Method and apparatus for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white

摘要

A method and apparatus for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white are provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum member mounted to a frame for removing foreign material from the associated upwardly oriented surface and a soft-material brush mounted to the frame rearward of the vacuum member as defined by the direction of forward travel of the body-in-white. The apparatus may also include a vertical adjustment device(s) configured to adjust and maintain vertical distance between the apparatus relative to the associated vehicle. Also disclosed herein is a method for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white that comprises bringing the apparatus defined herein in proximate contact with at least one surface of a body-in-white as it progresses down a vehicle assembly line.

主权项

1. An apparatus for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white moving down an assembly line in a direction of forward travel, the apparatus comprising:
a boom frame pivotally supported on upright support members in spaced relation to one another, the boom frame having a use position; a vacuum member mounted on the boom frame and suspended in overlying relationship above the upwardly oriented surface of the body-in-white, as the body-in-white moves down the assembly line, the vacuum member generating a vacuum force on a localized region of the upwardly oriented surface, the vacuum member defining a vacuum opening in a direct spaced overlying relationship with respect to the localized region of the upwardly oriented surface, and configured to remove debris directly from the localized region when the boom frame is in the use position; a brush member mounted on the boom frame at a location spaced away from the vacuum member and downstream of the vacuum member relative to a line of travel of the body-in-white, the brush member contacting the upwardly oriented surface of the body-in-white at a location immediately downstream positioned and beyond the localized region exerted by the vacuum member; and at least one pair of roller members connected to the vacuum member and extending downward therefrom at an orientation configured to movably and directly contact the body-in-white at a location proximate to the upwardly oriented surface for maintaining a consistent spaced distance between the upwardly oriented surface and the respective vacuum member and brush member.