JP5030849B2

JP5030849B2 - Shape correction device and shape correction method

Info

Publication number: JP5030849B2
Application number: JP2008112808A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 昭彦中村; 竜二尾崎; 秀和近藤; 恵一伊藤
Original assignee: CVTEC Co Ltd
Current assignee: CVTEC Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-04-23
Filing date: 2008-04-23
Publication date: 2012-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-23
Also published as: JP2009262178A

Description

本発明は、断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正して当該環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づける形状矯正装置および形状矯正方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a shape correction apparatus and a shape correction method for correcting the shape of a metal annular member deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section so that the sectional shape of the annular member approaches a perfect circle.

従来から、無端ベルト状のストリップの矯正装置として、複数のドラムと、これらドラムのうちの少なくとも１つに設けられたテークアップ装置と、複数のドラムのうちの何れか１つに設けられた駆動装置と、複数のドラムに懸架される無端ストリップの軌道上に設けられたローラレベラとを有するものが知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。また、従来から、金属エンドレスベルトの歪み除去装置として、平滑な円周面を有する割型と、当該割型の分割面を円周外方に分離するように設けられるクサビと、割型に着脱自在に取り付けられる拡大制止体とを有するものも知られている（例えば、特許文献２参照）。この歪み除去装置を用いて金属エンドレスベルトの歪みを除去する際には、割型の円周面に圧延加工された金属エンドレスベルトを嵌め込むと共に当該割型を外方に押し拡げて金属エンドレスベルトを緊張させ、この状態で全体を所定時間加熱した後、冷却されて自然収縮した金属エンドレスベルトを割型で支えてから脱型する。
特開昭６１−８８０６０号公報特開昭４９−９５８５８号公報 Conventionally, as an endless belt-shaped strip straightening device, a plurality of drums, a take-up device provided on at least one of these drums, and a drive provided on any one of the plurality of drums One having an apparatus and a roller leveler provided on a track of an endless strip suspended on a plurality of drums is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Conventionally, as a strain relief device for a metal endless belt, a split mold having a smooth circumferential surface, a wedge provided so as to separate the split surface of the split mold outwardly from the circumference, and detachable from the split mold There is also known one having an expansion stop attached thereto (for example, see Patent Document 2). When removing the distortion of the metal endless belt using this distortion removing device, the metal endless belt rolled into the circumferential surface of the split mold is fitted and the split mold is pushed outward to expand the metal endless belt. In this state, the whole is heated for a predetermined time, and then cooled and naturally contracted, the metal endless belt is supported by a split mold and then removed.
JP-A-61-88060 JP-A 49-95858

しかしながら、上記従来の矯正装置や歪み除去装置を用いて金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正する際には、作業員の手により環状部材を矯正装置のドラムに懸架したり、歪み除去装置の円周面に嵌め込んだりする必要がある。このため、例えばベルト式無段変速機の無端ベルトの構成部品として用いられる環状部材の製造に際し、鋼板製のドラムから切り出された後に所定の表面研磨処理が施されたことで断面略楕円状に変形した多数の環状部材を上記従来の矯正装置や歪み除去装置に類する装置を用いて形状矯正しようとすれば、多大な手間を要すると共に矯正装置等への装着時に環状部材を損傷させてしまうおそれもある。 However, when correcting the shape of the metallic annular member using the conventional straightening device or the strain removing device, the annular member is suspended on the drum of the straightening device by the operator's hand, or the circle of the strain removing device. It is necessary to fit in the peripheral surface. For this reason, for example, when manufacturing an annular member used as a component part of an endless belt of a belt-type continuously variable transmission, a predetermined surface polishing process is performed after being cut out from a steel plate drum so that the cross section is substantially elliptical If an attempt is made to correct the shape of a large number of deformed annular members using a device similar to the above-described conventional correction device or distortion removing device, it takes a lot of time and may damage the annular member when attached to the correction device or the like. There is also.

そこで、本発明は、断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正して当該環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づけるための処理の省力化を図ると共に、形状矯正処理に際して環状部材を損傷させてしまうのを抑制することを主目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention aims to save the processing for correcting the shape of the metal annular member deformed to have a substantially elliptical cross section so that the sectional shape of the annular member approaches a perfect circle, The main purpose is to prevent the members from being damaged.

本発明による形状矯正装置および形状矯正方法は、上記主目的を達成するために以下の手段を採っている。 The shape correcting device and the shape correcting method according to the present invention employ the following means in order to achieve the main object.

本発明による形状矯正装置は、
断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正して該環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づける形状矯正装置であって、
所定の搬送手段により所定方向に搬送される前記環状部材の外周面と当接可能に配置される少なくとも１体の第１のローラと、
前記第１のローラを所定方向に回転させることができる第１の回転駆動手段と、
前記環状部材の外周面と当接して該環状部材を前記第１のローラと共に挟持することができるように配置される少なくとも１体の第２のローラと、
前記第２のローラを前記第１のローラと同方向に回転させることができる第２の回転駆動手段と、
前記第１のローラと前記第２のローラとを互いに接近離間させるローラ移動手段と、
前記環状部材が互いに同方向に回転する前記第１および第２のローラにより挟持・圧縮されながら該第１および第２のローラとは逆方向に少なくとも１回転するように前記第１および第２の回転駆動手段と前記ローラ移動手段とを制御する制御手段とを備え、
前記第１のローラの回転軸と前記第２のローラの回転軸との少なくとも何れか一方は、前記環状部材が該第１および第２のローラと逆方向に回転しながら前記搬送手段の搬送面から上昇するように傾けられていることを特徴とする。 The shape correction device according to the present invention is:
A shape correction device that corrects the shape of a metal annular member that has been deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section so that the cross-sectional shape of the annular member approaches a perfect circle,
At least one first roller disposed so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the annular member conveyed in a predetermined direction by a predetermined conveying means;
First rotation driving means capable of rotating the first roller in a predetermined direction;
At least one second roller disposed so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the annular member and sandwich the annular member together with the first roller;
Second rotation driving means capable of rotating the second roller in the same direction as the first roller;
Roller moving means for moving the first roller and the second roller closer to and away from each other;
While the annular member is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers rotating in the same direction, the first and second rollers rotate at least once in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers. Control means for controlling the rotation driving means and the roller moving means,
At least one of the rotation shaft of the first roller and the rotation shaft of the second roller is a conveyance surface of the conveyance means while the annular member rotates in the direction opposite to the first and second rollers. It is characterized by being tilted so as to rise.

この形状矯正装置を用いて断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正する際には、第１のローラと第２のローラとを所定の搬送手段により搬送される環状部材を挟持するように互いに接近させると共に同方向に回転させ、第１および第２のローラにより環状部材を挟持・圧縮しながら当該第１および第２のローラとは逆方向に少なくとも１回転させる。これにより、断面略楕円状に変形した環状部材が第１および第２のローラにより挟持された状態で当該第１および第２のローラとは逆方向に少なくとも１回転する間、環状部材の部位のうち、曲率の小さい部位ほど第１および第２のローラによる圧縮の作用を受けて環状部材の中心軸に向けて大きく変形することになる。従って、特に環状部材が断面略楕円状に変形したことで曲率が小さくなった部位に存在する環状部材の内部歪みを減少させて環状部材の断面形状をより真円に近づけることができる。更に、この形状矯正装置において、第１のローラの回転軸と第２のローラの回転軸との少なくとも何れか一方は、環状部材が当該第１および第２のローラと逆方向に回転しながら搬送路から上昇するように傾けられている。すなわち、環状部材を挟持・圧縮すべく第１および第２のローラを環状部材の外周面と当接させると、環状部材は、互いに同方向に回転する第１および第２のローラによりこれら第１および第２のローラとは逆方向に回転させられると共に、搬送手段の搬送面から離間するように上昇することになる。これにより、回転する第１および第２のローラにより環状部材を挟持・圧縮する間、環状部材が搬送面と接触した状態で回転するのを抑制することができる。この結果、この形状矯正装置によれば、人手により環状部材をドラムや型等に装着したり、人手により環状部材に曲げを加えたりする等の処理を廃して省力化を図りつつ、容易かつ速やかに断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づけると共に、形状矯正処理に際して環状部材を損傷させてしまうのを抑制することが可能となる。 When correcting the shape of the metal annular member deformed to have a substantially elliptical cross section using this shape correcting device, the annular member that is conveyed by the predetermined conveying means between the first roller and the second roller is provided. The first and second rollers are made to approach each other and rotate in the same direction so as to be sandwiched, and the annular member is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers, so that the first and second rollers rotate at least once in the opposite direction. As a result, the annular member deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section is sandwiched between the first and second rollers and is rotated at least once in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers. Of these, the smaller the curvature is, the larger the deformation is toward the central axis of the annular member due to the compression action of the first and second rollers. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the internal distortion of the annular member existing at the portion where the curvature is reduced by deforming the annular member into a substantially elliptical cross section, thereby making the sectional shape of the annular member closer to a perfect circle. Further, in this shape correction device, at least one of the rotation shaft of the first roller and the rotation shaft of the second roller is conveyed while the annular member rotates in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers. It is tilted to rise from the road. That is, when the first and second rollers are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the annular member so as to sandwich and compress the annular member, the annular member is rotated by the first and second rollers rotating in the same direction. The second roller and the second roller are rotated in the opposite direction and are lifted away from the conveying surface of the conveying means. Thereby, while the annular member is sandwiched and compressed by the rotating first and second rollers, the annular member can be prevented from rotating in contact with the conveyance surface. As a result, according to this shape correcting device, it is possible to easily and quickly save labor by eliminating processing such as manually attaching the annular member to a drum or a mold or manually bending the annular member. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the metal annular member deformed into a substantially elliptical shape can be made close to a perfect circle, and damage to the annular member can be suppressed during the shape correction process.

