Workpiece fixing jig and workpiece machining method

Abstract

The present invention provides a workpiece fixing jig that can secure various outer periphery shapes, including irregular shapes, and prevents a decrease in productivity due to insufficient holding force. [Solution] The upper surface 31 that contacts the workpiece has a first groove 32 and a plurality of second grooves 33 that intersect with the first groove 32. The plurality of second grooves 33 are contained within the length L of the first groove 32, and the workpiece is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig 30 using the first groove 32 and the second grooves 33.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work fixing jig on which a work is placed and fixed, and a method for processing a work.

[0002] [Explanation of Terms] The "groove" may be either a bottomless groove penetrating the upper plate 41 vertically as shown in FIG. 3(a) described later, or a grooved bottom closed by the lower plate 53 or the like and not penetrating vertically as shown in FIG. 3(d).

Background Art

[0003] For example, when machining a work, the work is fixed to the bed of a machine tool, and a cutting tool is applied to the fixed work. At this time, it takes time to fix the work to the bed of the machine tool. From the viewpoint of improving the operating rate of the machine tool, shortening the working time is required. Therefore, it is also recommended to interpose a work fixing jig between the bed and the work without directly placing the work on the bed. It is preferable to set the work in advance on the work fixing jig outside the machine tool.

[0004] Conventionally, various structures of work fixing jigs are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (FIG. 5)).

[0005] Patent Document 1 will be described based on the following figure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a conventional work fixing jig. As shown in FIG. 12, the work fixing jig 100 includes a columnar housing 101, three clamp jaws 102A to 102C arranged on the upper surface of the housing 101, and jaw driving devices 103A to 103C for moving these clamp jaws 102A to 102C respectively.

[0006] The work 105 has a disk portion 107 and a column portion 108 extending upward from the disk portion 107. The clamp jaws 102A to 102C are arranged on a radiation extending from the center of the housing 101.

[0007] When the clamp jaws 102A to 102C are in the retracted position, the workpiece 105 is placed on the housing 101. The jaw drive units 103A to 103C cause the clamp jaws 102A to 102C to move forward, strike the disc portion 107, and push the disc portion 107.

[0008] However, the conventional workpiece fixing jig 100 has the following drawbacks. The workpiece 105 is limited to a disc shape, a cylindrical shape, or a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the workpiece fixing jig 100 may be tilted during machining. If the holding force of the clamp jaws 102A to 102C is weak, the workpiece 100 may shift simply by tilting the workpiece fixing jig 100.

[0009] Given the variety of workpiece shapes available, it is undesirable for workpiece shapes to be limited to simple discs. Therefore, there is a need for workpiece fixing jigs with various outer circumference shapes, including irregular shapes. Furthermore, a workpiece fixing jig with a high workpiece holding force is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-41654 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a workpiece fixing jig that can fix various outer periphery shapes, including irregular shapes, and that prevents a decrease in productivity due to insufficient holding force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention relates to a workpiece fixing jig on which a workpiece is placed and fixed, The bottom of the aforementioned workpiece has a first female threaded section and a second female threaded section. The workpiece fixing jig has an upper surface on which the workpiece makes contact, It extends horizontally in a plan view. The first groove and the aforementioned first groove It extends vertically without being connected to anything. It has multiple second grooves, a first fastener that can move along the first groove when not fastened, and a second fastener that can move along the second groove when not fastened. The aforementioned multiple second grooves are arranged in a line from left to right, and are positioned such that the left edge of the leftmost left outer second groove and the right edge of the rightmost right outer second groove are contained within the space between one end and the other end of the first groove. before The present invention provides a workpiece fixing jig that is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig by passing the first fastener through the first groove and screwing the first fastener into the first female thread, and passing the second fastener through the second groove and screwing the second fastener into the second female thread. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In this invention, the first groove and the first fastening device and the second groove and the second fastener The workpiece is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig using this method. At this time, any point in the first groove and any point in the second groove can be selected, making it possible to fix workpieces with various outer circumference shapes, including irregular shapes. Furthermore, by fixing the workpiece in the first and second grooves, for example, using bolts, the holding force can be easily increased with the bolts, and there is no risk of the workpiece shifting even if the workpiece fixing jig is tilted. As a result, the present invention provides a workpiece fixing jig that can fix various outer periphery shapes, including irregular shapes, and prevents a decrease in productivity due to insufficient holding force. In addition, the first groove and the second groove are not connected. Because they are not connected, the strength of the workpiece fixing jig is maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the usage of the workpiece fixing jig according to the present invention. [Figure 2](a) is a plan view of the work fixing jig, and (b) is a plan view for explaining a modification example. [Figure 3] (a) is a sectional view taken along line 3a-3a of FIG. 2(a), (b) is a view taken in the direction of arrow b-b of FIG. 3(a), and (c), (d) are sectional views for explaining modification examples. [Figure 4] (a) to (d) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the work fixing jig. [Figure 5] (a) is a plan view for explaining the orientation of the work fixing jig, and (b), (c) are diagrams for explaining the mounting procedure for fixing the work. [Figure 6] (a) is an enlarged view of part 5a of FIG. 3(a), and (b), (c) are diagrams for explaining modification examples. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the positioning hole. [Figure 8] (a), (b) are diagrams for explaining an example in which a panel and a work fixing jig are used in combination. [Figure 9] (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the abutting plate. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining the processing method of the work. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the processing equipment. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of a conventional work fixing jig.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.

