Workpiece position adjustment device, workpiece position adjustment method, and method for manufacturing laminated iron core

Abstract

To provide a workpiece material position adjustment device that offsets relative positional deviation to a mold of a workpiece material due to a change in distance between adjacent pair molds by adjusting a position of the workpiece material and can accurately and efficiently perform press working to the workpiece material as a proper positional relation to the mold of the workpiece material.SOLUTION: A workpiece material position adjustment device includes a control unit 30 that operates an adjustment mechanism part 10 on the basis of a measurement result of an inter-mold distance which is acquired by a ranging part 20, moves a position of a workpiece material 90 relative to a mold by changing a length of the workpiece material 90 positioned between molds, and adjusts a working objective position of the workpiece material 90 to a working position of each working process of the mold, thereby continuing progressive press working without causing positional deviation between a working position of each working process of the mold and each working objective position of the workpiece material 90 corresponding to that and preventing deterioration in working quality which may result in a defective product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting the position of a workpiece between dies when successively machining a metal workpiece with a plurality of press dies, and a method of adjustment.

Background Art

[0002] When manufacturing a molded product from a metal workpiece by press working, for example, when performing a complicated shape processing, so-called progressive processing is generally used. Progressive processing is a processing method using a die in which concavo-convex shapes (punch and die) corresponding to one step of press working are arranged side by side for a plurality of steps. In progressive processing, while feeding a strip-shaped workpiece, a plurality of steps can be advanced by pressing with a set of dies.

[0003] Such processing dies inevitably become larger as the number of steps assigned to a set of dies increases. Therefore, when manufacturing a die for multi-step processing, there is a problem that the difficulty of die manufacturing increases, such as having to use a large machine tool corresponding to the enlarged die.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, in recent years, a method has been adopted in which the steps required for press working are distributed among a plurality of sets of small dies, and each set of dies is arranged in series for press working. This makes it possible to produce the same product with a small die as with a large die.

[0005] As an example of a press working apparatus adopting such a processing method, an example of a press working apparatus in which two press machines each equipped with a die are arranged in series is shown in the background art of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-205836.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] Conventional press working apparatuses are as shown in the aforementioned patent document and have an accumulator between two press machines that stores strips of steel sheets of a certain length and absorbs the timing difference in the movement of the steel sheets between the press machines.

[0008] As shown in the aforementioned patent document, when processing is carried out by distributing multiple press working processes to multiple sets of dies, it is necessary to arrange the multiple sets of dies in a line. In addition, on the press machine, it is necessary to match the spacing between adjacent dies to the feed pitch of the workpiece.

[0009] Specifically, on a press machine, the distance between dies must be set such that the distance between the final processing area of ​​the die located further up in the processing process and the earliest processing area of ​​the die located in the next stage is an integer multiple of the feed pitch of the workpiece.

[0010] When multiple sets of dies are installed on a single press machine, it is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the distance between the dies. For example, methods such as placing a predetermined gauge between adjacent dies to ensure contact, or installing a common plate with positioning means to determine the distance between adjacent dies on the underside of multiple dies and then placing the dies on top of it to perform positioning, can be used.

[0011] However, even if the molds are positioned in this way, the distance between adjacent molds may change during press working due to temperature changes in the press machine and molds, as well as vibrations during processing. In such cases, the change in distance can cause misalignment of the workpiece feed position relative to the mold, potentially leading to a decrease in processing quality and the production of defective products.

[0012] To avoid such changes in the distance between dies, it was necessary to stop the operating press machine and adjust the distance between the dies by replacing the die gauges, etc. However, this adjustment has the problem of significantly reducing productivity.

[0013] In addition, when multiple sets of dies are installed on a single press machine with their spacing corresponding to the feed pitch of the workpiece, the center point of the punching load on the die and the center point of the load on the press machine may be significantly misaligned. In such cases, uneven loads are applied to the press machine and the dies, which can easily lead to malfunctions and other problems.

[0014] On the other hand, the aforementioned patent document does not show a method for precisely matching the distance between dies when distributing multiple sets of dies across multiple press machines. Instead, it discloses a method that can substantially accommodate changes in the distance between dies by providing an accumulator, i.e., a loop portion of the workpiece and its control mechanism, between the press machines to absorb timing differences in the movement of the workpiece (strip steel sheet). However, when such a method is put into practical use, it is unavoidable that the equipment will be large-scale, leading to problems such as increased installation space and costs.

