CA2522491C - Support device for assembly of a vehicle section - Google Patents
Support device for assembly of a vehicle section Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2522491C CA2522491C CA002522491A CA2522491A CA2522491C CA 2522491 C CA2522491 C CA 2522491C CA 002522491 A CA002522491 A CA 002522491A CA 2522491 A CA2522491 A CA 2522491A CA 2522491 C CA2522491 C CA 2522491C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- axis
- coupling
- end region
- pair
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D65/00—Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for
- B62D65/02—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
- B62D65/06—Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being doors, windows, openable roofs, lids, bonnets, or weather strips or seals therefor
Abstract
Disclosed is a device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, including a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
Description
SUPPORT DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLY OF A VEHICLE SECTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fixtures for supporting work pieces, and more particularly to fixtures for.
supporting closure panel members on vehicles, such as for example tail gates on an end region of a rear bed of a pick up truck vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fixtures for supporting work pieces, and more particularly to fixtures for.
supporting closure panel members on vehicles, such as for example tail gates on an end region of a rear bed of a pick up truck vehicle.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
The assembly of "pick up" truck vehicles involves, among matty other steps, the assembly and mounting of tail gates. In some cases, the tail gate may be partially or fully fabricated andlor painted before it is installed on the vehicle. In other cases, it may be advantageous to install components or part of the tail gate after it has been mounted on the vehicle to optimize assembly line flow.
However, doing so does makes it difficult for assembly Associates to work on the vehicles without awkward lifting and/or reaching actions which risk personal injury. It is also important to support the tail gate in a manner to avoid twisting or being that can cause deformation or other damage. To avoid these problems, it is common to provide one or more subassembly areas to allow for assembly and painting steps. Thus, the tail gate tends to be a particularly challenging vehicle part because it usually cannot be permanently installed to the chassis in the weld department, since doing so makes it awkward, at best, to paint and finish.
It would thus be desirable to provide a novel approach to supporting a tail gate to mitigate at least one of these concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
{
{
In one of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first. coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about . , the second axis. -=
In one embodiment, each end region includes first and second end region passages, each first coupling portion including an anchor hook for engaging the first end region passage and a mounting pin for engaging the second end region passage.
In one embodiment, each first coupling portion includes a first body with a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
In one embodiment, the deployment assembly includes an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the first body, and a positioning element mounted on the arm for movement relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm in different operative orientations.
In one embodiment, arm further comprises a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
In one embodiment, the positioning element is a rod.
An embodiment further comprises an actuating handle for actuating the rod.
An embodiment further comprises at least one guide tab for holding the actuating handle in at least one operative position.
In one embodiment, the first body includes a peripheral region and the anchor fotmations include webs extending outwardly from the first body, each web having a passage therein to receive the actuating rod.
In one embodiment, the arm is operable to sweep between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, the device further including a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
In one embodiment; the biasing portion includes a coil spring mounted between the arm and the first body.
In one embodiment, each arm has a second end region; each second coupling portion includes a second body pivotally mounted to the second end region of a corresponding arm, An embodiment further comprises a lateral support member extending between the second bodies.
An embodiment fixrther comprises a plurality of engaging members positioned on the lateral support member for engaging a central portion of the tail gate section.
An embodiment further comprises a catch member positioned adjacent each second body for removably securing the tail gate section thereto.
An embodiment further comprises a plurality of formations associated with the second body, each formation corresponding to a predeternuned operative orientation of the second body about the second axis.
An embodiment further comprises an actuator for engaging each of the formations for locking the second body in the predetermined orientation.
In one embodiment, the second body includes a planar member, the formations including passages in the planar member.
In one embodiment, the actuator includes a spring loaded pin mounted on the arm and aligned with each of the passages.
