Processing system

Abstract

To provide a processing system capable of inspecting both surfaces of a processed product (inspection object article) in the flow of processing by a processing device.SOLUTION: A processing system comprises a press device 22 that forms a processed product 2 with a pair of arm parts 6a, 6b, and an inspection device that inspects the processed product 2. A conveyance mechanism 72 is provided downstream of the press device 22. The inspection device includes a first inspection device disposed in a first inspection zone to inspect one surface side of the processed product 2 and a second inspection device disposed in a second inspection zone to inspect the other surface side of the processed product 2. An inversion zone 86 is provided between the first inspection zone and the second inspection zone, and the inversion zone 86 includes an inversion mechanism 92 (inversion roller 110) to invert the processed product 2. The conveyance mechanism 72 acts on the pair of arm parts 6a, 6b to convey the processed product to the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and the inversion mechanism 92 inverts the processed product 2 with the pair of arm parts 6a, 6b as a fulcrum.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system that includes an inspection device for inspecting processed products and inspects the processed products processed by a processing device in the flow of processing.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a processing system including an inspection device for inspecting a processed product subjected to press working has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This processing system includes a press device that performs press working on a strip material and an inspection device that inspects the strip workpiece processed by this press device, and this inspection device is configured to inspect the workpiece in the flow of press working.

[0003] In this inspection device, a reference pitch and a template of a regular part are created based on the imaging image information of the workpiece (regular part) as a normal product before processing, and the measured pitch of the inspection target part is calculated based on the imaging image information of the processed product (inspection target part) as an inspection product during processing, and the quality of the inspection target part is determined by comparing the reference pitch of the regular part with the measured pitch of the inspection target part.

[0004] Specifically, this inspection device includes imaging means (for example, a CCD camera) for imaging a workpiece, a regular part image acquisition unit for acquiring image information of a regular part, reference pitch creation means for calculating a reference pitch based on the regular part image information acquired by the regular part image acquisition means, and template creation means for creating a template based on this regular part image information. Further, in order to inspect the inspection target part in the flow of processing, it includes inspection target part image acquisition means for acquiring image information of the inspection target part, measurement pitch calculation means for calculating the measured pitch of the inspection target part, and pass / fail determination means for determining the pass / fail of the processing target part based on the reference pitch and the measured pitch. This measurement pitch calculation means calculates the measured pitch of this inspection target part by extracting it by template matching using a template from the image information of the inspection target part acquired by the image acquisition means.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5672918 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the inspection device of this processing system calculates the measurement pitch of a specific shape in a continuous strip of parts to be inspected, and determines the quality of the processing based on this measurement pitch and a reference pitch. Therefore, it can detect and determine as defective processing defects that change this measurement pitch, such as deformation, defects, and large scratches that occur during processing, but it cannot detect processing defects that occur on the surface of the parts to be inspected, such as surface scratches, surface deformation, and misalignment of the surface processing, and furthermore, it cannot detect processing defects on both sides of the parts to be inspected.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a processing system that can inspect both sides of a processed product (product to be inspected) during the processing flow by a processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The processing system of the first invention of the present invention is a processing system comprising a processing device for forming a workpiece having a pair of arms protruding from both sides, and an inspection device for inspecting the workpiece processed by the processing device, In the flow direction of the processed product, a transport mechanism for transporting the processed product is provided downstream of the processing apparatus, the inspection apparatus includes a first inspection device for inspecting one side of the processed product and a second inspection device for inspecting the other side of the processed product, and a reversing mechanism for reversing the processed product is provided in the reversing area of ​​the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism acts on the pair of arms to transport the workpiece downstream in the transport direction, and the reversing mechanism is configured to reverse the workpiece using the pair of arms as a pivot point. Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that a first inspection area is provided upstream of the reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the processed product, and the first inspection device is arranged in the first inspection area, and a second inspection area is provided downstream of the reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the processed product, and the second inspection device is arranged in the second inspection area.

[0009] This processing system is applied to a press machine, and the processed product is transported in the transport direction through a first inspection area, a reversing area, and a second inspection area. Preferably, as the processed product moves downstream in the transport direction, it is reversed by a reversing roller with a pair of arms acting as a pivot point. With this configuration, reliable reversal can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the conveying mechanism of this processing system consists of a pair of conveying belts and first and second support members disposed between the pair of conveying belts, and that the pair of conveying belts be provided with a plurality of conveying receiving parts for receiving a pair of arms of the processed product. With this configuration, the processed product can be moved in the conveying direction as the pair of conveying belts move. It is also preferable that the first and second support members be arranged corresponding to the first and second inspection areas. With this configuration, the processed product can be moved in the first and second inspection areas while being supported by the first and second support members. As a result, in the first inspection area, the processed product can be stably supported by the first support member and one surface can be inspected, and in the second inspection area, the processed product can be stably supported by the second support member and the other surface can be inspected.

[0011] In this processing system, the workpiece processed by the press device has one side heavier than the other, with a pair of arms acting as a fulcrum. This heavier weight on one side of the workpiece is used to invert it. When the workpiece is moved through the first inspection area, the other side of the workpiece faces downstream in the transport direction. In the upstream area of ​​the inversion area, it detaches from the first support member, and one side hangs down due to its own weight. Then, in the inversion area, the inversion roller pushes down the other side of the workpiece, inverting it so that one side faces downstream in the transport direction. In this way, the inversion roller allows for a simple and reliable inversion.

