Billet rotation holding device

Abstract

To provide a billet rotation holding device which can heat a plurality of billets efficiently.SOLUTION: A billet rotation holding device is configured to rotate a billet B while holding the billet B. The billet rotation holding device includes: a loading device 100 having a pair of members 111, 112 which receives the billet B when they are closed and allows the billet B to pass through when they are open, and a depth direction drive part which relatively displaces the pair of members 111, 112 in a depth direction DD to open or close the members 111, 112; a transport device which receives the billet B from the loading device 100 and transports the billet B; and a billet holding unit which holds the billet transported by the transport device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a billet rotation and holding device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a technique is known in which a billet (a columnar workpiece) is heated by lifting the billet and holding it in a billet heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-212437 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need to efficiently heat multiple billets.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a billet rotating and holding device that can efficiently heat a plurality of billets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A billet rotating and holding device configured to rotate a billet while holding it, The billet rotating and holding device is a feeding device including a pair of members that receive the billet when closed and pass the billet between them when open, and a depth direction drive unit that opens and closes the pair of members by relatively displacing them in the depth direction; a conveying device that receives and conveys the billet from the charging device; a billet holding unit that holds the billet transported by the transport device; A billet rotation and holding device comprising:

[0007] [2] The input device further includes a conveying direction driving unit that moves the pair of members between a receiving position and a position near the conveying device, The input device is open toward the receiving position. The billet rotating and holding device according to claim 1. The billet rotation and holding device according to [1].

[0008] [3] A slit is formed in the pair of members through which a claw of a conveying loader that supports the billet passes. The billet rotation and holding device according to [1] or [2]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a billet rotating and holding device that can efficiently heat a plurality of billets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a billet rotating and holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is provided with a billet holding unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the motor-side holding tool of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is an axial cross-sectional view schematically showing the motor-side holding tool of FIG. 2 when no force is applied from the billet to the holding surface (natural state), taken along the central axis of the motor-side holding tool. [Figure 4] 3 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the motor-side holding fixture of FIG. 2 when a force is applied to the holding surface from the billet. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3, showing the motor-side holding tool in a direction perpendicular to the axis, in outline. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a pressurizer-side holding tool of FIG. 1. [Figure 7]7 is an axial cross-sectional view schematically showing the pressurizer-side holding tool of FIG. 6 when no force is applied from the billet to the holding surface (natural state), taken along the central axis of the pressurizer-side holding tool. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 7, showing the pressurizer-side holding tool in the direction perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10A] 2 is a diagram showing a charging device of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10B] 10B is a diagram showing the insertion device of FIG. 10A with the pair of members positioned at the receiving position. FIG. [Figure 10C] 10B is a diagram showing the input device of FIG. 10A in a state where the pair of members are positioned near the transport device. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram showing a conveying device of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a plan view of a support portion provided in the transport device of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 21]4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 22] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 23] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The billet rotating and holding device according to the present invention can be used for any purpose, for example, as a billet heating device for heating a billet (for example, an aluminum billet).

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a billet rotation and holding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a diagram that schematically shows a billet rotating and holding device S according to one embodiment of the present invention. The billet rotating and holding device S is configured to hold and rotate a billet (columnar workpiece) B. Fig. 1 shows the billet rotating and holding device S holding the billet B.

[0014] The billet B is preferably made of metal, for example, aluminum. Although the billet B has a substantially cylindrical shape in the example of Fig. 1, it may have another columnar shape.

[0015] 1, the billet rotating and holding device S includes an electric motor M, a pressurizing machine P, and a billet holding unit U according to one embodiment of the present invention. The billet holding unit U holds a billet B that has been transported to a lowering position by a transport device 200, which will be described later. The billet holding unit U includes an electric motor-side holding fixture HM and a pressurizing machine-side holding fixture HP (in this example, the billet holding unit U is composed of the electric motor-side holding fixture HM and the pressurizing machine-side holding fixture HP).

[0016] The billet holding unit U according to this embodiment is configured so as to be usable in the billet rotating and holding device S according to any embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As described below, the billet rotating and holding device S is configured to rotate the billet B while clamping both end faces Bf of the billet B via a billet holding unit U between the motor shaft MS of the electric motor M and the press shaft PS of the press P.

[0018] The electric motor M has an electric motor shaft MS, which is a drive shaft (output shaft) that outputs rotational torque.

[0019] The electric motor M may have any configuration, for example any known electric motor configuration.

[0020] As shown with arrows in FIG. 1 and elsewhere, for convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction parallel to the central axis MSO of the motor shaft MS when the billet rotating and holding device S is holding a billet B (FIG. 1) is referred to as the "axial direction AD." One side in the axial direction AD is referred to as the "first axial side AD1," and the other side in the axial direction AD is referred to as the "second axial side AD2." The side closer to the billet B in the axial direction AD is referred to as the "axial billet side ADB," and the side farther from the billet B in the axial direction AD is referred to as the "anti-axial billet side ADA." The direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD is referred to as the "axial direction." In this specification, the circumferential direction centered on the central axis MSO of the motor shaft MS (or an extension thereof) may sometimes be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." Unless otherwise specified, the terms "outer peripheral side" and "inner peripheral side" refer to the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side, respectively, when the center is the central axis MSO of the motor shaft MS (or its extension).

