TWI641435B - Bar processing system and bar feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bar feeding device for conveying long/longitudinal bars to and/or from a processing machine, the bar feeding device comprising: a movable push rod (3) connected to the bar (1), and a drive unit (5) for propelling the push rod (3), which is controlled by the predetermined required operation of the push rod. The push rod (3) is equipped with the drive unit (5) by a float (6), comprising at least one attenuator for attenuating the relative movement between the push rod (3) and the drive unit (5) (7) ).

Description

Bar processing system and bar feed device

The present invention relates to a bar feeding device for feeding a long/longitudinal bar to a processing machine such as a lathe, the bar feeding device moving synchronously with the processor.

When a conventional processing machine is used to further process a longitudinal bar such as a metal bar, the bar is fastened to the headstock, and the tool for processing the bar is fixed. The headstock can be moved towards the axial direction of the bar to position the bar for further processing of the bar, which can also be rotated to achieve the desired number of revolutions per minute. Therefore, each bar moves back and forth according to its rotation from the axial direction, by only a few millimeters along the axial direction of the bar.

The bar is conveyed by the bar material feed to the processor. To this end, the bar feed device needs to know where the bar is currently located to perform its task. Therefore, the push rod of the bar feeding device is provided with a rotating finger grip in which the bar is inserted and firmly held in the finger grip. As a result, the pusher must replicate the same motion as the bar to prevent loss of control of the bar when moving forward and to prevent damage to the bar when moving backwards. In order to effectively replicate the axial movement, the push rod is driven by mechanically being attached to the headstock to provide mechanical Synchronization, or by measuring the device to measure the movement of the headstock, and indicating the drive of the pusher (the drive is typically a servo drive) to move the same distance and direction to provide an electronic synchronization.

EP 0 559 586 discloses a bar feed device for a lathe comprising a bar guide and a pusher mounted thereon such that the bar guide can slide within the pusher. A first end of the flexible cable is secured to the push rod and a second end is secured in the alternate cable conduit. The cable is guided in a u-shape around the pulley and the surface of the pulley is pressed or released by the roller pulley, which is driven by the motor and the hysteresis coupler according to the respective positions of the push rod or bar. GB 1471045 discloses a bar feed device that uses a servo drive to control the chain connector between the push rod and the bar. The push rod can be detachably coupled to the bar grip by a preload spring.

Mechanical synchronization can hardly be counteracted by the movement of the headstock and the copying of the movement to the pusher position, nor the ramping of acceleration or deceleration, or the fine tuning torque applied to the bar to maintain a slight pulling force. In addition, more time is required for the engagement and separation of the catch during the production cycle. The servo drive can completely control the accuracy, speed and fluency of the positioning of the bar. However, the disadvantage is that it must rely on external measuring equipment to understand the distance and direction to be moved, thus increasing the error behind it for accurate positioning. The offset between the current motor position of the stator and the position that will be reached will always change with the new information. This causes a delay in the reaction time of the motor when the material is compressed or pulled away, thus increasing the risk of failure, especially for small bars.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bar feed apparatus and bar processing system that provides an improvement in relative movement control between the bar and the processing machine that allows for rapid production cycles in which the bar is Maintains a slight tension during processing, increases the accuracy of the bar position, and simplifies the bar operation during processing, which is easy to install and easy to control.

These and other objects are achieved by a bar feed device and a bar processing system, as in the independent claims 1 and 11. Advantageous features and preferred embodiments of the bar feed device and bar processing system according to the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying claims.

A bar feed device for transporting long/longitudinal bars to and/or from a processing machine according to the invention, comprising a movable pusher that transports the bar to and/or from the processing machine, And a drive unit for moving the push rod, which is controlled by the desired movement of the push rod. The pusher can be attached to the bar from or not to the bar so that the bar can follow the movement of the pusher. Preferably, the pusher is elongate and includes a first end rotatably coupled to the bar. Thus the bar can be attached to the push rod to align with the longitudinal axis of the push rod. The predetermined movement of the pusher can be used to transport the bar to the processing machine or to remove the bar from the processing machine. Moreover, the predetermined motion can also be defined from movement to adjust the position of the push rod relative to the processing machine when the bar is delivered to the machine and particularly when the bar is machine processed. The push rod is coupled to a drive unit that substantially drives the push rod axially toward and away from the processing machine along the push rod. The push rod is equipped with a drive unit by a float. It includes at least one attenuator for attenuating or delaying relative movement between the push rod and the drive unit. Such relative movement is such that the push rod and drive unit are, for example, a predetermined movement of the push rod, or some unexpected deviation produced when the rod is subjected to a particular movement process.

The bar feed device is advantageously used in a bar processing system equipped with a processing machine comprising a fastener for receiving a bar, such as a headstock, which is fastened for movement and/or rotation for processing in a processing machine The bar. The push rod of the bar feed device is aligned with the fastener and is coupled to the fastener by movement of the bar and is designed to cooperate with the movement of the fastener (2) by being processed by the machine to be processed Bar. The connection between the bar and the pusher is releasable, such as a clamp connection of a finger grip. When the pusher is attached to the bar, the pusher performs the same motion as the bar and vice versa. For example, when a pusher pushes a bar into a processing machine, or the pusher is pushed by a bar, it is itself driven by a processing machine, such as a fastener.

As described above, a processing machine, such as a lathe, is provided with a bar slidably and rotatably to allow the bar to be machined by a stationary tool of the processing machine. The push rod connected to the bar rotates according to the movement of the bar. This movement is first absorbed from at least one attenuator of the float. This movement can then be transferred to the drive unit. The delay time of the pusher movement can be utilized by the drive unit to reflect the movement of the bar and to drive the pusher, depending on the desired motion, such as correcting the position of the pusher, tightening or compressing the bar, when the bar It is when the fastener is fastened, or even the bar is transported or removed from the processing machine. This delay time delays the movement of the bar relative to the drive unit of the bar feed device. and This delay provides time for the drive unit to react to the movement of the bar. Therefore, the bar feeding device and the bar processing unit according to the present invention allow accurate control of the driving of the pusher of the device for correct processing of the bar. They allow fine-tuning of the push rod position relative to the processing machine and drive unit, but do not destroy the bar, the processing machine or the bar feed device, and the time-consuming separation of the bar from the jig.

The float of the bar feed device is preferably designed for the floating movement of the push rod relative to the drive unit of the push rod, which is axially oriented. Preferably, the push rod and the drive unit are fixedly mounted relative to each other in the direction of rotation and the axial direction of the push rod. This means that the float allows a floating movement direction between the push rod and the drive unit in the direction of the axial direction of the push rod. This ensures that the push rod can be precisely guided relative to the drive unit and the processing machine.

In one embodiment, the attenuator is designed as at least one mechanical spring, in particular a helical spring. Alternatively, for example, a hydraulic attenuator can also be used. However, mechanical springs provide a bar feed device that is structurally simple. Typically the total spring constant of the at least one mechanical spring depends on the force applied to the bar and the speed at which the bar is machined.

For example, the coil spring is disposed around an extension portion that extends either in the push rod or in the drive unit, in the direction of movement of the push rod. The coil spring is disposed at the first portion of the extended portion, and the second portion is automatically disposed at the opposite portion of the front or the push rod or the driving unit (for example, if the spring extends on the push rod at an extended portion thereof, the second portion will automatically The drive unit is selected, which does not include the extension. The spring will be compressed or stretched between the first and second portions as the pusher moves toward the drive unit relative to within the float.

In one embodiment, the float includes a stop abutting between the push rod and the drive unit at respective first and second end positions in respective axial directions. In the end position, the force of the drive unit or the processing machine at the push rod is not buffered or slowed down because of direct contact in the respective directions. This allows for rapid transfer of forces on the push rod and the bar, for example, when the bar is delivered to or removed from the processing machine. The floating range of the float can be defined by the choice of a particular spring constant to which a particular maximum force is applied or by the processing machine or drive unit. Alternatively, the range can be defined by a floating frame designed to be geometric. For example, the stop of the float as above may limit the range of float within the float. The stop can be designed as an abutment step, blocking the wall or other in the drive unit.