[0012] In some cases, when this processed product is moved through the first inspection area, one side of the product may be configured to face the downstream side in the conveying direction. In such cases, in the upstream area of ​​the reversal zone, one side of the product detaches from the first support member and hangs down due to its own weight. However, in the reversal zone, the reversal roller lifts one side of the product so that the other side faces the downstream side in the conveying direction. Even in this case, the reversal roller can be used to reliably and easily reverse the product with a simple configuration.

[0013] Furthermore, the processing system of the second invention of the present invention comprises a first processing device for forming a primary processed product having a pair of arms protruding from both sides, a second processing device for processing the primary processed product to form a secondary processed product, a transport mechanism for transporting the primary processed product formed by the first processing device to the second processing device, and an inspection device for inspecting the primary processed product processed by the first processing device, The transport mechanism is provided with first and second reversing mechanisms in the first and second reversing areas for reversing the primary processed product, and the inspection device includes a first inspection device for inspecting one side of the primary processed product and a second inspection device for inspecting the other side of the primary processed product. The transport mechanism acts on the pair of arms to transport the primary processed product downstream in the transport direction, and the first and second reversing mechanisms are configured to reverse the primary processed product using the pair of arms as pivot points. Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that a first inspection area is provided upstream of the first reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the primary processed product, and the first inspection device is arranged in the first inspection area, and a second inspection area is provided between the first reversal mechanism and the second reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the primary processed product, and the second inspection device is arranged in the second inspection area.

[0014] This processing system is applied to first and second press devices as first and second processing devices. The primary processed product processed by the first press device is transported in the transport direction through a first inspection area, a first reversal area, a second inspection area, and a second reversal area. Preferably, in the first reversal area, as the primary processed product moves downstream in the transport direction, it is rotated in a predetermined direction by the first reversal roller using a pair of arms as a pivot point to reverse it. Preferably, in the second reversal area, as the primary processed product moves downstream in the transport direction, it is rotated in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction by the second reversal roller using a pair of arms as a pivot point to reverse it. With this configuration, the product can be reliably reversed and returned to its original state and transported to the second press device with a simple configuration.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the transport mechanism of this processing system consists of a pair of transport belts and first to third support members disposed between the pair of transport belts, and that the pair of transport belts be provided with a plurality of transport receiving parts for receiving a pair of arms of the primary processed product. With this configuration, the primary processed product can be moved in the transport direction as the pair of transport belts move. It is also preferable that the first and second support members be arranged corresponding to the first and second inspection areas, and the third support member be arranged downstream of the second reversal area. With this configuration, the primary processed product can be moved while being supported by the first and second support members in the first and second inspection areas, and can be moved while being supported by the third support member downstream of the second reversal area.

[0016] In this processing system, the primary processed product, processed by the first press device, has one side heavier than the other, with a pair of arms acting as a fulcrum. This heavier weight on one side of the primary processed product is used to invert the product. When the primary processed product is moved through the first inspection area, the other side of the primary processed product is facing downstream in the transport direction. In the upstream area of ​​the first inversion area, it detaches from the first support member, and one side hangs downward due to its own weight. Then, in the first inversion area, the other side of the primary processed product is pushed down by the first inversion roller, inverting it so that one side faces downstream in the transport direction. In this inverted state, it is then moved through the second inspection area. Furthermore, in the upstream area of ​​the second inversion zone, one side of the primary processed product detaches from the second support member and moves again, hanging downwards due to its own weight. In the second inversion zone, the second inversion roller lifts one side of the primary processed product, inverting it so that the other side faces downstream in the transport direction, returning it to its original state. In this way, the primary processed product can be returned to its original state using the first and second inversion rollers and transported to the second press device.

