JPH0524185U - Automatic processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To provide an automatic processing device with little equipment waste, easy preparation of a work at a preparation station, and efficient processing. [Structure] The apparatus includes a preparation station 10 including a preparation stand 11, and a processing station 20 including a processing machine body 22 and a processing table 21. In contrast,
Mobile loader 30 to reciprocate between both stations
Is provided and the loader holds the work 1 on the preparation table.
A means 32 for transporting and placing it on the processing table and a means 33 for pressing the work against the table were provided. Then, the processing station was provided with a means for positioning the work placed on the table.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to an automatic processing device such as an automatic laser welding device, and particularly to rationalize the handling of a work (workpiece).

[0002]

[Prior Art]

 When processing such as welding, cutting, bending, punching, etc. is automatically performed on a work, not only the processing itself but also the handling of the work is required to be automated. Handling means that the prepared, unmachined work is carried near the processing machine (welding machine, cutting machine, etc.), positioned so that it is suitable for processing, and fixed so that the position does not shift during processing. Do-it is.

An example of an apparatus that automates the handling of such a work is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 59-102282. The device disclosed in the publication has a pallet (for mounting work) between a relay conveyor installed directly below the processing machine body (laser emitting nozzle, etc.) (so-called processing station) and the carry-in conveyor and carry-out conveyor on both sides of the relay conveyor. The processing table) is sequentially transferred. The work is fixed on the pallet at the position of the carry-in conveyor, and the work is carried on the relay conveyor along with the pallet to be positioned and processed. After that, the pallets are carried to the top of the carry-out conveyor to remove the work, and then transported back to the carry-in conveyor by being fed back between the above-mentioned three sets of conveyors in another carrying path.

In addition, as an example in which a pallet is not used, as shown in FIG. 5, a forward and backward movable loader 70 is provided between the preparation station 50 having the preparation table 51 and the processing station 60 for actual processing. There is a device arranged. The loader 70 holds the work 6 placed on the preparation table 51 from above by a magnet 72 or the like, carries it in to the processing station 60, places it on the processing table 61, and then returns to the preparation station 50. The workpiece 6 that has been carried in is processed after the relevant equipment at the processing station 60 is positioned and fixed. For fixing among them, the fluid pressure cylinder 66 is extended from above to the table 61 raised by the lifter 65 to press (clamp) the work.

Considering the above-mentioned three functions of carrying-in, positioning, and fixing, first of the two examples described here, in the former device, three sets of conveyors perform, and pallets and relay conveyors do, or Each pallet plays. On the other hand, in the latter device, the mobile loader 70 performs only the function of and the function of the processing station 60 performs.

[0006]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 In the former example (the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 59-102282), three pallets are required to increase the processing efficiency. While the work attached to a pallet is being processed on the relay conveyor, the unprocessed work is fixed to the pallet on the carry-in conveyor and the unprocessed work is taken out from the pallet on the carry-out conveyor. However, it is clearly efficient.

However, when increasing the number of pallets, the following inconveniences occur. During processing, the pallet is positioned by the relay conveyor, but since the position of the work within the pallet is determined by the pallet itself, the pallet requires the two functions of positioning and fixing as described above. is there. In other words, in terms of functionality, the structure of the palette is not simple, so an increase in the number of units will significantly increase the equipment cost. And the larger the work (and thus the larger the pallet), the greater the cost disadvantage. In addition, it is a manufacturing and maintenance burden that the relationship between the specific point of the pallet positioned by the relay conveyor and the fixed position of the work within the pallet must be the same for the three pallets.

On the other hand, in the latter device (FIG. 5) of the above two examples, the movable loader 70 only carries the work into the processing station 60, so that the following inconvenience occurs.

That is, first, while the work 6 is being processed in the processing station 60, if the next (unprocessed) work 6 is to be placed on the preparation table 51 for the purpose of improving efficiency, the loader 70 Is an obstacle to the work. This is because the loader 70 returns to the preparation station 50 immediately after the work 6 is carried into the processing station 60 and placed on the processing table 61, and is located above the preparation table 51. In order to avoid this, it is advisable to make the preparation table 51 longer than the loader 70 or move the loader 70 to a position beyond the preparation table 51, but in either case, the space occupied by the device or Increases equipment costs.

Secondly, after the loader 70 carrying in the work 6 returns to the preparation station 50, each device of the processing station 60 positions and fixes the work 6 for processing, and at that time, the processing station In 60, for example, for fixing, the processing table 61 has to rise a distance corresponding to the height of the loader 70 or more. This requires the lifter 65 to have a considerable capacity, and the rise time is a waiting time, resulting in a reduction in machining efficiency.

