Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6792787
-
Patent Number
6,792,787
-
Date Filed
Thursday, March 27, 200321 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, September 21, 200419 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 072 40513
- 072 40516
- 072 40509
- 072 40501
- 072 1
- 072 4
- 198 6211
- 192 150
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
A workpiece transfer assembly (12, 112) moves workpieces through a press (10) and includes a pair of spaced pulleys (42) and an endless belt (43) entrained about the pulleys (42) and a clamp (46) connecting the belt (43) to a trolley (34, 134) for horizontally moving a pair of trolleys (34, 134) and the arms (24, 124) supported thereby. The clamp (46) is clamped to one reach of the endless belt (43) for moving back and forth along the between the pulleys (42). A biasing device (56) urges a male cam member (52) into driving engagement with a female cam member (54) to connect the belt (43) and the arms (24, 124) and allows the cam members (52 and 54) to react with one another in a camming fashion to move out of the driving engagement to allow the belt (43) to move without moving the arms (24, 124) in response to the predetermined force resisting movement of the arms (24, 124).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a workpiece transfer assembly for a press of the type including a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece forming process.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Such a transfer assembly comprises at least one horizontal carrier beam, a vertical drive system for moving the carrier beam between various vertical positions along a vertical axis on a press, at least one horizontal arm extending transversely to the carrier beam for supporting and moving a transfer bar into and out of the press, and a horizontal drive system for moving the arm into and out of the press along a transverse horizontal axis extending transversely to the carrier beam and for moving the arm along a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally and parallel to the carrier beam. The horizontal drive system to which the subject invention applies includes a pair of spaced pulleys and an endless belt entrained about the pulleys along a drive axis and a connection connecting the belt and the arm for moving the arm along one of the axes in response to movement of the belt.
In the event a problem arises within the press to prevent or interfere with normal or programmed movement of the transfer bar and/or arms that support the transfer bar, damage can occur to the horizontal drive system, particularly the electric drive motor, which can burn out if forced to stop while having drive power applied thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The subject invention improves the connection between the belt and the arm for moving the arm along one of the axes in response to movement of the belt. In accordance with the subject invention, the connection is characterized by including a detent mechanism for snapping out of engagement in response to a predetermined force whereby the belt is disconnected from the arm in response to a predetermined force resisting movement of the arm by the drive system.
Accordingly, the subject invention prevents damage to the horizontal drive components, including the motor, or the arm or the transfer bar carried by the arm. This damage is prevented as the detent mechanism allows movement of the arm and transfer bar supported thereby to stop in response to a predetermined force of resistance while allowing the motor, etc., of the horizontal drive system to continue to move until it would normally stop.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1
is perspective view of a first embodiment of a workpiece transfer assembly incorporating the subject invention and mounted on a press;
FIG. 2
is perspective view of a second embodiment of a workpiece transfer assembly incorporating the subject invention and mounted on a press;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the second embodiment from the opposite end from the end shown in
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 4
is a perspective view from the side of the subject invention; and
FIG. 5
is a fragmentary perspective view of the subject invention in the engaged position;
FIG. 6
is a fragmentary perspective view of the subject invention in the disengaged position; and
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of a sample group of fingers that could be used in such a workpiece transfer assembly for engaging and moving a workpeice.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals or numerals separated by one hundred indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a press is shown at is generally
10
and is of the type including a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece forming process. A workpiece transfer assembly for moving workpeices through the press
10
is generally shown at
12
in
FIGS. 1 and 46
and at
112
in
FIGS. 2 and 3
.
The transfer assembly
12
and
112
includes a pair of horizontal carrier beams
14
,
114
that extend along the longitudinal axis of the press
10
on either side or at either end of the press
10
. A vertical drive system, generally indicated at
16
,
116
, is included for moving the carrier beams
14
,
114
between various vertical positions along a vertical axis on the press
10
. The vertical drive system
16
,
116
includes vertical screws
18
,
118
extending vertically between bearing boxes
20
,
120
mounted on the press
10
and rotated by vertical drive motors
22
,
122
.
A pair of horizontal arms
24
,
124
extend transversely to each of the carrier beams
14
,
114
for supporting and moving a transfer bar
26
into and out of opposite sides of the press
10
. In the embodiment of
FIG. 1
, the transfer bar
24
is shown resting on stations
32
,
132
and is connected to the horizontal arms
24
via connectors
30
. Fingers or the like as shown in
FIG. 7
, extend from the transfer bars
26
to engage workpieces and the fingers change configuration for each different part being processed through the press
10
.
