US3707026A

US3707026A - Plug assembling machine

Info

Publication number: US3707026A
Application number: US111278A
Authority: US
Inventors: John F Kopczynski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-02-01
Filing date: 1971-02-01
Publication date: 1972-12-26
Anticipated expiration: 1989-12-26

Abstract

A machine for effecting a plurality of operations on a plug having clamping bands thereon including a head having an opening for receiving the plug, a probe for determining whether the plug is in proper position in the head, a clamping member for securely clamping the plug in the head when it is in proper position in response to the action of the probe, a shaft journalled in bearings for mounting said head, a plurality of sleeves journalled on said shaft, a bending jaw mounted on each of said sleeves for engaging the clamping bands on the plug and bending them when said sleeves are rotated, a core in the shaft for providing a plurality of pneumatic conduits leading to the head and a bore for housing a plurality of electrical conductors leading to the head, whereby pneumatic pressure and electric current are conducted through the shaft to the head, and pneumatic and electrical circuits for automatically providing a sequence of operations whereby the clamping bands on the plug are bent in position, a screw is inserted through them to secure them in clamping position, the plug is rotated, an additional screw is automatically inserted into the plug, and the plug is released from clamping engagement with the head so that it may be withdrawn.

Description

United States Patent Kopczynski [541 PLUG ASSEMBLING MACHINE [72] Inventor: v.Iohnl". Kopezynski, 167i Sweeney Street, North Tonawanda, N.Y. 14120 Filed: Feb. 1, 1971 Appl. No.: 111,218

us. CI. ..29/203 0 rm. Cl. "non- 43/04 [58] Field of Search..29l203 DT, 203 D, 203 S, 203R 7 Phelps et al. 29/203 DT X Primary Examiner-Thomas H. Eager Attorney-Sommer, Weber 8L Gastel [5 7] ABSTRACT A machine for effecting a plurality of operations on a plug having clamping bands thereon including a head an nee-26,1972

having an opening for receiving the plug, a probe for determining whether the plug is in proper position in the head, a clamping member for securely clamping the plug in the head when it is in proper position in response to the action of the probe, a shaft joumalled in bearings for mounting said head, a plurality of sleeves journalled on said shaft, a bending jaw mounted on each of said sleeves for engaging the clamping bands on the plug and bending them when said sleeves are rotated, a core in the shaft for providing a plurality of pneumatic conduits leading to the head and a bore for housing a plurality of electrical conductors leading to the head, whereby pneumatic pressure and electric current-are conducted through the shaft to the head, and pneumatic and electrical circuits for automatically providing a sequence of operations whereby the clamping bands on the plug 7 are bent in position, a screw is inserted through them 18 Claims, 37 Drawing Figures will/III! l. J m

PATENTEDneczsmn 3.707.026

' sum 3 or 9 I Qai'l I NVENTOR.

Silw WWI PATENTEB mu: 2 6 m2 sum u or 9 INVENTOR.

F17? 9 BY M f/QJ ATTORNEYS- P A TE NTEU B5325 I97? 3 707. 026

sum

1 or 9 FRONT REAR SCREW DRWER SCREWDRWER fig/20 M am.

rag

7 PROBE CLAMP 2 2 7 732 UPPER JAW 76 3 74,25 LOWER JAW I NVEN TOR.

A X 15. ssv Jiggz jfapcZyrz5i ATTORNEYS.

PATENTE HHEC 26 I972 SHEET ROTATE S'SV LONE-R JAW 45V UPPER JAW 35V CLAMP CYL- 25V PROBE CYL. lSV

TME IN SECONDS PROBE CLAMP FORM UPPER AND LOWER 3. DRlVER FRONT ROTATE RETURN DRIVER BACK \NSERT 1111111 (I'll MANUAL STA OING PO ITIDN REMOVE STANDlNG PosrnoN IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII/ (LAN P PROBE ROTAT E.

FZZpCZ 7M MM ATTORNEYS.

PAIENTEDnm 1912 a. 707,026

sums or 9 ATTORNE Y5 PLUG ASSEMBLING MACHINE The present invention relates to a plug assembling machine.

By way of background, in the fabrication of connector plugs which are used for installing telephones and similar equipment, a plurality of operations have to be performed. In the past these operations were either performed separately on various machines or by a large number of manual actions so that the assembling cost was relatively expensive and inefficient. It is with the providing of a plug assembling machine which overcomes the above shortcomings of the prior methods that the present invention is concerned.

' It is accordingly one object of the present invention to provide an improved plug assembling machine which will automatically perform a series of mechanical manipulations on a plug substantially without human intervention merely in response to the proper insertion of the plug into the machine.

Another object of the present invention is toprovide an improved plug assembling machine which automatically senses whether the plug which is inserted therein is in proper condition for the subsequent work operations and if it is not the machine will automatically stop.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved plug assembling machine utilizing pneumatic and electrical circuits in which these circuits are uniquely located within the main shaft of the machine thereby obviating any external wiring and pressure conduits which could interfere with proper operation of the machine, or fail due to fatigue as a result of repeated pivotal action of the shaft, or otherwise constitute a burden. Other objects and attendant advantages of the present invention will readily be perceived hereafter.

