GB881231A - Feeding device, especially for metal stampings - Google Patents

Abstract

881,231. Feeding mechanisms for stamping presses. BUDD CO. April 22, 1960 [April 22, 1959], No. 14142/60. Class 83 (4). A device for feeding preformed articles to a machine comprises gauging mechanism adapted to receive an individual article in a predetermined position and transfer mechanism including means for picking up an article from said gauging means, means to move such article substantially horizontally to the machine to be fed for a predetermined distance, and means for releasing such article so as to deposit it in a predetermined position in the machine. The feeding device 10 is to feed a preformed metal stamping 11 on to the lower stationary die 12 of a forming press 13 which has an upper vertically reciprocating die 14. The device comprises a mobile framework 16 adjustable for height by screws 17. A gauging fixture 20 provided with form pieces 21, Fig. 4, for engaging the margins of the stamping is secured to a table 22 supported by a frame 23 vertically reciprocable in the framework 16 by a fluid pressure cylinder 25. An abutment 29 limits the upward movement of the table and also carries a limit switch for cutting-off the fluid supply to the pressure cylinder 25. The table 22 is longitudinally and transversely adjustable relatively to the frame 23 to enable the table to be accurately positioned relatively to the press. After the stamping has been placed on the fixture 20 it is raised by operation of cylinder 25 into contact with a number of suction cups 48 carried by the head 47 of the transfer and feeding mechanism. The head is adjustably secured to members 50, 51 and 52 forming a first linkage parallelogram, the member 52 of which also forms one side of a second linkage parallelogram comprising links 53 and a stationary member 54 secured to a cantilever 55. One of the members 51 has its mid-portion journalled at 56 to a crank 57 on a shaft 58 which is rotated by a rack 61 driven by a fluid-pressure cylinder 64. An adjustable abutment 65 on the rack operates a limit switch which controls the cylinder 64 and the suction cups 48. The abutment 65 also limits the downstroke of the rack. A second crank 67 on the shaft 58 is connected to a fluid cylinder 69 which acts to dampen the movement of the transfer device at the end of the strokes whilst boosting the initial movement thereof to speed up the feeding stroke. In operation, on downward movement of the rack the stamping 11 is delivered to the press and the suction cups are vented to deposit the stamping on the die 12, Fig. 1, whereupon the rack is raised to return the feeding head to its initial position, Fig. 2. While the upper die is carrying out its working stroke the gauging fixture with a new stamping thereon is raised into contact with the suction cups in readiness for feeding to the press when the stamping 11 has been removed.