GB2484593A

GB2484593A - Work piece mounting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2484593A
Application number: GB1117652.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Home; Martin Neil Davis
Original assignee: AUT TECH AUTOMATION Ltd
Current assignee: AUT TECH AUTOMATION Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-12
Filing date: 2011-10-12
Publication date: 2012-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-12
Also published as: GB201017139D0; GB2484593B; GB201117652D0

Abstract

The workpiece mounting apparatus 10 is provided for mounting a workpiece 12 for forming, test or inspection purposes. The apparatus includes a support 14, a first mounting 16 for mounting the support 14 to a base 18, a connector 20, a second mounting 22 for mounting the connector 20 to the support 14. A third mounting 24 is for mounting a workpiece contacting device 26 to the connector 20. The workpiece contacting device may be movable in three dimensions relative to the base. The apparatus may be used to mount a work piece such as a car body panel.

Description

I

Workpiece Mounting Apparatus The present invention relates to workpiece mounting apparatus, particularly but not exclusively workpiece mounting apparatus for mounting a workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes.

Conventionally, to mount a workpiece such as a car body panel which has a complex shape including compound angles for forming, test or inspection purposes, it has been necessary to provide bespoke or purpose designed and built mounting apparatus. This entails significant cost and lead time, as a variety of machining operations are often required, requiring the use of highly skilled toolmakers.

1 5 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided workpiece mounting apparatus for mounting a workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes, the apparatus including a support, a first mounting for mounting the support to a base, a connector, a second mounting for mounting the connector to the support and a third mounting for mounting a workpiece contacting device to the connector.

Possibly, the workpiece mounting apparatus is movable from an adjustment condition in which in use the position of a workpiece contacting device mounted to the connector is adjustable relative to the base and a final assembled condition in which the position of the workpiece contacting device mounted to the connector is substantially fixed relative to the base.

In the adjustment condition, the workpiece contacting device mounted to the connector may be movable in three dimensions relative to the base, and may be movable across a surface of the base, and/or rotationally about an axis, and/or linearly.

Possibly, the first mounting is movable from an adjustment condition in which the position of the support is adjustable relative to the base and a final assembled condition in which the position of the support is substantially fixed relative to the base.

Possibly, the first mounting permits a lateral adjustment movement of the support across a mounting surface of the base in the adjustment condition.

1 0 Possibly, the first mounting includes one or more first locking member(s) and may include one or more first fastener(s).

The support may define one or more first locking hole(s) in which the first locking member(s) may be locatable, and may define one or more first 1 5 fixing hole(s) in which the first fastener(s) may be locatable. The first locking hole(s) and the first fixing hole(s) may comprise the first mounting.

The apparatus may include the base. The base may define one or more locking hole(s) in which the first locking member(s) may be locatable and may define one or more fixing hole(s) in which the first fastener(s) may be locatable. The base locking hole(s) and the base fixing hole(s) may comprise the first mounting.

In the adjustment condition, the support may be mounted to the base, with the first fastener(s) extending through the first fixing hole(s) and into the base fixing hole(s), the fit of the first fastener(s) in the first fixing hole(s) permitting adjustment of the position of the support relative to the base.

In the final assembled condition, the support may be mounted to the base, with the first locking member(s) extending through the first locking hole(s) and into the base locking hole(s) and the first fastener(s) extending through the first fixing hole(s) and into the base fixing hole(s), the fit of the first locking member(s) in the first locking hole(s) and the base locking hole(s) permitting substantially no relative lateral movement of the support across a mounting surface of the base.

The first mounting may comprise a pair of spaced first locking holes S defined by the support, and may comprise a pair of first locking members which are locatable through the first locking holes into corresponding locking holes defined by the base. The first mounting may comprise a pair of spaced first fixing holes defined by the support, and may comprise a pair of first fasteners which are locatable through the first fixing holes into corresponding fixing holes defined by the base.

Possibly, the support includes a body part, which may define the one or more first locking hole(s), and may define the one or more first fixing hole(s).

Possibly, the second mounting is movable from an adjustment condition in which the position of the connector is adjustable relative to the support and a final assembled condition in which the position of the connector is substantially fixed relative to the support.

In the adjustment condition, the adjustment of the connector position may be a relative rotational adjustment. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment may be a linear adjustment.