また、前記第１および第２のローラは、円柱状に形成されており、前記第１のローラの回転軸と前記第２のローラの回転軸との少なくとも何れか一方は、前記環状部材が該第１および第２のローラと逆方向に回転しながら前記搬送面から上昇するように鉛直方向に対して所定角度だけ傾けられていてもよい。 The first and second rollers are formed in a columnar shape, and at least one of the rotation shaft of the first roller and the rotation shaft of the second roller is formed by the annular member. The first and second rollers may be tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction so as to rise from the conveyance surface while rotating in the opposite direction.

更に、前記形状矯正装置は、前記環状部材の下側端面が前記搬送面と接触しない程度に該環状部材の上昇を規制する上昇規制手段を更に備えてもよい。これにより、環状部材の下側端面が搬送面と接触しないようにすると共に環状部材が必要以上に上昇するのを規制することが可能となり、第１および第２のローラによる環状部材の上下方向における挟持状態を良好に維持することができる。従って、かかる形状矯正装置によれば、環状部材を第１および第２のローラにより挟持・圧縮された状態で所望回数だけ回転させて環状部材の形状矯正処理を円滑に実行することが可能となる。 Furthermore, the shape correction device may further include a rising restricting means for restricting the rising of the annular member to the extent that the lower end surface of the annular member does not contact the transport surface. This makes it possible to prevent the lower end surface of the annular member from coming into contact with the transport surface and to restrict the annular member from rising more than necessary, and in the vertical direction of the annular member by the first and second rollers. The sandwiched state can be maintained well. Therefore, according to such a shape correcting device, it becomes possible to smoothly execute the shape correcting process of the annular member by rotating the annular member a desired number of times in a state of being sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers. .

また、前記形状矯正装置は、前記第１および第２のローラにより挟持されている前記環状部材が所定領域内に留まっているか否かを判定する判定手段を更に備えてもよく、前記制御手段は、前記判定手段により前記環状部材の一部が前記所定領域外にあると判断されたときに前記環状部材の全体が前記所定領域内に含まれるように前記第１のローラの回転速度と前記第２のローラの回転速度との少なくとも何れか一方を変化させるものであってもよい。これにより、搬送手段の搬送方向における第１および第２のローラによる環状部材の挟持状態を良好に維持することができるので、環状部材を第１および第２のローラにより挟持・圧縮された状態で所望回数だけ回転させて環状部材の形状矯正処理を円滑に実行することが可能となる。 The shape correction device may further include a determination unit that determines whether or not the annular member held by the first and second rollers remains in a predetermined region. The rotation speed of the first roller and the first speed are set so that the entire annular member is included in the predetermined region when the determination unit determines that a part of the annular member is outside the predetermined region. It is also possible to change at least one of the rotational speeds of the two rollers. Thereby, since the holding state of the annular member by the first and second rollers in the carrying direction of the carrying means can be maintained well, the annular member is held and compressed by the first and second rollers. It is possible to smoothly execute the shape correction processing of the annular member by rotating it a desired number of times.

更に、前記環状部材は、鋼板製のドラムから切り出されると共に所定の表面研磨処理が施された薄肉の部材であり、全加工工程の完了後にベルト式無段変速機の無端ベルトの構成部品として用いられるものであってもよい。 Further, the annular member is a thin member cut out from a steel plate drum and subjected to a predetermined surface polishing treatment, and is used as a component part of an endless belt of a belt-type continuously variable transmission after completion of all processing steps. May be used.

本発明による形状矯正方法は、
断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正して該環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づける形状矯正方法であって、
少なくとも何れか一方の回転軸が鉛直方向に対して傾けられている第１のローラと第２のローラとを所定の搬送手段により搬送される前記環状部材を挟持するように互いに接近させると共に互いに同方向に回転させ、前記第１および第２のローラにより前記環状部材を挟持・圧縮しながら前記搬送手段の搬送面から上昇するように該第１および第２のローラとは逆方向に少なくとも１回転させることを特徴とする。 The shape correction method according to the present invention includes:
A shape correction method for correcting the shape of a metal annular member deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section so that the cross sectional shape of the annular member approaches a perfect circle,
At least one of the rotating shafts is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and the first roller and the second roller are brought close to each other so as to sandwich the annular member conveyed by a predetermined conveying means, and the same. At least one rotation in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers so as to rise from the conveying surface of the conveying means while the annular member is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers. It is characterized by making it.

この方法によれば、人手により環状部材をドラムや型等に装着したり、人手により環状部材に曲げを加えたりする等の処理を廃して省力化を図りつつ、容易かつ速やかに断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づけると共に、形状矯正処理に際して環状部材を損傷させてしまうのを抑制することが可能となる。 According to this method, it is possible to easily and quickly make a substantially elliptical cross section while saving labor by eliminating the process of manually mounting the annular member on a drum or a mold or manually bending the annular member. It becomes possible to make the cross-sectional shape of the metal annular member deformed to be close to a perfect circle and to prevent the annular member from being damaged during the shape correction process.

次に、本発明を実施するための最良の形態を実施例を用いて説明する。 Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples.

図１および図２は、それぞれ本発明の一実施例に係る形状矯正装置１０を示す概略構成図である。これらの図面に示す形状矯正装置１０は、ベルト式無段変速機の無端ベルトの構成部品として用いられる金属製の環状部材５０（図３参照）の形状矯正に用いられるものである。具体的には、実施例の形状矯正装置１０は、鋼板製のドラムから切り出されると共に例えばバレル研磨といった所定の表面研磨処理が施されたことで断面略楕円状に変形した環状部材５０の断面形状を真円に近づけるのに用いられるものであり、バレル研磨が施された多数の環状部材５０を搬送する搬送コンベヤ１００のコンベヤベルト１０１上に配置される。図１および図２に示すように、実施例の形状矯正装置１０は、各１体の第１ローラ１１および第２ローラ１２と、第１ローラ１１を回転させることができる第１モータＭ１（第１の回転駆動手段）と、第２ローラ１２を回転させることができる第２モータＭ２（第２の回転駆動手段）と、第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２とを互いに接近離間させるための流体圧シリンダ（ローラ移動手段）２０と、形状矯正装置１０の全体を制御する制御装置（制御手段）３０とを備える。 1 and 2 are schematic configuration diagrams showing a shape correcting device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shape correction device 10 shown in these drawings is used for shape correction of a metal annular member 50 (see FIG. 3) used as a component of an endless belt of a belt type continuously variable transmission. Specifically, the shape correction device 10 according to the embodiment has a cross-sectional shape of the annular member 50 that is cut out from a steel plate drum and deformed into a substantially elliptical cross-section by performing a predetermined surface polishing process such as barrel polishing. Is arranged on a conveyor belt 101 of a conveyor 100 that conveys a large number of annular members 50 that have been subjected to barrel polishing. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the shape correction device 10 of the embodiment includes a first roller 11 and a second roller 12, and a first motor M <b> 1 (first motor) that can rotate the first roller 11. 1 rotation driving means), a second motor M2 (second rotation driving means) capable of rotating the second roller 12, and a fluid for causing the first roller 11 and the second roller 12 to approach and separate from each other. A pressure cylinder (roller moving means) 20 and a control device (control means) 30 for controlling the entire shape correction device 10 are provided.

