Apparatus for installing instrument panel assemblies in automotive vehicle bodies

• US 5,311,659 A
• Filed: 08/09/1993
• Issued: 05/17/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Chrysler Corporation (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Hackman, Richard M., Barnhart, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rosenbaum, Mark
• Assistant Examiner(s): HUGHES, SAMUEL T
• Application Number:
  US08/103,380
• Time in Patent Office: 281 Days
• Field of Search: 29/407, 29/430, 29/709, 29/711, 29/783, 29/787, 29/822, 29/823, 29/824, 29/897.2, 901/39, 901/41, 901/46, 414/222, 414/225, 414/226, 198/345.1, 198/345.2, 198/346.2
• US Class Current: 29/823
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 65/14 the sub-units or components being passenger compartment fittings, e.g. seats, linings, trim, instrument panels
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49622 Vehicular structural member making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49829 Advancing work to successive stations [i.e., assembly line]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53039 with control means energized in response to activator stimulated by condition sensor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53383 and means to fasten work parts together
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53543 including transporting track

Abstract

Apparatus for transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station. A bridge is mounted for movement along a track which is parallel to the path. The bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path. A swing frame assembly is mounted on the bridge for movement between the pick-up station and the path. The swing frame assembly has a pivoted arm which swings about a generally vertical axis. The arm is swingable from a receiving position for picking up an instrument panel assembly at the pick-up station to a transfer position in which the instrument panel assembly may be introduced into the body and installed therein when the carriage moves along the bridge and the bridge moves in unison with the body. A second bridge spaced from the first bridge is in the direction of the vehicle body movement also moves along the track. A second swing frame assembly is movable along the second bridge and has a pivoted arm provided with a mounting unit on the swinging end of the arm to complete the attachment of the instrument panel assembly to the frame of the vehicle body.

Claims

1. Apparatus for transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while said body moves along a path spaced laterally from said pick-up station, comprising track means extending generally parallel to said path, a first bridge mounted for movement along said track means, said first bridge extending between said pick-up station and said path, a swing frame assembly comprising a carriage mounted on said first bridge for movement between first and second positions adjacent said pick-up station and said path, respectively, an arm pivoted to said carriage for swinging movement about a generally vertical axis, means for holding an instrument panel assembly on said arm, said arm being swingable from a receiving position for picking up an instrument panel assembly at said pick-up station when said carriage is in its first position to a transfer position in which said instrument panel assembly may be introduced into said body and installed therein when said carriage is moved along said track means with the body, means for moving said first bridge with said body, a second bridge mounted for movement generally parallel to said path, said second bridge extending transversely of said path and being spaced from said first bridge in the direction of vehicle body movement, a second swing frame assembly comprising a second carriage mounted on said second bridge for movement therealong, a second arm pivoted to said second carriage, a mounting unit on said second arm having means for attaching the installed instrument panel assembly to the frame of the vehicle body, said second swing frame assembly being movable along said second bridge to introduce said second arm into the moving body, means for operating said attaching means after introduction of said second arm into the moving body to secure the installed instrument panel assembly to the frame of the body, and means for moving said second bridge with said body.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further including means for guiding said second arm into a predetermined position with respect to the installed instrument panel assembly prior to said operation of said attaching means.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for moving said second bridge with said body comprises an abutment on said body, an extendable arm, means mounting said extendable arm for movement with said second bridge, said extendable arm being shiftable from a retracted position to an extended position in the path of said abutment to be engaged thereby and means for shifting said extendable arm between retracted and extended positions.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second arm is generally horizontal and is pivoted to said second carriage for swinging movement about a generally vertical axis, and further including means for raising and lowering said second arm while maintaining said second arm generally horizontal.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, and further including means for guiding said second arm into a predetermined position with respect to the installed instrument panel assembly prior to said operation of said attaching means.