GB785716A - Improvements in feeding mechanisms for use with power presses and like machines - Google Patents

Abstract

785,716. Feed mechanism for presses. BLAKE, W. A., [trading as B.H.P. MACHINE TOOL CO.]. Nov. 30, 1955 [Nov. 30, 1954], No. 34602/54. Class 83 (4). A feed mechanism for a power press or the like, comprises an oscillating arm 10, Fig. 5, with a pick-up head 35 adapted to transfer a workpiece from a supply position to the press die or the like 12, the pick-up head being controlled automatically, for picking up or releasing the workpiece, in accordance with the position of the arm 10, and setting control means 49 are provided for permanently activating the pick-up head to retain a workpiece thereon during setting up or resetting of the mechanism. The arm 10 is adjustably clamped to a sleeve 14 keyed to a spindle 15, Fig. 3, but axially slidable thereon and biased upwardly by a spring 24. A lug 16, Fig. 5, is rigidly secured to the spindle 15 and is connected through a spring-biased lost-motion connection with a rod 17 connected to a slide 18 actuated through linkage 21, 23, Fig. 1 (not shown) from the main crankshaft of the press. The arm 10 is lowered at each end of its oscillating movement, which is limited by adjustable stops 32, 33, Fig. 2 (not shown), by a pivoted lever 27, Fig. 3, having rollers 26 engaging a flange 25 on the sleeve and a roller 29 actuated alternately by cams 30, 31 on the slide 18. The pick-up head may comprise a suction cup, a pair of gripper fingers operated pneumatically or hydraulically or on electromagnetic head. In the embodiment of Fig. 5 the head may be operated alternatively by suction or air pressure. Suction is effected by a pump 36 acting through pipe 39 on valve box 38; pressure air is also supplied to the valve box through pipe 41, lubricator 42 and reduction valve 43. A control handle 46 selects whether air or vacuum shall be supplied through outlet pipe 47 and shut-off valve 48 to the head 35. The supply to the head is controlled by a valve toggle 37 actuated by cams 50, 51 on the slide 18. A by-pass valve 49 enables air or vacuum to be supplied permanently to the head during setting of the mechanism. The valve 49 is preferably housed in the valve box 38. When the head is electromagnetic, it is controlled by switches instead of valves 38, 49.