第１ローラ１１は、例えば樹脂等により円柱状に形成されると共に回転軸１１ａに固定されている。第１ローラ１１の回転軸１１ａは、支持部材１３に固定された軸受により回転自在に支持されると共に、直接あるいは図示しない伝動機構を介して支持部材１３に固定された第１モータＭ１の回転軸に接続される。支持部材１３は、コンベヤベルト１０１上を当該コンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向（搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向、図１および図２における白抜矢印参照）と直交する方向に進退移動可能に配置される。実施例では、コンベヤベルト１０１を挟んで互いに対向するように設置された支柱１５を介して当該コンベヤベルト１０１上に２本のレール１６ｒが平行に架設されており、支持部材１３の下部には、対応したレール１６ｒと共にいわゆるリニアガイドを構成する２個のスライダ１６ｓが所定間隔を置いて互いに平行をなすように固定されている。そして、支持部材１３は、第１ローラ１１を吊り下げるようにして２本のレール１６ｒ上に摺動自在に配置される。 The first roller 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with, for example, resin and is fixed to the rotating shaft 11a. The rotation shaft 11a of the first roller 11 is rotatably supported by a bearing fixed to the support member 13, and is also fixed to the support member 13 directly or via a transmission mechanism (not shown). Connected to. The support member 13 is disposed on the conveyor belt 101 so as to be movable back and forth in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101 (the conveying direction of the conveying conveyor 100, see the white arrow in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the embodiment, two rails 16r are installed in parallel on the conveyor belt 101 via the support columns 15 installed so as to face each other with the conveyor belt 101 interposed therebetween. Two sliders 16s constituting a so-called linear guide together with the corresponding rails 16r are fixed so as to be parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. The support member 13 is slidably disposed on the two rails 16r so as to suspend the first roller 11.

同様に、第２ローラ１２も、例えば樹脂等により第１ローラ１１と同一寸法の円柱状に形成されると共に回転軸１２ａに固定されている。回転軸１２ａは、上記支持部材１３と同様の構成をもった支持部材１４（図２参照）に固定された軸受により回転自在に支持されると共に、直接あるいは図示しない伝動機構を介して支持部材１４に固定された第２モータＭ２の回転軸に接続される。また、支持部材１４も、コンベヤベルト１０１上を当該コンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向と直交する方向に進退移動可能に配置される。すなわち、支持部材１４の下部にも、上記レール１６ｒと共にいわゆるリニアガイドを構成する２個のスライダ１６ｓが所定間隔を置いて互いに平行をなすように固定されている。そして、支持部材１４は、上記支持部材１３と隣り合うと共に第２ローラ１２を第１ローラ１１と対向するように吊り下げた状態で２本のレール１６ｒ上に摺動自在に配置される。 Similarly, the second roller 12 is also formed in a columnar shape having the same dimensions as the first roller 11 with, for example, resin, and is fixed to the rotating shaft 12a. The rotary shaft 12a is rotatably supported by a bearing fixed to a support member 14 (see FIG. 2) having the same configuration as the support member 13, and is supported directly or via a transmission mechanism (not shown). Is connected to the rotating shaft of the second motor M2. The support member 14 is also arranged on the conveyor belt 101 so as to be movable back and forth in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101. In other words, two sliders 16s that constitute a so-called linear guide together with the rail 16r are also fixed to the lower portion of the support member 14 so as to be parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. The support member 14 is slidably disposed on the two rails 16r while being adjacent to the support member 13 and suspending the second roller 12 so as to face the first roller 11.

流体圧シリンダ２０は、例えばエアシリンダあるいは油圧シリンダであり、その一端部が支持部材１３に固定されると共に、他端部が支持部材１４に固定される。これにより、流体圧シリンダ２０のロッドを伸縮（往復動作）させれば、図２に示すように、支持部材１３と支持部材１４とを、すなわち、第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２とをコンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向と直交する方向に互いに接近離間させることが可能となる。なお、レール１６ｒあるいはコンベヤベルト１０１の周囲の適所には、支持部材１３と支持部材１４とを最接近させたとき（圧縮位置にあるとき）、および支持部材１３と支持部材１４とを最離間させたときに（待機位置にあるとき）両者（第１および第２ローラ１１，１２）とコンベヤベルト１０１の中心線を含む鉛直面との間隔が概ね等しくなるようにするための図示しない複数のストッパが配置されている。なお、流体圧シリンダ２０の代わりに、電動アクチュエータや油圧アクチュエータを用いてもよい。 The fluid pressure cylinder 20 is an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, for example. One end of the fluid pressure cylinder 20 is fixed to the support member 13, and the other end is fixed to the support member 14. Accordingly, when the rod of the fluid pressure cylinder 20 is expanded and contracted (reciprocating), the support member 13 and the support member 14, that is, the first roller 11 and the second roller 12 are conveyed as shown in FIG. It becomes possible to approach and separate from each other in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the belt 101. It should be noted that the support member 13 and the support member 14 are brought closest to each other at appropriate positions around the rail 16r or the conveyor belt 101 (when in the compression position), and the support member 13 and the support member 14 are separated from each other. A plurality of stoppers (not shown) for making the distance between the two (first and second rollers 11 and 12) and the vertical plane including the center line of the conveyor belt 101 substantially equal when they are in the standby position Is arranged. Instead of the fluid pressure cylinder 20, an electric actuator or a hydraulic actuator may be used.

ここで、実施例の形状矯正装置１０では、環状部材５０の形状矯正に際して、第１および第２ローラ１１および１２がそれぞれ上からみて反時計回りに基本的に同一の回転速度で回転するように第１モータＭ１または第２モータＭ２により回転駆動される（図２参照）。また、図１に示すように、実施例の第１ローラ１１は、回転軸１１ａがその軸心を含むと共にコンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向（搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向）に延びる鉛直面（コンベヤベルト１０１の表面と直交する面）内において鉛直方向から時計回りに鋭角α（例えば３〜１０°程度）だけ傾くように支持部材１３により支持されている。更に、図１に示すように、実施例の第２ローラ１２は、回転軸１２ａがその軸心を含むと共にコンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向（搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向）に延びる鉛直面内において鉛直方向から反時計回りに鋭角β（例えば３〜１０°程度）だけ傾くように支持部材１４により支持されている。なお、鋭角αと鋭角βとは、実施例では互いに同一の角度とされるが、両者は互いに多少異なる角度であってもよい。 Here, in the shape correction device 10 of the embodiment, when the shape of the annular member 50 is corrected, the first and second rollers 11 and 12 are rotated counterclockwise at basically the same rotational speed as viewed from above. It is rotationally driven by the first motor M1 or the second motor M2 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the first roller 11 according to the embodiment includes a vertical surface (conveyor belt) in which the rotating shaft 11 a includes the shaft center and extends in the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101 (conveying direction of the conveying conveyor 100). 101 is supported by the support member 13 so as to incline by an acute angle α (for example, about 3 to 10 °) clockwise from the vertical direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second roller 12 of the embodiment has a vertical axis in a vertical plane in which the rotating shaft 12 a includes the axis and extends in the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101 (the conveying direction of the conveying conveyor 100). It is supported by the support member 14 so as to be inclined counterclockwise by an acute angle β (for example, about 3 to 10 °). Note that the acute angle α and the acute angle β are the same angle in the embodiment, but they may be slightly different from each other.

