| 摘要 |
Transfer apparatus is disclosed for use with a cyclically operated material processing machine such as a power press or the like. The apparatus comprises a transfer unit which includes a workpiece holder with separate drive means for displacement along horizontal and vertical axes and, if desired, for rotation about a third axis. A transfer unit may be mounted on the input or output side of the processing machine or a pair of units may be used for loading and unloading if desired. A transfer unit is provided with a control system adapted for two modes of operation, the set up or teaching mode and an automatic mode for production runs. The control system comprises data storage means suitably in the form of a pinboard matrix in which stored data defines coordinates of selected points on a predetermined transfer path and the direction and velocity of movement between successive points. During the teaching mode of operation a manual controller enables an operator to move the transfer unit stepwise through a cycle of operation on a trial basis to establish the transfer path and the accelerations and velocities of the workpiece holder. The data storage means includes manually settable elements which enable the operator to store the necessary data for a given segment of the transfer path when a trial movement is satisfactory. When all of the control data is established in the storage means for the entire transfer path the control means are switched to automatic operation and the apparatus is ready for production operation. Since the transfer apparatus has its own drive means it need not be integrally connected with the mechanism of the processing machine. Instead of timing signal generator connected with the control system provides for synchronization of the movements of the transfer apparatus with the cyclic operation of the machine.
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