Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Power driven
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-22
2001-08-21
Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Power driven
C108S103000, C108S139000, C074S106000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276284
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a side-by-side robot workcell.
Workcells are often used with robotic systems. The workcells usually include a work piece holder which moves from a load position adjacent the operator to a work position adjacent the robot.
There is a need for a low cost robotic weld station which maintains the safety and functionality of the workcell, but which minimizes the cost.
Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of an improved side-by-side robot workcell.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved side-by-side robot workcell which is simple in construction and low in cost.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a side-by-side robot workcell which includes two tables that move quickly to their load and work positions, but which slow down as they approach either the load or the work position.
A further objection of the present invention is the provision of a side-by-side robot workcell which minimizes the need for the operator to move and which maximizes the safety of the operator.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved side-by-side robot workcell which moves the tables to load positions which substantially wrap around the operator so that the operator does not have to walk or move distances to load the work piece on the work piece tables.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a side-by-side robot workcell which is efficient in operation, economical in manufacture and durable in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects may be achieved by a work piece cell having a frame and a work piece table adapted to hold a work piece. A hinge mechanism connects the work piece table to the frame for movement about a pivot axis from a load position to a work position. A link member is connected to the hinge mechanism and is movable back and forth between a first position and a second position for causing the work piece table to move about the pivot access between the load and the work positions respectively. A power member is connected to the frame and to the link member for causing movement of the link member between its first and second positions. A counterbiasing member is connected to the frame and to the link member and exerts a counterbiasing force on the link in a direction opposite to the force exerted by the power member during at least a portion of the time that the power member moves the link member between the first and second positions.
According to one feature of the invention the link member moves to an intermediate position between its first and second positions and the counterbiasing member exerts a large counterbiasing force on the link member when the link member is in its first or second positions. The counterbiasing member also exerts a lesser biasing force on the link member when the link member is in its intermediate position.
Another feature of the present invention includes two work piece tables constructed in the manner described above each being movable between a load position and a work position. When in the work position the two tables are positioned side-by-side with respect to each other and are positioned adjacent the robot. When in the load position the two tables are positioned closely adjacent the operator so that the operator is not required to move far distances to place a work piece on the work piece table.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4303166 (1981-12-01), Campbell et al.
patent: 4740135 (1988-04-01), Shulenberger
patent: 4856741 (1989-08-01), Schaefer
patent: 5096364 (1992-03-01), Messer et al.
patent: 5180276 (1993-01-01), Hendrickson
patent: 5332352 (1994-07-01), Poduje et al.
patent: 5587637 (1996-12-01), Ohyama
patent: 5588789 (1996-12-01), Muka et al.
patent: 5696574 (1997-12-01), Schwaegerle
patent: 5702228 (1997-12-01), Tamai et al.
patent: 5872892 (1999-02-01), Brown et al.
Mangelsen Jan C.
Remley Fred K.
Genesis Systems Group
Wilkens Janet M.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
LandOfFree
Side-by-side robot workcell does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Side-by-side robot workcell, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Side-by-side robot workcell will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2541261