A horizontal drive system generally shown at
32
,
132
is included for moving the arms
24
,
124
into and out of the press along a transverse horizontal axis extending transversely to the transfer bars
26
and for moving the arms
24
,
124
along the longitudinal axis of the press
10
that extends longitudinally and parallel to the transfer bars
24
. The horizontal drive system
32
,
132
includes a pair of trolleys
34
,
134
suspended from each carrier beam
14
,
114
by a pair of longitudinal rails or tracks
36
and a pair of transverse rails or tracks
38
suspend the arms
24
,
124
from the trolleys
34
,
134
. A transverse drive motor
40
,
140
is connected via a drive shaft to a rack and pinion drive associated with each transverse track
38
for moving the arms
24
,
124
along one of the horizontal X and Y axes of the press
10
.
The horizontal drive system
32
,
132
also includes a pair of spaced pulleys
42
and an endless belt
43
entrained about the pulleys
42
along a drive axis and a connection connecting the belt
43
and the arms
24
,
124
via the trolleys
34
,
134
for moving the arms
24
,
124
along one of the axes in response to movement of the belt
43
. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the belt
43
and connection may be used to move the arms
24
,
124
into and out of the press
10
instead of the rack and pinion, i.e., along anyone of the axes. Accordingly, the pulleys
42
are mounted directly or indirectly on the carrier beam
14
,
114
by support flanges in spaced relationship to one another and a longitudinal drive motor
44
rotates the pulleys
42
by rotating at least one of the pulleys
42
. A clamp
46
is clamped to one reach of the endless belt
43
for moving back and forth relative to the carrier beam
14
,
114
between the pulleys
42
, either parallel or transverse to the carrier beam
14
,
114
. A connection, generally indicated at
50
, connects one of the trolleys
34
,
134
to the clamp
46
and the trolleys
34
,
134
are interconnected by a connecting rod
48
for moving in unison with the clamp
46
.
As illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 6
, the connection
50
is characterized by including a detent mechanism for snapping out of engagement in response to a predetermined force whereby the belt
43
is disconnected from the trolley
34
,
134
and, therefore, the arms
24
,
124
in response to a predetermined force resisting movement of the arms
24
,
124
by the drive system. More specifically, the detent mechanism includes a male cam member
52
and a female cam member
54
in driving engagement with one another for connecting the belt
43
and the arm
24
,
124
, and a biasing device
56
, in the form of a coil spring, for urging the cam members
52
and
54
into the driving engagement and for allowing the cam members
52
and
54
to react with one another in a camming fashion to move out of the driving engagement to allow the belt
43
to move without moving the arm
24
,
124
in response to the predetermined force resisting movement of the arm
24
,
124
. The cam members
52
and
54
present camming surfaces inclined in a direction transverse to the drive axis of the belt
43
by being spherical. Accordingly, the male cam member
52
comprises a rod extending transversely to the drive axis of the belt
43
and having a semi-circular cross section and the female cam member
52
comprises a head having a semi-circular recess
57
(
FIG. 6
) for engaging the rod male cam member
52
.
A head guide
58
movably supports and guides the female cam member
54
head into and out of engagement with the rod. The spring comprising the biasing device
56
is disposed to react between the head and the guide
58
for urging the female cam member
54
into engagement with the male cam member
52
. A slide connection
60
is disposed between the female cam member
54
head and the guide
58
for guiding movement of the head relative to the guide
58
into and out of engagement with the rod defining the male cam member
52
. As illustrated, the male rod cam member
52
is supported on the belt
43
and the support for the female cam member
54
head is connected to the arm
24
,
124
via being mounted on the trolley
34
,
134
, however, it could be reversed.
