A system for automatically handling components to be assembled onto a product on an assembly line includes a carriage that is movable to and between a first, retracted position spaced from the assembly line, and a second position displaced from the retracted position in a direction toward the assembly line. A manipulator on the carriage supports a component mounting tool configured to receive and support at least one component for assembly to the product. The manipulator may be arranged in a first orientation when the carriage is in the first position, and may be pivoted to a second orientation when the carriage is in the second position, such that a component on the component mounting tool is supported in a pose for processing when the carriage is in the first position, and is supported in a pose for joining to the product when the carriage is in the second position.
B65G 47/91 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials incorporating pneumatic, e.g. suction, grippers
B25J 15/06 - Gripping heads with vacuum or magnetic holding means
B62D 65/06 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being doors, windows, openable roofs, lids, bonnets, or weather strips or seals therefor
2.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AN ATTACHMENT PAD IN HIGH STRENGTH STEEL MATERIALS
A tool (12) and associated method for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material S, made from high strength steel. The tool (12) includes a housing (18), an anvil (20) supported on the housing (18) and defining a working axis (24) for forming the pad, and a slide block (26) supported on the housing (18) for movement at least along the working axis (24) of the anvil (2). A die block (22) is supported on the housing (18) opposite the slide block (26), and is movable in directions along the working axis (24). The die block (22) cooperates with anvil (20) to form the pad at a target location defined along the working axis (24). The tool further includes a heating device (40) supported for movement to and between first and second positions relative to the target location. The first position is adjacent to and aligned with the target location, while the second position is displaced from the first position and away from the target location.
B21D 22/02 - Stamping using rigid devices or tools
B21D 22/04 - Stamping using rigid devices or tools for dimpling
B21D 22/06 - Stamping using rigid devices or tools having relatively-movable die parts
B21D 26/02 - Shaping without cutting otherwise than by using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, e.g. shaping by applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces by applying fluid pressure
3.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING AN ATTACHMENT PAD IN HIGH STRENGTH STEEL MATERIALS
A tool (12) and associated method for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material S, made from high strength steel. The tool (12) includes a housing (18), an anvil (20) supported on the housing (18) and defining a working axis (24) for forming the pad, and a slide block (26) supported on the housing (18) for movement at least along the working axis (24) of the anvil (2). A die block (22) is supported on the housing (18) opposite the slide block (26), and is movable in directions along the working axis (24). The die block (22) cooperates with anvil (20) to form the pad at a target location defined along the working axis (24). The tool further includes a heating device (40) supported for movement to and between first and second positions relative to the target location. The first position is adjacent to and aligned with the target location, while the second position is displaced from the first position and away from the target location.
B21D 22/02 - Stamping using rigid devices or tools
B21D 22/04 - Stamping using rigid devices or tools for dimpling
B21D 26/00 - Shaping without cutting otherwise than by using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, e.g. shaping by applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces
B21D 26/02 - Shaping without cutting otherwise than by using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, e.g. shaping by applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces by applying fluid pressure
B21D 22/06 - Stamping using rigid devices or tools having relatively-movable die parts
4.
Apparatus and methods for forming an attachment pad in high strength steel materials
A tool and associated method for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material made from high strength steel. The tool includes a housing, an anvil supported on the housing and defining a working axis for forming the pad, and a slide block supported on the housing for movement at least along the working axis of the anvil. A die block is supported on the housing opposite the slide block, and is movable in directions along the working axis. The die block cooperates with anvil to form the pad at a target location defined along the working axis. The tool further includes a heating device supported for movement to and between first and second positions relative to the target location. The first position is adjacent to and aligned with the target location, while the second position is displaced from the first position and away from the target location.
A tool for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material includes an anvil supported on a housing and defining a working axis for forming the pad. A slide block is supported on the housing for movement at least along the working axis, and a die block is supported opposite the slide block and is movable in directions along the working axis to cooperate with anvil to form the pad. At least one actuator on the housing biases the slide block in a direction toward the die block. The actuator is operable in a first mode wherein the slide block is movable toward and away from the die block, and a second mode wherein the slide block is locked against movement in a direction away from the die block. A selectively adjustable counterbalance device cooperates with the actuator to counterbalance a force applied to the slide block by the actuator.
