GB1067029A - Improvements relating to transfer machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1,067,029. Transfer machines. AUSTIN MOTOR CO. Ltd. Oct. 11, 1965 [July 15, 1964], No. 29034/64. Headings B3B, B3C and B3D. A transfer machine for boring, grinding, milling, drilling and tapping comprises a number of self-contained units mechanically and detachably connected together. In Figs. 1 and 2 (not shown), two adjacent units include fixtures 1A, 2B for the work, multiple machining heads 1C, 2C, and swarf-removing conveyers having angle-irons 5 carried by twin-belts 4. The swarf is conveyed to a common conveyer 7. Each unit also has a control panel 8, an hydraulic supply 9, an hydraulic work clamp 10 and a coolant pump 11. Each fixture includes clamping bars 12 and stripper bars 13. Transfer is effected by a bar 14, Fig. 5 (not shown), composed of sections, one for each unit, and operated by an hydraulic device 21. Cams 33 on the bar rock levers 36 to rotate cams 38 controlling switches and valves 34, 35. Platform lifts 19, 22 at each end of the machine are operated by hydraulic devices 20, 23 controlled by switches 40, 41. Further hydraulic devices 31 move twin clamps 28 to secure workpieces located by dowels 32. Extensions 51, 52, 53 on the hydraulic devices actuate switches to ensure that the transfer rod moves only when all the clamps are operated or are all released. Figs. 8 and 7 (not shown), respectively illustrate the correct functioning of all the parts to enable a switch 75 to initiate return of the transfer bar and the incorrect functioning of the second clamp resulting in the raised position of the second bar 62 and the inability of an arm 74 to close the switch 75. In modifications, the correct functioning of all parts is determined by the actuation of a photo-cell when apertured plates allow passage of a light beam, or of a receiver co-operating with an ultrasonic transmitter. Cams 91 for each unit control switches to set the unit for automatic operation, for stopping at the end of the current cycle or for inching control. The cams are set by a hand lever 83 which can only be moved when a safety key 82 has been inserted. Each unit can be inched individually only when the safety key has been inserted in that unit. An indicator lamp at each station shows when a cycle has been completed.