[0017] In some cases, when the primary processed product is moved through the first inspection area, it may be configured to move with one side facing the downstream side in the transport direction. In such cases, in the upstream area of ​​the first reversal area, it detaches from the first support member and one side hangs down due to its own weight. However, in the first reversal area, the first reversal roller lifts one side of the primary processed product, reversing it so that the other side faces the downstream side in the transport direction, and it is then sent to the second inspection area in this reversed state. Furthermore, in the upstream area of ​​the second reversal area after passing through the second inspection area, it detaches from the second support member and moves with one side hanging down due to its own weight. Then, in the second reversal area, the second reversal roller pushes down the other side of the primary processed product, reversing it so that one side faces the downstream side in the transport direction, returning it to its original state. Even in such cases, the first and second reversal rollers can be used to return the primary processed product to its original state and transport it to the second press device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the processing system of the first invention of the present invention, the system comprises a processing device for forming a workpiece and an inspection device for inspecting the workpiece. The inspection device includes a first inspection device for inspecting one side of the workpiece and a second inspection device for inspecting the other side. Therefore, one side and the other side of the workpiece can be inspected as required during the processing flow by the processing device. Furthermore, a reversing mechanism is provided in the conveying device for transporting the workpiece. The first inspection device is located in a first inspection area upstream of the reversing mechanism, and the second inspection device is located in a second inspection area downstream of the reversing mechanism. Therefore, one side of the workpiece can be inspected in the first inspection area, and then, after being reversed by the reversing mechanism, the other side of the workpiece can be inspected in the second inspection area. Moreover, since the reversing mechanism is configured to reverse the workpiece using a pair of arms as pivot points, it can be easily and reliably reversed by utilizing the shape characteristics of the workpiece.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the processing system of the second invention of the present invention, a first processing device for forming a primary processed product, a first processing device for secondary processing of the primary processed product, and an inspection device for inspecting the primary processed product are provided, and the inspection device includes a first inspection device for inspecting one side of the primary processed product and a second inspection device for inspecting the other side, so that one side and the other side of the primary processed product can be inspected as required during the processing flow. In addition, a first and second reversing mechanism is provided in the conveying device for transporting the primary processed product, and the first inspection device is arranged in a first inspection area upstream of the first reversing mechanism, and the second inspection device is arranged in a second inspection area between the first and second reversing mechanisms, so that one side of the processed product can be inspected in the first inspection area, and then after being reversed by the first reversing mechanism, the other side of the processed product can be inspected in the second inspection area. Moreover, since the first and second reversing mechanisms are configured to reverse the primary processed product using a pair of arms as pivot points, the primary processed product can be reversed easily and reliably by utilizing its morphological characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1]Perspective view showing an example of a processed product processed according to an embodiment of the processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Overall view schematically showing an embodiment of the processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Plan view schematically showing the transport mechanism of the processing system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] View showing the state when the processed product is located in the first inspection area of the transport mechanism in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] View showing the state when the processed product is located upstream of the inversion area of the transport mechanism in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] View showing the state when the processed product starts to be inverted by the inversion mechanism in the inversion area of the transport mechanism in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] View showing the state before the inversion of the processed product by the inversion mechanism ends in the inversion area of the transport mechanism in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] View showing the state when the inversion of the processed product by the inversion mechanism ends in the inversion area of the transport mechanism in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] View showing the state when moving downstream in the transport direction after being inverted in the inversion area of the transport mechanism in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] Perspective view showing an example of a primary processed product and a secondary processed product processed according to a second embodiment of the processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 11] Plan view schematically showing a second embodiment of the processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 12] Explanatory view for explaining the inversion operation by the second inversion mechanism in the processing system of the second embodiment, FIG. 12(a) shows the state of the primary processed product when located upstream of the second inversion area, FIG. 12(b) shows the state of the primary processed product when the inversion by the second inversion mechanism starts, FIG. 12(c) shows the state of the primary processed product before the inversion by the second inversion mechanism ends, and FIG. 12(d) shows the state when the primary processed product moves downstream after the inversion by the second inversion mechanism ends.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. First, a first embodiment of the processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0022] Figure 1 shows an example of a processed product manufactured by the processing system of the first embodiment. In Figure 1, the processed product 2 comprises a rectangular body portion 4, a pair of arms 6 (6a, 6b) extending to both sides (upper and lower sides in Figure 1) from one end of the body portion 4 (right end in Figure 1), and a leg portion 8 extending outward (to the right in Figure 1) from one end of the arms 6 (6a, 6b). These body portion 4, the pair of arms 6 (6a, 6b), and the leg portion 8 are integrally formed by press working. A circular hole 10 is formed approximately in the center of the body portion 4, a pair of circular recesses 12 are provided on the outside of the hole 10 in the body portion 4, and a pair of circular protrusions 14 are provided on the inside of the hole 10.

[0023] In this processed product 2, the area of ​​one side of the processed product 2 (the left end side in Figure 1, which in this embodiment is the main body portion 4) is larger than the area of ​​the other side (the right end side in Figure 1, which in this embodiment is the leg portion 8). As a result, the weight of one side of the processed product 2 (the main body portion 4 side) is heavier than the weight of the other side, and this weight difference is used to invert the processed product 2 as described later.

[0024] To process this workpiece 2, for example, a press device 22 shown in Figure 2 is used as a processing device. Referring to Figure 2, in the illustrated press device 22, for example, a punching area 26, a recess forming area 28, a protrusion forming area 30, and a hole forming area 32 are provided in this order, facing downstream in the flow direction indicated by arrow 24. A punching die 34 is provided corresponding to the punching area 26, with its upper die 36 attached to the slide 38 and its lower die 40 attached to the bolster 42. A recess forming die 44 is provided corresponding to the recess forming area 28, with its upper die 46 attached to the slide 38 and its lower die 47 attached to the bolster 42. Also, a protrusion forming die 48 is provided corresponding to the protrusion forming area 30, with its upper die 50 attached to the slide 38 and its lower die 52 attached to the bolster 42. Furthermore, a hole-forming mold 54 is provided corresponding to the hole-forming area 32, with its upper mold 56 (punch for making holes) attached to the slide 38, and its lower mold 58 attached to the bolster 42.

[0025] With this configuration, when the slide 38 moves up and down relative to the bolster 42, the upper die 36 of the punching die 34, the upper die 46 of the recess-forming die 44, the upper die 50 of the protrusion-forming die 48, and the upper die 56 of the hole-forming die 54 move up and down integrally with the slide 38, and predetermined processing is performed in the punching area 26, the recess-forming area 28, the protrusion-forming area 30, and the hole-forming area 32.

[0026] For example, in the punching area 26, a punching die 36 (upper die 38 and lower die 40) acts on a long, narrow sheet-like material to perform punching, and a first intermediate product 60a with the outer shape shown in Figure 1 is formed from this sheet-like material. In the recess-forming area 28, a recess-forming die 44 (upper die 46 and lower die 47) acts on the first intermediate product 60a to perform recess-forming processing, and a second intermediate product 60b having a circular recess 12 (see Figure 1) is formed from this first intermediate product 60a. Furthermore, in the protrusion-forming area 30, a protrusion-forming die 50 (upper die 52 and lower die 54) acts on the second intermediate product 60b to perform protrusion-forming processing, and a third intermediate product 60c having a circular protrusion 14 (see Figure 1) is formed from this second intermediate product 60b. Furthermore, in the hole-forming region 32, the hole-forming mold 54 (upper mold 56 and lower mold 58) acts on the third intermediate product 60c to perform hole-forming processing, and a molded product 2 having a circular hole 10 (see Figure 1) is formed from this third intermediate product 60c.