Possibly, the second mounting includes one or more second locking member(s) and may include a second fastener. The second fastener may comprise the connector.

The support may define one or more second locking hole(s) in which a corresponding one or more of the second locking member(s) may be locatable, and may define a second fixing hole in which the second fastener may be locatable. The second locking hole(s) and second fixing hole may comprise the second mounting.

The connector may define one or more locking hole(s) in which the second locking member(s) may be locatable. The connector locking hole(s) may comprise the second mounting.

In an adjustment condition, the connector may be mounted to the support, with the second fastener extending into or through the second fixing hole.

In a final assembled condition, the connector may be mounted to the support, with the second locking member(s) extending through the second locking hole(s) and into the connector locking hole(s). The fit of the second locking member(s) in the second locking holes and connector locking holes may permit substantially no longitudinal and/or no rotational movement of the connector relative to the support.

Possibly, the support includes an arm part, which may extend substantially at 90° to the body part. The arm part may define the one or more second locking hole(s), and may define the second fixing hole(s).

Possibly, the third mounting is movable from an adjustment condition in which the position of the workpiece contacting device is adjustable relative to the connector and a final assembled condition in which the position of the workpiece contacting device is substantially fixed relative to the connector.

The third mounting may include a workpiece contacting device mounting hole defined by the connector, in which a part of the workpiece contacting device is receivable.

Possibly, the third mounting comprises one or more third fixing hole(s), which may be defined by the connector. The connector may define one or more third locking hole(s), which may comprise the third mounting.

Possibly, the third mounting includes one or more third locking member(s) and may include one or more third fastener(s).

Possibly, the apparatus includes the workpiece contacting device.

Possibly, the workpiece contacting device defines one or more workpiece contacting device locking hole(s), in which a corresponding one or more of the third locking member(s) may be locatable, and may define one or more workpiece contacting device fixing holes in which a corresponding one or more of the third fastener(s) may be locatable. The workpiece contacting device locking hole(s) and workpiece contacting device fixing hole(s) may comprise the third mounting.

In an adjustment condition, the part of the workpiece contacting device may be located within the workpiece contacting device mounting hole, with 1 5 the third fastener(s) extending through the third fixing hole(s).

In a final assembled condition, the part of the workpiece contacting device may be located within the workpiece contacting device mounting hole, with the third locking member(s) extending through the third locking hole(s) and into the workpiece contacting device locking hole(s). The fit of the third locking member(s) in the third locking holes and in the workpiece contacting device locking holes may permit substantially no movement of the part of the workpiece contacting device relative to the connector.

The first, second and/or third locking members may be in the form of dowels, rods, or plain pins.

The first, second and/or third fasteners may be threaded, and may be in the form of bolts or screws.

The workpiece contacting device may include any one or combination of a contacting surface, a toggle clamp, a spring loaded pin, and/or a pusher clamp. The connector may include a position adjuster, which may be extendible.

The support, connector and workpiece contacting device may together comprise a workpiece contacting assembly. The workpiece mounting apparatus may include a plurality of workpiece contacting assemblies, which may include a plurality of different types of workpiece contacting devices.

The workpiece mounting apparatus may be modular, in that one or more of the workpiece contacting assemblies may be utilised as required to mount a workpiece.

The forming purposes may include the joining together of two or more sheet metal or plastic based components.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes, the method including providing a workpiece mounting apparatus, the apparatus including a support, a first mounting for mounting the support to a base, a connector, a second mounting for mounting the connector to the support and a third mounting for mounting a workpiece contacting device to the connector.

Other features of the method and/or apparatus may be as described in the preceding paragraphs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. I is a side, part cross sectional schematic view of a workpiece mounting apparatus in use; Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a first workpiece contacting assembly; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the workpiece contacting assembly of Fig 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a second workpiece contacting assembly; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the workpiece contacting assembly of Fig 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a third workpiece contacting assembly; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the workpiece contacting assembly of Fig6; Fig. 8 is a perspective exploded view of a fourth workpiece contacting assembly; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the workpiece contacting assembly of Fig 8; Fig. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a fifth workpiece contacting assembly; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the workpiece contacting assembly of Fig 10; and Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another workpiece mounting apparatus in use.

