Transfer feeder having two different drive modes and method of its

Abstract

A transfer feeder (2) that is operable in a mechanical synchronism with a press machine (1) to prevent an interference of a movable part in the press machine (1) and a movable part in the transfer feeder (2) is disclosed that comprises a feed drive means (10) having a feed lever (10a) adapted to be swung for moving a group of feed carriers (6) or a transfer bar that carries workpieces in a workpiece feed direction. The feed drive means (10) is further provided with a cam drive means (12) comprising a feed cam (12b) adapted to be rotated in a mechanical synchronism with an operation of the press machine (1) by power taken out of the press machine with a power takeout means (14). The feed cam (12b) and the feed lever (10a) are associated with a switching means (19) for coupling them together and decoupling them each other. A servo drive means (13) comprising a servo controllable feed motor (21) is also provided to swing the feed lever (10a). A clutch (24) is disposed between the feed motor (21) and the feed lever (10a) for coupling them together and decoupling them each other. In the transfer feeder (2) so constructed, the switching means (19) and the clutch (24) are actuated to render one of cam drive means (12) and the servo drive means (13) selectively operable to swing the feed lever (10a).