Manufacturing cell using tooling apparatus
First Claim
1. A manufacturing cell for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on a workpiece, wherein the manufacturing cell comprises a plurality of work stations, and wherein at least one work station comprises:
- (a) a metalworking machine; and
(b) modular tooling apparatus secured to a table of the metalworking machine, the modular tooling apparatus comprising;
(i) a base comprising;
a means for securing the base to the table of the metalworking machine; and
an attachment surface comprising a pocket having a locating feature; and
(ii) at least one insert associated with the attachment surface by sliding into an opening of the pocket, the at least one insert comprising a locating feature and pocket orientation feature whereby the at least one insert can associate with the pocket in only one orientation, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof;
wherein the locating feature on the at least one insert is configured to associate with the locating feature of the attachment surface, thereby defining a location of the workpiece support feature relative to the base.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A manufacturing cell having a plurality of work stations, where at least one of the work station comprises a metalworking machine, and where at least one metalworking machine is provided with a modular tooling apparatus. The modular tooling apparatus consists of a base having one or more attachment surfaces, and one or more inserts that can be inserted semi-permanently to the attachment surfaces. The attachment surface is typically a pocket in the surface of the base. The insert has a workpiece support feature that can support and/or secure the workpiece into the proper position and orientation for machining. The base, pockets and inserts are configured to provide a characteristic location and orientation for the workpiece relative to the base, and to the metalworking machine. The modular tooling apparatus permits machining a family of workpiece members that are related but different in detail, by inserting an insert member from the family of inserts to properly position and orient the corresponding workpiece member, without needing to change, disconnect, or move the base tooling. The invention also provides a process for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on workpieces, employing the manufacturing cell described hereinabove.
79 Citations
14 Claims
-
1. A manufacturing cell for performing a plurality of metalworking operations on a workpiece, wherein the manufacturing cell comprises a plurality of work stations, and wherein at least one work station comprises:
-
(a) a metalworking machine; and (b) modular tooling apparatus secured to a table of the metalworking machine, the modular tooling apparatus comprising; (i) a base comprising; a means for securing the base to the table of the metalworking machine; and an attachment surface comprising a pocket having a locating feature; and (ii) at least one insert associated with the attachment surface by sliding into an opening of the pocket, the at least one insert comprising a locating feature and pocket orientation feature whereby the at least one insert can associate with the pocket in only one orientation, and a workpiece support feature on a surface thereof; wherein the locating feature on the at least one insert is configured to associate with the locating feature of the attachment surface, thereby defining a location of the workpiece support feature relative to the base. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
Specification