Coupling for handling workpiece, conveyor combined therewith, and method

摘要

A coupling includes a pair of cup-shaped members with one mounted for sliding axial motion inside the other. The outside coupling acts as a support or base which is connected to a conveyor that moves the coupling between workpiece loading and unloading means. The inside member also carries detents which move radially in and out to grasp or release the workpiece in response to axial motion between the two cup-shaped members. When combined with a conveyor, appropriate cam and follower means are provided to cause the coupling to be operated for grasping and releasing the workpiece in a timed sequence and to move the coupling from a workpiece loading station to an unloading station. The coupling and conveyor are suited for use in handling soft or easily marked materials such as plastic, soft metals, and the like. A method for workpiece handling includes steps of rotating, advancing in stop-and-go fashion while continuously rotating, and unloading.