GB714219A - Improvements in fully automatic machines for multi-dimensional tolerance measuring and sorting of work pieces - Google Patents

Abstract

714,219. Sorting by gauging. AKTIEBOLAGET BOFORS. July 21, 1952, No. 18407/52. Class 106 (2) A machine with a plurality of measuring stations for measuring tolerances and sorting work pieces, comprises a plurality of measuring units each including one or more measuring members, a common sorting unit co-operating with the measuring units, a drive transmitting mechanism in each unit connected for imparting movement to the measuring member to effect measurement of a workpiece and an advancing device connected to the main drive for feeding the workpieces stepwise through the different units, the sorting unit being arranged so that each, workpiece after having been advanced through all the measuring units is sorted into one of a plurality of different channe's in accordance with the results of its measurement, independently of the results of measurement of the other workpieces. Cylindrical work pieces. to be gauged and sorted are transported on U-shaped supports 31 carried by an endless conveyer 10 passing over pulleys 6, 7, 8, 9 in a frame 1. The workpieces are advanced intermittently past a number of gauging stations, the intermittent mechanism being of the Maltese Cross type 14. After gauging, the workpieces are conveyed to one of a plurality of shoots 101, 102, 103, where they are deflected by electrically operated flaps operated in accordance with the result of the gauging carried out on the particular workpiece and independently of the gauging of following workpieces. At each gauging station cams 41. 42 and 43 are provided, Fig. 3. The cams 41 and 42 operate by the high portions thereof a pair of arms 44 which are connected to the gauging members of the station. The cam 43 operates a carriage in a vertical direction to place the workpiece on a support ready for gauging. Deflection of the shoots 101, 102, 103, according to the workpiece measurement is effected by the mechanism shown in Fig. 7. An electromagnet 126 shown in detail in Fig. 9 actuates the sorting mechanism when required. It is assumed that the largest number of workpieces in any category will be those in the "accepted" category and the mechanism is designed so that these workpieces pass to shoot 101 without the aid of any special mechanism for the purpose. When a workpiece exceeds the tolerance limits the electromagnet is energized to actuate one of the shoots to send the workpiece into one or other of the shoots associated with the other two categories according to which limit (upper or lower) switch makes contact at the gauging station. An arm 106, Fig. 7, journalled on the shaft 13 is proyided with a shoulder 107 which engages one of the teeth 105 when these are located in their driving position. The arm 106 actuates a flap via a rod 110 and an arm 111 so that when the arm 106 has been carried along by a tooth 105 the workpiece falls out in the compartment 102 or 103. The electromagnet is operated by high or low limit gauging contacts shown in Fig. 10, in which a movable contact 146. mounted on the arm 145 makes contact with either of the contacts 148, 149 at the limit of its travel in either direction. The contacts 148, 149 are adjustable in order to set the limits of travel desired and an observation window is provided at 154. The casing 41 housing the contacts is fitted into the gauging station by means of fixing means 155. For internal measuring a modified measuring device is fixed to the slide 57.