Robotic machine

Claim 1

A modular robotic assembly machine having three mutually perpendicular axes and a rotational movement about the third axis comprising: a first carriage supported on a frame, a second carriage supported on said first carriage, a third carriage supported on said second carriage, and drive means for moving said carriages linearly along the respective mutually perpendicular axes; said third carriage including an elongated tubular housing having end plates between which a non-rotating lead screw is fastened, a plurality of way rods on one of said second and third carriages and, on the other, linear bearings on which said way rods ride, said lead screw and way rods and bearings being exterior to said elongated housing; a rotation plate that is mounted on one end plate and has a central hole, and rotation drive means comprising a drive motor supported on the other end plate which is connected through an axial hollow shaft to said rotation plate; gripper means for performing automatic assembly tasks attached to said rotation plate, the space between said elongated housing and hollow shaft, and the inside of said hollow shaft, serving as a conduit for electrical leads and pneumatic tubes and to receive a power cylinder on said gripper means; and a stand which supports said frame and has a horizontal assembly table.