In view of these two examples, it is considered that the rationality of the equipment, the processing efficiency, the ease of performing the preparatory work, etc., differ depending on what the above-mentioned functions of loading, positioning and fixing are performed. Be done.

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic machining apparatus which is less wasteful in terms of equipment that leads to an increase in cost, is easy to perform work preparation work in a preparation station, and can efficiently perform machining. Is.

[0013]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 The automatic processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a preparation station including a preparation table and a processing station including a processing machine main body and a processing table. From the preparation station, a workpiece is loaded into the processing station, and a position of the loaded workpiece is set. It is an automatic processing device that automatically fixes the workpiece for gripping and processing, and is configured as follows. That is, first, a movable loader is provided so as to reciprocate between the above two stations, and means for holding / transporting the work on the preparation table and placing it on the processing table (hereinafter referred to as carry-in). Means) and means for pressing the work against the processing table (hereinafter referred to as pressing means). Secondly, at the processing station, means for positioning the work placed on the table (hereinafter referred to as "positioning means") was provided.

In other words, in the device of the present invention, the (loading) function is received by the loader, the (positioning) function is received by the processing station, and the (fixed) function is performed by the loader in the processing station. And the processing table of the processing station.

[0015]

[Action]

 The automatic processing apparatus of the present invention handles an unprocessed workpiece temporarily placed on the preparation table in the preparation station as follows. That is, the work on the preparation table is held by the loading means of the loader, moved to the processing station by the loader, and placed on the processing table. The work placed on the table is positioned by the processing station. The positioned work piece, which means is appropriately positioned, is fixed by the pressing means of the loader pressing it onto the working table. In this way, the main body of the processing machine starts the actual processing with the work fixed, and in connection with this, the device of the present invention has the following characteristics in operation.

A) Since the above-mentioned loader is in the processing station during processing, even if the loader holds the work from above, the upper side of the preparation table in the preparation station is opened during processing. It becomes easy to perform the preparation work of the work to be processed next (arrangement of the unprocessed work on the preparation table and temporary placement). The loader is at the processing station during processing because during that time the loader is acting to secure the workpiece, as described above.

B) Since the work is fixed by clamping the work by the processing table of the processing station and the pressing means of the loader, the operation time for fixing is short. In other words, the original processing work can be started quickly and the processing efficiency is high. Compared to the case where the pressing means is provided at the processing station itself (above the entry position of the loader) and the work is clamped between the processing table below the height of the loader, the lowering stroke or the necessary stroke of the pressing means is required. Since the lifting stroke required for the processing table is shortened, according to the above, the fixing is completed promptly.

C) Although the loader and the processing station share the above-mentioned functions (1) to (3) and have a considerably complicated structure, the device of the present invention requires only one of them to carry out the necessary work quickly. To do. That is, there is no equipment waste like the device described in the above-mentioned publication that requires a plurality of complicated structures. In addition, it does not require the powerful installation capability of the device shown in Fig. 5, which raises and lowers a heavy processing table over a considerable stroke. The fact that the lifting stroke of the pressing means can be short and that the vertical movement of the machine body is therefore small is also advantageous in terms of equipment required capacity and accuracy.

[0019]

【Example】

 1 to 4 show an automatic laser welding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, 2, and 3 are a front view, a plan view, and a side view, respectively, of the apparatus, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the machine body (laser irradiation machine) during welding.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this apparatus has a preparation station 10 on one side (left side of the drawing) and a processing station 20 on the other side. The preparation station 10 is provided with a preparation table 11 and is a part for arranging the unwelded work (thin steel sheet) 1 on it in a predetermined arrangement for preparation. The processing station 20 is a part that performs the original welding process, and is provided with a processing table 21 and a laser irradiation machine 22. The illuminator 22 moves bi-axially (x-axis and y-axis) in the horizontal plane along not only the guide 22a but also the guide 22b (Fig. 3) perpendicular to the guide 22a, and further the upper and lower ends of the tip portion. Also move.

The apparatus is provided with a movable loader 30 so as to move back and forth between the preparation station 10 and the processing station 20. A loader 30 is configured to be self-propelled by mounting a moving motor (not shown) on a steel frame 31. The first role of the loader 30 is to carry the unwelded work 1 prepared (temporarily placed) on the preparation table 11 onto the processing table 21. As a means for loading the loader 30, a large number of vacuum cups 32 are arranged on the frame 31 of the loader 30 in a downward direction (and vertically movable). The cup 32 holds the work 1 placed on the upper surface of the preparation table 11 from above, moves it together with the loader 30 and conveys it to the processing table 21 as it is, then releases the vacuum and places it on the table 21. Of.

