CA1156304A - Automatic mask-frame inserter - Google Patents
Automatic mask-frame inserterInfo
- Publication number
- CA1156304A CA1156304A CA000380576A CA380576A CA1156304A CA 1156304 A CA1156304 A CA 1156304A CA 000380576 A CA000380576 A CA 000380576A CA 380576 A CA380576 A CA 380576A CA 1156304 A CA1156304 A CA 1156304A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mask
- spring
- assembly
- movable
- faceplate panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J9/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture, installation, removal, maintenance of electric discharge tubes, discharge lamps, or parts thereof; Recovery of material from discharge tubes or lamps
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Formation Of Various Coating Films On Cathode Ray Tubes And Lamps (AREA)
Abstract
RCA 74,211 Abstract An automatic apparatus is provided for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel.
The mask assembly includes an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached thereto with each spring including an aperture. The faceplate panel includes a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall including at least three studs embedded therein for engagement with the spring apertures. The automatic apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask spring location. At least three of said subassemblies are movable horizontally and include a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask spring. Each movable subassembly also includes a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locator pin, when in an engaged position, is spaced from the stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance. Each movable subassembly further includes a fork-shaped member or stud finder centered with the location pins.
The mask assembly includes an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached thereto with each spring including an aperture. The faceplate panel includes a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall including at least three studs embedded therein for engagement with the spring apertures. The automatic apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask spring location. At least three of said subassemblies are movable horizontally and include a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask spring. Each movable subassembly also includes a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locator pin, when in an engaged position, is spaced from the stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance. Each movable subassembly further includes a fork-shaped member or stud finder centered with the location pins.
Description
1 -1- RCA 74,211 AUTOMATIC MASK-FRAME INSERTER
This invention relates to an apparatus for 5 automatically inserting mas~-frame assemblies into faceplate panels of cathode ray tubes.
The desirability of automatically inserting a cathode ray tube shadow mask-frame assembly into a previously matched faceplate panel has been long appreciated within 10 the cathode ray tube industry. Until the present invention, several factors have prevented prior art attempts to develop automatic insertion apparatuses from being suacessful.
The primary factor is that each faceplate panel-mask-frame assembly varies to an appreciable extent from other such 15 assemblies. The main reason for this variation is that close tolerances cannot be held in manufacturing the glass faceplate panel. Because of this, each mask-frame assembly is unique. Prior art apparatuses have been unable to adapt to such uniqueness. The present invention, however, provides 20 an apparatus which can adjust to account for the variations in mask-frame assemblies and faceplate panels.
In accordance with the invention, an automatic apparatus is provided for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel.
26 The mask assembly includes an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached thereto with each spring including an aperture. The faceplate panel includes a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall including at least three studs embedded therein for 30 engagement with the spring apertures. The automatic apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask spring location. At least three subassemblies are movable peripherally with respect to a mask mounted on the apparatus and include a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask 3S spring. Each movable subassembly also includes a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locator pin, when in an engaged position, is .
spaced ~rom the stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the , -':
.
1 -2- RCA 74,211 centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance. Each movable subassembly further includes a fork-sh~ped member or stud finder centered with the 5 location pins.
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 (Sheet 1) is a sectional side view of a cathode ray tube faceplate panel with a shadow mask-frame assembly mounted therein.
FIGURE 2 (Sheet 1) is a back view of the faceplate panel taken at line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURES 3 and 4 (Sheet 2) and 5 (Sheet 1) are side, front and top views, respectively, of an automatic mask inserter according to the invention.
FIGURES 6 and 7 (Sheet 3) are top and front views, respectively, of a mask locator assembly portion of the mask inserter of FIGURES 3, 4 and 5.
FIGURE 8 (Sheet 3) is a partial sectional view of the mask locator assembly taken at lines 8-8 of FIGURE 6.
FIGURES 9 and 10 (Sheet 4) are top and front views, respectively, of a movable pin locating assembly portion of the mask locator assembly of FIGURES 6 and 7.
FIGURE 11 (Sheet 5) is a side view of a mask locking assembly portion of the mask inserter of FIGURES 3, 25 4 and 5-FIGURE 12 (Sheet 5) is a bottom ~iew of the mask locking assembly taken at lines 12-12 of FIGURE 11.
FIGURE 13 (Sheet 5) is a sectional view of the mask locking assembly taken at lines 13-13 of FIGURE 12.
FIGURES 14, 15 and 16 (Sheet 6) are top, front and side views, respectively, of a faceplate panel locator assembly.
FIGU~ES 1 and 2 show a mask-frame asse~bly 10 mounted within a cathode ray tube faceplate panel 12. The 35 mask-frame assembly 10 includes a domed thin metal apertured shadow mask 14 attached peripherally to-an L-shaped rein-forcing frame 16. Four springs 18 are attached to the frame 16. Apertures in these springs 18 engage four metal studs 20 which are embedded in a sidewall 22 of the faceplate panel 12.