Example

[0016] The work fixing jig 30 according to the present invention is a table on which the work 10 is placed, and is a jig used when performing machining or the like on the work 10. An example of the usage form of the work fixing jig 30 will be described below based on FIGS. 1(a) and (b). However, it is needless to say that the usage form is not limited to FIGS. 1(a) and (b).

[0017] [Usage patterns of workpiece fixing jigs] As shown in Figure 1(a), a workpiece 10 made of a metal material has a groove 14 formed on it, for example, by an end mill 13 of a groove-grooving device 12. If the workpiece 10 is placed directly on the bed of the beveling device 12, positioning and securing the workpiece 10 becomes complicated. Therefore, it is recommended to place the workpiece 10 on a workpiece fixing jig 30 on the bed of the beveling device 12, and then place the workpiece 10 on this workpiece fixing jig 30. This is because interposing the workpiece fixing jig 30 makes it easier to secure the workpiece on the beveling device 12 side.

[0018] [Work, big work, small work] Workpiece 10 is, for example, an insert that constitutes part of a press die. The size of workpiece 10 is not particularly limited. However, when it is necessary to distinguish by size, a large workpiece 10L (L being a subscript indicating large) and a small workpiece 10S (S being a subscript indicating small) should be used. When there is no need to distinguish, it should simply be written as workpiece 10.

[0019] The workpiece 10 is transferred to the lamination device 15 by a robot or the like, and the build-up material 16 is formed. The workpiece 10 is transferred to the finishing device 17 by a robot or the like, and then finished. The workpiece 10 is transferred to the measuring device 18 by a robot or the like, and its dimensions are measured by the probe 19. In the lamination device 15, the finishing device 17, and the measuring device 18, the workpiece fixing jig 30 is used to facilitate fixing.

[0020] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1(b), a workpiece fixing jig 30 may be placed on a pallet 21 that has a positioning function between it and the processing device, and the workpiece 10 may be placed on this workpiece fixing jig 30 and fixed in place. This pallet 21 is sized and shaped to be appropriately fixed to subsequent processing machines (beveling devices, lamination devices, finishing devices) and measuring devices. Using this pallet 21 reduces the burden of transferring the workpiece to processing machines and measuring devices, and promotes automation.

[0021] [Workpiece fixing fixture] The structure of the workpiece fixing jig 30 will be described in detail below. As shown in Figure 2(a), the workpiece fixing jig 30 has a first groove 32 that extends horizontally and has a length L in the drawing, and a plurality of second grooves 33 that extend vertically (four in this example) on the upper surface 31 that contacts the workpiece (Figure 1(a), reference numeral 10). The second groove 33 only needs to have two or more grooves, and the number is arbitrary.

[0022] When it is necessary to distinguish between multiple second grooves 33, they will be referred to as the left outer second groove 34, the left inner second groove 35, the right inner second groove 36, and the right outer second groove 37, from left to right in the drawing.

[0023] The second groove 33 intersects the first groove 32. The intersection angle θ is basically 90°, but it can also be 90°±15°, i.e., 75° to 105°.

[0024] Furthermore, multiple second grooves 33 (left outer second groove 34, left inner second groove 35, right inner second groove 36, and right outer second groove 37) are located within the length L of the first groove 32. That is, the distance from the left side of the left outer second groove 34 to the right side of the right outer second groove 37 is within the length L of the first groove 32. In this example, the first groove 32 and the second groove 33 are not connected. Because they are not connected, the strength in the front-to-back direction of the drawing is maintained.

