Atlas Copco Aktiebolag

Claes-Erik Soderman

Dick L Svensson

A method for positioning a number of working implements, for example spray nozzles, to certain working or treatment points on a car body as the latter is supported by an overhead conveyor for travel between different working and assembly stations on a production line. A vertically movable base structure is provided and a working implement carrying frame is movably supported on the base structure. Hydraulic jacks on the base structure are arranged to accomplish a vertical parallel movement of the frame up toward the underside of the car body until one of four contact sensors indicates contact with the latter. A final vertical adjustment of the frame is accomplished by four vertical cylinders which raise the frame in a non-parallel movement until at least three of the four contact sensors indicate contact with the car body. The docking of the frame to the car body is completed by activating two expandable dowels which are introduced into openings in the car body bottom shell. Thereby, the frame is arrested relative to the car body and the spray nozzles are activated to perform the intended treatment of the car body.

Method for positioning a number of working implements relative to a car

A device for positioning a number of working implements, for example spray nozzles, to certain working or treatment point on a car body as the latter is supported by an overhead conveyor for travel between different working and assembly stations on a production line. The device comprises a vertically movable base structure and a working implement carrying frame movably supported on the base structure. Hydraulic jacks on the base structure are arranged to accomplish a vertical parallel movement of the frame up towad the underside of the car body until one of four contact sensors indicate contact with the later. A final vertical adjustment of the frame is accomplished by four vertical cylinders which raise the frame in a non-parallel movement until at least three of the four contact sensors indicate contact with the car body. The docking of the frame to the car body is completed by activating two expandable dowels which are introduced into openings in the car body bottom shell. Thereby, the frame is arrested relative to the car body and the spray nozzles are activated to perform the intended treatment of the car body.

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Saltsjobaden, Sweden

Claes-Erik Soderman