| 摘要 |
The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for transferring and forming parts in a press (20). The press (20) has a plurality of longitudinally disposed workstations (W). A parts transfer system (22) has a grasping unit (69) for releasably grasping or holding matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) and is mounted upon a translation base (68) which is movable between workstations (W). The press (20) simultaneously stamps and forms at least a pair of matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) in a single stroke of the press (20) and the parts transfer system (22) grasps and transfers the matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) between workstations (W). Each matrix has at least two longitudinal spaced columns and two laterally spaced rows of workpieces (WP). Preferably, the grasping unit (69) include matrices of gear boxes (110), interconnected by connecting rods (198), which pivotally support arms (140) and finger assemblies (146) which releasably grasp the workpieces (WP). Ideally, the workpieces (WP) are stamped from a sheet material (24) in one of the workstations (W), pass through respective chutes (96) and are arranged into a matrix configuration. The method includes steps of transferring and forming matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) passing through a plurality of workstations W of press (20).
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