Counterplate positioning jig

Abstract

[Problem] To make it easy to attach a counterplate to a specified position on a cutting plate, to prevent the counterplate falling from the cutting die during blanking, and to prevent the counterplate from making contact with a sheet. [Solution] The present invention includes: a housing (2) which includes a hole-side inclined portion (21), and in which an accommodation hole is formed; an engaging means (3) which alternates between a lower lock and an upper lock in the housing (2); and a sliding shaft member (4) fitted in the housing. The inside diameter of the upper side of the hole-side inclined portion (21) is larger than the inside diameter of the lower side thereof. The engaging means (3) is disposed above the hole-side inclined portion (21). In the sliding shaft member (4), the following are integrally formed: a lower-side inclined portion (42) which is disposed above a protruding part that protrudes below the housing (2), and which has the same direction of inclination as the hole-side inclined portion (21) and a different angle of inclination thereto; and a middle inclined portion (43) which is disposed above the lower-side inclined portion (42), and which has the opposite direction of inclination to the hole-side inclined portion (21). When the sliding shaft member (4) is pulled downwards and is stopped at the lower limit position, the lower lock state is engaged, and when the sliding shaft member (4) is pushed upwards and is stopped at the upper limit position, the upper lock state is engaged.

Claims

1. A counterplate positioning jig mounted on a sheet blanking machine including a cutting die equipped with a cutting blade and a cutting plate that faces the cutting blade to receive the cutting blade when the cutting blade moves downward, the counterplate positioning jig being mounted to be directed downward in each of a plurality of mounting holes in the cutting die, for mounting a counterplate on the cutting plate, comprising: a sliding shaft member for determining a position on an upper surface of the cutting plate; a housing having an accommodation hole that houses the sliding shaft member; and an elastic member including a hole in which a tip end of the sliding shaft member is interposed, and arranged at a bottom end of the housing, the elastic member having an elastic force to release the tip end of the sliding shaft member from a hole of the counterplate in which the tip end of the sliding shaft member is inserted, wherein the counterplate positioning jig has a structure in which the sliding shaft member moves up and down within the housing and is held at a fixed position within the housing such that the sliding shaft member does not drop out from the housing, and the elastic force of the elastic member acts on the sliding shaft to release the tip end of the sliding shaft from the counterplate when the cutting die and the cutting plate are separated from each other.

2. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is integrally formed with the housing.

3. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 1, wherein the elastic member includes a protruding portion protruding from an inside surface of the elastic member into the accommodation hole, and the elastic member is engaged by the protruding portion being held between the sliding shaft member and the housing.

4. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is arranged under the housing in an axial direction of the sliding shaft, and encloses the tip end of the sliding shaft member in a circumferential direction of the sliding shaft.

5. A counterplate positioning jig mounted on a sheet blanking machine including a cutting die equipped with a cutting blade and a cutting plate that faces the cutting blade to receive the cutting blade when the cutting blade moves downward, the counterplate positioning jig being mounted to be directed downward in each of a plurality of mounting holes in the cutting die, for mounting a counterplate on the cutting plate, comprising: a sliding shaft member for determining a position on an upper surface of the cutting plate; a housing having an accommodation hole that houses the sliding shaft member; an engaging member having a form corresponding to the sliding shaft member and the accommodation hole of the housing; and an elastic member including a hole in which a tip end of the sliding shaft member is interposed, and arranged at a bottom end of the housing, the elastic member having an elastic force to release the tip end of the sliding shaft member from a hole of the counterplate in which the tip end of the sliding shaft member is inserted, wherein the counterplate positioning jig has a structure in which, when the sliding shaft member is pulled downward, the sliding shaft member is engaged to the engaging member such that the sliding shaft member is prevented via the engaging member from dropping out, and the elastic force of the elastic member acts on the sliding shaft to release the tip end of the sliding shaft from the counterplate when the cutting die and the cutting plate are separated from each other.

6. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 5, wherein the tip end of the sliding shaft member is released from the hole of the counterplate by the elastic force of the elastic member when the cutting die and the cutting plate are separated from each other.

7. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 6, wherein the elastic member is integrally formed with the housing.

8. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 6, wherein the elastic member includes a protruding portion protruding from an inside surface of the elastic member into the accommodation hole, and the elastic member is engaged by the protruding portion being held between the sliding shaft member and the housing.

9. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 5, wherein the elastic member is arranged under the housing in an axial direction of the sliding shaft, and encloses the tip end of the sliding shaft member in a circumferential direction of the sliding shaft, and the housing further includes a window portion in which the engaging member is arranged, and the engaging member further includes a protrusion protruding into the accommodation hole to engage with the sliding shaft member.

10. A counterplate positioning jig mounted on a sheet blanking machine including a cutting die equipped with a cutting blade and a cutting plate that faces the cutting blade to receive the cutting blade when the cutting blade moves downward, the counterplate positioning jig being mounted to be directed downward in each of a plurality of mounting holes in the cutting die, for mounting a counterplate on the cutting plate, comprising: a sliding shaft member for determining a position on an upper surface of the cutting plate, including a lower-side inclined portion; a housing, in which the sliding shaft is installed, having an accommodation hole housing the sliding shaft member, and a hole-side inclined portion formed in the accommodation hole and inclined toward a lower side thereof, the lower-side inclined portion being inclined in a direction same as the hole-side inclined portion; an engaging member including a projection formed at a lower portion thereof and integrally formed with the housing, the engaging member engaging with the sliding shaft member; and an elastic member including a hole in which a tip end of the sliding shaft member is interposed, and arranged at a bottom end of the housing, the elastic member having an elastic force to release the tip end of the sliding shaft member from a hole of the counterplate in which the tip end of the sliding shaft member is inserted, wherein a locking structure is provided to lock the sliding shaft member through an engagement of the hole-side inclined portion and the lower-side inclined portion and an engagement of the engaging member and the lower-side inclined portion, and when the sliding shaft member is pulled downward, the hole-side inclined portion and the lower-side inclined portion are engaged each other and the sliding shaft member is locked at a lower side of the housing, and when the sliding shaft member is pushed upward, a lock of the sliding shaft at the lower-side of the housing is released, and the sliding shaft member moves upward to engage the engaging member and the lower-side inclined portion and the sliding shaft is locked at an upper side of the housing.

11. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 10, wherein the lower-side inclined portion is formed as a taper having an incline that is inclined in the direction same as and at an angle different from, the hole-side inclined portion.

12. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 10, wherein the hole-side inclined portion has, in the accommodation hole, an inner diameter at an upper side larger than the inner diameter at a lower side thereof; the engaging member is arranged to be above the hole-side inclined portion; the sliding shaft further includes a protruding part protruding downward from the housing, and a middle inclined portion disposed above the lower-side inclined portion and having an inclination in a direction opposite to the hole-side inclined portion, the middle inclined portion and the lower-side inclined portion being integrally formed; the lower-side inclined portion is disposed above the protruding part and is inclined at an angle different from the hole-side inclined portion; and the sliding shaft member stops at a lower limit position and is locked at the lower side of the housing, when the sliding shaft member is pulled downward, and the sliding shaft member stops at an upper limit position and is locked at the upper side of the housing when the sliding shaft member is pushed upward.

13. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 10, wherein the engaging member includes an elastic body integrally formed with the housing, and the sliding shaft member is engaged using a biasing force from the elastic body.

14. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 10, wherein the engaging member is a C-type concentric snap ring using a biasing force from a leaf spring, ball plunger, or a spring.

15. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 10, the tip end of the sliding shaft member is released from the hole of the counterplate by the elastic force of the elastic member when the cutting die and the cutting plate are separated from each other.

16. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 15, wherein the elastic member is integrally formed with the housing.

17. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 15, wherein the elastic member includes a protruding portion protruding from an inside surface of the elastic member into the accommodation hole, and the elastic member is engaged by the protruding portion being held between the sliding shaft member and the housing.

18. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 10, wherein the sliding shaft member includes: a plate member formed at a lower portion of the sliding shaft member and having a diameter larger than that of a lower end of the accommodation hole of the housing, a protruding shaft protruding downward from the plate member, a lower-side shaft extending upward from the plate member, the lower-side inclined portion being connected to an upper end of the lower-side shaft, a middle inclined portion connected to an upper end of the lower-side inclined portion, and having an inclination in a direction opposite to the lower-side inclined portion, and an upper-side shaft extending upward from the middle inclined portion; and the engaging member engages with the middle inclined portion to lock the sliding shaft member at the lower side of the housing when the sliding shaft member is pulled downward.

19. The counterplate positioning jig of claim 10, wherein the elastic member is arranged under the housing in an axial direction of the sliding shaft, and encloses the tip end of the sliding shaft member in a circumferential direction of the sliding shaft, and the engaging member is arranged above the hole-side inclined portion in an axial direction of the sliding shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a First Example of a counterplate positioning jig of a first embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a right side view illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(3) FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(4) FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(5) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(6) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled partway down.

(7) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to a lower limit position.

(8) FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a sliding shaft member of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the first embodiment.

(9) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a housing of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(10) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(11) FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pulled partway down.

(12) FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pulled down to a lower limit position.

(13) FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating an engaging means of the Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(14) FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating an engaging means of the Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(15) FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(16) FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pulled partway down.

(17) FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pulled down to a lower limit position.

(18) FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating the engaging means of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(19) FIG. 19 is a left side view illustrating the engaging means of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(20) FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(21) FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between a cutting die and a cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the cutting die of a blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which position marking members have been mounted on the bottom sides of the sliding shaft members of the positioning jig during mounting of the counterplate.

(22) FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of a blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which position marking members are being mounted on the cutting plate at the time the counterplate is being mounted.

(23) FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of a blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which the positioning-use marking members have been mounted on the cutting plate at the time the counterplate is being mounted

(24) FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of a blanking machine. This drawing shows a state after the counterplate has been mounted on the cutting plate.

(25) FIG. 25 is a view of the cutting die of a blanking machine equipped with the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment, looking onto the cutting edges of the cutting blades.

(26) FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(27) FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled partway down.

(28) FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to the lower limit position.

(29) FIG. 29 is a front view illustrating a sliding shaft member of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(30) FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(31) FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(32) FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between a cutting die and a cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the cutting die of a blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which a counterplate has been mounted on the lower ends of the sliding shaft members of the positioning jigs.

(33) FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between a cutting die and a cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of a blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which the counterplate is being mounted on the cutting plate.

(34) FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between a cutting die and a cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of a blanking machine. This drawing shows a state after the counterplate has been mounted on mounted on the cutting plate.

(35) FIG. 35 is a view of the cutting die of a blanking machine equipped with the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, looking onto the cutting edges of the cutting blades.

(36) FIG. 36 is a plan view illustrating the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment of the present invention.

(37) FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(38) FIG. 38 is a plan view illustrating the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment of the present invention.

(39) FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the first embodiment.

(40) FIG. 40 is cross-sectional view showing the relationship between a cutting die, a counterplate, and a cutting plate in a conventional blanking machine.

(41) FIG. 41 is a view looking onto the cutting edges of the cutting blades of a conventional cutting die.

(42) FIG. 42 is a view of the conventional cutting plate, seen from in front of the counterplate.

(43) FIG. 43 is a front view illustrating a Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(44) FIG. 44 is a right side view illustrating the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(45) FIG. 45 is a plan view illustrating the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(46) FIG. 46 is a bottom view illustrating the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(47) FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to a lower limit position.

(48) FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(49) FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of the blanking machine. This drawing shows the state in which the counterplate has been mounted on the lower ends of the sliding shaft members of the positioning jigs.

(50) FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of the blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which the counterplate is being mounted on the cutting plate.

(51) FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the Third Example of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of the blanking machine. This drawing shows a state after the counterplate has been mounted on the cutting plate.

(52) FIG. 52 is a front view illustrating a sliding shaft member of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(53) FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(54) FIG. 54 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(55) FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of a Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to a lower limit position.

(56) FIG. 56 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member of the Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(57) FIG. 57 is a plan view illustrating an elastic member of the Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(58) FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(59) FIG. 59 is a front view illustrating a Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(60) FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of a Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to a lower limit position.

(61) FIG. 61 is a front view illustrating an elastic member of the Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(62) FIG. 62 is right side view of the Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which a sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(63) FIG. 63 is a right side view illustrating a Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(64) FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to a lower limit position.

(65) FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to an upper limit position.

(66) FIG. 66 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member of the Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(67) FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an elastic member of the Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(68) The following describes embodiments of the present invention using the drawings.

First Embodiment

(69) A sheet blanking machine 19, in which a cutting die 205 equipped with cutting blades 260 is disposed in opposition to a cutting plate 240 that receives the cutting blades 260 when the blades move downward, and which uses counterplate positioning jigs 1 of a first embodiment of the present invention to mount a counterplate 270 on a cutting plate 240. A plurality of counterplate positioning jigs 1 are mounted pointing downwards in mounting holes 290 formed at a plurality of sites in the cutting die 205 (see FIG. 24). Each counterplate positioning jig 1 includes: a housing 2 having formed therein an accommodation hole 29 into which a sliding shaft member 4 moves in and out; a sliding shaft member 4, which is installed in the housing 2 and operates to mount a position marking member 300 on the upper side of the cutting plate 240; and, an engaging means (holding means) 3 that adjusts the force with which the sliding shaft member 4 is held within the housing 2. Each jig 1 operates to mount the position marking member 300, which is used when mounting the counterplate 270 on the cutting plate 240 (see FIG. 21 and FIG. 23).

(70) FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a First Example of the position marking member 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the same. The position marking member 300 is disc-shaped. The marking member 300 is an engaging means 3 comprising a sponge such as urethane foam, with a sheet-like adhesive, such as double-sided tape, applied to the bottom surface thereof.

First Example

(71) FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment. FIGS. 5 to 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment, corresponding to the section along line A-A in FIG. 2 of these drawings. FIG. 5 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pushed up to an upper limit position. FIG. 6 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pulled partway down. FIG. 7 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pulled downward to a lower limit position. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the sliding shaft member 4 of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing 2 of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment.

