DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of roof handling systems for vehicle manufacturing plants.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
The roofs of medium and large size of commercial vehicles are significantly large in size. Fabrication of such roofs requires a large space for handling and processing. During the welding process of the roof, the roof needs to be transferred from one welding station to another. While transferring from one welding station to another, sometimes the roof needs to be turned upside down. It is difficult to handle roofs of this size for operators at different welding stations and causes fatigue on operators.
Therefore, there is felt a need to provide a roof handling system for mitigating the aforesaid drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle roof handling system.
An object of the present disclosure is provide a vehicle roof handling system that facilitates handling vehicle roofs by a single operator and reduces fatigue on the operator.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle roof handling system that reduces the cycle time for the movement from one work station to another.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle roof handling system which can be moved from one location of the shop floor to another manually.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a vehicle roof handling system. The system comprises a frame, a clamping-and-rotating assembly, an actuator, a plurality of guide rods. The frame is connected to the overhead trolley. The frame is configured to be displaced along the vertical axis. The clamping-and-rotating assembly is movably suspended from each end of the frame. The assembly has a pivoted bracket and a clamping mechanism attached to the bracket. The clamping mechanism is configured to grip a roof. The assembly is configured to be displaced along a horizontal axis towards each other to facilitate gripping of the roof. The actuator is connected to the bracket. The actuator is configured to angularly displace the bracket to facilitate inversion of the roof. The guide rods are configured to connect the frame to the trolley. The guide rods are further configured to be vertically displaced to enable displacement of the frame and thereby, displacement of the clamping-and-rotating assembly therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A vehicle roof handling system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the system with the roof clamped at 0 degrees;
Figure 2 illustrartes an isometric view of the system of Figure 1, with the roof clamped and inverted;
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of the system of Figure 2, with the inverted roof lifted;
Figure 4 illsutrates an isometric view of a clamping-and-rotating assembly of the system of Figure 1; and
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the clamping mechanism of the clamping-and-rotating assembly of Figure 4.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 vehicle roof handling system
102 frame
104 clamping-and-rotating assembly
106 bracket
108 clamping mechanism
110 vehicle roof
112 actuator
114 guide rod
115 vertical bar
116 sliding unit
117 roller
118 gripper
119 clamping cylinder
120 stopper bracket
122 suspending rod
123 hoisting mechanism
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
During the process of fabrication of a vehicle roof, the roof needs to be lifted and transferred from one fabrication station to another for different types of sub-processes to be performed thereon. Sometimes while being transferred from one station to another, the orientation of the roof needs to be changed i.e., rotated upside down. Conventionally, transfer and rotation of the roof is manually looked after, thereby consuming time and efforts.
A vehicle roof handling system 100 of the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 6.
The vehicle roof handling system 100 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the system 100’) is attached to an overhead trolley. The system 100 comprises a frame 102, a pair of clamping-and-rotating assembly 104, an actuator 112, a plurality of guide rods 114. The frame 102 is connected to the overhead trolley by means of a plurality of vertical bars extending from the frame 102. Rollers are provided at the ends of the vertical bars, and are inserted into the guide rails of the overhead trolley, to provide movement of the system 100 along the overhead trolley. The frame 102 is configured to be displaced along the vertical axis. Each clamping-and-rotating assembly 104 is movably suspended from each end of the frame 102. The assembly 104 has a pivoted bracket 106 and a clamping mechanism 108 attached to the bracket 106. The clamping mechanism 108 is configured to grip a roof 110. The assemblies 104 are configured to be displaced along a horizontal axis towards each other to facilitate gripping of the roof 110. The actuator 112 is connected to the bracket 106. The actuator 112 is configured to angularly displace the bracket 106 to facilitate inversion of the roof 110. The guide rods 114 are configured to connect the frame 102 to the trolley. The guide rods 114 are further configured to be vertically displaced to enable displacement of the frame 102 and thereby, displacement of the assembly 104 therewith.
In an embodiment, the actuator 112 is configured to displace the bracket at an angle of 180 degrees. In another embodiment, the actuator 112 is a motor.
Preferably, the assemblies 104 are configured in a mutually facing configuration. Additionally, the assemblies 104 are configured to be angularly displaced along the same horizontal axis. In an embodiment, the axis of angular displacement is eccentric to the pivoted bracket 106.
The system 100 includes a sliding unit 116 mounted on each end of the frame 102. The sliding unit 116 is connected to the assembly 104, and is configured to slide the assembly 104 on the frame 102 along the horizontal axis. In an embodiment, the sliding unit 116 comprises a linear motion rail and a block. The linear motion rail is provided on the frame 102, and the block is attached to the assembly 104. The block is configured to be displaced along the linear motion rail to facilitate sliding of the assembly 104 in the horizontal axis.
In another embodiment, the sliding unit 116 is pneumatically actuated.
In an embodiment, the clamping mechanism 108 includes a plurality of pneumatically operated grippers 118 configured to clamp on the periphery of the roof 110. Each gripper 118 is a pinch valve attached to a pneumatic clamping cylinder. The pinch valve is configured to grip the periphery of the roof 110. The clamping mechanism 108 includes at least three grippers 118. In an embodiment, the assembly 104 includes a stopper bracket 120 attached to the bracket 106. The stopper bracket 120 is configured to stabilize the bracket 106 at an angular poistion. More specifically, the stopper bracket 120 is a bar having an arm extending from each end of the bar. The arms are configured to prevent any movement of the bracket 106 beyond 180 degrees.
In an embodiment, the assembly 104 includes a suspending rod 122 which is configured to hold the pivoted bracket 106 and actuator 112. The suspending rod 122 is attached to the sliding unit 116 preferably to the block, and is displaced to facilitate displacement of the assembly 104.
In one embodiment, the system 100 includes a hoisting mechanism attached to the guide rods 114. The hoisting mechanism is configured to facilitate vertical displacement of the guide rods 114. Preferably, the hoisting mechanism is connected to a motor which enables actuation of a pulley. The pulley is rotated in a predetermined direction by the motor, which causes the guide rods 114 attached to the pulley to be displaced either upwards or downwards. In another embodiment, the frame 102 includes a graphite bush provided on each guide rod 114. Since the bush is of graphite, no lubrication is required.
In an embodiment, the assembly 104 includes a spring balancer coupled to the clamping mechanism 108. The spring balancer is configured to counter-balance forces applied by the grippers 118 while gripping the roof 110. More specifically, the spring balancer balances the weight of the clamping mechanism 108 and the forces applied while lifting the roof 110, and helps in reducing the energy required by clamping mechanism 108. Further, the spring balancer also minimizes the jerks experienced by the system 100 while lifting the roof 110.
Before the system 100 is actuated, the guide rods 114 are at their lower limit position and the assemblies 104 are located at the furthest ends of the frame 102. In an operative configuration, an operator activates the system 100 due to which the blocks of the sliding units 116 are moved along the linear motion rail. As a result, the assemblies 104 are displaced along the same horizontal axis. The grippers 118 of the clamping mechanisms 108 are clamped on the periphery of the roof 110. Thereafter, the actuators 112 cause angular displacement of the brackets 106 of both the assembly 104 by 180 degrees, thereby inverting the roof 110. The guide rods 114 are pulley upwards by the hoisting mechanism, thereby causing the frame 102, the assemblies 104 and thus roof 110 to be lifted therewith. The overhead trolley thereafter enables movement of the system 100.
The inversion of the roof 110 allows operators to conduct different fabrication sub-processes on the roof 110. In an embodiment, a plurality of the systems 100 of the present disclosure, is installed in a workplace at different workstations. After being processed at each workstation, the system 100 lifts the roof 110, after which the trolley allows horizontal movement of the system 100 for transferring the roof 110 to the system 100 of the next workstation.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a vehicle roof handling system, which:
• enables handling vehicle roof with a single operator and reduces fatigue on operator;
• provides reduced cycle time required for the movement from one work station to another; provides aluminum rail with aluminum load trolley to reduce the push pull force which is under ergonomic limits; and
• can be moved from one location of the shop floor to another manually.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments, which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle roof handling system (100), said system (100) comprising:
a. a frame (102) connected to an overhead trolley, said frame (102) configured to be displaced along the vertical axis;
b. a pair of clamping and rotating assemblies (104), each assembly (104) movably suspended from each end of said frame (102), said assembly (104) having a pivoted bracket (106) and a clamping mechanism (108) attached to said bracket (106), said clamping mechanism (108) configured to grip a roof (110), said assemblies (104) configured to be displaced along a horizontal axis towards each other to facilitate gripping of said roof (110);
c. an actuator (112) connected to said bracket (106), said actuator (112) configured to angularly displace said bracket (106) to facilitate inversion of said roof (110); and
d. a plurality of guide rods (114) connecting said frame (102) to said trolley, said guide rods (114) configured to be vertically displaced to enable displacement of said frame (102) and thereby, displacement of said assembly (104) therewith.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assemblies (104) are positioned in a mutually facing configuration.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assemblies (104) are configured to be angularly displaced about the same horizontal axis.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said axis is eccentric to said pivoted bracket (106).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a sliding unit (116) mounted on each end of said frame (102), said sliding unit (116) being connected to said assembly (104), and configured to slide said assembly (104) on the frame (102) along the same horizontal axis.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sliding unit (116) comprises a linear motion rail provided on said frame (102), and a block attached to said assembly (104), said block is configured to be displaced along said linear motion rail to facilitate sliding of said assembly (104) in the horizontal axis.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clamping mechanism (108) includes a plurality of pneumatically operated grippers (118) configured to clamp on the periphery of said roof (110).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each gripper (118) is a pinch valve attached to a pneumatic clamping cylinder, said pinch valve configured to grip the periphery of said roof (110).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said clamping mechanism (108) includes at least three grippers (118).
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assembly (104) includes a stopper bracket (120) configured to stabilize said bracket (106) at an angular position.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assembly (104) includes a suspending rod (122) which is configured to hold the pivoted bracket (106) and the actuator (112).
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a hoisting mechanism attached to said guide rods (114), and configured to facilitate vertical displacement of said guide rods (114).
13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assembly (104) includes a spring balancer coupled to said clamping mechanism (108), said spring balancer configured to counter-balance forces applied by said grippers (118) while gripping said roof (110).
14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sliding unit (116) is pneumatically actuated.