There is also included an adjustment
62
for adjusting the position of the guide
58
to adjust the reaction force between the cam members
52
and
54
. In other words, the compression or force exerted by the spring of the biasing device
56
can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the guide
58
relative to the trolley
34
,
134
upon which it is supported.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims, wherein that which is prior art is antecedent to the novelty set forth in the “characterized by” clause. The novelty is meant to be particularly and distinctly recited in the “characterized by” clause whereas the antecedent recitations merely set forth the old and well-known combination in which the invention resides. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the incentive novelty exercises its utility. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims are merely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
10
. Press
12
,
112
. Transfer assembly
14
,
114
. beam
16
,
116
. vertical drive system
18
,
118
. vertical screws
20
,
120
. bearing boxes
22
,
122
. vertical drive motors
24
,
124
. arm
26
. transfer bar
32
,
132
. horizontal drive system
34
,
134
. trolley
36
. longitudinal rails or tracks
38
. transverse rails or tracks
40
,
140
. transverse drive motor
42
. pulleys
42
. belt
44
. longitudinal drive motor
46
. clamp
48
. connecting rod
50
. connection
52
. male cam member
54
. female cam member
56
. biasing device
57
. recess
58
. head guide
60
. slide connection
62
. adjustment
6
Claims
- 1. A workpiece transfer assembly for a press of the type including a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece forming process, said assembly comprising;at least one horizontal carrier beam (14, 114) a vertical drive system (16, 116) for moving said carrier beam (14, 114) between various vertical positions along a vertical axis on a press, at least one horizontal arm (24, 124) for supporting and moving a transfer bar (26) into and out of a press, a horizontal drive system (32, 132) for moving said arm (24, 124) into and out of said press along a transverse horizontal axis extending transversely to said transfer bar (26) and for moving said arm (24, 124) along a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally and parallel to said transfer bar (26), said horizontal drive system (32, 132) including a pair of spaced pulleys (42) and an endless belt (43) entrained about said pulleys (42) along a drive axis and a connection (50) connecting said belt (43) and said arm (24, 124) for moving said arm (24, 124) along one of said axes in response to movement of said belt (43), said connection (50) characterized by including a detent mechanism for snapping out of engagement in response to a predetermined force whereby said belt (43) is disconnected from said arm (24, 124) in response to a predetermined force resisting movement of said arm (24,124) by said drive system.
- 2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said detent mechanism includes a male cam member (52) and a female cam member (54) in driving engagement with one another for connecting said belt (43) and said arm (24, 124) and a biasing device (56) for urging said cam members (52 and 54) into said driving engagement and for allowing said cam members (52 and 54) to react with one another in a camming fashion to move out of said driving engagement to allow said belt (43) to move without moving said arm (24, 124) in response to said predetermined force resisting movement of said arm (24, 124).
- 3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cam members (52 and 54) present camming surfaces inclined in a direction transverse to said drive axis of said belt (43).
- 4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said male cam member (52) comprises a rod extending transversely to said drive axis of said belt (43) and having a semi-circular cross section.
- 5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said female cam member (52) comprises a head having a semi-circular recess (57) for engaging said rod.
- 6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 including a head guide (58) for movably supporting and guiding said head into and out of engagement with said rod, said biasing device (56) being reacting between said head and said guide (58).
- 7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 including a slide connection (60) between said head and said guide (58) for guiding movement of said head relative to said guide (58) into and out of engagement with said rod.
- 8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said rod is supported on said belt (43) and said guide (58) for said head is connected to said arm (24, 124).
- 9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 including an adjustment (62) for adjusting the position of said guide (58) to adjust the reaction force between said cam members (52 and 54).
- 10. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said pulleys (42) are supported on said carrier beam (14, 114).
- 11. A workpiece transfer assembly for a press of the type including a reciprocating member and a series of longitudinally spaced in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of the workpiece forming process, said assembly comprising;a pair of horizontal carrier beams (14, 114) a vertical drive system (16, 116) for moving said carrier beams (14, 114) between various vertical positions along a vertical axis on a press, a pair of horizontal arms (24, 124) for supporting and moving a transfer bar (26) into and out of opposite sides of a press, a horizontal drive system (32, 132) for moving said arms (24, 124) into and out of said press along a transverse horizontal axis extending transversely to said transfer bars (26) and for moving said arms (24, 124) along a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally and parallel to said transfer bars (26), said horizontal drive system (32, 132) including a pair of spaced pulleys (42) and an endless belt (43) entrained about said pulleys (42) along a drive axis and a connection (50) connecting said belt (43) and said arm (24, 124) for moving said arms (24, 124) along one of said axes in response to movement of said belt (43), said connection (50) characterized by including a male cam member (52) and a female cam member (54) in driving engagement with one another for connecting said belt (43) and said arm (24, 124) and a biasing device (56) for urging said cam members (52 and 54) into said driving engagement and for allowing said cam members (52 and 54) to react with one another in a camming fashion to move out of said driving engagement to allow said belt (43) to move without moving said arm (24, 124) in response to a predetermined force resisting movement of said arm.
- 12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said male cam member (52) comprises a rod extending transversely to said drive axis of said belt (43) and having a semi-circular cross section and said female cam member (52) comprises a head having a semi-circular recess (57) for engaging said rod.
US Referenced Citations (15)