Patent ID: 6216523
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
A workpiece transfer assembly (10) for a press of the type including a reciprocating member and a series of in-line stations wherein each station is a further progression of a workpiece W forming process, said assembly (10) comprising:a pair of workpiece engaging jaws (12) each having clasps (14) attached thereto for clasping the workpieces W;a lateral motion mechanism (16) for moving said jaw (12) in a horizontal direction and laterally relative to the work stations into and out of workpiece W engagement position;a vertical motion mechanism (22) for moving said jaw (12) in a vertical direction relative to the workstations;a linear motion mechanism (40) for moving said jaw (12) in a horizontal direction and linearly relative to said work stations;each jaw (12) operatively connected to said mechanisms; andsaid assembly (10) characterized by a pair of reciprocal horizontal motors (50) each actuating one of said lateral motion mechanisms (16), a pair of reciprocal vertical motors (52) each actuating one of said vertical motion mechanisms (22), a linear motor (54) for actuating said linear motion mechanism (40), and a controller for programming said motors (50,52,54) through a programmed actuation process wherein said motors (50,52,54) are mounted to said assembly in a stationary manner.