CA1298071C - Method and apparatus for body panel attachment - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for body panel attachmentInfo
- Publication number
- CA1298071C CA1298071C CA000525464A CA525464A CA1298071C CA 1298071 C CA1298071 C CA 1298071C CA 000525464 A CA000525464 A CA 000525464A CA 525464 A CA525464 A CA 525464A CA 1298071 C CA1298071 C CA 1298071C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- anvil
- locating
- movable
- arm
- piercing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D28/00—Shaping by press-cutting; Perforating
- B21D28/24—Perforating, i.e. punching holes
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D22/00—Shaping without cutting, by stamping, spinning, or deep-drawing
- B21D22/02—Stamping using rigid devices or tools
- B21D22/04—Stamping using rigid devices or tools for dimpling
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Punching Or Piercing (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
- Automobile Manufacture Line, Endless Track Vehicle, Trailer (AREA)
- Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)
- Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
- Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)
- Automatic Assembly (AREA)
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A pad forming device for forming attachment pads in an automotive inner body panel element to provide for the attachment of an outer body panel to the inner body panel. The outer body panel must be attached at a precise location and the inner body panel element is not as precisely posi-tioned. The device has one or more fixed anvils which are positioned at a predetermined position adjacent to, but spaced from, the inner body panel element, the magnitude of such spacing varying with the position of the inner body panel element. Movable floating locators that are disposed on opposite sides of each fixed anvil are advanced toward the inner body panel element until they make contact therewith, at which time the floating loca-tors are locked in a fixed position. A load is then imposed on the other side of the inner body panel element by pad forming blocks located in align-ment with each fixed anvil to deform the portion between the fixed anvil and pad, the height depth of the pad varying from the original position of the inner body panel element. The fixed anvil is configured to provide a reciprocating punching tool which reciprocates through the fixed anvil to lance, punch or pierce the pad, after it has been formed against the anvil to enable the precise attachment of an outer body panel to an attachment pad.
A pad forming device for forming attachment pads in an automotive inner body panel element to provide for the attachment of an outer body panel to the inner body panel. The outer body panel must be attached at a precise location and the inner body panel element is not as precisely posi-tioned. The device has one or more fixed anvils which are positioned at a predetermined position adjacent to, but spaced from, the inner body panel element, the magnitude of such spacing varying with the position of the inner body panel element. Movable floating locators that are disposed on opposite sides of each fixed anvil are advanced toward the inner body panel element until they make contact therewith, at which time the floating loca-tors are locked in a fixed position. A load is then imposed on the other side of the inner body panel element by pad forming blocks located in align-ment with each fixed anvil to deform the portion between the fixed anvil and pad, the height depth of the pad varying from the original position of the inner body panel element. The fixed anvil is configured to provide a reciprocating punching tool which reciprocates through the fixed anvil to lance, punch or pierce the pad, after it has been formed against the anvil to enable the precise attachment of an outer body panel to an attachment pad.
Description
~s~
This invention relates to the attachment, at a precise position, of a first member to a second member which is not as precisely positioned as the first member, and provides a method of and apparatus for locating the position of the first: member and for reforming the second member by a variable magnitude depending on the actual position of the second member relative to a predetermined position. The invention relates, in particular, to the precise attachment of an outer body panel member of an automotive vehicle to an imprecisely located element of an inner body panel structure.
U.S. Patent No. 4,438,971 (W.S. Zaydel, et al) describes a method of and apparatus for attaching. at a precise location, a plastic automotive body panel to a relatively imprecisely located element of an inner body panel structure. According to the teachings of this patent, plastic-filled metal attachment blocks or pads are welded at selected locations to the inner body panel structure. The inner body panel structure to then positioned within a locating and machining fixture and each of that plastic-filled attachment blocks is milled to a precise position, the distance between the inner body panel structure and the milled face of the plastic-filled attachment blocks varying with the position of the inner body panel structure. The plastic outer body panel somber is then attached to the milled face of the plastic-filled attachment block, after drilling a hole in theplastic-filled attachment block to receive a threaded fastener or a ~a~tenor nttacb~d to th~ ln~lde ot the pla~t~c outor body pan~l ~o ber ~y thl~ ~ethod and app~ratu~, e~ch ~uch pla-tlc out~r body ~anel _ bar i~
ounted ln a proclsely detor~lned po~ltlon ~nd ln proci~ rt~ca all~ ~nt ~lth ~ch ad~cent pla~tlc panol The etbod ~nd apparctu~ ot th afor-~ald U 8 ~tont No 4,4~8,~71 doe~ lead to Droclalon ln tha pocltlonln~ ot Dla-tlc o~t r bod~
panel~ to a rolatlvalg laproclc~ly po-ltlonad auto~otl~ lnnor body p~ccl tructurc, but lt requlro- tho lnltlal aetach ant Or tb~ tlc-flllod attac~ ont block- to the lnner body panol ~truct~r , a ~actor ~hlch add- to the natorlal and proco--ln~ coct~ ot producln~ aD ~#to~otiv~ body ln t~i-~nner, ond thc ~eldln~ operatlon that 1~ no-dod to ~ttccb tba pl~ tlc-flllad netal attacbaent block~ 1- nolcy and dlrty Additlon~ , th- ub-oquent 1111D~ o~ tbe pla-tlc-~llled attacb~eDt bloo~ n rat-- eor~p ~hlch 1~ a l~turo or a N tal and tho pla~tlc tlllor at rl-l ~hlcb, ~or th~
Ib dl~po~ltlon o~ ~ucb crap ln an onvlron~e~tally acceptablo Hnnor, ln~olvo-addltlonal e~pon-e and, ln any care, tho nlllln~ o~ th pla-tlc-rlll-d attach~ent block- p norato- du-t corro-pondln~, nalDl~, to e~ co-po ltlob o~ the pla~tlc ~lllor Thl- 1~ alro ob~ootlonabl- on onvlron oDt-l an~
~orkplace h-alth and a~oty ~round-~ unlo~ rtrlct proca~tlon~ ar ~ollo~d 2~ ln pertor~ln~ the alllln~ and drlllln~ o~ the pla-tlc-rlllod attach ont blocks lt 1- al~o kno~n ln tho prlor ~rt that a rolatlvoly lnprocl-oly located auto-otlvo lnn r body panel elo- nt can be bullt u~ to Drovld ~or the attachnont theroto o~ an outor body pao~ Dt t a nore pr ol--ly Zb deter-lned locatlon by attachln~ ono or oro n-tal bl~- to tb- urr-c- ot the lnner body ~nel elo~ent to ~hlch thc outcr body ~ at 1~ to be attached, tbe nu b~r or uch shl~r to bo attach~d ba--d on tho orl~ln l posltlon o~ the lnnor body ~nol olo-ent ~o~evor, thlc i- a tl---conr _ ln~
and expen~lve procoduro, and the attachuont or uch hln~ add- to tbo ~elJbt o~ tho vohlcle, an u~d~lrebl~ roature o~peclallg lnc- It dotract- ~ro ruel econony 129~I`7~
Accordln~ to tbo pre~ent lnventlon there 1- provld~d a ~tbod ot and apparatu~ tor rotor ln~ a relatlvely laprecl~ o~itloned el~ent by a varlabl~ auount to pre-cnt lt~ curtace or one or or- ~loctod portlonc thereor ~t a precl~ely detornlDed pocltlon ror the attac~eDt o~ anotber ele~ent thereto, and tbe ~cthod and apparatu~ are p rtlcul~rly ada~ted tor the retoraln~ ot a portlon ot an ele- nt ot an auto~otlvc lnnor body panel to recolva a aQtalllc or plactlc outer body paoel to b~ attached th~reto at a locatlon ~blch 1- oore preclc-ly deter~lned th~n tb orl~l~al locatlon ot cuch loner body panel el-a nt The ~pparatuc o~ the pt-c~nt lnvontlon lnclude~ one or aore ~lx~d anvll- ~hlch are oov~d lnto ~ix~d ~o-ltlonr on one ~ldo ot tbc Dortlon ot tbe inoer bo~y p~D-l elea-at that 1- to be r~toraed, prot~rably oa tbe outold~ thoreo~ r-latlve to th- lntorlor ot th vehlclo tbat 1~ belns producod The apparatu~ oloo lncl~dao tloatln~ oug-1~ port attochaent~ or ur--c- looatlns a-aber~ that ar- loc-~d on tb uu~
~lde ot th~ lnner body p Del loaont a~ th- tl~od an~ and ~hlch ~ov~, r~latlv~ to the tl~od anvll~, to~ard and a~ay troa th- ad~ac n~ portlon o-tbe ~ur-ace ot tbo lnnor bod,y ~anel ~loaent that 1~ to b ro~oroed ~ho floatln~ ~upport attacbnent ~rbor~ oro locotod on ~loatln~ ar-- on the o-2~ lde ot th~ lnn~r body pan-l a- thc ~ d anvll- and ar~ aatuat d to~rd tb-~ur~ace o- the lnnor body panol el~a~nt uDtil they Rka contact tb~r ~ltb to ~lnd~ the locatlon ot tbo lnn~r body ~anol at ~blch tlue tbo~ ar loc~-d ln a ~laed po~ltlon, ~roterably hydraullc~ , untll tb- N tor~ln~ oycl- le corplet~d z5 Th~ ~pparatu- o~ th- ~r-~-nt lDv ntlon al o laclud - a i n abl- r--tha~ 1~ located on tbe opDo-lto ldb o~ th~ 1QD r bodr D~o-l }~a~t b ~t re~or~ed Th~ aovable r~ 1~ aovabl- to~ard ~nd _ ~ ~ro- ~ch op~o lt-~2~8071 side of the inner body panel element and has pad forming blocks contacting the surface of the inner body panel that are positioned opposite the fixed anvils. After the floating arms have been brought into contact with the surface of the inner body panel element that is to be reformed and have been locked in position, the moveable ram is actuated to move toward the inner body panel element and to reform the portions thereof that are trapped between the fixed anvils and the pad forming blocks of the movable ram. Thus, the inner body panel element will be provided with one or more pads, the outside surface of each of which corresponds in position to the fixed position of the fixed anvil against which it is formed, regardless of the original position of the inner body panel element from which it is formed, the depth of each of such pads varying, therefore, according to the difference between the fixed position of its outer surface and the original position of the portion of the outer surface of the inner body panel element from which it is formed. Each of such pads is ready for the attachment of an outer body panel element thereto without any further machining or other processing being required to establish its fixed location. The only additional processing normally being required is the lancing, punching, or piercing of an aperture in such pad to receive a fastener for the fastening of the outer body panel element thereto, which lancing, punching, or piercing, if reguired or desired, most conveniently being done during the forming of the pad by a tool which reciprocates within the fixed anvils. The method and apparatus of the present invention can be used to prepare an automotive inner body panel for the attachment of sheet metal or plastic outer body panels to the inner body panels, according to the preference of the vehicle manufactures.