Figs. 1 to 11 show workpiece mounting apparatus 10 for mounting a workpiece 12 for forming, test or inspection purposes, the apparatus 10 including a support 14, a first mounting 16 for mounting the support 14 to a base 18, a connector 20, a second mounting 22 for mounting the connector to the support 14 and a third mounting 24 for mounting a workpiece contacting device 26 to the connector 20.

The apparatus 10 includes the base 18, which defines a pair of locking holes 30 and a pair of fixing holes 32. The base locking holes 30 and the base fixing holes 32 comprise the first mounting 16.

The support 14, the connector 20 and the workpiece contacting device 26 together comprise a workpiece contacting assembly 34.

The apparatus 10 could include any one or more of a number of variants of workpiece contacting assemblies, examples of which are shown in Figs I to 11 and will be described below. The workpiece contacting assemblies have many features which are similar, and where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals will be used and the features will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

The workpiece contacting assembly 34 shown in Figs 1-3 will hereinafter be referred to as the first workpiece contacting assembly 34.

In one example, the support 14 is L shaped, and includes a body part 36 and an arm part 42, which extends substantially at 90° to the body part 36.

The body part 36 defines a pair of spaced first locking holes 38 and a pair of spaced first fixing holes 40. The first locking holes 38 and first locking holes 40 comprise the first mounting 16.

The arm part 42 defines a second locking hole 44, and a second fixing hole 46. The second locking hole 44 and the second fixing hole 46 comprise the second mounting 22.

The connector 20 defines a connector locking hole 48, which comprises the second mounting 22.

The connector 20 includes a head part 56 and a second fastener 57 which includes a fastener part 58 which projects from the head part 56 and a threaded stub 60 which projects from the fastener part 58 away from the head part 56. The second fastener 57 comprises the second mounting 22.

The connector 20 defines a third locking hole 50 and a pair of spaced third fixing holes 52. The third locking hole 50 and the third fixing holes 52 comprise the third mounting 24.

The connector 20 defines a workpiece contacting device mounting hole 54, which comprises the third mounting 24.

The apparatus 10 includes the workpiece contacting device 26. The apparatus 10 could include any one or more of a number of variants of workpiece contacting devices, examples of which are shown in Figs I to 11 and will be described below. The workpiece contacting devices have many features which are similar, and where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals will be used and the features will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

The workpiece contacting device 26 shown in Figs 1-3 will hereinafter be referred to as the first workpiece contacting device 26.

The first workpiece contacting device 26 is in the form of a solid bar or rod with a hexagonal cross section, and defines a workpiece contacting device locking hole 62 and a workpiece contacting device fixing hole 64. The workpiece contacting device fixing hole 64 is elongate and extends along the length of the workpiece contacting device 26. The workpiece contacting device locking hole 62 and the workpiece contacting device fixing hole 64 comprise the third mounting.

In use, the workpiece mounting apparatus 10 is set to a required position by reference to a reference part, a purpose made jig or tool, and/or by reference to position coordinates derived from manufacturing drawings or programs. The workpiece mounting apparatus 10 is firstly set to an adjustment condition as follows.

The support 14 is mounted on a mounting surface 70 of the base 18.

In the example shown, the mounting surface 70 is substantially planar, but in other examples, the mounting surface 70 could be shaped in any suitable way. For example, the surface 70 could be stepped or folded. The support 14 can be moved freely over the mounting surface 70 into any required position and orientation, and the base fixing holes 32 formed to correspond with the first fixing holes 40.

First fasteners 66 in the form of threaded bolts or screws are then located through the first fixing holes 40 and into the base fixing holes 32. The fit of the first fasteners 66 in the first fixing holes 40 permits adjustment of the position of the support 14 relative to the base 18 and the first fasteners 66 are tightened to an adjustment condition in which they permit a relatively small degree of final adjustment lateral movement between the support 14 and the base 18, as indicated byarrowsA in Fig 2.

With the support 14 in the correct final position, the base locking holes are formed to correspond with the first locking holes 38. A first locking member 68 is located through each of the first locking holes 38 into the base locking holes 30. The first locking members 68 are a relatively tight fit in both the first locking holes 38 and the base locking holes 30, and substantially prevent relative lateral movement between the support 14 and the base 18.

The first fasteners 66 are then fully tightened to a final assembled condition to substantially prevent movement of the support 14 and the base 18 away from each other. Thus in the final assembled condition the position of the support 14 is substantially fixed relative to the base 18.

