Automotive body panel handling apparatus
US5141093A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53539
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for conveying panels, such as vehicle body side panels to and from work stations located at spaced locations along a conveyor includes a panel support frame mounted on the conveyor for movement along the conveying path with the support frame in an elevated generally horizontal conveying position. The support frame carries a plurality of mechanically actuable releasable clamps adapted to retain a panel engaged against a group of locator pads fixedly mounted on one side of the support frame. A second group of locator pads movably mounted on the frame are normally biased into engagement with the panel at spaced locations around its periphery to hold the panel in a predetermined position laterally of the support frame. The support frame mounts an actuator member coupled to all of the clamps to position all clamps in a panel clamping position when the actuator member is in a first position and to position all clamps in a panel release position when the actuator is in a second position. A spring biased latch on the support frame normally locks the actuator member against movement from either of its positions. The conveyor includes a manipulator operable when the support frame i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.