Patent GB-1355395-A (GB)
Title: Loading device for machine tools
IPC: B23Q7/04
Filed: 1971-08-12
Abstract: 1355395 Grinding; workpiece transferring TOYODA KOKI KK 12 Aug 1971 38011/71 Headings B3D and B3B [Also in Division B8] A device for loading non-circular workpieces, e.g. pistons with non-circular skirts into a grinding machine or other machine tool comprises shoot means 6 for supplying workpieces W, means 8 for indexing the workpieces W into a required angular position, means 17 at one end of the shoot means 6 for holding an indexed workpiece W, means 3 for shifting the workpieces W from the holding means 17 to a chuck 4 and means 5 for turning the holding means 17 to align a workpiece W held thereby with the shifting means 3. Workpieces W are fed into an upper shoot portion 33, Fig. 3, guide rails 35 engaging notches W n , Fig. 4, to locate the workpieces angularly. On actuating hydraulic means 62, a shutter 58 is pivoted through a connecting linkage 60, 66, 68, 69 to allow a workpiece W to be supplied to the indexing mechanism 8, where it is engaged by projections 67 of further shutters 57 linked to the means 62. A block 44, Fig. 4, is raised by a piston 42 to engage the workpiece W against members 38 on a shaft 37. If the workpiece has been fed along the rails 35 in the correct orientation for machining, a portion 46 of a link 45 enters a locating recess W 2  in the workpiece, while if the workpiece has been guided in the wrong orientation, i.e. at 180 degrees to that required, the portion 46 is depressed, pivoting the link 45 against a spring 47. A microswitch 52 is consequently closed, causing an hydraulic actuator 40 to rotate the shaft 37, and with it the workpiece, through 180 degrees.  On further actuation of the means 62, the shutters 57 act to transfer the workpiece W to a lower shoot portion 31 where it runs along further rail portions 35 and engages projections 64 of lower shutters 65, a subsequent workpiece W being fed simultaneously to the indexing means 8. A third actuation of the means 62 delivers the workpiece W over rollers 28 to the holding means 17. Synchronously pivotable abutments 23, 24, urged into an open position, against the action of a spring 25, by a control link 72, which engages a pin 74 on an arm 22 of the abutment 24 on operating the means 62, then close to hold the workpiece W in engagement with fixed stops 26, 27. 'Turning of the holding means 17 is then effected by an hydraulic rack 16, Fig. 2, acting on a pinion portion 14 of a shaft 13 supporting the means 17, so that the workpiece W is aligned with the shifting means 3. The means 3 is then advanced hydraulically, Fig. 8 (not shown), so that a supporting member 79 engages the workpiece W, Fig. 9, and locating pins 87, 88 are radially expanded to engage locating holes W 4  of the workpiece W by means of projection (90), (91), Fig. 10 (not shown), engaging oblique grooves 84, 85 of an hydraulically retracted control rod 83. With a cam-controlled grinding wheel 106 retracted, the means 3 is then further advanced to position the workpiece W between clamping jaws 105 of the chuck 4, so that the workpiece W may be rotated in contact with the grinding wheel 106 prior to discharge along a shoot 7, the means 3 being retracted to receive the next workpiece W. Workpieces W are fed through the device in a continuous automatically controlled sequence, each feeding step corresponding to one grinding cycle. An alternative indexing means 8, Figs. 5-6 (not shown), may be provided for workpieces W not provided with notches W 5 , a rack (124) being arranged to rotate a support (121a) on whidh the workpiece W is raised in the indexing position until the required position is indicated by a mark W 2  formed on the workpiece W. Rails (140) then prevent rotation of the workpieces W during travel down the shoot portion 31.