As a means for setting (positioning) the work 1 carried on the processing table 21 at a predetermined processing position, a fixing pin (not shown) or a movable setting gauge (same) is used as the table 21. Although it is provided in the processing station 20 such as provided on the above, the means for pressing the workpiece 1 thus positioned on the table 21 for fixing during processing is provided in the loader 30. .. The pressurizing tool 33 shown in FIG. 4 and so forth is one in which the plate-like claw 33a is attached to the lower end portion of the push rod 33b extending from the frame 31. When the rod 33b is extended downward, the claw 33a clamps the work 1 between itself and the table 21 to prevent it from moving. The pressurizing tool 33 may be lifted up at a position where the claw 33a or the like does not contact the table 21 when the loader 30 is moved. Therefore, the descending distance required to clamp the work 1 is very short (tens of mm). ), It only takes a short time. Needless to say, it is not necessary to make the table 21 movable up and down, but therefore, there is an advantage that the position accuracy of the work 1 positioned on the table 21 is high.

Since the loader 30 has the pressurizing tool 33, the loader 30 has a second role of staying in the processing station 20 even during welding of the work 1 and fixing the work 1 to the table 21. Will be fulfilled. The welding line of the work 1 is the line 1a in FIG. 2, but since the irradiation machine 22 traces the line directly above it, the frame 31 of the loader 30 is provided with a linear gap portion 31a corresponding to the welding line 1a. In addition, for welding, it is desirable to fix the work 1 near the welding lines 1a and 1b. Therefore, the above-mentioned pressurizing tools 33 are mounted side by side on the loader 30 immediately on both sides of the gap 31a of the frame 31. ing. Note that this point is as illustrated in FIG.

The present apparatus handles the unworked workpiece 1 as follows, thereby performing welding on the welding line 1a. That is, 1) The loader 30 moves to the preparation station 10, holds the unprocessed work 1 temporarily placed on the preparation table 11 by a plurality of vacuum cups 32, and lifts it horizontally (a few tens of mm) for a while.

2) While holding the work 1, the loader 30 moves to a position inside the processing station 20, and lowers the work 1 to release the vacuum, thereby placing the work 1 on the table 21.

3) With respect to the work 1 placed on the table 21, a positioning means such as the gauge in the processing station 20 is activated to determine the position.

4) The pressurizing tool 33 of the loader 30 fixes the positioned work 1 on the table 21.

5) The irradiator 22 moves while irradiating a laser in accordance with a predetermined program to weld the welding line 1a.

6) During the above 3) to 5), preparation such as temporary placement of the work 1 to be next welded is performed on the preparation table 11 of the preparation station 10. Although this work is performed manually or by a mechanical means (not shown) such as a robot, the loader 30 is located at the processing station 20 and the top of the preparation stand 11 is in an open state. You can do it.

7) After the welding is completed by the above 5), the irradiator 22 and the pressurizing tool 33 are raised, and the loader 30 is moved to the side of the preparation station 10 to form a new unprocessed work 1. On the other hand, the above 1) is performed, and the welded work 1 is discharged from the table 21 manually or by mechanical means (not shown).

Although one embodiment has been introduced above, various other embodiments are possible in addition to the automatic processing apparatus according to the present invention. For example, (a) the loader may be of a type that can be moved by a towing means or conveyors, instead of the self-propelled type as described above. Not limited to cups, it may be a magnet type, etc. c) The means for pressing the work can be configured in various types using a fluid pressure cylinder, etc. d) Multi-work such as welding multiple works with multiple welding lines E) The target work is not limited to thin steel plates, and f) is not limited to welding equipment, and the present invention performs cutting, bending, punching, etc. It can be applied to various automatic processing equipment.

[0032]

[Effect of the device]

 The automatic processing device of the present invention has the following advantages. That is, a) It is easy to perform the next work preparation work on the preparation stand of the preparation station while processing one set of works. This is also an advantage for processing efficiency.

B) Since the work necessary for machining is fixed in a short time, the machining efficiency is high.

C) The facility cost is low because the configuration is simple.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an automatic laser welding apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a right side view of the device of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of a processing machine main body and a workpiece during welding processing in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of a conventional automatic processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Work 10 Preparation Station 11 Preparation Table 20 Processing Station 21 Processing Table 22 Laser Irradiator (Processing Machine Main Body) 30 Loader

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A preparation station including a preparation stand and a processing station including a processing machine main body and a processing table are provided, and the work is loaded into the processing station from the preparation station, the position of the loaded work is determined, and Is an automatic processing device that automatically fixes the work for the work, and is equipped with a movable loader that reciprocates between the above two stations and holds and transports the work on the preparation table for processing. Automatic processing characterized by arranging means for placing on the table and means for pressing the work against the processing table, and means for locating the work placed on the table at the processing station apparatus.