US20140196516A1 - Rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly - Google Patents
Rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140196516A1 US20140196516A1 US13/943,317 US201313943317A US2014196516A1 US 20140196516 A1 US20140196516 A1 US 20140196516A1 US 201313943317 A US201313943317 A US 201313943317A US 2014196516 A1 US2014196516 A1 US 2014196516A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rotary
- roller hemming
- wheelhouse
- support
- anvils
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
- B21D39/02—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder
- B21D39/021—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder for panels, e.g. vehicle doors
- B21D39/023—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders of sheet metal by folding, e.g. connecting edges of a sheet to form a cylinder for panels, e.g. vehicle doors using rollers
Definitions
- This invention relates to vehicle body panel production, and more particularly to robotic roller hemming used in vehicle production.
- the present invention provides a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system that efficiently switches between hemming anvils for multi-model selection in a single cell.
- the present hemming assembly and system keeps the hemming anvils attached to a rotary apparatus and eliminates transfer of anvils from storage stands to the hemming assembly in order to reduce cost and increase safety and jobs-per-hour (JPH).
- the present hemming assembly and system may have one or more of the following advantages over a conventional removable anvil system: (i) minimal cycle time for style change-out in comparison to conventional anvil change-out, resulting in higher JPH; (ii) 360° rotation in either direction (i.e., clockwise, counterclockwise); (iii) selection among a plurality of model styles; (iv) independent 3-way anvil adjustment; (v) less robot programming because the movement of anvils to stands is not required; (vi) less maintenance and increased safety because standing on ladders to program robot paths from the apparatus to offline storage stands is not required; (vii) approximately 40% less use of floor space; and (viii) reduced robot size requirements.
- a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a support and a rotary mechanism including a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis.
- the rotary mechanism is mounted on the support. Rotation of the rotary mechanism about the axis moves the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- each of the anvils is configured for hemming a different model of workpiece.
- the rotary mechanism includes six of the anvils, and the anvils are configured for hemming vehicle wheelhouse panels.
- the rotary mechanism is rotatable 360 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
- the rotary mechanism is driven by a robotic arm, a servo motor, or a VFD motor.
- the support is a slideable frame.
- a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a support and a rotary anvil assembly mounted on the support.
- the rotary anvil assembly includes a backing plate mounted on the support.
- a mounting plate is rotateably connected to the backing plate.
- a plurality of different anvils are radially disposed on and around the perimeter of the mounting plate. Rotation of the mounting plate moves the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- the mounting plate may be rotatable 360 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
- a plurality of indexing features may be spaced at regular intervals on a rear face of the backing plate.
- a locking device may be mounted on the support. The locking device is cooperable with each indexing feature to lock the mounting plate.
- a pivot bearing assembly may couple the backing plate to the mounting plate.
- a connector may be mounted on a rear face of the mounting plate. The connector is engageable by a robot end effector, and may extend through a generally central opening in the backing plate.
- the rotary anvil assembly may be driven by a robotic arm, a servo motor, or a VFD motor.
- the support may be a slideable frame slideable on a base in both a fore and aft direction and a left and right direction. Sliding movement of the support may be driven by a robotic arm.
- a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming system in accordance with the present invention includes a multi-axis robotic arm.
- a roller hemming head is mounted on an end of the robotic arm for roller hemming.
- a slide mechanism for multi-directional movement is mounted on a base.
- a support is mounted on the slide mechanism.
- a rotary anvil assembly is pivotally mounted on the support.
- the rotary anvil assembly includes a backing plate mounted on the support, a mounting plate pivotally connected to the backing plate, and a plurality of different anvils radially disposed on and around the perimeter of the mounting plate. Rotation of the mounting plate moves the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- a connector may be mounted on a rear face of the mounting plate.
- the connector is engageable by the roller hemming head.
- the robotic arm is operable to manipulate the roller hemming head into engagement with the connector, and subsequent movement of the robotic arm moves the support on the slide mechanism, thereby adjusting the position of the anvil relative to a workpiece to be hemmed, and subsequent rotation of the roller hemming head rotates the mounting plate to interchange the anvils.
- a method of interchanging roller hemming anvils in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of: mounting a rotary mechanism on a support, the rotary mechanism including a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis; and rotating the rotary mechanism about the axis to move the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- the method may further include the step of driving the rotary mechanism via one of a robotic arm, a servo motor, and a VFD motor.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the roller hemming assembly
- FIG. 3 is yet another perspective view of the roller hemming assembly
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a sliding mechanism of a slideable support frame of the roller hemming assembly
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the roller hemming assembly
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a front portion of the roller hemming assembly
- FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a roller hemming head end effector of a multi-axis robotic arm of the roller hemming system in a first, unlocked disposition;
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector in a second, locked disposition
- FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector approaching a complimentary drive member of the roller hemming assembly
- FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector engaging the drive member
- FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector moving to a locking position relative to the drive member;
- FIG. 8D is another perspective of the roller hemming head end effector moving to a locking position relative to the drive member
- FIG. 8E is a sectional view of the roller hemming head end effector and drive member of FIG. 8D illustrating a locking pin of the end effector in the unlocked disposition
- FIG. 8F is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector locking with the drive member
- FIG. 8G is a sectional view of the roller hemming head end effector and drive member illustrating the locking pin of the end effector in the locked disposition
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the roller hemming assembly illustrating an anvil position locking device
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the roller hemming system illustrating the robotic arm in a position for driving the rotary mechanism and a position for performing roller hemming;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system in accordance with the present invention in which the rotary mechanism is driven by a servo motor;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system in accordance with the present invention in which the rotary mechanism is driven by a VFD motor.