(72) The counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment is configured from a cylindrical housing 2, a sliding shaft member 4 that is installed within the housing 2, and an engaging means 3 that alternates between a lower-side lock and an upper-side lock on the sliding shaft member 4 within the housing 2 (FIGS. 1 to 9). The housing 2 and the sliding shaft member 4 have rotational symmetry about line P1-P1 (FIGS. 5 to 7).

(73) The engaging means 3 is provided inside the cylindrical body of the housing 2 (FIGS. 5 to 7, and FIG. 9). The First Example is a configuration in which the engaging means 3 is fixed at one end and uses the biasing force of an elastic body, a protrusion 31 on the lower side engaging with the sliding shaft member 4 (FIGS. 5 to 7, and FIG. 9). In the First Example, the housing 2 and the engaging means 3 are integrally formed. A hemispherical form is provided at the tip of the engaging means 3, and this hemispherical tip portion contacts a lower-side inclined portion 42 or the like. The housing 2 comprises, for example, a hard plastic, a hard metal, or a compound material that is a combination of these. The engaging means 3 exhibits an engaging force as a means of alternately locking the lower-side lock and the upper-side lock, which is also a means for releasing the locks using a force in opposition to this engaging force, while permitting up and down movement of the sliding shaft member 4. In the First Example, the side surface of the housing 2 has window portions 25 on both sides of the engaging means 3. Increasing the vertical length of these window portions 25 makes it possible to set a wide range of permitted movement for the engaging means 3 (FIG. 2).

(74) A housing 2 has a through-hole 29 formed in the cylindrical body thereof (FIG. 9). The upper-side inside diameter of a hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 is set to be larger than the lower-side inside diameter (FIG. 30). The diameter of the through-hole at the bottom end surface 2a side of the housing 2 becomes gradually smaller as one moves downwards.

(75) The housing 2 has the hole-side inclined portion 21 and window portions 25 formed, in the stated order as one moves from bottom to top, along the through-hole 29 (FIG. 9). The upper-side inside diameter of the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 is set to be larger than the lower-side inside diameter, and an engaging means 3 is provided to the upper side of the hole-side inclined portion 21 (FIG. 9).

(76) The sliding shaft member 4 has a plate-like member 41 for mounting the position marking member 300, the plate-like member 41 being disposed to the bottom of a columnar body (FIGS. 5 to 7). The plate-like member 41 has a recess 414 for mounting the position marking member 300 (FIGS. 5 to 7). The bottom end surface of the plate-like member 41 is denoted by 41a, and the top end surface of the plate-like member 41 is denoted by 41b. When the sliding shaft member 4 moves upwards, the top surface of the plate-like member 41 contacts the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2, stopping the movement. The sliding shaft member 4 is integrally formed by, going from bottom to top, the plate-like member 41, a lower-side shaft 45, a lower-side inclined portion 42, a middle inclined portion 43, and a second shaft 47. The plate-like member 41 and lower-side shaft 45 configure a protruding portion of the sliding shaft member 4. The sliding shaft member 4 comprises, for example, a hard plastic, a hard metal, or a compound material that is a combination of these. Note that the symbol H1 is used to denote the thickness of the plate-like member 41 (FIG. 23).

(77) The lower-side inclined portion 42 of the sliding shaft member 4 has the same direction of inclination as, and a different angle of inclination to, the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 (FIGS. 5 to 7). The middle inclined portion (upper-side lock position) 43 of the sliding shaft member 4 is inclined in the opposite direction to the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2. In other words, the middle inclined portion (upper-side lock position) 43 and the lower-side inclined portion 42 are inclined in opposite directions (FIG. 8). Further, the vertical dimensions of the sliding shaft member 4 are, in descending order of length, length L5 of the lower-side shaft (protruding portion) 45, length L2 of the lower-side inclined portion 42, and length L3 of the middle inclined portion 43 (FIG. 8). In short, the relationship is L5>L2>L3 (FIG. 8).

(78) Next, a method of using the positioning jig 1 used in the present example will be described.

(79) The sliding shaft member 4 is pulled until the bottom end of the sliding shaft member 4 is at the same level as or below the bottom edge 260a of the cutting blade 260. Note that when the positioning jig of the present invention for mounting a counterplate 240 is press-fitted into the mounting holes 290 formed in the cutting die, the press-fitting may be performed with the sliding shaft member 4 in the pulled state or the sliding shaft member 4 may be pulled after the press-fitting. The sliding shaft members can be pulled manually (using fingers) or using a tool such as pliers. A through-hole 29 is formed in the housing 2, so after the sliding shaft member 4 is pulled from above manually (using fingers) or using a tool such as pliers, and in this state, the positioning jig 1 for mounting a counterplate 240 may be press-fitted in the mounting hole 290.

(80) With the lower-side lock engaged, position marking members 300 are mounted to the bottom side of the sliding shaft member 4, the cutting blades 260 are brought into contact with the cutting plate 240, and the marking members 300 are mounted on the upper side of the cutting plate 240. The counterplate 270 is mounted in alignment with the marking members 300. Then, by pulling the sliding shaft member 4 until the bottom end of the sliding shaft member 4 is at the same level as or below the bottom edges 260a of the cutting blades 260 and/or the leading edges of the rule line members 250, and with the lower-side lock engaged, by mounting the counterplate 270 on the lower end of the sliding shaft member 4 and causing the cutting blades 260 to contact the cutting plate 240, the counterplate 270 is mounted on the upper side of the cutting plate 240. Note that the symbol 265 denotes rubber provided around the external circumference of the cutting blades 260, the thickness of this rubber being denoted by H3. If H5 denotes the position of the sliding shaft member 4 when pulled to the lower side, then H5>H3, as illustrated in FIG. 21.

(81) When the marking member 300 is mounted, the sliding shaft member 4 is pushed in under resistance from the engagement force of the engaging means 3, and now slides in an upward movement. As a result of the upward movement of the cutting plate 240, the lower end of the sliding shaft member 4 is pushed upwards until it is higher than the lower edge of the cutting blade 260. In turn, the lower-side inclined portion 42 passes over the leading-end hemispherical portion of the sliding shaft member 4 so that the hemispherical portion locates at a root portion of the lower-side inclined portion 42. As a result, the sliding shaft member 4 is stopped at an upper end portion and the upper-side lock engages (FIG. 5). At this time, the upper surface of the plate 41 is in contact with the lower end surface of the housing. In this position, the bottom end of the sliding shaft member 4 is pushed into a higher position than the leading edges 260a of the cutting blades 260 or a more informed position than the leading edges of the rule line members 25) (FIG. 23). Hence, even with the sliding shaft member 4 still installed, the lower-side tip end of the sliding shaft member 4 will not contact the workpiece sheet 100 during blanking operations.

(82) Here, at some point before the cutting blade 260 makes contact with the cutting plate 270, the leading-end hemispherical portion of the engaging means 3 (see symbol F in FIG. 5) overcomes the axial component force, and the lower-side lock is released (FIG. 7). The sliding shaft member 4 moves upwards, and the contact of the leading-end hemispherical portion with the lower-side inclined portion 42 results in the engaging means 3 exerting an axial force in an opposite direction to the force exerting on the lower-side inclined portion surface 21, and force of this movement causes the sliding shaft member 4 to move upwards and press against the upper end of the housing 2 (FIG. 5).

