US 5,493,772 AGranted

Orthogonal positioning mechanism for an automated machine

AssigneeThe Whitaker Corporation

InventorPaul E. Hollis

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Abstract

A machine (10) for inserting metal hold down clips into a connector housing (26) is disclosed. An improved positioning mechanism (14) is provided for accurately positioning the housing (26) with respect to the parts to be inserted. The positioning mechanism (14) includes a track (64) for receiving and guiding the connector housing along a feed path and through an insertion workstation (60) where the hold down clips are inserted. The track (64) is vertically movable by a servo motor (100) while an adjacent feed mechanism (160) positions the connector housing along the track. The adjacent feed mechanism (160) is coupled to the track so that it moves vertically with movement of the track but moves horizontally by means of a second servo motor (190) independent of movement of the track. Both servo motors are mounted to the frame (12) structure and, therefore, do not contribute to the mass of the moving mechanisms.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A positioning mechanism for positioning a connector housing in a workstation of a machine, said machine including a frame and tooling adjacent to said workstation for effecting a work operation within said workstation, said positioning mechanism comprising:

(a) a track coupled to said frame for guiding said connector housing along a feed path and into said workstation, said track arranged to move in a first direction generally perpendicular to said feed path to align said housing with said tooling;
(b) a beam coupled to said frame and arranged to move in a second direction parallel to said first direction and in a third direction parallel to said feed path;
(c) at least one feed finger attached to said beam, extending toward said track, and arranged to engage said connector housing and move it within said track along said feed path into alignment with said tooling when said beam moves in said third direction;
and
(d) coupling means for coupling said beam to said track so that movement of said track in said first direction directly causes movement of said beam only in said second direction.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.