Flexible automotive assembly line and method
US6827197B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D65/18
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for assembling an automotive body on an assembly line having a right-hand body subassembly line, a left-hand body subassembly line and an underbody subassembly line, for delivery to a pallet transport system for movementthrough a body framing subassembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead transport system for transporting automotive components along at least one of the subassembly lines and for conveying the automotive components along a pallet transport system on the body framing subassembly line. The overhead transport system includes a trolley movable along a single overhead rail, a carriage slidably movable relative to the trolley, and a plurality of antler nests. Each antler nest is individually engageable with the carriage. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring components from the overhead transport system to a geometry fixture at a workstation along the subassembly line. The workstation along the subassembly line can include a plurality of geometry fixtures that are exchangeable at a ready position of the workstation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.