- the roller hemming system 110 generally indicates rotary wheelhouse roller hemming system in accordance with the present invention.
- the roller hemming system 110 includes a rotary mechanism having a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis. Rotation of the rotary mechanism about the axis interchanges the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- the roller hemming system 110 thereby provides greater flexibility, faster production rates, reduced floor space requirements, easier model change-out, and greater safety.
- the roller hemming system 110 includes a support 112 .
- the support 112 may be a fixed pedestal, or as shown in this embodiment, may be a generally vertically disposed frame 114 mounted on a sliding mechanism 116 that allows for multi-directional movement of the support in both a fore-aft direction (forward and backward) and a cross-car direction (left and right).
- the slide mechanism 116 includes a first track 118 mounted on a base 120 , first slides 122 slideably engaged with the first track 118 , a second track 124 mounted on the first slides 122 , and second slides 126 slideably engaged with the second track 124 .
- the first track 118 includes a set of parallel rails such as linear rails or similar and the second track 124 similarly includes a set of parallel rails.
- the second track 124 is generally perpendicular to the first track 118 . In this orientation, the first track 118 allows for forward and backward movement while the second track 124 allows for left and right movement.
- Rail brakes 128 are connected to first and second slides 122 , 126 .
- the rail brakes 128 may be pneumatically operated and when activated may mechanically lock on the rails to restrict or prevent movement of the slides 122 , 126 along the rails.
- a rotary assembly 130 is mounted on the support 112 generally at an upper end of the frame 114 .
- the rotary assembly 130 includes a backing plate 132 fixedly mounted on the frame 114 and a rotary mounting plate 134 rotateably connected to the backing plate 132 via a slew bearing, roller bearing, gear box, or similar rotary mechanism.
- a plurality of anvil assemblies 136 are radially disposed around the perimeter of and connected to the rotary mounting plate 134 .
- the apparatus includes six anvil assemblies. However, it should be understood that the apparatus may include less than or more than six anvil assemblies depending upon the application, for example an arrangement of four anvil assemblies.
- Each anvil assembly 136 includes an anvil mounting plate 138 fixedly connected to the rotary mounting plate 134 .
- Each anvil assembly 136 further includes an anvil 140 having its own unique configuration (e.g., dimension, shape of hemming surface, etc.) that is different than the other anvils, for hemming a wheelhouse of a specific vehicle model.
- the anvil 140 is adjustably mounted on the anvil mounted plate 138 via a plurality of jack screw adjusters 142 and a plurality of ball screw pivot adjusters 144 that precisely orient the anvil on the anvil mounting plate 138 .
- the jack screw adjusters 142 move the anvil in a up/down or left/right direction relative to the anvil mounting plate 138 , while the ball screw pivot adjusters 144 move the anvil toward/away from (in/out) the anvil mounting plate 138 .
- the jack screw adjusters 142 and ball screw pivot adjusters 144 may be GIB-type fasteners or similar.
- a robotically actuated drive member 146 extends outwardly from a back side of the mounting plate 134 through a generally circular opening 148 in the backing plate 132 , as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 9 .
- a keyed receiver 150 is connected to an outer end of the drive member 146 .
- the receiver 150 includes a shoe 152 having a slot 154 formed by opposing flanged surfaces 156 and stops 158 disposed at one end of the slot.
- the receiver 150 also includes a pin hole 160 .
- a multi-axis articulated robotic arm 162 including a roller hemming head end effector 164 is disposed proximate the support 112 .
- the multi-axis robotic arm 162 is fixedly mounted on a pedestal 166 or other similar base.
- the roller hemming head 164 includes a plate 168 on which a sliding block 170 is slideably mounted on a linear rail 171 for back-and-forth (inward and outward) movement.
- a plurality of hemming rollers 172 such as, for example, 30 degree and 60 degree pre-hem rollers and a 90 degree final hem roller, are rotateably mounted on sides of the sliding block 170 .
- a locking pin 173 is mounted on the front (forward face) of the sliding block 170 .
- a pneumatic cylinder 174 or other similar linear actuation device is fixedly mounted proximate an inner end of the roller head 164 .
- the pneumatic cylinder 174 includes a piston 175 (see FIGS. 8E and 8G ) that is connected to the sliding block 170 via a rod 176 to actuate linear movement of the sliding block.
- a locking member 177 is fixedly mounted on a distal end of the roller head 164 .
- the locking member 177 is mateable with the receiver 150 on the rotary assembly 130 .
- the locking member 177 includes a keyed protrusion 178 that is insertable into the slot 154 of the receiver 150 .
- An opening 179 through the locking member 177 receives the locking pin 173 , and actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 174 causes the sliding block 170 to move towards the locking member 177 and the locking pin 173 to extend outwardly through the opening 179 . Extension of the locking pin 173 when the roller head 164 is mated with the receiver 150 secures the roller head to the rotary assembly 130 , as described in more detail below.
