Pressing device and pressing adjustment method

Abstract

To provide a press device and a press adjustment method that can easily adjust the pressure of an air spring.SOLUTION: A press device includes a slide 7, an air spring 300, an adjustment part 400, and a detection part 500. The slide 7 is attached with a metal mold 21. The air spring 300 supports the slide 7. The adjustment part 400 adjusts the pressure of the air spring 7. The detection part 500 detects whether the slide 7 has started to move when the adjustment part 400 adjusts the pressure of the air spring 300. The press device may also include a decision part that determines the pressure of the air spring 300 on the basis of the detection result of the detection part 500.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a press device and a press adjustment method.

Background Art

[0002] A press machine includes a slide, a strain sensor, and a control device (for example, Patent Document 1). The slide has a mold attached thereto. The strain sensor detects the amount of strain when the mold is attached to the slide. The control device stores in advance the amount of strain when a mold of a predetermined weight is attached to the slide. The control device adjusts the balance pressure of the balancer based on the amount of strain stored in advance and the amount of strain detected by the strain sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The press machine of Patent Document 1 needed to store in advance the amount of strain when a mold of a predetermined weight was attached to the slide. Therefore, it took time and effort to attach a mold of a predetermined weight to the slide and store the amount of strain in the control device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a press device and a press adjustment method capable of easily adjusting the pressure of an air spring.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary press apparatus of this disclosure comprises a slide, an air spring, an adjustment unit, and a detection unit. A die is mounted on the slide. The air spring supports the slide. The adjustment unit adjusts the pressure of the air spring. The detection unit detects whether the slide has started to move when the adjustment unit adjusts the pressure of the air spring.

[0007] An exemplary press adjustment method of this disclosure includes an installation / removal step, an adjustment step, and a detection step. In the installation / removal step, a die is installed on or removed from a slide. In the adjustment step, the pressure of an air spring supporting the slide is adjusted. In the detection step, it is detected whether the slide has started to move when the adjustment step is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this exemplary disclosure, the pressure of the air spring can be easily adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a press apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the press apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air spring according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing the detection results of the detection unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the press adjustment method of the press apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. For ease of understanding, in this specification, mutually orthogonal first directions Z, second direction X, and third direction Y are appropriately described. Here, the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of the press device is referred to as the "first direction Z". The direction perpendicular to the first direction Z is referred to as the "second direction X". Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the first direction Z and the second direction X is referred to as the "third direction Y".

[0011] Furthermore, one side of the first direction Z is referred to as "first direction one side (+Z direction)," and the other side as "first direction other side (-Z direction)." One side of the second direction X is referred to as "second direction one side (+X direction)," and the other side as "second direction other side (-X direction)." And one side of the third direction Y is referred to as "third direction one side (+Y direction)," and the other side as "third direction other side (-Y direction)."

[0012] Furthermore, for convenience, the first direction Z may sometimes be described as the up-down direction. For example, one side of the first direction Z (+Z direction) indicates the up direction, and the other side of the first direction Z (-Z direction) indicates the down direction. However, the up-down direction, up direction, and down direction are defined for the sake of explanation and do not need to coincide with the vertical direction. Moreover, the up-down direction is defined solely for the sake of explanation and does not limit the orientation of the press device when it is used according to this disclosure. In this specification, "orthogonal directions" does not mean orthogonality in a strict sense, but includes cases where the directions are orthogonal to the extent that they produce the effects described in this disclosure.

[0013] First, an exemplary embodiment of the press apparatus 10 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the press apparatus 10. As shown in Figure 1, the press apparatus 10 comprises a frame 3, a slide 7, and a bolster 11. The press apparatus 10 processes an object (not shown). The object is, for example, made of metal.

[0014] The frame 3 includes a crown 31, a plurality of columns 33, and a bed 35. For example, the frame 3 includes four columns 33. The crown 31 is disposed above the bed 35. The bed 35 is installed on the floor surface. The plurality of columns 33 are disposed between the crown 31 and the bed 35. The plurality of columns 33 support the crown 31. However, the frame 3 may have a structure in which the crown 31, the plurality of columns 33, and the bed 35 are integrated without being separated.

