GB2184677A - Method and apparatus for reforming relatively imprecisely positioned members - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for reforming relatively imprecisely positioned members Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2184677A GB2184677A GB08630160A GB8630160A GB2184677A GB 2184677 A GB2184677 A GB 2184677A GB 08630160 A GB08630160 A GB 08630160A GB 8630160 A GB8630160 A GB 8630160A GB 2184677 A GB2184677 A GB 2184677A
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- Prior art keywords
- anvil
- movable
- locating
- arm
- piercing
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- 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
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- 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)
- Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
- Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
- Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)
- Automatic Assembly (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for reforming relatively imprecisely positioned members, particularly automotive body panels, comprises a pad forming device (10) for forming attachment pads (P) in an automotive inner body panel (IP) to provide for the attachment of an outer body panel to the inner body panel (IP). The outer body panel must be attached at a precise location and the inner body panel (IP) is not as precisely positioned. The apparatus has one or more fixed anvils (24, 26) which are positioned at a predetermined position adjacent to the inner body panel (IP). Movable floating support locators (30,32,34) are advanced toward the inner body panel (IP) until they make contact therewith, and then locked in a fixed position. A load is then imposed on the other side of the inner body panel (IP) by pad forming blocks (50, 52) to thereby form attachment pads (P). The fixed anvils (24,26) are configured to receive punching tools 58,60 which reciprocate to punch attachment holes (H) in the pads (P). <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Method and apparatus for reforming relatively imprecisely positioned members
This invention relates to the attachment of a first memberto 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 ofthe second member relative to a predetermined position. A specific but non-limiting application of the invention relates 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 ofthis patent, plastic-filled metal attachment blocks or pads are welded at selected locations to the inner body panel structure. The inner body panel structure is then positioned within a locating and machining fixture and each ofthe 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 ofthe inner body panel structure.The plastic outer body panel member is then attached to the milled face of the plastic-filled attachment block, after drilling a hole in the plastic-filled attachment block to receive a threaded fastener or a fastener attached to the inside of the plastic outer body panel member. By this method and apparatus, each such plastic outer body panel member is mounted in a precisely determined position and in precise surface alignment with each adjacent plastic panel.
The method and apparatus of the aforesaid U.S.
Patent No. 4,438,971 does lead to precision in the positioning of plastic outer body panels to a relatively imprecisely positioned automotive inner body panel structure, but it requires the initial attachment of the plastic4illed attachment blocks to the innerbodypanel structure, a factor which adds to the material and processing costs of producing an automotive body in this manner, andthewelding operation that is needed to attach the plastic-filled metal attachment blocks is noisy and dirty.
Additionally, the subsequent milling ofthe plastic-filled attachment blocks generates scrap which is a mixture of a metal and the plastic filler material which,forthe disposition of such scrap in an environmentally acceptable manner, involves additional expense and, in any case, the milling of the plastic-filled attachment blocks generates dust corresponding, mainly, to the composition of the plastiofiller. This is also objectionable on environmental and workplace health and safety grounds, unlessstrictprecautionsarefollowedin performing the milling and drilling ofthe plastic-filled attachment blocks.
It is also known in the prior art that a relatively imprecisely located automotive inner body panel element can be built up to provide for the attachment thereto of an outer body panel element at a more precisely determined location by attaching one or more metal shimstothe surface ofthe innerbody panel element to which the outer body element is to be attached, the number of such shimsto be attached is based on the original position of the inner body panel element. However, this is a time-consuming and expensive procedure, and the attachment of such shims adds to the weight ofthe vehicle, an undesirable feature especially since it detracts from fuel economy.
According to a first aspect ofthe present inventin there is provided an apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surfaceto permitthe attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second memberto said firstsurface of said first member, said apparatus comprising::
anvil means;
movable means carrying said anvil means for positioning said anvil means at a fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member;
locating means disposed on opposite sides of said anvil means, said locating means being carried by said movable means, said locating means being movable with said movable means and further being movable relative to said anvil means;
means for moving said locating means relativeto said anvil means into bring at least a portion of said locating means into contact with said first surface of said first member and for locking said at least a portion of said locating means against said first surface of said first member;;
movable ram means having form block means movable therewith, said form block means being located adjacent said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said anvil means; and
means for moving said movable ram meansto move said form block means toward said anvil means to thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said anvil means and said form block means, said portion of said first member being supported on opposite sides thereof by said locating means during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided 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 permitthe 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 othertwo 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 ofsaidfirst 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
meansformoving said movable ram means to move one of said first form block and said second 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 memberthat is between said one of said first anvil and said second anvil and said one of said firstform block and said second form block and to deform the portion of said first memberthat 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.