- the rotary mounting plate 134 is capable of 360 degree rotation in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction to interchange the anvil assemblies 136 between a use position (in this case, a position at which the anvil assembly is at the bottom of the rotary mounting plate, facing downward) and standby, non-use positions (the other positions around the rotary mounting plate).
- a plurality of indexing features 180 are spacedly disposed on a rear face of rotary mounting plate 134 .
- An anvil position locking device 181 is mounted on the frame 114 and includes a catch 182 having a cam surface 183 cooperable with the indexing features 180 .
- the catch 182 is operatively connected to a lever arm 184 .
- a resilient member such as a spring or similar may urge the lever arm 184 and connected catch 182 into engagement with one of the indexing features 180 .
- Rotation of the rotary mounting plate 134 and corresponding movement of the indexing feature 180 causes the indexing feature to travel along the cam surface 183 and push the catch 182 and lever arm 184 away from the indexing feature to release the rotary mounting plate from the locking device 181 .
- the rotary mounting plate is again restricted in its movement.
- the position of the indexing features 180 relative to the catch 182 corresponds to radial positions of the rotary mounting plate 134 at which each of the anvil assemblies 136 is in a use disposition for roller hemming of a vehicle wheelhouse or other workpiece.
- the support 112 and robotic arm 162 may be, for example, mounted on the floor of a roller hemming work cell.
- a vehicle panel (not shown) including a wheelhouse is transported into the hemming work cell for hemming of the wheelhouse.
- the robotic arm 162 moves the roller hemming head 164 into alignment with the receiver 150 on the drive member 146 such that the protrusions 178 of the locking member 177 are aligned with the keyed openings in the slot 154 ( FIG. 8A ).
- the robotic arm 162 then moves the roller hemming head 164 toward the receiver 150 until the locking member 177 is disposed in the slot 154 ( FIG. 8B ).
- the robotic arm 162 proceeds to move the roller hemming head 164 so that the locking member 177 slides inwardly along the slot 154 until the locking member 177 contacts the stops 158 , and the locking pin 173 is aligned with the pin hole 160 ( FIGS. 8C , 8 D, 8 E).
- the pneumatic cylinder 174 is actuated to extend the piston 175 outwardly, moving the sliding block 170 toward the receiver 150 which in turn moves the locking pin 173 into the pin hole 160 to secure the connection of the robotic arm 162 to the drive member 146 ( FIGS. 8F , 8 G).
- Rotation of the robotic arm 162 either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, along an axis passing through/parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller hemming head 164 , rotates the rotary mounting plate 134 to switch and select which hemming anvil is in a use position at the bottom of the rotary mounting plate.
- the catch 182 of the locking device 181 engages an adjacent indexing feature 180 on the rotary mounting plate 134 .
- the robotic arm 162 ceases to rotate the roller hemming head 164 and connected drive member 146 .
- the robotic arm 162 While the robotic arm 162 is connected to the drive member 146 , the robotic arm may adjust the positioning of the support frame 114 to correct for misalignment of the anvil 140 relative to the wheelhouse or other workpiece to be hemmed.
- the robotic arm slides the frame 114 along the second track 124 , thereby moving the support frame and anvil 140 along the side of the workpiece.
- the robotic arm 162 slides the frame 114 along the first track 118 , thereby moving the support frame 114 and anvil 140 closer to or farther away from the workpiece.
- the rail brakes 128 may be activated to lock the support frame in place.
- the position of the anvil 140 relative to the workpiece may also be finely adjusted by the jack screw adjusters 142 and the ball screw pivot adjusters 144 .
- Manual rotation of the jack screw adjusters 142 moves the anvil 140 up/down and left/right relative to the workpiece to precisely align the anvil with the portion of the workpiece to be hemmed (e.g., the wheelhouse of a vehicle panel).
- Manual rotation of the ball screw pivot adjusters 144 moves the anvil 140 toward and away from the workpiece to precisely position the anvil relative to the workpiece in the transverse direction.
- the anvil 140 generally should be positioned so that the portion of the workpiece to be hemmed is adjacent the hemming surface of the anvil.
- the robotic arm 162 To perform hemming of the wheelhouse of the vehicle panel, the robotic arm 162 must release from the drive member 146 .
- the pneumatic cylinder 174 is returned to its initial position ( FIG. 8E ) to retract the locking pin 173 , which allows the robotic arm 162 to move the locking member 177 out of the receiver 150 , thereby freeing the robotic arm.
- the robotic arm then can position one of the hemming rollers 172 of the roller head 164 against an edge of the workpiece that is disposed on the hemming surface of the anvil 140 , and the robotic arm 162 moves the hemming roller 172 along the anvil's hemming surface to perform the hemming operation (e.g., a pre-hem or final hem).
- the robotic arm 162 also may rotate the roller head 164 about the longitudinal axis of the head to change between the hemming rollers 172 .
- the roller hemming system 110 described above includes a robot driven rotary anvil changer
- the rotary assembly alternatively may be actuated by an active drive.
- the active drive may be a servo motor or a VFD motor, and the drive may be in line with a gearbox on the rotary assembly or may transfer power to the gearbox via a rotary belt system.
- the roller hemming system 210 is driven by a servo motor 285 .
- the servo motor 285 is coupled to a pivot bearing assembly 286 by a belt 287 .
- the pivot bearing assembly 286 is connected to the rotary mounting plate 234 of the rotary mechanism.
- the roller hemming system 210 otherwise may include all of the same structure and function as in the first embodiment 110 .