[0021] In this specification, a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD is referred to as the "longitudinal direction VD," and a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction AD and the longitudinal direction VD is referred to as the "depth direction DD." One side in the longitudinal direction VD is referred to as the "first longitudinal side VD1," and the other side in the longitudinal direction VD is referred to as the "second longitudinal side VD2."

[0022] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction VD is oriented vertically, and the longitudinal first side VD1 is oriented upward; thus, the axial direction AD and the depth direction DD are each parallel to the horizontal direction, but the longitudinal first side VD1 (and each of the other directions) may be oriented in any direction.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the pressurizer P has a pressurizer shaft PS. The pressurizer shaft PS is disposed so as to face the electric motor shaft MS in the axial direction AD. The tip of the electric motor shaft MS and the tip of the pressurizer shaft PS face each other and are spaced apart in the axial direction AD. It is preferable that the electric motor shaft MS and the pressurizer shaft PS are disposed so that their respective central axes MSO, HPO are positioned on substantially the same straight line. The electric motor M and the pressurizer P may be placed on support stands TA, TC, respectively, so that their respective heights and positions can be adjusted.

[0024] The pressurizer P is configured to output a pressure to the axial first side AD1 via a pressurizer shaft PS. The pressurizer shaft PS is configured to be displaceable in the axial direction AD, and is configured to output a pressure to the axial first side AD1 while displacing toward the axial first side AD1.

[0025] The pressurizing shaft PS is configured as a driven shaft. That is, when the billet rotating and holding device S is holding the billet B (FIG. 1), the pressurizing shaft PS is rotated together with the billet holding unit U and the billet B by the rotational torque output from the electric motor shaft MS while outputting the pressing force.

[0026] The specific configuration of the pressurizer P may be arbitrary. For example, the pressurizer P may be configured to output a pressurizing force by displacing the pressurizer shaft PS in the axial direction AD by being equipped with an electric or hydraulic configuration. The pressurizer P may be automatically controlled by a processing device (CPU, circuit device, etc.) that performs various processes according to a predetermined program stored in an arbitrary storage device (ROM, RAM, etc.), or may operate in response to human operation.

[0027] By outputting a pressure force from the pressurizing machine shaft PS toward the first axial side AD1, the billet B is more firmly clamped between the electric motor shaft MS and the pressurizing machine shaft PS via the billet holding unit U, thereby preventing the billet B from coming off or shifting out of position from the billet rotating and holding device S.

[0028] The billet holding unit U is composed of a motor-side holding fixture HM and a press-side holding fixture HP (Fig. 1).

[0029] The motor-side holding tool HM (also simply referred to as "holding tool HM") is configured to be attached to the motor shaft MS. The motor-side holding tool HM is configured to hold the end face Bf of the billet B on the first axial side AD1 when attached to the motor shaft MS.

[0030] The pressurizer-side holding tool HP (also simply referred to as "holding tool HP") is configured to be attached to the pressurizer shaft PS. When attached to the pressurizer shaft PS, the pressurizer-side holding tool HP is configured to hold the end face Bf of the billet B on the second axial side AD2.

[0031] When the motor side holder HM is attached to the motor shaft MS and the pressure machine side holder HP is attached to the pressure machine shaft PS, the motor side holder HM and the pressure machine side holder HP face each other in the axial direction AD (Figure 1).

[0032] The billet holding unit U is configured to clamp the end faces Bf of the billet B on both sides of the axial direction AD using the pressing force toward the first axial side AD1 output from the pressurizing machine shaft PS with the motor side holding tool HM and the pressurizing machine side holding tool HP.

[0033] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the billet rotating and holding device S is configured as a billet heating device that heats the billet B. The billet rotating and holding device S further includes a magnetic field generator J. The magnetic field generator J is configured to generate a magnetic field in a predetermined working space J6. In this embodiment, the billet rotating and holding device S is configured to rotate (spin) the billet B while holding the billet B so that the billet B is positioned within the predetermined working space J6 using the electric motor M, the press P, and the billet holding unit U, and to generate a magnetic field in the predetermined working space J6 using the magnetic field generator J, during which the billet B is heated by an induced current that flows within the billet B. The billet B heated by the billet rotating and holding device S is then transported to a processing machine such as an extruder, where it is subjected to processing such as extrusion.

[0034] The magnetic field generating device J may be placed on a support table TB, and its height and position may be adjusted.

[0035] The magnetic field generator J may have any configuration. The magnetic field generator J may include, for example, an iron core J2, a superconducting coil (not shown), a vacuum insulating container J4, etc. In this case, the superconducting coil (not shown) is housed inside the vacuum insulating container J4. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vacuum insulating container J4 may be disposed on both sides of the predetermined working space J6 (and thus the billet B) in the depth direction DD. Also, a portion of the iron core J2 may be housed inside the vacuum insulating container J4.

[0036] However, the billet rotating and holding device S may be used for purposes other than heating the billet B. The billet rotating and holding device S does not have to be equipped with the magnetic field generating device J.

[0037] The motor-side holder HM and the pressurizer-side holder HP will be described in more detail below.

