Free Part Retrieval System and Method

Abstract

A stamping system comprising a press system including a plurality of bolsters, and a chute system disposed below the press system. The chute system communicates with the press system via a plurality of through-holes formed in the bolsters. In this manner, parts manufactured using the press system may pass through the bolsters into the chute system.

1 . A stamping system comprising a press assembly including at least one support member including a plurality of through-holes, said support member supporting a cutting tool such that during stamping of a blank on said cutting tool, a part manufactured during stamping may pass through said through-hole. 
     
     
         2 . The stamping system of  claim 1 , further comprising a chute system in communication with said through-holes. 
     
     
         3 . The stamping system of  claim 2 , wherein said chute system includes a plurality of baffles. 
     
     
         4 . The stamping system of  claim 2 , wherein said chute system includes a deflector device that actuates a deflector plate between a first passageway and a second passageway. 
     
     
         5 . The stamping system of  claim 2 , further comprising a conveyor system. 
     
     
         6 . The stamping system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of support members that support a plurality of cutting tools. 
     
     
         7 . The stamping system of  claim 6 , wherein each support member is in communication with a chute system. 
     
     
         8 . The stamping system of  claim 3 , wherein said baffles are movable to enable said part to be purged from said chute system. 
     
     
         9 . A stamping system comprising:
 a press system including a plurality of bolsters; and   a chute system disposed below said press system,   wherein said chute system communicates with said press system via a plurality of through-holes formed in said bolsters.   
     
     
         10 . The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein said chute system includes a plurality of angled baffles. 
     
     
         11 . The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein said chute system includes an observation system. 
     
     
         12 . The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein said chute system includes a deflector device. 
     
     
         13 . The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein said chute system is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. 
     
     
         14 . The stamping system of  claim 13 , wherein said first mode directs parts manufactured using said press system, and said second mode directs scrap produced using said press system. 
     
     
         15 . The stamping system of  claim 9 , further comprising a plurality of conveyor systems in communication with said chute system. 
     
     
         16 . The stamping system of 9, wherein said stamping system is a tri-axis system, a tandem system, or a cross-bar system. 
     
     
         17 . The stamping system of  claim 9 , further comprising a plurality of transfer mechanisms between said bolsters. 
     
     
         18 . The stamping system of  claim 9 , wherein at least one bolster includes a cutting tool for manufacturing at least one part that may pass through said through-holes into said chute system. 
     
     
         19 . A method for manufacturing a part comprising:
 feeding a blank through a stamping assembly, said stamping assembly including at least one station that includes a through hole;   forming the part from said blank using the stamping assembly; and   passing the part through said through hole.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising passing the part through a chute system in communication with said through hole.