An apparatus embodying the present invention is used to insert a mask assembly or a mask-frame assembly into the .... v 1 -3- RCA 74,211 faceplate panel 12. The apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask-frame spring location. Three of these subassemblies are movable peripherally with respect-to a 5 mask mounted on the apparatus and include: (1) a stop for contacting the lower edge of spring, (2) a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position,and (3) a fork-shaped stud finder centered with the locator pin. The fourth subassembly does not require 10 compensating features since its only purpose is to participate in the compression of the spring at its location when the mask-frame assembly is being inserted into the faceplate panel. Since all four springs are previously welded to the frame during a procedure called 16 "Q"-set, if three of the springs are located and fixed by the apparatus, then the location of the fourth will also be fixed.
The mask inserter 30 shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5 comprises five mechanical subunits: a mask post assembly ~0 32, a mask locator assembly 34, a panel locator assembly 36, a bearing plate assembly 38,and a drive assembly 40. The major components of each of these subunits and the relation of the subunits to each other will be presented below along with a description of the operation of the mask inserter 30.
26 Operation of the mask inserter 30 begins by loading a mask-frame assembly onto four locating nests 50 positioned at the top of the mask in~erter 30. These nests 50 roughly locate the mask-frame assembly in relation to three spring hole locating pins described below. The weight of the mask-30 frame assembly activates a sensor 54 located near one of the locating nests. The sensor causes an air cylinder 56 to lower the mask post assembly unit 32. As the mask post assembly unit 32 is lowered, a mask-frame assembly, resting on the locating nests50, is also lo~ered until the four 35 support springs welded to the frame come into contact with four stops 58 located on three movable pin locating assemblies 60 of the mask locator assembly 3~ as shown in FIGURES 6, 7, 9 and 10. This is the first in a series of steps to establish reference points and to maintain them in 40 their correct location. The location of the stud hole in ., ~ ' ,.
1 -4- RCA 74,211 the spring is reasonably accurately located in relation to the edge of the spring. By causing the spring edge to rest on a known surface, e.g. the stop 58, the center line of 5 the spring hole is closely established.
After the springs have contacted the stops 58, bringing the mask frame assembly to rest, the mask post assembly 32 continues its downward motion causing a cam 62, mounted thereon and shown in FIGURE 4, to come into contact 10 with a cam follower 64 on the lower end of a locating pin actuating link 140. During this further downward travel of the mask post assembly unit, the second step in the locating series is taken.
At the moment the mask support springs come into 15 contact with the fixed stops 58, a pivot link 66 is in a position indicated by 'A' in FIGURE 10. As the mask post assembly 32 moves downward bringing thé cam surface 62 into contact with the cam follower 64, a locating pin 70, held in the upper end of the pivot link 66, enters into the spring 20 aperture, as shown in position 'B' of FIGURE 10. Because the dimension from the edge of the spring to the center of the hole is held to a reasonably close tolerance, by holding some corresponding greater distance between the surface of the stop and the center line of the locating pin 70, the 25 pin 70 and spring hole are in known relationship to each other. Thus,the mask-frame assembly will be elevated a predetermined distance in the vertical plane after the pin 70 has been inserted into the spring aperture. ~owever, due to the difficulties in holding the metal and glass subassemblies 30 to a close tolerance,there is still no assurance that the pin and spring hole are aligned in the horizontal plane.
In order to assure correct placement o~ the mask-frame assembly within the panel, it is essential that the spring hole be held in such a manner as to be centered with 35 the panel stud when the two are brought together. As shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, the locating pin 70 is accurately located in relation to a fork shaped member 72. These two components share the same centerline by being designed and built as intregal parts of the same subassembly. While .
;
l 156304 1 -5- RCA 74,211 the pin pivot link 66 is moving the locating pin 70 into posi-tion and elevating the mask-frame assembly approximately one thirty-second (1/32) inch (or 0.8mm) into position,the pin70 is 5 see~ing the centerline of the spring hole in the horizontal plane. This is accomplished by mounting the entire pin locating assembly 60 on movable slides 76,which are free to move in a horizontal plane (peripherally with respect to a mask assembly mounted on the apparatus) while the contoured 10 tip of the pin 70 seeks and enters the spring hole. The engaged position of the pin pivot link 66 with the pin 70 in a spring hole is shown as position 'B' in FIGURE 10. At this point, the mask-frame assembly has been captured and the spring holes are accurately located vertically despite 15 all variations within the mask frame assembly. Since the mask-frame assembly is a welded unit, it is precisely aligned vertically for final insertion into the faceplate panel.
While the pin-hole search action has been taking 20 place, the mask post assembly 32 has continued its downward movement until it contacts a switch 78 at the bottom of the stroke of the air cylinder 56 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4.
