Zenith Electronics Corporation

Elmer M Klein

Andrew W Kaliszek

Carl Campisi

Richard G Schmid

Thomas J Bradfish

An electronic component lead or tab crimping apparatus adapted for use with a conveyor system in the assembly of printed circuit (PC) boards includes an upper assembly having an upper interchangeable plate and a lower actuator plate and further includes a pneumatically actuated lower assembly. The interchangeable plate includes a plurality of spaced apertures within each of which is disposed a lead/tab engaging, crimping element. The upper assembly is initially displaced upward by the pneumatically actuated lower assembly to a position in close proximity to and in alignment with the lower surface of a PC board such that each of the crimping elements is disposed in close proximity to a lead, or leads (or tabs), of an electronic component positioned on the PC board. The lower assembly then displaces the actuator plate upward by cam action such that the actuator plate simultaneously engages and pivotally displaces the crimping elements resulting in crimping of the electronic component leads or tabs. The actuator plate of the upper assembly is then lowered by the lower assembly allowing for disengagement of the leads/tabs by the crimping elements, followed by further lowering of the upper assembly by the lower assembly to permit the PC board with crimped leads/tabs to be displaced by the conveyor system and another PC board to be moved in position for lead/tab crimping.

Lead crimping apparatus

A pneumatically actuated, electrically controlled electronic component handling apparatus straightens out the leads of an electronic component, positions and orients the component for engagement by an automatic gripper device, and determines the exact orientation of the component for subsequent testing, assembly or insertion of the component in circuit. As a component exits a vibrating delivery chute, a first pneumatic cylinder places a component stop in position to prevent the exit of additional components from the chute. With the discharged component engaged from above by a second pneumatic cylinder actuated pusher, a third pneumatic cylinder raises a component carriage in engagement with a lower portion of the component. The carriage includes a pair of elongated slots therein having enlarged openings for receiving and straightening a respective component lead inserted therein. A fourth pneumatic cylinder then laterally displaces the carriage to a pick-up point where the component is engaged and removed from the carriage by a robotic gripper. Before removal, an optical senser directs a light beam upon the marked component to determine its relative orientation with respect to the gripper to ensure proper subsequent manipulation of the component. Various optical and electrical sensors are employed to control the sequence of pneumatic operations in the component handling apparatus.

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Mundelein, IL, United States of America

Elmer M Klein