Method for changing fingers in preparatory work conducted externally of a transfer feeder, and device therefor
AssigneeKomatsu Ltd.
InventorShigekazu Noda
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
With an advancing motion, finger plates together with stationary transfer bars are moved to positions where uprights are not in the way, and finally the finger plates disengaged from the stationary transfer bars are held by plate holding members to be discharged to an area where preparatory work is conducted externally of a transfer feeder, together with movable transfer bars. Accordingly, inherent motions of the transfer feeder are made use of to shunt the finger plates, and as compared with the case where the finger plates are disengaged from the stationary transfer bars at standstill to shunt, cylinders for movement and guide rails are dispensed with to enable attaining light weight and the transfer feeder is enhanced in operating rate.
Claims7
A method for changing fingers in preparatory work conducted externally of a transfer feeder, the fingers being used for the transfer feeder, in which the fingers placing thereon workpieces are detachably mounted on stationary transfer bars and movable transfer bars, respectively, constituting transfer bars, the transfer bars being capable of making at least advancing and returning motions, and connection of the stationary transfer bars and movable transfer bars can be released, the method comprising the steps of:
- with advancing or returning motion of the transfer bars, moving the transfer bars in a workpiece transfer direction;
- using a holding means to hold finger plates for mounting of the fingers, the finger plates being detachably mounted on the stationary transfer bars of the transfer bars, and spacing the holding means and the stationary transfer bars away from each other;
- with returning or advancing motion of the transfer bars, returning the transfer bars to their original positions in the workpiece transfer direction;
- using a support means to support the movable transfer bars of the transfer bars;
- releasing connection of the stationary transfer bars and movable transfer bars;
- and
- carrying out the movable transfer bars supported by the support means and the finger plates held by the holding means, together with moving bolsters;
- the above respective steps being automatically conducted.
A device for changing fingers in preparatory work conducted externally of a transfer feeder, the fingers being used for the transfer feeder, in which the fingers placing thereon workpieces are detachably mounted on stationary transfer bars and movable transfer bars, respectively, constituting transfer bars, the transfer bars being capable of making at least advancing and returning motions, and connection of the stationary transfer bars and movable transfer bars can be released, the device comprising:
- finger plates detachably mounted on the stationary transfer bars for mounting of the fingers;
- holding means capable of holding the finger plates, being disengaged from the stationary transfer bars, in a state spaced away from the stationary transfer bars and the movable transfer bars;
- support means capable of supporting the movable transfer bars;
- carrying-out means for carrying out the movable transfer bars supported by the support means and the finger plates held by the holding means, together with the moving bolsters;
- and
- control means for automatically controlling motions of at least the stationary transfer bars and the movable transfer bars.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.