Activation of the switch 78 enables the inserter control systems to proceed to the next operation. A faceplate panel 26 is loaded onto guides 80 and 81 at the top of the inserter 30, as shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5. These guides 80 and 81 roughly locate the faceplate panel in relation to the support springs previously located within the apparatus. When the faceplate panel is placed on the guides 80 and 81 it contacts 30 a sensor 82, shown in FIGURE 5. A signal from the sensor 82 prepares the unit to be triggered to complete its cycle, as is done by the operator depressing two start switches(not shown).
When the operator despresses the switches, an electric motor 84 starts to turn a main cam shaft 86, shown in FIGURES 8 35 and 11. This shaft rotates a series of cams which are so keyed together as to preserve timing integrity.
As explained above, the mask-frame assembly has been positively located into a vertically true position.
It is now necessary to take action to preserve this ~, .
.
,, ' ' ~ ' ' ' 11~6304 1 -6- RCA 74,211 condition while preparing the apparatus to accomplish the actual insertion of the mask-frame assembly into the faceplate panel.
The first action caused by the cam rotation is to bring th~o frame locking spools 88, 90, 92 and 94, shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, into contact with the inside corners of the frame. The four locking spools 88, 90, 92 and 94 are driven sequentially into the four corners of the frame by an 10 air cylinder 98. Two spools 88 and 90 are spring loaded by springs 100 and 102 to accept frame inner contour variations as shown in FIGURE 12. As a cam 96 is rotated, spring loaded frame locking spools 88 and 90 are driven outwardly by air cylinder 98,thus exerting pressure 15 diagonally on opposite corners of the frame. ~s the cam 96 continues its rotation, non-spring ~ed spools 92 and 94 are driven into the remaining two diagonally opposite corners.
The placement of these four spools securely locks the mask-frame assembly into its correct horizontal and vertical 20 orientation.
The next action is to fix the fork-shaped ~ember 72, shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, in position. As noted above, these members or stud locators 72 are integral with the spring hole locating pins70. Since the pins 70 are 25 seated in the spring holes and the pin and stud locators are exactly aligned, it is necessary to lock this condition in place. As cam 96, shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, continues its cycle, it triggers an air switch 104, shown in FIGURE 12.
This air switch 104 activates air cylinders 106, shown in 30 FIGURE 7. This action drives the rod end of the air cylinders 106 against the under side of the movable slide assem~ly 76,1Ocking the entire slide system in place.
Next, it is necessary to compress the frame springs in order to clear the panel studs during the insertion action 35 and to also remove the locating pins 70 from the spring holes.
As the main cam shaft B6 rotates, a spring compressor activating cam 108, shown in ~IGURES 6 and 8, moves against a cam follower 110, shown in FIGURE 6. The follower 110 is affixed to an L-shaped linkage rod 112 pivoting about a ~~ ~0 .
1 -7- RCA 74,211 center 114. Attached to the end of the linkage rod 112 is an intermediate cam 116, shown in FIGURE 8. Attached to this cam 116 are three linkage systems 118, 120 and 122.
5 A fourth compression linkage 124 is connected to the L-shaped linkage rod 112. As the cam shaft 86 drives the cam 108, the entire spring compression system of the four interconnected linkages 118, 120, 122 and 124 is driven as a unit to pull the frame springs inward toward the frame, 10 freeing them from the locating pins 70 and holding the springs in pl'ace to clear the studs upon insertion of the mask-frame assembly into the faceplate panel. The cam shaft 86 rotates a riser cam 126, shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 11, riding against a cam follower 128, shown in FIGURE 4.
15 The cam follower 128 is attached to a bracket 130,which in turn is secured to an intermediate fixed plate 132 which is part of the bearing plate assembly 38. As the riser cam 1~6 tu~ns against the cam follower 128,it is caused to rise by its contour surface. This raises the mask-frame holding 20 assembly of FIGURES 6 and 7. The vertical motion of this aSsembly causes the spring hole locating pins 70 to be withdrawn from the springs and placed in a free attitude as shown at 'C' in FIGURE 10.
As the mask-frame holding assembly moves into the 25 faceplate panel, action must be taken to insure that the ' faceplate panel is free to be moved into proper orientation with the incoming mask-frame assembly. As noted above, the faceplate panel was placed within the guides 80 and 81 with the seal land facing down. The guides 80 30 and 81 are set to provide only enough clearance to accept the largest specified faceplate panel criteria. However, due to manufacturing inaccuracies which cause wide variations in individual tolerances, placement of the studs is not exactly the same in every faceplate panel. Thus,when the 36 support springs are welded to the frame using the panel as a locating jig, the resulting assemblies are not uniform.