According to one aspect thereof the present invention thus provides an apparatus for reforming a first member having a relatively imprecise initial position to permit attachment to a second member having a predetermined fixed position, said first member having a first surface and a second surface whlch is A~
~a lZ91~71 opposed to said first surface said apparatus comprising: at least one anvil; movable means for supporting said at least one anvil at sa:Ld predetermined fixed position; at least two locating members disposed on opposite sides of said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members being connected to said movable means and movable relative to said at least one anvil;
means for moving said at least two locating members relative to said at least one anvil into contact with said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said at least two locating members in said contact w~th said first surface of said first member; a ram moveably connected to said movable means, said ram having at least one form block movable therewith, said at least one form block facing said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said at least one anvil; and means for moving said ram to move said at least one form block toward said at least one anvil to deform a portion of said first member that is between said at least two locatlng members to engage said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members supporting said first member in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member. Suitably said apparatus further comprises: piercing means for making a hole through said first member; and means for moving said piercing means to make said hole in said portion of said first member after said portion of said first memher has been deformed. Preferably said piercing means is carried by said movable means and is movable therewith, said piercing means being movable relative to said at least one anvil. Desirably said at least one anvil has an annular configuration and wherein said piercing means is located within said at least one anvil and is movable relative thereto, and wherein said means for moving said piercing means comprises means for reciprocating said piercing means within said at l~ast one anvil. Suitably least two locating members comprises at least an arm having a first end, a second end, and a pivot axis between said first end and said second end; and said means for moving said at least two locating A
lZ~. 7~
members comprises means for pivoting said arms about said pivot axis.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first surface of said first member, said apparatus comprising: a first anvil and a second anvil, said first anvil and said second anvil being fixed relative to one another and being spaced apart from one another;
movable means carrying said first anvil and said second anvil for positioning and first anvil at a first fixed position ad~acent said first surface of said first member and for positioning said second anvil at a second fixed position ad~acent said first surface of said first member; a first locating element, a second locating element, and a third locating element, one of said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element being positloned between said first anvil and said second anvil, said flrst anvil and sald second anvil being positioned between the other two of said first locating element and sald second locating element; means for moving said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element relative to said first anvil and said second anvil to bring at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said thlrd locatlng element into contact with said first surface of said first member and for locking said at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element against said first surface of said first member;
movable ram means having a first form block and a second form block, one of said first form block and sald second form block being generally in alignment with one of said flrst anvil and said second anvil, the other of said first form block and said second form block being generally in alignment with the other of said first anvil and said second anvil; and means for moving said A
~ 7~
movable ram means to move one of said first form block and said second form block toward one of said first anvil and said second anvil and to move the other of sald first form block and said second form block toward the other of said first anvil and said second anvil to thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said first form block and said second form block and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said other of said first anvil and said second anvil and said other of said first form block and said second form block. Suitably said movable ram means is carried by said movable means and is movable therewith, said movable ram means further being movable relative to said second anvil.
The apparatus further comprises: first movable piercing means;
second movable piercing means; and means for moving said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means to pierce said portion of said first member that is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said first form block and said second form block and to pierce said portion of said first member that is between said other of said first anvil and said second anvil and said other of said first form block and said second form block. Suitably said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means are carried by said movable means, one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means further being movable relative to one of said first anvil and said second anvil, the other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means further being movable relative to the other of said first anvil and said second anvil. Desirably said first anvil is annular, wherein said second anvil is annular, wherein said one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means is located within the annulus of one of said first anvil and said second anvil and is movable by reciprocation within said annulus of said one of said - 5b -~`
1 2 ~ ~ 7~
first anvil and said second anvll, and wherein said other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means is movable by reciprocation within the annulus of the other of sa:Ld first anvil and said second anvil, said means for moving said first movable piercing means comprising means for reciprocating said one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means within said annulus of said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and for reciprocating said other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means within said annulus of said other of said first anvil and said second anvil.
In one embodiment of the present invention said first locating element comprises a first arm having a first end, a second end, a pivot axis between said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm, said at least a portion of said first locating element being disposed ad~acent one of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm;
wherein sald second locating element comprlses a second arm havlng a first end, a second end, a pivot axis between said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, said at least a portion of said second locating element being disposed ad;acent one of said first end of said second arm and said end of said second arm; and wherein said third locating element comprises a third arm having a first end, a second end and a pivot axis between said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm, said at least a portion of said third locating element being disposed ad~acent one of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm. Suitably said pivot axis of said first arm, said pivot axis of said second arm, and said pivot axis of said third arm are coaxial. Desirably said pivot axis of said first arm is located closer to said one of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm than to the other of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm, wherein said pivot axis of said second arm is located closer to said one - 5c - t A
~ 71 of said first end of said second arm and second end of said second arm than to said other of said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, and wherein said pivot axis of said third arm is located closer to said one of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm than to the other of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm. Preferably said means for moving said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element relative to said first anvil and said second anvil comprises means which acts on said first arm ad~acent said other of said first end of said first arm on said other of said second end of said first arm, and said second arm ad~acent said other of said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, and on said third arm adjacent said other of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm.
The present invention again provides an apparatus for reforming a first member having a relatively imprecise initial position to permit attachment to a second member having a predetermined fixed position, said first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surface, said apparatus comprising: ar. anvil; movable means carrying said anvil for positioning said anvil at said predetermined fixed position;
locating means for locating said first member at said initial position, said locating means having at least first and second portions, said anvil being disposed between said first and second portions of said locating means, said locating means being carried by said movable means and being movable relative to said anvil; means for moving said locating means relative to said anvil to bring said first and second portions into contact wlth said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said first and second portions of said locating means in said contact with said first surface of said first - 5d -~t 129~
member; a movable form block being located ad;acent said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said anvil; and means for moving said movable form block toward said anvil to deform a Portion of said first member between said first and second portions of said locating means to engage said anvil, the remaining portion of said first member being supported by said first and second portions of said locating means in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
The present invention further provides the method of reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned member having a first support surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first support surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said method comprising the steps of: positioning an anvil on a net locating apparatus at a predetermined fixed position; providing locating means on opposite sides of said anvil such as to straddle said anvil; advancing said locating means towards said preclsely positioned member until said locating means comes into contact with said imprecisely positioned member; continue advancing said locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said locating means to float with respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said locat~ng means such that said locating means finds the location of said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; locking said locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; end imposing a load, through a pad forming block, ad;acent said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said predetermined fixed positioned anvil to deform the portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said anvil while said portlon is supported by said locating means, whereby said portion of said f - 5e -~29~3~`71 imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said predetermined fixed positioned anvil. Suitably the step of piercing said precisely positioned portion of said imprecisely positioned member while said deformed portion of said imprecisely positioned member is between said anvil and said pad forming block. Desirably said anvil is in the configuration of an annulus and wherein said step of piercing is performed by advancing a tool through said annulus of said anvil.
The present invention also provides the method of reformlng first and second spaced apart portions of a relatively imprecisely positioned member having a first support surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first support surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of at least one second member to said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a first anvil on a net locating apparatus at a first predetermined fixed posltion, posltlonlng a second an~il on a net locating apparatus at a second predetermined fixed position ad~acent said first anvil; providing first locating means between said first anvil and said second anvil; providing second and third locating means on opposing sides of said first locating means such that said first anvil is disposed between said first and second locating means and said second anvil is disposed between said first locating means and said third locating means;
advancing said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means simultaneously towards said imprecisely positioned member until said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means come into contact with said imprecisely positioned member; continue advancing said first, second and third locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said first, second and third locating means to float wlth respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said first, second and third locating means such that said first, - 5f - t A
lZ9~17~
second and third locating means finds the location of said first support surfacé of said imprecisely positioned member; locking said first locating means, said second locating means and said third locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; imposing a first load, through a first pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said first anvil to deform said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said first anvil while said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by said firs-t locating means and one of said second locating means and said third locating means whereby said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said first predetermined fixed position of said first anvil; and simultaneous with said step of imposing said first load imposing a second load, through a second pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said second anvll to deform said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member agalnst sald second anvil whlle sald second portlon of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by sald flrst locating means and the other of sald second locating means and said third locating means such that said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said second predetermined fixed position of said second anvil. Suitably said method further comprises the steps of: piercing said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member while said first portion of said imprecisely, positioned member is between said first anvil and said first pad forming block; and simultaneous with said step of piercing said first portion piercing said second portion of sald impreclsely positioned member while said second portlon of said lmprecisely positioned member is between said second anvll and sald second pad forming block. Desirably sald flrst anvll ls in the configuration of an annulus, whereln sald second anvll is in configuration of an annulus, wherein sald step of plercing said ~ 5g ~
~2~71 first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is performed by advancing a first tool through said annulus of said first anvil and wherein said step of piercing said second portion of said Lmprecisely positioned member is performed by advancing a second tool through said annulus of said second anvil.
The present invention also provides the method of reforming a member that has first and second surfaces, said method comprising the steps of: placing an anvil on a net locating apparatus at a first predetermined fixed position; moving a floating support attachment, that is ad~acent said anvil, into contact with said first surface of said imprecisely positioned member; immobilizing the position of said anvil after said placing step; locking said floating support attachment with respect to said anvil; moving a pad forming block against said second surface to deform a portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said anv~l while said portion is supported by said floating support attachment;
and piercing the deformed portion of said imprecisely positioned member by advancing a tool in a direction toward said first surface while sald deformed portion is lmmobilized between said pad forming block.
Thus the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely located element to present a surface thereof at a precise location for the attachment of another element thereto.
The present invention also provides a method of and apparatus for reforming an element of an automotive inner body panel to present a portion of the surface of such element at a predetermined position for the attachment of an outer body panel thereto.
The present invention further provides a method of an apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely located element to present a surface thereof at a precise location for the attachment of - 5h -o ~L2~ fl another element thereto and for forming a hole in such surface to facilitate the attachment of the other element thereto.
More particularly, the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for reforming an element of an automotive inner body panel to present a portion of the surface of such element at a predetermined position for the attachment of another element thereto and for forming a hole in such surface to facilitate the attachment of the element thereto.
The present invention will be further illustrated by way of the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure l is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus that is shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing various of the elements of the apparatus that is shown in Figures 1 and 2;
- 5i -~2g~7~
Figure 4 is a fragmentary schematic view showing a step in the method of the present invention using the apparatus of Figures 1 through 3:
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing a subsequent step in the method of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a portion of an automotive inner body element that has been processed by the apparatus according to Figures 1 through 3 and by the method according to Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.
According to the present invention there is provided a net locating device in the fore of a pad forming devicè that is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 with reference to the Figures. The pad forming device 10 is movable, in unison, into and away from working engagement with a portion or an automotive inner body panel, indicated by reference character IP, at a work station where the central X, Y, and Z
axes of such inner body panel, which is usually in the form of a skeleton of the vehicle that is to be formed therefrom, are precisely positioned relative to one or more of the pad forming devices 10, in a suitable fixture, not shown, which is known in the art.
The structure or the pad forming device 10 is carried by a mounting plate 12 which is an element of such pad forming device and which, as shown in Figure 3, is irregularly-shaped and is provided with a first aperture 12a and a second aperture 12b therein, for reasons which will be explained more fully herein. The pad forming device 10 is adapted to form a multiplicity, shown as two, of closely-spaced raised X
~2~
attachment pads in the inner body panel lP, such raised pads being generally identified by reference character P in figure 6. The pad forming device 10 also includes firs and second spaced apart side plates 14 and 16, respectively, which are attached to the mounting plate 12 in any suitable manner, for example, by threaded fasteners, not shown, and which extend generally normally from the mounting plate 12, and generally parallel to one another, toward the inner body panel lP that is being processed.
