Patent ID: 6836944
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: B23P,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A combination tool for assembling a part to a workpiece with a robot following a programmed series of predetermined motions including picking the part from a supply and transferring the part to an assembly position aligned on an operating axis wherein a mounting surface of the part engages a target surface of the workpiece, the robot including a tool support, the combination tool comprising: a base matching the tool support of the robot; a workpiece arm including a workpiece target surface preparation module; a part delivery arm including a part gripper capable of releasably holding the part with mounting surface exposed; a part mounting surface preparation module supported by the base between: an engaged position in contact with the part mounting surface while the part is held in the part gripper; and a disengaged position retracted from the part mounting surface; and an indexing module supported on the base, the indexing module alternating between: a preparation position; and said assembly position, wherein: at least one of: the workpiece target surface preparation module; the part gripper; and the part mounting surface preparation module, are releasably mounted with a common tool interface.