Torsion measuring device and method, torsion correction device, and spring forming device

Abstract

To provide a distortion measuring device that can suppress variations in the measurement of distortion.SOLUTION: A distortion measuring device 1 for measuring the distortion of a linear material W having a deformed cross section includes: a reference unit 5 located on one side of the linear material W in a length direction; a detection unit 7 located on the other side of the linear material, the detection unit being rotatable around an axis along the length direction with respect to the reference unit 5; a reference hole 9 of the reference unit 5 and a detection hole 11 of the detection unit 7 for passing the linear material W through the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 while restraining the linear material W around an axis for rotation senior. When the linear material W is passed through the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11, the detection unit 7 rotates around the axis of the detection unit 7 with respect to the reference unit 5 according to the distortion of the linear material W and can measure the distortion of the linear material W.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the twist of wire used in coil springs and the like, a twist correction device, and a spring forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional twist measuring device is a wire rod twist detection device described in Patent Document 1. This wire rod twist detection device has a gauge plate rotatably arranged between support plates. The support plates have a through hole sized to allow the wire rod to pass through smoothly, and the gauge plate has a gauge hole of the same shape as the wire rod.

[0003] In this wire twist detector, if the wire passing through the through hole and the gauge hole is twisted, the gauge plate rotates according to the twist angle. If the tilt of the gauge plate due to this rotation exceeds the allowable range, the coiling operation is stopped.

[0004] This makes it possible to remove the twisted portion of the wire that exceeds the tolerance range and resume work.

[0005] However, because the through-hole in the support plate is large enough for the wire to pass through smoothly, there is some play in the wire. Therefore, the origin of the twist in the wire is outside the wire twist detection device. As a result, in the wire twist detection device, the distance from the origin of the twist in the wire to the gauge plate (the target position for twist measurement) is long, which leads to large variations in measurement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-34310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved is that the distance from the origin of the twist to the target position for twist measurement becomes long, resulting in large variations in the measurement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a torsion measuring device for measuring the torsion of a long member having an irregular cross-sectional shape, comprising a reference section located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the long member and a detection section located on the other side and rotatable around an axis along the longitudinal direction relative to the reference section, and a reference hole in the reference section and a detection hole in the detection section through which the long member is passed while restraining it from rotating around the axis of the long member relative to the reference section and the detection section, and when the long member is passed through the reference hole and the detection hole, the detection section rotates around the axis of the detection section relative to the reference section in response to the torsion of the long member, making it possible to measure the torsion of the long member.

[0009] The present invention also provides a torsion correction device using the torsion measuring device, comprising: a torsion correction unit that receives the long member whose torsion has been measured and is driven to correct the torsion, and a correction control unit that controls the drive of the torsion correction unit so as to correct the torsion of the long member based on the measured torsion.

[0010] The present invention also provides a spring forming apparatus using the torsion correcting device, comprising a spring forming section that receives a long member that has passed through the correcting section and forms a coil spring.

[0011] The present invention also provides a spring forming apparatus using the torsion measuring device, comprising: a spring forming section that receives the long member and forms a coil spring; and a supply control section that controls the supply of the long member based on the torsion measured by the torsion measuring device.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a torsion measurement method for measuring the torsion of a long member having an irregular cross-sectional shape, which comprises passing the long member through a reference hole provided in a reference section located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the long member and a detection hole provided in a detection section located on the other side while restraining the long member from rotating around the axis of the long member relative to the reference section and the detection section, and rotating the detection section relative to the reference section in accordance with the torsion of the long member, thereby making it possible to measure the torsion of the long member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The torsion measuring device and method of the present invention can stably measure the torsion of a long member between a reference portion and a detection portion.

[0014] The torsion correction device of the present invention can accurately correct the torsion of a long member based on the measured torsion.

[0015] The spring forming apparatus of the present invention can manufacture coil springs with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a torsion measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2(A) and 2(B) are schematic side views showing the measurement of the twist of a wire rod using the twist measuring device of FIG. [Figure 3] 3(A) to 3(E) are schematic cross-sectional views of the wire rod according to Example 1, where FIG. 3(A) shows an elliptical cross-section, FIG. 3(B) shows a flattened cross-section in which a flat surface is added to a circular cross-section, FIG. 3(C) shows a rectangular cross-section, FIG. 3(D) shows a cross-section in which a semi-ellipse and a semi-circle are combined, and FIG. 3(E) shows a cross-section in which a flat surface is added to FIG. 3(D). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the reference portion of the torsion measuring device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the detection section of the torsion measuring device of FIG. [Figure 6]6(A) and (B) are conceptual diagrams showing the relationship between the wire center and the torsion center of the wire of Example 1, where FIG. 6(A) shows a state in which the wire center and the torsion center coincide, and FIG. 6(B) shows a state in which the wire center and the torsion center of the wire do not coincide. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing a detection unit of a torsion measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing a detection section of a torsion measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing a torsion measuring device according to Example 4 of the present invention, in which FIG. 9(A) shows a state in which a movable reference part is set closer to the detection part relative to the base, and FIG. 9(B) shows a state in which the reference part is set away from the detection part. [Figure 10] 10(A) and (B) are schematic front views showing the detection unit of a torsion measuring device according to Example 5 of the present invention, where FIG. 10(A) is equipped with a laser meter in the rotation measurement unit, and FIG. 10(B) is equipped with a goniometer in the rotation measurement unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a spring forming apparatus equipped with a torsion correction device using a torsion measuring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a spring forming device according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention achieves the objective of stably measuring the torsion of a long member by passing the long member through both a reference section on one side and a detection section on the other side while suppressing rotation around the axis, and by rotating the detection section relative to the reference section in response to the torsion of the long member.