An embodiment fiuther comprises a support brace extending between the arms near the fust axis.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a fust axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis to displace the tail gate section along a travel path between two positions on opposite sides of the opposed end regions, and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising the steps of providing a pair of fii-st coupling portions aligned with a first axis;
installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle;
providing a pair of second coupling portions aiigned with a second axis;
- installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section;
providing a deployment assembly joining the fust and second coupling portions;
and manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
ln yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a closure section of a vehicle, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each fnst coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, eacb second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed_end regions of the closure section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
In an embodiment, the closure section includes one or more than one of: a hood panel or a portion thereof, a door panel or a portion thereof~ a trunk panel or a portion thereof.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a vehicle section during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a Support portion of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the vehicle section; and a deployment assembly joining the fust and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the fu=st axis to displace the vehicle section along a travel path between two positions on opposite sides of the opposed end regions, and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of supporting a section of a vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising the steps of providing a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis;
- installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle;
- providing a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis;
- installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a.pair of opposed end regions of the section;
- providing a deployment assembly joining the fust and second coupling portions;
and manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
HON-TBF/CDA
Figure I is a perspective view of a device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle;
Figure 2 and 3 are opposite fragmentary perspective views of a first coupling portion of the device of figure Figures 4, 5 and 6 are fragmentary perspective views of the first coupling portion and a second coupling portion in different operative orientations;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the second coupling portion;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of the device of figure 1 in several operative positions;
Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective assembly view of the second coupling portions and the tail gate section; and Figure 10 is a scbematic view of the device of figuie I in several operative positions with other vehicle sections.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to figure 1, there is provided a fixture device 10 for supporting a tail gate section 12 of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof. The fixture device has a pair of first coupling portions 14 aligned with a first axis 16, as shown in figure 4. Referring to figures 1 and 2, each first coupling portion 14 is operable 25, for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions 18 of a bed 20 of the vehicle 22, as will be described. A
pair of second coupling portions 24 are aligned with a second axis 26 (figure 7) and each second coupling portion 24 is operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions 12a of the tail gate section 12.
Joining the fust and second coupling portions 14, 24 is a deployment assembly 30 which is operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portions 24 about the fust axis 16 (as shown by the arrows in 16a in figures 4 and 8) and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions 24 about the second axis 26, as can be seen by arrow 26a in figures 7 and 8, thus providing the tail gate section 12 at least two degrees of freedom for movement.
Referring tofigures l and 2, each end region 18 of the vehicle includes first and second end region passages 18a, 18b. Conrespondingly, each ftt=st coupling portion 14 includes an anchor hook 32 for engaging the first end region passage 18a and a spring loaded mounting pin 34 for engaging the second end region passage 18b. However, other arrangements may be used as discussed to mount the device 10 on the vehicle 22.
Referring to figure 3, each first coupling portion 14 includes a first body 36 with a plurality of anchor formations 38, each of which corresponds to a predetermined operative orientation, according to figures 3, 4,5and6.
Referring to figure 3, the deployment assembly 30 includes an arm 40 having a first end region 40a pivotally mounted to the first body 36, and a positioning element 42 mounted on the arm 40 for movement ,i .
relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations 38 with the arm 40 in different operative orientations.
In this case, the positioning element 42 includes a rod 44 and the arm 40 includes three first support flanges 46 to support the rod thereon for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position, as will be described. However, other mechanical arrangements may be employed to position the arm 40 relative to the first body 36.
Mounted on the rod between the fiust support flanges is an actuating handle 52 for actuating the rod 44.
At least one, in this case a pair, of guide tabs 54 are mounted on the arm 40 and is positioned adjacent the actuating handle 52 for holding the latter in at least one operative position.
The first body 36 includes a peripheral region 36a and the anchor formations 38 include webs 56 extending outwardly from the first body 36, each web having a passage 56a therein to receivethe actuating rod 44.
It can be seen that the arm 40 is operable to sweep about the first axis 16 between a lower position shown in figure 3 and an upper position, as shown in figure 5. Referring to figure 2, a biasing portion 60 is provided as a lift assist, in this case including a coil spring 62, for biasing the arm toward the upper position. It can be seen that the coil spring 62 is mounted between an anchor pin 64 mounted on the. arm 40 and a pivot pin 66 extending outwardly from the first body 36 and providing the first axis 16. It will be appreciated that the arm 40 has a passage not shown through which the pivot pin extends, or is provided with some other suitable pivoted connection with the first body 36. The coil spring may be replaced with other biasing portions, as desired, to assist in lifting the tail gate section above the lower position.
