Workpiece conveying method and device for a cutting machine

Abstract

A method for conveying a long workpiece to a cutting machine includes the steps of conveying a long workpiece laterally to a feed conveyor positioned in parallel with the path line of the cutting machine by a cross conveyor extending in the lateral direction of the workpiece; stopping the cross conveyor when a workpiece reaches a regulating member provided above the cross conveyor, in a line parallel to the path line of the cutting machine; moving the feed conveyor with respect to the cutting machine path line in response to the workpiece width so that the feed conveyor is located at a position for selectively scooping up the workpiece; moving at least one of the feed conveyor or the cross conveyor in the vertical direction so that the workpiece is selectively loaded on the feed conveyor; and conveying the loaded workpiece to the cutting machine by the feed conveyor. A workpiece conveying device for conveying a long workpiece to a cutting machine, includes a cross conveyor for conveying the workpiece laterally to the direction normal to the cutting machine path line; a regulating member for regulating the position of the workpiece in alignment with the cutting machine path line; a feed conveyor disposed parallel to the cutting machine path line; a position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the feed conveyor in the lateral direction; and a vertical operating device for moving a part of the cross conveyor in the vertical direction.