[0015] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and compensates for the relative positional displacement of the workpiece with respect to the die caused by fluctuations in the distance between two adjacent sets of dies by adjusting the position of the workpiece with respect to the die using an adjustment mechanism. The objective is to provide a workpiece position adjustment device, a workpiece position adjustment method applied to this device, and a method for manufacturing a laminated iron core using this method, which enable accurate and efficient press working of the workpiece by positioning the workpiece in an appropriate positional relationship with the die. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The workpiece position adjustment device disclosed in the present invention comprises two sets of dies arranged to press-work a strip-shaped workpiece that is conveyed intermittently, an adjustment mechanism disposed between the two sets of dies that guides the workpiece to a conveyance path deviated from the shortest path between the two sets of dies, a distance measuring unit that measures the distance between the two sets of dies, and a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment mechanism, wherein the control unit acquires the measurement result of the distance between the two sets of dies by the distance measuring unit and adjusts the guide position of the workpiece by the adjustment mechanism to increase or decrease the length of the conveyance path in accordance with the measurement result.

[0017] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the control unit operates the adjustment mechanism based on the measurement result of the distance between dies obtained by the distance measuring unit, and changes the length of the transport path of the workpiece between dies, that is, the length of the workpiece located between dies, thereby moving the position of the workpiece relative to the dies. By adjusting so that the processing target position of the workpiece matches the processing position of each processing step in the dies, progressive press processing can be continued without misalignment between the processing position of each processing step in the dies and the corresponding processing target positions of the workpiece. This prevents a decrease in processing quality that leads to the occurrence of defective products, and by suppressing the occurrence of defective products, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by adjusting the workpiece with the adjustment mechanism, adjustment of the dies themselves becomes unnecessary, and adjacent dies can be set up in any positional relationship. For example, by aligning the load centers of the press machine and the dies, uneven loads are less likely to be applied to the press machine and dies, thereby reducing maintenance costs due to malfunctions caused by uneven loads. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a workpiece position adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the adjustment state when the distance between dies increases in a workpiece position adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the adjustment state when the distance between dies decreases in a workpiece position adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]It is a schematic configuration diagram of a workpiece position adjustment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an adjustment mechanism unit in a workpiece position adjustment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of another adjustment mechanism unit in a workpiece position adjustment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of an adjustment mechanism unit in a workpiece position adjustment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0019] (The First Embodiment of the Present Invention) Hereinafter, a workpiece position adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 3. In this embodiment, an example of a device corresponding to the case where two sets of molds are provided in one press machine will be described.

[0020] In each figure, a position adjustment device 1 according to this embodiment is disposed between two sets of molds 61 and 62 provided in a press machine 50, and includes an adjustment mechanism unit 10 for guiding a workpiece 90. In addition, the position adjustment device 1 includes a distance measurement unit 20 for measuring the distance between the two sets of molds 61 and 62, and a control unit 30 for controlling the operation of the adjustment mechanism unit 10.

[0021] A press machine 50 to which the position adjustment device 1 of this embodiment is applied feeds a strip-shaped workpiece 90 intermittently conveyed by a predetermined feeding device (not shown) in series in the feeding direction of the workpiece 90 by two sets of molds 61 and 62 arranged side by side. Thereby, the press machine 50 obtains a desired molded product from the workpiece 90.

[0022] The two sets of dies 61 and 62 in the press machine 50 are driven together at the same time by a common slider 55, enabling each die to perform multiple press working processes. The molded products obtained from the workpiece by the press working of the two sets of dies 61 and 62 are, for example, products or intermediate products such as rotor laminated cores, stator laminated cores, and lead frames.

[0023] The mechanisms of the press machine 50, which sequentially press-form the intermittently conveyed workpiece 90 using two sets of dies 61 and 62, are similar to those of known devices used in progressive press-forming, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0024] The adjustment mechanism 10 is positioned between two sets of dies 61 and 62, which are provided in the press machine 50 to process the workpiece 90. The adjustment mechanism 10 contacts a portion of the workpiece 90 that passes between the two sets of dies 61 and 62, and presses the workpiece 90 in a direction different from the feed direction, guiding the workpiece 90 to a predetermined transport path that is deviated from the shortest path between the two sets of dies. Because the adjustment mechanism 10 guides the workpiece 90 to a transport path that is deviated from the shortest path between the dies, the portion of the workpiece 90 that exists between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 is given a difference in length (excess length) compared to the state in which it is moving along the shortest path between the dies. This difference in length is made to be at least larger than the maximum amount expected as a change in the distance between the dies, serving as a position adjustment allowance for the workpiece in response to the positional displacement between the die and the workpiece due to changes in the distance between the dies.