A generally L-shaped mounting plate 18 extends across the space between the first side plate 14 and the second plate 16 and the mounting plate 18 is secured to each of the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 16 in a suitable manner, for example, by cap screws including cap screws 20 and 22, as is shown in Figure 2. For a two raised attachment pad forming device 10 of the type shown in the drawing and as heretofore described, first and second fixed anvils 24 and 26, of a known position, are attached to an intermediate horizontal surface 18a and a vertical surface 18b of the mounting plate 18 and are secured to the mounting plate 18 in a suitable manner, for example, by cap screws 28. The fixed anvils 24 and 26 have work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a, respectively, which, by the mechanism and the associated motion controls that are used to move the pad forming device 10 into working engagement with the inner body panel lP, - which mechanism and controls, that is commonly referred to as a net locating device, precisely positions the X, Y, and Z
axes of the work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a relative to the X, Y, and Z axes of the inner body panel. This precise location is preferably always at least some minimum fixed predetermined distance, for example, in this embodiment, at least approximately 1 mm away from the adjacent portions of the outer surface of the inner body panel lP in its outermost or maximum position. Thus, because there is typically a : L29~ ~1 variance of approximately 4 to 5 mm in the final position of the outer surface of an inner body panel element, each of the work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a of the fixed anvils 24 and :26 will be spaced from 1 mm to approximately 5 mm from the adjacent portions of the - 7a -X
~29~
outer sur~ace of the lnner body panel ~h~rn~ ter such ~ork contactlng ur~ace~ 24a and Zffn have been brou~ht into ~orkln~ en~a~e~ent ~ith the inner body panel ~e~e~
The portlon~ o~ the ourrace o~ the lnner body psnel 1~ that are ad~acent the work contactln~ surraces z4a and 28a are physlcally 3upported on both sldes o~ each o~ the ~lrst and second ~ixed envi 19 '~4 and 2~ durln~
the re~orelng o~ the inner body panel lP to produce the ralsed ~ttachaent pads ~ re~ardle~s o~ the orl~lnal ~p~clny o~ the outor ~ur~ace o~ the lnner body panel IP ~roa the ~ork contactlnK ~ur~aces by three ~loatln~ support lU attschuents 30, 32, and 34 whlch are attached at one end o~ each o~ three ~paced-apart ~loatln~ arus 3ff, ~8 and 40 whlch are locked ln a ~lxed porl-tlon prlor to re~or-ln~ The ~loatln~ arns 3H, 38 and 40 are plvotable nbout a co~on axls thst extends through holeA 3~a, 38n and 4Ua ln the ~loatlng srns, re-pectlvely, such co~aon axl~ beln~ the central axls o~ a ~lxed plvot sha~t 42 that extends throuyh the holes 3~a, 38a, and 40a, ~hlch are allgned ~lth one another and throu~h holes 18c and 18d ln L-~hap~d ~ountlng plate extenslon~ 18e and 18~, re~pectlvely, that extend ~or~ardly ~ro~ the L-shaped aountlng plate 18 the ~ountlng plnte extenslon 18e beln~
po~ltloned bet~een the tloatlns ar~ 38 and 40 and the aountlng plate exten-~o slon 18~ belnK posltloned bet~een the ~loatlng ar~s 3~ and 38 The ~loatiny ar-s 3~, 38, and 40 are provlded wlth hole~ 33b, 38b, and 40b respectlvely, whlch are spaced ~ron the hole~ 38a, S8s, and 40a, respectlvely, and the rockln~ or osclllatlon o~ the ~loatln~ ar~s 3B, 98, and 4U about the centr61 ~xi8 e~tendln~ throu~h the hole~ 38a, 38a, ond 40a z~ is cau~ed by plvotally attQchlnK the ~loatln~ arra 3~, 38, and 4U to ~ yoke portlon 44a o~ a reclprocable draw yoke 44 by ean~ o~ a rloatln~ ~lvot sha~t 4ff that e~tends throu~h the holes 38b, ~8b, ~nd 40b o~ the ~loatln~
ar~ 3~, 38, and 4U and tbrough the yoke portior, 44a o~ the reclprocable drnw yoke 44 Ac 1~ clear ~ro~ ure~ 1 and ~ o~ the drawln~s, the plvot ~o a~l~ o~ each ~loatln~ sr- 3~, 38, and 4U throu~h the ~lxed plvot hatt 42 i~
~;29~t7~
~uch clo~er to the end ot each such nr~ thnt c~rrle~ the ~loating ~upport attachuents 9~ , and 94, respectlvely, than lt i8 to the e~d that carrles the plvot a~l~ through the rloatln~ pivot shart 4ff. 'rhlY relatlonshlp pro-.^ ~ c ~ o C~
vlde~ leverage ~hlch reduce~ the loadln~s on the ~ elln~w3-~ dra~ yoke 44 and S ~ lt helps ln the posltlonln~ o~ the rloatlng support attachnents 3u, 32, and ~ CC ~ O C ~
34 agalnst the lnner body panel 1~. ~rhe ~lul;uP~e } draw yoke 44 reclDroca-tes ln ~ulde notches 17C and 12d o~ the ~ountln~ plate lZ, and the reclpro-catlon 18 actuated by an hydr~ullc ~ork ~upport devlce ~8 Or a kno~n type, l.e., Hytec Hydroullc ~ork Yupport No. lOU231, a type o~ devlce ~hlch ~111 lU lock the work contactln8 ~uri'aces o~ the ~loatln~ support attachnents 3U, 32, snd 34 agalnst the outer surrace o~ the lnner body panel lP once the tloatln~ arn~ 3~, 98, and 4U have been ~lped ~ar enou~h to~ard the outer ~urtace ot the lnner body p~nel IP to ~lnd" the location o~ the lnner body panel 1~, that 18, to brln~ the ~ork contactln~ surraces o~ the ~loatln~
~up~ort attachaentJ lnto contact ~lth the lnner body panol lP as Jho~n in the pre~erred eabodiaent. Uther kno~n devlce~ such as the type ~hlch open coepletely to recelve the lnner body panel lP and sub-equently are allo~ed to ~loat lnto contact ~lth the lnner body panel to "~lnd~ the locatlon o~
the lnner body panel W are also lntended to be u~ed ln the ~1~n~TttoD pad zU roraln~ devlce.
Unce the ~loatlng support attacheent~ 3U, 92, and havo "round"
the outer ~ur~ace o~ the lnner body panel lP and have been locked ln po~l-tlon thereagaln~t, as heretotore de~crlbed, the portloD~ o~ the lnner body panel lP between the rloatln~ support attach~ent~ 90, 9Z, and ~4 are deror~ed outwardly untll they aake contact ~lth the ~ork contactln~ ~urracos 24a nnd ZBa ot the ~lr~t and second ~l~ed anvlls 24 and 25, re~pectlvely.
Thls de~orælng 18 ~cco~pll~hed under a load that 1~ l~poaed by spaced apart ~lrst and second pad ror~ln~ blocks 5~ and 5~ that are attached ln a pacod-apart relatlonshlp to a ~enorally L-shaped hydraullcally actuated raa b4.
so The pad roreln~ block~ 50 and ~2 are attached to the hydraullc r~a 64 by cap scre~ 55. The hydraullc rs~ 64 18 reclprocated bet~een the broken llne 12~8(~71 posltlon sho~n ln ~lgure 1 ~nd the solld line posltlon sho~n ln ~ucb ~lguro by an hydraullc cyllnder 56 that 18 rounted to the back o~ the aountln~
plate 12 and i8 connected to the ra- 54 throu~h the aperture 12b The reclprocatlon ot the hydraullc ran 54 18 ~ulded by rlrst, ~econd, and third ways 57 that tor- the lnslde ~urrace o~ the ~lrst and ~econd ~lde plates 14 end lff, and by are ounted ln place by ~lr~t and ~econd spacer bars 14a, 14b, l~a, and l~b that ~re attached to the ln~lde ~ur~ace ot the ilrst and second slde plates 14 and lff A~ter the ralsed attachaent pad~ ~ have been ror~ed by the lU de~ornlng o~ the inner body panel lP bet~een the tlr-t ~nd second ~ad ~or~ing blocks W nnd ~2 snd the tlrst and ~econd fl~ed anvlls ~4 and 2ff, A~
hereto~ore descrlbed, and be~ore the extension o~ the hydraullc raa ~4 to retract the pad torvln~ blocks ~o and ~a ~ron the lnner body panel lP and the unlocklng ot the hydr~ullc ~ork Jupport ~ulde 48 to retract the ~loatln~
arns ~ff, 38, and 4v ro- the lnner body panel lP, to thereby perult the retractlon ot the pad ror-ln~ devlce lo ~ro~ the lnner body panel lP, lt 18 rrequently deslrable to ror- an aperturs ln each Or the ralsed attach ent pnds ~ by lsncln~ an openln~, punchlng a slu~ thero~rou, or by tbe plercin~
thereot, to provlde attacb ent apertures, ~uch ac punched-out hole~ H, ln the ralsed attach-ent pads P ~or the subsequent attachnent o~ an outer body panel to such ralsed attach-ent pads ~ l~he lanclns, punchln~, or plercin~
o~ the ralsed nttach~ent pads ~ nay be done aost convenlently by the pad ~or~ln~ devlce 10, be~ore lt 19 withdrewn ~ro- the lnner body panel lP
Thu~, the pad ~oroln~ devlce 10 i9 provided wlth lancln~, plercln~, or ~5 punchln~ tools 58 and ffO, the punchln~ tool~ bein~ a~tl~ed, re-pectlvely, to retalners ff2 and ff4 thst, ln turn, are a~ ed to a reciprocable bydraullc punchln~ ra- ffff wlth back-up plntes ff8 and 70, respectlvely, beln~ nounted between the retalners ff2 and ff4 and the hydraullc punchln~ raa ffff The hydraulic punchln~ r~ ffff 18 provlded wlth outwardly proJectln~ ~lan~e~ ffffa 3U and ffffb and the reclprocatlon or the punchln~ r~e ffff 18 ~ulded by ~ulde8 14c and lffC ln the rlrst slde plate 14 and the ~econd ~lde plate lff The reclprocation Or the punching ra- ffff 1~ hydraullcally actuated by an ~25~
bydraulic cyllnder 7~ that 1~ att~ched to ehe back of tho ~ountln~ plate 12, the connectlon between the hydrnullc cyllnder 7~ and the punchln~ ran ~ff extendln~ throuyh the flrst aperture 12a ln the eountln~ plate 12 ~l~ure 7 lllustrate~ the toollng porelon o~ a pnd ~or~lng devlce, ~enerally ldentlfled by reference nu-eral llo, whlch 18 userul ~hen lt 18 only necessary to ~or- a sln~le raised attach ent pad ~ ln a ~lven nrea of an lnner body panel I~, ~8 opposed to the pad ~orelng devlce lU of ~l~ure~ 1 - throu~h ~ hlch i8 useful ~hen lt 1~ nece~ary to tora at lea~t t~o closely-spaced ral~ed attach ent pad~ ~ ln such lnner body panel I~ ln any case, the pad for~ln~ devlce carrle~ a flxed anvll 124 and an annulQr locatlng nenber 130 ~hlch 1~ reclprocable ~lth re~pect to the ~l~ed anvll 124 The annular locatln~ ~eaber 130 floats a~alnst the lnner body panel I~
to flnd ~aee, ~hereafter ~h~_1b~ the ~lxed anvll ~4 1~ brought to a ~l~ed po~ltlon adJacent such lnner body panel by a locatln~ devlce, not sho~n rhe floatln~ ~ove~ent of the annular locatln~ ue~ber 1~ a~l9ted by a coll sprln~ 14~ A ter the annular locatln~ ~e~ber 190 ha~ "~ound~ or ade con-tsct wlth the adJacent surface o~ the lnner body panel IY, lt 1~ hydraull-cally locked ln place, as lllustrated by reference character 148, and the ~or~ block 152 on the other slde of the inner body panel lP, ln ~eneral z~ allgn~ent wlth the flxed anvll 124, 1~ drlven hydraullcally by a cyllnder 154, sho~n sche-atlcally, to~ard the flxed anvll lZ4 to de~or~ the portion ot the lnner body panel I~ that 18 posltloned bet~een the flxed anvll lZ4 and the foru block lS2 to for~ a ralsed attachaent pad ~ thereln The lnnor body panel I~ 18 supported on each side of the portlon tbat 1~ beln~
de~or~ed by the hydraullcally flxed annular locatln~ ~eaber 13~ to locallzo the defor~ation of the lnner body panel I~ that occurs ~hen the torn block 152 1~ ur~ed therea~alnst A~ln, as ln the ca~e ot the pad tornln~ devlce 10 ot the enbodl-aent o~ ~lguros 1 throu~h ~, the pad for~ln~ devlce 110 o( the o-bodl-ent ot 1;~98~ ~1 Figure 7 may be provided with a punching tool 160 to punch or pierce a hole in the raised attachment pad P, after the raised attachment pad P has been formed in the inner body panel lP by the deforming thereof as heretofore explained.
