Automatic orientation of components - has component moved relative to outline image with photo detector used to detect coincidence

摘要

An automatic control system is used to provide orientation of machine components in a manufacturing process. The system is particularly useful for positioning components prior to robot handling. The constant thickness component (1) is located on a transparent plate (3) mounted on a table (5). The top surface of the table carries an image of the component profile. An electric motor (11) rotates the top part of the table and the component. Light is directed onto the surface and a photo-detector generates an output dependent upon the degree of overlap of component and image. When the two coincide a control stage (9) disengages the drive.