Second Example

(83) FIGS. 10 to 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating a Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pushed up to an upper limit position. FIG. 11 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pulled partway down. FIG. 12 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pulled downward to a lower limit position. Note that the sliding shaft member 4 is identical to that of the First Example.

(84) The counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment is configured from a cylindrical housing 2, a sliding shaft member 4 that is installed within the housing 2, and an engaging means 3 that alternates between a lower-side lock and an upper-side lock with respect to the sliding shaft member 4 inside the housing 2 (FIGS. 10 to 12). The housing 2 has rotational symmetry about line P1-P1 (FIGS. 10 to 12).

(85) The engaging means 3 is disposed to the inside of the cylindrical body of the housing 2 (FIGS. 10 to 12). The engaging means 3 is illustrated in plan view in FIG. 13 and in front view in FIG. 14. In an unloaded state, the engaging means 3 has an inside diameter that is smaller than the lower-side shaft 45 and the shaft portion 47 of the sliding shaft member 4, and is formed from a material that provides an elastic force, such as a spring material. In the Second Example, the engaging means 3 is housed in a locating groove 27 inside the housing with the sliding shaft member 4 passing therethrough, so that a constricting force in the radial direction acts on the sliding shaft member 4 (FIGS. 10 to 12).

(86) The housing 2 has a through-hole 29 formed in the cylindrical body thereof (FIGS. 10 to 12). The housing 2 is formed with the hole-side inclined portion 21, the locating groove 27, and an upper-side inclined portion 24 formed, in the stated order as one moves from bottom to top, along the through-hole 29 (FIGS. 10 to 12). The upper-side inside diameter of the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 is set to be larger than the lower-side inside diameter (FIGS. 10 to 12). Accordingly, with this configuration, movement towards the upper side is easier than movement towards the lower side.

(87) Hence, with the present embodiment, when the sliding shaft member 4 is pulled downwards in opposition to the engaging force (biasing force) of the engaging means 3, the lower-side lock engages. When the sliding shaft member 4 is pushed upwards in opposition to the engaging force (biasing force) of the engaging means 3, the lower-side lock is released, and the sliding shaft member 4 moves to the upper side and then the upper-side lock engages.

Third Example

(88) FIGS. 15 to 17 are cross-sectional views illustrating a Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pushed up to an upper limit position. FIG. 16 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pulled partway down. FIG. 17 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a lower limit position after being pulled downward. Note that the sliding shaft member 4 is identical to that of the First Example.

(89) The counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment is configured from a cylindrical housing 2, a sliding shaft member 4 installed in the housing 2, and an engaging means 3 that alternates between the lower-side lock and the upper-side lock with respect to the sliding shaft member 4 inside the housing 2 (FIGS. 15 to 17). The housing 2 has rotational symmetry about line P1-P1 (FIGS. 15 to 17).

(90) The engaging means 3 is disposed to the inner side of the cylindrical body of the housing 2 (FIGS. 15 to 17). The engaging means 3 is illustrated in front view in FIG. 18 and in side view in FIG. 19. The engaging means 3 is provided with a bent portion 31, which, when in an unloaded state, is positioned nearer to the central axis of the shaft than to the lower-side shaft 45 or the second shaft 47 outer periphery, and is made of a material that provides an elastic force, such as a spring material. Thus, when the sliding shaft member 4 is installed in the housing 2, a force (biasing force) constantly presses the sliding shaft member 4 from the side. Accordingly, the position of the engaging means 3 forms a reference position with the sliding shaft member 4 moving either against the biasing force or with the biasing force. Beyond this position, the sliding shaft member 4 is switched into either the upper-side or lower-side locked state.

(91) The housing 2 has a through-hole 29 formed in the cylindrical body thereof (FIGS. 15 to 17). The housing 2 is tapered, with the hole-side inclined portion 21 and a side surface window 26 being provided, in the stated order as one moves from bottom to top, along the through-hole 29 (FIGS. 15 to 17). The engaging means 3 includes a bent portion 31 having a shallow V-form, with one side of the V-form in contact with the taper (inclined portion) 43. Also, the window 26 is disposed such that the bent portion 31 can bend away from the shaft with a bending portion 39 as the fulcrum. The upper-side inside diameter of the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 is set to be larger than the lower-side upper diameter, so that a small space is created between the two members (FIGS. 15 to 17).

Fourth Example

(92) FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pushed up to an upper limit position. A ball plunger is used for the engaging means 3. The operation and configuration of this element correspond to those of the First Example to the Third Example. Note that the sliding shaft member 4 is identical to that of the First Example.

Second Embodiment

(93) A sheet blanking machine 19, in which a cutting die 205 equipped with cutting blades 260 is arranged in opposition to a cutting plate 240 that receives the cutting blades 260 when the blades move downward, which uses the counterplate positioning jigs 1 of a second embodiment of the present invention to mount a counterplate 270 on the cutting plate 240. A plurality of the counterplate positioning jigs 2 are installed pointing downwards in mounting holes 290 formed at a plurality of sites in the cutting die 205, and grooves (circular grooves) are formed in the top surface of the counterplate 270 using the leading ends of the sliding shaft member 4 (see FIG. 32).

(94) FIGS. 26 to 28 are cross-sectional views illustrating a First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 26(a) is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pushed up to an upper limit position. FIG. 27 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pulled partway down. FIG. 28 is a view showing the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of being pulled downward to a lower limit position. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sliding shaft member 4 of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing 2 of the First Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment.

(95) FIG. 26(b) shows an example in which a plurality of engaging means 3 are disposed in the vertical direction. With such a configuration, the sliding shaft member can enter the lower-side locked state when pulled downwards, without requiring the formation of a hole-side inclined portion that slopes towards the lower-side lock in the accommodation hole 29 of the housing 2.

(96) The counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment is configured from a cylindrical housing 2, a sliding shaft member 4 that is installed in the housing 2, and an engaging means 3 that alternates between a lower-side lock and an upper-side lock with respect to the sliding shaft member 4 within the housing 2 (FIGS. 26 to 28). The housing 2 and the sliding shaft member 4 have rotational symmetry about line P1-P1 (FIGS. 26 to 30).

(97) The engaging means 3 is disposed to the inner side of the cylindrical body of the housing 2 (FIGS. 26 to 28). The engaging means 3 is illustrated in plan view in FIG. 13 and in front view in FIG. 14. In an unloaded state, the engaging means 3 has an inside diameter that is smaller than the shaft 45 and the shaft 47 of the sliding shaft member 4, and is formed from a material that provides an elastic force, such as a spring material. In the First Example, the engaging means 3 is housed in a locating groove 27 within the housing with the sliding shaft member 4 passing therethrough, so that a constricting force in the radial direction acts constantly on the sliding shaft member 4.

(98) The housing 2 has a through-hole formed in the cylindrical body thereof (FIG. 30). The lower end surface of the housing 2 is denoted by the symbol 2a. The housing 2 has a hole-side inclined portion 21, the locating groove 27, and the upper-side inclined portion 24 formed, in the stated order as one moves from bottom to top, along the through-hole 29 (FIG. 30). The upper-side inside diameter of a hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 is set to be larger than the lower-side inside diameter (FIG. 30).