また、実施例の形状矯正装置１０は、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２よりも搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向上流側に配置された入口側光電センサユニット１７と、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２よりも搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向下流側に配置された出口側光電センサユニット１８とを含む。入口側光電センサユニット１７および出口側光電センサユニット１８は、それぞれコンベヤベルト１０１を挟んで互いに対向する発光素子と受光素子とを有し、コンベヤベルト１０１の表面と当該表面から所定高さ上方の位置までの範囲内を環状部材５０の一部が通過すると、その旨を示す遮断信号を制御装置３０に与える。実施例において、入口側光電センサユニット１７および出口側光電センサユニット１８は、搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向において両者の中央に第１および第２ローラ１１，１２が位置するように配置される。また、入口側光電センサユニット１７および出口側光電センサユニット１８の搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向における間隔は、断面楕円形状に変形した環状部材５０の平均的な長径の長さを考慮して定められる。更に、実施例の形状矯正装置１０は、コンベヤベルト１０１の表面から所定高さだけ上方（第１および第２ローラ１１，１２の外周面の状態よりも下側）で所定方向に延びる軸周りに回転自在に配置された複数のガイドローラ（上昇規制手段）１９を含む。ガイドローラ１９は、搬送コンベヤ１００により搬送される環状部材５０と干渉しないように配置された支持部材により支持される。 In addition, the shape correction device 10 of the embodiment includes an inlet-side photoelectric sensor unit 17 disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 100 with respect to the first and second rollers 11 and 12, and the first and second rollers 11 and 12. 12 and an outlet side photoelectric sensor unit 18 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 100. The entrance-side photoelectric sensor unit 17 and the exit-side photoelectric sensor unit 18 each have a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element facing each other with the conveyor belt 101 interposed therebetween, and the surface of the conveyor belt 101 and a position above the surface by a predetermined height. When a part of the annular member 50 passes through the range up to this point, a cutoff signal indicating that fact is given to the control device 30. In the embodiment, the entrance-side photoelectric sensor unit 17 and the exit-side photoelectric sensor unit 18 are arranged such that the first and second rollers 11 and 12 are located in the center of both in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 100. Further, the distance between the entrance-side photoelectric sensor unit 17 and the exit-side photoelectric sensor unit 18 in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 100 is determined in consideration of the length of the average major axis of the annular member 50 deformed into an elliptical cross section. Further, the shape correcting device 10 of the embodiment is arranged around an axis extending in a predetermined direction above a predetermined height from the surface of the conveyor belt 101 (lower than the outer peripheral surface state of the first and second rollers 11 and 12). It includes a plurality of guide rollers (upward restricting means) 19 that are rotatably arranged. The guide roller 19 is supported by a support member arranged so as not to interfere with the annular member 50 conveyed by the conveyor 100.

制御装置３０は、何れも図示しないＣＰＵ、各種制御プログラム等を記憶するＲＯＭ、データを一時的に記憶するＲＡＭ、入出力ポート、通信ポート等とを含み、環状部材５０の製造ラインを統括する管理コンピュータと通信ラインを介して接続される。また、制御装置３０の入出力ポートには、適宜必要な駆動回路等を介して上述の第１および第２モータＭ１，Ｍ２や流体圧シリンダ２０、入口側光電センサユニット１７および出口側光電センサユニット１８等が接続される。そして、制御装置３０は、ＲＯＭに記憶された制御プログラムに従うと共に管理コンピュータからの指令信号や入口側光電センサユニット１７および出口側光電センサユニット１８からの遮断信号等に基づいて第１および第２モータＭ１，Ｍ２と流体圧シリンダ２０とを制御する。なお、実施例では、入口側光電センサユニット１７よりも搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向上流側に当該搬送コンベヤ１００により搬送される環状部材５０の形状矯正装置１０に対する流入を許容・規制する開閉ゲート４０が配置されており、制御装置３０は、環状部材５０が１個ずつ形状矯正装置１０（第１および第２ローラ１１，１２の間）へと送り込まれるように当該開閉ゲート４０を開閉制御する。 The control device 30 includes a CPU (not shown), a ROM that stores various control programs, a RAM that temporarily stores data, an input / output port, a communication port, and the like, and a management that controls the production line of the annular member 50. It is connected to the computer via a communication line. The input / output ports of the control device 30 are connected to the first and second motors M1 and M2, the fluid pressure cylinder 20, the inlet-side photoelectric sensor unit 17, and the outlet-side photoelectric sensor unit through appropriate drive circuits. 18 etc. are connected. The control device 30 follows the control program stored in the ROM, and based on the command signal from the management computer, the shut-off signals from the entrance-side photoelectric sensor unit 17 and the exit-side photoelectric sensor unit 18, and the like. M1 and M2 and the fluid pressure cylinder 20 are controlled. In the embodiment, there is an open / close gate 40 that allows and regulates the inflow of the annular member 50 conveyed by the conveyance conveyor 100 to the shape correction device 10 upstream of the entrance-side photoelectric sensor unit 17 in the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor 100. The control device 30 controls the opening and closing gate 40 so that the annular members 50 are fed into the shape correcting device 10 (between the first and second rollers 11 and 12) one by one.

次に、図４から図６を参照しながら、上述の形状矯正装置１０を用いて断面略楕円状に変形した環状部材５０の断面形状を真円に近づける手順について説明する。 Next, a procedure for making the cross-sectional shape of the annular member 50 deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section using the shape correcting device 10 described above close to a perfect circle will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

図４は、実施例の形状矯正装置１０を用いて環状部材５０を形状矯正する際に制御装置３０により実行される形状矯正ルーチンの一例を示すフローチャートである。図４の形状矯正ルーチンの開始に際して、制御装置３０の図示しないＣＰＵは、それぞれ所定の待機位置にある第１および第２ローラ１１，１２が同方向かつ同一の所定回転速度で回転するように第１および第２モータＭ１，Ｍ２を制御すると共に（ステップＳ１００）、下流側から搬送コンベヤ１００により搬送されてくる複数の環状部材５０のうちの１個のみが形状矯正装置１０へと送り込まれるように上述の開閉ゲート４０を開閉制御する（ステップＳ１１０）。なお、この際、形状矯正装置１０への流入が許容されなかった環状部材５０は、開閉ゲート４０の下流側に滞留することになる。次いで、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２の上流側に配置されている入口側光電センサユニット１７から遮断信号を受信した否かを判定し（ステップＳ１２０，Ｓ１３０）、入口側光電センサユニット１７から遮断信号を受信した時点で、図示しないタイマをオンすると共に（ステップＳ１４０）、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２が互いに接近して搬送コンベヤ１００により搬送される環状部材５０を挟持・圧縮するように流体圧シリンダ２０を制御する（ステップＳ１５０）。ステップＳ１５０では、搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送速度等を考慮して、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２がそれぞれ環状部材５０を横（搬送コンベヤ１００の側方）から見たときの中央部付近で外周面５１（図３参照）と当接するように流体圧シリンダ２０のロッドを移動させると共に、第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２との間隔が所定の圧縮時間隔Ｇｃ（図６参照）に保たれるように（ロッドの位置が保持されるように）流体圧シリンダ２０のロッド移動量や加圧力を制御する。なお、圧縮時間隔Ｇｃは、断面楕円形状に変形した環状部材５０の平均的な短径の長さよりも確実に短い間隔とされる。 FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a shape correction routine executed by the control device 30 when the shape of the annular member 50 is corrected using the shape correction device 10 of the embodiment. At the start of the shape correction routine of FIG. 4, the CPU (not shown) of the control device 30 sets the first and second rollers 11 and 12 in the predetermined standby positions to rotate in the same direction and at the same predetermined rotation speed. The first and second motors M1 and M2 are controlled (step S100), and only one of the plurality of annular members 50 transported by the transport conveyor 100 from the downstream side is fed into the shape correcting device 10. The opening / closing gate 40 is controlled to open / close (step S110). At this time, the annular member 50 that is not allowed to flow into the shape correcting device 10 stays on the downstream side of the open / close gate 40. Next, it is determined whether or not a blocking signal has been received from the inlet-side photoelectric sensor unit 17 disposed on the upstream side of the first and second rollers 11 and 12 (steps S120 and S130). When a shut-off signal is received, a timer (not shown) is turned on (step S140), and the first and second rollers 11 and 12 approach each other so as to sandwich and compress the annular member 50 conveyed by the conveyor 100. The fluid pressure cylinder 20 is controlled (step S150). In step S150, in consideration of the transport speed of the transport conveyor 100, the first and second rollers 11 and 12 each have an outer periphery near the center when the annular member 50 is viewed from the side (side of the transport conveyor 100). The rod of the fluid pressure cylinder 20 is moved so as to come into contact with the surface 51 (see FIG. 3), and the interval between the first roller 11 and the second roller 12 is kept at a predetermined compression interval Gc (see FIG. 6). The rod movement amount and the applied pressure of the fluid pressure cylinder 20 are controlled so that the position of the rod is maintained. The compression time interval Gc is surely shorter than the average minor axis length of the annular member 50 deformed to have an elliptical cross section.