[0025] When the distance between dies is in its initial state, it goes without saying that the guiding position of the workpiece 90 by the adjustment mechanism 10 is set to provide a transport path for the workpiece 90 such that the processing position of each step in the die 62 matches the processing target position of each step in the workpiece 90. The die 62 is located downstream of the adjustment mechanism 10 (forward in the direction of workpiece feeding).

[0026] The adjustment mechanism 10 is configured to include an adjustment roll 11 that guides the workpiece 90 by bringing it into contact with the cylindrical outer surface between two sets of molds 61 and 62. The adjustment mechanism 10 also includes a roll support section 12 that supports the adjustment roll 11 so that it is rotatable and movable in a direction different from the feed direction of the workpiece 90, and an actuator 13 controlled by the control section 30 that allows the adjustment roll 11 to move together with the roll support section 12. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 10 includes auxiliary rolls 14 and 15 that are positioned before and after the adjustment roll 11 in the feed direction of the workpiece 90, respectively, and are rotatably supported to guide the workpiece 90 by bringing it into contact with the cylindrical outer surface, and a drive section 16 that rotates the adjustment roll 11.

[0027] The adjustment roll 11 is formed as a rotating body having a cylindrical outer surface, is rotatably supported by the roll support section 12, and is positioned to contact the upper surface of the workpiece 90 between two sets of molds 61 and 62. The adjustment roll 11 is moved by an actuator 13 connected via the roll support section 12 to adjust its position in contact with and guide the workpiece 90, and guides the workpiece 90 while rotating in contact with the conveyed workpiece 90.

[0028] The adjustment roll 11 is driven by the drive unit 16 and rotates spontaneously in accordance with the transport speed of the workpiece 90 it is in contact with. This reliably prevents slippage between the workpiece 90 and the adjustment roll 11 during acceleration and deceleration while the workpiece 90 is being fed, which can occur when the adjustment roll 11 is driven to rotate by friction with the workpiece 90. Consequently, the occurrence of scratches and other damage on the workpiece 90 and the resulting defects in the molded product can be suppressed.

[0029] The roll support section 12 is attached to the movable end of the actuator 13 and is configured to rotatably support the adjustment roll 11, as well as to transmit the driving force of the drive unit 16 to the adjustment roll 11.

[0030] The actuator 13 is configured such that one end can move linearly relative to the other end, and the other end is attached to a fixed structure such as a press machine 50 with the direction of movement of the one end being vertical. Based on the control of the control unit 30, the actuator 13 displaces one end, making the adjustment roll 11 movable vertically together with this one end. The adjustment roll 11, made movable by the actuator 13, presses downward a portion of the workpiece 90 located between the two sets of dies 61 and 62.

[0031] The auxiliary rolls 14 and 15 are formed as rotating bodies having a cylindrical outer surface and are rotatably positioned between the two sets of dies 61 and 62, respectively, so as to be located before and after the adjustment roll 11 in the feeding direction of the workpiece 90. The auxiliary rolls 14 and 15 are positioned between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 so as to be able to contact the lower surface of the workpiece 90 and guide the workpiece 90 while rotating in contact with the conveyed workpiece 90. In addition, the auxiliary rolls 14 and 15 maintain a constant position for the workpiece 90 to enter and exit the dies 61 and 62, thereby stabilizing the introduction of the workpiece 90 from the front-stage die 61 to the adjustment mechanism 10 and the delivery of the workpiece 90 to the rear-stage die 62.

[0032] The drive unit 16 is a drive means such as an electric motor capable of rotationally driving the adjustment roll 11, and is attached to the roll support unit 12, for example, and transmits driving force to the adjustment roll 11 via a shaft or the like. The drive unit 16 rotates the adjustment roll 11 in accordance with the feed amount and transport timing of the workpiece 90, and drives the adjustment roll 11 to rotate at a rotational speed corresponding to the transport speed of the workpiece 90.

[0033] The distance measuring unit 20 measures the distance between two sets of molds 61 and 62. Specifically, it may be a non-contact distance measuring means such as a laser displacement meter or an autofocus displacement meter, or a direct distance measuring means such as a linear encoder (linear scale) or a contact-type displacement sensor (length measuring instrument). In the case of a non-contact distance measuring means, for example, the distance measuring unit 20 is attached to one of the two sets of molds 61 and 62, measures the distance to the other opposing mold, and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 30.

[0034] The control unit 30 obtains the change in distance between the two sets of molds 61 and 62 from the measurement results of the distance measuring unit 20. The control unit 30 then adjusts the guide position of the workpiece 90 by the adjustment roll 11 of the adjustment mechanism unit 10, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the transport path of the workpiece 90 that deviates from the shortest path between the molds in accordance with the change in distance between the molds.