[0038] 2 to 5 show an example of the motor-side holding tool HM. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the motor-side holding tool HM. FIG. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view schematically showing the motor-side holding tool HM of FIG. 2 when the holding surface HS of the motor-side holding tool HM is in a state where no force from the billet B is applied to the holding surface HS of the motor-side holding tool HM (natural state), taken along the central axis HMO of the motor-side holding tool HM. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the motor-side holding tool HM of FIG. 2 when force from the billet B is applied to the holding surface HS of the motor-side holding tool HM. FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view schematically showing the motor-side holding tool HM of FIG. 3 when a cross-section taken along line AA in FIG. 3 is parallel to the axial direction. FIGS. 6 to 8 show an example of the pressurizer-side holding tool HP. FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the pressurizer-side holding tool HP. Fig. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view schematically showing the compressor-side holder HP of Fig. 6 in a cross section along the central axis HP0 of the compressor-side holder HP when the holding surface HS of the compressor-side holder HP is in a state (natural state) where no force is applied from the billet B. Fig. 8 is an axial cross-sectional view schematically showing the compressor-side holder HP of Fig. 7 in a cross section along line BB in Fig. 7 which is parallel to the axial direction.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, each of the holders HM and HP includes a fixed portion HO, a floating portion HY, and a main elastic portion HE.

[0040] The fixed portion HO of the motor-side holder HM is configured to be fixed to the motor shaft MS (Fig. 3). As a result, the fixed portion HO of the motor-side holder HM is configured to be integral with the motor shaft MS and to move in conjunction with the motor shaft MS. When fixed to the motor shaft MS, the fixed portion HO of the motor-side holder HM is coaxial with the motor shaft MS.

[0041] The fixed part HO of the pressurizer-side holder HP is configured to be fixed to the pressurizer shaft PS (Fig. 7). As a result, the fixed part HO of the pressurizer-side holder HP is configured to be integral with the pressurizer shaft PS and to move in conjunction with the pressurizer shaft PS. When fixed to the pressurizer shaft PS, the fixed part HO of the pressurizer-side holder HP is coaxial with the pressurizer shaft PS.

[0042] The fixing between the fixed part HO and the electric motor shaft MS or the pressure machine shaft PS may be performed by any method and in any form, such as engagement, fastening, welding, or the like.

[0043] In each of the holders HM and HP, the fixing part HO may be formed by connecting multiple separate members by fastening or the like, or may be formed of only a single member. The fixing part HO is preferably formed to contain metal. The fixing part HO may be formed of a single material, or may be formed of multiple types of materials.

[0044] In each of the holders HM and HP, the fixed portion HO has an internal space HOh that is open at least on the axial billet ADB side (FIGS. 3 and 7). The internal space HOh of the fixed portion HO may be configured as a through hole that penetrates the fixed portion HO in the axial direction AD by also being open on the axial side opposite the billet ADA, or may be configured as a recess that is open only on the axial billet ADB side by being closed on the axial side opposite the billet ADA.

[0045] In each of the holders HM and HP, the floating part HY is configured to be movable (movable) in the axial direction AD within the internal space HOh of the fixed part HO (Figs. 3 and 7). The floating part HY is arranged so as to be approximately coaxial with the fixed part HO when no force is applied to the holding surface HS of the holders HM and HP from the billet B or the like (natural state) (Fig. 3).

[0046] 3 and 7, the outer peripheral surface of the floating part HY has a plurality of engaging parts HYE that are convex in the radial direction (i.e., have a shape that protrudes outward). The engaging parts HYE have a surface HYsc that faces the billet side ADB in the axial direction, a surface HYsb that faces the anti-billet side ADA in the axial direction and is located further on the anti-billet side ADA than surface HYsc in the axial direction, and a surface HYsd that faces outward and connects the outer peripheral ends of surface HYsc and surface HYsb. Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the fixed part HO that defines the internal space HOh has a plurality of engaged parts HOE that are concave in the radial direction (i.e., have a shape that is recessed outward). The engaged part HOE has a surface HOsc facing the axially opposite side ADA of the billet, a surface HOsb facing the axially opposite side ADA of the billet, a surface HOsb facing the axially opposite side ADB of the billet, and a surface HOsd facing inward and connecting the outer circumferential ends of the surfaces HOsc and HOsb. The engaging part HYE of the floating part HY and the engaged part HOE of the fixed part HO are engaged with each other (FIGS. 3 and 7). The length in the axial direction AD of the engaging part HYE or the engaged part HOE that is configured concave (in this example, the engaged part HOE) is longer than the length in the axial direction AD of the engaging part HYE or the engaged part HOE that is configured convex (in this example, the engaging part HYE). In other words, the distance in the axial direction AD between the surfaces HOsc and HOsb of the engaged part HOE is longer than the distance in the axial direction AD between the surfaces HYsc and HYsb of the engaging part HYE. Therefore, a gap exists in the axial direction AD between the engaging portion HYE and the engaged portion HOE, and as a result, the one of the engaging portion HYE and the engaged portion HOE that is configured as a convex shape (in this example, the engaging portion HYE) is able to move in the axial direction AD within the one of the engaging portion HYE and the engaged portion HOE that is configured as a concave shape (in this example, the engaged portion HOE). In this example, the engaging portion HYE is able to move in the axial direction AD between the surfaces HOsc and HOsb of the engaged portion HOE. In other words, the floating portion HY is able to float in the axial direction AD relative to the fixed portion HO by the difference in length between the engaging portion HYE and the engaged portion HOE in the axial direction AD.

