Multiple axis yoke for large scale workpiece assembly systems
OwnerPeter B. Zieveinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The yoke assembly is C-shaped, comprising two downwardly depending leg portions and an intermediate portion. Each leg of the yoke is supported for movement of the yoke in an X coordinate direction and a Y coordinate direction. The yoke is further supported about two spaced two-axis pivot point assemblies such that the yoke can move rotationally about the Y axis and about the X axis. The pivot points and the tool point for the tools on the yoke used to accomplish the assembly operations remain in registry during movement of the yoke member.
Claims21
A yoke assembly system for large-scale part assembly, comprising:
- a yoke member comprising two depending leg portions and an intermediate portion;
- tool means for accomplishing assembly operations secured to the depending leg portions of the yoke, wherein the tool means defines a tool point for contact with a work piece being assembled;
- and
- means supporting each leg of the yoke member at separate pivot points such that the yoke member moves longitudinally in an X axis direction and vertically in a Y axis direction which is orthogonal to the X axis direction, and rotates substantially about at least one of:
- the Y axis and (b) the X axis.
A yoke assembly system for large scale part assembly, comprising:
- a yoke member comprising two depending leg portions and an intermediate portion;
- tool means for accomplishing assembly operations, secured to the depending leg portions of the yoke member, wherein the tool means are arranged to define a tool point for contact with the part being assembled;
- means for supporting the two leg portions of the yoke member for movement thereof in an X axis coordinate direction, wherein the X direction moving means includes first and second support frames which support the two leg portions, respectively, on opposite sides of the part, wherein a width dimension of each support frame extends along the X axis, and means joining said first and second frames, arranged to permit relative movement thereof, wherein each of said first and second frames are capable of moving independently in the X direction;
- and
- means for supporting the yoke member from movement thereof in a Y axis coordinate direction, wherein the Y axis coordinate direction is orthogonal to the X axis coordinate direction, wherein the yoke member is supported approximately central of the width dimension of each support frame, respectively, and wherein the supporting means for movement of the yoke member in the X and Y coordinate directions are mounted relative to each other such that the yoke can be rotated substantially about at least one of:
- (a) the Y axis and (b) the X axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.