Pressing machine

Abstract

To provide a press working apparatus that can efficiently manufacture a component with a space-saving structure.SOLUTION: In a press working apparatus (10), which forms a component (100) by press working, a mechanism that operates a plurality of pressing parts (21P-28P) that form the component comprises at least a first step moving part (22) that is supported to be movable vertically, second step moving parts (23 and 24) that are supported to be movable vertically with respect to the first step moving part, and third step moving parts (25 and 26) that are supported to be movable vertically with respect to the second step moving parts. The mechanism performs operation of making the first step moving part move in a pressing direction together with the second step moving parts and the third step moving parts, operation of making the second step moving parts move in the pressing direction together with the third step moving parts, and operation of making the third step moving parts move in the pressing direction, in a preset order, during press working for forming the component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a press working apparatus for forming parts.

Background Art

[0002] A ratchet that constitutes a reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat is often manufactured by press working. The ratchet is a disk-shaped part having internal teeth on the inner surface of an annular portion located on the outer peripheral side, and in addition to the internal teeth, it has a central through-hole, a plurality of concave and convex portions, and the like. In the parts of the reclining mechanism, a base plate combined with the ratchet is often formed by press working. The base plate has a central through-hole, a plurality of concave and convex portions, and the like.

[0003] When manufacturing parts of a reclining mechanism such as a ratchet and a base plate by press working, a plurality of forming dies for forming a plurality of parts such as cutting out the outer shape, forming the central through-hole, and forming the plurality of concave and convex portions are required.

[0004] As an apparatus for performing press working using a plurality of forming dies, a progressive press apparatus is known that sequentially conveys a workpiece such as a metal plate while performing press working by a press machine individually at each stage of conveyance.

[0005] Also, different from the progressive press apparatus, there is known a one-shot type press apparatus in which a plurality of forming dies are installed in one press machine to form a plurality of different parts in one press operation.

[0006] As a type of one-shot type press apparatus, there has been proposed one in which the forming operations of respective parts by a plurality of forming dies are performed with different timings during one stroke of the press operation (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

[0008] Progressive die presses require space for step-by-step workpiece transport and multiple presses for each stage, resulting in a large installation area and the need for large-scale equipment, which presented a challenge.

[0009] Single-shot press machines require less installation space compared to progressive press machines. However, conventional single-shot press machines have separate mechanisms for moving multiple molds up and down, and there was a demand for further simplification of the structure and control.

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a press working apparatus that can efficiently manufacture parts with a space-saving structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to a press working apparatus for forming parts by press working, wherein the mechanism for operating a plurality of press parts for forming the parts comprises at least a first stage moving part supported to be vertically movable, a second stage moving part supported to be vertically movable relative to the first stage moving part, and a third stage moving part supported to be vertically movable relative to the second stage moving part, and during press working to form the parts, the first stage moving part moves in the pressing direction together with the second stage moving part and the third stage moving part, the second stage moving part moves in the pressing direction together with the third stage moving part, and the third stage moving part moves in the pressing direction, and these operations are performed in a predetermined order. cormorant.

[0012] The first stage moving part includes a cylindrical part that surrounds a part of the second stage moving part, and inside the cylindrical part of the first stage moving part is a transmission part that transmits the force with which the first stage moving part moves in the pressing direction to the second stage moving part, and a gap that allows the second stage moving part to move in the pressing direction relative to the first stage moving part. ru.

[0013] The second stage moving part includes a cylindrical portion surrounding a part of the third stage moving part, and inside the cylindrical portion of the second stage moving part is a transmission part that transmits the force with which the second stage moving part moves in the pressing direction to the third stage moving part, and a gap that allows the third stage moving part to move in the pressing direction relative to the second stage moving part. ru.

[0014] The device may be configured to include a plurality of second-stage moving parts supported in parallel by the first-stage moving part, and a plurality of third-stage moving parts supported by the plurality of second-stage moving parts.

[0015] The component comprises a base portion for holding the base material of the component, and a base movable portion supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the base portion, wherein the first movable portion is preferably supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the base movable portion.

[0016] The component has an upper block and a lower block that hold the base material of the component from above and below, the first stage moving part, the second stage moving part and the third stage moving part constitute the lower block, and the pressing direction is preferably downward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the press working apparatus of the present invention, parts can be manufactured efficiently with a space-saving structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the press working apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the upper surface of the lower block of a press working machine. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the lower surface of the upper block of a press working device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the lower block. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a ratchet manufactured by a press working device. [Figure 6] This is a diagram for explaining the process of manufacturing a ratchet by a press working device. [Figure 7] This is a graph showing the operation of each part of the lower block. [Figure 8] This is a graph showing the operation of each part of the upper block. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing stage by a press working device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The press working apparatus 10 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the press working apparatus 10 comprises a lower block 11 installed on the floor and an upper block 12 located above the lower block 11. The lower block 11 has a base portion 20, and the upper block 12 has a base portion 40. Four guide shafts 13 extending in the vertical direction are provided near the four corners of the base portion 20, and each guide shaft 13 is inserted into a guide hole 14 (see Figure 3) formed in the base portion 40. The upper block 12 is movable in the vertical direction along the guide shafts 13.

[0020] A press mechanism 15 is provided on the upper part of the upper block 12. The press mechanism 15 has a movable part 15a that can move in the vertical direction, and the movable part 15a is connected to the upper surface of the base part 40. The movable part 15a of the press mechanism 15 moves in the vertical direction by a drive source (not shown), and the upper block 12 moves in the vertical direction in conjunction with this.

[0021] The operation of the movable part 15a of the press mechanism 15 is controlled by the control unit 70. The control unit 70 provides overall control of the press working apparatus 10 and is equipped with a processor and memory (storage means). The press operation described later is executed according to the program stored in the memory. In other words, the press working method of this embodiment is performed under the control of the control unit 70.

[0022] The lower block 11 and the upper block 12 are each supported by multiple parts that can move vertically relative to the base portion 20 and base portion 40, respectively. The movement of these multiple parts presses a metal plate 16 between the base portion 20 and base portion 40 to form the manufactured ratchet 100 (Figures 5 and 6).

[0023] The ratchet 100 is a component of the reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat, and has a disc-shaped basic structure with protrusions and recesses formed on it. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, a circular through-hole 101 is formed in the center of the ratchet 100, penetrating in the thickness direction. Multiple dowel portions 103 are formed on the outer circumference of the through-hole 101, which are concave relative to the reference surface 102 (and convex toward the opposite side of the reference surface 102). Multiple retaining portions 104 are formed on the outer circumference of the dowel portions 103, which are convex relative to the reference surface 102. An annular portion 105 is formed on the outermost circumference of the ratchet 100, which protrudes more from the reference surface 102 than the retaining portions 104, and internal teeth 106 are formed on the inner surface of the annular portion 105.

[0024] Details of the reclining mechanism are well known and will be omitted, but the role of each part of the ratchet 100 will be briefly explained. The ratchet 100 is fixed to one of the seat cushion frame and the seat back frame by welding via a dowel portion 103. In other words, the dowel portion 103 is a protruding part for welding. A base plate is fixed to the other of the seat cushion frame and the seat back frame, which is slidable (relatively rotatable) with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 105, and a locking member (not shown) that is movable in the radial direction of the ratchet 100 is supported on the base plate. The locking member has an external tooth that can engage with the internal tooth 106, and is biased in the direction in which the external tooth engages with the internal tooth 106 (outer radial direction). When the shaft member inserted through the through hole 101 is rotated, the locking member moves in the direction in which the external tooth disengages from the internal tooth 106 (inner radial direction). When the external teeth of the locking member are engaged with the internal teeth 106, the ratchet 100 and the base plate (i.e., the seat cushion frame and the seat back frame) are in a fixed relationship, thus restricting the tilting of the seat back. When the external teeth of the locking member are disengaged from the internal teeth 106, the ratchet 100 and the base plate become rotatable relative to each other, allowing the seat back to tilt. The retaining part 104 prevents the locking member from engaging with the internal teeth 106 within a specific angular range of the seat back (the position where the seat back is tilted forward).

[0025] In the press working apparatus 10, the metal plate 16, which is the base material of the ratchet 100, is placed between the lower block 11 and the upper block 12. The ratchet 100 is formed by press working through a pressing operation that brings the upper block 12 closer to the lower block 11 (including the movement of multiple parts contained in the lower block 11 and the upper block 12) and a horizontal transport operation of the metal plate 16. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the base portion 20 of the lower block 11 has an upward-facing lower reference surface 20a, and the base portion 40 of the upper block 12 has a downward-facing upper reference surface 40a. Both the lower reference surface 20a and the upper reference surface 40a are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction (pressing direction) and are opposite to each other in the vertical direction.