[0047] However, the configuration is not limited to this example, and for example, the engaging portion HYE of the floating portion HY may be configured to be concave in the radial direction (i.e., have a shape recessed toward the inner periphery), and the engaged portion HOE of the fixed portion HO may be configured to be convex in the radial direction (i.e., have a shape protruding toward the inner periphery).

[0048] In addition, when the engaging portion HYE or the engaged portion HOE is described in this specification, it is assumed that each engaging portion HYE or each engaged portion HOE is being described unless otherwise specified.

[0049] In this embodiment, in each of the holders HM and HP, the floating part HY is configured to be able to transmit rotational torque between it and the fixed part HO (FIGS. 5 and 8). As a result, the floating part HY is able to float relative to the fixed part HO in the axial direction AD, but also rotates in conjunction with the fixed part HO.

[0050] 5 and 8, the outer peripheral surface of the floating part HY has the above-mentioned multiple engaging parts HYE, which are arranged at intervals from one another along the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the fixed part HO, which defines the internal space HOh, has the above-mentioned multiple engaged parts HOE, which are arranged at intervals from one another along the circumferential direction and engage with the multiple engaging parts HYE of the floating part HY. In this way, the multiple engaging parts HYE and the multiple engaged parts HOE are engaged with each other, thereby enabling transmission of rotational torque between the fixed part HO and the floating part HY.

[0051] Thus, in this embodiment, the engagement relationship between the engaging portion HYE of the floating portion HY and the engaged portion HOE of the fixed portion HO allows the floating portion HY to move freely in the axial direction AD relative to the fixed portion HO, while also allowing rotational torque to be transmitted between the fixed portion HO and the floating portion HY.

[0052] In each of the holders HM and HP, the floating portion HY has a holding surface HS configured to hold the end face Bf of the billet B on the axial billet side ADB of the floating portion HY (FIGS. 3 and 7). The holding surface HS is formed from at least a portion of the end face of the axial billet side ADB of the floating portion HY. The holding surface HS of the motor-side holder HM is configured to hold the end face Bf of the axial first side AD1 of the billet B (FIG. 1). The holding surface HS of the pressurizer-side holder HP is configured to hold the end face Bf of the axial second side AD2 of the billet B (FIG. 1).

[0053] In each of the holders HM and HP, the floating part HY may be formed by connecting multiple separate members together by fastening or the like, or may be formed of only a single member. The floating part HY is preferably formed to include a metal. The floating part HY may be formed of a single material, or may be formed of multiple types of materials. For example, the floating part HY may be formed to include a thermal insulating material in addition to a metal or the like. In this embodiment, in each of the holding fixtures HM and HP, a portion of the floating portion HY extends toward the axial billet side ADB beyond the end face of the axial billet side ADB of the fixed portion HO, and thus the holding surface HS is located closer to the axial billet side ADB than the end face of the axial billet side ADB of the fixed portion HO (Figures 3 and 7).

[0054] In each of the holders HM, HP, the main body elastic part HE is arranged between the fixed part HO and the floating part HY within the internal space HOh of the fixed part HO (Figs. 3 and 7). As a result, the main body elastic part HE is configured to apply elastic force between the fixed part HO and the floating part HY. The main body elastic part HE is arranged approximately coaxially with the fixed part HO (and therefore also approximately coaxially with the floating part HY). The main body elastic part HE is made up of one or more disc springs HD. The one or more disc springs HD constituting the main body elastic part HE are arranged approximately coaxially with the fixed part HO (and therefore also approximately coaxially with the floating part HY).

[0055] The main body elastic portion HE preferably has a plurality of disc springs HD. In this case, the plurality of disc springs HD constituting the main body elastic portion HE are arranged along the axial direction AD. The arrangement of the plurality of disc springs HD along the axial direction AD may be in any form, such as only in parallel, only in series, or a combination of parallel and series.

[0056] In this embodiment, the motor-side holder HM (FIG. 3) has a main body elastic portion HE disposed in the space within the internal space HOh of the fixed portion HO, between a surface HYsa on the outer peripheral surface of the floating portion HY that faces the axially opposite side of the billet ADA, and a surface HOsa on the inner peripheral surface of the fixed portion HO that defines the internal space HOh and faces the axially opposite side of the billet ADB and is located further on the axially opposite side of the billet ADA than surface HYsa. When the holder HM is in its natural state (FIG. 3), the main body elastic portion HE is in contact with these surfaces HYsa and HOsa, and thus elastically connects these surfaces HYsa and HOsa together (and thus the floating portion HY and the fixed portion HO together).

[0057] In the holder HM, the main body elastic portion HE may be compressed in the axial direction AD when the holder HM is in its natural state (Figure 3), and thus the floating portion HY may be biased toward the axial billet side ADB by the main body elastic portion HE.

[0058] In this embodiment, the pressurizer-side holder HP (FIG. 7) has a main body elastic portion HE composed of two partial elastic portions HEA and HEB. Each of the partial elastic portions HEA and HEB is composed of one or more disc springs HD. An additional floating portion HN configured to be floating in the axial direction AD within the internal space HOh of the fixed portion HO is disposed between the two partial elastic portions HEA and HEB in the axial direction AD. The additional floating portion HN is located on the opposite axial side ADA to the floating portion HY (also referred to as the "main body floating portion HY"). The fixed portion HO has a substantially cylindrical outer cylinder portion HOH that has an outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion HO and an inner peripheral portion HOL located more inward than the outer cylinder portion HOH, at the opposite axial side ADA to the floating portion HY. An internal space HOh is annular between the outer cylinder portion HOH and the inner peripheral portion HOL. The outer cylindrical portion HOH extends toward the axial billet side ADB beyond the end face of the axial billet side ADB of the inner peripheral portion HOL. One partial elastic portion HEA of the main body elastic portion HE is disposed within the internal space HOh of the fixed portion HO, at the axial billet side ADB beyond the inner peripheral portion HOL of the fixed portion HO, in a space between a surface HYsa facing the axial opposite side ADA on the outer surface of the floating portion HY and a surface HNa facing the axial billet side ADB of the additional floating portion HN and positioned closer to the axial opposite side ADA of the billet than the surface HYsa. The surface HYsa is positioned closer to the axial opposite side ADA of the billet than the engagement portion HYE. When the holder HP is in its natural state (FIG. 7), the partial elastic portion HEA is in contact with these surfaces HYsa and HNa, and thus elastically connects these surfaces HYsa and HNa together (and thus the floating portion HY and the additional floating portion HN together). The other partial elastic portion HEB of the main body elastic portion HE is arranged in the space within the internal space HOh of the fixed portion HO, on the outer peripheral side of the inner peripheral portion HOL of the fixed portion HO, between the surface HNc of the axial opposite billet side ADA of the additional floating portion HN and the surface HOf on the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral portion HOL of the fixed portion HO, facing the axial billet side ADB and positioned closer to the axial opposite billet side ADA than the surface HNc.The partially elastic member HEB is in contact with these faces HNc and HOf when the holder HP is in its natural state (FIG. 7), and thus elastically connects these faces HNc and HOf together (and thus the additional floating member HN and the fixed member HO together). The additional floating member HN has a face HOe facing the axial billet side ADB between the faces HNa and HNc in the axial direction AD. Displacement of the face HOe of the additional floating member HN toward the axial billet side ADB is restricted by a face HNb on the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral member HOL of the fixed member HO, which faces the axial anti-billet side ADB. The face HNb of the fixed member HO is located closer to the axial billet side ADB than the face HOf of the fixed member HO. In this way, in this embodiment, the main body elastic part HE of the pressurizer side holding device HP (Figure 7) is configured to be able to apply elastic force between the floating part HY and the fixed part HO via the additional floating part HN, and thus elastically connects the floating part HY and the fixed part HO to each other.

[0059] In the holder HP, the main body elastic portion HE may be compressed in the axial direction AD when the holder HP is in its natural state (Figure 7), and thus the floating portion HY may be biased toward the billet side ADB in the axial direction by the main body elastic portion HE.

[0060] 3 and 7 are merely examples, and the configurations of the holders HM and HP may be different from those in this example. For example, both the holders HM and HP may have the same configuration as the holder HM in this example.

[0061] 9, the transport loader 10 includes claws 11 that support the billet B. The transport loader 10 transports the billet B to a pair of members 111, 112 of the charging device 100, which will be described later, or to, for example, a support portion 210 of the transport device 200. The transport loader 10 may be provided with a plurality of claws 11.

[0062] Closing of the claws 11 supports the billet B. Opening of the claws 11 releases the billet B. The claws 11 may be driven by a motor or the like.

[0063] The billet rotating and holding device S may further include a feeding device 100 shown in Figures 10A to 10C. Referring to Figure 10A, the feeding device 100 includes a pair of members 111, 112 and a depth direction drive unit 120. Referring to Figures 10B and 10C, the feeding device 100 may further include a conveying direction drive unit 130.

[0064] The pair of members 111, 112 open and close in the depth direction DD. When the pair of members 111, 112 are closed (close to each other), they receive the billet B. When the pair of members 111, 112 are open (separated from each other, FIG. 10A), the billet B passes through a gap 110S between the pair of members 111, 112.

[0065] Slits 111S and 112S are formed in the pair of members 111 and 112. When the conveying loader 10 transfers the billet B to the pair of members 111 and 112, the claws 11 pass through the slits 111S and 112S. With this configuration, the conveying loader 10 can lower the billet B until the billet B comes close to the pair of members 111 and 112. Therefore, the billet rotating and holding device S can reduce the impact that is applied to the billet B and the pair of members 111 and 112. In a configuration in which multiple claws 11 are provided on either of the pair of members 111 and 112, the multiple claws 11 may pass through different slits 111S1, 112S1 and 111S2, 112S2.