Referring to figure 4, each ann 40 has a second end region 40b and each second coupling portion 24 includes a second body 70 pivotally mounted thereto. Extending between the second bodies 70 of the pair of second coupling portions 24 is a lateral support member 72, as best seen in figure 1, for supporting the tail gate section-12 as will be described.
Continuing with reference to figure I, a plurality of (in this case two) engaging members 80 are positioned on the lateral support member 72 for engaging a central portion of the tail gate section 12 as shown in dashed lines in figure 1. In this case, the engaging members 80 take on the form of hooks but could, if desired, be replaced by othermeans such as other mechanical or non-mechanical fasteners, such as magnets for instance.
Referring to figures 1 and 4, a catch member 82 is located adjacent each second body 70 for removably securing the tail gate section 12 thereto. Also provided-is a pair of manipulating handles 83 for orienting the tail gate about both the first and second axes, as well be described.
HON-TBFICDA
Referring to figure 4, the second body 70 has a number of formations, in this case second body passages 70a, which correspond to a predetermined operative orientation of the second body 70 about the second axis 26. An actuator 90 is provided for engaging each of the second body passages 70a for locking the second body 70 in any one of the predetermined orientations, as desired. The second body 70 includes a planar member 92 and it can be seen that the second body passages 70a are located therein. In this case, the actuator 90 includes a spring loaded pin 94 mounted within a sleeve 94a which itself is located on the arm 40 and aligned with each of the second body passages 70a.
Referring to. figure 1, a support brace is also provided at 96 which extends between the arms 40 near the first axis 16 to provide additional support to the device 10.
The fixture device 10 is operated as follows. First, the device 10 is installed on the end region 18, of a vehicle 22 as it advances past a predetermined station along an assembly Gne.
This is done by aligning the anchor hooks 32 on opposite first coupling portions in the corresponding first end region passages 18a, following with inserting the mounting.pins 34 in the corresponding second end region passages 18b.
Next, the device 10 is placed in a particular orientation, such as that shown in figure 1 where the arcns 40 are substantially horizontal thereby being accessible to an assembly associate who is manipulation the tail gate section 12, for example by directing a robotic tail gate section manipulator, not shown. In either case, the engaging members 80 are aligned with the corresponding passages in the tail gate section and the catch members 82 are then adjusted to engage complementary passages in the end regions 12a.
As a result, the tail gate section 12 is now supported at a number of, in this case four, locations adjacent the lateral support member and can be manipulated in a number of ways to be located in a number of 'orientations, some of which are shown in figure 8. For example, movement about the first axis 16 is engaged by displacing the actuator handle 52 from its position in figure 3 on the left side of giuide tab 54 in which the actuating rod 44 is fully engaged with the first web 56 which can be seen to be at "three o'clock"-by lifting the actuating handle 52 above the=guide tab 54.
HON-TBFlCUA 10 The actuator handle 52 is then displaced to the right as viewed in figure 3 to the right side of the guide tab 54, causing the actuating rod 44 to be withdrawn from.the web 56 at "three o'clock", thus releasing the ann from the first coupling portion 14 for pivotal movement of the former about axis 16. In this position, the arm 44 may be swung up and locked in any one of the two other positions by aligning the actuating rod 44 with the corresponding passage 56a and returning the actuating handle 52 to its locked position on the left hand side of the guide tab 54. This movement of the ann 44 is thus shown by the various directional arrows 16a in figure 8. Meanwhile, withdrawing the spring loaded pin 94 retracts it from an associated passage 70a allowing the second coupling portion 24 to rotate relative to the arms 40 under the guiding force of the assembly associate via the manipulating handles 83.
Thus, in one form, the present device allows the tailgate to be installed temporarily to the vehicle for corrosion proofing, painting and assembly, providing the tail gate section 12 with at least two degrees of freedom. This allows the tail gate section 12 to be manipulated between a number of optimum positions, depending on the fabrication, assembly and/or painting step, be it, for example, the addition of a decal on a rear face or the installation of lock hardware in an interior cavity. During painting, the manipulating handles may be used to orient the tail gate section without the need for making physical contact with the tail gate section, making the device 10 particularly suited for painting fixtures in painting lines.
While the device 10 has been described with respect to a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle, it will be understood that the device and/or method may also be used for supporting other sections of vehicles, such as other closure sections. For example, the closure section may include one or more than one of: a hood panel or a portion thereof, a door panel or a portion thereof and/or a trunlc panel or a portion thereof. The section may also include other components such as an instrument panel, a steering column, a seat and the like.
While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
. '
The assembly of "pick up" truck vehicles involves, among matty other steps, the assembly and mounting of tail gates. In some cases, the tail gate may be partially or fully fabricated andlor painted before it is installed on the vehicle. In other cases, it may be advantageous to install components or part of the tail gate after it has been mounted on the vehicle to optimize assembly line flow.
However, doing so does makes it difficult for assembly Associates to work on the vehicles without awkward lifting and/or reaching actions which risk personal injury. It is also important to support the tail gate in a manner to avoid twisting or being that can cause deformation or other damage. To avoid these problems, it is common to provide one or more subassembly areas to allow for assembly and painting steps. Thus, the tail gate tends to be a particularly challenging vehicle part because it usually cannot be permanently installed to the chassis in the weld department, since doing so makes it awkward, at best, to paint and finish.
It would thus be desirable to provide a novel approach to supporting a tail gate to mitigate at least one of these concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
{
{
In one of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first. coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about . , the second axis. -=
In one embodiment, each end region includes first and second end region passages, each first coupling portion including an anchor hook for engaging the first end region passage and a mounting pin for engaging the second end region passage.
In one embodiment, each first coupling portion includes a first body with a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
In one embodiment, the deployment assembly includes an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the first body, and a positioning element mounted on the arm for movement relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm in different operative orientations.
In one embodiment, arm further comprises a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
In one embodiment, the positioning element is a rod.
An embodiment further comprises an actuating handle for actuating the rod.
An embodiment further comprises at least one guide tab for holding the actuating handle in at least one operative position.
In one embodiment, the first body includes a peripheral region and the anchor fotmations include webs extending outwardly from the first body, each web having a passage therein to receive the actuating rod.
In one embodiment, the arm is operable to sweep between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, the device further including a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
In one embodiment; the biasing portion includes a coil spring mounted between the arm and the first body.
In one embodiment, each arm has a second end region; each second coupling portion includes a second body pivotally mounted to the second end region of a corresponding arm, An embodiment further comprises a lateral support member extending between the second bodies.
An embodiment fixrther comprises a plurality of engaging members positioned on the lateral support member for engaging a central portion of the tail gate section.
An embodiment further comprises a catch member positioned adjacent each second body for removably securing the tail gate section thereto.
An embodiment further comprises a plurality of formations associated with the second body, each formation corresponding to a predeternuned operative orientation of the second body about the second axis.
An embodiment further comprises an actuator for engaging each of the formations for locking the second body in the predetermined orientation.
In one embodiment, the second body includes a planar member, the formations including passages in the planar member.
In one embodiment, the actuator includes a spring loaded pin mounted on the arm and aligned with each of the passages.
An embodiment fiuther comprises a support brace extending between the arms near the fust axis.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a fust axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis to displace the tail gate section along a travel path between two positions on opposite sides of the opposed end regions, and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising the steps of providing a pair of fii-st coupling portions aligned with a first axis;
installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle;
providing a pair of second coupling portions aiigned with a second axis;
- installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section;
providing a deployment assembly joining the fust and second coupling portions;
and manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
ln yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a closure section of a vehicle, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each fnst coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, eacb second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed_end regions of the closure section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
In an embodiment, the closure section includes one or more than one of: a hood panel or a portion thereof, a door panel or a portion thereof~ a trunk panel or a portion thereof.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a device for supporting a vehicle section during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a Support portion of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the vehicle section; and a deployment assembly joining the fust and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the fu=st axis to displace the vehicle section along a travel path between two positions on opposite sides of the opposed end regions, and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of supporting a section of a vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising the steps of providing a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis;
- installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle;
- providing a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis;
- installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a.pair of opposed end regions of the section;
- providing a deployment assembly joining the fust and second coupling portions;
and manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
HON-TBF/CDA
Figure I is a perspective view of a device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle;
Figure 2 and 3 are opposite fragmentary perspective views of a first coupling portion of the device of figure Figures 4, 5 and 6 are fragmentary perspective views of the first coupling portion and a second coupling portion in different operative orientations;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the second coupling portion;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of the device of figure 1 in several operative positions;
Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective assembly view of the second coupling portions and the tail gate section; and Figure 10 is a scbematic view of the device of figuie I in several operative positions with other vehicle sections.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to figure 1, there is provided a fixture device 10 for supporting a tail gate section 12 of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof. The fixture device has a pair of first coupling portions 14 aligned with a first axis 16, as shown in figure 4. Referring to figures 1 and 2, each first coupling portion 14 is operable 25, for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions 18 of a bed 20 of the vehicle 22, as will be described. A
pair of second coupling portions 24 are aligned with a second axis 26 (figure 7) and each second coupling portion 24 is operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions 12a of the tail gate section 12.
Joining the fust and second coupling portions 14, 24 is a deployment assembly 30 which is operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portions 24 about the fust axis 16 (as shown by the arrows in 16a in figures 4 and 8) and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions 24 about the second axis 26, as can be seen by arrow 26a in figures 7 and 8, thus providing the tail gate section 12 at least two degrees of freedom for movement.
Referring tofigures l and 2, each end region 18 of the vehicle includes first and second end region passages 18a, 18b. Conrespondingly, each ftt=st coupling portion 14 includes an anchor hook 32 for engaging the first end region passage 18a and a spring loaded mounting pin 34 for engaging the second end region passage 18b. However, other arrangements may be used as discussed to mount the device 10 on the vehicle 22.
Referring to figure 3, each first coupling portion 14 includes a first body 36 with a plurality of anchor formations 38, each of which corresponds to a predetermined operative orientation, according to figures 3, 4,5and6.
Referring to figure 3, the deployment assembly 30 includes an arm 40 having a first end region 40a pivotally mounted to the first body 36, and a positioning element 42 mounted on the arm 40 for movement ,i .
relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations 38 with the arm 40 in different operative orientations.
In this case, the positioning element 42 includes a rod 44 and the arm 40 includes three first support flanges 46 to support the rod thereon for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position, as will be described. However, other mechanical arrangements may be employed to position the arm 40 relative to the first body 36.
Mounted on the rod between the fiust support flanges is an actuating handle 52 for actuating the rod 44.
At least one, in this case a pair, of guide tabs 54 are mounted on the arm 40 and is positioned adjacent the actuating handle 52 for holding the latter in at least one operative position.
The first body 36 includes a peripheral region 36a and the anchor formations 38 include webs 56 extending outwardly from the first body 36, each web having a passage 56a therein to receivethe actuating rod 44.
It can be seen that the arm 40 is operable to sweep about the first axis 16 between a lower position shown in figure 3 and an upper position, as shown in figure 5. Referring to figure 2, a biasing portion 60 is provided as a lift assist, in this case including a coil spring 62, for biasing the arm toward the upper position. It can be seen that the coil spring 62 is mounted between an anchor pin 64 mounted on the. arm 40 and a pivot pin 66 extending outwardly from the first body 36 and providing the first axis 16. It will be appreciated that the arm 40 has a passage not shown through which the pivot pin extends, or is provided with some other suitable pivoted connection with the first body 36. The coil spring may be replaced with other biasing portions, as desired, to assist in lifting the tail gate section above the lower position.
Referring to figure 4, each ann 40 has a second end region 40b and each second coupling portion 24 includes a second body 70 pivotally mounted thereto. Extending between the second bodies 70 of the pair of second coupling portions 24 is a lateral support member 72, as best seen in figure 1, for supporting the tail gate section-12 as will be described.
Continuing with reference to figure I, a plurality of (in this case two) engaging members 80 are positioned on the lateral support member 72 for engaging a central portion of the tail gate section 12 as shown in dashed lines in figure 1. In this case, the engaging members 80 take on the form of hooks but could, if desired, be replaced by othermeans such as other mechanical or non-mechanical fasteners, such as magnets for instance.