[0018] As shown in the figure, the torsion measuring device 1 is capable of measuring the torsion of a long member W having an irregular cross-sectional shape, and is equipped with a reference section 5, a detection section 7, a reference hole 9 in the reference section 5, and a detection hole 11 in the detection section 7.

[0019] The reference unit 5 is located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the elongated member W. The detection unit 7 is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction and is configured to be rotatable around its own axis along the longitudinal direction of the elongated member W. The reference hole 9 and detection hole 11 allow the elongated member W to pass through while restraining it from rotating around its axis relative to the reference unit 5 and detection unit 7. When the elongated member W is passed through the reference hole 9 and detection hole 11, the detection unit 7 rotates around its axis relative to the reference unit 5 in response to the torsion of the elongated member W, making it possible to measure the torsion of the elongated member W.

[0020] The reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 can be realized in various forms, but at least one of them may include a pair of rollers 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b. The pair of rollers 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b have guide surfaces 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b on their peripheral surfaces, and the guide surfaces 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b abut against the elongated member W from both sides in the cross-sectional direction and allow the elongated member W to pass through by rotating around the axis.

[0021] At least one of the pair of rollers 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b may move in the cross-sectional direction of the elongated member W relative to the other of the pair of rollers 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b, so that the distance between the guide surfaces 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b can be adjusted according to the elongated member W.

[0022] The torsion measuring device 1 may include a base 3, a rotating unit 23, a convex arc portion 23a, and a concave arc portion 35a. The base 3 supports the reference unit 5 and the detecting unit 7. The rotating unit 23 is provided in the detecting unit 7, supports the pair of rollers 19a, 19b of the detecting unit 7, and is supported rotatably about its axis relative to the base 3. The convex arc portion 23a is provided on one of the rotating unit 23 and the base 3. The concave arc portion 35a is provided on the other of the rotating unit 23 and the base 3, and slidably receives the convex arc portion 23a, allowing the rotating unit 23 to rotate.

[0023] The rotation axis C3 of the rotating part 23 relative to the base 3 may be disposed in the detection hole 11 between the rollers 19a and 19b of the detection part 7.

[0024] In addition, the torsion measuring device 1 may be provided with a scale 37b on one of the detection unit 7 and the base 3, and an indicator 37a on the other of the detection unit 7 and the base 3, and the torsion of the long member W may be measured by the scale 37b indicated by the indicator 37a in response to the rotation of the detection unit 7.

[0025] The torsion measuring device 1 may also include measuring devices 43 and 45 that electrically measure the rotation of the detecting portion 7 .

[0026] At least one of the reference portion 5 and the detection portion 7 may be movable in the length direction, and the distance between the reference portion 5 and the detection portion 7 may be adjustable by this movement.

[0027] The torsion correction device 49 using the torsion measuring device 1 includes a correction unit 49a and a correction control unit 49b. The correction unit 49a receives the long member W whose torsion has been measured and is driven to correct the torsion. The correction control unit 49b controls the drive of the correction unit 49a so as to correct the torsion of the long member W based on the measured torsion.

[0028] A spring forming apparatus 51 using this torsion correcting device 49 includes a spring forming section 50 that receives the long member W that has passed through the correcting section 49a and forms a coil spring.

[0029] A spring forming device 51 using the torsion measuring device 1 may include a spring forming section 50 that receives a long member W and forms a coil spring, and a supply control section 52 that controls the supply of the long member W based on the torsion measured by the torsion measuring device 1.

[0030] A torsion measurement method for measuring the torsion of a long member W having an irregular cross-sectional shape involves passing the long member W through a reference hole 9 provided in a reference section 5 located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the long member W and a detection hole 11 provided in a detection section 7 located on the other side while restraining the long member W from rotating around its axis, and rotating the detection section 7 relative to the reference section 5 in accordance with the torsion of the long member W, thereby making it possible to measure the torsion of the long member W. [Example]

[0031] [Torsion measuring device] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a torsion measuring device according to Example 1 of the present invention. Figs. 2(A) and 2(B) are schematic side views showing measurement of the torsion of a wire rod using the torsion measuring device of Fig. 1 according to Example 1, with Fig. 2(A) showing the initial position and Fig. 2(B) showing the intermediate position.

[0032] The torsion measuring device 1 in Figures 1 and 2 measures the torsion of a long member W having an irregular cross-sectional shape. The long member W refers to a member that is continuous in the longitudinal direction and has a linear, rod-like, cylindrical, or other shape. The type and cross-sectional shape of the long member W can be freely selected within the scope of the object of the invention. In this embodiment, the long member W is a wire rod for forming a coil spring. This long member W, which is a wire rod, has a straight axis, so the longitudinal direction is also straight, but the axis and longitudinal direction may be slightly curved. Hereinafter, the long member W, which is a wire rod, will be referred to as wire rod W.

[0033] 3(A) to 3(E) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the wire rod W according to Example 1. FIG.

[0034] The wire rod W having an irregular cross-sectional shape has a cross section other than a circle, and can have various cross sections such as an elliptical cross section, a flattened cross section, a rectangular cross section, a cross section combining a semi-ellipse and a semi-circle, or a cross section combining a flattened cross section, as shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(E). In this example, the elliptical cross section of Figure 3(A) will be described as an example. Note that the wire rod W may have a cross section other than those shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(E). Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the wire rod W is constant in the length direction, but does not necessarily have to be constant.

