Patent GB-1483358-A (GB)
Title: Method and apparatus for automatic straightening
IPC: B30B15/26
Filed: 1974-09-13
Abstract: 1483358 Straightening metal workpieces EITEL KG WERKZEUGMASCHINENFAB. RIK 13 Sept 1974 [17 Sept 1973] 40090/74 Heading B3E In a method of automatically straightening an elongated and at least partially rotationally symmetrical workpiece, e.g. a crank-shaft or cam-shaft in which a sequence of tool strokes are applied to the workpiece at a station, deviation of the workpiece from straightness is detected and cured by rotating it through one revolution while sensing the displacement of a part of the workpiece, storing the maximum and minimum values of the displacement, finding the mean of those values, further turning the workpiece and comparing the sensed displacement with that mean, detecting a change of sign of the difference and then further turning the workpiece so that it is convex towards the straightening tool, comparing the sensed displacement with the mean and applying a first straightening stroke if the difference exceeds a preset straightness tolerance value, again comparing the displacement with the mean, and if the tolerance is still exceeded applying a further stroke of a depth increased over the first stroke by the difference, and repeating this, lengthening the tool stroke by the measured difference each time until the difference is within the tolerance. In Fig. 4, the workpiece 4 has been advanced perpendicular to its length from a production line to a straightening station where it is held by centres 6, raised to a position determined by stop 104, and then rotated by motor 103. Displacement at a predetermined point along the workpiece is measured by sensor 7, the maximum and minimum values recorded in units 110, 111, and the mean determined by averager 115. This mean is then compared with the signal from sensor 7 during further rotation, and after the appropriate change of sign is detected in comparator 120, a command transmitter 125 causes motor 103 to rotate the workpiece through a further 90 degrees, so that it is convex upwardly to face a ram tool 3. The difference signal from comparator 120 is fed to a tolerance comparator 135, and if the tolerance is exceeded, the ram is operated. For the working stroke, which may be intended to just bring the tool into contact with the workpiece, the workpiece is lowered on to supports 5. After the working stroke, it is raised again to the sensing position, the deviation from the mean is measured again and compared with the tolerance by units 120 and 135, and if a further stroke is necessary, the stroke depth is increased by the measured deviation. This increase may however by subject to a preset minimum value. When the deviation is within the tolerance, the workpiece may be rotated again to check that the deviation signal is always within the tolerance. The first stroke for the next workpiece may equal in depth the last stroke for the preceding workpiece, decreased by the sum of the straightness tolerance and workpiece diameter tolerance. The straightening cycle may be terminated, and the workpiece in question marked or rejected if a predetermined straightening time is exceeded, or a predetermined distortion exceeded. If at any time overbending is detected, by the difference between the measured deviation and the mean being in excess of the tolerance and of changed sign, the workpiece is rotated through 180 degrees and the tool stroke depth is decreased by the straightness tolerance.