[0026] The X direction is defined as the horizontal direction along the lower reference surface 20a and the upper reference surface 40a, which is the conveying direction that moves the metal plate 16 between each stroke of the press operation. The Y direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the X direction.

[0027] The configuration of the lower block 11 will be explained primarily with reference to Figure 4. The base portion 20 of the lower block 11 supports the first slide portion 21, the second slide portion 22, the third slide portion 23, the fourth slide portion 24, the fifth slide portion 25, the sixth slide portion 26, the seventh slide portion 27, and the eighth slide portion 28. Inside the base portion 20, a housing space 29 is formed to accommodate these slide portions 21 to 28. The slide portions 21 to 28 are composed of hydraulic cylinders.

[0028] The storage space 29 is composed of three spaces, from top to bottom: the first space 29a, the second space 29b, and the third space 29c. Each of these spaces 29a to 29c has a cylindrical inner surface centered on an axis oriented in the vertical direction, and each has a different horizontal opening diameter. The opening diameter of the first space 29a is the largest, followed by the second space 29b, and the opening diameter of the third space 29c is the smallest. In other words, the opening diameter of the storage space 29 decreases in stages as you move from top to bottom.

[0029] A first bottom 29d is formed at the boundary between the first space 29a and the second space 29b, a second bottom 29e is formed at the boundary between the second space 29b and the third space 29c, and a third bottom 29f is formed at the very bottom of the third space 29c. Each of these bottoms 29d to 29f is a horizontal plane that is approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward within the storage space 29.

[0030] The first slide portion 21 is located roughly in the range from the second space 29b to the third space 29c in the vertical direction and has a bottomed cylindrical shape that is open upward. More specifically, the first slide portion 21 has a disc-shaped bottom wall portion 21a located opposite the third bottom portion 29f of the housing space 29, and a cylindrical tubular portion 21b projecting upward from the periphery of the bottom wall portion 21a. The internal space 21c enclosed by the bottom wall portion 21a and the tubular portion 21b is open upward. The internal space 21c has a cylindrical inner surface centered on an axis oriented in the vertical direction.

[0031] The first slide portion 21 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the base portion 20. The cylindrical portion 21b of the first slide portion 21 has a guided outer surface 21d formed thereon that fits the inner surface of the third space 29c. By sliding the guided outer surface 21d against the inner surface of the third space 29c, the first slide portion 21 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined. When the first slide portion 21 is in its initial vertical position relative to the base portion 20, there is a gap S1 between the bottom wall portion 21a of the first slide portion 21 and the third bottom portion 29f of the housing space 29.

[0032] Inside the internal space 21c, an annular stepped portion 21e is formed along the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 21b. The stepped portion 21e is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces downward within the guided outer surface 21d. In other words, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 21b is larger in the lower region of the stepped portion 21e than in the upper region of the stepped portion 21e.

[0033] The second sliding portion 22 has a bottom wall portion 22a located opposite the first bottom portion 29d of the storage space 29, and a base portion 22b that protrudes downward from near the center of the bottom wall portion 22a.

[0034] The base 22b of the second slide portion 22 is inserted into the internal space 21c of the first slide portion 21. The base 22b has a guided outer surface 22c that fits the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21b, and an annular restricted surface 22d formed in the middle of the guided outer surface 22c in the vertical direction. The restricted surface 22d is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward. The restricted surface 22d can come into contact with the stepped portion 21e from below.

[0035] The second sliding portion 22 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the first sliding portion 21 by the guidance of its base portion 22b by the cylindrical portion 21b. More specifically, the second sliding portion 22 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined by sliding its guided outer surface 22c against the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 21b (internal space 21c).

[0036] In the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 21a to the stepped portion 21e is greater than the distance from the lower end surface of the base portion 22b to the restricted surface 22d. This difference in distance is the amount of vertical movement of the second slide portion 22 relative to the first slide portion 21. The position where the lower end surface of the base portion 22b abuts against the bottom wall portion 21a is the downward movement end of the second slide portion 22 relative to the first slide portion 21, and the position where the restricted surface 22d abuts against the stepped portion 21e is the upward movement end of the second slide portion 22 relative to the first slide portion 21. When the second slide portion 22 is in its initial vertical position relative to the first slide portion 21, the restricted surface 22d abuts against the stepped portion 21e, and there is a gap S2 between the lower end surface of the base portion 22b and the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 21a.

[0037] Furthermore, in the initial position of the second slide portion 22, the size of the vertical gap between the first bottom 29d of the storage space 29 and the bottom wall portion 22a of the second slide portion 22 is greater than the sum of gaps S1 and S2. In other words, when the first slide portion 21 moves downward to close gap S1 and the second slide portion 22 moves downward to close gap S2, the bottom wall portion 22a does not come into contact with the first bottom 29d.

[0038] The second sliding portion 22 has a cylindrical portion 22e that protrudes upward from the periphery of the bottom wall portion 22a, and a partition wall portion 22f that protrudes upward from near the center of the bottom wall portion 22a. Two internal spaces 22g and internal space 22h are formed, surrounded by the bottom wall portion 22a, the cylindrical portion 22e, and the partition wall portion 22f. Internal spaces 22g and 22h are open upward.

[0039] The internal spaces 22g and 22h have cylindrical inner surfaces centered on an axis oriented in the vertical direction. An annular stepped portion 22i is formed inside internal space 22g. An annular stepped portion 22j is formed inside internal space 22h. Stepped portions 22i and 22j are horizontal planes substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and are oriented downward within internal spaces 22g and 22h, respectively.

[0040] A predetermined horizontal clearance is provided between the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 22e and the inner surface of the first space 29a. Therefore, the horizontal position of the second slide portion 22 is determined via the cylindrical portion 21b of the first slide portion 21, and the base portion 20 does not directly restrict the horizontal position of the second slide portion 22.

[0041] The third slide portion 23 is inserted into the internal space 22g of the second slide portion 22. The third slide portion 23 has a bottom wall portion 23a located opposite the bottom wall portion 22a of the second slide portion 22, and a cylindrical portion 23b protruding upward from the bottom wall portion 23a. The cylindrical portion 23b has a guided outer surface 23c shaped to fit the inner surfaces of the cylindrical portion 22e and the partition wall portion 22f that constitute the internal space 22g, and an annular restricted surface 23d formed in the middle of the guided outer surface 23c in the vertical direction. The restricted surface 23d is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward. The restricted surface 23d can contact the stepped portion 22i from below.

[0042] The third sliding portion 23 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the second sliding portion 22. By sliding its guided outer surface 23c against the inner surfaces of the cylindrical portion 22e and the partition wall portion 22f (internal space 22g), the third sliding portion 23 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined.

[0043] In the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 22a to the stepped portion 22i is greater than the distance from the lower end surface of the bottom wall portion 23a to the restricted surface 23d. This difference in distance is the amount of vertical movement of the third slide portion 23 relative to the second slide portion 22. The position where the lower end surface of the bottom wall portion 23a abuts against the bottom wall portion 22a is the downward movement end of the third slide portion 23 relative to the second slide portion 22, and the position where the restricted surface 23d abuts against the stepped portion 22i is the upward movement end of the third slide portion 23 relative to the second slide portion 22. When the third slide portion 23 is in its initial vertical position relative to the second slide portion 22, the restricted surface 23d abuts against the stepped portion 22i, and there is a gap S3 between the lower end surface of the bottom wall portion 23a and the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 22a.

[0044] The cylindrical portion 23b of the third slide portion 23 has an internal space 23e that is open upward. The internal space 23e has a cylindrical inner surface centered on an axis oriented in the vertical direction. An annular stepped portion 23f is formed inside the internal space 23e. The stepped portion 23f is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces downward within the internal space 23e.

[0045] The fourth slide portion 24 is inserted into the internal space 22h of the second slide portion 22. The fourth slide portion 24 has a bottom wall portion 24a positioned opposite the bottom wall portion 22a of the second slide portion 22, and a cylindrical portion 24b protruding upward from the bottom wall portion 24a. The cylindrical portion 24b has a guided outer surface 24c shaped to fit the inner surfaces of the cylindrical portion 22e and the partition wall portion 22f that constitute the internal space 22h, and an annular restricted surface 24d formed in the middle of the guided outer surface 24c in the vertical direction. The restricted surface 24d is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward. The restricted surface 24d can come into contact with the stepped portion 22j from below.