- the roller hemming system 310 is driven by a VFD (variable-frequency drive) motor 388 .
- the VFD motor 388 is in line with the pivot bearing assembly 389 and reduction gearbox 390 on the rotary mounting plate 334 .
- the roller hemming system 310 otherwise may include all of the same structure and function as in the first embodiment 110 .
- roller hemming system has been described in connection with the hemming of a vehicle wheelhouse, the system may be used with anvils for hemming other portions of vehicle panels or other hemming applications.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Automatic Assembly (AREA)
Abstract
A rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a support and a rotary mechanism including a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis. The rotary mechanism is mounted on the support. Rotation of the rotary mechanism about the axis moves the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
Description
- This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/753,629 filed Jan. 17, 2013.
- This invention relates to vehicle body panel production, and more particularly to robotic roller hemming used in vehicle production.
- Conventional wheelhouse roller hemming systems remove and replace anvils as required per model selection, e.g. for each different model of vehicle. As assembly systems are moving towards flexibility, the need to hem multiple products (models) in an assembly line is becoming required.
- The present invention provides a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system that efficiently switches between hemming anvils for multi-model selection in a single cell. The present hemming assembly and system keeps the hemming anvils attached to a rotary apparatus and eliminates transfer of anvils from storage stands to the hemming assembly in order to reduce cost and increase safety and jobs-per-hour (JPH). Thus, the present hemming assembly and system may have one or more of the following advantages over a conventional removable anvil system: (i) minimal cycle time for style change-out in comparison to conventional anvil change-out, resulting in higher JPH; (ii) 360° rotation in either direction (i.e., clockwise, counterclockwise); (iii) selection among a plurality of model styles; (iv) independent 3-way anvil adjustment; (v) less robot programming because the movement of anvils to stands is not required; (vi) less maintenance and increased safety because standing on ladders to program robot paths from the apparatus to offline storage stands is not required; (vii) approximately 40% less use of floor space; and (viii) reduced robot size requirements.
- More particularly, a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a support and a rotary mechanism including a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis. The rotary mechanism is mounted on the support. Rotation of the rotary mechanism about the axis moves the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- In one embodiment, each of the anvils is configured for hemming a different model of workpiece. The rotary mechanism includes six of the anvils, and the anvils are configured for hemming vehicle wheelhouse panels. The rotary mechanism is rotatable 360 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The rotary mechanism is driven by a robotic arm, a servo motor, or a VFD motor. The support is a slideable frame.
- In a specific embodiment, a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a support and a rotary anvil assembly mounted on the support. The rotary anvil assembly includes a backing plate mounted on the support. A mounting plate is rotateably connected to the backing plate. A plurality of different anvils are radially disposed on and around the perimeter of the mounting plate. Rotation of the mounting plate moves the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- The mounting plate may be rotatable 360 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. A plurality of indexing features may be spaced at regular intervals on a rear face of the backing plate. A locking device may be mounted on the support. The locking device is cooperable with each indexing feature to lock the mounting plate. A pivot bearing assembly may couple the backing plate to the mounting plate. A connector may be mounted on a rear face of the mounting plate. The connector is engageable by a robot end effector, and may extend through a generally central opening in the backing plate. The rotary anvil assembly may be driven by a robotic arm, a servo motor, or a VFD motor. The support may be a slideable frame slideable on a base in both a fore and aft direction and a left and right direction. Sliding movement of the support may be driven by a robotic arm.
- A rotary wheelhouse roller hemming system in accordance with the present invention includes a multi-axis robotic arm. A roller hemming head is mounted on an end of the robotic arm for roller hemming. A slide mechanism for multi-directional movement is mounted on a base. A support is mounted on the slide mechanism. A rotary anvil assembly is pivotally mounted on the support. The rotary anvil assembly includes a backing plate mounted on the support, a mounting plate pivotally connected to the backing plate, and a plurality of different anvils radially disposed on and around the perimeter of the mounting plate. Rotation of the mounting plate moves the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
- Optionally, a connector may be mounted on a rear face of the mounting plate. The connector is engageable by the roller hemming head. The robotic arm is operable to manipulate the roller hemming head into engagement with the connector, and subsequent movement of the robotic arm moves the support on the slide mechanism, thereby adjusting the position of the anvil relative to a workpiece to be hemmed, and subsequent rotation of the roller hemming head rotates the mounting plate to interchange the anvils.
- A method of interchanging roller hemming anvils in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of: mounting a rotary mechanism on a support, the rotary mechanism including a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis; and rotating the rotary mechanism about the axis to move the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions. The method may further include the step of driving the rotary mechanism via one of a robotic arm, a servo motor, and a VFD motor.