[0027] In this press apparatus 22, a transfer device 62 (a simplified part of which is shown in Figure 3) is provided for transferring the first to third intermediate products 60a to 60c and the molded product 2 to the downstream side indicated by the arrow 24. The transfer device 62 has a pair of feeding members 64, 66, and holding members (not shown) are provided at intervals between this pair of feeding members 64, 66. The molded product 2 is held and transported to the downstream side.

[0028] This transfer device 62 intermittently transfers, for example, the first intermediate product 60a (or second intermediate product 60b, third intermediate product 60c, processed product 2) processed in the punching area 26 (or recess formation area 28, protrusion formation area 30, hole formation area 32) to the recess formation area 28 (protrusion formation area 30, hole formation area 32, transport mechanism 72) on the downstream side in the feed direction indicated by arrow 24.

[0029] In this embodiment, a transport mechanism 72 for transporting the workpiece 2 is provided downstream of the press device 22 in the feed direction, and both sides of the workpiece 2 are inspected as it is transported through this transport mechanism 72. Further explanation with reference to Figure 3 as well as Figure 2 is provided, and the illustrated transport mechanism 72 comprises a pair of transport belts 74, 76 arranged at intervals in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 2, and the vertical direction in Figure 3), and a plurality of transport receiving sections 78, 80 (omitted in Figure 2) are provided at predetermined intervals on the pair of transport belts 74, 76. The transport belts 74, 76 are made of, for example, endless toothed belts, and a plurality of sets including a pair of rectangular members 82 are provided on the surface of these transport belts 74, 76, and the transport receiving sections 78, 80 are made of the pair of rectangular members 82 and a part of the transport belts 74, 76. In addition, instead of the pair of rectangular members 82, it may be made of, for example, a receiving member having a receiving recess, in which case this receiving member functions as a transport receiving section.

[0030] A reversal area 86 is provided in the middle of the longitudinal direction (in other words, the conveying direction indicated by arrow 84) ​​of the conveying mechanism 72. Also, looking at the conveying direction indicated by arrow 84, a first inspection area 88 is provided upstream of the reversal area 86, and a second inspection area 90 is provided downstream of the reversal area 86. A reversal mechanism 92 is provided in the reversal area 86, and the processed product 2 is reversed by this reversal mechanism 92 as described later.

[0031] In this embodiment, the conveying mechanism 72 has a main frame 94, and a driven shaft 96 is rotatably supported at one end of the main frame 94 (upstream side in the conveying direction), and toothed driven pulleys 98 (only one of them is shown in Figure 2) are attached to both ends of the driven shaft 96. In addition, a drive shaft 100 is rotatably supported at the other end of the main frame 94 (downstream side in the conveying direction), and toothed drive pulleys 102 (only one of them is shown in Figure 2) are attached to both ends of the drive shaft 100.

[0032] A pair of conveyor belts 74 and 76 are wrapped around a toothed drive pulley 102 on the drive side and a toothed driven pulley 98 on the driven side, and the drive shaft 100 is driven and connected to a drive motor 104 which serves as a drive source. With this configuration, when the drive motor 104 rotates, the upper running portion of the pair of conveyor belts 74 and 76 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 84 via the drive shaft 100 and the toothed drive pulley 102, thereby conveying the workpiece 2 in the conveying direction through the first inspection area 88, the reversal area 86, and the second inspection area 90, as will be described later. In this embodiment, the drive motor 104 is configured to operate in conjunction with the feed by the transfer device 62, and the conveying mechanism 72 is configured to convey the workpiece 2 in the conveying direction indicated by arrow 84 in synchronization with the transfer device 62 transporting the first to third intermediate products 62a to 62c and the workpiece 2 in the feed direction indicated by arrow 24.

[0033] In this processing system, a first inspection device 106 is installed in the first inspection area 88. This first inspection device 106 is positioned above the pair of conveyor belts 74 and 76 and inspects the surface of the workpiece 2 located in the first inspection area 88 (specifically, the inspection area of ​​one side surface, for example, the area S1 shown by the dashed line in Figures 1 and 3). A second inspection device 108 is installed in the second inspection area 90. This second inspection device 108 is positioned above the pair of conveyor belts 74 and 76 and inspects the surface of the workpiece located in the second inspection area 90 (specifically, the inspection area of ​​the other side surface, which is inverted as described later, for example, the area S2 shown by the dashed line in Figure 3).

[0034] The first and second inspection devices 106 and 108 can be equipped with image sensors such as CCD sensors and CMOS sensors, and these image sensors can detect dents, scratches, deformations, etc., caused by processing defects on the surface (one side and the other side) of the processed product 2.

[0035] Next, the reversing mechanism 92 of the conveying mechanism 86 will be described. The reversing mechanism 92 shown in the figure has a reversing roller 110, and the processed product 2 is reversed using this reversing roller 110 as described later. In this embodiment, as described above, the weight of one side of the processed product 2 (the main body 4 side) is heavier than the weight of the other side (the leg 8 side). Therefore, when one arm 6a of the processed product 1 is supported by the conveying receiving portion 78 of one conveying belt 74, and the other arm 6b is supported by the conveying receiving portion 80 of the other conveying belt 76, the weight of one side of the processed product 2 causes one side of the processed product 2 (the main body 4 side) to hang down in the space between the pair of conveying belts 74 (see Figure 5).

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the processed product 2 processed by the press device 22 is fed into the conveying mechanism 72 with its other side (leg portion 8 side) facing downstream in the conveying direction. In connection with this, the reversing roller 110 is positioned above the pair of conveying belts 74 and 76 and is positioned to act from above on the leg portion 8 of the processed product 2 that is held and conveyed by the pair of conveying belts 74 and 76. In this configuration, a columnar member 112 is attached to a predetermined part of the main frame 94 (see Figure 2), a support shaft 114 is fixed to the tip of this columnar member 112, and the reversing roller 110 is rotatably mounted on this support shaft 114.