According to a third aspect ofthe present invention there is provided 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::
an anvil;
movable means carrying said anvil for positioning said anvil at affixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member;
locating means having at least first and second portion, 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 with said movable means and further being movable relative to said anvil; rneansformoving said locating means relative to said anvil to bring said first and second portions into coniactwith said first surface of said first member and for locking said first and second portions of said
locating means against 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 thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the
portion of said first memberthat is between said anvil and said form block, said portion of said first
member being supported by said first and second
portions of said locating means during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
According to a fourth aspect ofthe present
invention there is provided a method of reforming a
relatively imprecisely positioned first member
having a first surface and 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 method comprising the steps of::
positioning an anvil at a fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member but spaced from said first member;
providing locating means on opposite sides of said anvil;
advancing said locating means toward said first surface of said first member until said locating means contact said first surface of said first member;
locking said locating means in position against saidfirstsurface ofsaidfirst member; and
imposing a load adjacent said second surface of said first member generally in alignment with said anvil to deform the portion of said first member againstsaid anvil while said portion is supported by said locating means.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reforming first and second spaced apart portions of 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 at least one second memberto said first surface of said first member, said method comprising the steps of::
positioning a first anvil at a first fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member in alignment with said first portion of said first member and in alignmentwith said first portion of said first member;
positioning a second anvil at a second fixed position adjacent said firstsurface of said first member in alignment with said second portion of said first member;
providing first locating means between said first anvil and said second anvil;
providing second and third locating means, said first anvil and said second anvil being disposed between said second locating means and said third locating means; ;
advancing said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means toward said first surface of said first member until said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means contact said first surface of said first member;
locking said first locating means and said second locating means and said third locating means in position against said first surface of said first member;
imposing a first load against said second surface of said first member generally in alignment with said first anvil to deform said first portion of said first memberagainstsaidfirstanvilwhilesaidfirst portion of said first member is supported by said first locating means and one of said second locating means and said third locating means; and
imposing a second load against said second surface of said first member generally in alignment with said second anvil to deform said second portion of said second member against said second anvil while said second portion of said first member is supported by said first locating means and the other of said second locating means and said third locating means.
Embodiments ofthe invention will now be described bywayofexampleonlyandwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure2 is a further elevational view ofthe apparatusthat is shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing various of the elements of the apparatus that is shown in Figures 1 and 2;
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; Figure5isaviewsimilarto Figure 4showing 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.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of and apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned element by a variable amount to present its surface or one or more selected portions thereof at a precisely determined position for the attachment of another element thereto, and the method and apparatus are particularly adapted for the reforming of a portion of an element of an automotive inner body panel to receive a metallic or plastic outer body panel to be attached thereto at a location which is more precisely determined than the original location of such inner body panel element.The apparatus includes one or more fixed anvils which are moved into fixed positions on one side ofthe portion of the inner body panel element that is to be reformed, preferably on the outside theref relative to the interior of the vehicle that is being produced. The apparatus also includes floating support attachments or surface locating memmbers that are located on the same side of the inner body panel element as the fixed anvils and which move, relative to the fixed anvils, toward and away from the adjacent portion of the surface of the inner body panel element that isto be reformed.The floating support attachment members are located on floating arms on the same side of the inner body panel as the fixed anvils and are actuated toward the surface of the inner body panel element until they make contact therewith to "find" the location of the inner body panel, at which time they are locked in a fixed position, preferably hydraulically, until the reforming cycle is completed.
