GB1531325A - Apparatus for attaching pronged and mating elements to articles - Google Patents

Abstract

1531325 Attaching fastenings TEXTRON INC 10 Feb 1976 05147/76 Heading A3H [Also in Division B4] Apparatus for attaching components having two mating elements 10, 12 to articles 14 by bringing the elements together from respective stations 16, 18 vertically aligned above and below the article, so as to engage one another through the article, comprises hoppers 24, 26, chutes 28, 34 and slide paths 32, 38 whereby the elements are sequentially delivered to their respective stations, and pneumatically operated rams 80, 82 for pressing the elements together. A slide bar 66 in the upper slide path 38 advances elements 12 therealong to the station 18 where they are held between resilient members 146, 148, Fig. 5, mounted slidably on the ram 82; when the ram is lowered the members 146, 148 are arrested by the article 14 and as the shaped end 156 of the ram continues to descend and engage the top of the element 12 the members 146, 148 are deflected outwardly. A reciprocating bar 48 has projections 60, 62 extending upwardly into the lower slide path, Fig. 4; when the bar advances the projection 60 pushes an element 10 along a tortuous, prong-aligning portion of the slide path to a mid-way position where it is resiliently held between members 136, 138; simultaneously a further element 10 is pushed out of engagement with these members and delivered to the station 16 by the projection 62. As the bar 48 is retracted it is deflected downwardly so the projections avoid the elements 10. A system of pneumatic cylinders 72, 56 and respective levers 84, 50 arrange for the bars 66, 48 to be advanced as the rams are retracted, and retracted as the rams are brought together. An indicator 94 mounted on a forward extention of the slide bar 66 directs a beam of light vertically downwardly from the station 18 when the bar 48 is fully advanced to indicate the precise position on the article 14 where the elements will be attached.