In one embodiment, the float of the bar feed device according to the invention comprises an elongate member that can be coupled, for example, to the drive unit. The elongated member includes at least one slot, which may be a through hole or a blind hole. Moreover, the float includes at least one pin, for example extending from the push rod, and the pin is slidably disposed in the slot. Therefore, the number of pins is as much as the slot. The at least one slot extends downwardly toward the direction of movement of the push rod relative to the drive unit. Therefore, the pin that penetrates the slot can move from one end to the other along the length of the slot. And one side of the slot is used to define a guide pin in the direction of movement of the push rod.

In another embodiment, the float of the bar feed device according to the present invention includes a longitudinal inner portion and a sleeve-like outer portion. The inner portion can be coupled to the drive unit and the outer portion can be coupled to the push rod or vice versa. The outer portion slidably receives the inner portion. Preferably, the inner portion extends Outside of at least one end of the outer portion. The at least one attenuator is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion. The attenuator is, for example, an abutting wall disposed in the inner portion and an opposite abutting wall in the outer portion. The attenuator thus slows the movement of the walls relative to each other. Preferably, the attenuator is realized by at least one helical spring disposed between the abutting wall of the inner portion and the opposite abutting wall of the outer portion. The coil spring may be disposed within the outer portion or may be disposed at an extended end of the inner portion.

The drive unit of the bar feed device can be a servo drive or a mechanical drive, which is commonly used for bar feed devices or combinations thereof. A control unit can be provided for moving the drive unit in synchronism with each other to drive the push rod and the fastener of the processing machine. Advantageously, the delay time caused by the mitigating motion as described above is utilized by the control unit for synchronizing the mobile drive unit and the fasteners with each other. In addition, sensor units can be provided for measuring the position of the push rod and the fastener, respectively. At the same time, the sensor unit can provide a position signal to the control unit or directly to the drive unit or to the processing machine for controlling a production position in which the bar is processed by the machine.

In a preferred embodiment, in accordance with the bar processing system of the present invention, the drive unit is controlled such that when the bar is in the production position, the pusher is in the intermediate position of the float, in the first and second end positions between. In the intermediate position, the attenuator can be pre-compressed in the axial direction of the push rod. In the intermediate position, the push rod can be deflected the same distance within the float, in one and its opposite axial directions. Thereby the deviation of a correct production position can be easily and quickly adjusted by the push rod movement, which is guided from the drive unit.

1‧‧‧Bar

2‧‧‧fasteners

3‧‧‧Put

4‧‧‧ finger grip

5‧‧‧ drive unit

6‧‧‧Floating frame

7‧‧‧Attenuator

8‧‧‧Slim components

9‧‧‧Protruding

10‧‧‧Part 1

11‧‧‧Part II

12‧‧‧Department

13‧‧‧Slots

14‧‧ ‧ sales

15‧‧‧ bolt

16‧‧‧First stop

17‧‧‧Second stop

The example embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following drawings, which are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Features of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, and should be considered as a part of the present disclosure, either in its own or in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a bar processing system according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2a-b are schematic views showing an example of a bar feeding device according to the present invention in a first position and a second position, and 3a-c An example of a bar feed device according to the present invention is a longitudinal cut view of a first position (Fig. 3a), a second position (Fig. 3b) and a third position (Fig. 3c).

An important part of an example of a bar processing system in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. The bar 1 is fixed to a fastener 2 of a bar processing machine, such as a headstock. Other details of the bar processing machine can be designed to be generally known and therefore not shown in the figures. Basically the processing machine can be, for example, a lathe, including a rotary drive for rotating the fasteners and bars. And the bar processing machine can include one or more tools for processing the bar into a final or intermediate product. For example, it may be provided with a grinding tool, a milling tool or the like.

