Rotatable shuttle transfer unit

• US 6,142,725 A
• Filed: 07/13/1999
• Issued: 11/07/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Norgren Automotive Incorporated (IMI PLC)
• Original Assignee: Norgren Automotive Incorporated (IMI PLC)
• Inventors: Crorey, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Underwood, Donald W.
• Application Number:
  US09/353,477
• Time in Patent Office: 483 Days
• Field of Search: 414/753.1, 414/758, 414/746.8, 414/746.3, 212/316, 212/330, 212/332, 198/379, 198/375, 198/621.1
• US Class Current: 414/753.1
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/52 a single rotating pair
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 7/04 by means of grippers B23Q7/1494 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 65/18 Transportation, conveyor or haulage systems specially adapted for motor vehicle or trailer assembly lines conveyors and haulage in general B65G
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 47/90 Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials

Abstract

A rotatable shuttle transfer unit for transferring a workpiece from a first work station to a second work station along a predetermined path of travel wherein a pair of spaced carriages carry the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel and rotate the workpiece from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation with respect to an axis of rotation. Preferably, the carriages rotate the workpiece while carrying the workpiece along the predetermined path of travel. The carriages are transported along a guiderail which extends between the first and second work stations. A continuous drive belt reciprocally drives the carriages along the guiderail wherein the continuous drive belt extends from one end of the guiderail to the opposite end of the guiderail. A vertical lift portion reciprocally moves the workpiece in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined path of travel. In addition, the carriages provide releasable power clamps for engaging and securing the workpiece.

Claims

1. A rotatable shuttle transfer unit for transferring a workpiece from a first workstation to a second workstation along a predetermined path of travel, and said workpiece having an axis for rotation thereabout comprising:

an overhead horizontal guide rail extending along said predetermined path;

a pair of similar carriages movably supported and guided by said guide rail for reciprocal movement along said guide rail, and said pair of similar carriages spaced a predetermined distance from one another along said guide rail;

means, disposed on said guide rail and connected to at least one of said carriages, for reciprocally driving said carriages in guided movement along said guide rail and moving said workpiece along said predetermined path of travel;

at least one motor, supported by at least one of said carriages, for powering rotation of said workpiece from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation with respect to said axis of rotation while said carriages move said workpiece along said predetermined path of travel;

means, connected to said at least one motor, for releasably clamping said workpiece;

a linear adjustment carriage rollably mounted to said guide rail between said carriages;

a fixed bar having one end connected to said linear adjustment carriage and an opposite end connected to one of said pair of carriages;

a threaded member extending from said linear adjustment carriage to said other of said pair of carriages wherein said other carriage operably receives said threaded member; and

a reversible motor connected to said linear adjustment carriage for driving said threaded member and adjusting the linear distance between said carriages.

2. The rotatable shuttle transfer unit as stated in claim 1, further comprising:

said at least one motor and clamping means are operatively connected to rotate said workpiece substantially 180°

between said first angular orientation and said second angular orientation with respect to said axis of rotation.

3. The rotatable shuttle transfer unit as stated in claim 1, further comprising:

an elongated lift portion connected to each of said carriages for reciprocal vertical movement of said workpiece relative to said guide rail.