The apparatus embodiment of the present invention also includes a movable ram that is located on the opposite side of the inner body panel element being reformed. The movable ram is movable toward and away from such opposite 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 elementthat isto be reformed and have been locked in position, the movable 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 ofthe 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 elementthereto without any further machining or other processing being required to establish its fixed location.The only additional processing normally being required isthe lancing, punching, or piercing of an aperture in such pad to receive a fastenerforthe fastening of the outer body panel element thereto, which lancing, punching, or piercing, if required ordesired, most conveniently being done during the forming ofthe pad by a tool which reciprocates within the fixed anvils. The method and apparatus ofthe 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#preferences ofthe vehicle manufac- turers.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of and apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely located element to present a surface thereof at a precise location forthe attachment of another elementthereto.
In particular, embodiments ofthe present invention provide a method of and apparatus for reforming an element of an automotive inner body panel to present a portion of the surface of such elementata predetermined positionforthe attachment of an outer body panel thereto.
Furthermore, embodiments ofthe present invention provide 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 elementthereto and for forming a hole in such surfacetofacilitatethe attachment ofthe other elementthereto.
Additionally, embodiments ofthe present invention provide a method of and apparatus for reforming an element of an automotive inner body panel to presenta portion ofthe surface of such elementata predetermined positionforthe attachment of another element thereto and for forming a hole in suchsurfacetofacilitatethe attachment ofthe elementthereto.
An embodiment of the present invention provides a net locating device in the form of a pad forming device that is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. The pad forming device 10 is movable, in unison, into and away from working engagement with a portion of an automotive inner body panel, indicated generally 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 ofthe vehicle that is to be formed therefrom, are precisely positioned relative to one or more ofthe pad forming devices 10, in a suitable fixture, not shown, which is known in the art.
The structure of 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 firstaperture 12a and asecond aperture 12btherein, 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 attachment pads in the inner body panel IP, such raised pads being generally identified by reference character Pin Figure 6.The pad forming device 10 also includes first 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 IPthat is being processed.
Agenerally L-shaped mounting plate 18 extends across the space between the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 16 and the mounting plate 18 is secured to each of the firstside 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 ofthetype shown in the drawing and as heretofore described, first and secondfixed 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, bythe mechanism and the associated motion controls that are used to move the pad forming device 10 into working engagement with the inner body panel IP, 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 mum awayfrom the adjacent portions of the outer surface of the inner body panel
IP in its outermost or maximum position.Thus, becausethere is typicallyavariance of approximately 4to 5mm in the final position ofthe outer surface of an inner body panel element, each of the work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a ofthefixed anvils 24 and 26 will be spaced from 1 mm to approximately 5mm from the adjacent portions of the outer surface of the inner body panel element IP after such work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a have been broughtintoworking engagement with the inner body panel element IP.
The portions of the surface of the inner body panel IP that are adjacent the worksontacting surfaces 24a and 26a are physically supported on both sides of each ofthe first and second fixed anvils 24 and 26 during the reforming ofthe inner body panel IPto producethe raised attachment pads P, regardless of the original spacing of the outer surface of the inner body panel IP from the work contacting surfaces by three floating support attachments 30,32, and 34 which are attached at one end of each ofthree spaced-apartfloating arms 36,38 and 40 which are locked in a fixed position priorto reforming.The floating arms 36,38 and 40 are pivotable about a common axis that extends through holes 36a, 38a and 40a in the floating arms, respectively, such common axis being the central axis of a fixed pivot shaft 42 that extends through the holes 36a, 38a, and 40a, which are aligned with one another and through holes 18cant 18d in L-shaped mounting plate extensions 18e and 18f, respectively, that extend forwardlyfrom the L-shaped mounting plate 18, the mounting plate extension 18e being positioned between the floating arms 38 and 40 and the mounting plate extension 18f being positioned between the floating arms 36 and 38.