[0035] The torsion measuring device 1 includes a base 3, a reference part 5, and a detection part .

[0036] The base 3 is made of an appropriate material such as metal or resin, and is formed into a rectangular plate in this embodiment. The shape of the base 3 can be set as appropriate and is not limited to a rectangular plate. Also, instead of the base 3, a rod-shaped or other connecting member that connects the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 can be used.

[0037] The base 3 has a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the wire W when measuring the twist, and the distance between the reference part 5 and the detection part 7 can be set within the range of this length. The distance between the reference part 5 and the detection part 7 sets the unit length for detecting the twist of the wire W.

[0038] The unit length in this embodiment is a range in which the wire W can be supported without slack between the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7. However, the unit length may be a distance that causes slack in the wire W, as long as it is within an allowable range for error in the torsion measurement results. Between the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7, a flat roller or a pipe, for example, may be used as an intermediate support for the wire W to suppress deflection of the wire W due to gravity.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a schematic front view showing the reference unit 5 of the torsion measuring device 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic front view showing the detection unit 7 of the torsion measuring device 1 of Fig. 1.

[0040] The reference part 5 is located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the base 3, and the detection part 7 is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the base 3. The detection part 7 is configured to be rotatable around an axis along the longitudinal direction of the wire W relative to the reference part 5.

[0041] The reference unit 5 has a reference hole 9, and the detection unit 7 has a detection hole 11. When a wire W is passed through the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11, the detection unit 7 rotates around its own axis relative to the reference unit 5 in response to the twist of the wire W, making it possible to measure the twist of the wire W.

[0042] The reference hole 9 of the reference unit 5 and the detection hole 11 of the detection unit 7 in this embodiment have a cross-sectional shape that follows the cross-sectional shape of the wire W. In other words, the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 7 in this embodiment are holes that include cross sections that correspond to parts of both the left and right sides of the cross-sectional outer periphery of the wire W. As a result, the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 allow the wire W to pass through and be fed relatively to the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 while restraining it from rotating around its own axis.

[0043] The reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 do not need to have a shape that follows the cross-sectional shape of the wire W, as long as they can restrain the wire W so that it does not rotate around its axis relative to the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7. For example, the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 may be configured to support several points on the outer periphery of the wire W, and the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 may be openings or spaces through which the wire W passes. In this case, it is preferable to support the wire W at least above and below the maximum width of the wire W.

[0044] In other words, the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 need not have a continuous inner circumference as long as they define an opening or space through which the wire W passes. It is also preferable that the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 do not have a clearance between them and the wire W, but a clearance is permissible as long as it can restrain them from rotating around the axis of the wire W.

[0045] The reference portion 5 and the detection portion 7 of this embodiment are provided with pairs of rollers 17a, 17b and 19a, 19b, respectively, and the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 are defined by these pairs of rollers 17a, 17b and 19a, 19b.

[0046] It is preferable that the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 have pairs of rollers 17a, 17b and 19a, 19b, respectively, but only one of them may have pairs of rollers 17a, 17b or 19a, 19b. It is also possible that neither the reference unit 5 nor the detection unit 7 has rollers 17a, 17b nor 19a, 19b.

[0047] Either or both of the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7, which do not have rollers, may be provided with a member having a reference hole 9 or a detection hole 11 through which the wire W passes. In this case, the member having the reference hole 9 or the detection hole 11 may be formed by a block through which the reference hole 9 or the detection hole 11 is formed, or a pair of block pieces formed by splitting the block in half.

[0048] The rollers 17a and 17b of the reference portion 5 are supported by a pedestal 21. The pedestal 21 is a member made of metal, resin, or the like, similar to the base 3, and has a shape that can support the rollers 17a and 17b. In this embodiment, the pedestal 21 is formed in the shape of a rectangular block.

[0049] The pedestal 21 is fixed to or formed integrally with the base 3 and constitutes a part of the base 3. The pedestal 21 is located on an end portion on one side of the base 3. However, the position of the pedestal 21 only needs to be on one side of the base 3 in relation to the pedestal 35 of the detection unit 7, and does not have to be on an end portion of the base 3. The pedestal 21 may also be omitted.

[0050] Rollers 17a and 17b are disposed adjacent to base 21 in the width direction of torsion measuring device 1. Rollers 17a and 17b are movable in the width direction, and the distance between them can be adjusted according to the wire W.

[0051] It should be noted that rollers 17a and 17b may be supported immovably relative to pedestal 21. Alternatively, rollers 17a and 17b may be directly supported on base 3 without pedestal 21. The width direction of the torsion measuring device 1 refers to a cross-sectional direction along the cross section of wire W that intersects with the length direction and also a direction that intersects with the up-down direction. The up-down direction refers to a cross-sectional direction that intersects with the width direction and refers to the up-down direction of the torsion measuring device 1. Rollers 17a and 17b may be adjacent not in the width direction but in another cross-sectional direction, that is, the up-down direction, or in a diagonal direction that intersects with the up-down direction and width direction.

[0052] Rollers 17a and 17b are columnar bodies made of an appropriate material such as metal, resin, etc. Rollers 17a and 17b are rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction, and have guide surfaces 13a and 13b on their outer peripheries centered on the axis.

[0053] The guide surfaces 13a and 13b are formed as concave curved surfaces corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the wire W, and can contact the wire W from both sides in the width direction with the long sides of the wire W aligned in the vertical direction.

