Drive mechanism for variable center distance component insertion machine

Abstract

A drive mechanism for a variable center distance component insertion machine having a pair of component insertion tooling assemblies mounted adjacent each other so as to be laterally adjustable inwardly and outwardly relative to each other. Each tooling assembly has a gear rack mounted at its top. The racks engage an elongated pinion gear mounted proximate the toolings so as to engage the pair of tooling assembly gear racks. A servo motor rotates the pinion and, thereby, reciprocates the tooling assemblies toward and away from a circuit board. The tooling assemblies are adjusted laterally by a second servo motor coupled to the tooling assemblies by a double screw lead. During the lateral adjustment of the tooling assemblies the pair of rack gears remain in constant mesh with the elongated pinion gear.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.