When the pad forming device is provided with such a punching tool 160, the fixed anvil 124 is constructed in an annular configuration and the punching tool 160 is reciprocably positioned within the annulus of the fixed anvil 124, the reciprocation of the punching tool 160 within the annulus of the fixed anvil 124 being hydraulically actuated by an hydraulic cylinder 172, shown schematically.
This invention relates to the attachment, at a precise position, of a first member to a second member which is not as precisely positioned as the first member, and provides a method of and apparatus for locating the position of the first: member and for reforming the second member by a variable magnitude depending on the actual position of the second member relative to a predetermined position. The invention relates, in particular, to the precise attachment of an outer body panel member of an automotive vehicle to an imprecisely located element of an inner body panel structure.
U.S. Patent No. 4,438,971 (W.S. Zaydel, et al) describes a method of and apparatus for attaching. at a precise location, a plastic automotive body panel to a relatively imprecisely located element of an inner body panel structure. According to the teachings of this patent, plastic-filled metal attachment blocks or pads are welded at selected locations to the inner body panel structure. The inner body panel structure to then positioned within a locating and machining fixture and each of that plastic-filled attachment blocks is milled to a precise position, the distance between the inner body panel structure and the milled face of the plastic-filled attachment blocks varying with the position of the inner body panel structure. The plastic outer body panel somber is then attached to the milled face of the plastic-filled attachment block, after drilling a hole in theplastic-filled attachment block to receive a threaded fastener or a ~a~tenor nttacb~d to th~ ln~lde ot the pla~t~c outor body pan~l ~o ber ~y thl~ ~ethod and app~ratu~, e~ch ~uch pla-tlc out~r body ~anel _ bar i~
ounted ln a proclsely detor~lned po~ltlon ~nd ln proci~ rt~ca all~ ~nt ~lth ~ch ad~cent pla~tlc panol The etbod ~nd apparctu~ ot th afor-~ald U 8 ~tont No 4,4~8,~71 doe~ lead to Droclalon ln tha pocltlonln~ ot Dla-tlc o~t r bod~
panel~ to a rolatlvalg laproclc~ly po-ltlonad auto~otl~ lnnor body p~ccl tructurc, but lt requlro- tho lnltlal aetach ant Or tb~ tlc-flllod attac~ ont block- to the lnner body panol ~truct~r , a ~actor ~hlch add- to the natorlal and proco--ln~ coct~ ot producln~ aD ~#to~otiv~ body ln t~i-~nner, ond thc ~eldln~ operatlon that 1~ no-dod to ~ttccb tba pl~ tlc-flllad netal attacbaent block~ 1- nolcy and dlrty Additlon~ , th- ub-oquent 1111D~ o~ tbe pla-tlc-~llled attacb~eDt bloo~ n rat-- eor~p ~hlch 1~ a l~turo or a N tal and tho pla~tlc tlllor at rl-l ~hlcb, ~or th~
Ib dl~po~ltlon o~ ~ucb crap ln an onvlron~e~tally acceptablo Hnnor, ln~olvo-addltlonal e~pon-e and, ln any care, tho nlllln~ o~ th pla-tlc-rlll-d attach~ent block- p norato- du-t corro-pondln~, nalDl~, to e~ co-po ltlob o~ the pla~tlc ~lllor Thl- 1~ alro ob~ootlonabl- on onvlron oDt-l an~
~orkplace h-alth and a~oty ~round-~ unlo~ rtrlct proca~tlon~ ar ~ollo~d 2~ ln pertor~ln~ the alllln~ and drlllln~ o~ the pla-tlc-rlllod attach ont blocks lt 1- al~o kno~n ln tho prlor ~rt that a rolatlvoly lnprocl-oly located auto-otlvo lnn r body panel elo- nt can be bullt u~ to Drovld ~or the attachnont theroto o~ an outor body pao~ Dt t a nore pr ol--ly Zb deter-lned locatlon by attachln~ ono or oro n-tal bl~- to tb- urr-c- ot the lnner body ~nel elo~ent to ~hlch thc outcr body ~ at 1~ to be attached, tbe nu b~r or uch shl~r to bo attach~d ba--d on tho orl~ln l posltlon o~ the lnnor body ~nol olo-ent ~o~evor, thlc i- a tl---conr _ ln~
and expen~lve procoduro, and the attachuont or uch hln~ add- to tbo ~elJbt o~ tho vohlcle, an u~d~lrebl~ roature o~peclallg lnc- It dotract- ~ro ruel econony 129~I`7~
Accordln~ to tbo pre~ent lnventlon there 1- provld~d a ~tbod ot and apparatu~ tor rotor ln~ a relatlvely laprecl~ o~itloned el~ent by a varlabl~ auount to pre-cnt lt~ curtace or one or or- ~loctod portlonc thereor ~t a precl~ely detornlDed pocltlon ror the attac~eDt o~ anotber ele~ent thereto, and tbe ~cthod and apparatu~ are p rtlcul~rly ada~ted tor the retoraln~ ot a portlon ot an ele- nt ot an auto~otlvc lnnor body panel to recolva a aQtalllc or plactlc outer body paoel to b~ attached th~reto at a locatlon ~blch 1- oore preclc-ly deter~lned th~n tb orl~l~al locatlon ot cuch loner body panel el-a nt The ~pparatuc o~ the pt-c~nt lnvontlon lnclude~ one or aore ~lx~d anvll- ~hlch are oov~d lnto ~ix~d ~o-ltlonr on one ~ldo ot tbc Dortlon ot tbe inoer bo~y p~D-l elea-at that 1- to be r~toraed, prot~rably oa tbe outold~ thoreo~ r-latlve to th- lntorlor ot th vehlclo tbat 1~ belns producod The apparatu~ oloo lncl~dao tloatln~ oug-1~ port attochaent~ or ur--c- looatlns a-aber~ that ar- loc-~d on tb uu~
~lde ot th~ lnner body p Del loaont a~ th- tl~od an~ and ~hlch ~ov~, r~latlv~ to the tl~od anvll~, to~ard and a~ay troa th- ad~ac n~ portlon o-tbe ~ur-ace ot tbo lnnor bod,y ~anel ~loaent that 1~ to b ro~oroed ~ho floatln~ ~upport attacbnent ~rbor~ oro locotod on ~loatln~ ar-- on the o-2~ lde ot th~ lnn~r body pan-l a- thc ~ d anvll- and ar~ aatuat d to~rd tb-~ur~ace o- the lnnor body panol el~a~nt uDtil they Rka contact tb~r ~ltb to ~lnd~ the locatlon ot tbo lnn~r body ~anol at ~blch tlue tbo~ ar loc~-d ln a ~laed po~ltlon, ~roterably hydraullc~ , untll tb- N tor~ln~ oycl- le corplet~d z5 Th~ ~pparatu- o~ th- ~r-~-nt lDv ntlon al o laclud - a i n abl- r--tha~ 1~ located on tbe opDo-lto ldb o~ th~ 1QD r bodr D~o-l }~a~t b ~t re~or~ed Th~ aovable r~ 1~ aovabl- to~ard ~nd _ ~ ~ro- ~ch op~o lt-~2~8071 side of the inner body panel element and has pad forming blocks contacting the surface of the inner body panel that are positioned opposite the fixed anvils. After the floating arms have been brought into contact with the surface of the inner body panel element that is to be reformed and have been locked in position, the moveable ram is actuated to move toward the inner body panel element and to reform the portions thereof that are trapped between the fixed anvils and the pad forming blocks of the movable ram. Thus, the inner body panel element will be provided with one or more pads, the outside surface of each of which corresponds in position to the fixed position of the fixed anvil against which it is formed, regardless of the original position of the inner body panel element from which it is formed, the depth of each of such pads varying, therefore, according to the difference between the fixed position of its outer surface and the original position of the portion of the outer surface of the inner body panel element from which it is formed. Each of such pads is ready for the attachment of an outer body panel element thereto without any further machining or other processing being required to establish its fixed location. The only additional processing normally being required is the lancing, punching, or piercing of an aperture in such pad to receive a fastener for the fastening of the outer body panel element thereto, which lancing, punching, or piercing, if reguired or desired, most conveniently being done during the forming of the pad by a tool which reciprocates within the fixed anvils. The method and apparatus of the present invention can be used to prepare an automotive inner body panel for the attachment of sheet metal or plastic outer body panels to the inner body panels, according to the preference of the vehicle manufactures.