- These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the roller hemming assembly; -
FIG. 3 is yet another perspective view of the roller hemming assembly; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a sliding mechanism of a slideable support frame of the roller hemming assembly; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the roller hemming assembly; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a front portion of the roller hemming assembly; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a roller hemming head end effector of a multi-axis robotic arm of the roller hemming system in a first, unlocked disposition; -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector in a second, locked disposition; -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector approaching a complimentary drive member of the roller hemming assembly; -
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector engaging the drive member; -
FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector moving to a locking position relative to the drive member; -
FIG. 8D is another perspective of the roller hemming head end effector moving to a locking position relative to the drive member; -
FIG. 8E is a sectional view of the roller hemming head end effector and drive member ofFIG. 8D illustrating a locking pin of the end effector in the unlocked disposition; -
FIG. 8F is a perspective view of the roller hemming head end effector locking with the drive member; -
FIG. 8G is a sectional view of the roller hemming head end effector and drive member illustrating the locking pin of the end effector in the locked disposition; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the roller hemming assembly illustrating an anvil position locking device; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the roller hemming system illustrating the robotic arm in a position for driving the rotary mechanism and a position for performing roller hemming; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system in accordance with the present invention in which the rotary mechanism is driven by a servo motor; and -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly and system in accordance with the present invention in which the rotary mechanism is driven by a VFD motor. - Referring now to the drawings in detail, numeral 110 generally indicates rotary wheelhouse roller hemming system in accordance with the present invention. The
roller hemming system 110 includes a rotary mechanism having a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis. Rotation of the rotary mechanism about the axis interchanges the anvils between use and standby, non-use positions. Theroller hemming system 110 thereby provides greater flexibility, faster production rates, reduced floor space requirements, easier model change-out, and greater safety. - Turning to
FIGS. 1-4 , in one embodiment theroller hemming system 110 includes asupport 112. Thesupport 112 may be a fixed pedestal, or as shown in this embodiment, may be a generally vertically disposedframe 114 mounted on a slidingmechanism 116 that allows for multi-directional movement of the support in both a fore-aft direction (forward and backward) and a cross-car direction (left and right). Theslide mechanism 116 includes afirst track 118 mounted on abase 120,first slides 122 slideably engaged with thefirst track 118, asecond track 124 mounted on thefirst slides 122, andsecond slides 126 slideably engaged with thesecond track 124. Thefirst track 118 includes a set of parallel rails such as linear rails or similar and thesecond track 124 similarly includes a set of parallel rails. Thesecond track 124 is generally perpendicular to thefirst track 118. In this orientation, thefirst track 118 allows for forward and backward movement while thesecond track 124 allows for left and right movement.Rail brakes 128 are connected to first andsecond slides rail brakes 128 may be pneumatically operated and when activated may mechanically lock on the rails to restrict or prevent movement of theslides - A
rotary assembly 130 is mounted on thesupport 112 generally at an upper end of theframe 114. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , therotary assembly 130 includes abacking plate 132 fixedly mounted on theframe 114 and arotary mounting plate 134 rotateably connected to thebacking plate 132 via a slew bearing, roller bearing, gear box, or similar rotary mechanism. A plurality ofanvil assemblies 136 are radially disposed around the perimeter of and connected to therotary mounting plate 134. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the apparatus includes six anvil assemblies. However, it should be understood that the apparatus may include less than or more than six anvil assemblies depending upon the application, for example an arrangement of four anvil assemblies. Eachanvil assembly 136 includes ananvil mounting plate 138 fixedly connected to therotary mounting plate 134. Eachanvil assembly 136 further includes ananvil 140 having its own unique configuration (e.g., dimension, shape of hemming surface, etc.) that is different than the other anvils, for hemming a wheelhouse of a specific vehicle model. Theanvil 140 is adjustably mounted on the anvil mountedplate 138 via a plurality ofjack screw adjusters 142 and a plurality of ballscrew pivot adjusters 144 that precisely orient the anvil on theanvil mounting plate 138. Thejack screw adjusters 142 move the anvil in a up/down or left/right direction relative to theanvil mounting plate 138, while the ballscrew pivot adjusters 144 move the anvil toward/away from (in/out) theanvil mounting plate 138. Thejack screw adjusters 142 and ballscrew pivot adjusters 144 may be GIB-type fasteners or similar. - A robotically actuated
drive member 146 extends outwardly from a back side of the mountingplate 134 through a generallycircular opening 148 in thebacking plate 132, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 5 and 9 . Akeyed receiver 150 is connected to an outer end of thedrive member 146. Thereceiver 150 includes ashoe 152 having aslot 154 formed by opposingflanged surfaces 156 and stops 158 disposed at one end of the slot. Thereceiver 150 also includes apin hole 160. - A multi-axis articulated
robotic arm 162 including a roller hemminghead end effector 164 is disposed proximate thesupport 112. The multi-axisrobotic arm 162 is fixedly mounted on apedestal 166 or other similar base. As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B , theroller hemming head 164 includes aplate 168 on which a slidingblock 170 is slideably mounted on alinear rail 171 for back-and-forth (inward and outward) movement. A plurality of hemmingrollers 172, such as, for example, 30 degree and 60 degree pre-hem rollers and a 90 degree final hem roller, are rotateably mounted on sides of the slidingblock 170. A lockingpin 173 is mounted on the front (forward face) of the slidingblock 170. Apneumatic cylinder 174 or other similar linear actuation device is fixedly mounted proximate an inner end of theroller head 164. Thepneumatic cylinder 174 includes a piston 175 (seeFIGS. 8E and 8G ) that is connected to the slidingblock 170 via arod 176 to actuate linear movement of the sliding block. A lockingmember 177 is fixedly mounted on a distal end of theroller head 164. The lockingmember 177 is mateable with thereceiver 150 on therotary assembly 130. The lockingmember 177 includes akeyed protrusion 178 that is insertable into theslot 154 of thereceiver 150. Anopening 179 through the lockingmember 177 receives thelocking pin 173, and actuation of thepneumatic cylinder 174 causes the slidingblock 170 to move towards the lockingmember 177 and thelocking pin 173 to extend outwardly through theopening 179. Extension of thelocking pin 173 when theroller head 164 is mated with thereceiver 150 secures the roller head to therotary assembly 130, as described in more detail below. - When the
