Workpiece accumulator for a stamping machine

A workpiece accumulator system for a progressive die stamping machine, the workpiece accumulator system comprising:

• a plurality of linear actuators, a corresponding plurality of nesting blocks, a plurality of exit rails, and a first controller;
• wherein each of the linear actuators includes a static portion and a moveable member;
• wherein the nesting blocks are disposed on the moveable members of the linear actuators;
• wherein the nesting blocks are arranged to stack a plurality of workpieces being fabricated by the progressive die stamping machine;
• wherein the first controller is operatively connected to the linear actuators to control linear positions of the moveable members of the linear actuators;
• wherein the first controller is configured to communicate with a second controller that is configured to control the progressive die stamping machine;
• and
• wherein the first controller includes instructions to:
• determine a cycle advancement of the progressive die stamping machine based upon an input signal from the second controller, wherein the cycle advancement is associated with fabrication of one of the plurality of workpieces, and
• in response to the cycle advancement, control the moveable members of the linear actuators to retract the nesting blocks from initial positions to accommodate placement of the one of the plurality of workpieces in a stack on the nesting blocks.

A workpiece accumulator system for a progressive die stamping machine, the workpiece accumulator system comprising:

• a plurality of linear actuators, a corresponding plurality of nesting blocks, a plurality of exit rails, and a first controller;
• wherein each of the linear actuators includes a static portion and a moveable member;
• wherein the nesting blocks are disposed on the moveable members of the linear actuators;
• wherein the nesting blocks are arranged to stack a plurality of workpieces being fabricated by the progressive die stamping machine;
• wherein the first controller is operatively connected to the linear actuators to control linear positions of the moveable members of the linear actuators;
• wherein the first controller is configured to communicate with a second controller that is configured to control the progressive die stamping machine;
• and
• wherein the first controller includes instructions to:
• determine a cycle advancement of the progressive die stamping machine based upon an input signal from the second controller, wherein the cycle advancement is associated with fabrication of one of the plurality of workpieces,
• in response to the cycle advancement, control the moveable members of the linear actuators to retract the nesting blocks from initial positions to accommodate placement of the one of the plurality of workpieces in a stack on the nesting blocks, and
• control the moveable members of the linear actuators to retract the nesting blocks to fully retracted positions to place the plurality of workpieces in the stack on the nesting blocks onto the plurality of exit rails when a quantity of the plurality of workpieces in the stack on the nesting blocks is equal to a desired quantity.