B21D 37/12 - Particular guiding equipmentSpecial arrangements for interconnection or cooperation of dies
B23Q 15/22 - Control or regulation of position of tool or workpiece
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
A tool for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material includes an anvil supported on a housing and defining a working axis for forming the pad. A slide block is supported on the housing for movement at least along the working axis, and a die block is supported opposite the slide block and is movable in directions along the working axis to cooperate with anvil to form the pad. At least one actuator on the housing biases the slide block in a direction toward the die block. The actuator is operable in a first mode wherein the slide block is movable toward and away from the die block, and a second mode wherein the slide block is locked against movement in a direction away from the die block. A selectively adjustable counterbalance device cooperates with the actuator to counterbalance a force applied to the slide block by the actuator.
B21D 39/03 - Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by platingTube expanders of sheet metal otherwise than by folding
B21D 37/12 - Particular guiding equipmentSpecial arrangements for interconnection or cooperation of dies
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
B21D 22/06 - Stamping using rigid devices or tools having relatively-movable die parts
B30B 15/00 - Details of, or accessories for, pressesAuxiliary measures in connection with pressing
A tool for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material includes an anvil supported on a housing and defining a working axis for forming the pad. A slide block is supported on the housing for movement at least along the working axis, and a die block is supported opposite the slide block and is movable in directions along the working axis to cooperate with anvil to form the pad. At least one actuator on the housing biases the slide block in a direction toward the die block. The actuator is operable in a first mode wherein the slide block is movable toward and away from the die block, and a second mode wherein the slide block is locked against movement in a direction away from the die block. A selectively adjustable counterbalance device cooperates with the actuator to counterbalance a force applied to the slide block by the actuator.
A tool for forming an attachment pad on a sheet material includes an anvil supported on a housing and defining a working axis for forming the pad. A slide block is supported on the housing for movement at least along the working axis, and a die block is supported opposite the slide block and is movable in directions along the working axis to cooperate with anvil to form the pad. At least one actuator on the housing biases the slide block in a direction toward the die block. The actuator is operable in a first mode wherein the slide block is movable toward and away from the die block, and a second mode wherein the slide block is locked against movement in a direction away from the die block. A selectively adjustable counterbalance device cooperates with the actuator to counterbalance a force applied to the slide block by the actuator.
A fastener feeding system (16) and method for automatically delivering fasteners (24) to a plurality of different manufacturing cells (14b) in a manufacturing line (10) from a single load point. The fastener feeding system (16) includes a fastener distribution assembly (20) and a transport assembly (22) for selecting and delivering fasteners (24) to the manufacturing cells (14b). Individual fasteners (24) are selected from a fastener reservoir (26a, 26b) by a robotic manipulator (30) of the fastener distribution assembly (20), and are placed on a fastener carrier (34) supported on conveying structure (32) extending between the fastener distribution assembly (20) and the manufacturing cells (14b) for movement therealong. The fastener carrier (34) is controlled to move along the track (32) to deliver one or more fasteners (24) to a manufacturing cell (14b).
B21J 15/32 - Devices for inserting or holding rivets in position with or without feeding arrangements
B23P 19/00 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes
B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
A fastener feeding system and method for automatically delivering fasteners to a plurality of different manufacturing cells in a manufacturing line from a single load point. The fastener feeding system includes a fastener distribution assembly and a transport assembly for selecting and delivering fasteners to the manufacturing cells. Individual fasteners are selected from a fastener reservoir by a robotic manipulator of the fastener distribution assembly, and are placed on a fastener carrier supported on conveying structure extending between the fastener distribution assembly and the manufacturing cells for movement therealong. The fastener carrier is controlled to move along the track to deliver one or more fasteners to a manufacturing cell.
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials
B23P 21/00 - Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
A fastener feeding system (16) and method for automatically delivering fasteners (24) to a plurality of different manufacturing cells (14b) in a manufacturing line (10) from a single load point. The fastener feeding system (16) includes a fastener distribution assembly (20) and a transport assembly (22) for selecting and delivering fasteners (24) to the manufacturing cells (14b). Individual fasteners (24) are selected from a fastener reservoir (26a, 26b) by a robotic manipulator (30) of the fastener distribution assembly (20), and are placed on a fastener carrier (34) supported on conveying structure (32) extending between the fastener distribution assembly (20) and the manufacturing cells (14b) for movement therealong. The fastener carrier (34) is controlled to move along the track (32) to deliver one or more fasteners (24) to a manufacturing cell (14b).
B23P 19/00 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes
B65G 47/24 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles
12.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY OF COMPONENTS
A system (12) for automatically handling components (38) to be assembled onto a product (14) on an assembly line (16) includes a carriage (34) that is movable to and between a first, retracted position spaced from the assembly line (16), and a second position displaced from the retracted position in a direction toward the assembly line (16). A manipulator (32) on the carriage (34) supports a component mounting tool (36) configured to receive and support at least one component (38) for assembly to the product (14). The manipulator (32) may be arranged in a first orientation when the carriage (34) is in the first position, and may be pivoted to a second orientation when the carriage (34) is in the second position, such that a component (38) on the component mounting tool (36) is supported in a pose for processing when the carriage (34) is in the first position, and is supported in a pose for joining to the product (14) when the carriage (34) is in the second position.
A system (12) for automatically handling components (38) to be assembled onto a product (14) on an assembly line (16) includes a carriage (34) that is movable to and between a first, retracted position spaced from the assembly line (16), and a second position displaced from the retracted position in a direction toward the assembly line (16). A manipulator (32) on the carriage (34) supports a component mounting tool (36) configured to receive and support at least one component (38) for assembly to the product (14). The manipulator (32) may be arranged in a first orientation when the carriage (34) is in the first position, and may be pivoted to a second orientation when the carriage (34) is in the second position, such that a component (38) on the component mounting tool (36) is supported in a pose for processing when the carriage (34) is in the first position, and is supported in a pose for joining to the product (14) when the carriage (34) is in the second position.
A system for automatically handling components to be assembled onto a product on an assembly line includes a carriage that is movable to and between a first, retracted position spaced from the assembly line, and a second position displaced from the retracted position in a direction toward the assembly line. A manipulator on the carriage supports a component mounting tool configured to receive and support at least one component for assembly to the product. The manipulator may be arranged in a first orientation when the carriage is in the first position, and may be pivoted to a second orientation when the carriage is in the second position, such that a component on the component mounting tool is supported in a pose for processing when the carriage is in the first position, and is supported in a pose for joining to the product when the carriage is in the second position.
B65G 47/91 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials incorporating pneumatic, e.g. suction, grippers
B62D 65/06 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being doors, windows, openable roofs, lids, bonnets, or weather strips or seals therefor
B25J 15/06 - Gripping heads with vacuum or magnetic holding means
15.
Process control using deep learning training model
Systems, methods, and computer program products for programming a controller to control a process. A training module is trained to provide predicted responses of the process to control signals using a generic simulator to model the process. Once the training module has been trained, the controller is programmed to control the process by coupling the controller to the training module and using the training module to generate predicted responses of the process to the reception of control signals from the controller. As part of the programming process, one or more parameters of a control program resident on the controller may be adjusted to reduce errors between the responses predicted by the training module and the desired responses intended to be caused by the control signals.
A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one carrier drive member disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the feed-forward track segments. Each carrier includes at least one drive engagement member that cooperates with the at least one carrier drive member to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments spaced from the plurality of feed-forward track segments.
B65G 35/06 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path
A conveyance system includes a plurality of feed-forward track segments aligned end-to end, each having an upwardly facing channel and at least one carrier drive member disposed in the channel. At least one carrier is supported for movement along the feed-forward track segments. Each carrier includes at least one drive engagement member that cooperates with the at least one carrier drive member to move the carrier along the respective feed-forward track segments. The conveyance system may further include a plurality of return track segments spaced from the plurality of feed-forward track segments.
B62D 65/02 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
B65G 35/06 - Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising a load-carrier moving along a path, e.g. a closed path, and adapted to be engaged by any one of a series of traction elements spaced along the path
A system and method for mounting a vehicle closure member (62) on a vehicle body (40) utilizes vision sensing of a master gauge location (42) of the vehicle body, of coordination formations (48) on the vehicle body, and of opening extremities of a closure member opening of the vehicle body, and the sensing is used by a controller (34) to provide mounting of a hinge at a proper location.
B23Q 17/00 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools
B23P 21/00 - Machines for assembling a multiplicity of different parts to compose units, with or without preceding or subsequent working of such parts, e.g. with programme control
19.
Method and apparatus for storing robotic tooling for vehicle body sheet metal robotic assembly
Apparatus (12) for storing robotic tooling for vehicle body sheet metal robotic assembly operates a robot to transfer robotic tooling between an assembly station and a rotary storage rack (56) of a storage rack assembly (28). The storage rack (56) has vertically spaced storage locations and is rotated about a vertical axis to provide circumferentially spaced storage locations.
a) of a pair of clamp members (64, 66) of a clamp (62) where a second feed actuator (80) subsequently moves the clamped clinch nut downwardly to an opening (78) in a delivery member (76) where a robot end effector (32) receives the clinch nut in preparation for a clinching operation. An alignment mount (58) supports the dispensing head (54) on a support (56) for a horizontal movement in perpendicular horizontal directions to insure alignment of the robot end effector (32) with the clinch nut (26) to be received.
patents