ここで、それぞれ同方向かつ同一の回転速度で回転している第１および第２ローラ１１，１２と環状部材５０の外周面５１とが当接すると、図２に示すように、環状部材５０は、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２とは逆方向に回転することになる。また、実施例の形状矯正装置１０では、上述のように、第１ローラ１１の回転軸１１ａが鉛直方向から時計回りに鋭角αだけ傾けられると共に、第２ローラ１２の回転軸１２ａが鉛直方向から反時計回りに鋭角β（＝α）だけ傾けられている。これにより、環状部材５０には、回転する第１および第２ローラ１１，１２から図５（ａ）および（ｂ）に示すような水平成分Ｆｘおよび鉛直上方成分Ｆｚをもった力Ｆが加えられることになる。従って、環状部材５０は、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２と当接すると、互いに同方向に回転する第１および第２ローラ１１，１２によりこれら第１および第２ローラ１１，１２とは逆方向に回転させられると共に、コンベヤベルト１０１の表面（搬送面）から離間し、ガイドローラ１９と当接するまで上昇することになる。この結果、実施例の形状矯正装置１０では、環状部材５０の下側の端面５２（図３参照）がコンベヤベルト１０１の表面と接触したまま当該環状部材５０を回転させてしまうのを抑制することができる。 Here, when the first and second rollers 11 and 12 rotating in the same direction and at the same rotation speed come into contact with the outer peripheral surface 51 of the annular member 50, as shown in FIG. The first and second rollers 11 and 12 rotate in the opposite direction. Further, in the shape correcting device 10 of the embodiment, as described above, the rotation shaft 11a of the first roller 11 is inclined clockwise by an acute angle α from the vertical direction, and the rotation shaft 12a of the second roller 12 is moved from the vertical direction. It is tilted counterclockwise by an acute angle β (= α). As a result, a force F having a horizontal component Fx and a vertical upward component Fz as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is applied to the annular member 50 from the rotating first and second rollers 11 and 12. It will be. Therefore, when the annular member 50 comes into contact with the first and second rollers 11 and 12, the first and second rollers 11 and 12 that rotate in the same direction are opposite to the first and second rollers 11 and 12. And is moved away from the surface (conveying surface) of the conveyor belt 101 and ascends until it contacts the guide roller 19. As a result, in the shape correction apparatus 10 of the embodiment, the lower end surface 52 (see FIG. 3) of the annular member 50 is prevented from rotating the annular member 50 while being in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 101. Can do.

また、第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２とが互いに接近させられて両者の間隔が上記圧縮時間隔Ｇｃに保たれると、図６に示すように、環状部材５０は、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２によりコンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向（搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向）と直交する方向に圧縮されることになる。これにより、断面略楕円状に変形した環状部材５０が第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により挟持された状態で当該第１および第２ローラ１１，１２とは逆方向に回転すると、環状部材５０の部位のうち、曲率の小さい部位ほど第１および第２ローラ１１，１２による圧縮の作用を受けて環状部材５０の中心軸に向けて大きく変形することになる。従って、特に環状部材５０が断面略楕円状に変形したことで曲率が小さくなった部位に存在する環状部材の内部歪みを減少させることが可能となり、更に上述の圧縮時間隔Ｇｃや流体圧シリンダ２０による加圧力を環状部材５０の特性等を考慮して適切に定めておくことにより、環状部材５０を塑性領域まで変形させて環状部材５０の全周にわたる曲率をより均一にすることができる。 Further, when the first roller 11 and the second roller 12 are brought close to each other and the distance between them is maintained at the compression interval Gc, as shown in FIG. The rollers 11 and 12 are compressed in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101 (the conveying direction of the conveying conveyor 100). As a result, when the annular member 50 deformed to have an approximately elliptical cross section is rotated in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers 11 and 12 while being sandwiched between the first and second rollers 11 and 12, the annular member 50. Of these parts, the part with the smaller curvature is subjected to the compression action by the first and second rollers 11 and 12 and is largely deformed toward the central axis of the annular member 50. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the internal distortion of the annular member existing at the portion where the curvature is reduced by deforming the annular member 50 into a substantially elliptical cross section, and further, the compression time interval Gc and the fluid pressure cylinder 20 described above. By appropriately determining the pressure applied by considering the characteristics of the annular member 50 and the like, the annular member 50 can be deformed to the plastic region and the curvature of the entire circumference of the annular member 50 can be made more uniform.

さて、上述のステップＳ１５０の処理を実行したならば、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２の上流側に配置されている入口側光電センサユニット１７と第１および第２ローラ１１，１２の下流側に配置されている出口側光電センサユニット１８との何れかから遮断信号を受信した否かを判定し（ステップＳ１６０，Ｓ１７０）、入口側光電センサユニット１７と出口側光電センサユニット１８との何れかから遮断信号を受信している場合には、第１ローラ１１すなわち第１モータＭ１の回転速度を調整する（ステップＳ１８０）。実施例では、ステップＳ１７０にて入口側光電センサユニット１７から遮断振動を受信したと判断された場合、第１モータＭ１の回転速度を所定速度だけ（若干）低下させ、ステップＳ１７０にて出口側光電センサユニット１８から遮断振動を受信したと判断された場合、第１モータＭ１の回転速度を所定速度だけ（若干）高めることとした。これにより、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により挟持・圧縮されて回転する環状部材５０が搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向上流側に移動して入口側光電センサユニット１７の信号光を遮ると、第２ローラ１２の回転速度が一定に保たれたまま第１ローラ１１の回転速度が低下することから、環状部材５０を搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向下流側に移動させて第１および第２ローラ１１，１２によって確実に挟持されるようにすることができる。また、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により挟持・圧縮されて回転する環状部材５０が搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向下流側に移動して出口側光電センサユニット１８の信号光を遮ると、第２ローラ１２の回転速度が一定に保たれたまま第１ローラ１１の回転速度が高まることから、環状部材５０を搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向上流側に移動させて第１および第２ローラ１１，１２によって確実に挟持されるようにすることができる。 Now, if the process of above-mentioned step S150 is performed, the downstream side of the entrance side photoelectric sensor unit 17 and the 1st and 2nd rollers 11 and 12 arrange | positioned in the upstream of the 1st and 2nd rollers 11 and 12 It is determined whether or not a cut-off signal has been received from any one of the outlet side photoelectric sensor units 18 arranged in (Steps S160 and S170), and either the inlet side photoelectric sensor unit 17 or the outlet side photoelectric sensor unit 18 is determined. If the cutoff signal is received from, the rotational speed of the first roller 11, that is, the first motor M1 is adjusted (step S180). In the embodiment, when it is determined that the cutoff vibration is received from the inlet side photoelectric sensor unit 17 in step S170, the rotational speed of the first motor M1 is decreased (slightly) by a predetermined speed, and in step S170, the outlet side photoelectric sensor is reduced. When it is determined that the cutoff vibration has been received from the sensor unit 18, the rotational speed of the first motor M1 is increased (slightly) by a predetermined speed. As a result, when the annular member 50 that is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers 11 and 12 and rotates is moved upstream in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 100 to block the signal light from the entrance-side photoelectric sensor unit 17, Since the rotation speed of the first roller 11 decreases while the rotation speed of the two rollers 12 is kept constant, the first and second rollers 11, 11 are moved by moving the annular member 50 downstream in the conveyance direction of the conveyor 100. 12 can be surely held between the two. Further, when the annular member 50 that is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers 11 and 12 and rotates is moved downstream in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 100 to block the signal light of the outlet-side photoelectric sensor unit 18, the second Since the rotation speed of the first roller 11 is increased while the rotation speed of the roller 12 is kept constant, the annular member 50 is moved to the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 100 and is moved by the first and second rollers 11 and 12. It can be surely clamped.