[0035] More specifically, the control unit 30 performs the following control when the amount of change in the distance between the two sets of molds 61 and 62, obtained based on the measurement results of the distance measuring unit 20, exceeds the allowable range and there is a risk that the processing of the workpiece 90 will be affected. The control unit 30 operates the actuator 13 to displace the adjustment roll 11 so that the length of the transport path of the workpiece 90, that is, the length of the workpiece 90 located between the two sets of molds 61 and 62, changes in accordance with the amount of change in the distance between the molds. By displacing the adjustment roll 11, the control unit 30 adjusts the guide position of the workpiece 90.

[0036] Specifically, when the distance between the two sets of molds 61 and 62 increases and the mold 62 is shifted relative to the workpiece 90 towards the front in the feed direction of the workpiece 90, the control unit 30 performs the following control: The control unit 30 operates the actuator 13 to displace the adjustment roll 11 to reduce the deviation of the workpiece 90's transport path from the shortest path, thereby shortening the length of the workpiece 90 between the two sets of molds 61 and 62. The excess workpiece 90 resulting from this shortening moves towards the mold 62 (see Figure 2). As a result, the portion of the workpiece 90 processed by the mold 62 is also shifted relative to the front in the feed direction of the workpiece 90.

[0037] On the other hand, if the distance between the two sets of molds 61 and 62 decreases and the mold 62 is shifted relative to the workpiece 90 towards the rear in the workpiece feeding direction, the control unit 30 performs the following control. The control unit 30 operates the actuator 13 to displace the adjustment roll 11 in a direction that increases the deviation of the workpiece 90's transport path from the shortest path, thereby lengthening the workpiece 90 between the two sets of molds 61 and 62. The workpiece 90 that is missing due to this lengthening is pulled out by retracting from the mold 62 side (see Figure 3). As a result, the portion of the workpiece 90 processed by the mold 62 is also shifted relative to the rear in the workpiece feeding direction.

[0038] In addition, the control unit 30 can also control the drive unit 16 so that the adjustment roll 11 rotates in accordance with the feed amount and transport timing of the workpiece 90, and rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the transport speed of the workpiece 90. This drive control of the drive unit 16 may be performed by a control means separate from the control unit 30.

[0039] Next, position adjustment using the position adjustment device according to this embodiment will be described. As a prerequisite, it is assumed that the adjustment roll 11 has already contacted the workpiece 90 between the two sets of dies 61 and 62, guiding it to a position shifted downward from the shortest path between the two sets of dies 61 and 62, thereby creating a transport path of appropriate length for the workpiece 90. Accordingly, at the start of processing (initial state), each processing target location on the intermittently transported workpiece 90 is in a state that aligns with the processing position for each processing step in each die.

[0040] When progressive processing begins, the workpiece 90 is transported to the press machine 50 by a feeding device (not shown) so that it passes through two sets of dies 61 and 62 in sequence, and moves in the feeding direction for a length corresponding to the arrangement pitch of the workpiece 90's processing locations aligned in the feeding direction. The workpiece 90 moves between the two sets of molds 61 and 62, while being guided by the adjustment roll 11 and auxiliary rolls 14 and 15 of the adjustment mechanism 10, as it moves between the molds 61 and 62.

[0041] When the workpiece 90 has been transported by the distance corresponding to the position pitch of the area to be processed, the transport is temporarily stopped. With the transport temporarily suspended, the press machine 50 lowers the upper dies 61a and 62a of the two sets of dies 61 and 62 toward the workpiece 90, and presses the workpiece 90.

[0042] Once the workpiece 90 has been pressed by the two sets of dies 61 and 62 of the press machine 50, the press machine 50 raises the upper dies 61a and 62a to return them to their original positions. Furthermore, the conveying of the workpiece 90 by the feed device is resumed, and the workpiece 90 moves again in the feed direction by a length corresponding to the arrangement pitch of the areas to be processed.

[0043] This intermittent transport of the workpiece 90 by the feed device, with periods of temporary pause in between, and the processing performed by the two sets of dies 61 and 62 of the press machine 50 during these temporary pauses in transport, are repeated until the entire progressive feed process is completed. Through these repeated processes on the workpiece 90, molded products are obtained sequentially.

[0044] In the adjustment mechanism 10 between the two sets of molds 61 and 62, the adjustment roll 11, driven by the drive unit 16, rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the transport speed of the workpiece 90 while contacting and guiding the workpiece 90 during transport. As a result, no relative speed difference occurs between the adjustment roll 11 and the workpiece 90, and even if acceleration or deceleration occurs during the transport of the workpiece 90, relative slippage of the adjustment roll 11 with respect to the workpiece 90 does not occur. Consequently, scratches and other damage to the workpiece 90 can be prevented, and the frictional resistance of the adjustment roll 11 with respect to the workpiece 90 can be reduced, allowing the workpiece 90 to be transported smoothly.

