초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for detecting misoriented wheel assemblies in wheel truing machine punch stations. The wheel assemblies for which determination of proper orientation is sought are provided with at least one reference hole, preferably a valve stem hole extending therethrough at a predetermined

A method and apparatus for detecting misoriented wheel assemblies in wheel truing machine punch stations. The wheel assemblies for which determination of proper orientation is sought are provided with at least one reference hole, preferably a valve stem hole extending therethrough at a predetermined location. The apparatus includes a light emitting source which is provided in electrical communication with a light detecting target. The light emitting source and the light detection target are disposed in predetermined positions and orientations on opposing sides of the wheel assemblies when received within the punch station. When the light emitting source is engaged during proper wheel assembly orientation, the light beam will pass through the selected reference hole whereupon it will be received and detected by the light detecting target. Control circuitry which is provided in electrical communication with the light detecting target is operative to engage the punch tooling once proper orientation has been confirmed or, in the alternative, abort the punching operation in the case of detected misalignments.

대표청구항 ▼

For use in cooperation with a wheel truing machine having a punch station and punch tooling for effecting selected stamping operations in a wheel assembly, said wheel assembly having at least one reference hole extending therethrough at a predetermined location, a method for detecting misoriented wh

For use in cooperation with a wheel truing machine having a punch station and punch tooling for effecting selected stamping operations in a wheel assembly, said wheel assembly having at least one reference hole extending therethrough at a predetermined location, a method for detecting misoriented wheels so as to ensure that said stamping operations are performed within the desired accuracy, comprising: transferring said wheel assembly into said punch station; raising said wheel assembly to said punch tooling; directing a light beam from a light emitting source aligned on one side of said wheel assembly toward a light detecting target aligned on the opposite side of said wheel assembly, such that during proper wheel assembly orientation, said light beam passes through said reference hole and is received by said light detecting target; detecting whether said light beam is received by said target; and engaging said punch tooling to effect said stamping operations in said wheel assembly if said light beam is detected.