Method and apparatus using a multifaceted turret for robotic assembly

Abstract

The robotic assembly of a keyboard using a multiplicity of keys of a plurality of distinct types, such As key caps on a sculptured keyboard, can be substantially increased in speed by the use of a multifacted rotatable turret for picking up and installing the key caps onto the keyboard. A programmable robot, having a robotic arm is provided with a rotatable multifaceted turret. Each facet of the turret includes a key handling member which is molded to accept a distinct type of sculptured key. The types of sculptured keys are segregated in a pick-up position. The turret is manipulated by the robotic arm in the pick-up position to pick up a multiplicity of keys of one given type on each of the facets of the turret. Thus, each turret picks up one type of keys. The turret is then translated by the robotic arm to an assembly position. The turret is once again rotated and advanced to assemble the key caps on to key stem projected from the keyboard. Each facet is oriented in advance to install the type of key cap corresponding to that facet. Typically each row of keys is characterized by a distinct type of sculptured key cap. Thus, a separate facet is rotated in position to install each row of keys. Significantly, during the entire robotic assembly of a keyboard, the robotic arms make only one trip between the pick-up position and assembly positions regardless of the number of keys installed or the number of types of keys installed on the keyboard. This serves to substantially reduce the robotic assembly time.