Component feed mechanism for work-holding plate - uses arm to advance continuous chain of work holders past resilient support near one corner

摘要

A rectangular plate (21) with a projecting frame (12) round its edges is used to hold circular components which are housed by workholders (14) introduced as an endless chain. The feed mechanism operates at an upper corner of the plate and two corners may be fitted with rounded guides (27). This mechanism includes a gripping element (20) with teeth (22) shaped to form pockets partly enclosing the workholders, moving them against a resilient support (23) with rounded ends (25). The gripping element is controlled by a drive with two piston and cylinder units (30,36) at right angles, moving a slider (29) travelling along guides (28,33) at right angles, the gripping element being connected to one side of the slider. USE/ADVANTAGE - Many components can be deposited in stackable work holding plates by industrial robots.