[0066] The depth direction drive unit 120 opens and closes the pair of members 111, 112 by relatively displacing them in the depth direction DD. This configuration eliminates the need for space below the pair of members 111, 112, i.e., the space through which the pair of members 111, 112 pass when rotating, which is required in a configuration in which the pair of members 111, 112 rotates around the conveying direction AD (hereinafter referred to as a "rotation configuration"). Furthermore, the depth direction drive unit 120 can be driven with less torque or force than a rotation configuration. Therefore, the depth direction drive unit 120 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0067] The depth direction drive unit 120 may include a first portion 121A, a second portion 121B, and a rail 122. The first portion 121A and the second portion 121B may slide on the rail 122 by a motor or the like.

[0068] 10B and 10C, the conveying direction drive unit 130 moves the pair of members 111, 112 between a receiving position (FIGS. 10B and 14) and the vicinity of the conveying device 200 (FIGS. 10C and 15). The conveying direction drive unit 130 may include an actuator 131, a first rail 132, and a second rail 133. An end of the actuator 131 may be coupled to the pair of members 111, 112 (to a fixed plate 112P of the member 112 in FIGS. 10B and 10C). The actuator 131 may slide on the first rail 132. When the actuator 131 slides on the first rail 132, the pair of members 111, 112 may slide on the second rail 133.

[0069] When the pair of members 111, 112 are located near the conveying device 200, the pair of members 111, 112 are located at or near a loading position described below. In a configuration in which a positioning pusher 310 of the pushing device 300 described below is provided, when the pair of members 111, 112 are located near the conveying device 200, the billet B may be located closer to the positioning pusher 310 than the loading position. With this configuration, the billet B can be positioned on the conveying device 200 with high positional accuracy by being positioned by the positioning pusher 310.

[0070] In this embodiment, the feeding device 100, when viewed from above (from the direction facing the lowered position from the raised position described below), opens toward the receiving position, in other words, on the side opposite the feeding position. That is, the feeding device 100 has a space 100S that opens toward the receiving position. The feeding device 100 is U-shaped rather than square-shaped. With this configuration, when the pushing pusher 320 of the pushing device 300 is lowered ( FIG. 19 ), the conveying direction drive unit 130 of the feeding device 100 can move the pair of members 111, 112 rearward while the pole unit 330 of the pushing device passes through the opening of the feeding device 100. By moving the pair of members 111, 112, the next billet B2 to be heated can be transferred from the conveying loader 10 to the feeding device 100 even while the billet B is being heated, thereby shortening the cycle time (setup time).

[0071] The billet rotating and holding device S further includes a transfer device 200 shown in FIG. 11. The transfer device 200 may transfer the billet B, for example, between an elevated position (FIG. 16) and a lowered position (FIG. 17). In this embodiment, the billet B is heated at the lowered position, but the billet B may also be heated at the elevated position. The transfer device may also transfer the billet B to the billet holding unit U in a direction different from the vertical direction VD (for example, a horizontal direction).

[0072] The transport device 200 may include a support unit 210 and a lift unit 220 .

[0073] The support section 210 supports a billet. Referring to Fig. 12, the support section 210 includes a first section 211 on one side in the longitudinal direction d (transport direction AD) of the billet B held in the billet holding unit U, and a second section 212 on the other side. The first section 211 and the second section 212 may together support a single billet B, or may each support a billet.

[0074] The first portion 211 may include two side walls 211S1 and 211S2 facing each other and a bottom 211B. A length L1 of the bottom 211B along the longitudinal direction d may be equal to the length L1 of the side walls 211S1 and 211S2 along the longitudinal direction d.

[0075] At least one of the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 is displaceable in the longitudinal direction d. The first portion 211 and the second portion 212 may be displaceable independently in the longitudinal direction d. The first portion 211 and / or the second portion 212 may be driven by a motor or the like.

[0076] The support part 210 can support billets of various lengths by displacing the first part 211 and the second part 212 relatively in the longitudinal direction d. More specifically, referring to FIG. 17, by separating the first part 211 and the second part 212, the support part 210 can support a longer billet B. Referring to FIG. 18, by bringing the first part 211 and the second part 212 closer to each other, the support part 210 can support a shorter billet B'. In this way, the billet rotating and holding device S can quickly change the length of the billet it supports without, for example, replacing the first part 211 or the second part 212. Therefore, the billet rotating and holding device S can shorten the cycle time (changeover time).

[0077] A hollow portion 212V may be formed on the first portion 211 side of the second portion 212. The hollow portion 212V may be defined by two opposing side walls 212S1 and 212S2 of the second portion 212 and a bottom portion 212B. The side walls 212S1 and 212S2 may protrude from the bottom portion 212B toward the first portion 211. In other words, the length L21 of the bottom portion 212B along the longitudinal direction d may be shorter than the length L22 of the side walls 212S1 and 212S2 along the longitudinal direction d. The bottom portion 212B may be disposed on the opposite side of the second portion 212 from the first portion 211. That is, the second portion 212 may not have a bottom on the first portion 211 side. The height of the bottom 212B of the second portion 212 may be equal to the height of the bottom 211B of the first portion 211. The heights of the side walls 212S1 and 212S2 of the second portion 212 may be equal to the heights of the side walls 211S1 and 211S2 of the first portion 211.

