Transfer system for a production line

摘要

A transfer system transfers a workpiece between stations of a production line spaced along a transfer axis. The transfer system comprises a frame having a main beam extending along the transfer axis. A plurality of transfer heads are spaced along the main beam with each of the transfer heads configured to independently move along the main beam along the transfer axis and relative to the main beam along a lift axis orthogonal to the transfer axis and a clamp axis orthogonal to the transfer and lift axes to accommodate for variation in spacing between each of the stations. Each of the transfer heads are suspended from the main beam and extend downwardly from the main beam beneath the main beam so that the transfer head is selectively moved outwardly, upwardly, and sideways away from the stations to provide access to the stations from the substrate.

主权项

1. A transfer system for transferring a workpiece between stations of a production line spaced along a transfer axis, said transfer system comprising:
a frame including at least one riser for connection to an underlying substrate and a main beam fixed to said riser and extending transversely to said riser along the transfer axis; and a plurality of transfer heads spaced along said main beam with each of said transfer heads configured to independently move along said main beam along the transfer axis and relative to said main beam along a lift axis orthogonal to the transfer axis and a clamp axis orthogonal to the transfer and lift axes to accommodate for variation in spacing between each of the stations; each of said transfer heads being suspended from said main beam and extending downwardly from said main beam beneath said main beam so that said transfer head is selectively moved outwardly, upwardly, and sideways away from the stations to provide access to the stations from the substrate; wherein each of said transfer heads includes a lift carriage moveably supported by said main beam, a transfer motor fixed to said main beam, and a motion transmitting system supported by said main beam and connected to said lift carriage and said transfer motor for moving said transfer head along the transfer axis; wherein each of said motion transmitting systems are independently operable to independently move said transfer heads along said main beam; wherein said main beam is hollow and said motion transmitting system of each transfer head is dispose in said main beam; wherein each of said motion transmitting systems includes pulleys and a belt wherein said main beam includes a slot through which at least one of said belt and said lift carriage extends; wherein said main beam presents a bottom surface with each lift carriage suspended from said bottom surface beneath said main beam, said bottom surface defining said slot.