The first fasteners 66 and the first locking members 68 comprise the first mounting 16.

The second fastener 57 of the connector 20 is then located through the second fixing hole 46 and a washer 72 and a nut 74 located over the threaded stub 60 and tightened to an adjustment condition in which the connector 20 can rotate at least by some amount relative to the arm part 42, as indicated by arrow B in Fig 2.

The first workpiece contacting device 26 is located in the workpiece S contacting device mounting hole 54. A third fastener 76 in the form of a threaded grub screw is then located through each of the third fixing holes 52 and into the workpiece contacting device fixing hole 64. The third fasteners 76 are tightened to an adjustment condition in which they permit a degree of final adjustment linear movement of the first workpiece contacting device 26 along the length of the workpiece contacting device fixing hole 64 relative to the connector 20. The location of the third fasteners 76 in the workpiece contacting device fixing hole 64 substantially prevents rotation of the first workpiece contacting device 26 relative to the connector 20.

The positions of the first workpiece contacting device 26 and the connector 20 can then be adjusted to a final position. The position of the first workpiece contacting device 26 can be adjusted linearly relative to the connector 20 along the length of the workpiece contacting device fixing hole 64 as indicated by arrow C in Fig 2. The position of the connector 20 can be adjusted rotationally relative to the arm part 42 around a rotation axis 28, which is the longitudinal axis of the second fixing hole 46. When in the correct final position, the connector locking hole 48 is formed in the connector fastener part 58 and a second locking member 80 located in a final assembled condition to extend through the second locking hole 44 and into the connector locking hole 48, and the workpiece contacting device locking hole 62 is formed in the first workpiece contacting device 26 and a third locking member 78 located in a final assembled condition to extend through the third locking hole 50 and into the workpiece contacting device locking hole 62.

The fit of the second locking member 80 in the second locking hole 44 and in the connector locking hole 48 is such as to permit substantially no movement of the connector 20 relative to the support 14. The fit of the third locking member 78 in the third locking hole 50 and in the workpiece contacting device locking hole 62 is such as to permit substantially no movement of the first workpiece contacting device 26 relative to the connector 20.

The nut 74 is then fully tightened to a final assembled condition to further substantially prevent movement of the connector 20 longitudinally relative to the support 14.

The third fasteners 76 are then also fully tightened to a final assembled 1 0 condition to further substantially prevent movement of the first workpiece contacting device 26 relative to the connector 20.

The second locking member 80 and the second fastener 57 comprise the second mounting 22. The third locking member 78 and the third fasteners 1 5 76 comprise the third mounting 24.

Thus, the workpiece mounting apparatus 10 is movable from the adjustment condition in which in use the position of the first workpiece contacting device 26 mounted to the connector 20 is adjustable relative to the base 18 and a final assembled condition in which the position of the first workpiece contacting device 26 mounted to the connector 20 is substantially fixed relative to the base 18.

In the adjustment condition, the first workpiece contacting device 26 mounted to the connector 20 is movable in three dimensions relative to the base 18, and is movable across the mounting surface 70 of the base 18, and rotationally about the axis 28, and linearly.

In the final assembled condition, the positions of the first workpiece contacting device 26, the connector 20, the support 14 and the base 18 are substantially fixed relative to each other.

The first, second and third locking members 68, 80, 78 could be in any suitable form, such as dowels, rods, or plain pins.

In an alternative method to the method outlined above, the first, second and third mountings 16, 22, and 24 could be all set to the adjustment condition, and then all moved to the final assembled condition. The order of setting the mountings in the final assembled condition could be varied.

The first workpiece contacting device 26 could include a workpiece contacting surface 82 which could be in the form of a pad, and which, in use, could contact a workpiece 12.

As shown in Fig 1, the workpiece mounting apparatus 10 could include a plurality of workpiece contacting assemblies 34, which could be orientated differently on the base 18, permitting the mounting of a workpiece 12 such as a car body panel which has a complex shape including compound angles for forming, test or inspection purposes. Advantageously, no CNC machining is required by skilled toolmakers, as the only forming operation required is drilling, which can be undertaken with relatively simple equipment by relatively unskilled personnel.

For permanent setting, the locking members could be retained in position by, for example, adhesive. Alternatively, after use, the workpiece mounting apparatus 10 could be disassembled and the parts reused.