[0045] Furthermore, the auxiliary rolls 14 and 15 of the adjustment mechanism 10 are also rotatably supported, and these auxiliary rolls 14 and 15, which are in contact with the workpiece 90 being transported, roll and guide the workpiece 90. This reduces the frictional resistance applied to the workpiece 90 from the auxiliary rolls 14 and 15, and maintains a smooth transport state for the workpiece 90.

[0046] During progressive die feeding, if the distance between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 increases due to temperature changes or other factors, the processing position for each processing step in the downstream die 62 will be shifted forward in the feed direction relative to each processing target position on the workpiece 90. When the distance measuring unit 20 detects that the distance between the dies has increased by a predetermined amount, the control unit 30 operates the actuator 13 of the adjustment mechanism unit 10 to the retracted length side, raising the adjustment roll 11. As a result, the deviation of the transport path of the workpiece 90 guided by the adjustment roll 11 from the shortest path is reduced. This shortens the length of the workpiece 90 between the two sets of dies 61 and 62, and the excess workpiece 90 can be advanced from between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 towards the die 62 (see Figure 2). In this way, the portion of the workpiece 90 processed by die 62 is shifted forward in the feed direction of the workpiece 90, and as a result, the shifts are canceled out.

[0047] Conversely, if the distance between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 decreases, the processing position for each processing step in the downstream die 62 shifts relatively to the rearward side in the feed direction relative to each processing target position on the workpiece 90. When the distance measuring unit 20 measures that the distance between the dies has decreased by a predetermined amount, the control unit 30 operates the actuator 13 of the adjustment mechanism unit 10 to the extension side to lower the adjustment roll 11 based on the measurement result. As a result, the deviation of the transport path of the workpiece 90 guided by the adjustment roll 11 from the shortest path increases. This increases the length of the workpiece 90 between the two sets of dies 61 and 62, and the workpiece 90 that is insufficient due to the increased length can be pulled out from the die 62 side into the space between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 (see Figure 3). In this way, the portion of the workpiece 90 processed by the die 62 is shifted relatively to the rearward side in the feed direction of the workpiece 90, and as a result, the shifts are canceled out.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, the position adjustment device operates the adjustment mechanism 10 based on the distance change between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 acquired by the distance measuring unit 20, thereby changing the length of the workpiece 90 located between the dies 61 and 62. In other words, the position adjustment device moves the position of the workpiece 90 relative to the die 62 on the downstream side, adjusting it so that each processing target position of the workpiece 90 matches the processing position of each processing step in the die 62. This allows progressive press working to continue without misalignment between the processing position of each processing step in the die 62 and the corresponding processing target position of the workpiece. This prevents a decrease in processing quality that could lead to defective products, and by suppressing the occurrence of defective products, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by adjusting the workpiece 90 with the adjustment mechanism 10, adjustment of the die itself becomes unnecessary, and the degree of freedom in the positional relationship between adjacent dies and the positional relationship of the die relative to the press machine can be greatly increased. For example, aligning the load centers of the press and the die reduces the likelihood of uneven loads being applied to the press and die, thereby reducing fatigue and extending their lifespan. In addition, it becomes possible to reduce overall equipment costs by minimizing maintenance costs caused by malfunctions resulting from uneven loads.

[0049] In this embodiment of the position adjustment device, the adjustment mechanism 10 is configured to be independently installed between the two sets of molds 61 and 62. Alternatively, if a feeding device or the like is installed between the two sets of molds, the adjustment mechanism can be integrated with such a device, allowing for effective use of the space between the molds.

[0050] Furthermore, in the position adjustment device according to this embodiment, the control unit 30 acquires the amount of change in the distance between the molds from the measurement result of the distance between the two sets of molds 61 and 62 by the distance measuring unit 20, and controls the operation of the adjustment mechanism unit 10 according to this amount of change. However, other control methods may be adopted as long as they increase or decrease the length of the transport path in response to the measurement result by the distance measuring unit. For example, depending on the expected change in the distance between dies during processing, the distance between dies is divided into multiple ranges, and the appropriate length of the workpiece transport path for each divided range is pre-set in the control unit. Then, each time a distance measurement result is obtained, the control unit determines which of the divided distance ranges it falls into. If the range in which the measurement result falls moves to a different range than before, the control unit activates the adjustment mechanism to adjust the guide position of the workpiece so that the transport path length corresponds to the new range. This makes it easier to perform adjustments using the adjustment mechanism than to use a control system that acquires the change in distance and adjusts the length of the transport path accordingly.

