A split idle station assembly, a transfer press assembly including a split idle station assembly and a method of operating an idle station for a transfer press assembly. The split idle station includes numerous workpiece mounting brackets that are insertable into corresponding parts of a multi-component movable base assembly such that upon moving from a split configuration into a support configuration, a locking mechanism cooperates with base assembly parts and mounting brackets to form a locking interference fit or engagement for each mounting bracket in order to securely support a workpiece on the brackets. Likewise, the cooperative movement of the first and second base assembly sections away from one another causes a release the interference fit from the notch to effect disengagement of the locking mechanism. The construction of the locking mechanism is such that both the engagement and disengagement may be performed as part of a one-handed operation.

A device (1) for the stepwise advancing of workpieces, in which a first swing arm (7) and a second swing arm (11) of a drive unit (8, 9) are respectively designed at each gripping rail (2, 3) of two gripping rails (2, 3), which are arranged in parallel to each other, for detecting and transporting the workpieces in a first end region (4) and a second end region (5), which include a gripping region (6) between them. The first swing arm and the second swing arm engage with the respective gripping rail (2, 3) at a distance from one another and movably retain them along a direction of extension of the gripping rail (2, 3).

A workpiece transport device is used in a press machine. The workpiece transport device includes a pair of supports and drive mechanisms. The pair of supports support a holder useable to hold a workpiece, so as to allow movement in a transport direction of a workpiece. The drive mechanisms are provided to the pair of supports. The drive mechanisms are configured to move the supports in an up and down direction and a width direction. Each drive mechanism includes a first drive component and a second drive component with each including an electric motor as a drive source, a first link mechanism connecting the first drive component and the support, and a second link mechanism connecting the second drive component and the support.

In a forming system in particular for metallic workpieces (31, 32) with several forming stations (21-23) a transport device (1) is provided with one or more rails (13) on which carriages (141, 142) can be moved. In a conventional mode of operation of the rails, it is provided that two carriages (141, 142) on the same rail (13) are moved by a varying distance relative to each other during the transport of a respective workpiece (31, 32) from one forming station (21-23) to another forming station (21-23), namely in particular are driven towards each other or away from each other with their distance relative to each other being increased or decreased. New production sequences can thereby be provided.

A work-piece transfer apparatus, comprising at least one work-piece engagement structure; at least one first robot arm pivotally connected to the work-piece engagement structure; a first motor coupled to the first robot arm and being adapted for translating the first robot arm fore and aft in a generally horizontal direction; a second motor; at least one second robot arm being in operating driving relationship with the second motor and operatively coupled with the work-piece engagement structure for raising and lowering the work-piece engagement structure; and a support structure for supporting the apparatus or portions thereof; wherein the first motor and second motor are operated synchronously to raise, lower, and/or translate the work-piece engagement structure in a fore and aft direction by way of one or both of the first robot arm and second robot arm.

Provided is a workpiece holding tool changing system configured to change at least one of a relative position and a posture of a holding tool of a workpiece conveying apparatus with respect to a feed bar. The feed bar includes at least one set among: an X-axis direction linear mechanism with an X-axis linear brake; a Y-axis direction linear mechanism with a Y-axis linear brake; a Z-axis direction linear mechanism with a Z-axis linear brake; and a ball joint portion and a ball brake. Under a state in which inhibition of movement or change in posture by a corresponding brake is canceled, a robot changes the relative position or the posture of the holding tool to a desired relative position or a desired posture. After the change, the workpiece holding tool changing system is brought into a holding state in which the movement or the change in posture is inhibited.

The invention relates to a transfer press for successive forming and demoulding of work pieces by means of upper and lower tools in dies, wherein the upper tools are attached to a ram head, while the lower tools are installed on a ram foot. The ram head and the ram base are rigidly connected to each other and form a ram.

A work-piece transfer apparatus, comprising at least one work-piece engagement structure; at least one first robot arm pivotally connected to the work-piece engagement structure; a first motor coupled to the first robot arm and being adapted for translating the first robot arm fore and aft in a generally horizontal direction; a second motor; at least one second robot arm being in operating driving relationship with the second motor and operatively coupled with the work-piece engagement structure for raising and lowering the work-piece engagement structure; and a support structure for supporting the apparatus or portions thereof; wherein the first motor and second motor are operated synchronously to raise, lower, and/or translate the work-piece engagement structure in a fore and aft direction by way of one or both of the first robot arm and second robot arm.

A workpiece transport device is used in a press machine. The workpiece transport device includes a pair of supports and drive mechanisms. The pair of supports support a holder useable to hold a workpiece, so as to allow movement in a transport direction of a workpiece. The drive mechanisms are provided to the pair of supports. The drive mechanisms are configured to move the supports in an up and down direction and a width direction. Each drive mechanism includes a first drive component and a second drive component with each including an electric motor as a drive source, a first link mechanism connecting the first drive component and the support, and a second link mechanism connecting the second drive component and the support.

A split idle station assembly, a transfer press assembly including a split idle station assembly and a method of operating an idle station for a transfer press assembly. The split idle station includes numerous workpiece mounting brackets that are insertable into corresponding parts of a multi-component movable base assembly such that upon moving from a split configuration into a support configuration, a locking mechanism cooperates with base assembly parts and mounting brackets to form a locking interference fit or engagement for each mounting bracket in order to securely support a workpiece on the brackets. Likewise, the cooperative movement of the first and second base assembly sections away from one another causes a release the interference fit from the notch to effect disengagement of the locking mechanism. The construction of the locking mechanism is such that both the engagement and disengagement may be performed as part of a one-handed operation.