System and method for rotation of cross bars in a multiple station transfer press

摘要

A multiple station transfer press (20) is provided. The cross bar assemblies (42) transfer work pieces (22) between adjacent press stations (24) in transfer press (10). Movement of the cross bar assemblies (42) is provided by raising and lowering transfer rails (38) and (40) along with reciprocating cross bar assemblies (42) along transfer rails (38) and (40). Each cross bar assembly (42) can also be tilted and/or tipped relative to the transfer rails (38 and 40). Cross bar assemblies (42) are used to dynamically orient work pieces (22) during transfer between adjacent press stations (24). A portion of the motion of each cross bar assembly (42) occurs while upper dies (36) and lower dies (34) are separated by less than a maximum distance. The cross bar assemblies (42) preferably include at least two cross bars (130, 132) which may be rotated one hundred and eighty degrees to accommodate changing holding devices such as suction cups (268, 270) while changing dies (36, 34). The cross bars (130, 132) may also be independently rotated relative to each other and the associated cross bar assembly (42) to accommodate specific dies (36, 34) and/or work pieces (22) which are best engaged by holding devices (268, 270) oriented with a specific polar rotation relative to the longitudinal axis (384) of the respective cross bar (130, 132).