System and method with drag conveyor for high rate production welding
US9895775B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/244
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly system, such as welding system, includes an assembly station that is configured to assemble a component to a part in a loaded position. A drag conveyor includes a movable conveyor member that supports multiple locating elements configured to cooperate with a locating feature on a part. A friction bar is arranged along the locating elements, and the locating elements extend beyond the friction bar. The friction bar is configured to support the part and reorient the part from an unoriented position to an oriented position while the movable conveyor member drags the part along the friction bar. A robot is configured to transfer a part from the oriented position on the conveyor to the loaded position at the assembly station, such as a welding unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.