Die transfer apparatus
View Patent ↗A mechanism for forming thin metallic skin enclosures from blanks. The apparatus includes a forming assembly including a plurality of die stations. The stations are stepped farther away from an axis in a direction of which blanks being processed are positioned at a plurality of die stations. Grippers spaced along the axis and away from the axis at distances substantially the same as are die stations are carried by the transfer assembly. An actuator is used to move the transfer assembly reciprocally in directions generally parallel to the axis between first and second axial positions. A ram is provided to move the transfer assembly between first and second stepped positions relative to the axis.
1. Apparatus for forming multiple, thin metallic skin enclosures from blanks, comprising:
(a) a forming assembly including a plurality of die stations rigidly fixed relative to one another and spaced axially with respect to an axis, said stations also stepped serially farther away from said axis in a direction generally perpendicular to a direction of movement along said axis, said stations for progressively forming the blanks as they are sequentially transferred in a direction of movement along said axis from one station to another;
(b) a transfer assembly mounting a plurality of means for gripping the blanks, said gripping means rigidly spaced from each other along said axis and serially stepped away from said axis at distances and relative positions substantially the same as said die stations;
(c) actuator means for moving said transfer assembly reciprocally in directions generally parallel to said axis between a first axial position, in which said gripping means are registered with corresponding die stations, and a second axial position, in which each gripping means is registered with a die station adjacent the die station with which it is registered when said transfer assembly is in said first position but advanced in a direction of movement from said first position; and
(d) a single ram for moving said transfer assembly between a first stepped position, in which said gripping means are withdrawn from said die stations, and a second stepped position, in which said gripping means can engage blanks at said die stations.
2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for gripping comprises a pair of fingers movable between grasping and release positions.
3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said actuator means is pneumatically operated.