[0054] The guide surfaces 13a and 13b in this embodiment have a concave curved surface shape including a cross section corresponding to a part of the cross-sectional outer circumferential shape of the wire rod W. As a result, the guide surfaces 13a and 13b include a peripheral surface shape corresponding to the maximum width part of the cross-sectional outer circumferential shape of the wire rod W.

[0055] The guide surfaces 13a and 13b are symmetrical with respect to the center of the width between them, but may be asymmetrical. Depending on the shape of the guide surfaces 13a and 13b and the arrangement of the rollers 17a and 17b, the guide surfaces 13a and 13b may be capable of contacting the wire W from both sides in the width direction with the long sides of the wire W aligned in the width direction or diagonal direction.

[0056] The distance between the guide surfaces 13a and 13b can be adjusted by moving the rollers 17a and 17b, and the rollers 17a and 17b are supported by a drive unit 25 so as to be movable.

[0057] The driving unit 25 moves the rollers 17a and 17b and is made up of a linear motion mechanism or the like. In this embodiment, the driving unit 25 has an adjustment screw shaft 29 and nuts 31a and 31b that screw onto the adjustment screw shaft 29. Note that the driving unit 25 can also be made up of other linear motion mechanisms or driving mechanisms such as a linear guide or a linear actuator.

[0058] The adjustment screw shaft 29 is rotatably supported by the base 21 via a bearing (not shown). An operation knob 29a for driving the adjustment screw shaft 29 is attached to the outer end protruding from the base 21. The adjustment screw shaft 29 may be driven by connecting an electric motor to the outer end.

[0059] Nuts 31a and 31b are threaded onto the adjustment screw shaft 29. The nuts 31a and 31b have threads in opposite directions. Roller support shafts 33a and 33b are coupled to the nuts 31a and 31b, respectively. The roller support shafts 33a and 33b support the rollers 17a and 17b, respectively, so that they can rotate freely around their axes.

[0060] Therefore, the reference hole 9 is set by adjusting the distance between the guide surfaces 13a and 13b by moving the rollers 17a and 17b in opposite directions in the width direction by rotating the adjustment screw shaft 29. The set reference hole 9 restricts the rotation of the wire W passing through this reference hole 9 around its axis relative to the reference portion 5.

[0061] The rollers 19a and 19b of the detection unit 7 are supported by the rotating unit 23, which is supported by the base 35. Therefore, the detection unit 7 is configured to include the rollers 19a and 19b and the rotating unit 23 that supports them. The rollers 19a and 19b are movable in the width direction of the rotating unit 23, and the distance between them can be adjusted according to the wire W. Note that the rollers 19a and 19b may be supported so as to be immovable relative to the rotating unit 23.

[0062] The pedestal 35 is a member made of metal, resin, or the like, similar to the base 3, and has a shape that can support the rotating part 23. In this embodiment, the pedestal 35 is formed in the shape of a rectangular block having a support concave surface 35a that receives the rotating part 23.

[0063] This pedestal 35 is fixed to or formed integrally with the base 3, and is located on the end portion on the other side of the base 3. However, the position of the pedestal 35 only needs to be on the other side of the base 3 in relation to the pedestal 21 of the reference part 5, and does not have to be located on the end portion of the base 3.

[0064] The rotating part 23 is made of an appropriate material such as metal or resin, and is supported rotatably around an axis relative to the base 35. The axis of rotation of the rotating part 23 is aligned with the length direction of the wire W.

[0065] In this embodiment, the rotating portion 23 is formed in a sector shape and has an arcuate surface 23a that abuts against the support concave surface 35a of the base 35. This arcuate surface 23a constitutes the convex arc portion of this embodiment.

[0066] The support concave surface 35a of the base 35 is formed in an arc shape, and slidably receives the arc surface 23a, which is the convex arc portion, thereby allowing rotation of the rotating portion 23. Therefore, the support concave surface 35a of the base 35 constitutes the concave arc portion of this embodiment.

[0067] The support recess 35a may support a bearing roller. The shapes of the rotating part 23 and the base 35 may be interchanged. In this case, the rotating part 23 has a concave arc portion, and the base 35 has a convex arc portion.

[0068] The rotation of the rotating part 23 can be measured by an index 37a and a scale 37b. The index 37a is provided on a pedestal 35, which is part of the base 3. In this embodiment, the index 37a is positioned at the lowest point of the supporting recess 35a. The scale 37b is arranged along the arcuate surface 23a of the rotating part 23.

[0069] Therefore, when the rotating part 23 rotates, the position of the scale 37b relative to the index 37a changes, and the amount of rotation of the rotating part 23 can be visually measured as the twist of the wire W. In this embodiment, the index 37a and the scale 37b are both visible from the front.

[0070] The scale 37b may be provided on the base 35, and the indicator 37a may be provided on the rotating part 23. Therefore, the scale 37a may be provided on one of the reference part 5 and the detection part 7, and the indicator 37a may be provided on the other of the reference part 5 and the detection part 7.

[0071] Rollers 19a and 19b are supported by the rotating part 23. The detection hole 11 between the rollers 19a and 19b is at the same height in the vertical direction as the reference holes 9 of the rollers 17a and 17b on the base 21 and communicates with them in the longitudinal direction.

[0072] Like rollers 17a and 17b of reference section 5, rollers 19a and 19b are formed of an appropriate material such as metal or resin, and are columnar bodies that can rotate freely around an axis that runs in the vertical direction, and have guide surfaces 15a and 15b on the outer periphery around the axis.

