Patent ID: 6588648
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B21C,B23K

Abstract:
Method for the transfer of a hollow-section blank preformed in a forming tool and with a joint for welding, to the welding point of a welding machine suitable for the fabrication of hollow sections usable in motor vehicle construction, wherein the blank is seized by a transfer apparatus configured to unload the forming tool and to load the welding machine, the joint in the blank is aligned by means of the transfer apparatus so that the joint is in line with the welding point of the welding machine, the edges of the joint are positioned as desired, and the positioned joint-edges are pressed together at least in the region of the welding point, and wherein the transfer apparatus takes over the hollow-section blank by means of rollers to a clamping caterpillar of the transfer apparatus which is provided with several gripping jaws arranged in pairs, and wherein the alignment is made by one of a centering caterpillar arranged above the clamping caterpillar and before the welding point to co-travel with the hollow-section blank, and a loading shuttle arranged between the rollers and the clamping caterpillar.