the vertical direction relative to the slider 61.

[0079] 15, when the slider 61 is lowered, the pressure applying section 74A of the machining set 12F, the pressure applying section 74A of the machining set 12S, and the pressure applying section 74A of the machining set 12T apply pressure to the piston 42 in this order to generate hydraulic pressure. That is, the three machining sets 12 of the machining apparatus 10A generate hydraulic pressure at different times. In addition, the support member 76A of the machining set 12T has a different spring force than the support member 76A of the machining set 12F and the support member 76A of the machining set 12S, and therefore generates hydraulic pressures different from those of the machining sets 12F and 12S.

[0080] 14, the machining set 12F will be described. The hydraulic pressure generated by this modification can be adjusted by the spring force of the support member 76A (more specifically, the elastic coefficient of the metal spring). This more reliably prevents the hydraulic pressure from exceeding a predetermined value. That is, the support member 76A, together with the relief valve 59, functions as a hydraulic pressure adjustment mechanism. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10,10A processing equipment 11, 11A Main component (partial device) 12 Processing Sets 12F 1st Set (Processing Set) 12S 2nd set (processing set) 12T 3rd set (processing set) 18 Groove 20 Base member 20F First member (base member) 20S Second member (base member) 20T Third member (base member) 22 beds 222 Upper member 223 Mounting hole 224 Lower part 30 Molds 32 recess 40 cylinders 42 Piston 44 Main Section 46 Pressurized part 48 O-rings 50 Liquid chamber 50L liquid 51 Processing room 52 Opening 53 Liquid pressure generating chamber 54 Opening 55 Connection room 56 Branch channel 57 Opening 58 Liquid level 59 Relief valve 60 Movable parts 61 Slider 62 processed parts 63 Base 64 Punch 65 Holder 66 Holder support member 72 Spacer (pressure part) 72A spacer 73A base 74A Pressurizing section 76A Support member 80 Objects 81 Career 82 Workpiece (blank) 84 Periphery

Claims

1. A processing device that processes a processed portion of an object using hydraulic pressure, the processing device includes a main member and a slider; The main member includes a base member and a punch, the slider is positioned above the base member in the vertical direction and is movable in the vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position; the punch protrudes downward from the slider and moves in the up-down direction in accordance with the movement of the slider in the up-down direction; A liquid chamber is formed in the base member, The liquid chamber is capable of being filled with a liquid; The liquid chamber has a processing chamber, a liquid pressure generating chamber, and a connecting chamber, The processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber each extend in the vertical direction and open upward, the connecting chamber connects the processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber to each other, The base member includes a piston; the piston is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber so as to be movable in the up and down direction, and protrudes upward from the hydraulic pressure generating chamber; the piston receives a downward pressure from the slider while the slider is moving from the upper position to the lower position, When the slider is moved from the upper position toward the lower position in a state in which the liquid chamber is filled with the liquid and the workpiece is disposed above the processing chamber, the punch moves downward to pressurize the workpiece toward the inside of the processing chamber, and the piston moves downward in response to the pressing force to increase the liquid pressure of the liquid, A relief valve is provided in the fluid chamber, The relief valve controls the hydraulic pressure so that it does not exceed a predetermined value. Processing equipment.

2. The processing device according to claim 1, The processing device includes two or more processing sets; Each of the processing sets includes the liquid chamber, the piston, and the punch, All of the punches protrude downward from one of the sliders, At a predetermined timing, the hydraulic pressure in at least one of the processing sets is different from the hydraulic pressure in another of the processing sets. Processing equipment.

3. The processing device according to claim 2, At least one of the pistons receives the pressure from the slider at a timing different from that of the other of the pistons. Processing equipment.

4. The processing device according to claim 2, Each of the processing sets includes a spacer; All the spacers protrude downward from one of the sliders, each of the pistons receives the pressure force from the spacer while the slider is moving from the upper position to the lower position; When the slider is at the upper position, each of the spacers is spaced a predetermined distance from the piston in the up-down direction, At least one of the predetermined distances is different from another of the predetermined distances. Processing equipment.

5. The processing device according to claim 4, Each of the spacers includes a pressure portion and a support member, Each of the pressure applying portions is a portion that applies pressure downward to the piston, Each of the support members has elasticity and supports the pressure applying portion so as to be movable relative to the slider. assembly.

6. The processing device according to claim 2, Each of the pistons has a main portion; Each of the main portions is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber, At least one of the main portions has a cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction that is different from that of the other of the main portions. Processing equipment.

7. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main member includes a holder and a holder support member, the holder is located outside the punch in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, the holder support member has elasticity and supports the holder so as to be movable relative to the slider; When the slider is moved downward with the workpiece placed above the processing chamber, the holder moves downward to press the workpiece against the base member. Processing equipment.

8. The processing device according to claim 7, The liquid chamber has a branch flow path, the branch flow path branches off from the processing chamber and has an opening that opens to the outside of the base member, When the holder presses the workpiece against the base member, the opening is located below the holder in the vertical direction and outside the periphery of the workpiece in the horizontal plane. Processing equipment.

9. A main member that, together with a slider, forms a processing device that processes a processed portion of an object using hydraulic pressure, The main member includes a base member and a punch, When the processing device is formed, the slider is positioned above the base member in the vertical direction and is movable in the vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position; the punch is attachable to the slider; When the punch is attached to the slider, the punch protrudes downward from the slider and moves in the up-down direction in accordance with the movement of the slider in the up-down direction; A liquid chamber is formed in the base member, The liquid chamber is capable of being filled with a liquid; The liquid chamber has a processing chamber, a liquid pressure generating chamber, and a connecting chamber, The processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber each extend in the vertical direction and open upward, the connecting chamber connects the processing chamber and the hydraulic pressure generating chamber to each other, The base member includes a piston; the piston is partially received in the hydraulic pressure generating chamber so as to be movable in the up and down direction, and protrudes upward from the hydraulic pressure generating chamber; the piston receives a downward pressure from the slider while the slider is moving from the upper position to the lower position, When the slider is moved from the upper position toward the lower position in a state in which the liquid chamber is filled with the liquid and the workpiece is disposed above the processing chamber, the punch moves downward to pressurize the workpiece toward the inside of the processing chamber, and the piston moves downward in response to the pressing force to increase the liquid pressure of the liquid, A relief valve is provided in the fluid chamber, The relief valve controls the hydraulic pressure so that it does not exceed a predetermined value. Main component.

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