[0046] The fourth sliding portion 24 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the second sliding portion 22. By sliding its guided outer surface 24c against the inner surfaces of the cylindrical portion 22e and the partition wall portion 22f (internal space 22h), the fourth sliding portion 24 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined.

[0047] In the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 22a to the stepped portion 22j is greater than the distance from the lower end surface of the bottom wall portion 24a to the restricted surface 24d. This difference in distance is the amount of vertical movement of the fourth slide portion 24 relative to the second slide portion 22. The position where the lower end surface of the bottom wall portion 24a abuts against the bottom wall portion 22a is the downward movement end of the fourth slide portion 24 relative to the second slide portion 22, and the position where the restricted surface 24d abuts against the stepped portion 22j is the upward movement end of the fourth slide portion 24 relative to the second slide portion 22. When the fourth slide portion 24 is in its initial vertical position relative to the second slide portion 22, the restricted surface 24d abuts against the stepped portion 22j, and there is a gap S4 between the lower end surface of the bottom wall portion 24a and the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 22a.

[0048] The cylindrical portion 24b of the fourth slide portion 24 has an internal space 24e that is open upward. The internal space 24e has a cylindrical inner surface centered on an axis oriented in the vertical direction. An annular stepped portion 24f is formed inside the internal space 24e. The stepped portion 24f is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces downward within the internal space 24e.

[0049] The third slide section 23 and the fourth slide section 24 have substantially the same configuration, and the amount of movement of the third slide section 23 relative to the second slide section 22 (gap S3) and the amount of movement of the fourth slide section 24 relative to the second slide section 22 (gap S4) are set to the same amount.

[0050] The fifth sliding portion 25 has a base portion 25a inserted into the internal space 23e and a support portion 25b protruding upward from the base portion 25a. The base portion 25a has a guided outer surface 25c shaped to fit the inner surface of the internal space 23e and an annular restricted surface 25d formed in the middle of the guided outer surface 25c in the vertical direction. The restricted surface 25d is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward. The restricted surface 25d can come into contact with the stepped portion 23f from below.

[0051] The fifth sliding portion 25 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the third sliding portion 23. By sliding its guided outer surface 25c against the inner surface of the internal space 23e, the fifth sliding portion 25 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined.

[0052] In the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 23a to the stepped portion 23f is greater than the distance from the lower end surface of the base portion 25a to the restricted surface 25d. This difference in distance is the amount of vertical movement of the fifth slide portion 25 relative to the third slide portion 23. The position where the lower end surface of the base portion 25a abuts against the bottom wall portion 23a is the downward movement end of the fifth slide portion 25 relative to the third slide portion 23, and the position where the restricted surface 25d abuts against the stepped portion 23f is the upward movement end of the fifth slide portion 25 relative to the third slide portion 23. When the fifth slide portion 25 is in its initial vertical position relative to the third slide portion 23, the restricted surface 25d abuts against the stepped portion 23f, and there is a gap S5 between the lower end surface of the base portion 25a and the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 23a.

[0053] The support portion 25b of the fifth slide portion 25 has an internal space 25e that is open upward. The support portion 25b is a cylindrical structure that surrounds the internal space 25e. The internal space 25e has a cylindrical inner surface centered on an axis that is oriented in the vertical direction. A stepped portion 25f is formed inside the internal space 25e. The stepped portion 25f is a horizontal plane that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces downward within the stepped portion 25f.

[0054] The support portion 25b extends more horizontally than the base portion 25a. A predetermined horizontal clearance is provided between the outer surface of the support portion 25b and the inner surface of the first space 29a. Therefore, the horizontal position of the fifth slide portion 25 is determined via the cylindrical portion 23b of the third slide portion 23, and the base portion 20 does not directly restrict the horizontal position of the fifth slide portion 25.

[0055] The sixth sliding portion 26 has a base portion 26a inserted into the internal space 24e and a support portion 26b protruding upward from the base portion 26a. The base portion 26a has a guided outer surface 26c shaped to fit the inner surface of the internal space 24e and an annular restricted surface 26d formed in the middle of the guided outer surface 26c in the vertical direction. The restricted surface 26d is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward. The restricted surface 26d can contact the stepped portion 24f from below.

[0056] The sixth sliding portion 26 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the fourth sliding portion 24. By sliding its guided outer surface 26c against the inner surface of the internal space 24e, the sixth sliding portion 26 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined.

[0057] In the vertical direction, the distance from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 24a to the stepped portion 24f is greater than the distance from the lower end surface of the base portion 26a to the restricted surface 26d. This difference in distance is the amount of vertical movement of the sixth slide portion 26 relative to the fourth slide portion 24. The position where the lower end surface of the base portion 26a abuts against the bottom wall portion 24a is the downward movement end of the sixth slide portion 26 relative to the fourth slide portion 24, and the position where the restricted surface 26d abuts against the stepped portion 24f is the upward movement end of the sixth slide portion 26 relative to the fourth slide portion 24. When the sixth slide portion 26 is in its initial vertical position relative to the fourth slide portion 24, the restricted surface 26d abuts against the stepped portion 24f, and there is a gap S6 between the lower end surface of the base portion 26a and the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 24a.

[0058] The support portion 26b of the sixth slide portion 26 has an internal space 26e that is open upward. The support portion 26b is a cylindrical structure that surrounds the internal space 26e. The internal space 26e has a cylindrical inner surface centered on an axis that oriented in the vertical direction. A stepped portion 26f is formed inside the internal space 26e. The stepped portion 26f is a horizontal plane that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces downward within the stepped portion 26f.

[0059] The support portion 26b extends more horizontally than the base portion 26a. A predetermined horizontal clearance is provided between the outer surface of the support portion 26b and the inner surface of the first space 29a. Therefore, the horizontal position of the sixth slide portion 26 is determined via the cylindrical portion 24b of the fourth slide portion 24, and the base portion 20 does not directly restrict the horizontal position of the sixth slide portion 26.

[0060] The fifth slide section 25 and the sixth slide section 26 have substantially the same configuration, and the amount of movement of the fifth slide section 25 relative to the third slide section 23 (gap S5) and the amount of movement of the sixth slide section 26 relative to the fourth slide section 24 (gap S6) are set to the same amount.

[0061] The seventh sliding portion 27 has a base portion 27a that is inserted into the internal space 25e. The base portion 27a has a guided outer surface 27b shaped to fit the inner surface of the internal space 25e, and a restricted surface 27c. The restricted surface 27c is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward. The restricted surface 27c can contact the stepped portion 25f from below.

[0062] The seventh sliding portion 27 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the fifth sliding portion 25. By sliding the guided outer surface 27b against the inner surface of the internal space 25e, the seventh sliding portion 27 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined.

[0063] In the vertical direction, the distance from the bottom surface of the internal space 25e to the stepped portion 25f is slightly greater than the distance from the lower end surface of the base portion 27a to the restricted surface 27c. This difference in distance is the amount of vertical movement of the seventh slide portion 27 relative to the fifth slide portion 25. The position where the lower end surface of the base portion 27a contacts the bottom surface of the internal space 25e is the downward movement end of the seventh slide portion 27 relative to the fifth slide portion 25, and the position where the restricted surface 27c contacts the stepped portion 25f is the upward movement end of the seventh slide portion 27 relative to the fifth slide portion 25. When the seventh slide portion 27 is in its initial vertical position relative to the fifth slide portion 25, the restricted surface 27c contacts the stepped portion 25f, and there is a gap S7 between the lower end surface of the base portion 27a and the bottom surface of the internal space 25e.

[0064] The eighth sliding portion 28 has a base portion 28a that is inserted into the internal space 26e. The base portion 28a has a guided outer surface 28b shaped to fit the inner surface of the internal space 26e, and a restricted surface 28c. The restricted surface 28c is a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and faces upward. The restricted surface 28c can contact the stepped portion 26f from below.

[0065] The eighth sliding portion 28 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the sixth sliding portion 26. By sliding its guided outer surface 28b against the inner surface of the internal space 26e, the eighth sliding portion 28 moves in the vertical direction while its horizontal position is determined.