[0073] Like the guide surfaces 13a and 13b of the reference portion 5, the guide surfaces 15a and 15b are formed as concave curved surfaces corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the wire W, and can be contacted from both sides of the width of the wire W with the long sides of the wire W aligned in the vertical direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the guide surfaces 15a and 15b have a concave curved surface shape including a cross section corresponding to a part of the cross-sectional outer peripheral shape of the wire W, and include a peripheral surface shape corresponding to the maximum width part of the cross-sectional outer peripheral shape of the wire W.

[0075] The guide surfaces 15a, 15b are symmetrical with respect to the center of the width between them, but may be asymmetrical. Depending on the shape of the guide surfaces 15a, 15b and the arrangement of the rollers 19a and 19b, the guide surfaces 15a, 15b may be capable of contacting the wire W from both sides in the width direction with the long sides of the wire W aligned in the width direction or diagonal direction.

[0076] The distance between the guide surfaces 15a and 15b can be adjusted by moving the rollers 19a and 19b, which are supported by a drive unit 27 so as to be movable.

[0077] The drive unit 27 has almost the same structure as the drive unit 25, and moves the rollers 19a and 19b. In this embodiment, the drive unit 27 has an adjustment screw shaft 29 and nuts 31a and 31b that are screwed onto the adjustment screw shaft 29.

[0078] The adjustment screw shaft 29 is rotatably supported by the rotating unit 23 via a bearing (not shown), but does not have an operation knob 29a in consideration of balance with respect to the rotation of the rotating unit 23. This adjustment screw shaft 29 can be rotated with a tool; for example, a hexagonal hole can be provided on the end face, and it can be rotated with a hexagonal wrench. However, the adjustment screw shaft 29 of the drive unit 27 can also be provided with an operation knob 29a, like the adjustment screw shaft 29 of the drive unit 25. In this case, it is preferable that the mass of the operation knob 29a be negligible in terms of balance of the rotating unit 23. The adjustment screw shaft 29 of the drive unit 25 may also omit the operation knob 29a. The adjustment screw shaft 29 may also be driven by connecting an electric motor.

[0079] Nuts 31a and 31b, which have threads in opposite directions and are connected to roller support shafts 33a and 33b, are threadedly engaged with the adjustment screw shaft 29. The roller support shafts 33a and 33b support the rollers 19a and 19b so that they can rotate freely around their axes, respectively. are.

[0080] Therefore, the detection hole 11 is set by adjusting the gap between the guide surfaces 15a and 15b by moving the rollers 19a and 19b through rotation of the adjustment screw shaft 29. The set detection hole 11 restricts the rotation of the wire W being passed through the detection unit 7 around its axis.

[0081] As a result, when a twisted wire W is passed through the detection hole 11, the twist causes the rotating part 23 to rotate around its axis relative to the base 35. The rotation center C3, which is the axis of rotation of the rotating part 23 relative to the base 35, is located inside the detection hole 11 set between the rollers 19a and 19b.

[0082] In this embodiment, the arc surface 23a of the rotating part 23 is formed by an arc with a smaller central angle than a semicircle, and a chord of the imaginary semicircle including the arc surface 23a is set to pass through the detection hole 11. By this setting, in this embodiment 1, the rotation center C3 of the rotating part 23 is made to coincide with the center C of the detection hole 11. The center C of the detection hole 11 coincides with the wire center C1 (FIG. 6) of the wire W, and is located at a position corresponding to the intersection of the minor axis and major axis of the irregular cross-sectional shape.

[0083] The center C of the detection hole 11 and the center of rotation C3 are conceptually shown by circles in FIGS.

[0084] Figures 6(A) and (B) are conceptual diagrams showing the relationship between the wire center C1 and the twist center C2 of the wire W in Example 1, where Figure 6(A) shows a state in which the wire center C1 and the twist center C2 are aligned, and Figure 6(B) shows a state in which the wire center C1 and the twist center C2 are not aligned.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6, the relationship between the wire center C1 and the twist center C2 of the wire W can be either a state in which the wire center C1 and the twist center C2 coincide with each other or a state in which the wire center C1 and the twist center C2 do not coincide with each other.

[0086] Therefore, when the rotation center C3 of the rotating part 23 is positioned within the detection hole 11, the torsion center C2, which is the axis of the wire W passed through the detection hole 11, will either coincide with the rotation center C3 of the rotating part 23 or be located close to it within the detection hole 11.

[0087] [Operation of the torsion measuring device, torsion measuring method] In the torsion measurement of this embodiment, the wire W is passed through the torsion measuring device 1, and the detection unit 7 is rotated relative to the reference unit 5, thereby measuring the torsion of the wire W.

[0088] Specifically, the wire W is passed through a reference hole 9 provided in the reference part 5 and a detection hole 11 provided in the detection part 7 while being restrained so that the wire W does not rotate around its axis relative to the reference part 5 and the detection part 7.

[0089] When passing the wire W through the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11, the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 are set to the initial position shown in Figure 2(A). In this setting, the distance between the guide surfaces 13a and 13b that face the wire W from both sides in the cross-sectional direction and the distance between the guide surfaces 15a and 15b are adjusted. During adjustment, the driver 25 rotates the adjustment screw shaft 29 by operating the operation knob 29a, and the driver 27 rotates the adjustment screw shaft 29 with a hex wrench or the like.

[0090] The adjustment screw shafts 29 are rotated until the guide surfaces 13a and 13b and the guide surfaces 15a and 15b respectively abut against the wire W. As a result, the torsion measuring device 1 is in the initial position, and the wire W is passed through the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11 while being restrained so as not to rotate around the axis.

