Workpiece gripping and moving device for machine tool

摘要

The loading device is for a machine for cutting or otherwise shaping a workpiece. The machine incorporates a portal frame (10) with a horizontal beam (18) which may incorporate a movable carriage (20). The carriage has a bearing carrying a first swivelling arm (34). A swivelling joint connects the first swivelling arm to a second swivelling arm (56) which is kept pointing vertically downward. It has a gripping device (64) at its lower end, which can grab hold of and lift the workpiece (16) from a first or ready position (A) and transfer it to a working location (B) in the machine tool (14).