Apparatus for fixing boots of a constant velocity joint assembly and

Abstract

In a constant-velocity-joint-assembly positioning system, a first boot positioning apparatus includes a clamping mechanism for clamping a central drive shaft of a constant velocity joint assembly, a right boot positioning mechanism for positioning a right boot of the joint assembly and a left boot positioning mechanism for positioning a left boot of the joint assembly. The boot positioning apparatus variably sets distances, from the left boot positioning mechanism, of the clamping mechanism and right boot positioning mechanism. A transfer-pallet-position adjusting apparatus includes an adjusting mechanism by which positions of first and second joint-assembly gripping mechanisms are adjusted in accordance with differences between current and target positions of the gripping mechanisms. A vertical position setting apparatus includes a plurality of stopper pieces, provided in correspondence with various possible types of constant velocity joint assembly, so as to allow an upper end of each joint assembly to be set to a uniform vertical position. A loader apparatus includes first and second loader gripping mechanisms mounted on a pivotable arm for gripping the constant velocity joint assembly, and a moving mechanism for moving the first and second loader gripping mechanisms by means of a servo motor and feed screws depending on a type of the joint assembly. Further, a second boot positioning apparatus includes two upper claws and two lower claws which are movable to grip therebetween any desired one of shafts having various different diameters.