US 11,666,960 B2
Workpiece accumulator for a stamping machine
Kenneth D. Schmid, Novi, MI (US); and Paul C. Oberski, Roseville, MI (US)
Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Apr. 23, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/856,229.
Prior Publication US 2021/0331229 A1, Oct. 28, 2021
Int. Cl. B65G 57/03 (2006.01); B21D 43/20 (2006.01); B23Q 1/54 (2006.01); B21D 43/02 (2006.01)
CPC B21D 43/20 (2013.01) [B21D 43/022 (2013.01); B23Q 1/5462 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A workpiece accumulator system for a progressive die stamping machine, the workpiece accumulator system comprising:
a linear actuator, a plurality of nesting blocks, a plurality of exit rails, and a first controller;
wherein the linear actuator includes a static portion and a moveable member;
wherein the nesting blocks are disposed on the moveable member of the linear actuator;
wherein the nesting blocks are arranged to stack a plurality of workpieces being fabricated by the progressive die stamping machine;
wherein the first controller is operatively connected to the linear actuator to control linear position of the moveable member of the linear actuator;
wherein the first controller is configured to communicate with a second controller that is configured to control the progressive die stamping machine; and
wherein the first controller includes instructions to:
determine a cycle advancement of the progressive die stamping machine based upon an input signal from the second controller, wherein the cycle advancement is associated with fabrication of one of the plurality of workpieces,
in response to the cycle advancement, control the moveable member of the linear actuator to retract the nesting blocks from initial positions to accommodate placement of the one of the plurality of workpieces disposed in a stack on the nesting blocks, and
control the moveable member of the linear actuator to retract the nesting blocks to fully retracted positions to place the plurality of workpieces disposed in the stack on the nesting blocks onto the plurality of exit rails when a quantity of the plurality of workpieces disposed in the stack on the nesting blocks is equal to a desired quantity.