[0051] Furthermore, in the press machine 50 to which the position adjustment device according to this embodiment is applied, two sets of dies 61 and 62 are arranged in series in one press machine. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and it is also possible to arrange three or more sets of dies in series in one press machine. In that case, in each set of arranged dies, there are multiple possible positions between adjacent sets of dies. The adjustment mechanism is installed at at least one of these multiple positions between dies. It is also possible to install the adjustment mechanism at all positions between dies.

[0052] (Second embodiment of the present invention) In the position adjustment device according to the first embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 10 is provided between two sets of molds 61 and 62 installed on a single press machine 50. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the adjustment mechanism 10 can be arranged between two press machines 51 and 52 that are installed side by side.

[0053] In this case, the adjustment mechanism 10 is located between a set of dies 61 provided on one press machine 51 and a set of dies 62 provided on the other press machine 52. Except for being positioned between these two press machines 51 and 52, the adjustment control unit 10, like in the first embodiment, changes the length of the workpiece 90 located between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 in response to changes in the distance between them. This moves the position of the workpiece 90 relative to the die 62 of the downstream press machine 52, adjusting it so that the workpiece 90's processing target position aligns with the processing position of each processing step in the die 62.

[0054] In this embodiment, the presses 51 and 52 are arranged in series in the direction of feeding a strip-shaped workpiece 90, which is intermittently conveyed by a predetermined feeding device (not shown). Each press 51 and 52 performs sequential feeding with its respective die 61 and 62 to obtain a desired molded product from the workpiece 90.

[0055] In principle, the dies 61 and 62 in the press machines 51 and 52 are driven at the same time, and each die can perform multiple press processing steps. The mechanisms in these press machines 51 and 52 that sequentially perform press working on the intermittently conveyed workpiece 90 with each die 61 and 62 are similar to those of known devices used in progressive press working, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0056] In this embodiment, the position adjustment device is configured such that two presses 51 and 52 are arranged in series, and the adjustment mechanism 10 is placed between these two presses 51 and 52. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and three or more presses can be arranged in series. In that case, there will be multiple possible positions between adjacent presses for each of the arranged presses. The adjustment mechanism is placed at least one of these multiple positions between presses. It is also possible to place the adjustment mechanism at all of these positions between presses. However, it goes without saying that the specific location of the adjustment mechanism at these positions between presses is, as in this embodiment, between a set of dies provided on one of the two adjacent presses and a set of dies provided on the other press.

[0057] (Third embodiment of the present invention) In the position adjustment device according to the first and second embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 10 is configured to use an adjustment roll 11 as a means to guide the workpiece 90 to a predetermined transport path by contacting a portion of the workpiece 90 that passes between two sets of dies 61 and 62 that process the workpiece 90. However, it is not limited to this. As a third embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the adjustment mechanism 10 may also be configured to have an opposing roll 17 that contacts the side of the workpiece 90 opposite to the side that the adjustment roll 11 contacts, and to guide the workpiece 90 while sandwiched between the adjustment roll 11 and the opposing roll 17.

[0058] In this case, the adjustment mechanism 10 includes an adjustment roll 11, a roll support section 12, an actuator 13, auxiliary rolls 14 and 15, and a drive section 16, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, in addition to these, the configuration includes an opposing roll 17 whose cylindrical outer surface can contact the side of the workpiece 90 opposite to the side that the adjustment roll 11 contacts, and another roll support section 18 that supports the opposing roll 17 so that it can rotate and move in the same direction as the adjustment roll 11.

[0059] The opposing roll 17, like the adjustment roll 11, is formed as a rotating body having a cylindrical outer surface. This opposing roll 17 is rotatably supported by the other roll support 13 and is positioned between the two sets of dies 61 and 62, on the opposite side from the adjustment roll 11, so as to be able to contact the lower surface of the workpiece 90. The opposing roll 17 moves together with the other roll support section 13, following the movement of the adjustment roll 11 related to position adjustment by the actuator 13. The opposing roll 17 maintains contact with the workpiece 90 on the opposite side from the side that the adjustment roll 11 contacts, and adjusts its position to guide the workpiece 90 while rotating in contact with the conveyed workpiece 90.

