Support device for securing workpieces

• US 20060267262A1
• Filed: 05/31/2006
• Published: 11/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jobs S.p.A.
• Original Assignee: Jobs S.p.A.
• Inventors: Ferrari, Maurizio, Schiavi, Bruno, Foletti, Sandro
• Granted Patent: US 7,918,440 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 269/21
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/035 with an array of longitudinally movable rods defining a reconfigurable support surface
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 11/005 Vacuum work holders

Abstract

Workpieces of large dimensions, typically body pressings or fuselage panels, are supported and secured for machining by a device capable of movement in a vertical direction and adaptable thus to the particular geometry of the workpiece. The vertical movement is produced by a rod of which the top end carries a head incorporating a pivotable fixture mechanism, equipped with a suction cup connected to a source of negative pressure by way of a suction duct and activated to clamp the work once the head is in position.

Claims

1. A support device for securing workpieces, capable of movement vertically in a predetermined direction and adaptable thus to the shape of a workpiece, comprising:

a rod aligned on a first center axis extending parallel to the predetermined direction;

a head attached to a top end of the rod and incorporating a fixture mechanism aligned on a second center axis and serving to anchor the workpiece,

wherein the fixture mechanism is capable of angular movement relative to the rod about first and second axes of rotation, during which one of the first and second axes of rotation remains orthogonal to the first center axis of the rod and the remaining first or second axis of rotation remains orthogonal to the second center axis of the fixture mechanism.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the first and second axes of rotation are mutually orthogonal.

3. A device as in claim 2, wherein the head comprises a fixed portion rigidly associated with the rod, and a tilting element interposed between the fixed portion of the head and the fixture mechanism.

4. A device as in claim 3, wherein the tilting element is mounted pivotably to the fixed portion of the head and capable thus of angular movement about the first axis of rotation.

5. A device as in claim 4, further comprising spring means opposing the angular movement of the tilting element about the first axis of rotation.

6. A device as in claim 5, wherein the fixture mechanism is mounted pivotably to the tilting element and capable thus of angular movement about the second axis of rotation.

7. A device as in claim 6, further comprising spring means opposing the angular movement of the fixture mechanism about the second axis of rotation.

8. A device as in claim 1, wherein the fixture mechanism comprises means of adhesion to the workpiece.

9. A device as in claim 8, wherein adhesion means comprise at least one suction cup and at least a first leg of a suction duct connecting with the suction cup.

10. A device as in claim 9, further comprising a second leg of the suction duct, incorporated into the tilting element.

11. A device as in claim 10, wherein the suction duct extends coaxially, at least in part, to the first axis of rotation.

12. A device as in claim 11, wherein the suction duct extends coaxially, at least in part, to the second axis of rotation.

17. A device as in claim 1, comprising means by which the fixture mechanism is immobilized relative to the first and second axes of rotation.

18. A device as in claim 17, wherein immobilizing means comprise a restraining element carried by the fixed portion of the head and capable of movement at least between a first position of engagement with a spherically contoured portion presented by the fixture mechanism, in which the fixture mechanism is locked fast, and a second position of disengagement in which the fixture mechanism is free to pivot about the axes of rotation.

19. A device as in claim 18, comprising actuating means by which the restraining element is caused to shift between the first position and the second position, wherein such actuating means are designed to keep the restraining element in the second position of disengagement.

20. A device as in claim 19, wherein the actuating means are pneumatic in operation.

21. A device as in claim 20, comprising third spring means opposing the action of the actuating means, of which the function is to direct the restraining element forcibly against the spherically contoured portion when occupying the first position, and when the actuating means are not in operation.

22. A device as in claim 1, comprising means by which to detect the proximity of the workpiece to the fixture mechanism.

23. A device as in claim 22, wherein detection means comprise at least one presence sensor mounted to the fixture mechanism and designed to indicate the presence of the workpiece in close proximity to the selfsame fixture mechanism.

13. A device as in claim, comprising guard means protecting the suction cup.

14. A device as in claim 13, wherein guard means comprise a flange of cupped appearance carried by the fixture mechanism.

15. A device as in claim 14, wherein the cupped flange is slidable relative to the fixture mechanism along the center axis of the selfsame fixture mechanism.

16. A device as in claim 15, wherein the cupped flange presents an annular rim designed to engage in contact with the workpiece.

24. Equipment for supporting workpieces, consisting in particular of sheet metal or plastic material, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of support devices as in clam 1.