Figs 4 and 5 show a second workpiece contacting assembly 134 which includes a support 14, a first mounting 16 for mounting the support 14 to a base 18, a connector 20, a second mounting 22 for mounting the connector to the support 14, a second workpiece contacting device 126 and a third mounting 24 for mounting the second workpiece contacting device 126 to the connector 20.

The second workpiece contacting device 126 includes a housing 84 and a spring loaded pin 86. The pin 86 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, being biased by a spring to the extended position.

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Figs 6 and 7 show a third workpiece contacting assembly 234 which includes a support 14, a first mounting 16 for mounting the support 14 to a base 18, a connector 220, a second mounting 22 for mounting the connector 220 to the support 14, a third workpiece contacting device 226 and a third mounting 24 for mounting the third workpiece contacting device 226 to the connector 220.

In this embodiment, the connector 220 includes a plate 88 which defines a fixing hole 90 which is in the form of a slot to permit position adjustment of the connector 220 relative to the support 14. The plate 88 further defines a connector locking hole 48. In the adjustment condition, a second fastener 57 in the form of a bolt or screw extends through the fixing hole 90 and the second fixing hole 46, and is tightened sufficiently to hold the plate 88 in position but permit linear adjustment along the slotted fixing hole 90, and rotational adjustment around the axis 28.

When the connector 220 is in the correct final position, a second locking hole (not shown) is formed in the support 14 and a second locking member 80 located through the connector locking hole 48 into the second locking hole, locking the plate 88 in position in a final assembled condition.

The second fastener 57, the plate fixing hole 90, the second fixing hole 46, the connector locking hole 48, the second locking hole and the second locking member 80 comprise the second mounting 22.

The third workpiece contacting device 226 is in the form of a toggle or over centre clamp and defines locking holes 62 and fixing holes 64, which comprise the third mounting 24. The plate 88 defines a third fixing hole 52 which comprises the third mounting 24. In the adjustment condition, a third fastener 76 in the form of a bolt or screw extends through the third fixing hole 52 and the third workpiece contacting device fixing holes 64 and is tightened sufficiently to hold the third workpiece contacting device 226 in position but permit rotational adjustment of the third workpiece contacting device 226 around the axis 92 of the third fastener 76.

When the third workpiece contacting device 226 is in the correct final position, a third locking hole (not shown) is formed in the plate 88 and a third locking member 78 located through the third locking hole 48 and the third workpiece contacting device locking holes 62, locking the third workpiece contacting device 226 in position relative to the connector 220 in a final assembled condition.

The third locking hole, the third fastener 76 and the third locking member 78 comprise the third mounting 24.

Figs 8 and 9 show a fourth workpiece contacting assembly 334 which includes a support 14, a first mounting 16 for mounting the support 14 to a base 18, a connector 320, a second mounting 22 for mounting the connector 320 to the support 14, a fourth workpiece contacting device 326 and a third mounting 24 for mounting the fourth workpiece contacting device 326 to the connector 320.

In this embodiment, the connector 320 includes a plate 88 which defines a fixing hole 90. The plate 88 further defines a connector locking hole 48. In the adjustment condition, a second fastener 57 in the form of a bolt or screw extends through the fixing hole 90 and the second fixing hole 46, and is tightened sufficiently to hold the plate 88 in position but permit rotational adjustment around the axis 28.

When the connector 320 is in the correct final position, a second locking hole (not shown) is formed in the support 14 and a second locking member 80 located through the connector locking hole 48 into the second locking hole, locking the plate 88 in position in a final assembled condition.

The fourth workpiece contacting device 326 is in the form of a pusher clamp. The plate 88 defines a third fixing hole 52 in the form of a slot to permit position adjustment of the fourth workpiece contacting device 326 relative to the connector 320. The fourth workpiece contacting device 326 includes a threaded part which comprises the third fastener 76. The third fixing hole 52 and the third fastener 76 comprise the third mounting 24.

1 5 In the adjustment condition, the third fastener 76 extends through the third fixing hole 52 and is tightened sufficiently to hold the fourth workpiece contacting device 226 in position but permit linear adjustment of the fourth workpiece contacting device 226 along the slot of the third fixing hole 52.

Nuts 94 (only one of which is shown) could be positioned either side of the plate 88 and adjusted along the threaded part of the third fastener 76 to permit linear adjustment of the position of the fourth workpiece contacting device 326 along a direction parallel to the axis 28.