[0091] At this time, if there is a twist in the wire W between the reference part 5 and the detection part 7, the detection part 7 receives a rotational force relative to the reference part 5 in accordance with the twist.

[0092] That is, the detection hole 11 receives a rotational force at its inner periphery in response to the twist of the wire W, and this rotational force is transmitted to the rotating part 23 via the rollers 19a and 19b. In response to this, the rotating part 23 rotates relative to the reference part 5 due to the sliding between the arcuate surface 23a and the support recess surface 35a.

[0093] By this rotation of the rotary portion 23, the scale 37b moves from the neutral position relative to the index 37a of the base 35.

[0094] Therefore, the worker can accurately measure the twist direction and angle of the wire W by visually checking the scale 37b indicated by the indicator 37a without using a separate protractor.

[0095] It is also possible to measure the inclination of the upper surface 23b of the rotating part 23 with a protractor without providing the indicator 37a and the scale 37b.

[0096] In this way, by restraining the wire W so that it does not rotate around its axis between the reference part 5 and the detection part 7 of a unit length set at a predetermined distance, and by rotating the rotating part 23 of the detection part 7 in accordance with the twist of the wire W, the twist of the wire W can be measured stably and accurately within the range of the unit length.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, by clamping the wire W between rollers 17a and 17b and 19a and 19b, there is no clearance or rattle between the wire W and the reference hole 9 or detection hole 11. Therefore, the rotating part 23 can be rotated linearly in response to the twist of the wire W, and the twist of the wire W can be measured more stably and accurately.

[0098] Alternatively, the wire W may be fed relatively to the torsion measuring device 1, which has reference hole 9 and detection hole 11 set in advance, by passing it through the reference hole 9 and detection hole 11, and the torsion measuring device 1 may be positioned at the initial position shown in Figure 2(A). The relative feeding of the wire W can be performed by fixing the wire W and moving the torsion measuring device 1. However, the wire W may also be fed while fixing the torsion measuring device 1.

[0099] At this time, the pair of rollers 17a and 17b that define the reference hole 9 and the pair of rollers 19a and 19b that define the detection hole 11 rotate, allowing the wire W to be fed smoothly through the reference hole 9 and the detection hole 11.

[0100] After the first measurement is completed in this manner, the wire W is fed relatively, and the twist measuring device 1 is moved relatively to the wire W by a predetermined length as shown in FIG. 2(B), and the measurement is carried out in the same manner.

[0101] In this way, measurements are made at predetermined intervals of length, and the twist of the wire W can be measured over the entire measured length, allowing the quality of the wire W in terms of twist to be confirmed.

[0102] It is also possible to know which part of the wire W has an unacceptable twist. [Example]

[0103] 7 is a schematic front view showing a detection unit of a torsion measuring device according to Example 2 of the present invention. Since Example 2 has a basic configuration in common with Example 1, the same reference numerals are used for corresponding components and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0104] In the torsion measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the center of rotation C3 of the rotating part 23 relative to the pedestal 35, which is part of the base 3, is located outside the detection hole 11. Therefore, the center of rotation C3 of the rotating part 23 does not coincide with the center C of the detection hole 11.

[0105] The arc surface 23a of the rotating part 23 is formed in a semicircle, and the chord of the semicircle is set to coincide with the upper surface 23b of the rotating part 23.

[0106] By this setting, in this embodiment, there is a gap between the rotation center C3 of the rotating portion 23 and the center C of the detection hole 11. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0107] In the torsion measuring device 1 of Example 2, when the torsion of the wire W is measured in the same manner as in Example 1, the rotating part 23 rotates relative to the base 35 in accordance with the torsion, and the torsion of the wire W can be measured.

[0108] Therefore, in this second embodiment as well, the same effects as those described above can be achieved. [Example]

[0109] 8 is a schematic front view showing a detection unit of a torsion measuring device according to Example 3 of the present invention. Since Example 3 has a basic configuration in common with Example 1, the same reference numerals are used for corresponding components and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0110] In the torsion measuring device 1 of this embodiment, one roller 19a of the pair of rollers 19a and 19b of the detection unit 7 is fixed, and the other roller 19b is movable as in Example 1. The rest is the same as Example 1. It is also possible to fix roller 19b and make roller 19a movable.

[0111] One roller 19a has a roller support shaft 33a fixed to the rotating unit 23, and the other roller 19b is movably supported by the driving unit 27, as in the first embodiment. Note that the roller support shaft 33a on the fixed side may be made heavier than the roller support shaft 33b on the movable side 19b to adjust the balance with respect to the rotation of the rotating unit 23. The roller support shaft 33b of the other roller 19b is fixed to a nut 31b of the driving unit 27, and the adjustment screw shaft 29 is threadedly engaged with the nut 31b.

[0112] In this embodiment 3, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in embodiment 1. Moreover, in embodiment 3, roller 19b is fixed and roller 19a is moved relative to it to sandwich the wire W, which makes it easy to align the center C of the detection hole 11 with the wire center C1 of the wire W. [Example]

[0113] 9(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing a torsion measuring device according to Example 4 of the present invention, in which Fig. 9(A) shows a state in which a movable reference part is set closer to a detection part relative to a base, and Fig. 9(B) shows a state in which the movable reference part is set away from a detection part relative to a base. Note that Example 4 has a basic configuration in common with Example 1, and therefore corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0114] In the torsion measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the reference part 5 can be moved in the length direction of the wire W relative to the detection part 7, and this movement makes it possible to adjust the distance between the reference part 5 and the detection part 7. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0115] The detection unit 7 may be movable relative to the reference unit 5, or the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 may be movable relative to each other. Therefore, at least one of the reference unit 5 and the detection unit 7 may be movable relative to the other.