[0066] In the vertical direction, the distance from the bottom surface of the internal space 26e to the stepped portion 26f is slightly greater than the distance from the lower end surface of the base portion 28a to the restricted surface 28c. This difference in distance is the amount of vertical movement of the eighth slide portion 28 relative to the sixth slide portion 26. The position where the lower end surface of the base portion 28a contacts the bottom surface of the internal space 26e is the downward movement end of the eighth slide portion 28 relative to the sixth slide portion 26, and the position where the restricted surface 28c contacts the stepped portion 26f is the upward movement end of the eighth slide portion 28 relative to the sixth slide portion 26. When the eighth slide portion 28 is in its initial vertical position relative to the sixth slide portion 26, the restricted surface 28c contacts the stepped portion 26f, and there is a gap S8 between the lower end surface of the base portion 28a and the bottom surface of the internal space 26e.

[0067] The seventh slide section 27 and the eighth slide section 28 have substantially the same configuration, and the amount of movement of the seventh slide section 27 relative to the fifth slide section 25 (gap S7) and the amount of movement of the eighth slide section 28 relative to the sixth slide section 26 (gap S8) are set to the same amount.

[0068] The base portion 20 is equipped with a lid portion 20b that closes the upper part of the storage space 29, and the upper surface of the lid portion 20b is the lower reference surface 20a. Each slide portion 21 to 28 is connected to press portions 21P to 28P that extend upward through the lid portion 20b. Guide holes are formed in the lid portion 20b through which each press portion 21P to 28P is inserted, and the upper end of the guide hole opens to the lower reference surface 20a.

[0069] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, press section 25P is positioned outside press section 23P, and press section 27P is positioned outside press section 25P. Also, press section 26P is positioned outside press section 24P, and press section 28P is positioned outside press section 26P.

[0070] The lower block 11 also includes a dowel forming section 30 and a dowel forming section 31, and punch receiving holes 34 and 35 (see Figures 9 to 20). The dowel forming sections 30 and 31 are supported by the lid section 20b of the base section 20. The punch receiving holes 34 and 35 are circular holes that open into the lower reference surface 20a. The dowel forming section 30 is provided in the area surrounding the punch receiving hole 34, and the dowel forming section 31 is provided in the area surrounding the punch receiving hole 35.

[0071] The lower block 11 further includes an outer shape forming section 32 and an outer shape forming section 33 (see Figures 9 to 20). The outer shape forming section 32 is cylindrical and surrounds the press section 27P, and the outer shape forming section 33 is cylindrical and surrounds the press section 28P. The outer shape forming section 32 and the outer shape forming section 33 are fixedly supported by the base section 20.

[0072] Although a detailed diagram of the upper block 12 is omitted, the base portion 40 of the upper block 12 supports the first to seventh sliding portions. The first to seventh sliding portions are slidable vertically relative to the base portion 40. A housing space for accommodating the first to seventh sliding portions is formed inside the base portion 40.

[0073] The base portion 40 is equipped with a lid portion 40b (Figure 1) that closes the lower part of the storage space, and the upper surface of the lid portion 40b is the upper reference surface 40a. The first to seventh sliding portions of the upper block 12 are each connected to press portions 41Q to 47Q that extend downward through the lid portion 40b. Guide holes are formed in the lid portion 40b through which each press portion 41Q to 47Q is inserted, and the lower end of the guide holes opens to the upper reference surface 40a.

[0074] Furthermore, the upper block 12 supports the punch section 50 and the punch section 51 (see Figures 3, 9 to 20). Both the punch section 50 and the punch section 51 have a cylindrical outer surface.

[0075] The upper block 12 further includes an outer shape forming section 52 and an outer shape forming section 53 (see Figures 3, 9 to 20). As shown in Figure 3, the press section 43Q is positioned outside the press section 44Q, and the outer shape forming section 52 is positioned outside the press section 43Q. Also, the press section 45Q is positioned outside the press section 46Q, and the outer shape forming section 53 is positioned outside the press section 45Q. The outer shape forming section 52 is cylindrical and surrounds the press section 43Q, and the outer shape forming section 53 is cylindrical and surrounds the press section 45Q.

[0076] The components of the lower block 11 and the upper block 12 are arranged in the following distribution on the lower reference surface 20a and the upper reference surface 40a. In the first region T1 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the punch section 50 and the punch receiving hole 34 face each other in the vertical direction, and the dowel forming section 30 and the press section 42Q face each other in the vertical direction around them. In the second region T2, the press section 24P and the press section 46Q face each other in the vertical direction, and the press section 26P and the press section 45Q face each other in the vertical direction around them, and the press section 28P and the outer shape forming section 53 face each other in the vertical direction around them. In the third region T3, the punch section 51 and the punch receiving hole 35 face each other in the vertical direction, and the dowel forming section 31 and the press section 47Q face each other in the vertical direction around them. In the fourth region T4, the press section 23P and the press section 44Q face each other in the vertical direction, the press section 25P and the press section 43Q face each other in the vertical direction around them, and the press section 27P and the outer shape forming section 52 face each other in the vertical direction around them.

[0077] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first region T1 and the third region T3 have corresponding components, and the second region T2 and the fourth region T4 have corresponding components. Two ratchets 100 can be formed by the components distributed across these four regions T1 to T4. In other words, instead of concentrating all the elements necessary to form one ratchet 100 into a single concentric region, the components are divided into multiple regions T1 to T4 according to predetermined groups, and each part of the two ratchets 100 is formed therein. However, unlike existing progressive press machines, a common press machine (press mechanism 15) is used to perform the pressing operation on the multiple regions T1 to T4.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second region T2 is located at a distance (advancement) in the X direction relative to the first region T1, and the fourth region T4 is located at a distance (advancement) in the X direction relative to the third region T3. Furthermore, the third region T3 is located at a distance in the X direction further than the first region T1, and the fourth region T4 is located at a distance in the X direction further than the second region T2. ​​In addition, the sets of the first region T1 and the second region T2, and the sets of the third region T3 and the fourth region T4, are positioned differently from each other in the Y direction.

[0079] The press working process using the press working apparatus 10 configured as described above will now be explained. This press working is performed by lowering the upper block 12, and in one stroke until the upper block 12 reaches the bottom dead center, the actions of each step shown in Figures 9 to 20 are performed in order.

[0080] The graph in Figure 7 shows the vertical position change of each press section 21P to 28P relative to a predetermined reference position of the lower block 11 during one stroke, with "0" on the vertical axis representing the reference position before pressing. The graph in Figure 8 shows the vertical position change of each press section 41Q to 47Q relative to a predetermined reference position of the upper block 12 during one stroke, with "0" on the vertical axis representing the reference position before pressing. The numerical values ​​in each graph represent the amount of vertical movement (in mm), and a negative value indicates movement in the direction of moving inward towards the base sections 20 and 40 (downward for the lower block 11, and upward for the upper block 12).

[0081] Figures 9 to 20 are conceptual diagrams combining cross-sectional structures at multiple different locations in the lower block 11 and upper block 12, and do not represent a single specific cross-sectional location. Furthermore, Figures 9 to 20 omit the illustration of the metal sheet 16 undergoing press working.

[0082] Step 1, shown in Figure 9, is the state where the upper block 12 is separated upward from the lower block 11 (pre-press state). All of the press sections 21P to 28P of the lower block 11 and all of the press sections 41Q to 47Q of the upper block 12 are in the reference position. In this state, the metal plate 16 to be processed is transported in the X direction and placed on the lower reference surface 20a. If the metal plate 16 is already placed on the lower reference surface 20a and the previous pressing operation has been completed, the metal plate 16 is moved 1 pitch U in the X direction (see Figure 6). The pitch U will be described later.

[0083] Step 2, shown in Figure 10, shows the upper block 12 being lowered by the press mechanism 15, with the metal plate 16 sandwiched between the upper reference surface 40a and the lower reference surface 20a. Each press section 41Q to 47Q of the upper block 12 is lowering together with the base section 40 and is held in the reference position at the time of Step 2.

[0084] In step 3 shown in Figure 11, the punch portion 50 of the upper block 12 protrudes from the upper reference surface 40a and penetrates the metal plate 16. The point where the punch portion 50 penetrates the metal plate 16 becomes the through hole 101 in the ratchet 100. The punch portion 50 that has penetrated the metal plate 16 enters the punch receiving hole 34 of the lower block 11.

[0085] In step 3, the pressing sections 41Q, 42Q, and 47Q of the upper block 12 slide upward, while the pressing sections 43Q to 46Q move downward. The pressing sections 43Q, 44Q, and the outer shape forming section 52 reach a position where they contact the upper surface of the metal plate 16.

[0086] In step 4 shown in Figure 12, the press section 41Q of the upper block 12 moves together with the press section 22P of the lower block 11, causing the second slide section 22 to move downward and closing the gap S2. As the second slide section 22 moves, the slide sections 23-28 (each press section 23P-28P) supported on the upper side of the second slide section 22 are also sequentially subjected to the moving force of the second slide section 22 and move downward relative to the base section 20.

[0087] More specifically, as the second slide section 22 moves downward, the stepped sections 22i and 22j push the restricted surfaces 23d and 24d downward, causing the third slide section 23 and the fourth slide section 24 to move downward together with the second slide section 22. As the third slide section 23 and the fourth slide section 24 move downward, the stepped sections 23f and 24f push the restricted surfaces 25d and 26d downward, causing the fifth slide section 25 and the sixth slide section 26 to move downward together with the second slide section 22. As the fifth slide section 25 and the sixth slide section 26 move downward, the stepped sections 25f and 26f push the restricted surfaces 27c and 28c downward, causing the seventh slide section 27 and the eighth slide section 28 to move downward together with the second slide section 22.

[0088] This movement of the lower block 11 causes the dowel-forming portion 30, which is supported by the lid portion 20b of the base portion 20, to protrude from the lower reference surface 20a. As the dowel-forming portion 30 protrudes, the press portion 42Q of the upper block 12, which is opposite the dowel-forming portion 30 with the metal plate 16 in between, is pushed up and slides upward. The area where the metal plate 16 is pressed between the dowel-forming portion 30 and the press portion 42Q becomes the dowel portion 103 of the ratchet 100.

[0089] In step 5 shown in Figure 13, in the lower block 11, the third sliding part 23 moves downward relative to the second sliding part 22, closing the gap S3. Along with the third sliding part 23, the fifth sliding part 25 and the seventh sliding part 27 move downward, and the press parts 23P, 25P, and 27P slide downward relative to the base part 20. In the upper block 12, the press parts 43Q, 44Q and the outer shape forming part 52 move downward. This movement causes the outer shape forming part 52 to enter inside the outer shape forming part 32, and the metal plate 16 is cut between the outer shape forming part 32 and the outer shape forming part 52, forming the outer shape of the ratchet 100 (the shape that will become the outer surface of the annular part 105).

[0090] In step 5, in the upper block 12, the press sections 45Q, 46Q and the outer shape forming section 53 move downward, while the press sections 41Q, 42Q, and 47Q slide upward.

[0091] In step 6 shown in Figure 14, in the lower block 11, the fifth sliding part 25 moves downward relative to the third sliding part 23, closing the gap S5. The seventh sliding part 27 moves downward along with the fifth sliding part 25, and the press parts 25P and 27P slide downward relative to the base part 20. In the upper block 12, the press part 43Q and the outer shape forming part 52 move downward. This action presses the portion of the metal plate 16 sandwiched between the press parts 25P and 27P and the press part 43Q and the outer shape forming part 52 downward, forming the portion corresponding to the holding part 104 of the ratchet 100.

[0092] In step 6, in the upper block 12, the press sections 45Q, 46Q and the outer shape forming section 53 move downward, while the press sections 41Q, 42Q, 44Q, and 47Q slide upward.

[0093] In step 7 shown in Figure 15, in the lower block 11, the seventh sliding part 27 moves downward relative to the fifth sliding part 25, closing the gap S7. As a result, the pressing part 27P slides downward relative to the base part 20. In the upper block 12, the outer shape forming part 52 moves downward. This movement causes the portion of the metal plate 16 sandwiched between the pressing part 27P and the outer shape forming part 52 to be pressed downward, forming the annular part 105 and the internal teeth 106.

[0094] In step 7, in the upper block 12, the pressing sections 45Q, 46Q and the outer shape forming section 53 move downward to a position where they contact the upper surface of the metal sheet 16. The pressing sections 41Q, 42Q, 43Q, 44Q and 47Q slide upward.

[0095] In step 8 shown in Figure 16, in the lower block 11, the fourth sliding part 24 moves downward relative to the second sliding part 22, closing the gap S4. Along with the fourth sliding part 24, the sixth sliding part 26 and the eighth sliding part 28 move downward, and the press parts 24P, 26P, and 28P slide downward relative to the base part 20. In the upper block 12, the press parts 45Q, 46Q and the outer shape forming part 53 move downward. This movement causes the outer shape forming part 53 to enter inside the outer shape forming part 33, and the metal plate 16 is cut between the outer shape forming part 33 and the outer shape forming part 53, forming the outer shape of the ratchet 100 (the shape that will become the outer surface of the annular part 105).

[0096] In step 8, in the lower block 11, the press sections 23P, 25P, and 27P, which already have gaps S3, S5, and S7 filled, slide downward relative to the base section 20. Also, in the upper block 12, the press sections 43Q, 44Q and the outer shape forming section 52 move downward, and the press sections 41Q, 42Q, and 47Q slide upward.

[0097] In step 9 shown in Figure 17, in the lower block 11, the sixth sliding part 26 moves downward relative to the fourth sliding part 24, closing the gap S6. Along with the sixth sliding part 26, the eighth sliding part 28 moves downward, and the press parts 26P and 28P slide downward relative to the base part 20. In the upper block 12, the press part 45Q and the outer shape forming part 53 move downward. This action presses the portion of the metal plate 16 sandwiched between the press parts 26P and 28P and the press part 45Q and the outer shape forming part 53 downward, forming the portion corresponding to the holding part 104 of the ratchet 100.

[0098] In step 9, in the lower block 11, the press sections 23P, 25P, and 27P, which already have gaps S3, S5, and S7 filled, slide downward relative to the base section 20. Also, in the upper block 12, the press sections 43Q, 44Q and the outer shape forming section 52 move downward, while the press sections 41Q, 42Q, 46Q, and 47Q slide upward.

[0099] In step 10 shown in Figure 18, in the lower block 11, the eighth sliding part 28 moves downward relative to the sixth sliding part 26, closing the gap S8. As a result, the press part 28P slides downward relative to the base part 20. In the upper block 12, the outer shape forming part 53 moves downward. This movement causes the portion of the metal plate 16 sandwiched between the press part 28P and the outer shape forming part 53 to be pressed downward, forming the annular part 105 and the internal teeth 106.

[0100] In step 10, in the lower block 11, the press sections 23P, 25P, and 27P, which already have gaps S3, S5, and S7 filled, slide downward relative to the base section 20. Also, in the upper block 12, the press sections 43Q, 44Q and the outer shape forming section 52 move downward, and the press sections 41Q, 42Q, 45Q, 46Q, and 47Q slide upward.

[0101] In step 11 shown in Figure 19, the punch portion 51 of the upper block 12 protrudes from the upper reference surface 40a and penetrates the metal plate 16. The point where the punch portion 51 penetrates the metal plate 16 becomes the through hole 101 in the ratchet 100. The punch portion 51 that has penetrated the metal plate 16 enters the punch receiving hole 35 of the lower block 11. Of the upper block 12, the press portions 41Q, 42Q, and 47Q slide upward, and the press portions 43Q to 46Q move downward.

[0102] In step 11, in the lower block 11, the press sections 23P to 28P, which have gaps S3 to S8 filled, slide downward relative to the base section 20. Also, in the upper block 12, the press sections 43Q to 46Q and the outer shape forming sections 52 and 53 move downward, while the press sections 41Q, 42Q and 47Q slide upward.

[0103] In step 12 shown in Figure 20, the upper block 12 moves together with the press section 21P, and in the lower block 11, the first slide section 21 moves downward, closing the gap S1. As the first slide section 21 moves, the slide sections 22-28 (each press section 22P-28P) supported on the upper side of the first slide section 21 are also sequentially subjected to the moving force of the first slide section 21 and move downward relative to the base section 20.

[0104] More specifically, as the first slide portion 21 moves downward, the stepped portion 21e pushes the restricted surface 22d downward, causing the second slide portion 22 to move downward together with the first slide portion 21. Consequently, the slide portions 23-28, which are supported on the upper side of the second slide portion 22, also move downward together with the first slide portion 21.

[0105] This movement of the lower block 11 causes the dowel-forming portion 31, which is supported by the lid portion 20b of the base portion 20, to protrude from the lower reference surface 20a. As the dowel-forming portion 31 protrudes, the press portion 47Q of the upper block 12, which is opposite the dowel-forming portion 31 with the metal plate 16 in between, is pushed up and slides upward. The area where the metal plate 16 is pressed between the dowel-forming portion 31 and the press portion 47Q becomes the dowel portion 103 in the ratchet 100.

