Machine for handling parts

摘要

A gripping mechanism is mounted on a carriage and is adapted to be shifted back and forth along an inverted L-shaped path to pick up and transfer parts. Inverted L-shaped cam tracks are formed in a main support member and receive and guide rollers which support the carriage. The cam tracks and the rollers are arranged to allow the rollers to roll freely without skidding while preventing radial play between the rollers and the tracks. A flexible drive linkage is connected between the carriage and its actuator and is capable of yielding in both directions in order to prevent damage to the actuator if the carriage becomes jammed when the carriage is being either advanced or retracted. Before being picked up by the gripping mechanism, the parts are held in a track by an escapement having spring-biased fingers adapted to move between open and closed positions.