Lockable latch for an apparatus having a combined latch actuation and carrier movement

摘要

A lowerator for an assembly system of the type including at least one rail defining a path of travel with respect to at least one workstation, and a conveyor for transporting a workpiece along the rail. The conveyor includes a trolley moveable along the rail and a carrier moveable with respect to the trolley. The carrier supports a workpiece during movement with respect to the workstation. The carrier is vertically positionable between a raised position and lowered position with respect to the trolley. The lowerator moves the carrier between the raised and lowered positions and cycles a latch for securing the carrier to the trolley when in the raised position. The lowerator includes at least one lifter or actuator defining a path of travel in at least a first direction, where the lifter actuates the latch to uncouple the trolley and carrier before moving the carrier into the lowered position at the workstation so that one or more processing operations can be performed on the workpiece. A lock, including a reciprocal pin and rotatable catch, can operably engage the latch in an engaged position for holding the carrier in the raised position with respect to the trolley. A lockout pin can be operably positioned to obstruct free movement of the latch from the engaged position until the lockout pin is removed. A guide member can be associated with each carrier for engagement with a guide channel located at the workstation for guiding movement of the carrier between the raised and lowered positions.