ステップＳ１８０の処理の後、またステップＳ１７０にて否定判断がなされた後、図示しないタイマの計時時間ｔが予め定められた処理時間ｔｒｅｆ以上であるか否かを判定する（ステップＳ１９０）。処理時間ｔｒｅｆは、環状部材５０を第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により挟持・圧縮しながら回転させる時間を実質的に示すものであり、実施例では、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２の回転速度等を考慮して環状部材５０が３回転程度回転する時間として定められている。そして、タイマの計時時間ｔが当該圧縮時間ｔｒｅｆ未満であれば、再度ステップＳ１６０〜Ｓ１８０の処理を繰り返す。また、タイマの計時時間ｔが当該圧縮時間ｔｒｅｆ以上になると、タイマをリセットした上で（ステップＳ２００）、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２が互いに離間してそれぞれの待機位置に戻るように流体圧シリンダ２０を制御する（ステップＳ２１０）。これにより、それまで第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により挟持されていた環状部材５０がコンベヤベルト１０１上に落下すると共に搬送コンベヤ１００により形状矯正装置１０の下流側へと搬送されていくことになる。そして、この際には、図６に示すように、形状矯正前に断面略楕円状に変形していた環状部材５０の断面形状が真円により近づけられていることになるので、形状矯正後の環状部材５０を下流側へと搬送する際に引っ掛かり等を生じて環状部材の搬送に支障をきたすのを抑制することが可能となる。 After the processing in step S180 and after a negative determination is made in step S170, it is determined whether or not the time t of a timer (not shown) is equal to or longer than a predetermined processing time tref (step S190). The processing time tref substantially indicates a time during which the annular member 50 is rotated while being sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers 11 and 12. In the embodiment, the processing time tref is the time of the first and second rollers 11 and 12. It is determined as the time for which the annular member 50 rotates about three times in consideration of the rotation speed and the like. If the timer time t is less than the compression time tref, the processes in steps S160 to S180 are repeated again. When the timer time t is equal to or greater than the compression time tref, the timer is reset (step S200), and the first and second rollers 11 and 12 are separated from each other and returned to their standby positions. The pressure cylinder 20 is controlled (step S210). As a result, the annular member 50 that has been held by the first and second rollers 11 and 12 until then falls on the conveyor belt 101 and is conveyed to the downstream side of the shape correction device 10 by the conveyor 100. Become. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional shape of the annular member 50 that has been deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section before the shape correction is made closer to a perfect circle. It becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of a hindrance or the like in the transportation of the annular member by causing a catch or the like when the annular member 50 is transported downstream.

ステップＳ２１０の処理の後、管理コンピュータ等からの指令信号や作業員による入力信号等に基づいて環状部材５０の形状矯正を終了させるべきか否かを判定し（ステップＳ２２０）、形状矯正を続行すべき場合には、上述のステップＳ１００以降の処理を再度実行する。また、ステップＳ２２０にて形状矯正を終了させるべきと判断した場合には、第１および第２モータＭ１，Ｍ２の回転を停止させた上で（ステップＳ２３０）、本ルーチンを終了させる。 After the process of step S210, it is determined whether or not the shape correction of the annular member 50 should be terminated based on a command signal from the management computer or the like, an input signal from the worker, or the like (step S220), and the shape correction is continued. If it should be, the above-described processing after step S100 is executed again. If it is determined in step S220 that the shape correction should be terminated, the rotation of the first and second motors M1 and M2 is stopped (step S230), and this routine is terminated.

以上説明したように、実施例の形状矯正装置１０を用いて断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材５０の断面形状を真円に近づける際には、第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２とを所定回転速度で同方向に回転させると共に（ステップＳ１００）、流体圧シリンダ２０により環状部材５０を挟持するように互いに接近させ、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により環状部材５０を挟持・圧縮しながら当該第１および第２ローラ１２とは逆方向に少なくとも１回転させる（ステップＳ１５０〜Ｓ１９０）。これにより、断面略楕円状に変形した環状部材５０が第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により挟持された状態で当該第１および第２ローラ１１，１２とは逆方向に少なくとも１回転する間、環状部材５０の部位のうち、曲率の小さい部位ほど第１および第２ローラ１１，１２による圧縮の作用を受けて環状部材５０の中心軸に向けて大きく変形することになる。従って、特に環状部材５０が断面略楕円状に変形したことで曲率が小さくなった部位に存在する環状部材５０の内部歪みを減少させて環状部材５０の断面形状をより真円に近づけることができる。この結果、形状矯正装置１０によれば、人手により環状部材５０をドラムや型等に装着したり、人手により環状部材５０に曲げを加えたりする等の処理を廃して省力化を図ると共に、容易かつ速やかに断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材５０の断面形状を真円に近づけることが可能となる。 As described above, the first roller 11 and the second roller 12 are used when the cross-sectional shape of the metal annular member 50 deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section is approximated to a perfect circle using the shape correcting device 10 of the embodiment. Are rotated in the same direction at a predetermined rotational speed (step S100), and the annular member 50 is brought close to the fluid pressure cylinder 20 so that the annular member 50 is sandwiched between the first and second rollers 11 and 12. The first and second rollers 12 are rotated at least once in the opposite direction while being compressed (steps S150 to S190). Thereby, while the annular member 50 deformed to have a substantially elliptical cross section is sandwiched between the first and second rollers 11 and 12, the first and second rollers 11 and 12 rotate at least once in the opposite direction. Of the portions of the annular member 50, the smaller the curvature, the greater the deformation toward the central axis of the annular member 50 due to the compression action of the first and second rollers 11 and 12. Accordingly, in particular, the internal shape of the annular member 50 existing at the portion where the curvature has become small due to the annular member 50 being deformed into a substantially elliptical shape can be reduced, and the sectional shape of the annular member 50 can be made closer to a perfect circle. . As a result, according to the shape correction device 10, it is possible to save labor by eliminating processing such as manually attaching the annular member 50 to a drum or a mold or bending the annular member 50 manually. And it becomes possible to make the cross-sectional shape of the metal annular member 50 quickly deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section close to a perfect circle.

また、実施例の形状矯正装置１０では、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２が、搬送手段としての搬送コンベヤ１００により図１および図２の白抜矢印で示す方向に搬送される環状部材５０をコンベヤベルト１０１の両側から挟持することができるように配置されている。これにより、開閉ゲート４０を所定間隔で開閉させることにより、搬送コンベヤ１００により搬送される環状部材５０を互いに同方向に回転する第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により順次挟持・圧縮していくことで、断面略楕円状に変形した多数の環状部材５０の断面形状を人手を介すことなく容易かつ速やかに真円に近づけることが可能となる。 Moreover, in the shape correction apparatus 10 of an Example, the 1st and 2nd rollers 11 and 12 carry out the cyclic | annular member 50 conveyed in the direction shown by the white arrow of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 by the conveyance conveyor 100 as a conveyance means. It arrange | positions so that it can clamp from the both sides of the conveyor belt 101. FIG. Thus, the annular gate 50 conveyed by the conveyor 100 is sequentially sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers 11 and 12 rotating in the same direction by opening and closing the opening / closing gate 40 at predetermined intervals. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the large number of annular members 50 deformed into a substantially elliptical cross-section can be brought close to a perfect circle easily and quickly without manual intervention.

更に、実施例の形状矯正装置１０において、第１ローラ１１の回転軸１１ａと第２ローラ１２の回転軸１２ａとは、環状部材５０が当該第１および第２ローラ１１，１２と逆方向に回転しながらコンベヤベルト１０１から上昇するように傾けられている。すなわち、環状部材５０を挟持・圧縮すべく第１および第２ローラ１１，１２を環状部材５０の外周面５１と当接させると、環状部材５０は、互いに同方向に回転する第１および第２ローラ１１，１２によりこれら第１および第２ローラ１１，１２とは逆方向に回転させられると共に、コンベヤベルト１０１の表面から離間するように上昇することになる。これにより、回転する第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により環状部材５０を挟持・圧縮する間、環状部材５０の下側の端面５２がコンベヤベルト１０１の表面と接触した状態で回転するのを抑制することができる。従って、形状矯正装置１０によれば、環状部材５０の断面形状を真円に近づけるための処理の省力化を図ると共に、形状矯正処理に際して環状部材５０、特にその端面５２を損傷させてしまうのを抑制することが可能となる。なお、必ずしも第１ローラ１１の回転軸１１ａと第２ローラ１２の回転軸１２ａとの双方を環状部材５０が回転しながらコンベヤベルト１０１から上昇するように傾ける必要はなく、第１ローラ１１の回転軸１１ａと第２ローラ１２の回転軸１２ａとの何れか一方のみを環状部材５０が回転しながらコンベヤベルト１０１から上昇するように傾けてもよい。 Further, in the shape correction device 10 of the embodiment, the rotation member 11 of the first roller 11 and the rotation shaft 12a of the second roller 12 are rotated in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers 11 and 12 by the annular member 50. However, it is inclined to rise from the conveyor belt 101. That is, when the first and second rollers 11 and 12 are brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface 51 of the annular member 50 so as to sandwich and compress the annular member 50, the annular member 50 rotates in the same direction as each other. The rollers 11 and 12 are rotated in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers 11 and 12 and are lifted away from the surface of the conveyor belt 101. Thereby, while the annular member 50 is sandwiched and compressed by the rotating first and second rollers 11 and 12, the rotation of the lower end surface 52 of the annular member 50 in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 101 is suppressed. can do. Therefore, according to the shape correcting device 10, it is possible to save the processing for making the cross-sectional shape of the annular member 50 close to a perfect circle, and to damage the annular member 50, particularly the end face 52, during the shape correcting process. It becomes possible to suppress. Note that it is not always necessary to incline both the rotating shaft 11a of the first roller 11 and the rotating shaft 12a of the second roller 12 so that the annular member 50 is raised from the conveyor belt 101 while the annular member 50 rotates. Only one of the shaft 11a and the rotating shaft 12a of the second roller 12 may be inclined so that the annular member 50 is raised from the conveyor belt 101 while rotating.