[0116] In this embodiment, the movable reference part 5 is supported on the base 3 by a linear motion mechanism such as a linear guide or linear actuator. The reference part 5 is equipped with a lock (not shown) for fixing it to the base 3. The base 3 is provided with a scale 39 that serves as a guide for the position of the reference part 5, and the reference part 5 is formed with an index 41. In this embodiment, the scale 39 and index 41 are visible from the side.

[0117] At the start of torsion measurement, the reference part 5 is moved to a position adjacent to the detection part 7. This movement of the reference part 5 allows the torsion center C2 of the wire W to coincide with or be close to the rotation center C3 of the rotation part 23 of the detection part 7 in the neutral position where the rotation part 23 is not rotating. By aligning or bringing the center C2 and the torsion center C2 close to each other, the torsion of the wire W can be measured more accurately and easily.

[0118] When measuring the torsion of the wire W, the movement of the reference part 5 is fixed at a predetermined position on the scale 39 indicated by the indicator 41. By fixing the reference part 5, the torsion measuring device 1 shown in Figure 9(A) becomes one with a short unit length for measurement, and the torsion measuring device 1 shown in Figure 9(B) becomes one with a relatively long unit length for measurement.

[0119] In the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be achieved. [Example]

[0120] 10(A) and (B) are schematic front views showing the detection unit of a torsion measuring device according to Example 5 of the present invention, with Fig. 10(A) including a laser meter and Fig. 10(B) including a goniometer. Note that Example 5 has a basic configuration in common with Example 1, and therefore corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0121] The torsion measuring device 1 of this embodiment has a rotation measuring unit 37 that measures the rotation of the rotating unit 23 as the rotation relative to the reference unit 5 of the detection unit 7. The rest is the same as in Example 1. The rotation measuring unit 37 has a laser meter 43 or a goniometer 45 as a measuring device that electrically measures the rotation of the rotating unit 23.

[0122] Although not shown, the laser meter 43 is supported on a support or the like inside or outside the torsion measuring device 1. The goniometer 45 is attached to a support frame 47. The support frame 47 is supported by the rotating unit 23. A pair of rollers 19a and 19b is supported between the support frame 47 and the rotating unit 23.

[0123] The laser meter 43 irradiates a laser onto the upper surface of the other of the rollers 19a and 19b, that is, the roller 19b, and receives the reflected light. This detects the rotation angle of the rotating unit 23 according to the tilt amount of the roller 19b. The goniometer 45 detects the tilt angle of the support frame 47, and detects the rotation angle of the rotating unit 23 according to this tilt angle.

[0124] The detection result of the laser meter 43 or the goniometer 45 is output as an electric signal, and the rotation angle of the rotating part 23 can be determined by an information processing device or the like (not shown).

[0125] Therefore, in this embodiment, the twist of the wire W can be automatically detected, and the wire W having the twist exceeding the threshold value can be accurately extracted. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those described above can be achieved. [Example]

[0126] 11 is a schematic diagram of a spring forming apparatus equipped with a torsion correcting device using a torsion measuring device according to Example 6 of the present invention. Since Example 6 has a basic configuration in common with Example 1, the same reference numerals are used for corresponding components and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0127] The torsion measuring device 1 of this embodiment is used in a torsion correction device 49 provided in a spring forming device 51.

[0128] That is, the spring forming device 51 has a spring forming section 50 together with the torsion correction device 49 .

[0129] The torsion measuring device 1 is fixed to a device frame (not shown) or the like. The torsion measuring device 1 is configured in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment, for example, and includes a laser meter 43.

[0130] A torsion correction device 49 using this torsion measuring device 1 includes a correction unit 49a and a correction control unit 49b in addition to the torsion measuring device 1. Note that the torsion correction device 49 can also be used as a standalone device separate from the spring forming device 51.

[0131] The straightening unit 49a is controlled by a straightening control unit 49b. The straightening unit 49b restrains the wire W so as not to rotate around its axis and rotates the wire W around its axis to straighten the twist of the wire W, and can be configured in the same manner as the detection unit 7. Note that the straightening mechanism, drive mechanism, etc. may have any configuration as long as they can receive the wire W and be driven to straighten the twist.

[0132] The straightening control unit 49b is an information processing device having a processor, memory, etc. When the wire rod W sent from the twist measuring device 1 is twisted, the straightening control unit 49b controls the straightening unit 49a based on the measurement signal received from the laser meter 43. This control causes the straightening unit 49a to operate and straighten the twist of the wire rod W.

[0133] Between the twist measuring device 1 and the straightening section 49a, feed rollers 55 and 57 for feeding the wire W are provided.

[0134] A spring forming unit 50 is disposed on the delivery side of the straightening unit 49a. The spring forming unit 50 is supplied with the wire W that has passed through the straightening unit 49a and forms a coil spring. The spring forming unit 50 of this embodiment includes a coiling roller 59, a pitch tool 61, a core bar 63, etc.

[0135] When forming the spring, the wire W is fed by the feed rollers 55 and 57.

[0136] At this time, in the torsion measuring device 1, the wire W is passed through the reference portion 5 and the detection portion 7. The torsion measuring device 1 of this embodiment is fixed in the length direction of the wire W.

[0137] At this time, in the twist measuring device 1, the twist of the wire W is measured for each unit length by the laser meter 43, and a measurement signal is output from the laser meter 43 to the straightening control unit 49b.

[0138] The straightening unit 49a is driven under the control of the straightening control unit 49b to which the measurement signal of the laser meter 43 is input when the wire W fed by the feed rollers 55 and 57 passes. In this way, the straightening unit 49a straightens out twists in the wire W.

[0139] The wire material W that has been forced to twist is sent out from the forcing section 49a and reaches the spring forming section 50, which winds the received wire material W into a coil shape to form a coil spring.

[0140] Therefore, in this embodiment, the twist of the wire rod W measured by the twist measuring device 1 is corrected, and a highly accurate coil spring can be manufactured using the corrected wire rod W.

[0141] [Variations] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a spring forming device according to a modified example.

[0142] In the modified example of FIG. 12, the torsion measuring device 1 is applied to a spring forming device 51 without being used in a torsion correcting device 49.

[0143] The modified spring forming apparatus 51 includes a supply control unit 52 in addition to the torsion measuring device 1 and the spring forming unit 50.

[0144] The supply control unit 52 is an information processing device having a processor, a memory, etc. The supply control unit 52 controls the supply of the wire rod W based on the torsion measured by the torsion measuring device 1. Specifically, when the torsion of the wire rod W exceeds a threshold value and is unacceptable, the supply control unit 52 stops feeding the wire rod W. In this embodiment, the drive of the feed rollers 55 and 57 is stopped.

[0145] Therefore, in this modified example, the portion of the wire W where twisting is not permitted can be removed and the production of the coil spring can be resumed, making it possible to produce a coil spring with high precision. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 Torsion measuring device 5 Reference part 7. Detection unit W wire rod (long member) 9 Reference hole 11 Detection hole 13a, 13b, 15a, 15b Guide surfaces 17a, 17b, 19a, 19b rollers 23 Rotating part 23a Arc surface (convex arc part) 25, 27 Drive unit 35a Support concave surface (concave arc portion) C1 Wire center (axis of wire) C3 Rotation center (axis of the detection part) 37a indicators 37b Scale 43 Laser meter (measuring instrument) 45 Angle meter (measuring instrument) 49 Torsion Correction Device 49a Orthodontic Department 49b Correction control section

Claims

1. A torsion measurement device for measuring the torsion of a long member having an irregular cross-sectional shape, comprising: a reference portion located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the elongated member and a detection portion located on the other side and rotatable around an axis along the longitudinal direction relative to the reference portion; a reference hole in the reference portion and a detection hole in the detection portion through which the elongated member passes while restraining the elongated member from rotating around the axis of the elongated member relative to the reference portion and the detection portion, When the long member is passed through the reference hole and the detection hole, the detection portion rotates around the axis of the detection portion relative to the reference portion in response to the torsion of the long member, thereby making it possible to measure the torsion of the long member. Torsion measuring device.

2. The torsion measuring device of claim 1, At least one of the reference unit and the detection unit has a guide surface on its circumferential surface, and includes a pair of rollers that abut against the elongated member from both sides in the cross-sectional direction of the elongated member by the guide surface and rotate around an axis to allow the elongated member to pass through. Torsion measuring device.

3. The torsion measuring device of claim 2, At least one of the pair of rollers is movable in the cross-sectional direction relative to the other of the pair of rollers, and the distance between the guide surfaces is adjustable according to the elongated member. Torsion measuring device.

4. The torsion measuring device of claim 3, a base supporting the reference portion and the detection portion; a rotating section provided in the detection section, supporting the pair of rollers of the detection section, and supported rotatably around the axis relative to the base; a convex arc portion provided on one of the rotating portion and the base; a concave arc portion provided on the other of the rotating portion and the base, the concave arc portion slidably receiving the convex arc portion and allowing the rotating portion to rotate; A torsion measuring device equipped with:

5. The torsion measuring device of claim 4, The rotating portion has an axis of rotation disposed within the detection hole. Torsion measuring device.

6. The torsion measuring device according to claim 4 or 5, a scale provided on one of the detection unit and the base; an indicator provided on the other of the detection unit and the base, The torsion can be measured by the scale indicated by the indicator in response to the rotation of the detection unit. Torsion measuring device.

7. The torsion measuring device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, A measuring device is provided to electrically measure the rotation of the rotating part. Torsion measuring device.

8. The torsion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, At least one of the reference portion and the detection portion is movable in the length direction, and the distance between the reference portion and the detection portion can be adjusted by moving at least one of the reference portion and the detection portion in the length direction. Torsion measuring device.

9. A torsion correction device using the torsion measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a torsion correction unit that receives the elongated member whose torsion has been measured and is driven to correct the torsion; and a correction control unit that controls the drive of the torsion correction unit so as to correct the torsion of the elongated member based on the measured torsion. Torsion correction device.

10. A spring forming apparatus using the torsion correction device of claim 9, a spring forming unit that receives the elongated member that has passed through the straightening unit and forms a coil spring; Spring forming equipment.

11. A spring forming apparatus using the torsion measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a spring forming unit that receives the elongated member and forms a coil spring; a supply control unit that controls the supply of the elongated member based on the torsion measured by the torsion measuring device, Spring forming equipment.

12. A torsion measurement method for measuring the torsion of a long member having an irregular cross-sectional shape, comprising: the elongated member is passed through a reference hole provided in a reference portion located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the elongated member and a detection hole provided in a detection portion located on the other side while being restrained so as not to rotate around the axis of the elongated member relative to the reference portion and the detection portion; The torsion of the elongated member can be measured by rotating the detection unit relative to the reference unit in response to the torsion of the elongated member. Torsion measurement method.

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