Control system for an assembly tool
US6058598A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53522
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system for an assembly tool includes sensors which monitor the status of the tool at each step of operation and a controller receives signals from the sensors to ensure proper status in any given step. The tool includes a collar transfer device which receives a fastener collar from a remote collar sending unit and transfers the collar to a collar-swaging assembly which moves the collar to a cooperating fastener pin and swages the collar onto the pin. The sensors of the system monitor the position of the collar transfer device, the presence or absence of a collar in the collar transfer device, the position of the swaging assembly, the presence or absence of a collar in the swaging assembly, and the presence or absence of a fastener pin of proper length in a position to be engaged by the collar. The sensors include optical sensors which sight through apertures formed through components of the tool when the components are in specified positions to verify that the components are in the specified positions. Collars supported in collar holding members block sight apertures formed through the members to indicate the presence of the collar in the holding member. The sensors also …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.