[0037] In this conveying mechanism 72, a first support member 116 is provided corresponding to the first inspection area 88, and a second support member 118 is provided corresponding to the second inspection area 90 (see Figure 3). The first and second support members 116 and 118 are provided between a pair of conveyor belts 74 and 76 and attached to the main frame 94, and their upper surfaces are positioned to be substantially flush with the surface of the upper running portion of the conveyor belts 74 and 76.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the first support member 116 extends from one end of the conveying mechanism 72 (the upstream side in the conveying direction) to the downstream side of the first inspection area 88, and supports the main body 4 and leg portion 8 of the workpiece 2 while it is being moved through the first inspection area 88. The second support member 118 extends from the downstream side of the reversing area 86 of the conveying mechanism 72 to the other end (the downstream side in the conveying direction), and supports the main body 4 and leg portion 8 of the workpiece 2 while it is being moved through the second inspection area 90. In this embodiment, the first support member 116 and the second support member 118 are made from a single plate-shaped member, but the first support member 116 and / or the second support member 118 may be made from two or more plate-shaped members.

[0039] Inspection of the processed product 2 in this processing system is performed, for example, as follows. Referring mainly to Figures 4 to 9 along with Figure 3, the processed product 2 processed by the press device 22 as described above is fed to the transport mechanism 72 by the transfer device 62, and transported by this transport mechanism 72 through the first inspection area 88, the reversal area 86, and the second inspection area 90. When moving through the first inspection area 88, the processed product 2 is supported and moved as shown in Figures 3 and 4. That is, the processed product 2 is transported with a pair of arms 6a, 6b received by the transport receiving portions 78 of a pair of transport belts 74, 76, and its main body 4 and legs 8 supported by the first support member 116. Therefore, when the pair of transport belts 74, 76 move, the processed product 2 moves in the transport direction indicated by arrow 84 in accordance with the movement of their transport receiving portions 78, and this movement of the processed product 2 is such that it slides along the surface of the first support member 116 with one side facing upward.

[0040] Then, when the device moves to the first inspection area 88, the first inspection device 106 (see Figure 2) is activated and its image sensor (not shown) captures an image of the inspection area S1 on one side of the main body 4 of the processed product 2. The first inspection device 106 processes the acquired image information as required to inspect the inspection area S1 on one side of the processed product 2 for scratches, deformations, etc., caused by processing defects. In this way, one side of the processed product 2 can be inspected.

[0041] When inspection is completed in the first inspection area 88, the processed product 2 is transported downstream in the transport direction toward the reversal area 86. When it is transported to the upstream side of the reversal area 86, the main body 4 and legs 8 of the processed product 2 detach from the first support member 116. Once detached in this way, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the processed product 2 rotates so that its main body 4 hangs downwards, using the pair of arms 6a and 6b (the pair of arms 6a and 6b are supported by the transport receiving parts 6a and 6b) as a pivot point, due to the weight of its main body 4. The processed product 2 is then transported downstream with its main body 4 facing downwards.

[0042] When the workpiece 2 is transported to the reversal area 86 in this hanging position, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the legs 8 of the workpiece 2 come into contact with the reversal roller 110 of the reversal mechanism 92. The reversal roller 110 acts to push down the legs 8 of the workpiece 2 as it moves in the transport direction, causing the workpiece 2 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 120 (see Figure 6), with its pair of arms 6a, 6b (the pair of receiving parts 6a, 6b are supported by the transport receiving parts 78, 80 of the transport belts 74, 76) as a pivot point.

[0043] As the processed product 2 is moved further in the transport direction indicated by arrow 84, the reversing roller 110 pushes the legs 8 of the processed product 2 further downward, as shown in Figure 7. When the legs 8 of the processed product 2 pass the lower end (lowest part) of the reversing roller 110, as shown in Figure 8, the front end of the main body 4 of the processed product 2 is lifted and positioned above the second support member 118, and as it moves further in the transport direction and its legs 8 pass below the reversing roller 110, as can be seen from Figure 8, the front end of the main body 4 of the processed product 2 is placed on one end of the second support member 118, and the main body 4 is facing downstream, i.e., inverted, and in this inverted state a part of the processed product 2 is placed on the second support member 118.

[0044] As the processed product 2 moves further downstream in the conveying direction, as shown in Figures 3 and 9, the processed product 2 moves while being supported on the surface of the second support member 118 as the conveying receiving parts 78 move, and the processed product 2 moves by sliding along the surface of the second support member 118 with the other side facing upward.

[0045] Then, when the product moves to the second inspection area 90, the second inspection device 108 (see Figure 2) is activated and its image sensor (not shown) captures an image of the inspection area S2 on the other side of the main body 4 of the processed product 2. The second inspection device 108 processes the acquired image information as required to inspect the inspection area S2 on the other side of the processed product 2 for scratches, deformations, etc., due to processing defects. In this way, the other side of the processed product 2 can be inspected, and by combining the press device 22 with the transport mechanism 72 described above, both sides of the processed product 22 processed by the press device 22 can be inspected.