Referring to figures 1 and 4, a catch member 82 is located adjacent each second body 70 for removably securing the tail gate section 12 thereto. Also provided-is a pair of manipulating handles 83 for orienting the tail gate about both the first and second axes, as well be described.
HON-TBFICDA
Referring to figure 4, the second body 70 has a number of formations, in this case second body passages 70a, which correspond to a predetermined operative orientation of the second body 70 about the second axis 26. An actuator 90 is provided for engaging each of the second body passages 70a for locking the second body 70 in any one of the predetermined orientations, as desired. The second body 70 includes a planar member 92 and it can be seen that the second body passages 70a are located therein. In this case, the actuator 90 includes a spring loaded pin 94 mounted within a sleeve 94a which itself is located on the arm 40 and aligned with each of the second body passages 70a.
Referring to. figure 1, a support brace is also provided at 96 which extends between the arms 40 near the first axis 16 to provide additional support to the device 10.
The fixture device 10 is operated as follows. First, the device 10 is installed on the end region 18, of a vehicle 22 as it advances past a predetermined station along an assembly Gne.
This is done by aligning the anchor hooks 32 on opposite first coupling portions in the corresponding first end region passages 18a, following with inserting the mounting.pins 34 in the corresponding second end region passages 18b.
Next, the device 10 is placed in a particular orientation, such as that shown in figure 1 where the arcns 40 are substantially horizontal thereby being accessible to an assembly associate who is manipulation the tail gate section 12, for example by directing a robotic tail gate section manipulator, not shown. In either case, the engaging members 80 are aligned with the corresponding passages in the tail gate section and the catch members 82 are then adjusted to engage complementary passages in the end regions 12a.
As a result, the tail gate section 12 is now supported at a number of, in this case four, locations adjacent the lateral support member and can be manipulated in a number of ways to be located in a number of 'orientations, some of which are shown in figure 8. For example, movement about the first axis 16 is engaged by displacing the actuator handle 52 from its position in figure 3 on the left side of giuide tab 54 in which the actuating rod 44 is fully engaged with the first web 56 which can be seen to be at "three o'clock"-by lifting the actuating handle 52 above the=guide tab 54.
HON-TBFlCUA 10 The actuator handle 52 is then displaced to the right as viewed in figure 3 to the right side of the guide tab 54, causing the actuating rod 44 to be withdrawn from.the web 56 at "three o'clock", thus releasing the ann from the first coupling portion 14 for pivotal movement of the former about axis 16. In this position, the arm 44 may be swung up and locked in any one of the two other positions by aligning the actuating rod 44 with the corresponding passage 56a and returning the actuating handle 52 to its locked position on the left hand side of the guide tab 54. This movement of the ann 44 is thus shown by the various directional arrows 16a in figure 8. Meanwhile, withdrawing the spring loaded pin 94 retracts it from an associated passage 70a allowing the second coupling portion 24 to rotate relative to the arms 40 under the guiding force of the assembly associate via the manipulating handles 83.
Thus, in one form, the present device allows the tailgate to be installed temporarily to the vehicle for corrosion proofing, painting and assembly, providing the tail gate section 12 with at least two degrees of freedom. This allows the tail gate section 12 to be manipulated between a number of optimum positions, depending on the fabrication, assembly and/or painting step, be it, for example, the addition of a decal on a rear face or the installation of lock hardware in an interior cavity. During painting, the manipulating handles may be used to orient the tail gate section without the need for making physical contact with the tail gate section, making the device 10 particularly suited for painting fixtures in painting lines.
While the device 10 has been described with respect to a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle, it will be understood that the device and/or method may also be used for supporting other sections of vehicles, such as other closure sections. For example, the closure section may include one or more than one of: a hood panel or a portion thereof, a door panel or a portion thereof and/or a trunlc panel or a portion thereof. The section may also include other components such as an instrument panel, a steering column, a seat and the like.