The improved plug assembling machine of the present invention effects a plurality of operations on a plug having clamping bands thereon and comprises a head, an opening in the head for receiving a plug, a sensing probe for determining when the plug is properly seated in the opening, clamping means operable in response to the operation of said probe for clamping the plug in position in the head, jaw means on said head, motor means for moving the jaw means in proper sequence to bend the claiming bands, motor means for rotating the plugabout its axis for placing it in position for a subsequent work operation, and means for releasing the plug from the clamping means. The electrical and pneumatic circuits associated with the machine also are used to actuate a first screwdriver to secure the clamping hands after they have been properly bent and a second screwdriver for inserting a second screw into the plug after it has been rotated about its axis. The plug assembling machine includes a main shaft which mounts the head, the main shaft inthe specification are read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the automatic plug assembling machine of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and showing the construction of the plug clamping and rotating mechanism;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevational view of the chuck showing the ear clamping jaws in clamping position and also showing schematically certain of the pneumatic circuits;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 and showing certain of the pneumatic conduits associated with the clamping unit;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 and showing the manner in which the band bending jaws are assembled on the clamping unit;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 7-7 of FIG. 3 and showing in enlarged detail the structure for clamping the plug and the various wiring and pneumatic connections associated with the clamping unit;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 and showing various of the pneumatic conduits in the clamping unit;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of FIG. 3 and showing the relationship between the various sleeves which actuate the band bending jaws and the conduits for conducting compressed air and housing electrical wiring;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 10-10 of FIG. 3 and showing the structure for connecting the actuating cylinders to the sleeves which drive the band bending jaws;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 11-11 of FIG. 3 and showing the structure for connecting the plug rotating sleeve to its pneumatic cylinder;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 12-12 of FIG. 3 and showing a pneumatic connection to one of the conduits leading to the clamping head;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 13-13 of FIG. 3 and showing a pneumatic connection to another of the conduits lead-.

ing to the clamping head;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 14-14 of FIG. 3 and showing still another pneumatic connection to still another conduit leading to the clamping head;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 15-15 of FIG. 3 and showing yet another pneumatic connection toyet another conduit associated with the clamping head;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 16-16 of FIG. 3 and showing the means for making an electrical connection to one of the wires in the shaft leading to the clamping head;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 17-17 of FIG. 3 and showing another connection to another of the wires leading to the clamping head;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 18-18 of FIG. 3 and showing yet another electrical connection to another of the wires leading to the clamping head; FIG. 19 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 19- 19 of FIG. 3 and showing still another electrical connection to one of the wires leading to the clamping head;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary end elevational view similar to FIGS. 2 and '4 and showing the band clamping jaws in their normal inactive position;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary end elevational view similar to FIG. 20 but showing the band clamping jaws after movement to a band clamping position;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary end elevational view similar to FIG. 21 but showing the upper jaw in a retracted position to permit a screwdriver to move downwardly to insert a screw into the aligned bands;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary end elevational view similar to FIG. 22 but showing the lower jaw also returned to a retracted position after the screw has been inserted through the bands;

FIG. 24 is an end elevational view similar to FIG. 23 but showing the plug rotated 90 in a counterclockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary view showing the manner in which a screw is inserted into the opposite end of the plug remote from the bands after the plug has been rotated to the position shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an end elevational view showing the plug rotated 90 in a clockwise direction to again assume the position of FIG. 23 prior to being removed from the clamping head;

FIG. 27 is a view looking upwardly at the upper band and the upper jaw behind it in bending position;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along line 28-28 of FIG. 27 and showing how the upper band is engaged by the upper jaw;

FIG. 29 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram for the plug assembling machine;

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic circuits associated with the plug assembling machine;

FIG. 31 is a chart showing the duration and sequence of operations of the various components and the various functions performed by the assembling machine;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary cross sectional view similar to a portion of FIG. 7 and showing an alternate embodiment for the shaft which carries the wires and provides the pneumatic conduits to the clamping head;

FIG. 33 is a schematic pneumatic-electrical diagram for the various pneumatic motors associated with the plug assembling machine;

FIG. 34-is a fragmentary end elevational view similar to FIGS. 2 and 4 and showing an alternate type of band clamping jaw arrangement;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view similar to FIG. 34 but showing certain of the parts broken away to reveal the internal structure;

FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view of the plug which is assembled by the present invention; and

FIG. 37 is an end elevational view of the plug which is assembled by the present machine, and the end being remote from the clamping bands.

The plug assembling machine 10 of the present invention includes a table 1 1 having a top 12 mounted on a plurality of legs 13 and having a shelf 14 extending between legs 13 below top 12. Various of the electrical and pneumatic components which are shown in the subsequent Figures are mounted on shelf 14, but have been omitted from FIG. 2 in the interest of clarity. Mounted on table top 12 is a base 15 having upstanding guide columns 16 on which a first pneumatic screwdriver mechanism (not shown) is mounted. Also mounted on table top 12 is base 17 of column 18 which mounts a second pneumatic screwdriver mechanism (not shown). The screwdrivers mounted on columns '16 and 18 are used to insert screws into the plug which is assembled by, the present machine, as will become more apparent hereafter. Mounted on table top 12 is a fixture 19 which manipulates plug 20 for effecting the various work operations thereon.