The floating arms 36,38, and 40 are provided with holes 36b, 38b, and 40b, respectively, which are spaced from the holes 36a, 38a, and 40a, respectively, and the rocking or oscillation ofthe floating arms 36,38, and 40 about the central axis extending through the holes 36a, 38a, and 40a is caused by pivotally attaching the floating arms 36, 38, and 40 to a yoke portion 44a of a reciprocable draw yoke 44 by means of a floating pivot shaft46 that extends through the holes 36b, 38b, and 40b of the floating arms 36,38, and 40 and through the yoke portion 44a ofthe reciprocable draw yoke 44. As is clear from Figures 1 and 3 ofthe drawings, the pivot axis of each floating arm 36,38, and 40 through the fixed pivot shaft 42 is much closer to the end of each such arm that carries the floating support attachments30,32, and 34, respectively, than it is to the end that carries the pivot axis through the floating pivot shaft 46. This relationship provides leverage which reduces the loadings on the reciprocal draw yoke 44 and it helsp in the positioning ofthefloating support attachments 30, 32, and 34 against the inner body panel IP.The reciprocal draw yoke 44 reciprocates in guide notches 12c and 1 2d of the mounting plate 12, and the reciprocation is actuated by an hydraulicwork supportdevice48ofaknowntype,i.e. Hytec
Hydraulic Work Support No.100231, a type of device which will lock the work contacting surfaces ofthe floating support attachments 30,32, and 34 against the outersurfaceofthe inner body panel IP oncethe floating arms36,38, and 40 have been wiped far enough toward the outer surface of the inner body panel IPto "find" the location ofthe inner body panel
IP, that is, to bring the work contacting surfaces of the floating support attachments into contactwith the inner body panel IP as shown in the preferred embodiment Other known devices such as the type which open completely to receive the inner body panel IP and subsequently are allowedto float into contactwith the inner body panel to "find" the location ofthe inner body panel IP are also intended to be used in the invention pad forming device.
Once the floating support attachments 30,32, and 34 have "found" the outer surface of the inner body panel IP and have been locked in position thereagainst, as heretofore described, the portions ofthe inner body panel IP between the floating support attachments 30,32, and 34 are deformed outwardly until they make contact with the work contacting surfaces 24a and 26a ofthefirstand second fixed anvils 24 and 26, respectively. This deforming is accomplished under a load that is imposed by spaced apart first and second pad forming blocks 50 and 52 that are attached in a spaced-apart relationship to a generally L-shaped hydraulically actuated ram 54. The pad forming blocks 50 and 52 are attached to the hydraulic ram 54 by cap screws 55.The hydraulic ram 54 is reciprocated between the broken line position shown in Figure 1 and the solid line position shown in that Figure by a hydraulic cylinder56that is mounted to the back ofthe mounting plate 12 and is connected to the ram 54through the aperture 12b.
The reciprocation of the hydraulic ram 54 is guided by first, second, and third ways 57 that form the inside surface of the first and second side plates 14 and 16, and by are mounted in place byfirstand second spacer bars 14a, 14b, 16a, and 16bthatare attached to the inside surface of the first and second side plates 14 and 16.
Afterthe raised attachment pads P have been formed by the deforming ofthe inner body panel IP between the first and second pad forming blocks 50 and 52 and the first arid second fixed anvils 24 and 26, as heretofore described, and before the extension ofthe hydraulic ram 54to retract the pad forming blocks 50 and 52 from the inner body panel P and the unlocking ofthe hydraulic work support guide 48 to retract the floating arms 36,38, and 40 from the inner body panel IP, to thereby permit the retraction of the pad forming device 10 from the inner body panel IP, it is frequently desirable to form an aperture in each ofthe raised attachment pads P by lancing an opening, punching a slug therefrom, or by the piercing thereof, to provide attachment apertures, such as punched-out holes H, in the raised attachment pads P for the subsequent attachment of an outer body panel to such raised attachment pads
P. The lancing, punching, or piercing of the raised attachment pads P may be done most conveniently bythe pad forming device 10, before it is withdrawn from the inner body panel IP. Thus, the pad forming device 10 is provided with lancing, piercing, or punchingtools 58and 60,the punching tools being affixed, respectively, to retainers 62 and 64 that, in turn, are affixed to a reciprocable hydraulic punching ram 66 with back-up plates 68 and 70, respectively, being mounted between the retainers 62 and 64 and the hydraulic punching ram 66.The hydraulic punching ram 66 is provided with outwardly projecting flanges 66a and 66b and the reciprocation ofthe punching ram 66 is guided by guides 14cand 1 6c in the first side plate 14 and the second side plate 16. The reciprocation of the punching ram 66 is hydraulically actuated by an hydraulic cylinder 72 that is attached to the back of the mounting plate 12, the connection between the hydraulic cylinder 72 and the punching ram 66 extending through the first aperture 12a in the mounting plate 12.