また、実施例の形状矯正装置１０は、環状部材５０の下側の端面５２がコンベヤベルト１０１の表面と接触しない程度に当該環状部材５０の上昇を規制するガイドローラ１９を有している。これにより、環状部材５０の下側の端面５２がコンベヤベルト１０１の表面と接触しないようにすると共に環状部材５０が必要以上に上昇するのを規制することが可能となり、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２による環状部材５０の上下方向における挟持状態を良好に維持することができる。従って、形状矯正装置１０によれば、環状部材５０を第１および第２ローラ１１，１２により挟持・圧縮された状態で所望回数だけ回転させて環状部材５０の形状矯正処理を円滑に実行することが可能となる。 Further, the shape correcting device 10 of the embodiment includes the guide roller 19 that regulates the ascent of the annular member 50 so that the lower end surface 52 of the annular member 50 does not contact the surface of the conveyor belt 101. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the lower end surface 52 of the annular member 50 from coming into contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 101 and to restrict the annular member 50 from rising more than necessary, and the first and second rollers 11. , 12 can maintain a good clamping state of the annular member 50 in the vertical direction. Therefore, according to the shape correction device 10, the shape correction processing of the annular member 50 is smoothly performed by rotating the annular member 50 a desired number of times while being held and compressed by the first and second rollers 11 and 12. Is possible.

更に、実施例の形状矯正装置１０では、環状部材５０の形状矯正の実行中、第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２とにより挟持されている環状部材５０が所定領域すなわち入口側光電センサユニット１７による検知範囲と出口側光電センサユニット１８による検知範囲との間の領域内に留まっているか否かが判定される（ステップＳ１６０，Ｓ１７０）。そして、環状部材５０の一部が上記所定領域外にあると判断されたときには、環状部材５０の全体が当該所定領域内に含まれるように第１ローラ１１の回転速度が調整される（ステップＳ１８０）。これにより、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２による環状部材５０の挟持状態を良好に維持することができるので、環状部材５０を第１および第２ローラ１２により挟持・圧縮された状態で所望回数だけ回転させて環状部材５０の形状矯正処理を円滑に実行することが可能となる。なお、ステップＳ１８０では、第１ローラ１１すなわち第１モータＭ１の回転速度を調整する代わりに、第２ローラ１２すなわち第２モータＭ２の回転速度を調整してもよく、第１および第２ローラ１１，１２（第１および第２モータＭ１，Ｍ２）の双方の回転速度を調整してもよい。 Furthermore, in the shape correction apparatus 10 of the embodiment, during the execution of the shape correction of the annular member 50, the annular member 50 sandwiched between the first roller 11 and the second roller 12 is in a predetermined region, that is, by the entrance side photoelectric sensor unit 17. It is determined whether or not the detection range remains within the region between the detection range and the detection range by the outlet photoelectric sensor unit 18 (steps S160 and S170). When it is determined that a part of the annular member 50 is outside the predetermined area, the rotation speed of the first roller 11 is adjusted so that the entire annular member 50 is included in the predetermined area (step S180). ). Thus, the state in which the annular member 50 is sandwiched by the first and second rollers 11 and 12 can be satisfactorily maintained, so that the annular member 50 is held and compressed by the first and second rollers 12 a desired number of times. It is possible to smoothly execute the shape correction processing of the annular member 50 by rotating only by the rotation amount. In step S180, instead of adjusting the rotation speed of the first roller 11, that is, the first motor M1, the rotation speed of the second roller 12, that is, the second motor M2, may be adjusted. , 12 (first and second motors M1, M2) may be adjusted.

なお、実施例の形状矯正装置１０は、鋼板製のドラムから切り出されると共に所定の表面研磨処理が施された薄肉の部材であって全加工工程の完了後にベルト式無段変速機の無端ベルトの構成部品として用いられる環状部材５０を形状矯正するものとして説明されたが、形状矯正装置１０を実施例の環状部材５０以外の環状体に適用し得ることはいうまでもない。 The shape correcting device 10 of the embodiment is a thin-walled member cut out from a steel plate drum and subjected to a predetermined surface polishing treatment, and after the completion of all processing steps, the endless belt of the belt type continuously variable transmission Although the annular member 50 used as a component has been described as correcting the shape, it goes without saying that the shape correcting device 10 can be applied to an annular body other than the annular member 50 of the embodiment.

図７は、本発明の変形例に係る形状矯正装置１０Ｂの概略構成図である。同図に示す形状矯正装置１０Ｂは、１体の第１ローラ１１と、所定間隔をおいて環状部材５０の搬送方向に並設される２体の第２ローラ１２１および１２２とを備えるものである。図７に示すように、第１ローラ１１は、２体の第２ローラ１２１および１２２の間隙と対向するように配置される。また、第１ローラ１１は、上記形状矯正装置１０の場合と同様に、回転軸１１ａがその軸心を含むと共にコンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向（搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向）に延びる鉛直面（コンベヤベルト１０１の表面と直交する面）内において鉛直方向から時計回りに所定角度（例えば３〜１０°程度）だけ傾くように支持部材１３により支持されている。更に、第２ローラ１２１および１２２は、それぞれの回転軸１２ａがその軸心を含むと共にコンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向（搬送コンベヤ１００の搬送方向）に延びる鉛直面内において鉛直方向から反時計回りに所定角度（例えば３〜１０°程度）だけ傾くように支持部材１３と同様の図示しない支持部材により支持されている。また、２体の第２ローラ１２１および１２２の回転軸１２ａは、それぞれ図示しない伝動機構を介して支持部材に固定された第２モータＭ２の回転軸に接続される。このように構成される形状矯正装置１０Ｂでは、各１体の第１および第２ローラ１１，１２とが互いに対向するように配置される形状矯正装置１０に比べて、環状部材５０をより安定に挟持すると共に第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２１および１２２とをコンベヤベルト１０１の延在方向と直交する方向においてより近接させることができるので、第１ローラ１１と第２ローラ１２１および１２２とによる環状部材５０の圧縮状態をより適正なものとすることが可能となる。 FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a shape correcting device 10B according to a modification of the present invention. The shape correction device 10B shown in the figure includes one first roller 11 and two second rollers 121 and 122 arranged in parallel in the conveying direction of the annular member 50 at a predetermined interval. . As shown in FIG. 7, the first roller 11 is disposed so as to face the gap between the two second rollers 121 and 122. As in the case of the shape correction device 10, the first roller 11 has a vertical surface (conveyor) in which the rotating shaft 11 a includes the axis thereof and extends in the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101 (conveying direction of the conveying conveyor 100). The belt is supported by the support member 13 so as to incline by a predetermined angle (for example, about 3 to 10 °) clockwise from the vertical direction in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the belt 101. Further, the second rollers 121 and 122 are counterclockwise from the vertical direction in the vertical plane in which the respective rotating shafts 12a include the axis thereof and extend in the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101 (the conveying direction of the conveying conveyor 100). It is supported by a support member (not shown) similar to the support member 13 so as to be inclined by a predetermined angle (for example, about 3 to 10 °). Further, the rotation shafts 12a of the two second rollers 121 and 122 are connected to the rotation shaft of the second motor M2 fixed to the support member via a transmission mechanism (not shown). In the shape correcting device 10B configured as described above, the annular member 50 is made more stable as compared with the shape correcting device 10 in which each of the first and second rollers 11 and 12 is disposed to face each other. Since the first roller 11 and the second rollers 121 and 122 can be brought closer to each other in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the conveyor belt 101, the first roller 11 and the second rollers 121 and 122 are annularly formed. It becomes possible to make the compression state of the member 50 more appropriate.