The bar 1 is held by a bar feeding device. The bar feed device comprises a movable longitudinal push rod 3, one end of which comprises a finger grip 4 connected to one end of the bar 1. The push rod 3 and the bar 1 are aligned along a common axis. The finger grip 4 can be surrounded by a conventional manner The rest of the push rod is rotated so that the finger grip 4 rotates with the bar 1 and the push bar does not rotate. In addition to the finger grip, the bar 1 can be rotatably coupled to the push rod 3 using any other suitable connector. Moreover, the bar feed device includes a drive unit for moving the push rod 3 to perform a predetermined desired movement of the push rod. The drive unit 5 is a conventional servo drive coupled to the push rod 3 to urge the push rod to move in the axial direction of the push rod. According to the invention, the push rod 3 is coupled to the drive unit 5 by means of a float 6, which comprises at least one attenuator 7 for slowing or retarding the relative movement between the push rod 3 and the drive unit 5. As shown in Figure 1, the drive unit 5 includes an elongate member 8, such as a rod or sleeve, that receives the projection 9 of the push rod 3 in a slot, such as an elongated member, in a floating manner. The elongate member is shown as a coil spring configured coil spring disposed between the first portion 10 of the elongate member 8 and the second portion 11 of the push rod projection 9.

As indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1, the bar 1 is moved in the axial direction by the fastener 2 during processing of the bar, for example by means of a tool of a processing machine. This axial movement is transmitted to the push rod 3, which moves in the axial direction of the elongate member 8, while the projection 9 floats within the elongate member 8.

Figures 2a and 2b show the function of the bar feed device at different locations. In Figure 2a, the bars are delivered to the processing machine and fasteners, respectively, for example by a bar feed device. The drive unit 5 pushes the elongated element 8 in the forward direction towards the processing machine. The projection begins to slide inside the float until it stops at the stop 12 of the elongate member 8. At this point, the projection 9 abuts the elongate member 8 at a first end position within the float. Therefore the putter 3 is The drive unit 5 is pushed forward directly. The attenuator 7 is stretched and the push rod 3 is pulled. After the processing is completed, the same situation occurs when the push rod pulls the rod out of the fastener of the processing machine. In this case, the second portion 11 abuts the first portion 12 and sufficiently compresses the attenuator 7.

Figure 2b shows the pusher 3 and drive unit 5 in a production position in which the bar 1 is in place for processing. In this position, the float holds the projection 9 primarily in the middle of the slot of the elongate member 8. Therefore, the projections can be moved in both axial directions during the processing of the bar 1. The axial machining movement of the bar causes the projection 9 to deflect within the elongated member 8. However, this movement is slowed down by the attenuator 7 relative to the drive unit 5, resulting in a delay time when the moving force is transmitted to the drive unit 5. During this delay time, the drive unit can adjust the position of the elongate member 8 such that the projection 9 is again positioned in the middle of the slot of the elongate member 8.

The float 6 between the drive unit 5 and the push rod 3 allows the servo motor to react to the bar for some time to react. The reaction time of the drive unit 5 can be temporarily compensated by the floating frame 6 by immediately moving the push rod 3 in accordance with the new position of the bar 1 and then letting the drive unit 5 reach the new position. Moreover, the float 6 allows the drive unit 5 to pull the bar 1 forward or backward, measuring the torque of the attenuator 7 when the bar is fully pulled or pushed, and adjusting the float or elongate member 8, respectively. This effectively protects the bar 1 from being lost by being excessively pulled, or being excessively pushed and damaged. Moreover, by varying the size and design of the components of the float, the bar feed device can be adapted for use with a variety of bars having different stiffnesses or lengths.

Figures 3a to 3c show an example of the structure of the bar feed device, the elements associated with the function of the float 6. Same parts are used with the same icon As described in Figure 2. The elongated element 8 comprises two slots 13 . The push rod 3 is connected to the projection 9 by two screws, that is, the pin 14 extending from the projection 9 in the radial direction of the push rod 3. Moreover, another screw is configured in the form of a bolt 15 extending in the longitudinal direction of the elongated member 8, and the bolt 15 includes the first portion 10. The second portion 11 is connected to the projection 9 and extends in the radial direction. The second portion 11 includes a through hole that slidably receives the bolt 15. Thus, the bolt 15 extends from the elongated element 8 through the second portion 11. An attenuator configured in the form of a coil spring 7 is wound around the bolt 15 between the first portion 10 and the second portion 11. When the coil spring 7 is mounted, the spring is screwed onto the bolt 15, and the bolt 15 is inserted through the through hole and screwed into the elongated member 8.

When the push rod and the drive unit move relative to each other, the slot 13 travels in the moving direction of the push rod and the drive unit. The slot 13 and the pin 14 together form a float. Each slot includes a first stop 16 at one end of the slot and a second stop 17 at the other opposite end of the slot. The first and second end positions of the stops 16, 17 in the slot 13 block the floating of the pins. The distance between the first stopper 16 and the second stopper 17 is smaller than the distance between the first portion 10 and the second portion 11. Therefore, the stoppers 16, 17 limit the floating range of the float 6.

In Figure 3a, the bar feed device is in an advanced position. The drive unit 5 pushes the push rod 3 in the longitudinal direction to a processing machine and fasteners such as entering the machine. The pins 14 abut against the first stop 16 to transfer the propulsion motion to the push rod. The coil spring 7 is now stretched.

In Figure 3b, the bar feed device is in a pulled back position. The drive unit 5 pulls the push rod 3 back, and for example from the processing machine Pull out the bar. The pins 14 abut against the second stop 17 to transmit the pulling motion to the push rod 3. The coil spring 7 is now compressed.

In Figure 3c, the bar feed device is in the production position. The pins 14 are located in the middle of the slot 13, and the coil spring 13 is preferably slack. In this production position, the pusher can hold the bar under machining and follow the axial movement of the bar. This axial movement is transmitted to the portion 11 and acts on the coil spring 7, causing attenuation or delaying the movement.

The delay time of the movement during transfer is re-adjusted by the drive unit by axially moving the elongate member 8 such that the pins 14 are again located intermediate the slots 13. If it is necessary to machine the bar, the bar can also be tensioned by the force of the coil spring 7. To this end, the elongate member 8 is positioned relative to the second portion 11 such that the coil spring exerts a force on the first portion 10 and transmits the force on the push rod 3.

Claims (11)

A bar feeding device for feeding a longitudinal bar comprising a movable push rod (3) connected to the bar (1), and a drive unit for pushing the push rod (3) (5) a predetermined movement required to perform the push rod, characterized in that the push rod (3) is connected to the drive unit (5) via a float (6), the float (6) comprising at least An attenuator (7) for slowing or delaying the relative movement between the push rod (3) and the drive unit (5). A bar feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the floating frame (6) is constructed such that the push rod (3) is floatable relative to the driving unit (5) in the axial direction of the push rod. A bar feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the floating frame (6) is constructed such that the push rod and the driving unit (5) are fixedly fixed relative to each other in a rotating direction and a radial direction of the push rod. A bar feed device according to claim 1, wherein the attenuator (7) is constructed as at least one mechanical spring, in particular a helical spring. The bar feeding device of claim 4, wherein the at least one coil spring is disposed to surround an extending portion (15) extending in a direction of movement of the push rod by any one of the push rod or the driving unit, Wherein the coil spring is disposed between the first portion (10) of the extension portion and the second portion (11) of the other of the push rod or drive unit. A bar feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the float comprises a stopper (16; 17) serving as the push rod and the driving unit in each axial direction between the first and second end positions Junction. The bar feeding device of claim 1, wherein the floating frame (6) comprises a thin a long element (8) having at least one slot (13) and at least one pin (14) slidably disposed within the slot, wherein the at least one slot is longitudinally oriented along the push rod (3) ) a direction of movement that moves relative to the drive unit (5). A bar feed device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive unit (5) comprises a servo drive. A bar processing system comprising the bar feeding device of any one of claims 1 to 8 and a processing machine, wherein the processing machine comprises a fixing member (2) for receiving the bar (1), Moving and/or rotating to machine the bar (1), and wherein the push rod (3) of the bar feeding device is aligned with the fixing member (2) and constructed to fit the fixing member (2) Movement, through the bar to be processed by the processing machine (1). A bar processing system according to claim 9, wherein a control unit is provided for synchronously moving the drive unit and the fixing member relative to each other. A bar processing system according to claim 10, wherein the drive unit is controlled such that the push rod (3) is at the first and second end positions of the float when the production position of the bar is processed. The middle position between (6).