[0025] Furthermore, in Figure 2(a), the plan view shape of the top surface 31 may be any shape, such as a rectangle, square, or other polygon, but it is preferably a horizontally elongated rectangle. Furthermore, the first groove 32 is extended along the longer side 38 of the rectangle, and the second groove 33 is extended along the shorter side 39 of the rectangle. The effects of this configuration will be described later.

[0026] Although there are some strength limitations, the second groove 33 can be connected to the first groove 32 as shown in Figure 2(b). Figure 1(b) requires fewer raising and lowering of the grooving tool than Figure 1(a), thus reducing grooving costs. Therefore, the configuration shown in Figure 2(a) and the configuration shown in Figure 2(b) can be arbitrarily selected.

[0027] Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3a-3a in Figure 2(a). As shown in Figure 3(a), the workpiece fixing jig 30 consists of an upper plate 41 on which the workpiece 10 makes contact, a lower plate 42 positioned at a certain distance from the upper plate 41, and legs 43 connecting the lower plate 42 and the upper plate 41.

[0028] In this example, the leg section 43 consists of left and right corner legs 44 and a central leg 45. The second fastener 58 is inserted from below into the second groove 33 of the upper plate 41.

[0029] A downward load from the workpiece 10 acts on the upper plate 41. Since the upper plate 41 is a beam supported at both ends, the maximum deflection occurs in the center. Due to the pressing force of the end mill 13 shown in Figure 1(a), the deflection of the upper plate 41 in the center increases. As a countermeasure, a central leg 45 was added. This significantly reduces the deflection of the upper plate 41.

[0030] Preferably, a mirror 47 is placed on the lower plate 42. The first groove (Figure 2(a), reference numeral 32) and the second groove 33 are reflected in the mirror 47. The second female thread portion 24 provided at the bottom of the workpiece 10 is visible through the second groove 33. In other words, the mirror 47 allows visual confirmation that the second female thread portion 24 is aligned with the second groove 33.

[0031] Furthermore, to avoid interference with the central leg 45, a notch 48 is provided in the mirror 47, as shown in Figure 3(b), making it U-shaped in plan view. As a result, in Figure 3(b), the mirror 47 can be inserted from bottom to top. A portion of the mirror 47 may be made to protrude from the lower plate 42, allowing a finger to grip the protruding portion 47a. The protruding portion 47a may be omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, when the workpiece 10 is light and the width of the upper plate 41 is small, or when the upper plate 41 is sufficiently thick and the central deflection is small, the central leg 45 may be omitted, as shown in Figure 3(c). In other words, the workpiece fixing jig 30 shown in Figure 3(c) consists of an upper plate 41 on which the workpiece 10 makes contact, a lower plate 42 positioned at a certain distance from the upper plate 41, and legs 43 (corner legs 44) connecting the lower plate 42 and the upper plate 41.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(d), the workpiece fixing jig 30 may be a jig in which the first groove (Figure 2(a), reference numeral 32) and the second groove 33 are T-grooves, and which appears to be composed of a thick plate 51. The thick plate 51 may be a single piece, or it may be divided into an upper plate 52 and a lower plate 53. After cutting the second groove 33, etc., the upper plate 52 and the lower plate 53 may be joined together and secured with bolts 54. By fitting the head of a T-bolt 55, which has a square head, into the second groove 33, etc., the T-bolt 55 can be slid along the second groove 33. Therefore, it is optional to adopt any of the configurations shown in Figure 3(a), Figure 3(c), or Figure 3(d).

[0034] [mirror] The mirror 47 can be made of either metal or glass. The metal mirror is made by vapor-depositing aluminum onto a thin metal plate. The glass mirror is made by silvering the back surface of transparent glass. However, there is a risk that the second fastener 58 may fall off in the initial stages of tightening. Considering the risk of breakage, a metal mirror is more preferable for the mirror 47. Note that if the processing device is a laser, the mirror 47 is removed.