When the fourth workpiece contacting device 326 is in the correct final position, the nut (or nuts) 94 is (are) tightened, locking the fourth workpiece contacting device 326 in position relative to the connector 320 in a final assembled condition.

Figs 10 and 11 show a fifth workpiece contacting assembly 434 which includes a support 14, a first mounting 16 for mounting the support 14 to a base 18, a connector 420, a second mounting 22 for mounting the connector 420 to the support 14 and a third mounting 24 for mounting a workpiece contacting device (not shown in Figs 10 and 11) to the connector 420.

In this embodiment, the connector 420 includes a connector head 56 which includes a projecting stub (not shown). The connector 420 includes a position adjuster 96 which includes a body part 98 and a pair of spaced apart S parallel side walls 100 extending from the body part 98. The body part 98 defines a slot-like channel 102, the channel 102 having a channel end wall 104. The channel end wall 104 defines a fixing hole 106 in the form of a slot.

The body part 98 also defines a body part fixing hole 112, and a connector locking hole 48B.

Each side wall 100 defines a slot like fixing hole 110 and a connector locking hole 48A.

The support 14 defines two second fixing holes 46A and 46B, which are orientated substantially at 90° to each other when viewed in plan.

In the adjustment condition, one second fastener 57A extends through the side wall fixing holes 106 and the second fixing hole 46A and the other second fastener 57B extends through the second fixing hole 46B to engage a nut 108 which locates in the channel 102. The second fasteners 46A, 46B are tightened sufficiently to hold the position adjuster 96 in position but permit linear adjustment of the position adjuster 96 along the slots 106,110 relative to the support 14.

When the position adjuster 96 is in the correct final position, the second fasteners 46A, 46B are tightened. A second locking hole (not shown) is formed in the support 14, and a second locking member 80A located through the connector locking hole 48A and into the second locking hole, locking the position adjuster 96 in position relative to the support 14 in a final assembled condition.

In the adjustment condition, the projecting stub of the connector head 56 is located in the body part fixing hole 112 and permits rotation of the connector head 56 around a rotation axis 28.

The projecting stub is relatively short and is arranged so that it does not protrude beyond the body part fixing hole 112. This maximises adjustment of the position adjuster 96, as it permits the connector head 56 to be positioned below the level of the arm part 42 of the support 14.

When the connector head 56 is in the correct final position, a locking hole (not shown) is formed in the projecting stub, and a second locking member 80B located through the connector locking hole 48B and into the stub 1 0 locking hole, locking the connector head 56 in position relative to the position adjuster 96 in a final assembled condition.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the order of adjustment and setting of the position adjuster 96 and connector head 56 could be varied.

The fifth workpiece contacting assembly 434 thus permits linear adjustment of the distance between a workpiece contacting device mounted to the connector 420 and the base 18.

In another example (not shown) the connector 20 of previous embodiments could be mounted to the position adjuster 96, but would not be able to retract as fully as the connector head 420 because of the projecting stub 60 fouling the arm part 42.

Fig 12 shows another workpiece mounting apparatus 510 in use. The workpiece mounting apparatus 510 includes a plurality of workpiece contacting assemblies, which include a plurality of different types of workpiece contacting devices. In the example shown, the workpiece mounting apparatus 510 includes a first and third workpiece contacting assemblies 34, 234, which include first and third workpiece contacting devices 26, 226 respectively, to mount and hold a workpiece 512 on a base 18. As will be noted, generally a first workpiece contacting device 34 is used to support the workpiece 12 from below, and a third workpiece contacting device 234 used to clamp the workpiece 12 from above.

It will also be noted that the supports 14 can be provided in different sizes, with different length arm parts 42.

The invention provides the advantage that a jig to hold a complex shaped workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes can be provided relatively quickly and economically without machining processes being required, which entail the use of highly skilled personnel, high cost and relatively long lead times.

The workpiece mounting apparatus of the invention is modular, in that one or more of the workpiece contacting assemblies may be utilised as required to mount a workpiece. The components used are standardised, so that a relatively small number of components can cater for the vast majority of applications.

The forming purposes could include the joining together of two or more sheet metal or plastic based components.