[0060] The opposing roll 17, like the adjustment roll 11, can also be driven to rotate by a predetermined driving means. In particular, if the opposing roll 17 is driven by the driving means to rotate in accordance with the feed amount and transport timing of the workpiece 90, and at a rotational speed corresponding to the transport speed of the workpiece 90, no relative speed difference will occur between the opposing roll 17 and the workpiece 90. In this case, even if acceleration or deceleration occurs during the transport of the workpiece 90, relative slippage of the opposing roll 17 with respect to the workpiece 90 will not occur. This prevents scratches and other damage to the workpiece 90, reduces the frictional resistance of the opposing roll 17 against the workpiece 90, and allows the workpiece 90 to be transported more smoothly.

[0061] The adjustment roll 11 and the opposing roll 17 are positioned to sandwich the workpiece 90, which makes it difficult for the workpiece 90 to move in directions other than the feed direction during transport, reducing the likelihood of slippage and ensuring stable transport of the workpiece 90. As a result, it becomes possible to transport the workpiece 90 at higher speeds, leading to further improvements in productivity.

[0062] Furthermore, since the opposing roll 17 rotates and makes rolling contact with the workpiece 90, the frictional resistance applied from the opposing roll 17 to the workpiece 90 is suppressed, and the smooth transport of the workpiece 90 is not hindered.

[0063] During progressive die cutting, if the distance between the two sets of dies 61 and 62 increases due to temperature changes or other factors, this increased distance is measured by the distance measuring unit 20. Based on this measurement result, the control unit 30 operates the actuator 13 of the adjustment mechanism unit 10 to the retracted side to raise the adjustment roll 11, thereby reducing the deviation of the transport path of the workpiece 90 guided by the adjustment roll 11 from the shortest path. At this time, the opposing roll 17 also moves upward following the adjustment roll 11, maintaining contact with the workpiece 90.

[0064] In this way, the control unit 30 displaces the adjustment roll 11 and the opposing roll 17 to the side that reduces the deviation of the transport path of the workpiece 90 from the shortest path, thereby shortening the length of the workpiece 90 that is between the two sets of molds 61 and 62. The excess workpiece 90 that is shortened can advance toward the mold 62, and the relative deviation between the mold 62 and the workpiece 90 that occurs as the distance between the molds 61 and 62 increases can be offset.

[0065] Conversely, if the distance between the two sets of molds 61 and 62 decreases, and this decreased distance is measured by the distance measuring unit 20, the control unit 30 operates the actuator 13 of the adjustment mechanism unit 10 in the extension direction to lower the adjustment roll 11 based on the measurement result. This lowered adjustment roll 11 increases the deviation of the transport path of the workpiece 90 being guided from the shortest path. At this time, the opposing roll 17 also moves downward following the adjustment roll 11 while remaining in contact with the workpiece 90.

[0066] In this way, the control unit 30 displaces the adjustment roll 11 and the opposing roll 17 toward the side that increases the deviation of the transport path of the workpiece 90 from the shortest path, thereby lengthening the length of the workpiece 90 between the two sets of molds 61 and 62. As a result of this lengthening, the workpiece 90 that is insufficient can be moved backward from the mold 62 side, and the relative deviation between the mold 62 and the workpiece 90 due to the reduction in the distance between the molds 61 and 62 can be offset.

[0067] Thus, in a configuration in which the adjustment mechanism 10 has an adjustment roll 11 and an opposing roll 17, and guides the workpiece 90 while sandwiched between the adjustment roll 11 and the opposing roll 17, the adjustment mechanism 10 can also be used as a type of feeding device. For example, the workpiece 90 in contact with the adjustment roll 11 and the opposing roll 17 may be transported by at least one of the rotation of the adjustment roll 11, which is rotationally driven by the drive unit 16, and the rotation of the opposing roll 17, which is rotationally driven by a predetermined drive means. In this case, since the adjustment mechanism has the capacity to transport the workpiece, at least one of the other feeding devices can be omitted, and equipment costs can be reduced.

[0068] In the position adjustment devices according to the first to third embodiments, the adjustment roll 11 of the adjustment mechanism 10 is positioned to be in contact with the upper surface of the workpiece 90, thereby guiding the workpiece 90 from above. However, the device is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the adjustment roll 11 can also be positioned to be in contact with the lower surface of the workpiece 90, thereby guiding the workpiece 90 from below. In this way, the arrangement of the adjustment roll 11 that guides the workpiece 90 can be appropriately selected according to the space between the two sets of molds 61 and 62. Furthermore, if the adjustment mechanism 10 has an adjustment roll 11 and an opposing roll 17, and guides the workpiece 90 while sandwiched between the adjustment roll 11 and the opposing roll 17, the following configuration is also possible. That is, the opposing roll 17 can be positioned to contact the upper surface of the workpiece 90 on the opposite side of the adjustment roll 11, in accordance with the adjustment roll 11 which is positioned to contact the lower surface of the workpiece 90 (see Figure 6).

