In the next step, grippers driven by ADNH high-force cylinders clamp themselves to the hubs. Spring replacement devices actuated by electric motors then drive against the axle and automatically locate the positions where the springs will later sit. Next, the axle is pulsed under load to achieve the setting behaviour on the rubber mountings and joints. The axle is then moved to the K0 position. This is the ideal position of the axle and corresponds to the normal load, when the vehicle is loaded with a defined weight. The track and camber are measured in this position, with a pneumatic cylinder moving directly to the brake disc. The adjusting screws are located independently using track and camber screwdrivers that are also supplied via pneumatic cylinders. The machine detects the relative future position of the wheels automatically using the probes. The adjusting tools adjust the track and camber values in real time and counter with the final screwing torque. The tools then move away and the axle is placed back on the workpiece carrier. The system references itself compared with a master gauge in specified cycles.
To avoid having to interrupt the production process during machine maintenance, the machine can be moved from the conveyor technology area to a specially created maintenance area via racks and guide rails.
A special feature of the new machine are the valve terminals installed directly on lifting frames and vertical slides; this reduces the effort required for tubing and wiring to a minimum. The lifting frame that picks up the axle has two VTSA valve terminals with CPX input modules, separated into the left and right side. In the vertical slide, which carries the hub gripper, there are two smaller VTSA valve terminals with four valves each, which control all the actuators beneath the energy chain of the slide. Thanks to this solution, a supply tube, a power supply and a bus system are all that are needed.
Heinrich-Hertz-Str. 52
34123 Kassel
Germany
Area of business: Automation specialist for all production tasks relating to axles, chassis and comparable problems