Figure 7 illustrates the tooling portion of a pad forming device, generally identified by reference numeral 110, which is useful when it is only necessary to form a single raised attachment pad Pin a given area of an inner body panel IP, as opposed to the pad forming device 10 of Figures 1 through 5, which is useful when it is necessary to form at least two closely-spaced raised attachment pads Pin such inner body panel lP. lnanycase,thepadforming device carries a fixed anvil 124 and an annular locating member 130 which is reciprocable with respect to the fixed anvil 124. The annular locating member 130 floats against the inner body panel IPto find same, whereafter the fixed anvil 124 is brought to a fixed position adjacent such inner body panel by a locating device, not shown.The floating movement of the annular locating member is assisted by a coil spring 149. After the annular locating member 130 has "fou nd" or made contact with the adjacent surface of the inner body panel IP, it is hydraulically locked in place, as illustrated by reference character 148, and the form block 152 on the other side of the inner body panel IP, in general alignment with the fixed anvil 124, is driven hydraulically by a cylinder 154,shown sch ematical ly, towa rd the fixed anvil 124 to deform the portion ofthe inner body panel IPthat is positioned between the fixed anvil 124 and the form block 152 to form a raised attachment pad P therein. The inner body panel IP is supported on each side of the portion that is being deformed by the hydraulicallyfixed annular locating member 130to localize the deformation of the inner body panel IP that occurs when the form block 152 is urged thereagainst.
Again, as in the case of the pad forming device 10 of the embodiment of Figures 1 through 5, the pad forming device 110 ofthe embodiment of 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 IP by the deforming thereof as heretofore explained. When the pad forming device is provided with such a punching tool 1 60, the fixed anvil 124 is constructed in an annular configuration and the punching tool 160 is reciprocably positioned withintheannulusofthefixedanvil 124,the reciprocation ofthe punching tool 160 within the annulus of the fixed anvil 124 being hydraulically actuated by an hydraulic cylinder 172,shown schematically.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that changes may be made to the invention as setforth in the claims and, in some instances, certain features ofthe invention may be used to advantage without corresponding use of otherfeatures,Accordingly, it is intendedthatthe illustrative and descriptive materials herein be used to illustrate the principles of the invention and notto limit the scope therein. While the form of the embodiment of the invention herein disclosed constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood thatotherforms might be adopted asmaycome within the scope ofthe claims which follow.
Claims (29)
1. An apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first su rfaceto permit the attachment, at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first surface of said first member, said apparatus comprising::
anvil means;
movable means carrying said anvil means for positioning said anvil means at a fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member;
locating means disposed on opposite sides of said anvil means, said locating means being carried by said movable means, said locating means being movable with said movable means and further being movable relative to said anvil means;
meansformoving said locating means relative to said anvil meansto bring at least a portion of said locating means into contact with said first surface of said first member and for locking said at least a portion of said locating means againstsaidfirst surface of said first member;;
movable ram means having form blockmeans movable therewith, said form block means being located adjacent said second surface of said first member and generally in alignment with said anvil means; and
means for moving said movable ram means to move said form block means towards said anvil means to thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the portion of said first member that is between said anvil means and said form block means, said portion of said first member being supported on opposite sides thereof by said locating means during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 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 anvil means.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising:
movable piercing means; and
means for moving said movable piercing meansto pierce said portionofsaidfirstmemberaftersaid portion of said first member has been deformed.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said movable piercing means is carried by said movable means and is movable therewith, said movable piercing means further being movable relative to said anvil means.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4wherein said anvil means is annular in configuration and wherein said movable piercing means-is located within the annulus of said anvil means and is movable relative to said anvil means by reciprocation within said annulus, said means for moving said movable piercing means comprising means for reciprocating said piercing means within said annulus of said anvil means.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:
said locating means comprising at least a first arm having a first end, a second end, and a pivot axis between said first end and said second end;
said at least a portion of said locating means comprises at least a first attachment that is attached to said at least a first arm adjacent one of said first end and said second end;
said means for moving said locating means comprises means which acts on said at least a first arm adjacent the other of said first end and said second end; and
said pivot axis of said at least a first arm is located closer to said one of said first end and said second end than to the other of said one of said first end and said second end.