[0069] (Fourth embodiment of the present invention) In the position adjustment devices according to the first and second embodiments, the mechanism for moving the adjustment roll 11 of the adjustment mechanism 10 employs a linear movement mechanism using an actuator 13, which is a type of linear actuator that can move linearly at one end relative to the other end. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 7, it is also possible to tilt an arm-type roll support 19 that rotatably supports the adjustment roll 11 to move the adjustment roll 11 up and down, thereby changing the guide position of the workpiece 90. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1 Position adjustment device 10 Adjustment mechanism section 11 Adjustment Roll 12 Roll support section 13 Actuators 14, 15 Auxiliary rolls 16 Drive unit 17 Opposite Roll 18, 19 Roll support section 20 Ranging section 30 Control Unit 50, 51, 52 Press machines 55 Slider 61, 62 molds 61a, 62a upper mold 90 Work material

Claims

1. An adjustment mechanism is provided between two sets of dies, which are arranged to allow press processing of a strip-shaped workpiece that is conveyed intermittently, and which guides the workpiece to a conveying path that is deviated from the shortest path between the two sets of dies. A distance measuring unit for measuring the distance between the two sets of molds, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment mechanism, The control unit, while progressive die processing is being performed, obtains the change in the distance between the two sets of dies from the distance measurement result by the distance measuring unit, and adjusts the guide position of the workpiece by the adjustment mechanism to increase or decrease the length of the transport path in accordance with the change in distance. A distinctive feature is the workpiece position adjustment device.

2. In the workpiece position adjustment device according to claim 1, The adjustment mechanism section, An adjustment roll that guides the workpiece by bringing it into contact with the cylindrical outer surface, A roll support section that supports the adjustment roll so that it can rotate and move in a direction different from the conveying direction of the workpiece, The control unit controls an actuator that moves the adjustment roll together with the roll support, The adjustment roll is moved by the actuator to adjust its position in contact with the workpiece and to guide it, and it guides the workpiece while rotating in contact with the conveyed workpiece. A distinctive feature is the workpiece position adjustment device.

3. In the workpiece position adjustment device according to claim 2, The adjustment mechanism has a drive means for rotating the adjustment roll, The adjustment roll is driven by the drive means to rotate at a rotational speed corresponding to the conveying speed of the workpiece that is in contact with its outer surface. A distinctive feature is the workpiece position adjustment device.

4. In the workpiece position adjustment device according to claim 2, The adjustment mechanism section, On the side of the workpiece opposite to the side that contacts the adjustment roll, there is an opposing roll whose cylindrical outer surface can come into contact with it, It has another roll support that supports the opposing roll so that it is rotatable and can move in the same direction as the adjustment roll, The opposing roll moves in accordance with the movement of the adjustment roll related to position adjustment by the actuator, and rotates in contact with the workpiece being conveyed while maintaining contact with the side of the workpiece opposite to the side of the adjustment roll that the workpiece is in contact with. A distinctive feature is the workpiece position adjustment device.

5. In the workpiece position adjustment device according to claim 4, The adjustment mechanism has a driving means for rotationally driving at least one of the adjustment roll and the opposing roll, and the rotation of at least one of the adjustment roll and the opposing roll based on the driving force of the driving means is used to transport the workpiece in contact with the adjustment roll and the opposing roll. A distinctive feature is the workpiece position adjustment device.

6. Measuring the distance between two sets of dies arranged to enable press processing of a strip-shaped workpiece that is conveyed intermittently, An adjustment mechanism positioned between the two sets of dies guides the workpiece to a transport path that deviates from the shortest path between the two sets of dies. During progressive feeding, the change in the distance between the two sets of dies is obtained from the measurement results of the distance between the two sets of dies, and the guide position of the workpiece by the adjustment mechanism is adjusted so as to increase or decrease the length of the transport path in accordance with the change in distance. A distinctive method for adjusting the position of the workpiece.

7. In a method for manufacturing a laminated core, in which multiple core pieces are formed by press working from a strip-shaped workpiece that is conveyed intermittently, and these core pieces are stacked to form a laminated core, The distance between two sets of dies arranged to enable the execution of multiple press working processes on the workpiece is measured. An adjustment mechanism positioned between the two sets of dies guides the workpiece to a transport path that deviates from the shortest path between the two sets of dies. During progressive feeding, the change in the distance between the two sets of dies is obtained from the measurement results of the distance between the two sets of dies, and the guide position of the workpiece by the adjustment mechanism is adjusted so as to increase or decrease the length of the transport path in accordance with the change in distance. A manufacturing method for laminated iron cores that are a key feature.

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