According to one aspect thereof the present invention thus provides an apparatus for reforming a first member having a relatively imprecise initial position to permit attachment to a second member having a predetermined fixed position, said first member having a first surface and a second surface whlch is A~
~a lZ91~71 opposed to said first surface said apparatus comprising: at least one anvil; movable means for supporting said at least one anvil at sa:Ld predetermined fixed position; at least two locating members disposed on opposite sides of said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members being connected to said movable means and movable relative to said at least one anvil;
means for moving said at least two locating members relative to said at least one anvil into contact with said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said at least two locating members in said contact w~th said first surface of said first member; a ram moveably connected to said movable means, said ram having at least one form block movable therewith, said at least one form block facing said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said at least one anvil; and means for moving said ram to move said at least one form block toward said at least one anvil to deform a portion of said first member that is between said at least two locatlng members to engage said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members supporting said first member in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member. Suitably said apparatus further comprises: piercing means for making a hole through said first member; and means for moving said piercing means to make said hole in said portion of said first member after said portion of said first memher has been deformed. Preferably said piercing means is carried by said movable means and is movable therewith, said piercing means being movable relative to said at least one anvil. Desirably said at least one anvil has an annular configuration and wherein said piercing means is located within said at least one anvil and is movable relative thereto, and wherein said means for moving said piercing means comprises means for reciprocating said piercing means within said at l~ast one anvil. Suitably least two locating members comprises at least an arm having a first end, a second end, and a pivot axis between said first end and said second end; and said means for moving said at least two locating A
lZ~. 7~
members comprises means for pivoting said arms about said pivot axis.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first surface of said first member, said apparatus comprising: a first anvil and a second anvil, said first anvil and said second anvil being fixed relative to one another and being spaced apart from one another;
movable means carrying said first anvil and said second anvil for positioning and first anvil at a first fixed position ad~acent said first surface of said first member and for positioning said second anvil at a second fixed position ad~acent said first surface of said first member; a first locating element, a second locating element, and a third locating element, one of said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element being positloned between said first anvil and said second anvil, said flrst anvil and sald second anvil being positioned between the other two of said first locating element and sald second locating element; means for moving said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element relative to said first anvil and said second anvil to bring at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said thlrd locatlng element into contact with said first surface of said first member and for locking said at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element against said first surface of said first member;
movable ram means having a first form block and a second form block, one of said first form block and sald second form block being generally in alignment with one of said flrst anvil and said second anvil, the other of said first form block and said second form block being generally in alignment with the other of said first anvil and said second anvil; and means for moving said A
~ 7~
movable ram means to move one of said first form block and said second form block toward one of said first anvil and said second anvil and to move the other of sald first form block and said second form block toward the other of said first anvil and said second anvil to thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said first form block and said second form block and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said other of said first anvil and said second anvil and said other of said first form block and said second form block. Suitably said movable ram means is carried by said movable means and is movable therewith, said movable ram means further being movable relative to said second anvil.
The apparatus further comprises: first movable piercing means;
second movable piercing means; and means for moving said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means to pierce said portion of said first member that is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said first form block and said second form block and to pierce said portion of said first member that is between said other of said first anvil and said second anvil and said other of said first form block and said second form block. Suitably said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means are carried by said movable means, one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means further being movable relative to one of said first anvil and said second anvil, the other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means further being movable relative to the other of said first anvil and said second anvil. Desirably said first anvil is annular, wherein said second anvil is annular, wherein said one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means is located within the annulus of one of said first anvil and said second anvil and is movable by reciprocation within said annulus of said one of said - 5b -~`
1 2 ~ ~ 7~
first anvil and said second anvll, and wherein said other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means is movable by reciprocation within the annulus of the other of sa:Ld first anvil and said second anvil, said means for moving said first movable piercing means comprising means for reciprocating said one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means within said annulus of said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and for reciprocating said other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means within said annulus of said other of said first anvil and said second anvil.
In one embodiment of the present invention said first locating element comprises a first arm having a first end, a second end, a pivot axis between said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm, said at least a portion of said first locating element being disposed ad~acent one of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm;
wherein sald second locating element comprlses a second arm havlng a first end, a second end, a pivot axis between said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, said at least a portion of said second locating element being disposed ad;acent one of said first end of said second arm and said end of said second arm; and wherein said third locating element comprises a third arm having a first end, a second end and a pivot axis between said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm, said at least a portion of said third locating element being disposed ad~acent one of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm. Suitably said pivot axis of said first arm, said pivot axis of said second arm, and said pivot axis of said third arm are coaxial. Desirably said pivot axis of said first arm is located closer to said one of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm than to the other of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm, wherein said pivot axis of said second arm is located closer to said one - 5c - t A
~ 71 of said first end of said second arm and second end of said second arm than to said other of said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, and wherein said pivot axis of said third arm is located closer to said one of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm than to the other of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm. Preferably said means for moving said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element relative to said first anvil and said second anvil comprises means which acts on said first arm ad~acent said other of said first end of said first arm on said other of said second end of said first arm, and said second arm ad~acent said other of said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, and on said third arm adjacent said other of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm.
The present invention again provides an apparatus for reforming a first member having a relatively imprecise initial position to permit attachment to a second member having a predetermined fixed position, said first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surface, said apparatus comprising: ar. anvil; movable means carrying said anvil for positioning said anvil at said predetermined fixed position;
locating means for locating said first member at said initial position, said locating means having at least first and second portions, said anvil being disposed between said first and second portions of said locating means, said locating means being carried by said movable means and being movable relative to said anvil; means for moving said locating means relative to said anvil to bring said first and second portions into contact wlth said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said first and second portions of said locating means in said contact with said first surface of said first - 5d -~t 129~
member; a movable form block being located ad;acent said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said anvil; and means for moving said movable form block toward said anvil to deform a Portion of said first member between said first and second portions of said locating means to engage said anvil, the remaining portion of said first member being supported by said first and second portions of said locating means in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
The present invention further provides the method of reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned member having a first support surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first support surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said method comprising the steps of: positioning an anvil on a net locating apparatus at a predetermined fixed position; providing locating means on opposite sides of said anvil such as to straddle said anvil; advancing said locating means towards said preclsely positioned member until said locating means comes into contact with said imprecisely positioned member; continue advancing said locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said locating means to float with respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said locat~ng means such that said locating means finds the location of said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; locking said locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; end imposing a load, through a pad forming block, ad;acent said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said predetermined fixed positioned anvil to deform the portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said anvil while said portlon is supported by said locating means, whereby said portion of said f - 5e -~29~3~`71 imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said predetermined fixed positioned anvil. Suitably the step of piercing said precisely positioned portion of said imprecisely positioned member while said deformed portion of said imprecisely positioned member is between said anvil and said pad forming block. Desirably said anvil is in the configuration of an annulus and wherein said step of piercing is performed by advancing a tool through said annulus of said anvil.
The present invention also provides the method of reformlng first and second spaced apart portions of a relatively imprecisely positioned member having a first support surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first support surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of at least one second member to said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a first anvil on a net locating apparatus at a first predetermined fixed posltion, posltlonlng a second an~il on a net locating apparatus at a second predetermined fixed position ad~acent said first anvil; providing first locating means between said first anvil and said second anvil; providing second and third locating means on opposing sides of said first locating means such that said first anvil is disposed between said first and second locating means and said second anvil is disposed between said first locating means and said third locating means;
advancing said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means simultaneously towards said imprecisely positioned member until said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means come into contact with said imprecisely positioned member; continue advancing said first, second and third locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said first, second and third locating means to float wlth respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said first, second and third locating means such that said first, - 5f - t A
lZ9~17~
second and third locating means finds the location of said first support surfacé of said imprecisely positioned member; locking said first locating means, said second locating means and said third locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; imposing a first load, through a first pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said first anvil to deform said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said first anvil while said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by said firs-t locating means and one of said second locating means and said third locating means whereby said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said first predetermined fixed position of said first anvil; and simultaneous with said step of imposing said first load imposing a second load, through a second pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said second anvll to deform said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member agalnst sald second anvil whlle sald second portlon of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by sald flrst locating means and the other of sald second locating means and said third locating means such that said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said second predetermined fixed position of said second anvil. Suitably said method further comprises the steps of: piercing said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member while said first portion of said imprecisely, positioned member is between said first anvil and said first pad forming block; and simultaneous with said step of piercing said first portion piercing said second portion of sald impreclsely positioned member while said second portlon of said lmprecisely positioned member is between said second anvll and sald second pad forming block. Desirably sald flrst anvll ls in the configuration of an annulus, whereln sald second anvll is in configuration of an annulus, wherein sald step of plercing said ~ 5g ~
~2~71 first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is performed by advancing a first tool through said annulus of said first anvil and wherein said step of piercing said second portion of said Lmprecisely positioned member is performed by advancing a second tool through said annulus of said second anvil.
The present invention also provides the method of reforming a member that has first and second surfaces, said method comprising the steps of: placing an anvil on a net locating apparatus at a first predetermined fixed position; moving a floating support attachment, that is ad~acent said anvil, into contact with said first surface of said imprecisely positioned member; immobilizing the position of said anvil after said placing step; locking said floating support attachment with respect to said anvil; moving a pad forming block against said second surface to deform a portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said anv~l while said portion is supported by said floating support attachment;
and piercing the deformed portion of said imprecisely positioned member by advancing a tool in a direction toward said first surface while sald deformed portion is lmmobilized between said pad forming block.
Thus the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely located element to present a surface thereof at a precise location for the attachment of another element thereto.
The present invention also provides a method of and apparatus for reforming an element of an automotive inner body panel to present a portion of the surface of such element at a predetermined position for the attachment of an outer body panel thereto.
The present invention further provides a method of an apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely located element to present a surface thereof at a precise location for the attachment of - 5h -o ~L2~ fl another element thereto and for forming a hole in such surface to facilitate the attachment of the other element thereto.
More particularly, the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for reforming an element of an automotive inner body panel to present a portion of the surface of such element at a predetermined position for the attachment of another element thereto and for forming a hole in such surface to facilitate the attachment of the element thereto.
The present invention will be further illustrated by way of the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure l is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus that is shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing various of the elements of the apparatus that is shown in Figures 1 and 2;
- 5i -~2g~7~
Figure 4 is a fragmentary schematic view showing a step in the method of the present invention using the apparatus of Figures 1 through 3:
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing a subsequent step in the method of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a portion of an automotive inner body element that has been processed by the apparatus according to Figures 1 through 3 and by the method according to Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 is a fragmentary plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.
According to the present invention there is provided a net locating device in the fore of a pad forming devicè that is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 with reference to the Figures. The pad forming device 10 is movable, in unison, into and away from working engagement with a portion or an automotive inner body panel, indicated by reference character IP, at a work station where the central X, Y, and Z
axes of such inner body panel, which is usually in the form of a skeleton of the vehicle that is to be formed therefrom, are precisely positioned relative to one or more of the pad forming devices 10, in a suitable fixture, not shown, which is known in the art.
The structure or the pad forming device 10 is carried by a mounting plate 12 which is an element of such pad forming device and which, as shown in Figure 3, is irregularly-shaped and is provided with a first aperture 12a and a second aperture 12b therein, for reasons which will be explained more fully herein. The pad forming device 10 is adapted to form a multiplicity, shown as two, of closely-spaced raised X
~2~
attachment pads in the inner body panel lP, such raised pads being generally identified by reference character P in figure 6. The pad forming device 10 also includes firs and second spaced apart side plates 14 and 16, respectively, which are attached to the mounting plate 12 in any suitable manner, for example, by threaded fasteners, not shown, and which extend generally normally from the mounting plate 12, and generally parallel to one another, toward the inner body panel lP that is being processed.