7. An apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned first member having a first surface and a second surfacewhich 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 othertwo 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 relativeto 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 afirstform blockand a second form block, one of said first form block and said second form block being generally in alignment with one of 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 firstform 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 memberthat 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 memberthat 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.
8. 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.
9. An apparatus according to claim 7 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 meansto pierce said portion of said first memberthat 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 memberthat 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
10.An apparatus according to claim 7 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 saidsecond 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 to the other of said first anvil and said second anvil.
11. An apparatus according to claim l0wherein 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 first anvil and said second anvil.
12. An apparatus according to claim 7 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 Iocatingelementcomprisesa 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 second 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.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12wherein said pivot axis of said first arm, said pivot axis of said second arm, and said pivot axis of said third arm are coaxial.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13wherein said pivot axis of said first arm is located closerto 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 closerto 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 closerto 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.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14wherein 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 and 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.
16. An apparatus for reforming a relatively imprecisely positioned first member having a first surface and a second surface which is opposed to said first surfaceto permit the attachment at a more precisely determined position, of a second member to said first surface of said first member, said apparatus comprising::
an anvil;
movable means carrying said anvil for positioning said anvil at a fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member;
locating means having at least first and second portion, 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 with said movable means and further being movable relative to said anvil;
means for moving said locating means relative to said anvil to bring saidfirstand second portions into contactwith said first surface of said first member and for locking said first and second portions of said locating means against 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 thereby contact said second surface of said first member and to deform the portion of said first memberthat is between said anvil and said form block, said portion of said first member being supported by said first and second portions of said locating means during the deforming of said portion of said first member.
17. An apparatus according to claim 14 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.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said movable piercing tool is movable relative to said anvil.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18wherein said anvil is annuluar in configuration and wherein said movable piercing tool is locted 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.
20. A method of 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 method comprising the steps of:
positioning an anvil at a fixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member but spaced from said first member;
providing locating means on opposite sides of said anvil;
advancing said locating means toward said first surface of said first member until said locating
means contact said first surface of said first member;
locking said locating means in position against said first surface of said first member; and
imposing a load adjacent said second surface of said first member generally in alignment with said anvil to deform the portion of said first member against said anvil while said portion is supported by said locating means.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein said first member is an element of an inner body of an automotive vehicle and wherein said second
member is an outer body panel of said automotive vehicle.
22. A method according to claim 20 and further comprising the step of piercing the deformed portion of said first member while said deformed portion of said first member is between said anvil and said load.
23. A method according to claim 22 wherein said anvil is in the configuration of an annulus and wherein said step of piercing is performed by advancing atool through said annulus of said anvil.
24. A method of reforming first and second spaced apart portions of 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 at least one second member to said first surface of said first member, said method comprising the steps of::
positioning afirstanvil atafirstfixed position adjacent said first surface of said first member in alignmentwith said first portion of said first member and in alignment with said first portion of said first member;
positioning a second anvil at a second fixed position adjacentsaidfirstsurfaceofsaidfirst member in alignmentwith said second portion of said first member;
providing first locating means between said first anvil and said second anvil;
providing second and third locating means, said first anvil and said second anvil being disposed between said second locating means and said third locating means;;
advancing said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means toward said first surface of said first member until said first locating means, said second locating means, and said third locating means contact said first surface of said first member;
locking said first locating means and said second locating means and said third locating means in position against said first surface of said first member;
imposing a first load against said second surface of said first member generally in alignment with said first anvil to deform said first portion of said first member against said first anvil while said first portion of said first member is supported by said first locating means and one of said second locating means and said third locating means; and
imposing a second load against said second surface of said first member generally in alignment with said second anvil to deform said second portion of said second member against said second anvil while said second portion of said first member is supported by said first locating means and the other of said second locating means and said third locating means.
25. A method according to claim 21 wherein said first member is an element of an inner body of an automotive vehicle and wherein said second member is an outer body panel of said automotive vehicle.
