초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for transferring a workpiece quickly and which can handle a variety of workpieces even of different outside sizes, and can accurately position workpieces. Workpieces on a transfer surface are adjusted in position to maintain an interval between the workpieces at a certain valu

A method and apparatus for transferring a workpiece quickly and which can handle a variety of workpieces even of different outside sizes, and can accurately position workpieces. Workpieces on a transfer surface are adjusted in position to maintain an interval between the workpieces at a certain value. Along the transfer surface are disposed two belts on which are provided first and second holders raised above the transfer surface and which contact the workpiece at its front and rear edges. The holders, which are separately formed on the belt, cooperate with each other to hold the workpieces. The apparatus is also provided with a driving force which is able to change the rotational phase between the two belts. By changing the phase between the belts, the interval between the holders in the transfer direction can be varied in accordance with the size of the workpiece to be transferred.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a method for transferring a plurality of workpieces in one direction with a predetermined interval being maintained between adjacent workpieces, the improvement wherein each workpiece is transferred with front and rear edges thereof being held by a first transfer means

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a method for transferring a plurality of workpieces in one direction with a predetermined interval being maintained between adjacent workpieces, the improvement wherein each workpiece is transferred with front and rear edges thereof being held by a first transfer means and a second transfer means, respectively, wherein said first and second transfer means respectively hold said front and rear edges, said front and rear being defined as viewed from a direction in which said workpieces are transferred, wherein a drive means includes a drive shaft and a driven shaft for moving said first and second transfer means together in said conveyance direction and for moving only one of said first and second transfer means to change the distance there between and wherein detecting means detects the rotary position of said drive shaft and said driven shaft to determine a position of said first and second transfer means.