Closed loop automated workpiece handling system for machine tool
First Claim
1. A machine tool system comprising:
- an elongate machine tool having a longitudinally reciprocable worktable having a plurality of workstations spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the worktable;
a first workpiece support structure for supporting a plurality of workpieces at one end of the machine tool adjacent a first workstation;
a feeder mechanism on the machine tool for drawing workpieces from the support structure to a first workstation of the machine tool; and
a transfer mechanism on the machine tool for shifting workpieces from the first workstation to an adjacent workstation, said transfer mechanism including (a) means for selectively elevating workpieces above said worktable and lowering workpieces onto said worktable, said elevating means connected to the worktable for reciprocable movement therewith, and (b) first grasping means for grasping workpieces when elevated and maintaining them in a fixed position while the worktable is shifted from the adjacent workstation to the first workstation, wherein the workpieces are then released by the means for grasping and lowered onto the worktable in a new workstation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated workpiece handling system for use with a machine tool having a plurality of workstations spaced along a longitudinally movable, elongate worktable comprising a first cart for transporting workpieces to one end of the tooling machine, adjacent a first workstation, a first feeder mechanism on the machine tool for drawing workpieces from the first cart and delivering the workpieces onto the worktable, a mechanism on the worktable including the worktable itself for moving the workpieces along the worktable from a position adjacent the first workstation to a position adjacent a final workstation, a second cart for transporting workpieces from the other end of the machine tool, adjacent the final workstation, and a second feeder mechanism on the machine tool for drawing workpieces from the worktable and delivering the workpieces onto the second cart. The first feeder mechanism and the mechanism on the worktable for moving workpieces along the worktable both include clamping mechanisms for positively grasping the workpieces during the loading and positioning operations, thereby providing a closed loop system which facilitates unattended operation.
12 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A machine tool system comprising:
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an elongate machine tool having a longitudinally reciprocable worktable having a plurality of workstations spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the worktable; a first workpiece support structure for supporting a plurality of workpieces at one end of the machine tool adjacent a first workstation; a feeder mechanism on the machine tool for drawing workpieces from the support structure to a first workstation of the machine tool; and a transfer mechanism on the machine tool for shifting workpieces from the first workstation to an adjacent workstation, said transfer mechanism including (a) means for selectively elevating workpieces above said worktable and lowering workpieces onto said worktable, said elevating means connected to the worktable for reciprocable movement therewith, and (b) first grasping means for grasping workpieces when elevated and maintaining them in a fixed position while the worktable is shifted from the adjacent workstation to the first workstation, wherein the workpieces are then released by the means for grasping and lowered onto the worktable in a new workstation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification