US 4,821,393 A · Component centering tool

Abstract

Apparatus especially useful for centering an electronic component on a surface for subsequent pickup and placement on a circuit board. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws which are driven in unison toward and away from each other by a lead screw or similar mechanism, each of the jaws having a part adapted to engage a respective side of a component to be positioned. The engagement part of each jaw is resiliently loaded such as by a spring or air cylinder and is in a normally outward position. The jaws are pre-aligned so that they drive in unison toward a predetermined center line. A component place between the jaws is contacted by the engagement parts of the jaws when the jaws move toward each other, and is moved into alignment on the center line. The jaws over-travel the aligned position against the spring pressure of the jaws, this spring pressure providing an intended over-travel force which prevents excessive force on the component by the engaged jaws. The over-travel also allows acceptance of a range of component sizes for the same jaw configuration.

Claims13

Dependent claims

Apparatus for centering a component on a surface comprising:

first and second jaws disposed in close proximity to the surface and each having an element for engaging a side of a component, and resilient coupling means for biasing the element in a normally extended position;
means coupled to the jaws and operative to selectively move the jaws in unison toward each other and away from each other;
the jaws being operative during movement toward each other to engage a component disposed on the surface between the jaws and to slide the component along the surface into alignment on a center line between the jaws;
the jaws being driven beyond the point of engagement between the elements and the component against the urging of the resilient coupling means, and
means separate from the jaws for retaining the component at its aligned position on the surface after centering by said jaws.

2 more elements

Apparatus for centering and retaining a component on a surface, comprising:

a pair of opposing jaws, each jaw comprising;
a single shaft slideably mounted on, and outwardly extending from said jaw;
a plate attached to one end of said shaft, and
biasing means disposed between said plate and said jaw and operative to urge said plate outwardly from said jaw;
a lead screw drive;
a respective nut connected to each jaw and coupled to said lead screw;
said lead screw and nuts being operative during rotation of said lead screw in one direction to move said jaws in unison toward each other, and upon rotation in the opposite direction to move said jaws away from each other;
said jaws being operative during movement toward each other to engage a component disposed on the surface between said jaws and to slide the component along the surface into alignment on a center line between said jaws;
and
retaining means other than said jaws for retaining the component in its aligned position, including a vacuum probe which engages a surface of the aligned component.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Component centering tool

Life of this patent

Component centering tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13