Robot alignment apparatus and method for using same
AssigneeGenesis Systems Group, Ltd.
InventorsJan C. Mangelsen, David N. Bermann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A robot aligning apparatus includes a pointer which may be connected to either the robot or the tool carried by the robot. The apparatus also includes a stationary post having a sleeve mounted thereon. The robot or the tool with the pointer mounted thereon are moved to a test station adjacent the sleeve and post, and the sleeve is moved upwardly over the pointer to indicate proper alignment.
Claims19
A robot aligning apparatus comprising:
- a stationary alignment tool mounted in a predetermined stationary position at an alignment station;
- said alignment tool comprising a fixed member and a movable member, said movable member being movably mounted to said fixed member for movement relative thereto along a straight line alignment axis from a first position to a second position;
- a robot having a robot member, said robot being programmed to move said robot member to an alignment position adjacent said alignment station;
- an alignment pointer detachably connected to said robot member for movement with said robot member to said alignment station;
- said movable member maintaining a fixed clearance distance from said alignment pointer during movement of said movable member from said first to said second position to indicate desirable alignment of said robot in said alignment position;
- said movable member moving a variable distance from said alignment pointer during movement of said movable member from said first to said second positions to indicate undesirable alignment of said robot in said alignment position.
A robot alignment apparatus for use with a robot having a robot member movable to a test position adjacent a test station to test for proper or improper alignment of said robot, said apparatus comprising:
- an elongated pointer having a longitudinal pointer axis and being adapted for attachment to said robot member for movement to said test position;
- an alignment tool mounted at said test station, said alignment tool comprising a movable tool member mounted for movement along a straight line axis from an inoperative position to an operative position;
- said longitudinal pointer axis and said straight line axis extending in the same direction to indicate proper alignment of said robot when said robot is in said test position;
- said longitudinal pointer axis and said straight line axis extending at an angle with respect to one another to indicate improper alignment of said robot when said robot is in said test position.
A method for testing the proper alignment of a robot having a movable robot member, comprising:
- attaching a pointer having a longitudinal pointer axis to said movable robot member;
- moving said robot member and said pointer to a test position adjacent a test station;
- moving a movable alignment tool positioned at said test station along a straight line axis from a first position to a second position, whereby the distance between said movable alignment tool and said pointer remains constant throughout movement of said alignment tool between said first and second positions whenever said robot is properly aligned and varies whenever said robot is improperly aligned.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.