CAR BODY ASSEMBLY AND WELDING STATION WITH RECIPROCAL GATE-SUPPORTING SYSTEM

摘要

A vehicle body welding system includes a work station (10) for welding components of a preassembled body (12) with respect to one another. The body (12) is moveable along a fixed path (14) of travel through the work station (10). At least two moveable pillars (18) are located on each side of the fixed path (14) of travel through the work station (10) for synchronized reciprocation between first and second end limits of travel toward and away from the fixed path (14) of travel of the body (12). At least one gate (44) is connectible in a repeatible located position with respect to the moveable pillars (18) on each side of the fixed path (14) for synchronized reciprocation between first and second positions toward and away from the fixed path (14) of travel of the body (12). Locating members (48) are engageable between each pillar (18) and the corresponding gate (44) for locating the gate (44) with respect to the moveable pillar (18) in at least two dimensions.