(99) The sliding shaft member 4 has a third shaft 48 formed below the lower-side shaft 45 that is narrower than the lower-side shaft 45 (FIG. 29). The counterplate 270 is mounted on the third shaft 48, and holes 277 are formed in the counterplate 270 for attachment to the third shaft (FIG. 32).

(100) The sliding shaft member 4 is integrally formed by, going from bottom to top, the third shaft 48, the lower-side shaft 45, the lower-side inclined portion 42, the middle inclined portion 43, and the second shaft 47. The third shaft 48 and the lower-side shaft 45 form the protruding portion of the sliding shaft member 4. The sliding shaft member 4 comprises, for example, a hard plastic, a hard metal, or a compound material that is a combination of these.

(101) The lower-side inclined portion 42 of the sliding shaft member 4 has the same direction of inclination as, and a different angle of inclination to, the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 (sufficiently different to allow a gap to form) (FIGS. 26 to 30). The middle inclined portion 43 of the sliding shaft member 4 is inclined in the opposite direction to the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2. In short, the middle inclined portion 43 and the lower-side inclined portion 42 are inclined in opposite directions (FIG. 29).

(102) Further, the vertical dimensions of the sliding shaft member 4 are, in descending order of length, length L5 of the lower-side shaft 45, length L2 of the lower-side inclined portion 42, and length L3 of the middle inclined portion 29 (FIG. 29). In short, the relationship is L5>L2>L3 (FIG. 29).

(103) In this case, the counterplate 270 is mounted on the upper side of the cutting plate 240 by pulling the sliding shaft member 4 until the lower end thereof is level with or below the cutting edge 260a of the cutting blade 260 or the leading edge of the rule line member 250, and, with the sliding shaft member 4 in this state, fitting the leading ends 48 of the sliding shaft members 4 into the holes 277 of the counterplate 270 and then bringing the counterplate 270 in this state into contact with the cutting plate 240 (FIG. 34). Note that the symbol 265 denotes rubber that is provided around the periphery of the cutting blades 260. If H3 denotes the thickness of this rubber, H5 denotes the position of the sliding shaft member 4 when pulled to the lower side, and H7 denotes the position of the tips 48 of the sliding shaft member 4b when the leading ends of the sliding shaft members 4b are fitted into the holes 277 of the counterplate 270 (FIG. 34), then the relationship is H7>H3, as illustrated in FIG. 32.

(104) In the present embodiment, the sliding shaft members are installed pointing downwards in mounting holes 290 formed at a plurality of sites in the cutting die 205 for mounting the counterplate 270 on the cutting plate 240 (see FIG. 32), and the jigs are used without using the marker members 300.

Second Example

(105) FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a Second Example of the counterplate positioning jig 1 of the second embodiment. The Second Example differs from the First Example only in the configuration of the sliding shaft member 4, the difference being that a disk 41 is added between the lower-side shaft 45 and the third shaft 48. In other ways, the Second Example is identical to the above-described embodiments.

Third Example

(106) FIG. 43 is a front view illustrating a Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, and FIG. 44 is a right side view illustrating the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 45 is a plan view illustrating the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, and FIG. 46 is a bottom view illustrating the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled downwards to a lower limit position. FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to the upper limit position.

(107) The counterplate positioning jig of the Third Example of the second embodiment differs from the counterplate positioning jig of the First Example and the Second Example in the inclusion of an elastic member 5 at the lower surface 2a of the housing 2.

(108) In the Second Embodiment, by mounting the tips 48 of the sliding shaft members 4 in the holes 277 of the counterplate 270 and bringing close the cutting die 205 and cutting plate 240, the counterplate 270 is precisely mounted on the cutting plate 240 using an adhesive means, such as an adhesive agent, provided to the bottom surface of the counterplate 270.

(109) However, problems can occur with this arrangement. Specifically, when the counterplate 270 is mounted on the cutting plate 240, the tips 48 of the sliding shaft members 4 can fail to release cleanly from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, thus preventing the counterplate 270 from being mounted on the cutting plate 240.

(110) Hence, in the Third Example, an elastic member 5 is provided to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 with the objective of using the elastic force of the elastic member 5 to give a clean release of the tip 48 of the sliding shaft member 4 from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270.

(111) The counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment is configured from a cylindrical housing 2, a sliding shaft member 4 installed in the housing 2, an engaging means 3 that alternates between a lower-side lock and an upper-side lock with respect to the sliding shaft member 4 inside the housing 2, and a cylindrical elastic member 5 provided to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 (FIGS. 43 to 46). The housing 2, the sliding shaft member 4, and the elastic member 5 have rotational symmetry about the line P1-P1 (FIG. 47 and FIG. 48).

(112) The engaging means 3 is disposed to the inner side of the cylindrical body of the housing 2 (FIG. 51). In the Third Example, the engaging means 3 uses the biasing force of an elastic body that is fixed at one end to cause a protrusion 31 on the lower side to engage with the sliding shaft member 4 (FIG. 47, and FIG. 48). The projection 31 on the lower end side has a hemispherical shape, and engages with the sliding shaft member 4 at the upper limit position (FIG. 48) and the lower limit position (FIG. 47) thorough contact with the lower-side inclined portion 42 and the middle inclined portion 43 of the sliding shaft member 4. The housing 2 comprises, for example, a hard plastic, a hard metal, or a compound material that is a combination of these. The engaging means 3 generates engaging forces as a means of alternately locking the lower-side lock and the upper-side lock while permitting vertical movement of the sliding shaft member 4, and allows the locks to be released by forces that oppose the engaging forces. In the Third Example, the side surface of the housing 2 has window portions 25 on both sides of the engaging means 3. Increasing the vertical length of these window portions 25 extends the range of movement setting for the engaging means 3 (FIG. 44).

(113) FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(114) The housing 2 has a through-hole 29 formed in the cylindrical body thereof. The upper-side inside diameter of a hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 is set to be larger than the lower-side inside diameter The diameter of the through-hole on the bottom surface 2a side of the housing 2 becomes gradually smaller as one moves towards the lower side.

(115) The housing 2 is formed with the hole-side inclined portion 21 and the window portions 25 formed, in the stated order as one moves from bottom to top, along the through-hole 29. The upper-side inside diameter of the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 is set to be larger than the lower-side inner diameter, and the engaging means 3 is provided above the hole-side inclined portion 21.

(116) FIG. 54 is a perspective view illustrating the elastic member of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(117) The elastic member 5 is provided to enable clean release of the tips 48 (third shaft) of the sliding shaft member 4 from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270 when mounting the counterplate 270 on the cutting plate 240, and is provided to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 (FIG. 47 and FIG. 48).

(118) The elastic member 5 has elastic properties and is, for example, from a single resin or a composite resin material.

(119) The housing 2 and the elastic member 5 is are integrally formed but have differing elastic moduli, with the elastic member 5 having a lower elastic modulus than the housing 2.

(120) The elastic member 5 is cylindrical and is provided with a columnar hole 51 that centrally pierces the elastic member 5 from a top surface 5b to a bottom surface 5a of the elastic member 5. The diameter of the hole 51 is formed to be larger than the diameter of any of a later-described lower-side shaft 45, a plate-like member 44 and the third shaft 48 of the sliding shaft member 4, and does not inhibit the movement of the sliding shaft member 4 when the sliding shaft member 4 moves up and down.

(121) FIG. 52 is a front view illustrating a sliding shaft member of the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(122) The sliding shaft member 4 is a member for precisely determining the position of the counterplate 270 and the cutting plate 240. After the counterplate 270 has been mounted on the sliding shaft member 4, the cutting die 205 is allowed to approach the cutting plate 240, bringing the counterplate 270 into contact with the cutting plate 240 and precisely attaching the counterplate 270 on the cutting plate 240.

(123) The sliding shaft member 4 has a generally cylindrical shape, including, going from bottom to top, the third shaft 48 for mounting the counterplate 270, a plate-like member 44, a lower-side shaft 45, a lower-side inclined portion 42, a middle inclined portion 43, and a second shaft 47, all of which are integrally formed. The third shaft 48, the plate-like member 44, and the lower-side shaft 45 form the protruding portion 4a of the sliding shaft member 4. The height of the protruding portion 4a is set to be greater than that of the elastic member 5. When the sliding shaft member 4 is in the state of being pulled downward to the lower limit position (FIG. 43 and FIG. 47), the third shaft 48 is exposed at the bottom surface 5a via the hole 51 in the elastic member 5. By mounting the third shaft 48 into the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, the counterplate 270 can be mounted on the sliding shaft member 4.

(124) The sliding shaft member 4 comprises, for example, a single or composite resin material, a hard plastic, a hard metal, or a compound material that is a combination of these.

(125) The sliding shaft member 4 has the plate-like member 44, which has a larger diameter than the lower-side shaft 45 and the third shaft 48, arranged between the lower-side shaft 45 and the third shaft 48. Thus, when the sliding shaft member 4 moves upwards, a top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 makes contact with the lower surface 2a of the housing 2 and the movement stops.

(126) Moreover, when the cutting die 205 is turned over to remove the counterplate positioning jigs 1 from the cutting die 205, the lower surface 2a of the housing 2 makes contact with the upper surface 44b of the plate-like member 44, thereby preventing the sliding shaft member 4 from dropping out.

(127) The lower-side inclined portion 42 of the sliding shaft member 4 has the same direction of inclination as, and a different angle of inclination to, the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2 (sufficiently different to allow a gap to form) (FIG. 47). The middle inclined portion 43 of the sliding shaft member 4 is inclined in the opposite direction to the hole-side inclined portion 21 of the housing 2. In short, the middle inclined portion 43 and the lower-side inclined portion 42 are inclined in opposite directions.

(128) Next, a method of using the positioning jig 1 of the present example will be described. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of the blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which the counterplate has been mounted on the lower ends of the sliding shaft members of the positioning jigs. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the Third Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of the blanking machine. This drawing shows a state in which the counterplate is being mounted on the cutting plate. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the relationship between the cutting die and the cutting plate when the counterplate positioning jig of the Third Example of the second embodiment is mounted on the cutting die of the blanking machine. This drawing shows a state after the counterplate has been mounted on the cutting plate.

(129) The positioning jigs 1 are installed in mounting holes 290, which are formed at a plurality of locations in the cutting die 205, and the sliding shaft members 4 are pulled to the lower limit positions from the housings 2. When a sliding shaft member 4 is pulled to the lower limit position, the middle inclined portion 43 of the sliding shaft member 4 and the lower-side protrusion 31 of the engaging means 3 make contact, putting the sliding shaft member 4 in a state of engagement within the housing 2 at the lower limit position. Moreover, the tip 48 (third shaft) of the sliding shaft member 4 is exposed at the bottom surface 5a elastic member 5 (FIG. 47). At the lower limit position, the tip 48 (third shaft) of the sliding shaft member 4 is positioned lower than the leading edges 260a of the cutting blade 260.

(130) Next, the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 are mounted into the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, thereby mounting the counterplate 270 on the sliding shaft members 4 (FIG. 49).

(131) Then, the cutting die 205 is brought close to the cutting plate 240 to bring the counterplate 270 and the cutting plate 240 into contact. At this time, the elastic member 5 between the housing 2 and the counterplate 270 is sandwiched between the cutting die 205 and the counterplate 270 and, subject to external forces on the top surface 5b and the bottom surface 5a, the elastic member 5 enters a vertically compressed state (FIG. 50). Due to the contact between the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240, the sliding shaft member 4 slides against the engaging force from the engaging means 3 and is pressed into the elastic member 5 and the housing 2. The top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 then makes contact with the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2, bringing the sliding motion of the sliding shaft member 4 to a stop at the upper limit position (FIG. 48). When the sliding shaft member 4 is pushed into the upper limit position, the lower-side protrusion 31 of the engaging means 3 is in contact with the lower-side inclined portion 42 of the sliding shaft member 4, and the sliding shaft member 4 is in a state of engagement in the housing 2 at the upper limit position.

(132) Thereafter, the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240 move in separate directions. At this time, the force (elastic force) attempting to return the elastic member 5 to its original dimensions acts on the counterplate 270, thereby enabling the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 to release cleanly from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, ensuring that the counterplate 270 mounts in a precise position on the cutting plate 240 (FIG. 51).

(133) After the counterplate 270 has been positioned and mounted on the cutting plate 240, the cutting die 205 is turned over and the positioning jigs 1 are removed.

(134) Thus, with the elastic member 5 being provided to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2, when mounting the counterplate 270 on the cutting plate 240 an elastic force from the elastic member 5 makes it possible to cleanly release the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, which makes it possible to mount the counterplate 270 in a precise position on the cutting plate 240.

(135) Moreover, when the cutting die 205 is turned over to remove the counterplate positioning jigs 1, the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 makes contact with the top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4, thereby preventing the sliding shaft member 4 from dropping out.

(136) Also, since it is possible to integrally form the housing 2 and the elastic member 5, the positioning jig can be manufactured easily and inexpensively.

Fourth Example

(137) FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of a Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to the lower limit position. FIG. 56 is a perspective view illustrating the elastic member of the Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 57 is a plan view illustrating the elastic member of the Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the Fourth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to the upper limit position.

(138) The counterplate positioning jig of the Fourth Example of the second embodiment uses an elastic member of a different form to the one used in the Third Example, but is otherwise identical in configuration to the Third Example. Redundant descriptions of configurations identical to those of the Third Example have therefore been omitted.

(139) The elastic member 5 is configured from an upper cylindrical portion 52, a lower cylindrical portion 53, and a plurality of band-like members 54.

(140) The upper cylindrical portion 52 is cylindrical, is provided with a central hole 52c, and is formed so that, when the sliding shaft member 4 has been pulled downward (lower limit position), the lower surface 44a of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 contacts the lower end surface 52a of the upper cylindrical portion 52. The hole 52c of the upper cylindrical portion 52 is formed to be larger than the tip 48 (third shaft) of the sliding shaft member 4 but smaller than the plate-like member 44, and the tip 48 of the sliding shaft member 4 passes through the hole 52c of the upper cylindrical portion 52, so as to be exposed at the upper end surface 52b of the upper cylindrical portion 52. The tip 48 of the sliding shaft member 4 protrudes from the upper end surface 52b of the upper cylindrical portion 52 by an amount sufficient to appropriately mount in the hole of 277 of the counterplate 270 (FIG. 55).

(141) The ends of the plurality of band-like members 54 are mounted, equally spaced, around the periphery of the upper cylindrical portion 52 (FIG. 57).

(142) The lower cylindrical portion 53 is cylindrical, and is provided with a central hole 53c. A lower end surface 53a of the lower cylindrical portion 53 is joined to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2. The hole 53c of the lower cylindrical portion 53 is formed to be larger than the lower-side shaft 45, the plate-like member 44, and the tip 48 (third shaft) of the sliding shaft member 4. When the sliding shaft member 4 is in the pulled down state (lower limit position), the lower-side shaft 45, the plate-like member 44, and the tip 48 pass through the hole 53c of the lower cylindrical portion 53 and are exposed at the upper end surface 53b of the lower cylindrical portion 53. When the sliding shaft member 4 is in a state of being pushed up (upper limit position), the bottom surface 44a of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 separates from the lower end surface 52a of the upper cylindrical portion 52, and the top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 is in contact with the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 (FIG. 58).

(143) The other ends of the plurality of band-like members 54 are mounted, equally spaced, around the periphery of the lower cylindrical portion 53 (FIG. 57).

(144) The plurality of band-like members 54 have an extended rectangular form, with one end mounted on the upper cylindrical portion 52 and the other mounted on the lower cylindrical portion 53, thus forming a bridge between the upper cylindrical portion 52 and the lower cylindrical portion 53. Although four band-like members 54 are used in the Fourth Example, the number can be two, six, or some other number selected as appropriate.

(145) The elastic member 5 has elastic properties, and the housing 2 and the elastic member 5 are integrally formed.

(146) Next, a method of using the positioning jig 1 of the present example will be described.

(147) The positioning jigs 1 are installed in mounting holes 290, which are formed at a plurality of locations in the cutting die 205, and the sliding shaft members 4 are pulled to the lower limit position from the housings 2. When a sliding shaft members 4 has been pulled to the lower limit position, the bottom surface 44a of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 is in contact with the lower end surface 52a of the upper cylindrical portion 52 of the elastic member 5 (FIG. 55).

(148) Then, the cutting die 205 is brought close to the cutting plate 240 to bring the counterplate 270 and the cutting plate 240 into contact. At this time, the elastic member 5 between the housing 2 and the counterplate 270 is sandwiched between the cutting die 205 and the counterplate 270 and, subject to external forces on the upper end surface 52b of the upper cylindrical portion 52 and on the lower end surface 53a of the lower cylindrical portion 53, the elastic member 5 enters a vertically compressed state with the plurality of band-like members 54 in a deflected state. Due to the contact between the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240, the sliding shaft member 4 slides against the engaging force from the engaging means 3 and is pressed into the elastic member 5 and the housing 2. The top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 then makes contact with the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2, bringing the sliding motion of the sliding shaft member 4 to a stop at the upper limit position (FIG. 58).

(149) Thereafter, the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240 move in the separation direction. At this time, the force (elastic force) attempting to return the plurality of band-like members 54 to their original dimensions acts on the counterplate 270, thereby enabling the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 to release cleanly from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, ensuring that the counterplate 270 mounts in a precise position on the cutting plate 240.

(150) Thus, by configuring an elastic member 5 from an upper cylindrical portion 52, a lower cylindrical portion 53, and a plurality of band-like members 54, it is possible to achieve a clean release of the tips 48 (third shafts) of sliding shaft members 4 from holes 277 of the counterplate 270, using a smaller amount of material.

Fifth Example

(151) FIG. 59 is a front view illustrating a Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of a Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating the state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to the lower limit position. FIG. 61 is a front view illustrating an elastic member of the Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 62 is right side view of the Fifth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to the upper limit position.

(152) The counterplate positioning jig of the Fifth Example of the second embodiment uses an elastic member of a different form to the ones used in the Third and Fourth Examples, but is otherwise identical in configuration to the Third Example. Redundant descriptions of configurations identical to those of the Third Example have therefore been omitted.

(153) The elastic member 5 is configured from an upper cylindrical portion 55 and a pair of leg members 56, 56.

(154) The upper cylindrical portion 55 is cylindrical, is provided with a central hole 55c, and is formed so that, when the sliding shaft member 4 is in the pulled downward state (lower limit position), the bottom surface 44a of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 contacts the lower end surface 55a of the upper cylindrical portion 55. The hole 55c of the upper cylindrical portion 55 is formed to be larger than the tip 48 (third shaft) of the sliding shaft member 4 but smaller than the plate-like member 44, and the tip 48 of the sliding shaft member 4 passes through the hole 55c of the upper cylindrical portion 55, so as to be exposed at the upper end surface 55b of the upper cylindrical portion 55. The tip 48 of the sliding shaft member 4 protrudes from the upper end surface 55b of the upper cylindrical portion 55 by an amount sufficient to appropriately mount in the hole 277 of the counterplate 270 (FIG. 59).

(155) One end of the pair of leg members 56, 56 is mounted on the periphery of the upper cylindrical portion 55 (FIG. 59).

(156) The pair of leg members 56, 56 are, when viewed from the side, rectangular with two concave sides that arc towards a central portion (FIG. 59). When viewed from the front, the pair describe a gentle arc from the upper cylindrical portion 55 and are joined to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 (FIG. 60 and FIG. 61).

(157) The elastic member 5 has elastic properties, and the housing 2 and the elastic member 5 are integrally formed.

(158) Next, a method of using the positioning jig 1 of the present example will be described. The positioning jigs 1 are installed in mounting holes 290, which are formed at a plurality of locations in a cutting die 205, and sliding shaft members 4 are pulled to a lower limit position from the housings 2. When a sliding shaft member 4 has been pulled to the lower limit position, the bottom surface 44a of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 is in contact with the lower end surface 55a of the upper cylindrical portion 55 of the elastic member 5 (FIG. 60).

(159) Then, the cutting die 205 is brought close to the cutting plate 240 to bring the counterplate 270 and the cutting plate 240 into contact. At this time, the elastic member 5 between the housing 2 and the counterplate 270 is sandwiched between the cutting die 205 and the counterplate 270 and, subject to external forces on the upper end surface 55b of the upper cylindrical portion 55 and joint surface between the pair of leg members 56, 56 and the housing 2, the elastic member 5 enters a vertically compressed state with the pair of leg members 56, 56 in a deflected state. Due to the contact between the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240, the sliding shaft member 4 slides against the engaging force from the engaging means 3 and is pressed into the elastic member 5 and the housing 2. The top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 then makes contact with the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2, bringing the sliding motion of the sliding shaft member 4 to a stop at the upper limit position (FIG. 62).

(160) Thereafter, the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240 move in the separation direction. At this time, the force (elastic force) attempting to return the elastic member 5 to its original dimensions acts on the counterplate 270, thereby enabling the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 to release cleanly from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, ensuring that the counterplate 270 mounts in a precise position on the cutting plate 240.

(161) Thus, by configuring the elastic member 5 from the upper cylindrical portion 55 and the pair of leg members 56, 56, it is possible to achieve a clean release of the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 from the holes 277 of the counterplate 270, using a smaller amount of material.

Sixth Example

(162) FIG. 63 is a right side view illustrating a Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pulled down to the lower limit position. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment, illustrating a state in which the sliding shaft member has been pushed upwards to the upper limit position.

(163) Whereas in the counterplate positioning jigs of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Examples of the second embodiment the elastic member was integrally formed with the housing, the elastic member of the Sixth Example is not formed integrally with the housing, but is provided as a separate member. Careful attention has been paid to the form of the elastic member to prevent release of the elastic member from the bottom surface of the housing. Since the Sixth Example is otherwise identical in configuration to the Third Example, redundant descriptions of configurations identical to those of the Third Example have therefore been omitted.

(164) The counterplate positioning jig 1 of the present embodiment is configured from a cylindrical housing 2, a sliding shaft member 4 installed in the housing 2, an engaging means 3 that alternates between a lower-side lock and an upper-side lock with respect to the sliding shaft member 4 within the housing 2, and a cylindrical elastic member 5 disposed to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 (FIGS. 63 to 65). The housing 2, the sliding shaft member 4, and the elastic member 5 have rotational symmetry about the line P1-P1 (FIG. 64 and FIG. 65).

(165) FIG. 66 is a perspective view illustrating the elastic member of the Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment. FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the elastic member of the Sixth Example of the counterplate positioning jig of the second embodiment.

(166) The elastic member 5 is provided at the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 (FIG. 64 and FIG. 65), but the top surface 5b of the elastic member 5 and the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 are not adhered by an adhesive agent or the like, and are formed as separate members. The elastic member 5 is formed of a material with elastic properties, such as urethane foam or rubber sponge.

(167) The elastic member 5 is cylindrical and is provided with columnar holes 58b (first hole), 57 (second hole), and 58a (third hole) that centrally pierce the elastic member 5 from the top surface 5b to the bottom surface 5a of the elastic member 5. Starting at the top surface 5b, the holes are provided in the order of first hole 58b, second hole 57, and third hole 58a, piercing the elastic member 5 from the top surface 5b to the bottom surface 5a. Here, the first hole 58b and the third hold 58a are formed by donut-like projecting portions 58ba and 58aa, which project from the second hole 57 provided in the elastic member 5 (FIG. 67).

(168) The diameters of the first hole 58b and the third hole 58a are formed to be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the lower-side shaft 45 of the sliding shaft member 4, and smaller than the diameter of the plate-like member 44.

(169) The diameter of the second hole 57 is formed to be larger than the diameter of any of the lower-side shaft 45, the plate-like member 44, and the third shaft 48 of the sliding shaft member 4, and does not inhibit the movement of the sliding shaft member 4 when the sliding shaft member 4 moves up and down.

(170) Next, a method of using the positioning jig 1 of the present example will be described.

(171) The positioning jigs 1 are installed in the mounting holes 290, which are formed at a plurality of locations in the cutting die 205, and the sliding shaft members 4 are pulled to the lower limit position from the housings 2.

(172) When the sliding shaft member 4 is passed through the holes 58b (first hole), 57 (second hole), and 58a (third hole) of the elastic member 5, the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 hits the projecting portions 58ba and 58aa of the elastic member 5, but, due to the elastic properties of the elastic member 5, the first hole 58b and the third hole 58a are widened, and the tip 48 (third shaft) of the sliding shaft member 4 and the plate-like member 44 are exposed at the bottom surface 5a of the elastic member 5 (FIG. 64).

(173) When the sliding shaft member 4 is pulled to the lower limit position, the elastic member 5 (projecting portions 58ba and 58aa) is held between the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 and the top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44, and the elastic member 5 will not come off of the positioning jig 1.

(174) Next, the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 are mounted in the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, mounting the counterplate 270 on the sliding shaft members 4.

(175) Then, the cutting die 205 is brought close to the cutting plate 240 to bring the counterplate 270 and the cutting plate 240 into contact. At this time, the elastic member 5 between the housing 2 and the counterplate 270 is sandwiched between the cutting die 205 and the counterplate 270 and, subject to external forces on the top surface 5b and the bottom surface 5a, enters a vertically compressed state. Due to the contact between the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240, the sliding shaft member 4 slides against the engaging force from the engaging means 3, widens the third hole 58a of the elastic member 5, and is pressed into the elastic member 5 and the housing 2. The top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 then makes contact with a top surface 57b of the second hole 57 of the elastic member 5, bringing the sliding motion of the sliding shaft member 4 to a stop at the upper limit position. Since the top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 of the sliding shaft member 4 is in contact with the top surface 57b of the second hole 57 of the elastic member 5, when the sliding shaft member 4 is at the upper limit position, the projecting portion 58ba of the elastic member 5 is held between the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 and the top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44, and the elastic member 5 will not come off of the positioning jig 1.

(176) Thereafter, the cutting die 205 and the cutting plate 240 move in the separation direction. At this time, the force (elastic force) attempting to return the elastic member 5 to its original dimensions acts on the counterplate 270, thereby enabling the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 to release cleanly from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, ensuring that the counterplate 270 mounts in a precise position on the cutting plate 240.

(177) Thus, with the elastic member 5 being provided to the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2, when the counterplate 270 is being mounted on the cutting plate 240, an elastic force from the elastic member 5 makes it possible to cleanly release the tips 48 (third shafts) of the sliding shaft members 4 from the holes 277 in the counterplate 270, which makes it possible to mount the counterplate 270 in a precise position on the cutting plate 240.

(178) Moreover, when the sliding shaft member 4 is pulled to the lower limit position, the elastic member 5 (projecting portions 58ba and 58aa) are sandwiched between the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 and the top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44 and cannot therefore separate from the positioning jig 1. When the sliding shaft member 4 is in the upper limit position, the elastic member 5 (projecting portion 58ba) is sandwiched between the bottom surface 2a of the housing 2 and the top surface 44b of the plate-like member 44, and cannot therefore come off of the positioning jig 1. Therefore, even when formed as a separate member and not integrally formed with the housing, the elastic member 5 will not separate from the bottom surface of the housing.

(179) In the embodiments above, an arrangement was described in which tapered forms where used as the locking means. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. The locking means can, for example, be configured by providing an engaging means in another form that is compatible with the sliding shaft member and the accommodation hole 29 of the housing. Similarly, the forms of the hole-side inclined portion 21, the lower-side inclined portion 42, and other portions are not limited to the described arrangements. In addition, the present embodiments are not restricted to the processing of sheet members for assembling paper articles, but naturally can also be applied to sheet members for assembling cardboard and other thick papers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS

(180) 1 Counterplate positioning jig, 2 Housing, 21 Hole-side inclined portion, 29 Hole, 3 Engaging means, 4 Sliding shaft member, 42 Lower-side inclined portion (lower-side lock position), 43 Middle inclined portion (upper-side lock position), 45 Lower-side shaft (protruding portion) 5 Elastic member, 205 Cutting die, 240 Cutting plate, 270 Counterplate, 290 Mounting hole, 300 Positioning-use marking member