Method and apparatus for loading and unloading sheet molding compound in and from a press
US4571320A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2105/256
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus are disclosed using a robot to load and unload precut pieces of sheet molding compound and the like between an upper die and a lower die of a sheet molding press. The steps in the method include having the robot ready and hold a raw piece while the press is closed and molding a piece already therein, opening the press on completion of molding the piece therein and suspending such molded piece independent of the robot in a predetermined intermediate position between the dies as the press opens, provided such molded piece does not stick to the upper die, having the robot enter the raw piece into the press between the molded piece and the lower die, having the robot sense the presence of the molded piece in the suspended position and in that event secure same thereto, or if not so present and stuck in the upper die then withdraw the raw piece from the press, and having the robot with the securing thereto of the molded piece only then unload the raw piece on the lower die and retract the molded piece from between the dies for subsequent press molding of the thus loaded raw piece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.