[0015] The slide 7 and the bolster 11 are disposed between the crown 31 and the bed 35. The bolster 11 is disposed on the bed 35. Specifically, the bolster 11 is disposed on the upper surface 35a of the bed 35.

[0016] The lower die 23 can be attached to the bolster 11. Specifically, the lower die 23 can be attached to the upper surface 11a of the bolster 11.

[0017] Here, referring to FIG. 2, the slide 7 and the upper die 21 will be described. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the press device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the press device 10 further includes a plurality of air springs 300, an adjustment unit 400, and a plurality of detection units 500.

[0018] The upper die 21 is attached to the slide 7. The upper die 21 is an example of a "die". Specifically, the upper die 21 can be attached to the lower surface 7a of the slide 7.

[0019] Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the air spring 300 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air spring 300. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the plurality of air springs 300 supports the slide 7.

[0020] The plurality of air springs 300 are, for example, four air springs 300A to 300D. In FIG. 2, only the air spring 300A and the air spring 300B are shown. The air spring 300C and the air spring 300D are disposed on the surface opposite to the surface shown in FIG. 2 (one side in the third direction Y).

[0021] Each of the plurality of air springs 300 includes an upper plate body 301, a lower plate body 302, and an elastic body 303. The upper plate body 301 is disposed above the lower plate body 302. The elastic body 303 is disposed between the upper plate body 301 and the lower plate body 302.

[0022] The upper plate body 301 is attached to the slide 7. The upper plate body 301 of each of the air springs 300A and 300C is attached to the other side in the second direction X of the slide 7. The upper plate body 301 of each of the air springs 300B and 300D is attached to one side in the second direction X of the slide 7. The lower plate body 302 is attached to, for example, a holding mechanism that holds the slide 7.

[0023] The elastic body 303 is stretchable and contractible along the first direction Z. The elastic body 303 expands and contracts due to the weight of the upper mold 21 attached to the slide 7. Specifically, when the weight of the upper mold 21 attached to the slide 7 is light, the elastic body 303 contracts slightly. On the other hand, when the weight of the upper mold 21 attached to the slide 7 is heavy, the elastic body 303 contracts greatly.

[0024] The adjustment unit 400 adjusts the pressure of the air spring 300. The adjustment unit 400 includes, for example, an electromagnetic valve. Specifically, the adjustment unit 400 supplies gas to the inside of each of the elastic bodies 303 of the four air springs 300A to 300D.

[0025] The elastic body 303 accommodates the gas supplied from the adjustment unit 400. Specifically, when a small amount of gas is accommodated inside the elastic body 303, the elastic body 303 extends slightly. On the other hand, when a large amount of gas is accommodated inside the elastic body 303, the elastic body 303 extends greatly.

[0026] The multiple detection units 500 are, for example, two detection units 500A and 500B. One of the two detection units 500, detection unit 500A, detects whether the other side of the slide 7 in the second direction X has started to move. One of the two detection units 500, detection unit 500B, detects whether the other side of the slide 7 in the second direction X has started to move.

[0027] Each of the multiple detection units 500 is, for example, a laser displacement sensor. More specifically, each of the multiple detection units 500 is located on the crown 31. Detection unit 500A detects the distance between detection unit 500A and the other side of the slide 7 in the second direction X. On the other hand, detection unit 500B detects the distance between detection unit 500B and one side of the slide 7 in the second direction X. As a result, when the distance between the multiple detection units 500 and the slide 7 changes, the multiple detection units 500 detect that the slide 7 has started to move. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not the slide 7 has started to move.

[0028] Each of the multiple detection units 500 detects whether the slide 7 has started to move when the adjustment unit 400 adjusts the pressure of the air spring 300. For example, when the weight of the upper mold 21 attached to the slide 7 is heavy, the elastic body 303 compresses significantly downwards. The adjustment unit 400 supplies gas to the inside of each of the elastic bodies 303 of the four air springs 300A to 300D. The gas is contained inside the elastic bodies 303. Furthermore, when the gas is contained inside the elastic bodies 303, the slide 7 begins to move upwards. When the slide 7 begins to move, the supply of gas to the inside of each of the elastic bodies 303 of the four air springs 300A to 300D is stopped.

