System, method and tooling for flexible assembly of cylinder-head valve trains
US9523328B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53552
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly method is provided by orienting a cylinder-head at a first orientation. A first plurality of spring caps and a first plurality of retainer keys are installed into the cylinder-head in the first orientation by a first robot. A first plurality of valves is installed into the cylinder-head in the first orientation by a second robot, into engagement with the first plurality of retainer keys. An end effector is provided with an actuator supported upon an adapter plate. A shaft extends from the actuator with a mating surface to engage a spring cap. Porting is provided through the shaft to convey pressurized air upon a plurality of retainer keys within the spring cap. A plurality of gripper fingers extend from the distal end of the shaft to grip a valve spring while retaining a spring cap between the valve spring and the mating surface of the shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.