System for transferring workpieces through a series of work stations
US4887446A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB21D43/055
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for transferring workpieces through a series of linearly aligned, equally spaced work stations where a predetermined sequence of operations are performed thereon. The workpieces are transferred along an X axis by a plurality of workpiece gripping finger operators mounted on a transfer rail at equally spaced locations thereon corresponding to the spacing of the work stations. The transfer rail is reciprocated along the X axis for a distance equal to the spacing between adjacent work stations. Independently supported actuator units are provided which have a lateral arm to support the transfer rail and to impart up and down and back and forth movement to it. The mechanism for moving the workpiece in all three axes are individually controllable and may be coordinated with operation of, for example, a transfer press.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.