Patent ID: 7510067
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A low profile turntable assembly in combination with a horizontal supporting floor for transferring large parts having substantial weight between work stations, said assembly comprising a fabricated metal table frame positioned adjacent said floor and including horizontally extending and parallel spaced crossing frame members, an annular center support plate mounted on said frame members and defining a central opening for said table frame, said table including horizontally spaced support members positioned horizontally outwardly from said center support plate for supporting the parts, a horizontal stationary base plate positioned within said frame and secured to a floor plate mounted on said floor, an annular turret bearing mounted on said base plate within said table frame between said frame members and under said center support plate and supporting said table frame for rotation around said turret bearing adjacent said floor on a vertical axis extending through said central opening of said table frame, a drive unit mounted on said base plate and projecting upwardly through said central opening within said center support plate and substantially above said table frame, said drive unit including a speed reducer driven by a motor positioned above said speed reducer, said speed reducer having a rotary output positioned within said central opening and connected to a horizontal torque member projecting radially outwardly from said speed reducer adjacent said center support plate, a drive coupling spaced horizontally from said speed reducer and connecting said torque member to said center support plate to produce rotation of said table frame on said axis in response to actuation of said motor, and said drive coupling providing for radial outward and radial inward movement of said table frame relative to said base plate and said speed reducer when said table frame is rotated by said drive unit to avoid horizontal loading on said drive unit by said table frame during rotation of said table frame.