[0046] Next, a second embodiment of the processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In this second embodiment, primary processing is performed by a press device on the upstream side in the flow direction, and then both sides of the primary processed product are inspected. After inspection, the primary processed product is then subjected to secondary processing by a press device on the downstream side. In this second embodiment, the same numbers are used for components as in the first embodiment described above, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0047] In Figures 10 and 11, the processing system of this second embodiment uses two processing devices, namely the first and second processing devices, namely the first and second press devices 202 and 204. The first press device 202 is installed on the upstream side and the second press device 204 is installed on the downstream side when viewed in the flow direction indicated by arrow 206. The first press device 202 performs primary processing, and this primary processing forms, for example, the primary processed product 208 shown on the left side in Figure 10. The second press device 204 performs secondary processing on the primary processed product 208, and this secondary processing forms the secondary processed product 210 shown on the right side in Figure 10.

[0048] The first press device 202 may be, for example, a press device (see Figure 2) in the processing system of the first embodiment and an application thereof, and this first press device 202 is used to form a primary processed product 208 having a shape similar to the processed product 2 formed by the processing system of the first embodiment. This primary processed product 208 has a main body portion 210, and a pair of arms 212 (212a, 212b) extending to both sides are provided at one end of the main body portion 210, and a leg portion 214 extending outward is provided at the other end, and a circular hole 216 is formed in the approximate center of the main body portion 210, and a circular recess 218 and a circular projection 220 are provided on the outside of the hole 216.

[0049] Furthermore, the second press device 204 performs a secondary bending process on the arms 212a and 212b of the primary processed product 208, for example, to form a secondary processed product 210. This secondary processed product 210 is formed, for example, by bringing a pair of arms 212a and 212b of the primary processed product 208 into contact at a right angle.

[0050] In this processing system, a transport mechanism 222 is provided between the first press device 202 and the second press device 204. This transport mechanism 222 is configured to transport the primary processed product 208 processed by the first press device 202 to the second press device 204, and to inspect both sides of the primary processed product 208 during transport.

[0051] This transport mechanism 222 is provided with a first inspection area 226, a first reversal area 228, a second inspection area 230, and a second reversal area 232 in the transport direction indicated by the arrow 224. The first and second inspection areas 226 and 230 are equipped with first and second inspection devices (not shown), similar to the first embodiment. The transport mechanism for the primary processed product 208 by this transport mechanism 222 (composition of transport belt 233, transport receiving section 235, etc.), the configuration of the first inspection area 228, the first reversal area 228, and the second inspection area 230 are the same as in the first embodiment described above. Also, a first support member (not shown) is provided corresponding to the first inspection area 226, and a second support member (not shown) is provided corresponding to the second inspection area 230, similar to the first embodiment described above. Only the second reversal area 232 and its related configuration differ from the first embodiment described above.

[0052] Next, referring to Figure 12, a second reversal mechanism 234 is provided in the second reversal area 232. The second reversal mechanism 234 is equipped with a second reversal roller 236. This second reversal roller 236 reverses the primary processed product 208 again, returning it to its original state (the state in which it is fed from the first press device 202 to the conveying mechanism 222) and conveying it downstream toward the second press device 204.

[0053] In this second processing system, the primary processed product 208 is transported in the same manner as in the first embodiment when it is transported through the first inspection area 226, the first reversal area 228, and the second inspection area 230. In the first inspection area 226, the inspection area of ​​one side of the primary processed product 208 (the primary processed product 208 is in a state where one side is facing upwards and its legs 214 are facing downstream in the transport direction) is inspected. In the first reversal area 228, the primary processed product 208 is reversed by a first reversal mechanism (not shown) (the primary processed product 208 is now in a state where the other side is facing upwards and its main body 210 is facing downstream in the transport direction). In the second inspection area 230, the inspection area of ​​the other side of the primary processed product 208 is inspected. After both sides of the primary processed product 208 have been inspected in this manner, it is transported to the second reversal area 232.

[0054] When the primary processed product 208 is transported to the upstream side of the second reversal area 232, as shown in Figure 12(a), the main body 210 and leg portions 8 of the primary processed product 208 detach from the first support member 116, and the primary processed product 208 rotates so that its main body 210 hangs downwards, using the pair of arms 212a and 212b (the pair of arms 212a and 212b are supported by the transport receiving portions 235 of the pair of transport belts 233) as a pivot point, due to the weight of its main body 210. The primary processed product 208 is then transported downstream with its main body 210 facing downwards.

[0055] When the primary processed product 208 is transported to the second reversal area 232 in this hanging state, the main body 210 of the primary processed product 208 comes into contact with the second reversal roller 236 of the second reversal mechanism 234, as shown in Figure 12(b). Since the primary processed product 208 is transported with its main body 210 facing downstream in the transport direction when it is transported through the second inspection area 230, it is preferable to return it to its original transport state (with the legs 214 facing downstream) when performing secondary processing with the second press device 204 downstream. In connection with this, the second reversal roller 236 is positioned below the pair of transport belts 233 and is positioned to act from below on the main body 210 of the primary processed product 208, which is held and transported by the transport receiving portions 235 of the pair of transport belts 233, and is rotatably supported on a support shaft (not shown).

[0056] As the second reversing roller 236 is configured in this way, when the main body 210 of the primary processed product 208 comes into contact with the second reversing roller 236, as shown in Figure 12(b), the main body 210 of the primary processed product 208 is lifted upward by the second reversing roller 236 and rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 238 with the pair of arms 212a and 212b as pivot points.

[0057] As the primary processed product 208 is transported further downstream, as shown in Figure 12(c), the primary processed product 208 moves over the second reversing roller 236, and the tips of the legs 214 of the primary intermediate product 208 are positioned above the third support member 240 (located between the pair of conveyor belts 233).

[0058] As the primary processed product 208 is transported further downstream from this state, as shown in Figure 12(d), the primary processed product 208 overcomes the second reversing roller 236 and is supported on the surface of the third support member 240. When it is transported further downstream toward the second press device 204, the primary processed product 208 moves while sliding on the upper surface of the third support member with its legs 214 facing downstream in the transport direction.

[0059] Thus, in the processing system of the second embodiment, the primary processed product 208 is inverted in the first inversion area 228 (first inversion mechanism not shown) and then inverted again in the second inversion area 232 (second inversion mechanism 234). This allows the primary processed product 208 to be returned to its original transport state before secondary processing, and after inspecting both sides of the primary processed product 208, it can be returned to its original state and transported to the second press device 204.

[0060] Although the processing system according to the present invention has been described above in relation to a press machine as a processing device, it can be similarly applied to various other processing devices, such as cutting machines.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, a first inspection area 88 for inspection using the first inspection device 106 is provided in the conveying mechanism 72. However, the invention is not limited to this, and this first inspection area 88 can be provided in a region upstream of the reversal area 86 of the conveying mechanism 72 and downstream of the final processing area of ​​the press device 22 (in this embodiment, the hole forming area 32). Similarly, a second inspection area 90 for inspection using the second inspection device 108 is provided in the conveying mechanism 72. However, the invention is not limited to this, and this second inspection area 90 can be provided in a region downstream of the reversal area 86 of the conveying mechanism 72.

[0062] Furthermore, in the processing system of the first embodiment described above, when the processed product 2 processed by the press device 22 is fed to the conveying mechanism 72, the legs 8 (other side) of the processed product 2 are fed with the other side facing downstream in the conveying direction. However, there are also cases where the main body 4 (one side) of the processed product 2 is fed with the other side facing downstream in the conveying direction, and the same method can be applied in such cases as well. In this case, the product is reversed in the opposite direction to that of the first embodiment described above, and the second reversal mechanism 234 in the processing system of the second embodiment can be adopted as the reversal mechanism for this processing system. The processed product 2 is conveyed and reversed by going over a reversal roller (not shown). For specific configurations, please refer to the second reversal mechanism 234 and related configurations.

[0063] Furthermore, in the processing system of the second embodiment described above, when the primary processed product 208 processed by the first press device 202 is fed to the conveying mechanism 222, the legs 214 (other side) of the primary processed product 208 are fed with the other side facing downstream in the conveying direction. However, there are also cases where the main body 210 (one side) of the primary processed product 208 is fed with the other side facing downstream in the conveying direction, and the same method can be applied in such cases as well. In this case, the first and second reversal zones 228 and 232 are reversed in the opposite direction to that of the second embodiment described above. The second reversal mechanism 234 in the processing system of the second embodiment can be applied as the first reversal mechanism (the reversal mechanism disposed in the first reversal zone 228), and the first reversal mechanism in the processing system of the second embodiment can be applied as the second reversal mechanism (the reversal mechanism disposed in the second reversal zone 232). The primary processed product 208 is conveyed and reversed in the first reversal zone 228 by going over the reversal mechanism (e.g., the reversal roller), and is conveyed and reversed in the second reversal zone 232 by going under the reversal mechanism (e.g., the reversal roller). For specific configurations of these, please refer to the first reversal mechanism (not shown) and the second reversal mechanism 234 of the second processing system and related configurations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 2,208,210 Processed products 4, 210 Main body 6a,6b,212a,212b Arms 8,214 legs 22,202,204 Pressing device 62 Transfer device 72,222 Conveying mechanisms 74,76 Conveyor belts 78,80 Transport receiving section 86,228,232 Reversal region 88,226 First Examination Area 90,230 Second examination area 92,234 Reversal mechanism 106 First Inspection Device 108 Second Inspection Device 110,236 Reversing Roller 116,118,240 Support members

Claims

1. A processing system comprising a processing device for forming a workpiece having a pair of arms protruding from both sides, and an inspection device for inspecting the workpiece processed by the processing device, In the flow direction of the processed product, a transport mechanism for transporting the processed product is provided downstream of the processing apparatus, the inspection apparatus includes a first inspection device for inspecting one side of the processed product and a second inspection device for inspecting the other side of the processed product, and a reversing mechanism for reversing the processed product is provided in the reversing area of ​​the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism acts on the pair of arms to transport the workpiece downstream in the transport direction, and the reversing mechanism is configured to reverse the workpiece using the pair of arms as a pivot point. Furthermore, the processing system is characterized in that a first inspection area is provided upstream of the reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the processed product, and the first inspection device is arranged in the first inspection area, and a second inspection area is provided downstream of the reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the processed product, and the second inspection device is arranged in the second inspection area.

2. The processing apparatus is a press apparatus for press processing, the conveying mechanism conveys the processed product processed by the press apparatus in the conveying direction through the first inspection area, the reversing area and the second conveying area, and the reversing mechanism includes a reversing roller that reverses the processed product using the pair of arms as a pivot point as the processed product moves downstream in the conveying direction, as described in the processing system according to claim 2.

3. The conveying mechanism comprises a pair of conveying belts arranged at intervals in the width direction, and first and second support members arranged between the pair of conveying belts, wherein the pair of conveying belts are provided with a plurality of conveying receiving portions at intervals in the conveying direction for receiving the pair of arms of the processed product, the first support member is arranged corresponding to the first inspection area, and the second support member is arranged corresponding to the second inspection area, and the processed product is moved in the first inspection area with the first support member supporting it and the pair of arms receiving it on the conveying receiving portions of the pair of conveying belts, in the reversal area with the pair of arms receiving it, and in the second inspection area with the second support member supporting it and the pair of arms receiving it on the conveying receiving portions of the pair of conveying belts. This is the processing system according to claim 2.