A generally L-shaped mounting plate 18 extends across the space between the first side plate 14 and the second plate 16 and the mounting plate 18 is secured to each of the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 16 in a suitable manner, for example, by cap screws including cap screws 20 and 22, as is shown in Figure 2. For a two raised attachment pad forming device 10 of the type shown in the drawing and as heretofore described, first and second fixed anvils 24 and 26, of a known position, are attached to an intermediate horizontal surface 18a and a vertical surface 18b of the mounting plate 18 and are secured to the mounting plate 18 in a suitable manner, for example, by cap screws 28. The fixed anvils 24 and 26 have work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a, respectively, which, by the mechanism and the associated motion controls that are used to move the pad forming device 10 into working engagement with the inner body panel lP, - which mechanism and controls, that is commonly referred to as a net locating device, precisely positions the X, Y, and Z
axes of the work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a relative to the X, Y, and Z axes of the inner body panel. This precise location is preferably always at least some minimum fixed predetermined distance, for example, in this embodiment, at least approximately 1 mm away from the adjacent portions of the outer surface of the inner body panel lP in its outermost or maximum position. Thus, because there is typically a : L29~ ~1 variance of approximately 4 to 5 mm in the final position of the outer surface of an inner body panel element, each of the work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a of the fixed anvils 24 and :26 will be spaced from 1 mm to approximately 5 mm from the adjacent portions of the - 7a -X
~29~
outer sur~ace of the lnner body panel ~h~rn~ ter such ~ork contactlng ur~ace~ 24a and Zffn have been brou~ht into ~orkln~ en~a~e~ent ~ith the inner body panel ~e~e~
The portlon~ o~ the ourrace o~ the lnner body psnel 1~ that are ad~acent the work contactln~ surraces z4a and 28a are physlcally 3upported on both sldes o~ each o~ the ~lrst and second ~ixed envi 19 '~4 and 2~ durln~
the re~orelng o~ the inner body panel lP to produce the ralsed ~ttachaent pads ~ re~ardle~s o~ the orl~lnal ~p~clny o~ the outor ~ur~ace o~ the lnner body panel IP ~roa the ~ork contactlnK ~ur~aces by three ~loatln~ support lU attschuents 30, 32, and 34 whlch are attached at one end o~ each o~ three ~paced-apart ~loatln~ arus 3ff, ~8 and 40 whlch are locked ln a ~lxed porl-tlon prlor to re~or-ln~ The ~loatln~ arns 3H, 38 and 40 are plvotable nbout a co~on axls thst extends through holeA 3~a, 38n and 4Ua ln the ~loatlng srns, re-pectlvely, such co~aon axl~ beln~ the central axls o~ a ~lxed plvot sha~t 42 that extends throuyh the holes 3~a, 38a, and 40a, ~hlch are allgned ~lth one another and throu~h holes 18c and 18d ln L-~hap~d ~ountlng plate extenslon~ 18e and 18~, re~pectlvely, that extend ~or~ardly ~ro~ the L-shaped aountlng plate 18 the ~ountlng plnte extenslon 18e beln~
po~ltloned bet~een the tloatlns ar~ 38 and 40 and the aountlng plate exten-~o slon 18~ belnK posltloned bet~een the ~loatlng ar~s 3~ and 38 The ~loatiny ar-s 3~, 38, and 40 are provlded wlth hole~ 33b, 38b, and 40b respectlvely, whlch are spaced ~ron the hole~ 38a, S8s, and 40a, respectlvely, and the rockln~ or osclllatlon o~ the ~loatln~ ar~s 3B, 98, and 4U about the centr61 ~xi8 e~tendln~ throu~h the hole~ 38a, 38a, ond 40a z~ is cau~ed by plvotally attQchlnK the ~loatln~ arra 3~, 38, and 4U to ~ yoke portlon 44a o~ a reclprocable draw yoke 44 by ean~ o~ a rloatln~ ~lvot sha~t 4ff that e~tends throu~h the holes 38b, ~8b, ~nd 40b o~ the ~loatln~
ar~ 3~, 38, and 4U and tbrough the yoke portior, 44a o~ the reclprocable drnw yoke 44 Ac 1~ clear ~ro~ ure~ 1 and ~ o~ the drawln~s, the plvot ~o a~l~ o~ each ~loatln~ sr- 3~, 38, and 4U throu~h the ~lxed plvot hatt 42 i~
~;29~t7~
~uch clo~er to the end ot each such nr~ thnt c~rrle~ the ~loating ~upport attachuents 9~ , and 94, respectlvely, than lt i8 to the e~d that carrles the plvot a~l~ through the rloatln~ pivot shart 4ff. 'rhlY relatlonshlp pro-.^ ~ c ~ o C~
vlde~ leverage ~hlch reduce~ the loadln~s on the ~ elln~w3-~ dra~ yoke 44 and S ~ lt helps ln the posltlonln~ o~ the rloatlng support attachnents 3u, 32, and ~ CC ~ O C ~
34 agalnst the lnner body panel 1~. ~rhe ~lul;uP~e } draw yoke 44 reclDroca-tes ln ~ulde notches 17C and 12d o~ the ~ountln~ plate lZ, and the reclpro-catlon 18 actuated by an hydr~ullc ~ork ~upport devlce ~8 Or a kno~n type, l.e., Hytec Hydroullc ~ork Yupport No. lOU231, a type o~ devlce ~hlch ~111 lU lock the work contactln8 ~uri'aces o~ the ~loatln~ support attachnents 3U, 32, snd 34 agalnst the outer surrace o~ the lnner body panel lP once the tloatln~ arn~ 3~, 98, and 4U have been ~lped ~ar enou~h to~ard the outer ~urtace ot the lnner body p~nel IP to ~lnd" the location o~ the lnner body panel 1~, that 18, to brln~ the ~ork contactln~ surraces o~ the ~loatln~
~up~ort attachaentJ lnto contact ~lth the lnner body panol lP as Jho~n in the pre~erred eabodiaent. Uther kno~n devlce~ such as the type ~hlch open coepletely to recelve the lnner body panel lP and sub-equently are allo~ed to ~loat lnto contact ~lth the lnner body panel to "~lnd~ the locatlon o~
the lnner body panel W are also lntended to be u~ed ln the ~1~n~TttoD pad zU roraln~ devlce.
Unce the ~loatlng support attacheent~ 3U, 92, and havo "round"
the outer ~ur~ace o~ the lnner body panel lP and have been locked ln po~l-tlon thereagaln~t, as heretotore de~crlbed, the portloD~ o~ the lnner body panel lP between the rloatln~ support attach~ent~ 90, 9Z, and ~4 are deror~ed outwardly untll they aake contact ~lth the ~ork contactln~ ~urracos 24a nnd ZBa ot the ~lr~t and second ~l~ed anvlls 24 and 25, re~pectlvely.
Thls de~orælng 18 ~cco~pll~hed under a load that 1~ l~poaed by spaced apart ~lrst and second pad ror~ln~ blocks 5~ and 5~ that are attached ln a pacod-apart relatlonshlp to a ~enorally L-shaped hydraullcally actuated raa b4.
so The pad roreln~ block~ 50 and ~2 are attached to the hydraullc r~a 64 by cap scre~ 55. The hydraullc rs~ 64 18 reclprocated bet~een the broken llne 12~8(~71 posltlon sho~n ln ~lgure 1 ~nd the solld line posltlon sho~n ln ~ucb ~lguro by an hydraullc cyllnder 56 that 18 rounted to the back o~ the aountln~
plate 12 and i8 connected to the ra- 54 throu~h the aperture 12b The reclprocatlon ot the hydraullc ran 54 18 ~ulded by rlrst, ~econd, and third ways 57 that tor- the lnslde ~urrace o~ the ~lrst and ~econd ~lde plates 14 end lff, and by are ounted ln place by ~lr~t and ~econd spacer bars 14a, 14b, l~a, and l~b that ~re attached to the ln~lde ~ur~ace ot the ilrst and second slde plates 14 and lff A~ter the ralsed attachaent pad~ ~ have been ror~ed by the lU de~ornlng o~ the inner body panel lP bet~een the tlr-t ~nd second ~ad ~or~ing blocks W nnd ~2 snd the tlrst and ~econd fl~ed anvlls ~4 and 2ff, A~
hereto~ore descrlbed, and be~ore the extension o~ the hydraullc raa ~4 to retract the pad torvln~ blocks ~o and ~a ~ron the lnner body panel lP and the unlocklng ot the hydr~ullc ~ork Jupport ~ulde 48 to retract the ~loatln~
arns ~ff, 38, and 4v ro- the lnner body panel lP, to thereby perult the retractlon ot the pad ror-ln~ devlce lo ~ro~ the lnner body panel lP, lt 18 rrequently deslrable to ror- an aperturs ln each Or the ralsed attach ent pnds ~ by lsncln~ an openln~, punchlng a slu~ thero~rou, or by tbe plercin~
thereot, to provlde attacb ent apertures, ~uch ac punched-out hole~ H, ln the ralsed attach-ent pads P ~or the subsequent attachnent o~ an outer body panel to such ralsed attach-ent pads ~ l~he lanclns, punchln~, or plercin~
o~ the ralsed nttach~ent pads ~ nay be done aost convenlently by the pad ~or~ln~ devlce 10, be~ore lt 19 withdrewn ~ro- the lnner body panel lP
Thu~, the pad ~oroln~ devlce 10 i9 provided wlth lancln~, plercln~, or ~5 punchln~ tools 58 and ffO, the punchln~ tool~ bein~ a~tl~ed, re-pectlvely, to retalners ff2 and ff4 thst, ln turn, are a~ ed to a reciprocable bydraullc punchln~ ra- ffff wlth back-up plntes ff8 and 70, respectlvely, beln~ nounted between the retalners ff2 and ff4 and the hydraullc punchln~ raa ffff The hydraulic punchln~ r~ ffff 18 provlded wlth outwardly proJectln~ ~lan~e~ ffffa 3U and ffffb and the reclprocatlon or the punchln~ r~e ffff 18 ~ulded by ~ulde8 14c and lffC ln the rlrst slde plate 14 and the ~econd ~lde plate lff The reclprocation Or the punching ra- ffff 1~ hydraullcally actuated by an ~25~
bydraulic cyllnder 7~ that 1~ att~ched to ehe back of tho ~ountln~ plate 12, the connectlon between the hydrnullc cyllnder 7~ and the punchln~ ran ~ff extendln~ throuyh the flrst aperture 12a ln the eountln~ plate 12 ~l~ure 7 lllustrate~ the toollng porelon o~ a pnd ~or~lng devlce, ~enerally ldentlfled by reference nu-eral llo, whlch 18 userul ~hen lt 18 only necessary to ~or- a sln~le raised attach ent pad ~ ln a ~lven nrea of an lnner body panel I~, ~8 opposed to the pad ~orelng devlce lU of ~l~ure~ 1 - throu~h ~ hlch i8 useful ~hen lt 1~ nece~ary to tora at lea~t t~o closely-spaced ral~ed attach ent pad~ ~ ln such lnner body panel I~ ln any case, the pad for~ln~ devlce carrle~ a flxed anvll 124 and an annulQr locatlng nenber 130 ~hlch 1~ reclprocable ~lth re~pect to the ~l~ed anvll 124 The annular locatln~ ~eaber 130 floats a~alnst the lnner body panel I~
to flnd ~aee, ~hereafter ~h~_1b~ the ~lxed anvll ~4 1~ brought to a ~l~ed po~ltlon adJacent such lnner body panel by a locatln~ devlce, not sho~n rhe floatln~ ~ove~ent of the annular locatln~ ue~ber 1~ a~l9ted by a coll sprln~ 14~ A ter the annular locatln~ ~e~ber 190 ha~ "~ound~ or ade con-tsct wlth the adJacent surface o~ the lnner body panel IY, lt 1~ hydraull-cally locked ln place, as lllustrated by reference character 148, and the ~or~ block 152 on the other slde of the inner body panel lP, ln ~eneral z~ allgn~ent wlth the flxed anvll 124, 1~ drlven hydraullcally by a cyllnder 154, sho~n sche-atlcally, to~ard the flxed anvll lZ4 to de~or~ the portion ot the lnner body panel I~ that 18 posltloned bet~een the flxed anvll lZ4 and the foru block lS2 to for~ a ralsed attachaent pad ~ thereln The lnnor body panel I~ 18 supported on each side of the portlon tbat 1~ beln~
de~or~ed by the hydraullcally flxed annular locatln~ ~eaber 13~ to locallzo the defor~ation of the lnner body panel I~ that occurs ~hen the torn block 152 1~ ur~ed therea~alnst A~ln, as ln the ca~e ot the pad tornln~ devlce 10 ot the enbodl-aent o~ ~lguros 1 throu~h ~, the pad for~ln~ devlce 110 o( the o-bodl-ent ot 1;~98~ ~1 Figure 7 may be provided with a punching tool 160 to punch or pierce a hole in the raised attachment pad P, after the raised attachment pad P has been formed in the inner body panel lP by the deforming thereof as heretofore explained.