[0035] [Function of workpiece fixing fixture] The operation of the workpiece fixing jig 30, which has the above configuration, will be explained based on Figures 4(a) to (d). Furthermore, the bottom of the workpiece 10 has multiple female threads. For convenience, in the following explanation, we will assume there are two female threads, one of which will be called the first female thread 23 and the other the second female thread 24.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4(a), if the workpiece 10 is a larger workpiece 10L, the first female thread portion 23 on the workpiece 10L side is aligned with the first groove 32, and the second female thread portion 24 is aligned with the left outer second groove 34. Next, the first fastener 57 is passed through the first groove 32 and screwed into the first female thread portion 23, and the second fastener 58 is passed through the left outer second groove 34 and screwed into the second female thread portion 24.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4(b), if the workpiece 10 is a small workpiece 10S, align the first female thread portion 23 with the first groove 32 and align the second female thread portion 24 with the left inner second groove 35. Next, pass the first fastener 57 through the first groove 32 and screw it into the first female thread portion 23. 、 The second fastener 58 is passed through the second groove 35 on the left inner side and screwed into the second female threaded portion 24.

[0038] The first fastener 57 can be slid and moved along the first groove 32. The second fastener 58 can be slid and moved along the second groove 33. Since there are multiple second grooves 33, by selecting one from among them, the workpiece 10 can be moved to the center of the workpiece fixing jig 30, as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b).

[0039] By the way, taking a passenger car as an example, the left and right doors of a passenger car are in a so-called mirror-like relationship. A left mold (left workpiece) is needed to form the left door, and a right mold (right workpiece) is needed to form the right door. Thus, if the first female thread portion 23 and the second female thread portion 24 of the workpiece are reversed left and right, as shown in Figure 4(c), if the workpiece 10 is a larger workpiece 10L, align the first female thread portion 23 with the first groove 32 and align the second female thread portion 24 with the right outer second groove 37. Next, pass the first fastener 57 through the first groove 32 and screw it into the first female thread portion 23. Pass the second fastener 58 through the right outer second groove 37 and screw it into the second female thread portion 24.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4(d), if the workpiece 10 is a small workpiece 10S, align the first female thread portion 23 with the first groove 32 and align the second female thread portion 24 with the right inner second groove 36. Next, pass the first fastener 57 through the first groove 32 and screw it into the first female thread portion 23. Pass the second fastener 58 through the right inner second groove 36 and screw it into the second female thread portion 24.

[0041] When the second groove 33 is composed of a left outer second groove 34, a left inner second groove 35, a right inner second groove 36, and a right outer second groove 37, a single workpiece fixing jig 30 can be used to fix both the left and right workpieces. As a result, the convenience of the workpiece fixing jig 30 is increased.

[0042] [Orientation of the workpiece fixing jig] The orientation of the workpiece fixing jig 30, as described in Figure 2(a), is arbitrary, but a more preferable orientation is described below. As shown in Figure 5(a), the long side 38 of the workpiece fixing jig 30 is positioned on the side of the worker 61. In addition, the orientation of the workpiece fixing jig 30 is determined so that the first groove 32 is on the side of the worker 61 than the second groove 33.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5(b), the workpiece 10 is placed on the workpiece fixing jig 30. The robot or operator 61 moves the workpiece 10 so that the first female thread portion 23 on the workpiece 10 side aligns with the first groove 32. The robot or operator 61 temporarily fastens the first fastener 57 to the first female thread portion 23.

[0044] This explains the terms "final tightening" and "preliminary tightening." Final tightening means that the workpiece 10 is tightened to a predetermined tightening torque so that it does not move relative to the workpiece fixing jig 30 even when a certain magnitude of external force (mainly horizontal force) is applied to the workpiece 10. In contrast, temporary tightening means lightly tightening the workpiece 10 so that it moves relative to the workpiece fixing jig 30 when an external force sufficiently smaller than the certain external force described above is applied. Manual tightening by hand corresponds to temporary tightening.

[0045] Once the initial fastening is complete, the robot or operator 61 rotates the workpiece 10, for example, as shown by arrow (1). At this time, the first fastener 57 becomes the center of rotation, making the rotation easy and allowing the second female thread portion 24 on the workpiece 10 side to be efficiently aligned with the second groove 33.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 5(c), the robot or worker 61 temporarily fastens the second fastener 58 to the second female thread portion 24. At this point, since both the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58 are in a provisionally tightened state, the position of the workpiece 10 can be finely adjusted.

[0047] For example, the position of the workpiece 10 is finely adjusted by sliding the first fastener 57 along the first groove 32 and the second fastener 58 along the second groove 33, so that one side of the workpiece 10 is parallel to the long side 38. Once the fine adjustments are complete, tighten the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58. As a result, the workpiece 10 is positioned and fixed to the workpiece fixing jig 30.

[0048] [1st and 2nd fasteners] As shown in Figure 6(a), the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58 may consist of a washer 62 and a bolt 63. If the bolt 63 is a flanged bolt, the washer 62 can be omitted. Furthermore, a socket head cap screw is preferable for the bolt 63. A socket head cap screw is suitable for narrow spaces because it can be tightened with a small, lightweight hex wrench, making it more suitable than a regular bolt 63 (hex bolt) which requires a large spanner.

[0049] By the way, the diameter of the first female thread portion 23 and the second female thread portion 24 provided on the workpiece 10 side will be smaller if the size of the workpiece 10 is small. We want to avoid having to prepare multiple workpiece fixing jigs 30 with different groove widths.

[0050] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6(b), the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58 are provided with an attachment 64 comprising a flange portion 64a with a diameter larger than the groove width of the first groove 32 and the second groove 33, and a neck portion 64c extending from the flange portion 64a, having an outer diameter corresponding to the groove width of the first groove 32 and the second groove 33, and having a central hole 64b in the center. The flange portion 64a serves as a washer (Figure 6(a), reference numeral 62). As a result, in this example, the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58 consist of a bolt 63 and an attachment 64.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(c), the attachment 64 may be provided with a female threaded portion 64d in the central hole 64b. The bolt 63 is inserted from above and screwed into the female threaded portion 64d. Since the bolt 63 is installed in a downward position, the work is made easier. In this example, the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58 consist of a washer 62, a bolt 63, and an attachment 64.

[0052] [Knock pin] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the workpiece fixing jig 30 is placed on the pallet 21, positioning holes 66 may be provided in the lower plate 42, and knock pins 67, as shown on the right in the figure, may be driven into these positioning holes 66 and the pallet 21.

[0053] The outer diameter of the knock pin 67 is precisely finished to be the same as the diameter of the positioning hole 66. Therefore, after being driven in, the knock pin 67 prevents the lower plate 42 from shifting laterally relative to the pallet 21.

[0054] The knock pin 67 has a small-diameter threaded portion 67a at its top, and the knock pin 67 can be removed using this threaded portion 67a. The knock pin 67 positions the workpiece fixing jig 30 relative to the pallet 21.

[0055] [Knock bolt] The knock pin 67 may be replaced with a knock bolt 69, as shown in the left diagram. The knock bolt 69 has a knock pin portion 69c between the bolt head 69a and the male threaded portion 69b. The knock pin portion 69c corresponds to the knock pin 67. It can be attached and detached by rotating the bolt head 69a. The pallet 21 has a well-known positioning mechanism (structure) between it and processing equipment such as a beveling device or measuring equipment, but the details are omitted.

[0056] [Large chamfer] Preferably, a large chamfer 71 is applied to the upper corner of the upper plate 41 (the intersection of the top surface and the side surface). The large chamfer 71 prevents the workpiece 10 from hitting the upper corner of the upper plate 41, thereby avoiding damage to the workpiece 10 and the workpiece fixing jig 30.

[0057] [Combined use as a pallet and workpiece fixing jig] In the above explanation, as shown in Figure 8(a), the workpiece fixing jig 30 was placed on the pallet 21, and the workpiece 10 was placed on this workpiece fixing jig 30. However, as shown in Figure 8(b), by making the pallet 21 have a structure similar to that of the workpiece fixing jig 30, the workpiece fixing jig 30 can be omitted in appearance. Although the pallet 21 has a more complex structure, it has the advantage of being more compact than (pallet 21 + workpiece fixing jig 30) because it omits the workpiece fixing jig 30.

[0058] [Butt plate] As shown in Figure 9(a), a threaded portion 72 is provided on the front surface of the upper plate 41, and a threaded portion 73 is provided on the rear surface. The front surface corresponds to the side facing the worker 61, as shown in Figure 5(a). Then, a rectangular stopper plate 74 is fixed to the threaded portion 73 on the rear with a bolt 75. Also, a plate 76 is fixed to the threaded portion 72 on the front with a bolt 77. A jack bolt 78 is attached to the plate 76. The finished product is shown in Figure 9(b).

[0059] In Figure 9(b), the workpiece 10S is placed on the upper plate 41 and pushed with the jack bolt 78. The workpiece 10S stops when it hits the stopper plate 74.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9(c), when a large workpiece 10L and a small workpiece 10S are placed on the upper plate 41, the presence of the stopper plate 74 allows the rear surfaces of the large workpiece 10L and the small workpiece 10S to be aligned.

[0061] The present invention described above can be summarized as follows. That is, as shown in Figure 1(a), the workpiece fixing jig 30 on which the workpiece 10 is placed and fixed, As shown in Figure 2(a), the workpiece fixing jig 30 has a first groove 32 and a plurality of second grooves 33 arranged to intersect the first groove 32 on the upper surface 31 that contacts the workpiece 10, and the plurality of second grooves 33 are contained within the length L of the first groove 32. As shown in Figure 6(a), the workpiece 10 is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig 30 using the first groove 32 and the second groove 33.

[0062] Preferably, the workpiece 10 is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig 30 by a first fastener 57 that can move along the first groove 32 when not fastened, and a second fastener 58 that can move along the second groove 33 when not fastened.

[0063] In other words, in Figure 4(a), if the first fastener 57 is in a pre-tightened state, the first fastener 57 can move along the first groove 32. If the second fastener 58 is in a pre-tightened state, the second fastener 58 can move along the second groove 33. By fully tightening the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58, the workpiece 10 is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig 30.

[0064] Since the first fastener 57 and the second fastener 58 are movable, a single workpiece fixing jig 30 can fix workpieces 10 of various sizes. As a result, the versatility of the workpiece fixing jig 30 is increased.

[0065] Preferably, as shown in Figure 3(c), the workpiece fixing jig 30 is characterized by comprising an upper plate 41 on which the workpiece 10 makes contact, a lower plate 42 positioned at a certain distance from the upper plate 41, and legs 43 connecting the lower plate 42 and the upper plate 41.

[0066] A space equivalent to the height of the leg portion 43 can be secured between the upper plate 41 and the lower plate 42. This space can be used to fix the workpiece 10 in place. Furthermore, the weight of the workpiece fixing jig 30 can be reduced by eliminating the space required.

[0067] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the leg portion 43 is characterized by comprising corner legs 44 that support each of the four corners of the upper plate 41 and a central leg 45 that supports the center of the upper plate 41.

[0068] The support action of the central leg 45 reduces the central deflection of the upper plate 41, thereby preventing the workpiece 10 from dropping.

[0069] Preferably, as shown in Figure 5(a), the upper surface 31 has a rectangular shape, with the first groove 32 provided along the long side 38 of the rectangle and the second groove 33 provided along the short side 39 of the rectangle.

[0070] As explained in Figures 5(b) and (c), when the first fastener 57 is passed through the first groove 32 and temporarily fastened to the workpiece 10, and then the workpiece 10 is rotated around the first fastener 57 as shown by arrow (1), the temporary fastening work is easier because the first groove 32 is close to the worker 61. The same applies when temporary fastening is performed by a robot.

[0071] Preferably, as shown in Figure 6(b), the first fastener 57 includes an attachment 64 comprising a flange portion 64a with a diameter larger than the groove width of the first groove 32, and a neck portion 64c extending from the flange portion 64a, having an outer diameter corresponding to the groove width of the first groove 32 and a central hole 64b in the center. The second fastener 58 is characterized by including an attachment 64 comprising a flange portion 64a having a larger diameter than the groove width of the second groove 33, and a neck portion 64c extending from the flange portion 64a, having an outer diameter corresponding to the groove width of the second groove 33, and having a central hole 64b in the center.

[0072] It is possible that the hole diameter of the first female thread portion 23 on the workpiece 10 side is significantly smaller than the groove width of the first groove 32. In this case, by using the attachment 64, a small-diameter bolt can be passed through the first groove 32 with a large groove width. As a result, workpieces ranging from small sizes 10S to large sizes 10L can be fixed with a single workpiece fixing jig 30.

[0073] Preferably, as shown in Figure 6(c), the central hole 64b is characterized by having a female threaded portion 64d.

[0074] The bolt 63 can be attached from above the workpiece 10. In other words, by changing the attachment 64, it becomes possible to attach the bolt 63 from below the workpiece 10 and from above the workpiece 10, increasing its versatility.

[0075] Preferably, as shown in Figure 3(c), a removable mirror 47 is provided between the upper plate 41 and the lower plate 42, and the mirror 47 is configured to reflect the lower surface of the upper plate 41.

[0076] While this is not a problem with robots, when a worker (Figure 5(a), reference numeral 61) installs the first fastener 57 or the second fastener 58, the worker must visually inspect the underside of the upper plate 41. Without the mirror 47, the worker would need to raise and lower their line of sight, reducing work efficiency. In contrast, according to the present invention, the lower surface of the upper plate 41 can be reflected in the mirror 47, eliminating the need to raise or lower one's line of sight, thus improving work efficiency.

[0077] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), a removable mirror 47 is provided between the upper plate 41 and the lower plate 42, and this mirror 47 has a U-shape in plan view, with a portion corresponding to the central leg 45 cut out. The mirror 47 is characterized in that it reflects the lower surface of the upper plate 41.

[0078] Even with the central leg 45 in place, the mirror 47 can be easily attached and detached.

[0079] Preferably, as shown in Figure 7, the workpiece fixing jig 30 is placed on a pallet 21, and the lower plate 42 has positioning holes 66. The workpiece fixing jig 30 is positioned on the pallet 21 using the positioning hole 66.

[0080] As shown in Figure 1(b), when placing a workpiece 10 on the beveling device 12, it is recommended to fix the workpiece fixing jig 30 to the pallet 21 and then fix the workpiece 10 to this workpiece fixing jig 30. The same applies to the lamination device 15, the finishing device 17, and the measuring device 18. In this case, by providing positioning holes 66 in the lower plate 42 as in the present invention, the workpiece fixing jig 30 can be positioned on the pallet 21 using knock pins 67 and knock bolts 69, as shown in Figure 7. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the workpiece 10 in the beveling device 12 is improved. The same applies to the stacking device 15, the finishing device 17, and the measuring device 18.

[0081] Preferably, as shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), when the workpiece fixing jig 30 is operated on a pallet 21, the pallet 21 also serves as the workpiece fixing jig 30.

[0082] The pallet 21 also serves as a workpiece fixing jig 30, allowing it to accommodate workpieces ranging from small sizes 10S to large sizes 10L, thus increasing the versatility of the pallet 21.

[0083] The workpiece fixing jig of the present invention is suitable for fixing inserts, but it can also be used for other fixing purposes.

[0084] [Processing method using workpiece fixing fixtures] By using the workpiece fixing jig 30 according to the present invention, automated machining of workpieces can be performed efficiently. A specific example will be explained with reference to Figure 10. In step ST (step number, hereafter the same) 01 in Figure 10, the workpiece is set in the workpiece fixing jig by a robot or by hand outside the processing equipment (such as the beveling device 12 shown in Figure 1(a)). However, the workpiece is not positioned at this stage. Alternatively, the workpiece fixing jig may be set on a pallet, and the workpiece may be set in this workpiece fixing jig.

[0085] In ST02, the position of the workpiece on the workpiece fixing jig (e.g., xyz coordinates) is measured by a position measuring device. In ST03, the machining control unit associates the workpiece position with workpiece machining data (e.g., cutting depth, cutting speed). Up to this point, the workpiece fixing jig on which the workpiece is placed is outside the machining equipment.

[0086] In ST04, the workpiece fixing jig is transported into the processing machine. In ST05, the workpiece fixing jig is positioned and secured to the processing device. In ST06, machining is performed on the workpiece based on the corresponding workpiece machining data.

[0087] According to this processing method, the workpiece fixing jig is positioned within the processing device. The workpiece does not need to be positioned. Therefore, when fixing the workpiece to the workpiece fixing jig using the first and second grooves, positioning is unnecessary; it only needs to be fixed in place. Consequently, the time required to set the workpiece into the workpiece fixing jig is greatly reduced. In addition, since the workpiece fixing jig is transported into the processing device, positioned, and processed on the workpiece on the workpiece fixing jig based on the corresponding workpiece processing data, the exceptional effect of efficiently performing automated workpiece processing is achieved.

[0088] [Processing equipment] An example of a processing equipment 80 capable of carrying out the workpiece processing method described above is explained below. As shown in Figure 11, the processing equipment 80 consists of processing equipment such as a beveling device 12, a position measuring device 81 such as a three-dimensional measuring device located outside the processing equipment, a robot 82 located outside the processing equipment that sets the workpiece 10 into the workpiece fixing jig 30, and a processing control unit 83 that associates position information measured by the position measuring device 81 with workpiece processing data and controls the processing equipment such as the beveling device 12 based on this association. Alternatively, the workpiece fixing jig 30 may be set on a pallet (Figure 1(b), reference numeral 21), and the workpiece 10 may be set on this workpiece fixing jig 30. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] The workpiece fixing jig of the present invention is suitable for fixing inserts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10...workpiece, 21...pallet, 30...workpiece fixing jig, 31...top surface, 32...first groove, 33...second groove, 38...long side, 39...short side, 41...upper plate, 42...lower plate, 43...leg, 44...corner leg, 45...center leg, 47...mirror, 48...notch, 57...first fastener, 58...second fastener, 64...attachment, 64a...flange, 64b...center hole, 64c...neck, 64d...female thread, 66...positioning hole, 80...machining equipment, 81...position measuring device, 82...robot, L...length of the first groove, θ...intersection angle.

Claims

1. A workpiece fixing jig on which a workpiece is placed and secured, The bottom of the aforementioned workpiece has a first female threaded portion and a second female threaded portion. The workpiece fixing jig has, on its upper surface against which the workpiece contacts, a first groove extending horizontally in a plan view, a plurality of second grooves extending vertically and not connected to the first groove, a first fastener that can move along the first groove when not fastened, and a second fastener that can move along the second groove when not fastened. The aforementioned multiple second grooves are arranged in a line from left to right, and are positioned such that the left edge of the leftmost left outer second groove and the right edge of the rightmost right outer second groove are contained within the space between one end and the other end of the first groove. A workpiece fixing jig characterized in that it is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig by passing the first fastener through the first groove and screwing the first fastener into the first female thread portion, and passing the second fastener through the second groove and screwing the second fastener into the second female thread portion. z

2. It is a workpiece fixing jig on which a workpiece is placed and secured. The workpiece fixing jig has a first groove on the upper surface that contacts the workpiece, a plurality of second grooves arranged intersecting the first groove, a first fastener that can move along the first groove when not fastened, and a second fastener that can move along the second groove when not fastened. The aforementioned multiple second grooves are arranged in a line from left to right, and are positioned such that the left edge of the leftmost left outer second groove and the right edge of the rightmost right outer second groove are contained between one end and the other end of the first groove. A workpiece fixing jig in which the workpiece is fixed to the workpiece fixing jig using the first groove, the first fastener, the second groove, and the second fastener, The workpiece fixing jig is characterized by comprising an upper plate on which the workpiece makes contact, a lower plate positioned at a certain distance from the upper plate, and legs connecting the lower plate and the upper plate.

3. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 2, The workpiece fixing jig is characterized in that the legs consist of corner legs that support each of the four corners of the upper plate and a central leg that supports the center of the upper plate.

4. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 2, The workpiece fixing jig is characterized in that the upper surface has a rectangular shape, the first groove extends along the long side of the rectangle, and each of the plurality of second grooves extends along the short side of the rectangle.

5. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 2, The first fastener includes an attachment comprising a flange portion having a diameter larger than the groove width of the first groove, and a neck portion extending from the flange portion, having an outer diameter corresponding to the groove width of the first groove and having a central hole in the center. The workpiece fixing jig is characterized in that the second fastener includes an attachment comprising a flange portion having a larger diameter than the groove width of the second groove, and a neck portion extending from the flange portion, having an outer diameter corresponding to the groove width of the second groove and having a central hole in the center.

6. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 5, A workpiece fixing jig characterized by having a female threaded portion in the central hole.

7. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 2, A workpiece fixing jig characterized by having a removable mirror between the upper plate and the lower plate, the mirror being used to reflect the lower surface of the upper plate.

8. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 3, A removable mirror is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate, and this mirror has a U-shape in plan view, with a portion corresponding to the central leg cut out. A workpiece fixing jig characterized in that the mirror reflects the lower surface of the upper plate.

9. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 2, This workpiece fixing jig is placed on a pallet, The lower plate has positioning holes, A workpiece fixing jig characterized in that the workpiece fixing jig is positioned on the pallet using the positioning holes.

10. A workpiece fixing jig according to claim 2, A workpiece fixing jig characterized in that, when the workpiece fixing jig is operated while placed on a pallet, the pallet also serves as the workpiece fixing jig.

11. A method for processing a workpiece using the workpiece fixing jig described in claim 2, The process involves setting the workpiece into the workpiece fixing jig without positioning the workpiece outside the processing equipment by robot or by hand, A step of measuring the position of the workpiece on the workpiece fixing jig using a position measuring device, The steps include associating workpiece machining data with the workpiece position, The steps include transporting the workpiece fixing jig into the processing equipment, The steps include positioning and fixing the workpiece fixing jig to the processing equipment, A method for processing a workpiece, comprising the steps of: processing the workpiece using the processing equipment based on the corresponding workpiece processing data.

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