AUTOMATED SYSTEM INCLUDING INDEXING MECHANISM

摘要

An indexing system including an indexing table and a press unit is disclosed in which a device is provided to prevent substantial forces from being applied to the table support bearings. In a first embodiment, a coupling arm is connected to a press tool support unit which floats radially relative to the indexing table and is positioned to provide contact between the indexing table and the floating press. The indexing table is provided with a bearing surface normal to the direction of the force applied by the press at a location adjacent to the point where the press contacts the work piece secured to the table. The coupling arm bears against the table bearing surface so that the force applied to the outer edge of the indexing table by the press is returned directly to the tool support to minimize the force applied to the table support bearing. In a second embodiment, a pair of jaws are provided on the press tool support unit which are closed behind a mating surface on the work piece to transmit the reaction force directly between the work piece and the press unit and to prevent any of the reaction force from being applied to the table structure.