While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
. '
Claims (51)
1. A device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein each end region includes first and second end region passages, each fust coupling portion including an anchor hook for engaging the first end region passage and a mounting pin for engaging the second end region passage.
3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein each first coupling portion includes a first body with a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
4. A device as defined in claim 3, wherein the deployment assembly includes an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the first body, and a positioning element mounted on the arm for movement relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm in different operative orientations.
5. A device as defined in claim 4, the arm further comprising a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
6. A device as defined in claim 5, wherein the positioning element is a rod.
7. A device as defined in claim 6, further comprising an actuating handle for actuating the rod.
8. A device as defined in claim 7, further comprising at least one guide tab for holding the actuating handle in at least one operative position.
9. A device as defined in claim 8, wherein the first body includes a peripheral region and the anchor formations include webs extending outwardly from the first body, each web having a passage therein to receive the actuating rod.
10. A device as defined in claim 4, wherein the arm is operable to sweep between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, the device further including a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
11. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein the biasing portion includes a coil spring mounted between the arm and the first body.
12. A device as defined in claim 11, wherein each arm has a second end region, each second coupling portion includes a second body pivotally mounted to the second end region of a corresponding arm.
13. A device as defined in claim 12, further comprising a lateral support member extending between the second bodies.
14. A device as defined in claim 13, further comprising a plurality of engaging members positioned on the lateral support member for engaging a central portion of the tail gate section.
15. A device as defined in claim 14, further comprising a catch member positioned adjacent each second body for removably securing the tail gate section thereto.
16. A device as defined in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of formations associated with the second body, each formation corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation of the second body about the second axis.
17. A device as defined in claim 16, further comprising an actuator for engaging each of the formations for locking the second body in the predetermined orientation.
18. A device as defined in claim 17, wherein the second body includes a planar member, the formations including passages in the planar member.
19. A device as defined in claim 18, wherein the actuator includes a spring loaded pin mounted on the arm and aligned with each of the passages.
20. A device as defined in claim 10, further comprising a support brace extending between the arms near the first axis.
21. A device for supporting a tail gate section of a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section; and a deployment assembly joining the fust and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis to displace the tail gate section along a travel path between two positions on opposite sides of the opposed end regions, and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
22. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein each end region of the bed includes first and second end region passages, each first coupling portion including an anchor hook for engaging the first end region passage and a mounting pin for engaging the second end region passage.
23. A device as defined in claim 21, wherein each first coupling portion includes a first body with a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
24. A device as defined in claim 23, wherein the deployment assembly includes an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the first body, and a positioning element mounted on the arm for movement relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm in different operative orientations.
25. A device as defined in claim 24, the arm further comprising a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
26. A device as defined in claim 24, wherein the arm is operable to sweep between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, the device further including a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
27. A method of supporting a tail gate section of-a pick up vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising the steps of:
providing a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis;
- installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle;
- providing a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis;
installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section;
- providing a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions;
and - manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
providing a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis;
- installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a bed of the vehicle;
- providing a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis;
installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of the tail gate section;
- providing a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions;
and - manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
28. A method as defined in claim 27, wherein each end region of the bed includes first and second end region passages, and further comprising the steps of providing each first coupling portion with an anchor hook, engaging the anchor hook with the fust end region passage, providing a mounting pin and engaging the mounting pin with the second end region passage.
29. A method as defined in claim 27, further comprising the step of providing each first coupling portion with a first body having a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
30. A method as defined in claim 29, further comprising the steps of providing the deployment assembly with an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the first body, providing a positioning element mounted on the arm, and moving the positioning element relative to the arm to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm between operative orientations.
31. A method as defined in claim 30, further comprising the step of providing a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
32. A method as defined in claim 31, further comprising the steps of displacing the arm between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, and providing a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
33. A device for supporting a closure section of a vehicle, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the closure section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
34. A device as defined in claim 33, wherein the closure section includes one or more than one of:
a hood panel or a portion thereof, a door panel or a portion thereof, a trank panel or a portion thereof.
a hood panel or a portion thereof, a door panel or a portion thereof, a trank panel or a portion thereof.
