Parts feeding device

Abstract

A part is kept on standby so that it can be reliably held by a feed rod. An auxiliary feed rod is provided with an arrangement for holding a part at a fixed position in advance. The part is stopped on the advance and retraction axis of a main feed rod by the advance movement of the auxiliary feed rod where the part transferred and is held on the main feed rod.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A parts feeding apparatus comprising: a main feed rod reciprocating along a first axis and having a recess formed therein for receiving a part delivered to a transfer point along the first axis;   an auxiliary feed rod reciprocating within a sleeve along a second axis, which intersects the first axis, and forms an acute angle therewith;   means for supplying the part to a preselected pickup point along the second axis;   means fixed to an outward end of the auxiliary feed rod, for removably retaining the part, when the outward end is displaced to the pickup point;   . .means for connecting the sleeve to the part supplying means;.!.   means for . .jointly.!. displacing the sleeve . .and part supplying means.!. along a direction parallel with the first axis;   means for extending the auxiliary rod relative to the sleeve, along the second axis, until the part is located at the transfer point along the first axis;   . .means for displacing the main feed rod to achieve engagement of the part by the main feed rod at the transfer point along the first axis;.!. and   means located in the recess of the main feed rod for releasably retaining the part . .while the displacing mean continues movement of the retained part beyond the engagement point.!..   
     
     
       2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the main feed rod is an electrode of a projection welding machine. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the means fixed to an outward end of the auxiliary feed rod for removably retaining the part, includes a magnet. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein the means located in the recess of the main feed rod for releasably retaining the part is a magnet.