By way of brief preview, fixture 19 receives the plug 20 shown in FIGS. 7, 36 and 37, and gauges whether it is in proper position prior to permitting the remainder of the work operations to be performed. Thereafter the fixture automatically clamps plug 20 in position and rotates the

jaws

110 and 111 to bend the

plug bands

23 and 24 from the normal unbent position shown in FIG.

20 to the position shown in FIG. 21 preparatory to insertion of a screw therethrough. The fixture then rotates plug 20 to the position shown in FIG. 24 to orient it for receiving a second screw, and thereafter the fixture rotates plug 20 to the position shown in FIG. 26 so that it can be removed from the fixture in its fully assembled position. All of the foregoing steps and the mechanism for achieving them will be described in greater detail hereafter.

By way of further preview, the various electrical leads and pneumatic conduits described hereafter are so integrated relative to fixture 19 that they are exposed a minimum amount and therefore cannot interfere with the work on plug 20 and they cannot'constitute protuberances which might possibly snag the machine operator or be injured by coming in contact with foreign objects.

Plug 20 (FIGS. 7, 36 and 37) is of the type which is utilized to connect wires in telephone circuits and it is located at the 'end of a plastic conduit 25 housing a great number of individually insulated wires 26, each of which is connected to a separate contact 2'7 located within extension 28 of plug housing 29. Extension 28 is a piece separate from housing 29 and it has a peripheral rim 30 surrounding the four sides of extension 28. Fortion 31 of rim 30 has

edges

32 and 33 which abut and are received by turned-over ears 34 formed integrally with housing 29. When plate 30 and housing 29 are in proper alignment, hole 57' in the end 35 of housing 29 and hole 56 in portion 31 of rim 30 will be in alignment to receive screw 36, as part of the plug assembly operation, as will become more apparent hereafter.

In order to effect the assembly operation, plug 20 is inserted into opening 37 (FIG. 2) of head 87 with the end 35 (FIG. 7) first until such time as the end portion 38 (FIG. 36) engages spring biased arm 39 (FIGS. 3 and 7) which in turn yields and engages contact 40 of microswitch M1 which is coupled to leads 41 and 42 (FIG. 29) coupled across the secondary 43 of transformer 44. This will cause armature 45 of switch M1 to break the circuit between lead 41 and lead 47 to relay coil CR4 and cause switch armature 46 to complete a circuit across leads 41 and 49, thereby energizing relay coil CR2 to close normally open contacts CR2-1 in the line across lines 48 and 50, which are suitably coupled to a source of electric current. However, notwithstanding the breaking of a circuit to relay coil CR4 through armature 45 on the opening of switch armature 45, relay coil CR4 will remain energized through a holding circuit which includes normally closed timer switch TR9 and relay contacts CR4-2. Thus when relay contacts CR2-1 close, a circuit will be established through probe solenoid lSV and relay contacts CR4-1 which are closed because relay coil CR4 is still energized. Upon energization of probe solenoid 1SV, there will be established a pneumatic circuit to probe motor 53 to drive piston rod 54 (FIG. 7) upwardly so that probe tip 55 at the upper end thereof will be inserted through aligned apertures 56 and 57' in rim portion 31 and end portion 35 of housing extension 28 and housing 29, respectively. Probe tip 55 is located at the outer end of probe member 55', which is threaded onto piston rod 54 (FIG. 7). Probe motor 53 is suitably secured to fixture 19 by a threaded connection 57'.

The piston rod 54 of pneumatic motor 53 is driven upwardly in FIG. 7 or to the he right in FIGS. 30 and 33 by compressed air which is supplied from a suitable source (not shown) through suitable conduits including those within shaft 56 (FIG. 3) of fixture 19.

Conduits

59 and 60 are in communication with opposite ends of probe motor 53 (FIG. 4). The ends of

conduits

59 and 60 remote from probe motor 53 are received in tapped

apertures

62 and 63, respectively, in block 61 (FIGS. 5 and 8). Thus conduit 59 is in communication with a drilled conduit 64 in block 61 which is in communication with drilled conduit 65 (FIG. 5) which in turn is in communication with conduit 66 (FIG. 12) which is formed between the inside of hollow shaft 56 and

lobes

68 and 69 of core 67 which are in fluid tight connection with the inside of shaft 56. Core 67 is of uniform cross section throughout its length and extends for a sufficient length of shaft 56 as is required to establish conduit 66 and the analogous conduits. The rear end of shaft 56 is supported in block 57 and there is a hole 70 in shaft 56 which leads into annular chamber 71 in block 57 and, in turn, chamber 71 is in communication with conduit 72 (FIG. 14) which leads to solenoid valve lSV which, in turn, is in communication with the source of compressed air through conduit 73 (FIGS. 30 and 33).

Conduit 60 is in communication with drilled conduit 73 (FIG. 8) which is in communication with drilled conduit 74 (FIG. 5) in block 61 which is, in turn, in communication with drilled conduit 75 which is in communication with conduit 76 formed between

lobes

69 and 77 of core 67 within shaft 56. Conduit 76 terminates at annular recess 78 (FIG. 3) and is in communication with this recess through drilled hole 79 in shaft 56. A conduit 80 is in communication with annular recess 78. Conduit 80 is also in communication with solenoid valve lSV, as can be seen from FIGS. 30 and 33.

It can thus be seen that when solenoid valve lSV is energized, as described above, compressed air will be admitted behind the piston (not numbered) in motor 53 to drive the probe 55 through the aligned apertures. This is shown schematically in FIG. 30 and it will be understood that the side of the motor which is not in communication with the source of compressed air will be vented through solenoid valve lSV as shown schematically in FIG. 30.

Incidental to the upward movement of piston 54 in FIG. 7, cam 81 mounted at the outer end thereof will actuate microswitch M2 which is mounted on bracket 82 secured to motor 53. it will be appreciated that if for any reason the probe cannot enter the aligned

apertures

56 and 57, either because the plug 20 is not in proper position or because the apertures are not in alignment, the cam 81 will not be able to actuate microswitch M2 and therefore the machine will stop until the undesirable condition is rectified. When switch M2 is actuated armature 83 thereof (FIG. 29) will complete a circuit across

lines

41 and 42 through armature 83 and lead 51 to energize relay coil CR3. This will close normally open contacts CR3-1 across lines 48 and 50 to energize solenoid valve 2SV for the purpose of clamping the plug 20 in the fixture. Also normally open contacts CR3-2 will be closed with the energization of relay coil CR3 to complete a circuit to cam timer motor M (FIG. 29) after push button switches 84 and 85 are closed, these being safety switches which are placed on the machine for engagement by each of the hands of the operator to insure that he does not have his hands in an improper location when the machine is in operation. At this juncture it is to be noted that solenoid valves 84 and 85' are located in series in line 73. The solenoid valve 84 is energized to pass compressed air in response to the energization of the entire machine by the main switch (not shown). Solenoid switch 85' is energized to permit compressed air to be passed to the various motors shown in FIG. 30 upon the actuation of a reset button (not shown) on the machine.

At this point it is to be noted that the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 29 includes a cam timer 210 having a motor M. This cam timer is a conventional device wherein the timer motor M runs at a predetermined speed and drives a shaft which has a plurality of cams spacedly mounted thereon for actuating a number of switches in timed sequence. These switches are designated on the diagram as TRl-TR9, inclusive, and the functions of these switches are described at appropriate parts of the specification.

It is also to be noted that FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing the operation of the various components of the electrical circuit in sequence along a time base. The horizontal lines following each of the components show when they commence operation, when they terminate operation, and the duration of their operation in relationship to each and every of the other electrical components. Furthermore, the base of this diagram is labeled so as to show by means of a brief descriptive word or words as to what occurs during the time period designated, this having been explained in detail in the description of the machine.

When solenoid valve 2SV is actuated, as noted above, compressed air will be supplied to clamping motor 86 which is mounted on the head 87 of the fixture by means of a plurality of bolts 88. A piston rod 89 extends outwardly from the housing of motor 86 and carries a pad 90 at the outer end thereof, (FIG. 7) for engaging plug 20, as shown, to thus securely clamp it between wall 91 and pad 90 to hold it securely in position for subsequent work operations.

The clamping motor 86 is actuated by compressed air supplied thereto through conduits 92 and 93 (FIGS. 4, and 8). In order to cause the clamping movement of piston rod 89, compressed air is supplied to conduit 92 through drilled conduit 94 in block 61 (FIG. 8), drilled conduit 95 (FIG. 5) in communication therewith, and conduit 96 which is formed between the inner wall of shaft 56 and

lobes

68 and 97 of core member 66. Conduit 96 terminates at annular space 98 (FIG. with which it is in communication through hole 99 in conduit 56. Annular space 98 is in turn in communication with conduit 100 leading to solenoid valve 2SV' (FIGS. 30 and 33). When compressed air is supplied to one end of clamping motor 86 through the above conduits, the opposite end of motor 86 is vented through conduit93, drilled

conduits

101, 102 and 103 in block 61 (FIGS. 5 and 8), and conduit 104 formed between lobes 97 and 105 of core 67 and the inside of shaft 56. Conduit 104 is in communication with annular space 106 (FIG. 3) in block 57 through hole 107 in shaft 56. Annular space 106'in turn is in communication with conduit 108 which in turn is in communication with solenoid valve 2SV (FIGS. 30 and 33). Solenoid valve 2SV in turn is in communication with main compressed air conduit 73 leading from the compressed air source. As can be seen from the schematic diagram in FIG. 30, whenever compressed air is supplied to one side of clamping motor 86 to effect the clamping operation, one chamber of cylinder 86 will receive the compressed air and the other chamber will be vented through the solenoid valve, this being apparent from the schematic diagram of FIG. 30. As noted above, a plurality of

annular spaces

78, 71, 98 and 106 exist in block 57 for conducting fluid pressure to the conduits within shaft 56. A plurality of O-rings, not numbered, are mounted in suitable grooves in block 57 for effecting proper sealing of each of the foregoing annular spaces. I

At this point it is to be noted that

pneumatic motors

53 and 86 are of the conventional type wherein a piston (not numbered) is reciprocable in a cylinder to move a piston rod attached thereto, as compressed air is selectively supplied to opposite sides of the piston, as is well known.

The electrical connections to the various wires housed within core 67 and leading to switches M1 and M2 are shown in FIGS. 16, 17 18 and 19. More specifically, brushes 70, 71 72 and 73 are inserted in block 57 and suitably insulated therefrom. The various

electrical leads

41', 47, 49 and 51 extend upwardly through bore 74 in block 57 and are connected to

brushes

73, 72, 71' and 70", respectively, as shown. Each of the brushes is in electrical contact with a ring which is suitably insulated from the reduced end portion 56" of shaft 56. more specifically,'ring 80' is engaged by brush 70'. Ring 81' is engaged by brush 71'. Ring 82' is engaged by brush 72' and ring 83 is engaged by brush 73'. Ring 83' is electrically connected to wire 41. Ring 82' is electrically connected to wire 47. Ring 81' is electrically connected to wire 49 and ring 80' is electrically connected to wire 51. Thus, wire 51 is effectively an extension of wire 51 wire 49 an extension of wire 49', wire 47 an extension of wire 47' and wire 41 an extension of wire 41'. It will therefore be appreciated that the electrical leads can thus supply electricity to microswitches M1 and M2 through fixture 19.

After the plug 20 has been clamped in position by means of the above described structure, the next step is to bend

bands

23 and 24 from their normally open position shown in FIG. 20 to the position shown in FIG. 21 and thereafter insert a screw 109 therethrough. This is effected by moving

jaws

110 and 111 from their dotted line positions shown in FIG. 4 to the solid line position shown therein. Jaw 110 is secured to sleeve extension 112 by means of a plurality of screws 113, and jaw 111 is secured to sleeve-extension 115 by aplurality of screws 114 (FIG. 6). Extension 112 is a continuation of sleeve 116 (FIG. 3) and extension 115 is a continuation of sleeve 117 (FIG. 3). A block 118 is secured to base 58 and this block includes a circular bore 119 (FIG. 9) containing spaced annular bearings 120 and 121 in which sleeve 116 is joumalled. Spaced annular bearings 122 and 123 are located on the inside of sleeve 116 and sleeve 117 is joumalled therein. Spaced

annular bearings

124 and 125 are located on the inside of sleeve 1 17 to journal shaft 56.

Jaws

110 and 111 are secured to sleeve extensions 112 and 115, respectively, as noted above. Head 87 carries an annular ring 87 therein (FIGS. 6 and 7) which bears against arcuate key 88' on jaw 110, this key being received in mating groove'90' in head 87. An arcuate key 89 on jaw 111 is received in mating curved groove 90 in head 87. Thus, the groove 90 which receives

keys

88 and 89 guide

jaws

110 and 111 for arcuate movement in head 87. 1

In order to rotate jaw 111 from the dotted line position shown in FIG. 4 to the solid line position shown therein, pneumatic motor 126 (FIG. 2) is energized to cause piston rod 127 thereof to move downwardly to thus cause connector 128 to move downwardly to rotate ring 129 pivoted thereto at 130 in a clockwise direction, ring 129 being keyed to sleeve 116 on which jaw 111 is mounted. In order to rotate jaw 110 from the dotted line position shown in FIG. 4 to the solid line position shown therein, pneumatic motor 131 is actuated to cause piston rod 132 to move downwardly with the corresponding downward movement of connector 133 which'is pivoted at 134 to ring 135 which, in turn, is keyed to sleeve 117. As can be seen from FIG; 3, driving

rings

129 and 135 are placed on the ends of sleeves 116 and 117, respectively, and secured in position by nuts 136' and 137, respectively.

Pneumatic motors

126 and 131 are of the conventional piston and cylinder type, as depicted in the drawings.

The

motors

126 and 131 are energized in timed relationship to the previous operations by cam timer motor M. More specifically, as can be seen from FIGS. 29 and 31, timer switches TRl and TR2 will be closed to simultaneously energize solenoid valves 38V and 4SV, respectively. Upon the energization of these solenoid valves, motors 126 and.131 will be energized to effect the foregoing movement of

jaws

110 and 111. More specifically, from FIGS. 30 and 33 it can be seen that

conduits

142 and 143 efiect communication between opposite sides of the motor 126 and solenoid valve 3SV, and the solenoid valve is in communication with main compressed air conduit 73 through conduit 143. Thus when the solenoid valve is in one position, it will cause compressed air to enter conduit 142 to drive jaw 110 to a clamping position while conduit 143 is vented through the solenoid valve, as is obvious from the schematic drawing. Motor 131 has conduits 144 and 145 in communication therewithm with solenoid valve 4SV, which, in turn, is in communication with main compressed air conduit 73, through conduit 145'. When the valve is in one position compressed air will be supplied to conduit 144 to drive jaw 111 to a clamping position while conduit 145 is vented through valve 4SV, as is obvious from FIG. 30.

As can best be seen from FIGS. and 21, lower jaw 111 will pivot from the position shown in FIG. 20 to the position shown in FIG. 21 to move clamping band 24 to the position shown in FIG. 21. Spaced surfaces 151' on jaw 11 1 engage and support the underside of fitting 151 (FIGS. 20 and 22). Upper jaw 110 will pivot to the position shown in FIG. 21 from the position shown in FIG. 20 to move clamping band 23 to the position shown in FIG. 21. A depression 110' (FIGS. 27 and 28) receives band 28 to guide it properly. As can best be seen from FIGS. 7 and 36, clamping

bands

23 and 24 are connected to main housing portion 29 by an integral section 146. As

jaws

110 and 111 pivot to the position shown in FIG. 21 they will cause

bands

23 and 24 to firmly engage pad 147 which embraces conduit to thereby firmly clamp conduit 25 relative to housing 29. The movement of clamping

bands

23 and 24 to the position shown in FIG. 21 also causes

apertures

148 and 149 therein to move into alignment. Aperture 148 is in band 123 and aperture 149 is a tapped aperture in member 150 which is suitably affixed to band 24.

After

bands

23 and 24 have been moved to the position shown in FIG. 21, clamping jaw 110 is retracted to the position shown in FIG. 22 while jaw 111 remains in the position shown. This is effected automatically by the cam timer which reaches a position wherein it causes contact TRI to open thereby deenergizing solenoid valve 3SV which reverses the flow of compressed air to motor 126 thereby causing jaw 110 to pivot in a clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 21 to the position shown in FIG. 22. As can be seen from the diagram in FIG. 31, after the upper jaw has been rotated back to its normal at rest position, the cam timer will close switch TR3 (at about 2.75 seconds).to cause the front screwdriver 215 to automatically bring screw 109 downwardly from its dotted line position above the fixture to the point where it causes screw 109 to be threaded into fitting 150 to thereby securely hold

bands

23 and 24 together in clamping relationship relative to conduit 25 and pad 147. Contact TR3 remains closed for a relatively short time, as can be seen from FIG. 31 to initiate the operation of front screwdriver. During the screw insertion operation, jaw 111 acts as an anvil and it includes a recess 151 therein for receiving the lower portion of screw 109. The automatic screwdriver is a conventional tool which is well known, and has therefore not been shown in detail, but has merely been represented at 147 and 215. This tool, when actuated, brings a screw such as 109 down into

holes

148 and 149 and screws it in position.

As can be seen from FIG. 31, after the screwdriver 215 has been retracted, lower jaw 111 is retracted to the position shown in FIG. 23. This is effected by causing the cam timer to open switch TR2, thereby to terminate the energization of solenoid valve 4SV which in turn will cause it to shift its position where compressed air is supplied to conduit 145 while conduit 144 is vented (FIG.

The next step in the sequence is 'to rotate plug 20 about its longitudinal axis from the position shown in FIG. 23 to the position shown in FIG. 24 so that screw 36 may be inserted through aligned apertures 56 and 57' at the end of plug 20 which is remote from screw 109. It is to be noted that probe 55 has to be removed from aligned apertures 56' and 57' in the plug prior to the insertion of screw 36. This is effected by the deenergization of timer switch TRS. More specifically, probe solenoid valve ISV is energized through closed relay contacts CR2-l and closed timer switch TR5, as can be seen from FIGS. 29 and 31. At a predetermined point of the cycle switch TRS is automatically opened by the cam timer to deenergize probe solenoid valve 1SV, thereby causing probe 55 to be retracted because of the reversal of the pneumatic circuit to motor 53. This can readily be visualized from FIG. 30. However, prior to the time that probe 55 is withdrawn from the plug, timer switch TR8 will close to complete a circuit to solenoid clamping valve 2SV, thereby to maintain such a circuit when relay contact CR3-l are deenergized upon the opening of switch 83 as probe 55 is withdrawn.

To effect rotation of plug 20, head 87 is rotated while clamping jaws and 111 remain stationary. This is effected by rotating shaft 56 (FIG. 3). More specifically, a pneumatic motor 153 (FIG. 1) has one end pivotally secured relative to tabletop 12 at 154 and piston rod 155 thereof (FIGS. 1 and 11) is secured to fitting 156 which is pivotally secured at 157 to ear 158 of collar 159 which is keyed to shaft 56. Collar 159 is secured to shaft 56 by means of nut 157 suitably threaded thereon. As can be seen from FIGS. 29 and 31, when the cam timer closes switch TR4, solenoid valve 5SV will be energized to admit compressed air to one end of motor 153 through conduit 153' while venting the other side through conduit 154'. After rotation of plug 20 has been effected, the cam timer will close switch TR6 to cause the rear screwdriver 156' to bring screw 36 downwardly through aligned

apertures

57 and 56 and cause it to be screwed into it to the end shown in FIG. 25. Screwdriver 156' of screwdriver machine 220 operates for a very short time. All the while this is occurring, switch TR4 will remain closed to hold plug 20 in the position shown in FIG. 24. Thereafter when switch TR4 is opened as a result of operation of the cam timer, solenoid valve SSV will be deenergized so that it will reverse the compressed air flow and venting of motor 153, thereby causing the plug 20 to be pivoted back to the orientation shown in FIG. 26. It is to be noted that when the head 87 is rotated 90 to rotate plug as described above,

motors

53 and 86 will swing downwardly into hole 53' in table top 12 (FIG. 1). Furthennore, screwdriver machine 220 is of a conventional type which will operate automatically to bring a screw into the work area, screw it into the workpiece, and thereafter retract.

After the cam timer reaches a predetermined position switch TRS will open to deenergize clamping solenoid 2SV thereby to deenergize motor 86 to permit the fully assembled plug 20 to be withdrawn from the fixture. However, when it is withdrawn, it will be noted that armature 45 of switch M1 will return to the position shown in FIG. 29 to reenergize relay CR4, thereby closing relay contacts CR4-1 preparatory to the inseridentical in all respects to shaft 56 exceptthat it includes an annular plastic liner 191 which is interposed between the inner surface of shaft 190 and core 192 which may be identical in all respects to core 67 of shaft 56. The liner 191. improves sealing. In FIGS. 34

, 12 through said clamping bands, and second screwdriver means for inserting a second screw into said plug. 5. A machine for receiving a member and for performing a plurality of functions thereon comprising a base, a shaft joumalled in said base, a head on said shaft for receiving said member, means on said head for clamping said member in position thereon, jaw means, means mounting said jaw means for movement on said head, a sleeve joumalled for rotation on said'shaft, means connecting said jaw means to said sleeve, and means for moving said sleeve so as to cause said. jaw

means to engage said member.

and 35 a modified form of jaw arrangement is shown. In 7 this arrangement jaws 110 and 111' correspond to

jaws

110 and 111, respectively, of the prior Figures. Only jaw 111 is different. Jaw 111' carries a shoe 195 which is pivotally mounted on member 111 by means of .pin 196 for slight swinging motion. In this respect a spring 197 is housed within member 111 and carries a plug 198 atits outer end which bears against surface 199 of shoe 195 so as to normally bias it in a counterclockwise direction about pin 196 until such time as surface 200 engages stop pin 201.

When jaw 111 rotates in a clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 34 to the position shown in FIG. 35, surface 202 thereof will engage camming surface 203 on the side of the fixture to thus pivot shoe 195 in a clockwise direction about pin 196. This can be seen because at this time surface 200 has disengaged v pin 201. This will cause surface 204 to engage the ends of

bands

23 and 24 of plug 20 to align them so that the holes therein will be in proper alignment-to receive a screw such as 109 of FIG. 22. In other words, the embodiment of FIGS.34 and 35 differs from the other embodiment of the present invention in that it includes an aligning shoe 195 for facilitating the proper positioning of

bands

23 and 24 to receive screw 109.

What is claimed is: g

l. A plug assembling machine for effecting a plurality of operations on a plug having clamping bands thereon comprising a head, receiving means on said head for receiving a plug, first means for providing a predetermined output when said plug is properly seated on said receiving means, clamping means operable in response to said predetermined output for clamping said plug in position on said head, jaw means on said head, motor means for moving said saw means to-bend said clamping bands, and means for releasing said plug from said clamping means.

2. A plug assembling machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plug includes an axis and wherein said machine includes means effectively coupled to said head for rotating said head and thus rotating said plug clamped thereon about said axis.

3. A plug assembling machine as set forth in claim 2 including means for withdrawing said jaw means after bending of said clamping bands, first screwdriver means for inserting a screw through said clamping bands, and second screwdriver means for inserting a second screw into said plug after said plug has been rotated about its axis.

4. A plug assembling machine as set forth in claim 1 including first screwdriver means for inserting a screw 6. A machine as set forth in claim 5 including a clamping member mounted on said head, and motor means coupled to said clamping member for causing said clamping member to securely hold said member on said head.

7. A machine as set forth in claim 6 including a probe member for providing a predetermined response when said memberis located in proper position on said head, and motor means coupled to said probe member for driving said probe member into position for providing said predetermined response.

8. A machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said jaw means comprise first and second jaws, and wherein said sleeve mounts said first jaw, a second sleeve joumalled on said first sleeve, means connecting said second jaw to said second sleeve, and means for moving said second sleeve so as to cause said second jaw to engage said member.

9. A machine as set forth in claim 8 wherein said shaft, said sleeve, and said second sleeve are concentric with each other, and wherein said means for moving said sleeve and said second sleeve comprise means for imparting rotation thereto about theircommon axis.

. 10. A machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said member includes an axis and wherein said machine includes means coupled to said shaft for pivoting said shaft and thus pivoting said member clamped on said head about said axis. 7

11. A machine as set forth in claim 10 wherein said shaft is hollow, a core in'said shaft, a bore in said core, a plurality of electrical conductors housed within said bore, and a plurality of fluid pressure conduits produced by said core and the. inner surface of said shaft.

12. A machine as set forth in claim 11 including a plurality of chambers in said base, a plurality of second conduits severally in communication with each of said chambers for providing fluid thereto, a plurality of I apertures in said shaft with each of said apertures in communication with a chamber, and each of said apertures being in communication with a separate conduit provided by said core in said shaft whereby said fluid pressure can be communicated from saidsecond conduits through said conduits within said shaft.

13. A machine as set forth in claim 12 including electrical leads extending into said base, and means for effecting electrical contact between each of said leads and each of said conductors within said core.

14. A machine as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for effecting electrical contact comprises a plurality of brushes mounted on said base, a plurality of contactor rings mounted on said shaft, means for caus ing each of said brushes to engage a contactor ring, and

conductor means for effecting electrical contact between each of said rings and said conductors in said core.

15. A machine as set forth in claim wherein said shaft includes a plurality of conduits therein, means for supplying pressurized fluid to said conduits within said shaft, and means coupled to said shaft for utilizing the fluid pressure from said conduits.

16. A machine as set forth in claim 15 including a bore in said shaft, a plurality of electrical conductors extending through said bore, and means for coupling said electrical conductors to a source of electrical current.

17. A plug assembling machine for effecting a plurality of operations on a plug having clamping bands thereon comprising a head, receiving means on said head for receiving a plug, clamping means for clamping said plug in position on said head, jaw means on said head, motor means for moving said jaw means to bend said clamping bands, means for rotating said plug about its own axis preparatory to a subsequent work operation thereon, and means for releasing said plug from said clamping means.

18. A plug assembling machine for effecting a plurality of operations on a plug having clamping bands thereon comprising a head, receiving means on said head for receiving a plug, clamping means for clamping said plug in position on said head, jaw means on said head, motor means for moving said jaw means to bend said clamping bands, first screwdriver means for inserting a screw through said clamping bands, second screwdriver means for inserting a second screw into said plug, and means for releasing said plug from said clamping means.

Claims

1. A plug assembling machine for effecting a plurality of operations on a plug having clamping bands thereon comprising a head, receiving means on said head for receiving a plug, first means for providing a predetermined output when said plug is properly seated on said receiving means, clamping means operable in response to said predetermined output for clamping said plug in position on said head, jaw means on said head, motor means for moving said saw means to bend said clamping bands, and means for releasing said plug from said clamping means.

4. A plug assembling machine as set forth in claim 1 including first screwdriver means for inserting a screw through said clamping bands, and second screwdriver means for inserting a second screw into said plug.

5. A machine for receiving a member and for performing a plurality of functions thereon comprising a base, a shaft journalled in said base, a head on said shaft for receiving said member, means on said head for clamping said member in position thereon, jaw means, means mounting said jaw means for movement on said head, a sleeve journalled for rotation on said shaft, means connecting said jaw means to said sleeve, and means for moving said sleeve so as to cauSe said jaw means to engage said member.

6. A machine as set forth in claim 5 including a clamping member mounted on said head, and motor means coupled to said clamping member for causing said clamping member to securely hold said member on said head.

7. A machine as set forth in claim 6 including a probe member for providing a predetermined response when said member is located in proper position on said head, and motor means coupled to said probe member for driving said probe member into position for providing said predetermined response.

8. A machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said jaw means comprise first and second jaws, and wherein said sleeve mounts said first jaw, a second sleeve journalled on said first sleeve, means connecting said second jaw to said second sleeve, and means for moving said second sleeve so as to cause said second jaw to engage said member.

9. A machine as set forth in claim 8 wherein said shaft, said sleeve, and said second sleeve are concentric with each other, and wherein said means for moving said sleeve and said second sleeve comprise means for imparting rotation thereto about their common axis.

10. A machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein said member includes an axis and wherein said machine includes means coupled to said shaft for pivoting said shaft and thus pivoting said member clamped on said head about said axis.

11. A machine as set forth in claim 10 wherein said shaft is hollow, a core in said shaft, a bore in said core, a plurality of electrical conductors housed within said bore, and a plurality of fluid pressure conduits produced by said core and the inner surface of said shaft.

12. A machine as set forth in claim 11 including a plurality of chambers in said base, a plurality of second conduits severally in communication with each of said chambers for providing fluid thereto, a plurality of apertures in said shaft with each of said apertures in communication with a chamber, and each of said apertures being in communication with a separate conduit provided by said core in said shaft whereby said fluid pressure can be communicated from said second conduits through said conduits within said shaft.

14. A machine as set forth in claim 13 wherein said means for effecting electrical contact comprises a plurality of brushes mounted on said base, a plurality of contactor rings mounted on said shaft, means for causing each of said brushes to engage a contactor ring, and conductor means for effecting electrical contact between each of said rings and said conductors in said core.

15. A machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said shaft includes a plurality of conduits therein, means for supplying pressurized fluid to said conduits within said shaft, and means coupled to said shaft for utilizing the fluid pressure from said conduits.