[0029] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the slide 7 can be properly supported by adjusting the pressure of the air spring 300 to the pressure at which the slide 7 begins to move. As a result, the pressure of the air spring 300 can be easily adjusted.

[0030] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the control device 15 will be described. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the control device 15 in an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the press device 10 further comprises the control device 15.

[0031] The control device 15 is fixed to the frame 3, for example. However, the position of the control device 15 is not particularly limited and may be located away from the frame 3.

[0032] The control device 15 controls the press device 10. The control device 15 comprises a control unit 151, a storage unit 153, and an operation display unit 155.

[0033] The operation display unit 155 displays various information and accepts operations from the user.

[0034] The storage unit 153 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the storage unit 153 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid-state drive, or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 153 may also include removable media. The computer program, as an example, includes a press execution program that causes the press device 10 to perform a crank press.

[0035] The control unit 151 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 151 controls the adjustment unit 400 by executing a program stored in the memory device of the storage unit 153.

[0036] The control unit 151 further includes a determination unit 1511. The determination unit 1511 determines the pressure of the air spring 300 based on the detection result of the detection unit 500. For example, when the adjustment unit 400 increases the pressure of the air spring 300, the detection unit 500 detects whether or not the slide 7 has started to move. The determination unit 1511 determines the neutral pressure to be the pressure of the air spring 300 when the slide 7 has started to move. The detection unit 500 may also detect whether or not the slide 7 has started to move when the adjustment unit 400 decreases the pressure of the air spring 300. The detection unit 500 may also detect whether or not the slide 7 has moved a predetermined distance. The determination unit 1511 may then determine the pressure to be the pressure obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure of the air spring 300 when it has moved a predetermined distance.

[0037] Here, the detection results of the detection unit 500 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a graph showing the detection results of the detection unit 500. Figure 5(a) is a graph showing the detection results of detection unit 500A. Figure 5(b) is a graph showing the detection results of detection unit 500B. Figure 5(c) is a graph showing the pressure of the air spring 300. In Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the vertical axis shows the distance between the detection unit 500 and the slide 7, and the horizontal axis shows time. In Figure 5(c), the vertical axis shows the pressure of the air spring 300, and the horizontal axis shows time.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5(c), the pressure of the air springs 300 increases as gas is supplied to the inside of each of the elastic bodies 303 of the four air springs 300A to 300D. As shown in Figure 5(a), the distance between the detection unit 500A and the slide 7 does not change until time TT, but the distance between the detection unit 500A and the slide 7 changes at time TT. As shown in Figure 5(b), the distance between the detection unit 500B and the slide 7 does not change until time TT, but the distance between the detection unit 500B and the slide 7 changes at time TT. As a result, the determination unit 1511 determines the pressure of the air springs 300 at time TT.

[0039] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5, in this embodiment, the determination unit 1511 can automatically adjust the pressure of the air spring 300. Furthermore, when the adjustment unit 400 increases the pressure of the air spring 300, the detection unit 500 detects whether or not the slide 7 has started to move, thus enabling accurate adjustment of the pressure of the air spring 300.

[0040] In detail, the determination unit 1511 comprises an estimation unit 1511A and a setting unit 1511B. The estimation unit 1511A estimates the weight of the upper mold 21 based on the detection result of the detection unit 500. For example, when the slide 7 begins to move when the pressure of the air spring 300 is greatly increased, the weight of the upper mold 21 is heavy. When the slide 7 begins to move when the pressure of the air spring 300 is slightly increased, the weight of the upper mold 21 is light. The setting unit 1511B sets the pressure of the air spring 300 based on the weight of the upper mold 21.

[0041] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the press device 10 will be described in detail. The press device 10 further comprises a slide movement mechanism 5 and guides 71A to 71D. However, the slide movement mechanism 5 may be any other movement mechanism.

[0042] Guides 71A to 71D extend along the first direction Z. In Figure 1, only guides 71A and 71B are shown. Guides 71C and 71D are located on the opposite side of the surface shown in Figure 1. Guides 71A and 71C are located on the other side of the slide 7 in the second direction X. Guides 71B and 71D are located on one side of the slide 7 in the second direction X.

[0043] Slide 7 is moved by the motion of the slide movement mechanism 5. Specifically, the slide movement mechanism 5 converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion to move slide 7 along the first direction Z. In the example in Figure 1, the slide movement mechanism 5 moves slide 7 along the first direction Z by a crank mechanism. In other words, in the example in Figure 1, the press device 10 performs a crank press.

[0044] The slide movement mechanism 5 is positioned on the crown 31. In other words, the slide movement mechanism 5 is positioned above the slide 7. The slide movement mechanism 5 is then connected to the slide 7.

[0045] Specifically, the sliding mechanism 5 comprises a connecting rod 51, a crankshaft 52, a clutch (not shown), a flywheel 53, a belt 54, a pulley 55, a motor 56, and a plunger 57.

[0046] The tip of the connecting rod 51 is connected to the slide 7 via a plunger 57. The base end of the connecting rod 51 is connected to the crankshaft 52. One axial end of the crankshaft 52 is connected to the flywheel 53 via a clutch (not shown). The flywheel 53 has, for example, a roughly disc shape or a roughly cylindrical shape. The belt 54 is stretched under tension between the flywheel 53 and the pulley 55. The pulley 55 has a roughly disc shape or a roughly cylindrical shape. The pulley 55 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 56. The clutch switches between a connected state and a disconnected state between the crankshaft 52 and the flywheel 53. In this embodiment, the connected state indicates that the clutch is connected between the crankshaft 52 and the flywheel 53. On the other hand, the disconnected state indicates that the clutch is disconnected between the crankshaft 52 and the flywheel 53.

[0047] Therefore, when the motor 56 rotates, the pulley 55 rotates. When the pulley 55 rotates, the belt 54 rotates. When the belt 54 rotates, the flywheel 53 rotates. In the connected state, when the flywheel 53 rotates, the crankshaft 52 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the flywheel 53. On the other hand, in the disconnected state, the rotational force of the flywheel 53 is not transmitted to the crankshaft 52, and the crankshaft 52 does not rotate.

[0048] The connecting rod 51, which is connected to the crankshaft 52, moves in conjunction with the rotation of the crankshaft 52. As a result, the slide 7, which is connected to the connecting rod 51, reciprocates along the guides 71A to 71D that extend along the first direction Z. In other words, in the connected state, the slide 7 moves along the guides 71A to 71D that extend along the first direction Z. On the other hand, in the disconnected state, the slide 7 stops. In other words, in the disconnected state, the crank press by the press device 10 is not performed. In this embodiment, the disconnected state is considered the standby state of the press device 10.

[0049] In Figure 1, for the sake of explanation, the top dead center TD and bottom dead center BD of slide 7 are indicated by black dots. Also, for convenience, the top dead center TD and bottom dead center BD are indicated by the position of the lower surface 7a of slide 7 in the first direction Z. Slide 7 reciprocates between the top dead center TD and the bottom dead center BD along guides 71A to 71D.

[0050] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the method for adjusting the press of the press device 10 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the method for adjusting the press of the press device 10. As shown in Figure 6, the method for adjusting the press of the press device 10 includes processes S101 to S107. The method for adjusting the press is performed by the press device 10.

[0051] First, in process S101, gas is supplied to the inside of each of the elastic bodies 303 of the four air springs 300A to 300D, causing the pressure of the air springs 300 to increase. As a result, the determination unit 1511 determines the pressure of the air springs 300 when the distance between the detection unit 500 and the slide 7 changes (die height adjustment).

[0052] Next, in process S102, the motor 56 rotates, causing the slide 7 to be positioned at the bottom dead center BD (press operation).

[0053] Next, in process S103, the user removes the upper mold (mold A) 21 from the slide 7.

[0054] Next, in process S104, gas is supplied to the inside of each of the elastic bodies 303 of the four air springs 300A to 300D, causing the pressure of the air springs 300 to increase. As a result, the determination unit 1511 determines the pressure of the air springs 300 when the distance between the detection unit 500 and the slide 7 changes (die height adjustment).

[0055] Next, in process S105, a new upper mold (mold B) 21 is attached to the slide 7 by the user.

[0056] Next, in process S106, the motor 56 rotates, causing the slide 7 to be positioned at top dead center TD (press operation).

[0057] Next, in process S107, gas is supplied to the inside of each of the elastic bodies 303 of the four air springs 300A to 300D, causing the pressure of the air springs 300 to increase. As a result, the determination unit 1511 determines the pressure of the air springs 300 when the distance between the detection unit 500 and the slide 7 changes (die height adjustment). Then, the pressing method of the press device 10 is completed.

[0058] As described above with reference to Figure 6, in this embodiment, the slide 7 can be properly supported by adjusting the pressure of the air spring 300 to the pressure at which the slide 7 begins to move. As a result, the pressure of the air spring 300 can be easily adjusted.

[0059] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. The drawings schematically show each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the convenience of drawing creation. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present disclosure. The configuration of the embodiments may be modified as appropriate without exceeding the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. Also, embodiments may be combined to the extent possible.

[0060] Furthermore, this technology can also employ the following configuration.

[0061] (1) A slide on which the mold is attached, The air spring supporting the slide, An adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the aforementioned air spring, When the adjustment unit adjusts the pressure of the air spring, a detection unit detects whether or not the slide has started to move. A press device equipped with the following features.

[0062] (2) The press apparatus according to (1), further comprising a determination unit that determines the pressure of the air spring based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0063] (3) The determination unit is, Based on the detection results of the detection unit, an estimation unit estimates the weight of the mold, A setting unit that sets the pressure of the air spring based on the weight of the mold, The press apparatus described in (2), comprising:

[0064] (4) The press apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the detection unit is a laser displacement sensor.

[0065] (5) Four of the aforementioned air springs, Two of the aforementioned detection units and Equipped with, The adjustment unit adjusts the pressure of the four air springs, One of the two detection units detects whether or not one end of the slide has started to move. The press apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the other of the two detection units detects whether or not the other end of the slide has started to move.

[0066] (6) The press device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein when the adjustment unit increases the pressure of the air spring, the detection unit detects whether or not the slide has started to move. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 7... slides 21. Upper mold (die) 300...Air spring 400...adjustment section 500...Detection unit

Claims

1. A slide to which the mold is attached, The air spring supporting the slide, An adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the aforementioned air spring, When the adjustment unit adjusts the pressure of the air spring, a detection unit detects whether or not the slide has started to move. A press device equipped with the following features.

2. The press apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines the pressure of the air spring based on the detection result of the detection unit.

3. The aforementioned determination unit, Based on the detection results of the detection unit, an estimation unit estimates the weight of the mold, A setting unit that sets the pressure of the air spring based on the weight of the mold, The press apparatus according to claim 2, comprising:

4. The press apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is a laser displacement sensor.

5. The four aforementioned air springs, Two of the aforementioned detection units and Equipped with, The adjustment unit adjusts the pressure of the four air springs, One of the two detection units detects whether or not one end of the slide has started to move. The press apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other of the two detection units detects whether or not the other end of the slide has started to move.

6. The press apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the adjustment unit increases the pressure of the air spring, the detection unit detects whether or not the slide has started to move.

7. Installation and removal steps for attaching or removing a mold from a slide, An adjustment step to adjust the pressure of the air spring supporting the slide, A detection step to detect whether or not the slide has started to move when the adjustment step is performed. A press adjustment method, including the following.

8. The press adjustment method according to claim 7, further comprising a determination step of determining the pressure of the air spring based on the detection result of the detection step.

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