Press equipped with a transfer device

Claim 2

A transfer press comprising a press frame, a series of rams arranged at successive stations throughout the length of the press frame for subjecting a workpiece in succession to a number of pressing operations by tool parts operated by their respective rams, a transfer device associated with at least one of the press rams by which the workpiece following a pressing operation is transferred to the ram in adjacent station where it is subjected to a further pressing operation, and support means for the transfer device moveable from and into an operative position within the press frame whereby the transfer device and the tool parts can be withdrawn.

Claim 3

A transfer press comprising a press frame, a series of rams arranged at successive stations throughout the length of the press frame for subjecting a workpiece to a number of pressing operations by tool parts operated by their associated rams, a transfer mechanism associated with each ram by which the workpiece, following a pressing operation, is transferred to the ram in the next station where it is subject to a further pressing operation, and a support means for cooperation with each ram and on which the ram transfer mechanism is carried, each of said support means being moveable from and into an operative position on the press frame to enable the transfer device and the tool parts to be withdrawn when required.

Claim 4

A transfer press comprising a press frame, a series of rams arranged at successive stations throughout the length of the press frame for subjecting a workpiece to a number of pressing operations by tool parts operated by their associated rams, a transfer mechanism associated with each ram by which the workpiece, following a pressing operation, is transferred to the ram in the next station where it is subject to a further pressing operation, and a support means for cooperation with each ram and on which the ram transfer mechanism is carried, each of said support means being moveable from and into an operative position on the press frame to enable the transfer device and the tool parts to be withdrawn when required.

Claim 5

A press according to claim 2 wherein the support means comprises a table slidably mounted on the press frame.

Claim 6

A press according to claim 2 wherein each transfer mechanism is provided with an independent drive.

Claim 7

A press according to claim 4 wherein the drive of each transfer mechanism is electrically synchronized with its associated ram.

Claim 8

A press according to claim 2 comprising a common drive shaft from which drive is transmitted to each transfer mechanism.

Claim 9

A transfer press comprising a press frame, a series of rams arranged at successive stations extending lengthwise of the press wherein the workpiece is successively subjected to a pressing operation by tool parts operatively connected with each ram, support means for said tool parts mounted on the press frame for movements relative to a common separating plane whereby individual tools can be moved from and into an operative position, a transfer mechanism in each ram station by means of which the workpiece following a pressing operation by the tool parts of one ram can be transferred to the next ram of the series, drive means for said transfer mechanisms including a drive shaft located below said separating plane and upper and lower drive elements for transmitting drive from the drive shaft to their respective transfer mechanisms and positioned respectively above and below said separating plane and having releasable connections located in the sepArating plane.

Claim 10

A transfer press comprising a press frame, a series of rams arranged at successive stations extending lengthwise of the press wherein the workpiece is successively subjected to a pressing operation by tool parts operatively connected with each ram, support means for said tool parts mounted on the press frame for movements relative to a common separating plane whereby individual tools can be moved from and into an operative position, a transfer mechanism in each ram station by means of which the workpiece following a pressing operation by the tool parts of one ram can be transferred to the next ram of the series, drive means for said transfer mechanisms including a drive shaft located below said separating plane and upper and lower drive elements for transmitting drive from the drive shaft to their respective transfer mechanisms and positioned respectively above and below said separating plane and having releasable connections located in the sepArating plane.

Claim 11

A press according to claim 7 and comprising cam elements driven by the drive shaft for imparting lifting movements to said transmission drive elements.

Claim 12

A press according to claim 8 and comprising a transfer mechanism having components capable of movements longitudinally of the press frame in the direction of feed of the workpiece and transversely thereto including movement in a vertical direction, in which the drive means for each transfer mechanism comprises three cam members, one of said members effecting movement in the direction of feed of the workpiece, the second member effecting movement transversely to the direction of feed and the third member effecting movement in the vertical direction.

Claim 13

A press according to claim 8 and comprising a transfer mechanism including a gripper bar mounted for movement in the direction of feed of the workpiece and gripper tongs operatively connected thereto, in which the drive means for each transfer mechanism comprises three cam members, one of said cam members effecting movement of the gripper bar in the direction of feed of the workpiece, the second member effecting operation of the gripper tongs and the third member effecting movement of the gripper bar in the vertical direction.

Claim 14

A press according to claim 8 and comprising a transfer mechanism having components capable of movements longitudinally of the press frame in the direction of feed of the workpiece and transversely thereto including movement in a vertical direction, in which the drive means for each transfer mechanism comprises three cam members, one of said cam members effecting movement of the transfer mechanism in the direction of said workpiece, the second member effecting movement transversely to the direction of feed and also operating the gripper tongs, and the third member effecting movement in the vertical direction.

Claim 15

A press according to claim 7 in which the drive transmitting elements are mounted on guides which are substantially perpendicular to the separating plane.

Claim 16

A press according to claim 12 comprising means for adjusting the length of the transmission elements and varying the contour of the cam members in relation to one another so that at least once during a work cycle the parting ends of the transmission elements are situated in or below the separating plane.

Claim 17

A press according to claim 12 in which each transmission element comprises a plunger capable of axial displacement in the support means above the separating plane and, when the support means is in its operative position, are in operative engagement with a rod mounted in a guide in that part of the press frame beneath the said plane.

Claim 18

A press according to claim 14 in which the transmission element comprises a rod and plunger having their axes off-set laterally in relation to one another in which movement of the rod is transmitted to the plunger by means of a lever.

Claim 19

A press according to claim 14 and comprising means for adjusting the effective length of the plungers.

Claim 20

A press according to claim 14 and comprising means for adjusting the effective length of the rods.

Claim 21

A press according to claim 14 in which the means for adjusting the length of the transmission elements comprises a cylinder having a double acting piston.

Claim 22

A press according to claim 14 in which the means for adjusting the length of the transmission elements comprises a spring and means, such as a cam, for varying the tension of the spring.

Claim 23

A press according to claim 7 wherein the transmission elements mounted in the support means operate through a cylinder having a double acting piston for increasing or decreasing their stroke.