Transfer feeder for forging press

Abstract

A transfer feeder for a forging press includes a pair of parallel feed bars each having article-grasping claws, the feed bars being able to make a three-dimensional movement (i.e., an advance-return movement of the feed bars in a longitudinal direction, a clamping-unclamping movement of the feed bars in a widthwise direction, and a lift-down movement of the feed bars) so as to feed forging workpieces from one step of a pressing process to another. The transfer feeder further includes lift-down devices each for making a lift-down movement relative to a corresponding transfer frame through a lift-down linear-movement mechanism, advance-return devices each for making an advance-return movement relative to a lift-down frame of the associated lift-down device through an advance-return linear movement mechanism, and clamping-unclamping devices each for making a clamping-unclamping movement relative to an advance-return frame of the advance-return device through a clamping-unclamping linear-movement mechanism. The advance-return devices respectively include advance-return drive portions which are provided adjacent respectively to opposite ends of the feed bars so as to feed the feed bars in the same direction in synchronism with each other. The lift-down devices, as well as the advance-return devices, and the clamping-unclamping devices, are mounted respectively within the transfer frames which are provided adjacent respectively to the opposite ends of the feed bars, and are disposed at a level higher than the feed bars.