[0106] In the following step 13 (shown only in the graphs in Figures 7 and 8), the press mechanism 15 completes the pressing of the upper block 12, moving the upper block 12 upward. As a result, the movable parts of the lower block 11 and the upper block 12 return to their original positions before the pressing process.

[0107] Steps 1 through 13 described above constitute one stroke of the press operation in the press working apparatus 10. By dividing one stroke into multiple stages (steps) and forming different parts at different time intervals in each stage, the load required for the press operation at each stage is kept low. Therefore, compared to forming multiple parts at the same time, less power is required for the press mechanism 15, and the press working apparatus 10 can be made smaller and lower power.

[0108] In the press working apparatus 10, parts corresponding to two ratchets 100 are formed by a single pressing stroke. This improves production efficiency compared to the conventional technology (Patent Document 1 described earlier) in which one ratchet was formed by a single pressing stroke.

[0109] Furthermore, unlike progressive presses, which have multiple presses arranged in a distributed manner in the transport direction to form each part of the ratchet, the press processing apparatus 10 has only one press (press mechanism 15), thus preventing the apparatus from becoming oversized.

[0110] Furthermore, since the press working apparatus 10 forms multiple parts of the ratchet 100 in each of the first to fourth regions T1 to T4, the area for pressing is concentrated to some extent, and it can be installed in a smaller footprint compared to existing progressive presses.

[0111] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the elements contained in the first region T1 and the second region T2 form the parts of the first ratchet 100, and the elements contained in the third region T3 and the fourth region T4 form the parts of the second ratchet 100. In other words, in the press working apparatus 10, the elements contained in the first region T1 and the second region T2 constitute one production line, and the elements contained in the third region T3 and the fourth region T4 constitute another production line.

[0112] For example, a press performed in the first region T1 is designated as the first step, a press performed in the second region T2 as the second step, a press performed in the third region T3 as the third step, and a press performed in the fourth region T4 as the fourth step. In the first step, at least a part of the first ratchet is formed, and in the second step, the first ratchet is completed. In the third step, at least a part of the second ratchet is formed, and in the fourth step, the second ratchet is completed.

[0113] The first step includes processing in step 3 (formation of the through hole 101) and processing in step 4 (formation of the dowel portion 103), with the dowel portion 103 being formed after the through hole 101 is formed.

[0114] The second step includes machining in step 8 (forming the outer shape of the ratchet 100), machining in step 9 (forming the holding portion 104), and machining in step 10 (forming the outer shapes of the annular portion 105 and the internal teeth 106). After the outer shape of the ratchet 100 is formed, the holding portion 104, the annular portion 105, and the internal teeth 106 are formed.

[0115] The third step includes the processing in step 11 (formation of the through hole 101) and the processing in step 12 (formation of the dowel portion 103), with the dowel portion 103 being formed after the through hole 101 is formed.

[0116] The fourth step includes machining in step 5 (forming the outer shape of the ratchet 100), machining in step 6 (forming the holding portion 104), and machining in step 7 (forming the outer shapes of the annular portion 105 and internal teeth 106). After the outer shape of the ratchet 100 is formed, the holding portion 104, the annular portion 105, and the internal teeth 106 are formed.

[0117] In short, the first and third steps form the elements located on the central side of the ratchet 100 (through hole 101, dowel portion 103), while the second and fourth steps form the elements located on the outer circumference of the ratchet 100 (holding portion 104, annular portion 105, internal teeth 106).

[0118] Referring to Figure 6, the overall flow of the press working and conveying operations will be explained. Once the one-stroke press operation from step 1 to step 13, as described earlier, is completed, the control unit 70 controls the conveying mechanism (not shown) to move the metal plate 16 by one pitch U (Figure 6) in the X direction. The length of one pitch U is preset according to the specifications such as the diameter of the ratchet 100.

[0119] For example, after the first stroke of the pressing operation, if the metal plate 16 is moved by one pitch U in the X direction, the through hole 101 and the dowel portion 103 formed in the first region T1 (first process) move to the second region T2. ​​Then, in the next second stroke, in the second region T2 (second process), the outer shape of the ratchet 100 is punched out, and the holding portion 104, the annular portion 105, and the internal teeth 106 are formed, completing the first ratchet 100.

[0120] After the second stroke is completed, the first ratchet 100 can be removed by moving the metal plate 16 in the X direction by one pitch U or more. In the example in Figure 6, the first ratchet 100 is removed at a position one pitch U away from the second region T2, but the first ratchet 100 may also be removed after moving by multiple pitches U.

[0121] While the first region T1 and the second region T2 are spaced one pitch U apart, the third region T3 and the fourth region T4 are spaced two pitches U apart. Therefore, when the metal plate 16 is moved one pitch U in the X direction after the first stroke of pressing, the through hole 101 and the dowel portion 103 formed in the third region T3 (third process) are located in the intermediate region T5 between the third region T3 and the fourth region T4. Here, while the second stroke involves pressing in the second region T2 (second process), no processing is performed in the intermediate region T5 (the intermediate region T5 does not contain any pressing parts related to processing).

[0122] After the second stroke is completed, the metal plate 16 is moved one pitch U in the X direction, causing the through hole 101 and the dowel portion 103, which were in the intermediate region T5, to move to the fourth region T4. Then, in the next third stroke, the outer shape of the ratchet 100 is punched out in the fourth region T4 (fourth step), and the holding portion 104, the annular portion 105, and the internal teeth 106 are formed, completing the second ratchet 100.

[0123] After the third stroke is completed, the second ratchet 100 can be removed by moving the metal plate 16 in the X direction by one pitch U or more. In the example in Figure 6, the second ratchet 100 is removed at a position one pitch U away from the fourth region T4, but the second ratchet 100 may also be removed after moving by multiple pitches U.

[0124] In this way, two ratchets 100 are completed by performing a pressing operation with three strokes and conveying at least two pitches U on the metal plate 16. By setting an intermediate region T5 where no pressing is performed, the pressing positions for manufacturing the two ratchets 100 (in particular, the second region T2 and the fourth region T4, which have a wider range to form the outer shape of the ratchets 100) can be placed close to each other in the Y direction without interfering with each other, thereby enabling miniaturization of the pressing apparatus 10.

[0125] Furthermore, the first region T1 and the second region T2, and the second region T2 and the third region T3 are arranged as close together as possible so that parts of them overlap in the X direction (belonging to the same range in the X direction), allowing for a compact device configuration in the X direction.

[0126] It should be noted that the second region T2 and the fourth region T4 do not overlap, but as a variation, the configuration may be such that the fourth region T4 is reached by moving one pitch U from the third region T3 without setting an intermediate region T5.

[0127] The inner circumference of the through-hole 101 and the outer shape of the ratchet 100 are shapes that make it easy to establish a reference during molding (basically circular). Therefore, by separating the process of forming the through-hole 101 (first and third steps) and the process of forming the outer shape of the ratchet 100 (second and fourth steps), machining can be performed in each step while using the outer shape of the through-hole 101 and ratchet 100 as a reference. As a result, variations in shape accuracy can be reduced for both the first ratchet 100 and the second ratchet 100.

[0128] In the first and third steps, the dowel portion 103 is formed after the through hole 101 is formed. This allows the punch portions 50 and 51 that formed the through hole 101 to penetrate and maintain positional accuracy while forming the dowel portion 103 on the outside. As a result, variations in the position and shape of the dowel portion 103 can be reduced, and it can be formed with high accuracy.

[0129] In the second and fourth steps, after forming the outer shape of the ratchet 100, the holding portion 104, the annular portion 105, and the internal teeth 106 are formed. This allows the holding portion 104, the annular portion 105, and the internal teeth 106 to be formed while maintaining positional accuracy with the outer shape forming portions 32 and 33 that formed the outer shape. As a result, variations in the position and shape of the holding portion 104, the annular portion 105, and the internal teeth 106 can be reduced, and they can be formed with high accuracy.

[0130] Furthermore, in the X direction, the first region T1 (first process) is located upstream, the second region T2 (second process) is located downstream, the third region T3 (third process) is located upstream, and the fourth region T4 (fourth process) is located downstream. In other words, the second region is located away from the first region in the X direction, and the fourth region is located away from the third region in the X direction.

[0131] As a result, after the first ratchet 100 and the second ratchet 100 are completed in the second region T2 (second process) and the fourth region T4 (fourth process), the metal plate 16 can be transported (sequentially) in the X direction to collect the completed ratchets 100. In other words, there is no need to transport the metal plate 16 in a direction other than the X direction (for example, the opposite direction), and the completed ratchets 100 can be easily removed simply by moving the metal plate 16 in the X direction in preparation for the next press work.

[0132] Thus, setting the processes for completing the ratchet 100 (the second and fourth processes) in the downstream region (second region T2 and fourth region T4) in the X direction, which is the direction of transport, has advantages in improving production efficiency.

[0133] In a single stroke of press working, forming is performed in the following order: the first process in the first region T1 (steps 3 and 4), the fourth process in the fourth region T4 (steps 5, 6, and 7), the second process in the second region T2 (steps 8, 9, and 10), and the third process in the third region T3 (steps 11 and 12). As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, the first region T1 and the fourth region T4 are diagonally opposite each other, and the second region T2 and the third region T3 are also diagonally opposite each other. Processing is performed in the order of these diagonally opposite regions. Therefore, forming is performed sequentially while distributing the pressing force to horizontally separated positions, preventing tilting of the metal sheet 16 due to uneven load distribution and enabling highly accurate press working.

[0134] For example, unlike this embodiment, if the third step in the third region T3 is performed in the initial stage of the stroke, following the first step in the first region T1, the load on the metal plate 16 will be concentrated on the upstream side in the X direction, making it easier for a force to be applied that will tilt the metal plate 16 with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0135] In contrast, as in this embodiment, applying pressing force to regions in a diagonal positional relationship provides the effect of suppressing the tilt of the metal plate 16 and making it easier to maintain a horizontal position. In particular, since the first two steps involve pressing in the first region T1 and the fourth region T4, which are the furthest apart from each other, the effect of improving the stability of the metal plate 16 is high.

[0136] As can be seen from this explanation, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the 1st process (1st area T1), 2nd process (2nd area T2), 3rd process (3rd area T3), and 4th process (4th area T4) do not represent ordinal numbers indicating the order in which pressing is performed during one stroke.

[0137] The lower block 11 of the press working apparatus 10 is equipped with slide sections 21 to 28 as a mechanism for operating multiple molds (press sections 21P to 28P) for forming each part of the ratchet 100. The slide sections 21 to 28 have a multi-stage support structure with a predetermined interlocking relationship.

[0138] Specifically, the first slide portion 21 is supported on the base portion 20 so as to be able to move up and down, the second slide portion 22 is supported on the first slide portion 21 so as to be able to move up and down, the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24 are supported on the second slide portion 22 so as to be able to move up and down, the fifth slide portion 25 and the sixth slide portion 26 are supported on the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24 so as to be able to move up and down, and the seventh slide portion 27 and the eighth slide portion 28 are supported on the fifth slide portion 25 and the sixth slide portion 26 so as to be able to move up and down. In this multi-stage support structure, when the slide portion on the lower side of the support (the side closer to the support by the base portion 20) moves in the pressing direction (downward), the slide portion on the upper side of the support moves in the pressing direction along with the slide portion on the upper side of the support. When the upper slide portion moves in the pressing direction, the lower slide portion does not move.

[0139] For example, the second slide section 22 moves in the pressing direction at the earliest stage (step 4) within the lower block 11. This second slide section 22 is designated as the first moving section. When the second slide section 22 moves in the pressing direction in step 4, the third slide section 23, fourth slide section 24, fifth slide section 25, sixth slide section 26, seventh slide section 27, and eighth slide section 28, which are located above the second slide section 22, move in the pressing direction together with the second slide section 22.

[0140] The third slide section 23 constitutes a second-stage moving section that is supported to move up and down relative to the second slide section 22 (first-stage moving section), and moves in the pressing direction in step 5. The fifth slide section 25 constitutes a third-stage moving section that is supported to move up and down relative to the third slide section 23 (second-stage moving section), and moves in the pressing direction in step 6. The seventh slide section 27 constitutes a fourth-stage moving section that is supported to move up and down relative to the fifth slide section 25 (third-stage moving section), and moves in the pressing direction in step 7.

[0141] In step 5, when the third slide section 23 moves in the pressing direction, the fifth slide section 25 and the seventh slide section 27, which are above the third slide section 23, move in the pressing direction together with the third slide section 23. In step 6, when the fifth slide section 25 moves in the pressing direction, the seventh slide section 27, which is above the fifth slide section 25, moves in the pressing direction together with the fifth slide section 25.

[0142] The fourth slide section 24 constitutes a second-stage moving section that is supported to move up and down relative to the second slide section 22 (first-stage moving section), and moves in the pressing direction in step 8. The sixth slide section 26 constitutes a third-stage moving section that is supported to move up and down relative to the fourth slide section 24 (second-stage moving section), and moves in the pressing direction in step 9. The eighth slide section 28 constitutes a fourth-stage moving section that is supported to move up and down relative to the sixth slide section 26 (third-stage moving section), and moves in the pressing direction in step 10.

[0143] In step 8, when the fourth slide section 24 moves in the pressing direction, the sixth slide section 26 and the eighth slide section 28, which are above the fourth slide section 24, move in the pressing direction together with the fourth slide section 24. In step 9, when the sixth slide section 26 moves in the pressing direction, the eighth slide section 28, which is above the sixth slide section 26, moves in the pressing direction together with the sixth slide section 26.

[0144] Thus, in the lower block 11, the sliding parts of the multi-stage support structure move in the pressing direction sequentially, starting from the lowermost sliding parts. Exceptionally, the lowest first sliding part 21 moves in the pressing direction in step 12, after the other sliding parts 22-28 have moved in the pressing direction.

[0145] The first slide portion 21 constitutes a base movement portion that is supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the base portion 20 which holds the metal plate 16, which is the base material of the ratchet 100.

[0146] The first slide portion 21 has a cylindrical portion 21b surrounding an internal space 21c, into which a base portion 22b, which is part of the second slide portion 22, is inserted. Inside the cylindrical portion 21b, there is a stepped portion 21e and a gap S2. The stepped portion 21e constitutes a transmission portion that transmits the force with which the first slide portion 21 moves in the pressing direction to the second slide portion 22. The gap S2 constitutes a space that allows the second slide portion 22 to move in the pressing direction relative to the first slide portion 21.

[0147] Because the cylindrical portion 21b of the first slide portion 21 surrounds the base portion 22b of the second slide portion 22, when the first slide portion 21 moves in the pressing direction, the second slide portion 22 can be moved with high precision together with the first slide portion 21 without misalignment.

[0148] The second slide portion 22 has a cylindrical portion 22e surrounding internal spaces 22g and 22h, which are divided by a partition wall portion 22f, and a portion of the third slide portion 23 and a portion of the fourth slide portion 24 are inserted into the internal spaces 22g and 22h. Inside the cylindrical portion 22e are stepped portions 22i and 22j and gaps S3 and S4. The stepped portions 22i and 22j constitute transmission portions that transmit the force with which the second slide portion 22 moves in the pressing direction to the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24. The gaps S3 and S4 constitute space that allows the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24 to move in the pressing direction relative to the second slide portion 22.

[0149] Because the cylindrical portion 22e of the second slide portion 22 surrounds a part of the third slide portion 23 and a part of the fourth slide portion 24, when the second slide portion 22 moves in the pressing direction, the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24 can be moved with high precision together with the second slide portion 22 without misalignment.

[0150] The third slide portion 23 has a cylindrical portion 23b surrounding an internal space 23e, and a part of the fifth slide portion 25 is inserted into the internal space 23e. Inside the cylindrical portion 23b, there is a stepped portion 23f and a gap S5. The stepped portion 23f constitutes a transmission portion that transmits the force with which the third slide portion 23 moves in the pressing direction to the fifth slide portion 25. The gap S5 constitutes a space that allows the fifth slide portion 25 to move in the pressing direction relative to the third slide portion 23.

[0151] Because the cylindrical portion 23b of the third slide portion 23 surrounds a part of the fifth slide portion 25, when the third slide portion 23 moves in the pressing direction, the fifth slide portion 25 can be moved with high precision together with the third slide portion 23 without causing misalignment of the fifth slide portion 25.

[0152] The fourth slide portion 24 has a cylindrical portion 24b surrounding an internal space 24e, and a part of the sixth slide portion 26 is inserted into the internal space 24e. Inside the cylindrical portion 24b, there is a stepped portion 24f and a gap S6. The stepped portion 24f constitutes a transmission portion that transmits the force with which the fourth slide portion 24 moves in the pressing direction to the sixth slide portion 26. The gap S6 constitutes a space that allows the sixth slide portion 26 to move in the pressing direction relative to the fourth slide portion 24.

[0153] Because the cylindrical portion 24b of the fourth slide portion 24 surrounds a part of the sixth slide portion 26, when the fourth slide portion 24 moves in the pressing direction, the sixth slide portion 26 can be moved with high precision together with the fourth slide portion 24 without causing misalignment of the sixth slide portion 26.

[0154] The fifth slide portion 25 has a cylindrical support portion 25b surrounding an internal space 25e, and a part of the seventh slide portion 27 is inserted into the internal space 25e. Inside the support portion 25b, there is a stepped portion 25f and a gap S7. The stepped portion 25f constitutes a transmission portion that transmits the force with which the fifth slide portion 25 moves in the pressing direction to the seventh slide portion 27. The gap S7 constitutes a space that allows the seventh slide portion 27 to move in the pressing direction relative to the fifth slide portion 25.

[0155] Because the cylindrical support portion 25b of the fifth slide portion 25 surrounds a part of the seventh slide portion 27, when the fifth slide portion 25 moves in the pressing direction, the seventh slide portion 27 can be moved with high precision together with the fifth slide portion 25 without causing displacement of the seventh slide portion 27.

[0156] The sixth slide portion 26 has a cylindrical support portion 26b surrounding an internal space 26e, and a part of the eighth slide portion 28 is inserted into the internal space 26e. Inside the support portion 26b, there is a stepped portion 26f and a gap S8. The stepped portion 26f constitutes a transmission portion that transmits the force with which the sixth slide portion 26 moves in the pressing direction to the eighth slide portion 28. The gap S8 constitutes a space that allows the eighth slide portion 28 to move in the pressing direction relative to the sixth slide portion 26.

[0157] Because the cylindrical support portion 26b of the sixth slide portion 26 surrounds a part of the eighth slide portion 28, when the sixth slide portion 26 moves in the pressing direction, the eighth slide portion 278 can be moved with high precision together with the sixth slide portion 26 without being displaced.

[0158] As described above, the lower block 11 of the press working apparatus 10 has a multi-stage support structure for the mechanism that operates the multiple molds (pressing parts) for forming the ratchet 100. By arranging the multiple sliding parts in a series relationship, the apparatus can be made smaller compared to a structure in which all sliding parts are arranged in parallel. In addition, when the sliding part on the lower layer of the support structure is moved in the pressing direction, the sliding part on the upper layer moves in the pressing direction in conjunction, so the number of sliding parts that need to be controlled at each step is reduced, and simpler control can be achieved. In particular, unlike progressive presses, the press working apparatus 10, in which multiple sliding parts are arranged together, has a high effect from miniaturization of the mechanism and simplification of control.

[0159] Furthermore, in the lower block 11, the second slide section 22 has a branching structure that supports the third slide section 23 and the fourth slide section 24 in parallel. One side of the branching structure is arranged in series with the third slide section 23, the fifth slide section 25, and the seventh slide section 27 in that order, and is used for press working in the fourth region T4. The other side of the branching structure is arranged in series with the fourth slide section 24, the sixth slide section 26, and the eighth slide section 28 in that order, and is used for press working in the second region T2. ​​As a result, two ratchets 100 can be formed in a single press working stroke while using a multi-stage support structure, improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0160] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above or their modifications, and may be modified, substituted, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, if the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be realized in a different way by advances in the art or by other derived arts, it may be implemented by that method. Accordingly, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0161] For example, in the above embodiment, it was applied to a press working apparatus 10 that forms two ratchets 100 in one stroke of press working, but it can also be applied to a press working apparatus that forms one ratchet 100 in one stroke of press working. For example, instead of a branch structure in which the second slide portion 22 supports the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24 in parallel, a simple series support structure in which the second slide portion 22 supports only one of the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24 can be used to create a press working apparatus that forms one ratchet 100.

[0162] Alternatively, it can be applied to press working devices that form three or more ratchets 100 in a single press stroke. For example, by making the second slide portion 22 a branched structure that supports another slide portion in parallel with the third slide portion 23 and the fourth slide portion 24, it becomes a press working device that forms three or more ratchets 100 simultaneously.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the first ratchet 100 and the second ratchet 100 manufactured by the press working device 10 are of the same type, but it is also possible to manufacture ratchets with different specifications. For example, different types of ratchets can be manufactured by differentiating the mold configuration (press section, etc.) in the first region T1 and the third region T3, or by differentiating the mold configuration (press section, etc.) in the second region T2 and the fourth region T4.

[0164] Unlike the press working apparatus 10 of the above embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to press working apparatuses that manufacture parts other than the ratchet in a reclining mechanism. For example, it can be applied to a press working apparatus that manufactures the base plate of a reclining mechanism. The base plate is a disc-shaped part that, like the ratchet 100, has a through hole in the center and further has multiple protrusions and indentations. Therefore, the press working apparatus of the present invention is also suitable for manufacturing base plates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10: Pressing machine 11: Lower block 12: Upper block 15: Press mechanism 16: Metal plate (base material for parts) 20: Base section 20a: Lower reference surface 21: First slide section (base movement section) 21P: Press Department 22: Second slide section (first stage moving section) 22i: Step section (transmission section) 22j: Step section (transmission section) 22P: Press Department 23: Third slide section (second stage moving section) 23f: Step section (transmission section) 23P: Press Department 24: Fourth slide section (second stage moving section) 24f: Step section (transmission section) 24P: Press Department 25: Fifth slide section (third stage moving section) 25P: Press Department 26: Sixth slide section (third stage moving section) 26P: Press Department 27: Section 7 of the slides 27P: Press Department 28: Part 8 of the slides 28P: Press Department 29: Containment space 30: Dowel forming section 31: Dowel forming section 32: Outer shape forming part 33: Outer shape forming part 34: Punch receiving hole 35: Punch receiving hole 40: Base section 40a: Upper reference plane 41Q: Press Department 42Q: Press Department 43Q: Press Department 44Q: Press Department 45Q: Press Department 46Q: Press Department 47Q: Press Department 50: Punching section 51: Punching section 52: Outer shape forming part 53: Outer shape forming part 70: Control Unit 100: Ratchet (part of the reclining mechanism) 101: Through hole 102: Reference plane 103: Dowel part 104: Holding part 105: Ring section 106: Inner teeth S1~S8: Gap T1: 1st area T2 :Second area T3 :Third area T4: 4th area T5: intermediate area U: Conveyor pitch

Claims

1. In a press working apparatus that forms parts by press working, The mechanism for operating the multiple press sections that form the aforementioned part is: A first stage movable part that is supported so as to be able to move up and down, A second stage movable part is supported so as to be able to move up and down relative to the first stage movable part, It comprises at least a third movable part that is supported to be vertically movable relative to the second movable part, During press working to form the aforementioned part, the first-stage moving part moves in the pressing direction together with the second-stage moving part and the third-stage moving part, the second-stage moving part moves in the pressing direction together with the third-stage moving part, and the third-stage moving part moves in the pressing direction; these operations are performed in a predetermined sequence. The first stage moving part includes a cylindrical part that surrounds a part of the second stage moving part. The first stage moving part includes, inside the cylindrical part, a transmission part that transmits the force with which the first stage moving part moves in the pressing direction to the second stage moving part, and a gap that allows the second stage moving part to move in the pressing direction relative to the first stage moving part. The second stage moving part includes a cylindrical part that surrounds a part of the third stage moving part. A press working apparatus characterized in that the cylindrical portion of the second stage moving part includes a transmission part that transmits the force with which the second stage moving part moves in the pressing direction to the third stage moving part, and a gap that allows the third stage moving part to move in the pressing direction relative to the second stage moving part.

2. The system comprises a plurality of second-stage moving parts supported in parallel by the first-stage moving part, The press working apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of third-stage moving parts supported by a plurality of second-stage moving parts.

3. A base portion that holds the base material of the aforementioned part, It comprises a base movement part that is supported so as to be able to move up and down relative to the base part, The press working apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first stage moving part is supported so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the base moving part.

4. The press working apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an upper block and a lower block that hold the base material of the part from above and below, wherein the first stage moving part, the second stage moving part and the third stage moving part constitute the lower block, and the pressing direction is downward.

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