Loader-unloader system for work pieces

Claim 1

A loader-unloader system for loading and unloading workpieces into a machine tool wherein each workpiece is held in position for rotation about a longitudinal axis by a chuck during which various machine operations may be performed by the tool comprising a loading conveyor adapted to deliver articles in succession to a loading position, an unloading conveyor adapted to receive workpieces, a loader-unloading assembly comprising means defining a track extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine, a trolley movable along said track means, means for moving said trolley back and forth along said track means, a load clamping head assembly mounted on said trolley, an unload clamping head assembly mounted on said trolley, each said assembly including a head for gripping a workpiece, means on said trolley for mounting said head for swinging movement into and out of position adjacent said chuck and for reciprocating movement toward and away from the axis of said chuck, each said head comprising sets of fingers, means for mounting said fingers on said head for linear movement radially toward and away from one another for gripping and releasing a workpiece, and means for moving said fingers toward and away from one another in said linear path, said means for mounting said fingers comprising a clamp leg on which each finger is mounted, a slide on which each said leg is mounted, each slide being movable in a slide way in said head, said means for moving said fingers comprising a linear actuator on said head and having an operating member and linkage means interconnecting said operating member of said actuator and said slides, said linkage means comprising a block slideable in a block slide in said head and connected to said operating member of said actuator, a pair of bell cranks pivoted on said head and pivoted to said block, and a pair of crossed links pivoted to opposed bell cranks and said slides.