4. The processing system according to claim 3, wherein the processed product processed by the press device has one side heavier than the other side with the pair of arms as a fulcrum, the processed product is supported by the first support member when it is moved through the first inspection area with the other side facing downstream in the conveying direction, the one side of the processed product is moved with its weight hanging down after it detaches from the first support member in the upstream area of ​​the reversal area, the other side of the processed product is pushed down by the reversal roller in the reversal area so that the one side faces downstream in the conveying direction, and then supported by the second support member, and the one side of the processed product is moved with its weight facing downstream in the conveying direction while it is moved through the second inspection area.

5. The processing system according to claim 3, wherein the processed product processed by the press device has one side heavier than the other side with the pair of arms as a fulcrum, the processed product is supported by the first support member when it is moved through the first inspection area with one side facing the downstream side in the transport direction, the processed product is moved with one side hanging down due to its own weight after it is released from the first support member in the upstream area of ​​the reversal area, the reversal roller lifts the one side of the processed product and reverses it so that the other side faces the downstream side in the transport direction, and then it is supported by the second support member, and when it is moved through the second inspection area with the other side facing the downstream side in the transport direction.

6. A processing system comprising: a first processing device for forming a primary processed product having a pair of arms protruding from both sides; a second processing device for processing the primary processed product to form a secondary processed product; a transport mechanism for transporting the primary processed product formed by the first processing device to the second processing device; and an inspection device for inspecting the primary processed product processed by the first processing device, The transport mechanism is provided with first and second reversing mechanisms in the first and second reversing areas for reversing the primary processed product, and the inspection device includes a first inspection device for inspecting one side of the primary processed product and a second inspection device for inspecting the other side of the primary processed product. The transport mechanism acts on the pair of arms to transport the primary processed product downstream in the transport direction, and the first and second reversing mechanisms are configured to reverse the primary processed product using the pair of arms as pivot points. Furthermore, the processing system is characterized in that a first inspection area is provided upstream of the first reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the primary processed product, and the first inspection device is arranged in the first inspection area, and a second inspection area is provided between the first reversal mechanism and the second reversal mechanism when viewed in the flow direction of the primary processed product, and the second inspection device is arranged in the second inspection area.

7. The processing system is characterized in that the first and second processing apparatus are first and second press apparatus for press working, the transport mechanism transports the primary processed product processed by the first press apparatus in order through a first inspection area, a first reversal area, a second inspection area, and a second reversal area in the transport direction, the first reversal mechanism includes a first reversal roller that rotates and reverses the primary processed product in a predetermined direction using the pair of arms as a pivot point as the primary processed product moves downstream in the transport direction, and the second reversal mechanism includes a second reversal roller that rotates and reverses the primary processed product in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction using the pair of arms as a pivot point as the primary processed product moves downstream in the transport direction.

8. The conveying mechanism comprises a pair of conveying belts spaced apart in the width direction, and first, second, and third support members disposed between the pair of conveying belts. The pair of conveying belts are provided with a plurality of conveying receiving portions spaced apart in the conveying direction for receiving the pair of arms of the primary processed product. The first support member is disposed corresponding to the first inspection area, the second support member is disposed corresponding to the second inspection area, and the third support member is disposed downstream of the second reversal area. In the first inspection area, the primary processed product is supported by the first support member and its pair of arms are received by the conveying receiving portions of the pair of conveying belts. The processing system according to claim 7, characterized in that it is moved in the following state, in the first reversal area the pair of arms are moved with the receiving portion of the pair of conveyor belts being received, in the second inspection area the pair of arms are moved with the support of the second support member and the receiving portion of the pair of conveyor belts being received, in the second reversal area the pair of arms are moved with the receiving portion of the pair of conveyor belts being received, and downstream of the second reversal area the pair of arms are moved with the support of the third support member and the receiving portion of the pair of conveyor belts being received.

9. The primary processed product processed by the press device has one side heavier than the other side, with the pair of arms acting as a fulcrum. When the primary processed product is moved through the first inspection area, it is supported by the first support member and moves with the other side facing downstream in the conveying direction. In the upstream area of ​​the first reversal area, it detaches from the first support member and moves with one side hanging down due to its own weight. In the first reversal area, the other side of the primary processed product is pushed down by the first reversal roller and reversed so that the one side faces downstream in the conveying direction. The processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the primary processed product is supported by the second support member and, when moved through the second inspection area, is moved with one side of the primary processed product facing the downstream side in the conveying direction while being supported by the second support member, and further, in the upstream area of ​​the second reversal area, the one side of the primary processed product is released from the second support member and moved again with its own weight causing it to hang downward, and in the second reversal area, the one side of the primary processed product is lifted by the second reversal roller and reversed so that the other side faces the downstream side in the conveying direction, after which it is supported by the third support member and moved.

10. The primary processed product processed by the press device has one side heavier than the other side, with the pair of arms acting as a fulcrum. When the primary processed product is moved through the first inspection area, it is supported by the first support member and moved with one side facing the downstream side in the transport direction. In the upstream area of ​​the first reversal area, it detaches from the first support member and moves with one side hanging down due to its own weight. In the first reversal area, the one side of the primary processed product is lifted by the first reversal roller and reversed so that the other side faces the downstream side in the transport direction. The processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the primary processed product is supported by the second support member and, when moved through the second inspection area, is moved with the other side of the primary processed product facing the downstream side in the conveying direction while being supported by the second support member, and further, in the upstream area of ​​the second reversal area, the one side of the primary processed product is moved with the other side of the primary processed product hanging down again due to its own weight after being pushed down by the second reversal roller in the second reversal area so that the one side faces the downstream side in the conveying direction, and then is moved while being supported by the third support member.

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