[0078] When the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 respectively support the divided (separate) first and second billets, the bottom portion 211B of the first portion 211 can support the center of gravity of the first billet, and the bottom portion 212B of the second portion 211 can support the center of gravity of the second billet. Therefore, the transport device 200 can more stably support and transport multiple billets.

[0079] When the first portion 211 is close to the second portion 212, a portion 211P of the first portion 211 on the second portion 212 side may be inserted into the first portion 211 side of the second portion 212. This configuration allows the support portion 210 to support an even shorter billet B' (FIG. 18). Furthermore, the movable range of the first portion 211 and / or the second portion 212 may be expanded. When the portion 211P of the first portion 211 is not inserted into the first portion 211 side of the second portion 212, the width W1 of the portion 211P may be equal to or smaller than the width W2 of the hollow portion 212V. In this state, the width W1 is slightly smaller than the width W2, and when the portion 211P of the first portion 211 is inserted into the first portion 211 side of the second portion 212, the portion 211P of the first portion 211 may fit into the first portion 211 side of the second portion 212.

[0080] 11, the lifting unit 220 lifts and lowers the support unit 210 between an elevated position (FIG. 16) and a lowered position (FIG. 17). The lifting unit 220 may be composed of, for example, actuators 221 and 222. The actuator 221 may lift and lower the first portion 211 of the support unit 210. The actuator 221 may support the first portion 211. The actuator 222 may lift and lower the second portion 212 of the support unit 210. The actuator 222 may support the second portion 212 on the opposite side to the first portion 211. The actuators 221 and 222 may lift and lower synchronously. Note that the transport device 200 may not include the lifting unit 220, and instead transport the support unit 210 to the billet holding unit U in a direction different from the vertical direction VD (for example, a horizontal direction).

[0081] The billet rotating and holding device S further includes a pushing device 300 shown in Fig. 13. The pushing device 300 moves in the conveying direction AD. The pushing device 300 includes a positioning pusher 310, a pushing pusher 320, and a pole portion 330.

[0082] The positioning pusher 310 moves in the transfer direction AD. The positioning pusher 310 may move so as to come into contact with the end face of the billet B.

[0083] The pushing pusher 320 is disposed above the billet B. The lower surface of the pushing pusher 320 may be trapezoidal. The pushing pusher 320 is raised and lowered by a pole portion 330.

[0084] Here, an example of the operation of the billet rotating and holding device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 23. The operation of the billet rotating and holding device can be changed depending on the size of the billet, etc. For example, in this embodiment, the billet B is heated at the lowered position, but the billet B may also be heated at the raised position. Furthermore, the billet B may be transported to the billet holding unit U in a direction different from the vertical direction VD (for example, the horizontal direction).

[0085] 13, the transport loader 10 grips the billet B placed in a material storage area or the like with the claws 11 and transports it to above the charging device 100. The pair of members 111, 112 are located at the receiving position.

[0086] In a configuration in which the billet rotating and holding device is not provided with a loading device, the transfer loader 10 moves the billet B to the loading position (FIG. 15).

[0087] 14, the transport loader 10 descends. The pair of members 111, 112 of the feeding device 100 are closed. The claws 11 of the transport loader 10 open, and the billet B is supported by the pair of members 111, 112 of the feeding device 100.

[0088] Referring to Figure 15, the transport loader 10 rises. The transport direction drive unit 130 of the loading device 100 moves the pair of members 111, 112 forward to the vicinity of the loading position (Figure 15), more specifically, to a position slightly forward of the loading position. The transport loader 10 then moves backward to transport the next billet to be heated to the billet rotating and holding device.

[0089] 16, the pushing device 300 moves rearward toward the position of the feeding device 100. The positioning pusher 310 of the pushing device 300 abuts against the front end face of the billet B and moves rearward, moving the billet B to the feeding position.

[0090] The pushing pusher 320 is positioned above the billet B with a predetermined distance (for example, several tens of millimeters) between them. The pushing pusher 320 may be raised and lowered as necessary. In FIG. 16, the lower surface of the pushing pusher 320 has a trapezoidal shape that is concave upward when viewed from the conveying direction AD. The center of the lower surface of the pushing pusher 320 in the depth direction DD is located above the billet B. Both ends of the lower surface of the pushing pusher 320 in the depth direction DD are located below the upper end of the billet B.

[0091] The depth direction driving unit 120 relatively displaces the pair of members 111, 112 of the feeding device 100 in the depth direction DD to open the pair of members 111, 112. The billet B passes between the pair of members 111, 112 and is supported by the support unit 210 of the conveying device 200.

[0092] The lifting unit 220 of the transport device 200 lowers the support unit 210 from the raised position (FIG. 16) to the lowered position (FIG. 17) within the magnetic field generating device J. The pushing pusher 320 of the pushing device 300 descends following the support unit 210, leaving a predetermined gap (for example, several tens of millimeters) above the billet B. The transport loader 10 transports the billet B2 to be heated next to the billet rotating and holding device.

[0093] 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the short billet B' has been lowered to a lowered position within the magnetic field generating device J. Referring to FIG. 12, a part 211P of the first portion 211 of the support part 210 on the second portion 212 side is inserted into the first portion 211 side of the second portion 212, and the first portion 211 is close to the second portion 212. Note that this insertion operation may be performed when the billet B' is located at the raised position.

