Automatic transport mechanism for separate items - has independently travelling drive units automatically coupling to, and uncoupling from, pallets

摘要

The automatic transport mechanism conveys items, partic. workpieces on pallets, between machining stations and/or stores. Independently travelling drive units (2) automatically couple to, and uncouple from, the pallets (1), and can be driven by conventional or linear motors. In the latter case the reaction rails (4) can also act as supports and guides for the drive units. The tracks for drive units and pallets can be at different levels, and there can be two tracks alongside each other for the former, each accommodating a number of them. Alternatively, both drive units and workpiece supports of the hanging type can be used.