When the pad forming device is provided with such a punching tool 160, the fixed anvil 124 is constructed in an annular configuration and the punching tool 160 is reciprocably positioned within the annulus of the fixed anvil 124, the reciprocation of the punching tool 160 within the annulus of the fixed anvil 124 being hydraulically actuated by an hydraulic cylinder 172, shown schematically.
Claims (25)
1. An apparatus for reforming a first member having a relatively imprecise initial position to permit attachment to a second member having a predetermined fixed position, said first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surface said apparatus comprising: at least one anvil; movable means for supporting said at least one anvil at said predetermined fixed position;
at least two locating members disposed on opposite sides of said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members being connected to said movable means and movable relative to said at least one anvil; means for moving said at least two locating members relative to said at least one anvil into contact with said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said at least two locating members in said contact with said first surface of said first member; a ram movably connected to said movable means, said ram having at least one form block movable therewith, said at least one form block facing said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said at least one anvil; and means for moving said ram to move said at least one form block toward said at least one anvil to deform a portion of said first member that is between said at least two locating members to engage said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members supporting said first member in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
at least two locating members disposed on opposite sides of said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members being connected to said movable means and movable relative to said at least one anvil; means for moving said at least two locating members relative to said at least one anvil into contact with said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said at least two locating members in said contact with said first surface of said first member; a ram movably connected to said movable means, said ram having at least one form block movable therewith, said at least one form block facing said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said at least one anvil; and means for moving said ram to move said at least one form block toward said at least one anvil to deform a portion of said first member that is between said at least two locating members to engage said at least one anvil, said at least two locating members supporting said first member in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising:
piercing means for making a hole through said first member;
and means for moving said piercing means to make said hole in said portion of said first member after said portion of said first member has been deformed.
piercing means for making a hole through said first member;
and means for moving said piercing means to make said hole in said portion of said first member after said portion of said first member has been deformed.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said piercing means is carried by said movable means and is movable therewith, said piercing means being movable relative to said at least one anvil.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said at least one anvil has an annular configuration and wherein said piercing means is located within said at least one anvil and is movable relative thereto, and wherein said means for moving said piercing means comprises means for reciprocating said piercing means within said at least one anvil.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein: each of said at least two locating members comprises at least an arm having a first end, a second end, and a pivot axis between said first end and said second end; and said means for moving said at least two locating members comprises means for pivoting said arms about said pivot axis.
6. An apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first surface of said first member, said apparatus comprising: a first anvil and a second anvil, said first anvil and said second anvil being fixed relative to one another and being spaced apart from one another;
movable means carrying said first anvil and said second anvil for positioning said first anvil at a first fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member and for positioning said second anvil at a second fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member; a first locating element, a second locating element, and a third locating element, one of said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element being positioned between said first anvil and said second anvil, said first anvil and said second anvil being positioned between the other two of said first locating element and said second locating element; means for moving said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element relative to said first anvil and said second anvil to bring at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element into contact with said first surface of said first member and for locking said at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element against said first surface of said first member; movable ram means having a first form block and a second form block, one of said first form block and said second form block being generally in alignment with one of said first anvil and said second anvil, the other of said first form block and said second form block being generally in alignment with the other of said first anvil and said second anvil; and means for moving said movable ram means to move one of said first form block and said second form block toward one of said first anvil and said second anvil and to move the other of said first form block and said second form block toward the other of said first anvil and said second anvil to thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said first form block and said second form block and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said other of said first anvil and said second anvil and said other of said first form block and said second form block.
movable means carrying said first anvil and said second anvil for positioning said first anvil at a first fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member and for positioning said second anvil at a second fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member; a first locating element, a second locating element, and a third locating element, one of said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element being positioned between said first anvil and said second anvil, said first anvil and said second anvil being positioned between the other two of said first locating element and said second locating element; means for moving said first locating element, said second locating element, and said third locating element relative to said first anvil and said second anvil to bring at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element into contact with said first surface of said first member and for locking said at least a portion of each of said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element against said first surface of said first member; movable ram means having a first form block and a second form block, one of said first form block and said second form block being generally in alignment with one of said first anvil and said second anvil, the other of said first form block and said second form block being generally in alignment with the other of said first anvil and said second anvil; and means for moving said movable ram means to move one of said first form block and said second form block toward one of said first anvil and said second anvil and to move the other of said first form block and said second form block toward the other of said first anvil and said second anvil to thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said first form block and said second form block and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said other of said first anvil and said second anvil and said other of said first form block and said second form block.
7. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said movable ram means is carried by said movable means and is movable therewith, said movable ram means further being movable relative to said first anvil and being movable relative to said second anvil.
8. An apparatus according to claim 6, and further comprising: first movable piercing means; second movable piercing means; and means for moving said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means to pierce said portion of said first member that is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said first form block and said second form block and to pierce said portion of said first member that is between said other of said first anvil and said second anvil and said other of said first form block and said second form block.
9. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means are carried by said movable means, one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means further being movable relative to one of said first anvil and said second anvil, the other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means further being movable relative to the other of said first anvil and said second anvil.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said first anvil is annular, wherein said second anvil is annular, wherein said one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means is located within the annulus of one of said first anvil and said second anvil and is movable by reciprocation within said annulus of said one of said first anvil and said second anvil, and wherein said other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means is movable by reciprocation within the annulus of the other of said first anvil and said second anvil, said means for moving said first movable piercing means comprising means for reciprocating said one of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means within said annulus of said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and for reciprocating said other of said first movable piercing means and said second movable piercing means within said annulus of said other of said firs anvil and said second anvil.
11. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said first locating element comprises a first arm having a first end, a second end, a pivot axis between said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm, said at least a portion of said first locating element being disposed adjacent one of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm; wherein said second locating element comprises a second arm having a first end, a second end, a pivot axis between said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, said at least a portion of said second locating element being disposed adjacent one of said first end of said second arm and said end of said second arm; and wherein said third locating element comprises a third arm having a first end, a second end and a pivot axis between said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm, said at least a portion of said third locating element being disposed adjacent one of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said pivot axis of said first arm, said pivot axis of said second arm, and said pivot axis of said third arm are coaxial.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said pivot axis of said first arm is located closer to said one of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm than to the other of said first end of said first arm and said second end of said first arm, wherein said pivot axis of said second arm is located closer to said one of said first end of said second arm and second end of said second arm than to said other of said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, and wherein said pivot axis of said third arm is located closer to said one of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm than to the other of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said means for moving said first locating element, said second locating element and said third locating element relative to said first anvil and said second anvil comprises means which acts on said first arm adjacent said other of said first end of said first arm on said other of said second end of said first arm, and said second arm adjacent said other of said first end of said second arm and said second end of said second arm, and on said third arm adjacent said other of said first end of said third arm and said second end of said third arm.
15. An apparatus for reforming a first member having a relatively imprecise initial position to permit attachment to a second member having a predetermined fixed position, said first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surface, said apparatus comprising: an anvil; movable means carrying said anvil for positioning said anvil at said predetermined fixed position:
locating means for locating said first member at said initial position, said locating means having at least first and second portions, said anvil being disposed between said first and second portions of said locating means, said locating means being carried by said movable means and being movable relative to said anvil; means for moving said locating means relative to said anvil to bring said first and second portions into contact with said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said first and second portions of said locating means in said contact with said first surface of said first member; a movable form block being located adjacent said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said anvil; and means for moving said movable form block toward said anvil to deform a portion of said first member between said first and second portions of said locating means to engage said anvil, the remaining portion of said first member being supported by said first and second portions of said locating means in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
locating means for locating said first member at said initial position, said locating means having at least first and second portions, said anvil being disposed between said first and second portions of said locating means, said locating means being carried by said movable means and being movable relative to said anvil; means for moving said locating means relative to said anvil to bring said first and second portions into contact with said first surface of said first member at said initial position and for locking said first and second portions of said locating means in said contact with said first surface of said first member; a movable form block being located adjacent said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said anvil; and means for moving said movable form block toward said anvil to deform a portion of said first member between said first and second portions of said locating means to engage said anvil, the remaining portion of said first member being supported by said first and second portions of said locating means in said initial position during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
16. An apparatus according to claim 13 and further comprising: a movable piercing tool; and means for moving said movable piercing tool to pierce said portion of said first member after said portion of said first member has been deformed.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said movable piercing tool is movable relative to said anvil.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said anvil is annular in configuration and wherein said movable piercing tool is located within the annulus of said anvil and movable relative to said anvil by reciprocation within said annulus, said means for moving said movable piercing tool comprising means for reciprocating said movable piercing tool within said annulus of said anvil.
19. The method of reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned member having a first support surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first support surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said method comprising the steps of: positioning an anvil on a net locating apparatus at a predetermined fixed position; providing locating means on opposite sides of said anvil such as to straddle said anvil; advancing said locating means towards said imprecisely positioned member until said locating means comes into contact with said imprecisely positioned member;
continue advancing said locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said locating means to float with respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said locating means such that said locating means finds the location of said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member;
locking said locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; and imposing a load, through a pad forming block, adjacent said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said predetermined fixed positioned anvil to deform the portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said anvil while said portion is supported by said locating means, whereby said portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said predetermined fixed positioned anvil.
continue advancing said locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said locating means to float with respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said locating means such that said locating means finds the location of said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member;
locking said locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; and imposing a load, through a pad forming block, adjacent said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said predetermined fixed positioned anvil to deform the portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said anvil while said portion is supported by said locating means, whereby said portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said predetermined fixed positioned anvil.
