Metal deforming – With means to drive tool – With means to permit tool positioning
Patent
1993-10-08
1997-02-11
Larson, Lowell A.
Metal deforming
With means to drive tool
With means to permit tool positioning
72705, B21D 112
Patent
active
056009941
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a straightening beam for an automotive bodyshell straightening jig, said straightening beam comprising a vertical beam, which is sideways rotatably attached to a beam base, which is detachably mountable to the frame of the automotive bodyshell straightening jig, and the beam further incorporating guidance means for guiding a pulling tool member attachable to the automotive bodyshell and for adjusting the position of the pulling tool member.
In conventional vehicle bodyshell straightening jigs the vehicle is driven or transferred over the jig frame, after which the vehicle is attached with the help of clamping means to the frame and lifted to a desired elevation. The vertical beam of the jig is moved to a desired working location, after which the beam is rotated to a desired position relative to the vehicle. The guidance means are adjusted to a desired elevation on the vertical beam. The pulling tool member is attached both to the vehicle and via the guidance means to the jig frame, which further is connected to a power actuator. Next, the actuator is energized to apply a force to the pulling tool member as necessary to straighten the bodyshell. In another embodiment of the jig a hydraulic cylinder is employed to pivotally rotate the vertical beam about a shaft with the pulling tool member attached to the beam. A disadvantage in both embodiments is that neither of the jigs is capable of efficiently transferring the entire force exerted by the power actuator to the point to be straightened. Conventional straightening jigs do not generally allow orienting the pulling tool member to act from an exactly correct angle and height to the automotive bodyshell structures. The conventional straightening beams are unable to reach, e.g., the interior of the automotive bodyshell. Use of prior-art straightening jigs for, e.g., lifting purposes also is impossible without additional equipment.
It is an object of the present invention to achieve a straightening beam for an automotive bodyshell straightening jig, said straightening beam permitting the orientation of the pulling tool member to act on the automotive bodyshell in all circumstances from an optimum location, correct angle and correct height with respect to the straightening operation to be performed. Moreover, it is an object of the.sub.i invention to provide a straightening beam capable of applying essentially the entire force exerted by the power actuator to the point to be straightened. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a straightening beam having a simple construction and function as well as applicability to, e.g., lifting purposes without the need for additional equipment.
The goal set for the invention is attained by a straightening beam comprising a extension beam, which is attached to a vertical beam so as to be rotatable and lockable at various angles. The vertical beam incorporates a power actuator which exerts its force downward along the vertical beam and to which power actuator the pulling tool member is attached. Then, by appropriately placing the vertical beam and the extension beam in desired positions, the pulling tool member can be oriented with the help of the guidance means attached to the vertical beam and/or extension beam to act from a desired direction relative to the automotive bodyshell, thus permitting the entire force of the power actuator to be exerted via the pulling tool member at the point to be straightened. The straightening beam formed by the vertical beam and the extension beam can be adjusted to a desired height and location with respect to the automotive bodyshell, because the vertical beam is sideways rotatably attached to the beam base and the extension beam is in other direction rotatable to the vertical beam. The guidance means can be mounted in appropriate positions on the straightening beam, whereby the pulling tool member can be adjusted to pull the automotive bodyshell from the most advantageous direction. It is also possible to bring the pulling tool inside the
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Autorobot Finland KY
Larson Lowell A.
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