Sorting apparatus for parts from workpiece cutting machine
AssigneeTrumpf GmbH & Co.
InventorPeter Bytow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A machine tool/parts sorter assembly includes a machine tool having a frame and a workstation at which multiple parts are cut from a workpiece as it is moved in a horizontal plane relative to the workstation. A sorter is coupled with the machine tool frame for separately guiding different parts to different discharge areas adjacent the machine tool. The sorter includes a guide member adjacent the workstation for receiving the parts from the workstation, a pair of spaced, downwardly inclined guide chutes for discharging parts to separate discharge areas, and an actuator for selectively moving the guide member to discharge parts thereon into the guide chutes.
Claims15
A machine tool/parts sorter assembly comprising:
- (a) a machine tool having a frame and a workstation at which multiple parts are cut from workpieces as the workpiece is moved in a horizontal plane relative to the workstation, said machine tool also including a computer control for controlling the machine tool operation to produce different parts from a workpiece;
- and
- (b) a sorter coupled with said machine tool frame adjacent said workstation to receive machined parts therefrom and for separately guiding different parts to different discharge areas adjacent the machine tool, said sorter including:
- (i) a guide member adjacent said workstation for receiving the parts from said workstation,
- (ii) a pair of spaced, downwardly inclined guide chutes for discharging parts to separate discharge areas, and
- (iii) means for selectively moving said guide member to discharge parts thereon into said guide chutes, said means for selectively moving said guide member being operable by said machine tool computer control to move said guide member to direct parts to a selected one of said guide chutes corresponding to the parts being produced by said machine tool in the machine tool operation.
The machine tool/parts sorter assembly in accordance with 10 wherein said cylinder is mounted below said guide member and is pivotable about a parallel axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.