26. A method according to claim 24 and further comprising the steps of:
piercing said first portion of said first member while said first portion of said first member is between said first anvil and said first load; and
piercing said second portion of said first member while said second portion of said first member is between said second anvil and said second load.
27. A method according to claim 26wherein said first anvil is in the configuration of an annulus, wherein said second anvil is in the configuration of an annulus, wherein said step of piercing said first portion of said first 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 first member is performed by advancing a second tool through said annulus of said second anvil.
28. Apparatus for reforming relatively imprecisely positioned members, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
29. A method of reforming relatively imprecisely positioned members, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US81004585A | 1985-12-17 | 1985-12-17 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8630160D0 GB8630160D0 (en) | 1987-01-28 |
| GB2184677A true GB2184677A (en) | 1987-07-01 |
| GB2184677B GB2184677B (en) | 1989-10-11 |
Family
ID=25202830
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8630160A Expired GB2184677B (en) | 1985-12-17 | 1986-12-17 | Method and apparatus for reforming relatively imprecisely positioned members |
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) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007112720A1 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-11 | Eckold Gmbh & Co. Kg | Forming method and tool |
| US8726714B2 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2014-05-20 | Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen Gmbh + Co. Kg | Cutting and/or forming plate workpieces |
| CN103879473A (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2014-06-25 | 北京汽车股份有限公司 | On-line drilling method for car body |
| US9339899B2 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2016-05-17 | Henrob Limited | Fastening method and apparatus |
| WO2020151943A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-30 | Tox Pressotechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for stamping and punching through a sheet-like workpiece |
Families Citing this family (10)
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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 SE SE8605400A patent/SE467529B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-12-16 DE DE3642900A patent/DE3642900C2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-16 CA CA000525464A patent/CA1298071C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-17 CN CN86108533A patent/CN1010563B/en not_active Expired
- 1986-12-17 JP JP61299075A patent/JP2609520B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-12-17 GB GB8630160A patent/GB2184677B/en not_active Expired
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007112720A1 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2007-10-11 | Eckold Gmbh & Co. Kg | Forming method and tool |
| US8726714B2 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2014-05-20 | Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen Gmbh + Co. Kg | Cutting and/or forming plate workpieces |
| US9339899B2 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2016-05-17 | Henrob Limited | Fastening method and apparatus |
| US9387557B2 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2016-07-12 | Henrob Limited | Riveting method and apparatus |
| US10005119B2 (en) | 2010-11-10 | 2018-06-26 | Henrob Limited | Fastening method and apparatus |
| CN103879473A (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2014-06-25 | 北京汽车股份有限公司 | On-line drilling method for car body |
| WO2020151943A1 (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-30 | Tox Pressotechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for stamping and punching through a sheet-like workpiece |
| CN113329828A (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2021-08-31 | Tox机械工程股份有限公司 | Device for punching and stamping plate-shaped workpieces |
| CN113329828B (en) * | 2019-01-23 | 2023-08-08 | Tox机械工程股份有限公司 | Device for stamping and punching plate-shaped workpieces |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2591519A1 (en) | 1987-06-19 |
| JP2609520B2 (en) | 1997-05-14 |
| ES2004352A6 (en) | 1989-01-01 |
| BR8606208A (en) | 1987-09-29 |
| DE3642900A1 (en) | 1987-06-19 |
| FR2591519B1 (en) | 1991-02-08 |
| IT1198221B (en) | 1988-12-21 |
| SE8605400L (en) | 1987-06-18 |
| KR870005863A (en) | 1987-07-07 |
| CA1298071C (en) | 1992-03-31 |
| CN86108533A (en) | 1987-07-29 |
| SE8605400D0 (en) | 1986-12-16 |
| KR950014306B1 (en) | 1995-11-24 |
| SE467529B (en) | 1992-08-03 |
| IT8622529A0 (en) | 1986-12-02 |
| CN1010563B (en) | 1990-11-28 |
| JPS62142035A (en) | 1987-06-25 |
| GB8630160D0 (en) | 1987-01-28 |
| GB2184677B (en) | 1989-10-11 |
| DE3642900C2 (en) | 1996-07-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20031217 |