In order to overcome this difficulty and to,allow the panel to be moved into its proper orientation, it is necessary to remove the restriction set ~y the guides 80 and 81 used to ` 1156304 1 -8- RCA 74,211 originally locate the panel when it was loaded. As the mask-frame holding assembly moves upward, an air switch (not shown) is activated. This activates an air cylinder 5 134, shown in FIGURE 15, causing the interconnecting linkages 136 to move. The ends of these linkages 136 are attached to the lower ends of the guides 80 which are free to rotate about their centers. As the linkages move they cause the guides 80 to rotate a sufficient amount so as to present 10 a flat portion of the guides 80 to the panel. Presence of these flat portions reduces the outer diameter of the guides 80 by a substantial localized amount. This amount of extra movement is now available to permit movement of the panel.
While the panel guides 80 are being rotated, the 15 upward motion of the mask-frame holding assembly is proceeding. As the assembly enters the panel, the fork-shaped stud locators 72 enter the panel at the areas of the studs. Because of the V-shape of the inside of the stud locators72, they have the capability of finding their 20 respective stud even though they are not aligned. The stud locators 72 thus capture the studs and,due to the freedom given to the faceplate panel by rotating the panel guides 80, the panel is free to move into correct alignment. The panel is raised off the pads and is supported only by the studs 25 resting in the V-shaped locators 72. At this time, the following conditions prevail. The panel is securely held by the primary locating points, the studs. It is held in true alignment and orientation with the mask-frame assembly, since all variables which have entered the assemblies during 30 fabrication have been provided for by permitting the spring hole locating pins 70 to move into position to compensate for any errors in frame spring location and by permitting the faceplate panel to be moved into correct alignment with the mask-frame assembly.
Now that the mask-frame assembly has been brought into proper orientation with the faceplate panel, provisions are made to attach the mask-frame assembly onto the faceplate panel. As the main cam shaft 86 continues its rotation, the spring compressing cam 108 is broughtto its opposite , .
, ' 1 15830~
1 -9- RCA 74,211 lobes, actuating intermediate cam 116 and permitting the spring compressor linkages 118, 120, 122 and 124 to release the springs to their normal inserted positions. This action 5 places the support springs correctly on the panel studs, completing the mask-frame assembly insertion operation.
Following the insertion operation, it is necessary to prepare the unit for the next loading sequence. Further rotation of the cam shaft 86 brings the high lobe of the cam 10 96 into contact with a roller 138 which brings the frame locking spools 88, 90, 92 and 94 inward to the center of the unit. Continued rotation of the cam shaft 86 releases the air switch 104,releasing the saddle clamping air cylinders 106. Continued rotation of the cam 96 lowers the mask 15 locator assembly 34 below the level of the mask-frame insertion. At this time, the spring compressors and stud Iocators 72 are open to their mask load position. The mask-frame locator assembly 34 is then returned to its lower position by further rotation on the cam 96. The final few 20 degrees of cam shaft rotation brings the cut-off lobe of the cam 96 into position to stop the electric motor 84 and at the same time activate an air switch (not shown) to cause the piston rod of the air cylinder 56 to raise. This action raises the mask post assembly 32 into its upper position 25 placing the mask-frame locating nest at its load position.
At this point, the completed mask-frame-panel assembly can be removed either by manual or mechanical means. The apparatus is now ready to receive the next mask-frame assembly and repeat the operation of inserting the assembly into a 30 faceplate panel.
- ~ 40 ~, .; . .
. .
This invention relates to an apparatus for 5 automatically inserting mas~-frame assemblies into faceplate panels of cathode ray tubes.
The desirability of automatically inserting a cathode ray tube shadow mask-frame assembly into a previously matched faceplate panel has been long appreciated within 10 the cathode ray tube industry. Until the present invention, several factors have prevented prior art attempts to develop automatic insertion apparatuses from being suacessful.
The primary factor is that each faceplate panel-mask-frame assembly varies to an appreciable extent from other such 15 assemblies. The main reason for this variation is that close tolerances cannot be held in manufacturing the glass faceplate panel. Because of this, each mask-frame assembly is unique. Prior art apparatuses have been unable to adapt to such uniqueness. The present invention, however, provides 20 an apparatus which can adjust to account for the variations in mask-frame assemblies and faceplate panels.
In accordance with the invention, an automatic apparatus is provided for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel.
26 The mask assembly includes an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached thereto with each spring including an aperture. The faceplate panel includes a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall including at least three studs embedded therein for 30 engagement with the spring apertures. The automatic apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask spring location. At least three subassemblies are movable peripherally with respect to a mask mounted on the apparatus and include a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask 3S spring. Each movable subassembly also includes a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locator pin, when in an engaged position, is .
spaced ~rom the stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the , -':
.
1 -2- RCA 74,211 centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance. Each movable subassembly further includes a fork-sh~ped member or stud finder centered with the 5 location pins.
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 (Sheet 1) is a sectional side view of a cathode ray tube faceplate panel with a shadow mask-frame assembly mounted therein.
FIGURE 2 (Sheet 1) is a back view of the faceplate panel taken at line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURES 3 and 4 (Sheet 2) and 5 (Sheet 1) are side, front and top views, respectively, of an automatic mask inserter according to the invention.
FIGURES 6 and 7 (Sheet 3) are top and front views, respectively, of a mask locator assembly portion of the mask inserter of FIGURES 3, 4 and 5.
FIGURE 8 (Sheet 3) is a partial sectional view of the mask locator assembly taken at lines 8-8 of FIGURE 6.
FIGURES 9 and 10 (Sheet 4) are top and front views, respectively, of a movable pin locating assembly portion of the mask locator assembly of FIGURES 6 and 7.
FIGURE 11 (Sheet 5) is a side view of a mask locking assembly portion of the mask inserter of FIGURES 3, 25 4 and 5-FIGURE 12 (Sheet 5) is a bottom ~iew of the mask locking assembly taken at lines 12-12 of FIGURE 11.
FIGURE 13 (Sheet 5) is a sectional view of the mask locking assembly taken at lines 13-13 of FIGURE 12.
FIGURES 14, 15 and 16 (Sheet 6) are top, front and side views, respectively, of a faceplate panel locator assembly.
FIGU~ES 1 and 2 show a mask-frame asse~bly 10 mounted within a cathode ray tube faceplate panel 12. The 35 mask-frame assembly 10 includes a domed thin metal apertured shadow mask 14 attached peripherally to-an L-shaped rein-forcing frame 16. Four springs 18 are attached to the frame 16. Apertures in these springs 18 engage four metal studs 20 which are embedded in a sidewall 22 of the faceplate panel 12.
An apparatus embodying the present invention is used to insert a mask assembly or a mask-frame assembly into the .... v 1 -3- RCA 74,211 faceplate panel 12. The apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask-frame spring location. Three of these subassemblies are movable peripherally with respect-to a 5 mask mounted on the apparatus and include: (1) a stop for contacting the lower edge of spring, (2) a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position,and (3) a fork-shaped stud finder centered with the locator pin. The fourth subassembly does not require 10 compensating features since its only purpose is to participate in the compression of the spring at its location when the mask-frame assembly is being inserted into the faceplate panel. Since all four springs are previously welded to the frame during a procedure called 16 "Q"-set, if three of the springs are located and fixed by the apparatus, then the location of the fourth will also be fixed.
The mask inserter 30 shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5 comprises five mechanical subunits: a mask post assembly ~0 32, a mask locator assembly 34, a panel locator assembly 36, a bearing plate assembly 38,and a drive assembly 40. The major components of each of these subunits and the relation of the subunits to each other will be presented below along with a description of the operation of the mask inserter 30.
26 Operation of the mask inserter 30 begins by loading a mask-frame assembly onto four locating nests 50 positioned at the top of the mask in~erter 30. These nests 50 roughly locate the mask-frame assembly in relation to three spring hole locating pins described below. The weight of the mask-30 frame assembly activates a sensor 54 located near one of the locating nests. The sensor causes an air cylinder 56 to lower the mask post assembly unit 32. As the mask post assembly unit 32 is lowered, a mask-frame assembly, resting on the locating nests50, is also lo~ered until the four 35 support springs welded to the frame come into contact with four stops 58 located on three movable pin locating assemblies 60 of the mask locator assembly 3~ as shown in FIGURES 6, 7, 9 and 10. This is the first in a series of steps to establish reference points and to maintain them in 40 their correct location. The location of the stud hole in ., ~ ' ,.
1 -4- RCA 74,211 the spring is reasonably accurately located in relation to the edge of the spring. By causing the spring edge to rest on a known surface, e.g. the stop 58, the center line of 5 the spring hole is closely established.
After the springs have contacted the stops 58, bringing the mask frame assembly to rest, the mask post assembly 32 continues its downward motion causing a cam 62, mounted thereon and shown in FIGURE 4, to come into contact 10 with a cam follower 64 on the lower end of a locating pin actuating link 140. During this further downward travel of the mask post assembly unit, the second step in the locating series is taken.
At the moment the mask support springs come into 15 contact with the fixed stops 58, a pivot link 66 is in a position indicated by 'A' in FIGURE 10. As the mask post assembly 32 moves downward bringing thé cam surface 62 into contact with the cam follower 64, a locating pin 70, held in the upper end of the pivot link 66, enters into the spring 20 aperture, as shown in position 'B' of FIGURE 10. Because the dimension from the edge of the spring to the center of the hole is held to a reasonably close tolerance, by holding some corresponding greater distance between the surface of the stop and the center line of the locating pin 70, the 25 pin 70 and spring hole are in known relationship to each other. Thus,the mask-frame assembly will be elevated a predetermined distance in the vertical plane after the pin 70 has been inserted into the spring aperture. ~owever, due to the difficulties in holding the metal and glass subassemblies 30 to a close tolerance,there is still no assurance that the pin and spring hole are aligned in the horizontal plane.
In order to assure correct placement o~ the mask-frame assembly within the panel, it is essential that the spring hole be held in such a manner as to be centered with 35 the panel stud when the two are brought together. As shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, the locating pin 70 is accurately located in relation to a fork shaped member 72. These two components share the same centerline by being designed and built as intregal parts of the same subassembly. While .
;
l 156304 1 -5- RCA 74,211 the pin pivot link 66 is moving the locating pin 70 into posi-tion and elevating the mask-frame assembly approximately one thirty-second (1/32) inch (or 0.8mm) into position,the pin70 is 5 see~ing the centerline of the spring hole in the horizontal plane. This is accomplished by mounting the entire pin locating assembly 60 on movable slides 76,which are free to move in a horizontal plane (peripherally with respect to a mask assembly mounted on the apparatus) while the contoured 10 tip of the pin 70 seeks and enters the spring hole. The engaged position of the pin pivot link 66 with the pin 70 in a spring hole is shown as position 'B' in FIGURE 10. At this point, the mask-frame assembly has been captured and the spring holes are accurately located vertically despite 15 all variations within the mask frame assembly. Since the mask-frame assembly is a welded unit, it is precisely aligned vertically for final insertion into the faceplate panel.
While the pin-hole search action has been taking 20 place, the mask post assembly 32 has continued its downward movement until it contacts a switch 78 at the bottom of the stroke of the air cylinder 56 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4.
Activation of the switch 78 enables the inserter control systems to proceed to the next operation. A faceplate panel 26 is loaded onto guides 80 and 81 at the top of the inserter 30, as shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5. These guides 80 and 81 roughly locate the faceplate panel in relation to the support springs previously located within the apparatus. When the faceplate panel is placed on the guides 80 and 81 it contacts 30 a sensor 82, shown in FIGURE 5. A signal from the sensor 82 prepares the unit to be triggered to complete its cycle, as is done by the operator depressing two start switches(not shown).
When the operator despresses the switches, an electric motor 84 starts to turn a main cam shaft 86, shown in FIGURES 8 35 and 11. This shaft rotates a series of cams which are so keyed together as to preserve timing integrity.
As explained above, the mask-frame assembly has been positively located into a vertically true position.
It is now necessary to take action to preserve this ~, .
.
,, ' ' ~ ' ' ' 11~6304 1 -6- RCA 74,211 condition while preparing the apparatus to accomplish the actual insertion of the mask-frame assembly into the faceplate panel.
The first action caused by the cam rotation is to bring th~o frame locking spools 88, 90, 92 and 94, shown in FIGURES 11 and 12, into contact with the inside corners of the frame. The four locking spools 88, 90, 92 and 94 are driven sequentially into the four corners of the frame by an 10 air cylinder 98. Two spools 88 and 90 are spring loaded by springs 100 and 102 to accept frame inner contour variations as shown in FIGURE 12. As a cam 96 is rotated, spring loaded frame locking spools 88 and 90 are driven outwardly by air cylinder 98,thus exerting pressure 15 diagonally on opposite corners of the frame. ~s the cam 96 continues its rotation, non-spring ~ed spools 92 and 94 are driven into the remaining two diagonally opposite corners.
The placement of these four spools securely locks the mask-frame assembly into its correct horizontal and vertical 20 orientation.
The next action is to fix the fork-shaped ~ember 72, shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, in position. As noted above, these members or stud locators 72 are integral with the spring hole locating pins70. Since the pins 70 are 25 seated in the spring holes and the pin and stud locators are exactly aligned, it is necessary to lock this condition in place. As cam 96, shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, continues its cycle, it triggers an air switch 104, shown in FIGURE 12.
This air switch 104 activates air cylinders 106, shown in 30 FIGURE 7. This action drives the rod end of the air cylinders 106 against the under side of the movable slide assem~ly 76,1Ocking the entire slide system in place.
Next, it is necessary to compress the frame springs in order to clear the panel studs during the insertion action 35 and to also remove the locating pins 70 from the spring holes.
As the main cam shaft B6 rotates, a spring compressor activating cam 108, shown in ~IGURES 6 and 8, moves against a cam follower 110, shown in FIGURE 6. The follower 110 is affixed to an L-shaped linkage rod 112 pivoting about a ~~ ~0 .
1 -7- RCA 74,211 center 114. Attached to the end of the linkage rod 112 is an intermediate cam 116, shown in FIGURE 8. Attached to this cam 116 are three linkage systems 118, 120 and 122.
5 A fourth compression linkage 124 is connected to the L-shaped linkage rod 112. As the cam shaft 86 drives the cam 108, the entire spring compression system of the four interconnected linkages 118, 120, 122 and 124 is driven as a unit to pull the frame springs inward toward the frame, 10 freeing them from the locating pins 70 and holding the springs in pl'ace to clear the studs upon insertion of the mask-frame assembly into the faceplate panel. The cam shaft 86 rotates a riser cam 126, shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 11, riding against a cam follower 128, shown in FIGURE 4.
15 The cam follower 128 is attached to a bracket 130,which in turn is secured to an intermediate fixed plate 132 which is part of the bearing plate assembly 38. As the riser cam 1~6 tu~ns against the cam follower 128,it is caused to rise by its contour surface. This raises the mask-frame holding 20 assembly of FIGURES 6 and 7. The vertical motion of this aSsembly causes the spring hole locating pins 70 to be withdrawn from the springs and placed in a free attitude as shown at 'C' in FIGURE 10.
As the mask-frame holding assembly moves into the 25 faceplate panel, action must be taken to insure that the ' faceplate panel is free to be moved into proper orientation with the incoming mask-frame assembly. As noted above, the faceplate panel was placed within the guides 80 and 81 with the seal land facing down. The guides 80 30 and 81 are set to provide only enough clearance to accept the largest specified faceplate panel criteria. However, due to manufacturing inaccuracies which cause wide variations in individual tolerances, placement of the studs is not exactly the same in every faceplate panel. Thus,when the 36 support springs are welded to the frame using the panel as a locating jig, the resulting assemblies are not uniform.
In order to overcome this difficulty and to,allow the panel to be moved into its proper orientation, it is necessary to remove the restriction set ~y the guides 80 and 81 used to ` 1156304 1 -8- RCA 74,211 originally locate the panel when it was loaded. As the mask-frame holding assembly moves upward, an air switch (not shown) is activated. This activates an air cylinder 5 134, shown in FIGURE 15, causing the interconnecting linkages 136 to move. The ends of these linkages 136 are attached to the lower ends of the guides 80 which are free to rotate about their centers. As the linkages move they cause the guides 80 to rotate a sufficient amount so as to present 10 a flat portion of the guides 80 to the panel. Presence of these flat portions reduces the outer diameter of the guides 80 by a substantial localized amount. This amount of extra movement is now available to permit movement of the panel.
While the panel guides 80 are being rotated, the 15 upward motion of the mask-frame holding assembly is proceeding. As the assembly enters the panel, the fork-shaped stud locators 72 enter the panel at the areas of the studs. Because of the V-shape of the inside of the stud locators72, they have the capability of finding their 20 respective stud even though they are not aligned. The stud locators 72 thus capture the studs and,due to the freedom given to the faceplate panel by rotating the panel guides 80, the panel is free to move into correct alignment. The panel is raised off the pads and is supported only by the studs 25 resting in the V-shaped locators 72. At this time, the following conditions prevail. The panel is securely held by the primary locating points, the studs. It is held in true alignment and orientation with the mask-frame assembly, since all variables which have entered the assemblies during 30 fabrication have been provided for by permitting the spring hole locating pins 70 to move into position to compensate for any errors in frame spring location and by permitting the faceplate panel to be moved into correct alignment with the mask-frame assembly.
Now that the mask-frame assembly has been brought into proper orientation with the faceplate panel, provisions are made to attach the mask-frame assembly onto the faceplate panel. As the main cam shaft 86 continues its rotation, the spring compressing cam 108 is broughtto its opposite , .
, ' 1 15830~
1 -9- RCA 74,211 lobes, actuating intermediate cam 116 and permitting the spring compressor linkages 118, 120, 122 and 124 to release the springs to their normal inserted positions. This action 5 places the support springs correctly on the panel studs, completing the mask-frame assembly insertion operation.
Following the insertion operation, it is necessary to prepare the unit for the next loading sequence. Further rotation of the cam shaft 86 brings the high lobe of the cam 10 96 into contact with a roller 138 which brings the frame locking spools 88, 90, 92 and 94 inward to the center of the unit. Continued rotation of the cam shaft 86 releases the air switch 104,releasing the saddle clamping air cylinders 106. Continued rotation of the cam 96 lowers the mask 15 locator assembly 34 below the level of the mask-frame insertion. At this time, the spring compressors and stud Iocators 72 are open to their mask load position. The mask-frame locator assembly 34 is then returned to its lower position by further rotation on the cam 96. The final few 20 degrees of cam shaft rotation brings the cut-off lobe of the cam 96 into position to stop the electric motor 84 and at the same time activate an air switch (not shown) to cause the piston rod of the air cylinder 56 to raise. This action raises the mask post assembly 32 into its upper position 25 placing the mask-frame locating nest at its load position.
At this point, the completed mask-frame-panel assembly can be removed either by manual or mechanical means. The apparatus is now ready to receive the next mask-frame assembly and repeat the operation of inserting the assembly into a 30 faceplate panel.
- ~ 40 ~, .; . .
. .
Claims (3)
1. An automatic apparatus for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel, the mask assembly including an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached thereto, each spring including an aperture, the faceplate panel including a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall, the sidewall including at least three studs embedded therein for engagement with the spring apertures, said apparatus including a subassembly at each mask spring location at least three of said subassemblies being movable horizontally and including a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask spring, each movable subassembly also including a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, said locator pin when in an engaged position being spaced from said stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance, and each movable subassembly further including a fork-shaped member or stud finder centered with said location pins.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means associated with said subassemblies for compressing the at least three springs.
3. An automatic apparatus for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel, the mask assembly including an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached thereto, each spring including an aperture, the faceplate panel including a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall, the sidewall including at least three studs embedded therein for engagement with the spring apertures, said apparatus including means for holding the faceplate panel with its internal side down, a vertically movable assembly located below said means for holding the faceplate panel, said vertically -11- RCA 74,211
3. An automatic apparatus for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel, the mask assembly including an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached thereto, each spring including an aperture, the faceplate panel including a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall, the sidewall including at least three studs embedded therein for engagement with the spring apertures, said apparatus including means for holding the faceplate panel with its internal side down, a vertically movable assembly located below said means for holding the faceplate panel, said vertically -11- RCA 74,211
CLAIM 3 Continued--movable assembly including a subassembly at each mask spring location, at least three of said subassemblies being movable horizontally and including a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask spring, each movable subassembly also including a locator pin movable between an engaged postion and a disengaged position, said locator pin when in an engaged position being spaced from said stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance,and said vertically movable assembly further including means for locking the position of a mask assembly and means for depressing the mask springs, each movable subassembly further including a fork-shaped stud finder centered with said location pins, whereby when a mask assembly is mounted on the vertically movable assembly so that the attached springs rest on said stops, the locator pins move from disengaged positions to engaged positions and each movable subassembly moves horizontally until the locator pins locate and seat in the spring apertures, then the means for locking activate to hold the position of the mask assembly, the means for depressing activate to depress the mask springs, next the vertically movable assembly moves upward, the locator pins retract to their disengaged position and the fork-shaped stud finders engage the studs on the faceplate panel causing the panel to lift off its means for holding and to move so that the studs center within the stud finders on the locator pin engaged positions, and thereafter the means for depressing release the mask springs and the faceplate panel studs engage the mask assembly spring apertures.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16747580A | 1980-07-11 | 1980-07-11 | |
| US167,475 | 1980-07-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1156304A true CA1156304A (en) | 1983-11-01 |
Family
ID=22607505
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000380576A Expired CA1156304A (en) | 1980-07-11 | 1981-06-25 | Automatic mask-frame inserter |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| BR (1) | BR8104281A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1156304A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3127328C2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2486709B1 (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1137968B (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4311728C2 (en) * | 1992-04-10 | 2002-04-18 | Sony Corp | Device for mounting a shadow mask |
| DE10044925C2 (en) * | 2000-09-12 | 2002-12-12 | Schott Glas | Process for making screens with mask mounting pins |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3899812A (en) * | 1973-10-26 | 1975-08-19 | Zenith Radio Corp | Automatic apparatus for inserting a CRT mask into its mating panel |
| US3838483A (en) * | 1973-10-26 | 1974-10-01 | Zenith Radio Corp | Method for inserting a crt mask into its mating panel |
| US4138774A (en) * | 1976-07-28 | 1979-02-13 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Panel positioning apparatus |
| FI54208C (en) * | 1977-07-06 | 1978-10-10 | Rosenlew Ab Oy W | ANORDING FOER ATT HOPMONTERA MASKEN OCH PANELEN I ETT BILDROER FOER EN TELEVISIONSAPPARAT |
| JPS5469955A (en) * | 1977-11-15 | 1979-06-05 | Toshiba Corp | Panel-mask united device of cathode-ray tube |
| JPS5942942B2 (en) * | 1978-05-12 | 1984-10-18 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Shadow mask attachment device |
| DE2837381A1 (en) * | 1978-08-26 | 1980-03-06 | Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INSERTING A SHADOW MASK IN THE SCREEN PAN OF A COLOR PIPE |
-
1981
- 1981-06-25 CA CA000380576A patent/CA1156304A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-06-29 IT IT22626/81A patent/IT1137968B/en active
- 1981-07-06 BR BR8104281A patent/BR8104281A/en unknown
- 1981-07-07 FR FR8113305A patent/FR2486709B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-07-10 DE DE3127328A patent/DE3127328C2/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR8104281A (en) | 1982-03-23 |
| DE3127328A1 (en) | 1982-04-08 |
| DE3127328C2 (en) | 1985-05-30 |
| IT1137968B (en) | 1986-09-10 |
| FR2486709B1 (en) | 1985-09-20 |
| IT8122626A0 (en) | 1981-06-29 |
| FR2486709A1 (en) | 1982-01-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |