Patent ID: 6554561
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: B23P,B23Q,B65G

Abstract:
An automated cell for handling parts received on a part carrier, said automated cell comprising:a working space enclosed by a wall; an operating door located in a front part of said wall; a first stack position located within said working space adjacent said operating door; a second stack position located within said working space adjacent said first stack position; a third stack position arranged within said working space adjacent said second stack position, said first, second and third stack positions being sequentially arranged adjacent each other in a first horizontal direction; a transfer device located within said working space, said transfer device having a vertical linear axis extending vertically, along which a horizontal linear axis extending in said first horizontal direction is displaceable, a carriage moveable along said horizontal linear axis, said carriage comprising a first gripper for gripping part carriers and moving said part carriers along said horizontal linear axis between said first, second and third stack positions and vertically along said vertical linear axis; at least one portal extending horizontally above said working space and comprising a carriage movable along said portal, said carriage comprising a second gripper for gripping parts located on one of said part carriers underneath said carriage; a bulkhead extending substantially vertically between said first and second stack positions; wherein said first gripper is configured for moving part carriers between said first and second stack positions by raising same above said bulkhead, and wherein said operating door is configured for loading part carriers there through in said first horizontal direction into said first stack position and out of said first stack position.