Tilt mechanism for a transfer rail in a press transfer system

摘要

A tilt mechanism for a transfer rail that is used to support a plurality of grippers for engaging and moving workpieces between a series of spaced apart work stations in a linear transfer press. The transfer rail forms part of a press transfer system of the type having a drive mechanism to impart three dimensional movement to the transfer rail. The tilt mechanism comprises at least one connector and at least one actuator. The connector secures the transfer rail to the drive mechanism and permits three dimensional movement of the transfer rail. The connector also permits the transfer rail to be rotated, relative to the drive mechanism, about its longitudinal axis. The actuator is connected to both the drive mechanism and the transfer rail and causes the transfer rail to be rotated between a position where it supports the grippers in an orientation where they generally extend toward the work stations to a position where it supports the grippers in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of said workpieces between said work stations.