Patent ID: 6489593
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: B23K,B23P

Abstract:
A locating and locking unit for sheet metal parts which are to be welded together, said unit comprising:a positioning frame on one side of an assembly line and parallel to the line, which can move between a work position in a welding station and a waiting position spaced apart from the latter, in which said positioning frame includes a lower self-propelled trolley guided by rails set up parallel to the assembly line and an upper part, free of guides, carrying locating and locking devices for locking the parts to be welded in a correct assembly position, and a base platform situated at a side of the line at the welding station and for receiving the positioning frame when the positioning frame is brought to its working position, said platform being able to move transversely with respect to the line to bring the positioning frame received thereon to a position closer to the axis of the line for engaging the parts to be welded on the line, wherein the said base platform is pivotably mounted on a fixed support structure around a swivel axis parallel to the line, and, wherein the said base platform is movable between a substantially horizontal first position, suitable for receiving the trolley of the positioning frame, and a second position, rotated towards the assembly line for engagement of the positioning frame on the parts to be welded, said unit also including motorized means for driving movement of the base platform, including a crank rotatable on the fixed support structure and carrying a pin that engages with and can slide in a slot made in a bracket of the base platform.