Assembly apparatus

Abstract

Abstract 1,083,442. Conveyers. SOCIETE ANONYME DE LA FABRIQUE D'HORLOGERIE LE COULTRE ET CIE. Feb. 11, 1966 [June 30, 1965], No. 6241/66. Heading B8A. [Also in Division B4] Small mechanisms (not shown) e.g. for watches, electric or electronic circuits, and computer parts, are assembled step by step, each being positioned in compartments 12 of a rotary conveyer disc 11 which functions as a rotary work-table. Parts for assembling on each mechanism are taken from a compartment 13 of a step-by-step conveyer 14, which is operated according to a predetermined programme, through an aperture 16 in a cover 15, to assemble on a mechanism in a compartment 12. The conveyer disc 11 is then indexed to bring the next compartment 12 adjacent the aperture 16 and so on. After a complete cycle of rotation of the disc 11 respective parts from the compartment 13 will have been fitted to all the mechanisms on the disc 11. The conveyer 14 is then indexed forward by one compartment and the process is repeated, assembling a different type of part to the mechanisms. Sometimes a compartment in the conveyer 14 may contain an instruction e.g. to lubricate. The bottom of such a compartment may be translucent so that the instruction is illuminated by a suitable light. It may be necessary for the conveyer 14 to be reversed a step at certain stages in the operation and subsequently advanced two steps. The programme of the conveyer 14 is determined by a punched card (Fig. 7, not shown) placed in position at 34. The disc 11 is detachable from the spindle 10 and on completion of the work on the mechanisms, may be replaced by another disc with unassembled mechanisms ready in place in the compartments 12. Indexing of the conveyer 14 after each cycle of the disc 11 is effected by a knee-operated control. Operator's elbow rests 8, 9 are provided. In a modification (Fig. 1, not shown) the conveyer 14 may be circular and concentrically disposed relative to the disc 11. It may be eccentrically arranged (Fig. 2, not shown).

Inventors

• 👤 Mamie Philippe

Bibliographic Details