35. A device as defined in claim 33, wherein each end region of the support portion includes first and second end region passages, each first coupling portion including an anchor hook for engaging the first end region passage and a mounting pin for engaging the second end region passage.
36. A device as defined in claim 33, wherein each first coupling portion includes a first body with a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
37. A device as defined in claim 36, wherein the deployment assembly includes an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the first body, and a positioning element mounted on the arm for movement relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm in different operative orientations.
38. A device as defined in claim 37, the arm further comprising a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
39. A device as defined in claim 37, wherein the arm is operable to sweep between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, the device further including a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
40. A device for supporting a vehicle section during assembly thereof, comprising a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis, each first coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle, a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis, each second coupling portion operable for coupling one of a pair of opposed end regions of the vehicle section; and a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions, the deployment assembly being operable in a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis to displace the vehicle section along a travel path between two positions on opposite sides of the opposed end regions, and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
41. A device as defined in claim 40, wherein each end region of the support portion includes first and second end region passages, each first coupling portion including an anchor hook for engaging the first end region passage and a mounting pin for engaging the second end region passage.
42. A device as defined in claim 40, wherein each first coupling portion includes a first body with a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
43. A device as defined in claim 42, wherein the deployment assembly includes an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the first body, and a positioning element mounted on the arm for movement relative thereto to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm in different operative orientations.
44. A device as defined in claim 43, the arm further comprising a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
45. A device as defined in claim 43, wherein the arm is operable to sweep between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, the device further including a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
46. A method of supporting a section of a vehicle during assembly thereof, comprising the steps of - providing a pair of first coupling portions aligned with a first axis;
- installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle;
- providing a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis;
- installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of the section;
- providing a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions;
and - manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
- installing each first coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of a support portion of the vehicle;
- providing a pair of second coupling portions aligned with a second axis;
- installing each second coupling portion on a corresponding one of a pair of opposed end regions of the section;
- providing a deployment assembly joining the first and second coupling portions;
and - manipulating the deployment assembly a first phase to rotate the second coupling portion about the first axis and a second phase to rotate the second coupling portions about the second axis.
47. A method as defined in claim 46, wherein each end region of the support portion includes first and second end region passages, and further comprising the steps of providing each first coupling portion with an anchor hook, engaging the anchor hook with the first end region passage, providing a mounting pin and engaging the mounting pin with the second end region passage.
48. A method as defined in claim 46, further comprising the step of providing each first coupling portion with a first body having a plurality of anchor formations, each corresponding to a predetermined operative orientation.
49. A method as defined in claim 48, further comprising the steps of providing the deployment assembly with an arm having a first end region pivotally mounted to the fust body, providing a positioning element mounted on the arm, and moving the positioning clement relative to the arm to engage the plurality of anchor formations with the arm between operative orientations.
50. A method as defined in claim 49, further comprising the step of providing a plurality of first support flanges to support the positioning element on the arm.
51. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the steps of displacing the arm between a lower position and an upper position about the first axis, and providing a biasing portion for biasing the arm toward the upper position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002522491A CA2522491C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2005-10-07 | Support device for assembly of a vehicle section |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002522491A CA2522491C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2005-10-07 | Support device for assembly of a vehicle section |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2522491A1 CA2522491A1 (en) | 2007-04-07 |
| CA2522491C true CA2522491C (en) | 2009-01-13 |
Family
ID=37912331
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002522491A Expired - Fee Related CA2522491C (en) | 2005-10-07 | 2005-10-07 | Support device for assembly of a vehicle section |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2522491C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2955825A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-05 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | Device for assembling rear opening e.g. boot flap, on body shell of vehicle, has movable part articulated on part between lowered and raised positions, where upper and lower support units of part support opening on device |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107054503A (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2017-08-18 | 上汽通用五菱汽车股份有限公司 | A kind of car door installs positioning tool and method |
-
2005
- 2005-10-07 CA CA002522491A patent/CA2522491C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2955825A1 (en) * | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-05 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | Device for assembling rear opening e.g. boot flap, on body shell of vehicle, has movable part articulated on part between lowered and raised positions, where upper and lower support units of part support opening on device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2522491A1 (en) | 2007-04-07 |
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