以上、実施例を用いて本発明の実施の形態について説明したが、本発明は上記実施例に何ら限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において、様々な変更をなし得ることはいうまでもない。 The embodiments of the present invention have been described above using the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

本発明は、ベルト式無段変速機の無端ベルトの構成部品といったような金属製の環状部材の製造産業等において利用可能である。 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in the manufacturing industry of a metal annular member such as a component part of an endless belt of a belt type continuously variable transmission.

本発明の一実施例に係る形状矯正装置１０の概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram of the shape correction apparatus 10 which concerns on one Example of this invention. 図１の形状矯正装置１０を上方からみた状態を示す概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram which shows the state which looked at the shape correction apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 from upper direction. 図１および図２の形状矯正装置１０が取り扱い可能な環状部材５０の一例を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows an example of the annular member 50 which the shape correction apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can handle. 実施例の形状矯正装置１０を用いて環状部材５０を形状矯正する際に制御装置３０により実行される形状矯正ルーチンの一例を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows an example of the shape correction routine performed by the control apparatus 30 when shape-correcting the annular member 50 using the shape correction apparatus 10 of an Example. （ａ）および（ｂ）は、形状矯正装置１０による環状部材５０の形状矯正を説明する説明図である。(A) And (b) is explanatory drawing explaining the shape correction of the annular member 50 by the shape correction apparatus 10. FIG. 形状矯正装置１０による環状部材５０の形状矯正を説明する説明図である。It is explanatory drawing explaining the shape correction of the annular member 50 by the shape correction apparatus 10. FIG. 変形例に係る形状矯正装置１０Ｂの概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram of the shape correction apparatus 10B which concerns on a modification.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１０，１０Ｂ形状矯正装置、１１第１ローラ、１１ａ回転軸、１２，１２１，１２２第２ローラ、１２ａ回転軸、１３，１４支持部材、１５支柱、１６ｒレール、１６ｓスライダ、１７入口側光電センサユニット、１８出口側光電センサユニット、１９ガイドローラ、２０流体圧シリンダ、３０制御装置、４０開閉ゲート、５０環状部材、５１外周面、５２端面、１００搬送コンベヤ、１０１コンベヤベルト、Ｍ１第１モータ、Ｍ２第２モータ。 10, 10B shape correction device, 11 first roller, 11a rotating shaft, 12, 121, 122 second roller, 12a rotating shaft, 13, 14 support member, 15 strut, 16r rail, 16s slider, 17 inlet side photoelectric sensor unit , 18 Outlet side photoelectric sensor unit, 19 guide roller, 20 fluid pressure cylinder, 30 control device, 40 opening / closing gate, 50 annular member, 51 outer peripheral surface, 52 end surface, 100 conveyor, 101 conveyor belt, M1 first motor, M2 Second motor.

Claims

断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正して該環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づける形状矯正装置であって、
所定の搬送手段により所定方向に搬送される前記環状部材の外周面と当接可能に配置される少なくとも１体の第１のローラと、
前記第１のローラを所定方向に回転させることができる第１の回転駆動手段と、
前記環状部材の外周面と当接して該環状部材を前記第１のローラと共に挟持することができるように配置される少なくとも１体の第２のローラと、
前記第２のローラを前記第１のローラと同方向に回転させることができる第２の回転駆動手段と、
前記第１のローラと前記第２のローラとを互いに接近離間させるローラ移動手段と、
前記環状部材が互いに同方向に回転する前記第１および第２のローラにより挟持・圧縮されながら該第１および第２のローラとは逆方向に少なくとも１回転するように前記第１および第２の回転駆動手段と前記ローラ移動手段とを制御する制御手段とを備え、
前記第１のローラの回転軸と前記第２のローラの回転軸との少なくとも何れか一方は、前記環状部材が該第１および第２のローラと逆方向に回転しながら前記搬送手段の搬送面から上昇するように傾けられていることを特徴とする形状矯正装置。 A shape correction device that corrects the shape of a metal annular member that has been deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section so that the cross-sectional shape of the annular member approaches a perfect circle,
At least one first roller disposed so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the annular member conveyed in a predetermined direction by a predetermined conveying means;
First rotation driving means capable of rotating the first roller in a predetermined direction;
At least one second roller disposed so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the annular member and sandwich the annular member together with the first roller;
Second rotation driving means capable of rotating the second roller in the same direction as the first roller;
Roller moving means for moving the first roller and the second roller closer to and away from each other;
While the annular member is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers rotating in the same direction, the first and second rollers rotate at least once in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers. Control means for controlling the rotation driving means and the roller moving means,
At least one of the rotation shaft of the first roller and the rotation shaft of the second roller is a conveyance surface of the conveyance means while the annular member rotates in the direction opposite to the first and second rollers. An orthodontic device that is tilted so as to rise.

請求項１に記載の形状矯正装置において、
前記第１および第２のローラは、円柱状に形成されており、前記第１のローラの回転軸と前記第２のローラの回転軸との少なくとも何れか一方は、前記環状部材が該第１および第２のローラと逆方向に回転しながら前記搬送面から上昇するように鉛直方向に対して所定角度だけ傾けられている形状矯正装置。 The shape correction apparatus according to claim 1,
The first and second rollers are formed in a cylindrical shape, and at least one of the rotation shaft of the first roller and the rotation shaft of the second roller is formed by the annular member. And a shape correction device that is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction so as to rise from the conveying surface while rotating in the opposite direction to the second roller.

請求項１または２に記載の形状矯正装置において、
前記環状部材の下側端面が前記搬送面と接触しない程度に該環状部材の上昇を規制する上昇規制手段を更に備える形状矯正装置。 The shape correction apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A shape correction device further comprising a rising restricting means for restricting the rising of the annular member to such an extent that the lower end surface of the annular member does not come into contact with the transport surface.

請求項１から３の何れか一項に記載の形状矯正装置において、
前記第１および第２のローラにより挟持されている前記環状部材が所定領域内に留まっているか否かを判定する判定手段を更に備え、
前記制御手段は、前記判定手段により前記環状部材の一部が前記所定領域外にあると判断されたときに前記環状部材の全体が前記所定領域内に含まれるように前記第１のローラの回転速度と前記第２のローラの回転速度との少なくとも何れか一方を変化させる形状矯正装置。 In the shape correction apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3,
A determination means for determining whether or not the annular member held by the first and second rollers remains in a predetermined region;
The control means rotates the first roller so that the entire annular member is included in the predetermined area when the determination means determines that a part of the annular member is outside the predetermined area. A shape correction device that changes at least one of a speed and a rotation speed of the second roller.

請求項１から４の何れか一項に記載の形状矯正装置において、
前記環状部材は、鋼板製のドラムから切り出されると共に所定の表面研磨処理が施された薄肉の部材であり、全加工工程の完了後にベルト式無段変速機の無端ベルトの構成部品として用いられる形状矯正装置。 In the shape correction apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4,
The annular member is a thin-walled member cut out from a steel plate drum and subjected to a predetermined surface polishing treatment, and is used as a component of an endless belt of a belt-type continuously variable transmission after the completion of all processing steps. Straightening device.

断面略楕円状に変形した金属製の環状部材の形状を矯正して該環状部材の断面形状を真円に近づける形状矯正方法であって、
少なくとも何れか一方の回転軸が鉛直方向に対して傾けられている第１のローラと第２のローラとを所定の搬送手段により搬送される前記環状部材を挟持するように互いに接近させると共に互いに同方向に回転させ、前記第１および第２のローラにより前記環状部材を挟持・圧縮しながら前記搬送手段の搬送面から上昇するように該第１および第２のローラとは逆方向に少なくとも１回転させることを特徴とする形状矯正方法。 A shape correction method for correcting the shape of a metal annular member deformed into a substantially elliptical cross section so that the cross sectional shape of the annular member approaches a perfect circle,
At least one of the rotating shafts is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, and the first roller and the second roller are brought close to each other so as to sandwich the annular member conveyed by a predetermined conveying means, and the same. At least one rotation in the opposite direction to the first and second rollers so as to rise from the conveying surface of the conveying means while the annular member is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second rollers. A shape correction method characterized in that