roller head 164 is locked in connection with therotary assembly 130, rotation of the roller head 164 (turning of the roller head about an axis that extends through thepneumatic cylinder 174 and locking pin 173) driveably rotates therotary mounting plate 134. Therotary mounting plate 134 is capable of 360 degree rotation in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction to interchange theanvil assemblies 136 between a use position (in this case, a position at which the anvil assembly is at the bottom of the rotary mounting plate, facing downward) and standby, non-use positions (the other positions around the rotary mounting plate). - As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 9 , a plurality of indexing features 180 are spacedly disposed on a rear face ofrotary mounting plate 134. An anvilposition locking device 181 is mounted on theframe 114 and includes acatch 182 having acam surface 183 cooperable with the indexing features 180. Thecatch 182 is operatively connected to alever arm 184. A resilient member such as a spring or similar may urge thelever arm 184 andconnected catch 182 into engagement with one of the indexing features 180. Rotation of therotary mounting plate 134 and corresponding movement of theindexing feature 180 causes the indexing feature to travel along thecam surface 183 and push thecatch 182 andlever arm 184 away from the indexing feature to release the rotary mounting plate from thelocking device 181. When thenext indexing feature 180 along the periphery of the rear face of therotary mounting plate 134 comes into contact with thecatch 182, the rotary mounting plate is again restricted in its movement. The position of the indexing features 180 relative to thecatch 182 corresponds to radial positions of therotary mounting plate 134 at which each of theanvil assemblies 136 is in a use disposition for roller hemming of a vehicle wheelhouse or other workpiece. - In use, the
support 112 androbotic arm 162 may be, for example, mounted on the floor of a roller hemming work cell. A vehicle panel (not shown) including a wheelhouse is transported into the hemming work cell for hemming of the wheelhouse. As shown in detail inFIGS. 8A-G , therobotic arm 162 moves theroller hemming head 164 into alignment with thereceiver 150 on thedrive member 146 such that theprotrusions 178 of the lockingmember 177 are aligned with the keyed openings in the slot 154 (FIG. 8A ). Therobotic arm 162 then moves theroller hemming head 164 toward thereceiver 150 until the lockingmember 177 is disposed in the slot 154 (FIG. 8B ). Therobotic arm 162 proceeds to move theroller hemming head 164 so that the lockingmember 177 slides inwardly along theslot 154 until the lockingmember 177 contacts thestops 158, and thelocking pin 173 is aligned with the pin hole 160 (FIGS. 8C , 8D, 8E). Thepneumatic cylinder 174 is actuated to extend thepiston 175 outwardly, moving the slidingblock 170 toward thereceiver 150 which in turn moves thelocking pin 173 into thepin hole 160 to secure the connection of therobotic arm 162 to the drive member 146 (FIGS. 8F , 8G). - Rotation of the
robotic arm 162, either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, along an axis passing through/parallel to the longitudinal axis of theroller hemming head 164, rotates therotary mounting plate 134 to switch and select which hemming anvil is in a use position at the bottom of the rotary mounting plate. As eachanvil assembly 136 is moved into the use position, thecatch 182 of thelocking device 181 engages anadjacent indexing feature 180 on therotary mounting plate 134. Once the desiredanvil assembly 136 is selected, therobotic arm 162 ceases to rotate theroller hemming head 164 andconnected drive member 146. - While the
robotic arm 162 is connected to thedrive member 146, the robotic arm may adjust the positioning of thesupport frame 114 to correct for misalignment of theanvil 140 relative to the wheelhouse or other workpiece to be hemmed. By moving in a left or right direction, the robotic arm slides theframe 114 along thesecond track 124, thereby moving the support frame andanvil 140 along the side of the workpiece. Similarly, by moving in a forward or backward direction, therobotic arm 162 slides theframe 114 along thefirst track 118, thereby moving thesupport frame 114 andanvil 140 closer to or farther away from the workpiece. Once thesupport frame 114 is in the desired position, therail brakes 128 may be activated to lock the support frame in place. - The position of the
anvil 140 relative to the workpiece may also be finely adjusted by thejack screw adjusters 142 and the ballscrew pivot adjusters 144. Manual rotation of thejack screw adjusters 142 moves theanvil 140 up/down and left/right relative to the workpiece to precisely align the anvil with the portion of the workpiece to be hemmed (e.g., the wheelhouse of a vehicle panel). Manual rotation of the ballscrew pivot adjusters 144 moves theanvil 140 toward and away from the workpiece to precisely position the anvil relative to the workpiece in the transverse direction. Theanvil 140 generally should be positioned so that the portion of the workpiece to be hemmed is adjacent the hemming surface of the anvil. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , to perform hemming of the wheelhouse of the vehicle panel, therobotic arm 162 must release from thedrive member 146. Thepneumatic cylinder 174 is returned to its initial position (FIG. 8E ) to retract thelocking pin 173, which allows therobotic arm 162 to move the lockingmember 177 out of thereceiver 150, thereby freeing the robotic arm. The robotic arm then can position one of the hemmingrollers 172 of theroller head 164 against an edge of the workpiece that is disposed on the hemming surface of theanvil 140, and therobotic arm 162 moves the hemmingroller 172 along the anvil's hemming surface to perform the hemming operation (e.g., a pre-hem or final hem). Therobotic arm 162 also may rotate theroller head 164 about the longitudinal axis of the head to change between the hemmingrollers 172. - While the
roller hemming system 110 described above includes a robot driven rotary anvil changer, the rotary assembly alternatively may be actuated by an active drive. For example, the active drive may be a servo motor or a VFD motor, and the drive may be in line with a gearbox on the rotary assembly or may transfer power to the gearbox via a rotary belt system. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , in an alternative embodiment, theroller hemming system 210 is driven by aservo motor 285. Theservo motor 285 is coupled to apivot bearing assembly 286 by abelt 287. Thepivot bearing assembly 286 is connected to therotary mounting plate 234 of the rotary mechanism. Theroller hemming system 210 otherwise may include all of the same structure and function as in thefirst embodiment 110. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , in yet another alternative embodiment, theroller hemming system 310 is driven by a VFD (variable-frequency drive)motor 388. TheVFD motor 388 is in line with thepivot bearing assembly 389 andreduction gearbox 390 on therotary mounting plate 334. Theroller hemming system 310 otherwise may include all of the same structure and function as in thefirst embodiment 110. - While the roller hemming system has been described in connection with the hemming of a vehicle wheelhouse, the system may be used with anvils for hemming other portions of vehicle panels or other hemming applications.
- Although the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus comprising:
a support; and
a rotary mechanism including a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis;
said rotary mechanism being mounted on said support;
wherein rotation of said rotary mechanism about said axis moves said anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
2. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the anvils is configured for hemming a different model of workpiece.
3. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said rotary mechanism includes six anvils.
4. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said rotary mechanism is rotatable 360 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
5. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said rotary mechanism is driven by one of a robotic arm, a servo motor, and a VFD motor.
6. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said support is a slideable frame.
7. A rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus comprising:
a support; and
a rotary anvil assembly mounted on said support;
said rotary anvil assembly including:
a backing plate mounted on said support;
a mounting plate rotateably connected to said backing plate; and
a plurality of different anvils radially disposed on and around the perimeter of said mounting plate;
wherein rotation of said mounting plate moves said anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
8. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said mounting plate is rotatable 360 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
9. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 7 , including a plurality of indexing features spaced at regular intervals on a rear face of said backing plate.
10. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 9 , including a locking device mounted on said support, said locking device being cooperable with each said indexing feature to lock said mounting plate.
11. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 7 , including a pivot bearing assembly that couples said backing plate to said mounting plate.
12. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 7 , including a connector mounted on a rear face of said mounting plate, said connector being engageable by a robot end effector.
13. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 12 , including a generally central opening in said backing plate, said connector extending through said opening.
14. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said rotary anvil assembly is driven by one of a robotic arm, a servo motor, and a VFD motor.
15. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said support is a slideable frame slideable on a base in both a fore and aft direction and a left and right direction.
16. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming apparatus of claim 15 , wherein sliding movement of said support is driven by a robotic arm.
17. A rotary wheelhouse roller hemming system comprising:
a multi-axis robotic arm;
a roller hemming head mounted on an end of said robotic arm for roller hemming;
a slide mechanism for multi-directional movement mounted on a base;
a support mounted on said slide mechanism;
a rotary anvil assembly pivotally mounted on said support, said rotary anvil assembly including:
a backing plate mounted on said support;
a mounting plate pivotally connected to said backing plate; and
a plurality of different anvils radially disposed on and around the perimeter of said mounting plate;
wherein rotation of said mounting plate moves said anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
18. The rotary wheelhouse roller hemming system of claim 17 , including a connector mounted on a rear face of said mounting plate, said connector being engageable by said roller hemming head;
wherein said robotic arm is operable to manipulate said roller hemming head into engagement with said connector, and subsequent movement of said robotic arm moves said support on said slide mechanism, thereby adjusting the position of said anvil relative to a workpiece to be hemmed, and subsequent rotation of said roller hemming head rotates said mounting plate to interchange said anvils.
19. A method of interchanging roller hemming anvils, the method comprising the steps of:
mounting a rotary mechanism on a support, said rotary mechanism including a plurality of connected anvils driveably rotatable about an axis; and
rotating said rotary mechanism about said axis to move said anvils between use and standby, non-use positions.
20. The method of claim 19 , including the step of:
driving said rotary mechanism via one of a robotic arm, a servo motor, and a VFD motor.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/943,317 US20140196516A1 (en) | 2013-01-17 | 2013-07-16 | Rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361753629P | 2013-01-17 | 2013-01-17 | |
US13/943,317 US20140196516A1 (en) | 2013-01-17 | 2013-07-16 | Rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140196516A1 true US20140196516A1 (en) | 2014-07-17 |
Family
ID=51164135
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/943,317 Abandoned US20140196516A1 (en) | 2013-01-17 | 2013-07-16 | Rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140196516A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2018506431A (en) * | 2015-01-19 | 2018-03-08 | エフエフティー プロダクションズシステム ゲーエムベーハー ウント コー.カーゲーFft Produktionssysteme Gmbh & Co.Kg | Flanging system, flanging unit, and flanging method for autonomous flanging |
US20190070655A1 (en) * | 2017-09-07 | 2019-03-07 | Hyundai Motor Company | Roller hemming apparatus |
EP4186610A1 (en) * | 2021-11-25 | 2023-05-31 | Ebz Systec GmbH | Roller folding head for fixing to a robot arm and system comprising a roller folding head and a robot comprising a robot arm |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6619096B1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2003-09-16 | Unova Ip Corp. | Die post assembly |
US7237416B2 (en) * | 2004-12-13 | 2007-07-03 | Hirotec America, Inc. | Robotic turntable drive arrangement in a robotic roller hemming system |
US20080184544A1 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2008-08-07 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Hemming processing method and hemming processing apparatus |
US20080302159A1 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2008-12-11 | Hirotec America, Inc. | Wheelhouse hemming apparatus and method |
US20090038361A1 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2009-02-12 | Hirotec America, Inc. | Flying roller hemming anvil process |
US7870774B2 (en) * | 2005-06-22 | 2011-01-18 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Roller hemming apparatus and roller hemming method |
US7950260B2 (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2011-05-31 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Hemming method and hemming apparatus |
US20110126603A1 (en) * | 2008-08-04 | 2011-06-02 | Modern Body Engineering Corporation | Apparatus and method to cradle and hem panels at an assembly-line station |
US8272243B2 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2012-09-25 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Hemming working method and working apparatus |
US20130247366A1 (en) * | 2010-11-29 | 2013-09-26 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Roller hemming device |
-
2013
- 2013-07-16 US US13/943,317 patent/US20140196516A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6619096B1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2003-09-16 | Unova Ip Corp. | Die post assembly |
US7237416B2 (en) * | 2004-12-13 | 2007-07-03 | Hirotec America, Inc. | Robotic turntable drive arrangement in a robotic roller hemming system |
US7950260B2 (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2011-05-31 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Hemming method and hemming apparatus |
US7870774B2 (en) * | 2005-06-22 | 2011-01-18 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Roller hemming apparatus and roller hemming method |
US8272243B2 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2012-09-25 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Hemming working method and working apparatus |
US20080184544A1 (en) * | 2007-02-07 | 2008-08-07 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Hemming processing method and hemming processing apparatus |
US20080302159A1 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2008-12-11 | Hirotec America, Inc. | Wheelhouse hemming apparatus and method |
US20090038361A1 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2009-02-12 | Hirotec America, Inc. | Flying roller hemming anvil process |
US20110126603A1 (en) * | 2008-08-04 | 2011-06-02 | Modern Body Engineering Corporation | Apparatus and method to cradle and hem panels at an assembly-line station |
US20130247366A1 (en) * | 2010-11-29 | 2013-09-26 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Roller hemming device |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2018506431A (en) * | 2015-01-19 | 2018-03-08 | エフエフティー プロダクションズシステム ゲーエムベーハー ウント コー.カーゲーFft Produktionssysteme Gmbh & Co.Kg | Flanging system, flanging unit, and flanging method for autonomous flanging |
US20190070655A1 (en) * | 2017-09-07 | 2019-03-07 | Hyundai Motor Company | Roller hemming apparatus |
US10799932B2 (en) * | 2017-09-07 | 2020-10-13 | Hyundai Motor Company | Roller hemming apparatus |
EP4186610A1 (en) * | 2021-11-25 | 2023-05-31 | Ebz Systec GmbH | Roller folding head for fixing to a robot arm and system comprising a roller folding head and a robot comprising a robot arm |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9592611B2 (en) | Workpiece mounting system, workpiece mounting method, sunroof unit holding device, and sunroof unit holding method | |
US20090038361A1 (en) | Flying roller hemming anvil process | |
US8366592B2 (en) | Quick change spindle | |
US7950260B2 (en) | Hemming method and hemming apparatus | |
KR101995410B1 (en) | Panel bending machine with swiveling blade | |
EP2631041A2 (en) | Mobile robot | |
US20140196516A1 (en) | Rotary wheelhouse roller hemming assembly | |
CN110918762B (en) | Die-cut module of six head automatic switch-over | |
JP2002001622A (en) | Apparatus for performing manufacturing process in workpiece | |
EP2276590A2 (en) | Folding device and folding method | |
EP1745871B1 (en) | Improved automatic riveting system | |
US20080236236A1 (en) | Wheelhouse robotic roller hemming | |
CN102896453A (en) | Four-rotor flexible total assembly mechanism for automobile welding | |
WO2021012606A1 (en) | High-precision movable robot secondary positioning device | |
CA2054628A1 (en) | Multi-axis tool positioner | |
US20190061084A1 (en) | Indexer for operating workpieces | |
JP2017114217A (en) | Instrument panel assembly mounting device | |
JP3722257B2 (en) | Hemming equipment | |
EP2326438B1 (en) | Apparatus and method to cradle and hem panels at an assembly-line station | |
CN1819966B (en) | Device of transporting and installing component | |
CN108465748B (en) | Wheel cover of automobile Wrapping apparatus | |
CN112705924A (en) | Snatch mechanism and robot | |
US7017383B2 (en) | Press transfer system mounting and method | |
DE102022126199B4 (en) | Underactuated joining system for moving assembly line | |
JP2666586B2 (en) | How to stop a broken robot |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |