MACHINE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM

• US 20090162156A1
• Filed: 12/20/2007
• Published: 06/25/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rtx Corporation
• Original Assignee: United Technologies Corporation (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Collins, Kevin L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,788,814 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 408/13
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 17/2233 for adjusting the tool relative to the workpiece
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 17/24 using optics or electromagnetic waves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 33/21 with laser
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 408/175 to control relative positioning of Tool and work

Abstract

A machine alignment system is disclosed that includes a support member. A workpiece is supported by the support member during a machine operation. A robot includes a tool that is spaced from the support member. A laser is associated with the tool and is configured to provide a laser beam. An alignment tool is arranged on the support member. The laser and alignment tool cooperate to ensure alignment of the tool relative to the workpiece. The alignment tool includes an aperture. An adjustment member is associated with one of the tool and the support member. The adjustment member is configured to adjust a relative position between the tool and the support member to enable the laser beam to pass through the aperture and onto a target surface during an alignment procedure.

Claims

1. A method of aligning a machine comprising the steps of:

providing a tool and a target;

providing an alignment tool with an aperture that is arranged between the tool and the target;

directing a laser beam between the tool and the target; and

aligning the tool and target to ensure that the laser beam passes through the aperture and onto one of the tool and target.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the providing steps including providing the target on the alignment tool.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the alignment tool includes multiple apertures and the target, and the aligning step includes shining the laser through the multiple apertures onto the target.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the alignment tool providing step includes arranging the alignment tool onto a fixture opposite the tool.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the directing step includes supporting a laser near a tool and directing it toward the fixture.

6. The method according to claim 4, comprising the step of removing the alignment tool from the fixture and mounting a workpiece onto the fixture.

7. A machine alignment system comprising:

a support member;

a tool spaced from the support member;

a laser associated with the tool and configured to provide a laser beam;

an alignment tool arranged on the support member, the alignment tool including an aperture; and

an adjustment member associated with at least one of the tool and support member, the adjustment member configured to adjust a relative position of the tool and the support member to enable the laser beam to pass through the aperture and onto a target during an alignment procedure.

8. The machine alignment system according to claim 7, wherein the alignment tool includes multiple plates spaced from one another, each of the plates including the aperture, the apertures aligned with one another.

9. The machine alignment system according to claim 8, wherein the target is provided on one of the plates spaced from the apertures.

10. The machine alignment system according to claim 9, wherein the target includes a dimple aligned with the apertures.

11. The machine alignment system according to claim 7, comprising locating features arranged between the support member and the alignment tool for providing a desired orientation there between.

12. The machine alignment system according to claim 7, comprising a multiaxis robot supporting the tool and in communication with the adjustment member, the adjustment member adjusting the position of the tool in response to an input during the alignment procedure.