20. The method according to claim 19 and further comprising the step of piercing said precisely positioned portion of said imprecisely positioned member while said deformed portion of said imprecisely positioned member is between said anvil and said pad forming block.
21. The method according to claim 20 wherein said anvil is in the configuration of an annulus and wherein said step of piercing is performed by advancing a tool through said annulus of said anvil.
22. The method of reforming first and second spaced apart portions of a relatively imprecisely positioned member having a first support surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first support surface to permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of at least one second member to said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said method comprising the steps of:
positioning a first anvil on a net locating apparatus at a first predetermined fixed position; positioning a second anvil on a net locating apparatus at a second predetermined fixed position adjacent said first anvil; providing first locating means between said first anvil and said second anvil; providing second and third locating means on opposing sides of said first locating means such that said first anvil is diposed between said first and second locating means and said second anvil is disposed between said first locating means and said third locating means; advancing said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means simulataneously towards said imprecisely positioned member until said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means come into contact with said imprecisely positioned member;
continue advancing said first, second and third locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said first, second and third locating means to float with respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said first, second and third locating means such that said first, second and third locating means finds the location of siad first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; locking said first locating means, said second locating means and said third locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; imposing a first load, through a first pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said first anvil to deform said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said first anvil while said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by said first locating means and one of said second locating means and said third locating means whereby said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said first predetermined fixed position of said first anvil;
and simultaneous with said step of imposing said first load imposing a second load, through a second pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said second anvil to deform said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said second anvil while said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by said first locating means and the other of said second locating means and said third locating means such that said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said second predetermined fixed position of said second anvil.
positioning a first anvil on a net locating apparatus at a first predetermined fixed position; positioning a second anvil on a net locating apparatus at a second predetermined fixed position adjacent said first anvil; providing first locating means between said first anvil and said second anvil; providing second and third locating means on opposing sides of said first locating means such that said first anvil is diposed between said first and second locating means and said second anvil is disposed between said first locating means and said third locating means; advancing said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means simulataneously towards said imprecisely positioned member until said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means come into contact with said imprecisely positioned member;
continue advancing said first, second and third locating means towards said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member, said net locating apparatus permitting said first, second and third locating means to float with respect to said imprecisely positioned member during the continuing advancement of said first, second and third locating means such that said first, second and third locating means finds the location of siad first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; locking said first locating means, said second locating means and said third locating means in position against said first support surface of said imprecisely positioned member; imposing a first load, through a first pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said first anvil to deform said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said first anvil while said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by said first locating means and one of said second locating means and said third locating means whereby said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said first predetermined fixed position of said first anvil;
and simultaneous with said step of imposing said first load imposing a second load, through a second pad forming block, against said second surface of said imprecisely positioned member generally in alignment with said second anvil to deform said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said second anvil while said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is supported by said first locating means and the other of said second locating means and said third locating means such that said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is precisely positioned with respect to said second predetermined fixed position of said second anvil.
23. The method according to claim 22 and further comprising the steps of: piercing said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member while said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is between said first anvil and said first pad forming block; and simultaneous with said step of piercing said first portion piercing said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member while said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is between said second anvil and said second pad forming block.
24. The method according to claim 23 wherein said first anvil is in the configuration of an annulus, wherein said second anvil is in configuration of an annulus, wherein said step of piercing said first portion of said imprecisely positioned member is performed by advancing a first tool through said annulus of said first anvil and wherein said step of piercing said second portion of said imprecisely positioned member is performed by advancing a second tool through said annulus of said second anvil.
25. The method of reforming a member that has first and second surfaces, said method comprising the steps of: placing an anvil on a net locating apparatus at a first predetermined fixed position; moving a floating support attachment, that is adjacent said anvil, into contact with said first surface of said imprecisely positioned member; immobilizing the position of said anvil after said placing step; locking said floating support attachment with respect to said anvil; moving a pad forming block against said second surface to deform a portion of said imprecisely positioned member against said anvil while said portion is supported by said floating support attachment; and piercing the deformed portion of said imprecisely positioned member by advancing a tool in a direction toward said first surface while said deformed portion is immobilized between said pad forming block.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US81004585A | 1985-12-17 | 1985-12-17 | |
| US810,045 | 1985-12-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1298071C true CA1298071C (en) | 1992-03-31 |
Family
ID=25202830
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000525464A Expired - Lifetime CA1298071C (en) | 1985-12-17 | 1986-12-16 | Method and apparatus for body panel attachment |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2609520B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR950014306B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1010563B (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8606208A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1298071C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3642900C2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2004352A6 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2591519B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2184677B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1198221B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE467529B (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2740094B1 (en) * | 1995-10-18 | 1997-11-28 | Renault | METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE PANELS OF A BODY OF MOTOR VEHICLES |
| DE19750433A1 (en) * | 1997-11-14 | 1999-06-02 | Telefunken Microelectron | Process for producing a mounting plate |
| DE102004003427B4 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2007-03-29 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Device for processing a workpiece |
| DE102004038208B4 (en) * | 2004-08-05 | 2008-11-13 | Daimler Ag | Method and tool device for forming |
| DE102004038209B4 (en) * | 2004-08-05 | 2008-11-13 | Daimler Ag | Tooling and method of forming |
| DE102006015458B4 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2019-02-28 | Eckold Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method and tool device for forming |
| EP2177291B1 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2015-04-15 | TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG | Method for cutting and/or forming of workpieces |
| FR2954721B1 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2011-12-30 | Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa | DEVICE FOR FASTENING A PLATE AGAINST A FLAT FACE OF A FIXED PART AND APPLICATION OF SAID DEVICE FOR FASTENING A SUPPORT PLATE AGAINST A FIXED PART OF A MOTOR VEHICLE |
| JP5551835B2 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2014-07-16 | ヘンロブ・リミテッド | Fastening method and fastening device |
| CN102730103A (en) * | 2011-04-13 | 2012-10-17 | 漳州市昌龙汽车附件有限公司 | Edge positioning device for car axle |
| CN103879473B (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2016-08-24 | 北京汽车股份有限公司 | A kind of online boring method of body of a motor car |
| JP6310346B2 (en) * | 2014-07-03 | 2018-04-11 | パナホーム株式会社 | Caulking device |
| CN107442655B (en) * | 2017-08-16 | 2023-07-25 | 无锡威唐工业技术股份有限公司 | Processing die for seat side plate |
| DE102018001174B4 (en) * | 2018-02-15 | 2020-01-23 | Creative Wave Gmbh | Process for the modular production of a show car |
| DE102019101596A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-23 | Tox Pressotechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for embossing and punching a plate-like workpiece |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4445264A (en) * | 1982-03-09 | 1984-05-01 | Carl Banerian | Tool for a method of forming dimples in sheet metal for recessing rivet heads |
| JPS58193123A (en) * | 1982-05-08 | 1983-11-10 | Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kk | Method and apparatus for forming thermoplastic resin foamed sheet |
| US4438971A (en) * | 1982-09-15 | 1984-03-27 | General Motors Corporation | Method and apparatus for plastic body panel attachment |
-
1986
- 1986-11-25 KR KR1019860009938A patent/KR950014306B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-12-02 IT IT22529/86A patent/IT1198221B/en active
- 1986-12-08 FR FR868617606A patent/FR2591519B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1986-12-12 ES ES8603396A patent/ES2004352A6/en not_active Expired
- 1986-12-15 BR BR8606208A patent/BR8606208A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-12-16 CA CA000525464A patent/CA1298071C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-16 DE DE3642900A patent/DE3642900C2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-16 SE SE8605400A patent/SE467529B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-12-17 JP JP61299075A patent/JP2609520B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-17 GB GB8630160A patent/GB2184677B/en not_active Expired
- 1986-12-17 CN CN86108533A patent/CN1010563B/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3642900C2 (en) | 1996-07-11 |
| JP2609520B2 (en) | 1997-05-14 |
| SE8605400L (en) | 1987-06-18 |
| CN1010563B (en) | 1990-11-28 |
| SE8605400D0 (en) | 1986-12-16 |
| KR870005863A (en) | 1987-07-07 |
| FR2591519B1 (en) | 1991-02-08 |
| IT1198221B (en) | 1988-12-21 |
| GB2184677A (en) | 1987-07-01 |
| IT8622529A0 (en) | 1986-12-02 |
| GB2184677B (en) | 1989-10-11 |
| FR2591519A1 (en) | 1987-06-19 |
| DE3642900A1 (en) | 1987-06-19 |
| CN86108533A (en) | 1987-07-29 |
| KR950014306B1 (en) | 1995-11-24 |
| GB8630160D0 (en) | 1987-01-28 |
| JPS62142035A (en) | 1987-06-25 |
| SE467529B (en) | 1992-08-03 |
| ES2004352A6 (en) | 1989-01-01 |
| BR8606208A (en) | 1987-09-29 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1298071C (en) | Method and apparatus for body panel attachment | |
| JP2880490B1 (en) | Press equipment | |
| US5377519A (en) | Punch and die for forming a protrusion and a pair of slits in sheet material | |
| US4760633A (en) | Method for body panel attachment | |
| DE59007039D1 (en) | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A DRIVE FOR A VEHICLE ACCESSORY. | |
| EP1140415B1 (en) | Device for clamping and welding pieces of sheet metal | |
| FR2636879B1 (en) | CUTTING AND PUNCHING DEVICE FOR SHEET MATERIAL | |
| BR9100339A (en) | DEVICE FOR WELDING SUB-GROUPS OF MOTOR VEHICLE BODIES CONTAINED BY PRINTED PLATE ELEMENTS | |
| US4884431A (en) | Apparatus for body panel attachment | |
| KR930007583A (en) | Sequential Feed Processing Equipment | |
| CA2210942A1 (en) | Device to cut out and weld in circular sheet metal blanks in a metal sheet | |
| WO2002038403A2 (en) | Method and apparatus for immobilizing a framing structure in its free state to establish a net datum position thereof | |
| HUT50302A (en) | Method and apparatus for adjusting machining tool compared to band having repetitive figures | |
| US5048816A (en) | Workpiece registration system and method for determining the position of a sheet | |
| AU3203189A (en) | Installation for manufacturing and/or assembling components | |
| DE212013000044U1 (en) | Transfer center for machining | |
| FR2666520B1 (en) | METHOD FOR ACTIVATION OF THE SURFACE OF HEAVY METAL CARBIDES WITH A HIGH SPECIFIC SURFACE FOR CATALYTIC REACTIONS. | |
| US5152204A (en) | Clam shell die cutter | |
| DE69007236D1 (en) | Device for locking and driving a movable part between a first and a second position and vehicle door provided therewith. | |
| US5562933A (en) | Adjustable clamping frame | |
| EP0181132A3 (en) | Machines for pressure forming surface configurations on a rotary workpiece | |
| GB2203812B (en) | Hydraulically driven actuating device for an automotive vehicle | |
| AU1486188A (en) | Hole puncher with device for reinforcing perforated sheet | |
| JP2714556B2 (en) | Circuit board dividing mold driving method and circuit board dividing apparatus | |
| DE69304481D1 (en) | Device for producing a transformarot core with amorphous steel strips which are wound on the core window |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |