US 5,634,764 AGranted

Workpiece placement system and method having a vacuum holding the workpiece

OwnerCharles R. Replogleinventor

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a workpiece placement system for picking and placing a workpiece on a product being assembled. The workpiece placement system includes a mechanical housing having a telescopic arm that is extendable between a retracted position and an extended position. A vacuum source providing a vacuum pressure below ambient conditions is in fluid communication with a vacuum conduit along the telescopic arm. The telescopic arm includes at least one opening at its distal end that allows the vacuum pressure to suck and hold the workpiece in place on the telescopic arm. The workpiece is securely held in place on the telescopic arm as it is extended from the initial retracted position to the extended position. After the telescopic arm is fully extended the workpiece is positioned proximate the product being assembled, and the vacuum is interrupted to release the workpiece.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A robotic system for placement of a workpiece having an opening therein, comprising:

a vacuum source providing a vacuum pressure below ambient conditions;
a mechanical housing;
a movable arm mounted to said housing and movable with respect to said housing between a first position and a second position;
a spear member mounted near a distal end of said movable arm and insertable through the opening in the workpiece;
a vacuum conduit along said movable arm and having at least one opening near a distal end of said movable arm, wherein said vacuum source is coupled to said vacuum conduit to suck and hold a workpiece on said spear member during movement of said movable arm between said first and second positions;
and
a workpiece holder for holding the workpieces adjacent said first position, said holder for presenting the workpieces to said spear member and being pivotally mounted to allow said workpieces to be captured on said spear as said moveable arm extends between said first and second positions.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.