An apparatus for transferring a plurality of rows of workpieces, such as cans and the like, laterally to a machine having a plurality of work stations at which the workpieces are gripped through a transverse motion and, while gripped, are transferred laterally to the successive stations. The movements are timed with, but not tied to, the working movement of the machine itself by a drive system of cams, gears and the like.
A workpiece handling device for a machine tool having at least one work station disposed on the frame of the machine tool, wherein workpieces are held in workpiece holders during machining comprises a transfer means and a feeding means. The transfer means has a plurality of engaging means defining a plurality of positions along a first axis. A feeding means has two rows of engaging means formed in a plurality of columns. The rows are parallel to the first axis and the columns have parallel axis which interest the first axis and the centerline axis of a respective one of the work stations. The transfer means and the feeding means move in an alternating reciprocal manner to transfer the workpieces from a feeding station where workpieces are inserted, through the machine work stations, to a discharge station where the machined workpiece is ejected and back to the feed station in a cyclical manner.
Disclosed is a method according to which workpieces are fed and subjected to stamping by continuously operating a press in which a plurality of slides operating with a difference in phase are arranged laterally in a straight line. A longitudinal feeding device for longitudinally feeding workpieces is provided in each slide. Each slide and the longitudinal feeding device thereof operate in synchronism with each other, so that even when the press is continuously operated, the workpieces can be fed without involving any interference between the press and the transfer device. Further, the feeding of workpieces in the lateral direction, which is executed as needed, is effected outside the machining stage, so that there is no interference regardless of the difference in phase of the slides, whereby it is possible to feed workpieces without having to intermittently operate the press.
An article transfer mechanism is provided comprising parallel spaced apart feed plates reciprocable in the direction between the opposite ends thereof and carrying a plurality of laterally opposed article engaging feed finger members. Each feed finger member is supported for reciprocation laterally relative to the corresponding feed plate, and the feed plates support corresponding cam rods displaceable therewith and relative thereto in the direction of reciprocation of the feed plates. A cam and lever arrangement reciprocates the feed plates to displace the feed finger members longitudinally, and a second cam and lever arrangement reciprocates the cam rods to displace the feed finger members laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to the feed plates.
An improved automatic loading and unloading device (10) that can be used for high production machinery. The device (10) utilizes "straight-through" feeding of workpieces across a shuttle table (16) to a work station and through same to a discharge chute (70) minimizing the jamming of the pieces. In addition, the device simultaneously indexes new workpieces on the shuttle table (16) by means of a loading/unloading assembly (14) while previous workpieces are being machined. The device can also be used for supplying and indexing workpieces on a batch basis rather than an individual workpiece basis.
A mechanism is provided for advancing articles step by step between work stations of a press. The mechanism includes a pair of bracket assemblies mounted on opposite sides of the press frame and provided with feed bar support assemblies including members supporting a pair of parallel feed bar-feed finger members for longitudinal and lateral reciprocation to achieve article transfer. The bracket assembly includes a first portion fixed on the press frame and a second portion which carries the corresponding feed bar support assembly and which is pivotal relative to the first bracket portion between use and non-use positions. The drive arrangement for the reciprocable feed bar support members includes portions pivotal with the second bracket portion. The feed bar-feed finger members are detachable, thus enabling the second bracket portions and corresponding portions of the drive arrangements to be pivoted to the non-use position to facilitate access to the press. A plurality of such article feed mechanisms are adapted to be associated with the press and driven in unison by common drive belts and shafts on each of the opposite sides of the press.