[0094] 19, the first part 211 and the second part 212 of the support part 210 of the transfer device 200 move forward, and the holding surface HS of the motor-side holding fixture HM (FIG. 2) of the billet holding unit U is attached to the front end surface of the billet B. At this time, the front end surface of the billet B is not rubbed.

[0095] The conveying direction driving unit 130 (FIGS. 10B and 10C) of the feeding device 100 moves the pair of members 111, 112 rearward to receive the billet B2 to be heated next. At this time, the pole unit 330 of the pushing device 300 passes through an opening (FIG. 10A) facing the receiving position of the feeding device 100. The conveying loader 10 conveys the billet B2 to be heated next to the position of the feeding device 100.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 20, the holding surface HS (FIG. 6) of the press-side holding fixture HP of the billet holding unit U is displaced so that the holding surface HS is attached to the rear end surface of the billet B.

[0097] Thereafter, billet B is rotated. Magnetic field generator J generates a magnetic field in a predetermined working space where billet B is located. During this time, billet B is heated by an induced current flowing in billet B.

[0098] When the holding surface HS is attached to the rear end surface of the billet B, or when the billet B is being heated, the transport loader 10 descends and delivers the billet B2 to the charging device 100, as in FIG.

[0099] 21, after the billet B is heated, the holding surface HS of the pressurizer-side holding tool HP of the billet holding unit U is moved away from the rear end face of the billet B. The pushing pusher 320 of the pushing device 300 is raised. The pushing device 300 moves forward.

[0100] Thereafter, the first part 211 and the second part 212 of the support part 210 of the conveying device 200 move rearward, and the holding surface HS of the motor-side holding fixture HM (FIG. 2) of the billet holding unit U moves away from the front end face of the billet B. Even at this time, the front end face of the billet B is not rubbed.

[0101] 22, the support portion 210 of the transfer device 200 moves up and down to transfer the heated billet B to a raised position. The transfer loader 10 moves forward to receive the billet B.

[0102] The conveying loader 10 descends. The claws 11 grip the billet B. Thereafter, the conveying loader 10 ascends. Referring to Fig. 23, the conveying loader 10 conveys the heated billet B to a processing machine such as an extruder. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The billet rotating and holding device according to the present invention can be used for any purpose, for example, as a billet heating device for heating a billet (for example, an aluminum billet). [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] S Billet rotation holding device 10 Transport loader 11 Nails 100 Feeding device 100S space 111,112 Pair of members 110S space 111S, 112S, 111S1, 112S1, 111S2, 112S2 Slit 112P fixed plate 120 Depth direction drive unit 121A,121B part 122 Rail 130 Conveying direction drive unit 131 Actuator 132,133 rails 200 Conveyor 210 Support part 211,212 parts 211S2,211S2,212S1,212S2 Side wall 211B Bottom 212V hollow part 212B Bottom 220 Lifting section 221,222 Actuator 300 Pushing device 310 Positioning pusher 320 Pusher 330 Pole section B, B', B2 billets d Longitudinal direction M electric motor MS motor shaft MSO motor shaft center axis P pressure machine PS pressure shaft PSO central axis of compressor shaft J Magnetic Field Generator J2 iron core J4 Vacuum Insulated Container J6 Designated work space TA, TB, TC support stand U Billet Holding Unit HM Motor side holder (holder) HMO Motor side holder central axis HP pressure machine side holder (holder) HPO Pressure Machine Side Holder Central Axis HO fixed part HOh internal space HOsa, HOsb, HOsc, HOsd, HOf surface HOE engaged part HOH outer cylinder HOL inner circumference HY floating part (main body floating part) HYsa, HYsb, HYsc, HYsd, HYse, HYsf surface HYE engagement part HS holding surface HG groove HGB Bottom edge of groove HR protrusion HRT protruding tip edge of ridge HC guide protrusion HCT guide protrusion protrusion tip HYh interior space HE main body elastic part HEA, HEB Partially elastic part HD Disc Spring HK Extrusion Section HKT tip surface HKP protrusion HKsa, HKsb Step surface HKE Elastic part for extrusion HKD Disc Spring HN Additional floating part HNa, HNb, and HNc surfaces Bf Axial end face AD Axial direction AD1 Axial direction first side AD2 Axial direction 2nd side ADB Axial direction billet side ADA Axial direction opposite to billet side VD Vertical VD1 Vertical first side VD2 Second vertical side DD Depth direction

Claims

1. A billet rotating and holding device configured to rotate a billet while holding it, The billet rotating and holding device is a feeding device including a pair of members that receive the billet when closed and pass the billet between them when open, and a depth direction drive unit that opens and closes the pair of members by relatively displacing them in the depth direction; a conveying device that receives and conveys the billet from the charging device; a billet holding unit that holds the billet transported by the transport device; A billet rotation and holding device comprising:

2. the input device further includes a conveying direction drive unit that moves the pair of members between a receiving position and a position near the conveying device, The input device is open toward the receiving position.

2. The billet rotating and holding device according to claim 1.

3. The pair of members are formed with slits through which claws of a conveying loader that support the billet pass.

3. The billet rotating and holding device according to claim 1 or 2.

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