Conventionally, bespoke apparatus involving costly & long lead time machining operations will machine to nominal data. Often sheet metal parts or parts and plastic based components are not nominal condition. The present invention provides workpiece mounting apparatus which is easily manually adjustable to the actual condition of the sheet metal or plastic components, with no complex machining requirement. The invention further provides the ability to manually set/adjust complex compound angles tangential to the surface.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The various different components could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material.

In one example, the connector plate 88 could be bent or folded so that the workpiece contacting device is orientated at an oblique angle relative to the base.

In another example, fixing holes could be predrilled before the assembly process, the position of the fixing holes being determined for the workpiece to be held, for example, by design techniques such as CAD/CAM and 3D modelling.

Any of the features of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall

disclosure of this document.

Claims

Claims 1. Workpiece mounting apparatus for mounting a workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes, the apparatus including a support, a first mounting for mounting the support to a base, a connector, a second mounting for mounting the connector to the support and a third mounting for mounting a workpiece contacting device to the connector.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the workpiece mounting apparatus is movable from an adjustment condition in which in use the position of a workpiece contacting device mounted to the connector is adjustable relative to the base and a final assembled condition in which the position of the workpiece contacting device mounted to the connector is substantially fixed relative to the base.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which, in the adjustment condition, the workpiece contacting device mounted to the connector is movable in three dimensions relative to the base, and may be movable across a surface of the base, and/or rotationally about an axis, and/or linearly.
4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the first mounting is movable from an adjustment condition in which the position of the support is adjustable relative to the base and a final assembled condition in which the position of the support is substantially fixed relative tothe base.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the first mounting permits a lateral adjustment movement of the support across a mounting surface of the base in the adjustment condition.
6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the first mounting includes one or more first locking member(s).
7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the first mounting includes one or more first fastener(s).
8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support defines one or more first locking hole(s) in which the first locking member(s) are locatable.
9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support defines one or more first fixing hole(s) in which the first fastener(s) arelocatable.
1O.Apparatus according to claims 8 and 9, in which the first locking hole(s) and the first fixing hole(s) comprise the first mounting.

1 5
11.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes the base.
1 2.Apparatus according to claim 11, in which the base defines one or more locking hole(s) in which the first locking member(s) are locatable.
13. Apparatus according to claims 11 or 12, in which the base defines one or more fixing hole(s) in which the first fastener(s) are locatable.
14.Apparatus according to claims 12 and 13, in which the base locking hole(s) and the base fixing hole(s) comprise the first mounting.
15.Apparatus according to claims 13 or 14 when dependent on claims 7, 8, 9 and 12, in which, in the adjustment condition, the support is mounted to the base, with the first fastener(s) extending through the first fixing hole(s) and into the base fixing hole(s), the fit of the first fastener(s) in the first fixing hole(s) permitting adjustment of the position of the support relative to the base.
16.Apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15 when dependent on claims 7, 8, 9 and 12, in which, in the final assembled condition, the support is mounted to the base, with the first locking member(s) extending through the first locking hole(s) and into the base locking hole(s) and the first fastener(s) extending through the first fixing hole(s) and into the base fixing hole(s), the fit of the first locking member(s) in the first locking hole(s) and the base locking hole(s) permitting substantially no relative lateral movement of the support across a mounting surface of the base.
17.Apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 16 when dependent on claim claims 7, 8, 9, and 2, in which the first mounting comprises a pair of spaced first locking holes defined by the support, a pair of first locking members which are locatable through the first locking holes into corresponding locking holes defined by the base, a pair of spaced first 1 5 fixing holes defined by the support, and a pair of first fasteners which are locatable through the first fixing holes into corresponding fixing holes defined by the base.
18.Apparatus according to claims 8 and 9 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the support includes a body part, which defines the one or more first locking hole(s), and the one or more first fixing hole(s).
19.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second mounting is movable from an adjustment condition in which the position of the connector is adjustable relative to the support and a final assembled condition in which the position of the connector is substantially fixed relative to the support.
20.Apparatus according to claim 19, in which, in the adjustment condition, the adjustment of the connector position is a relative rotational adjustment.
21.Apparatus according to claims 18 or 19, in which in the adjustment condition, the adjustment of the connector position, the adjustment is a linear adjustment.

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22.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second mounting includes one or more second locking member(s).
23.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second mounting includes a second fastener.
24.Apparatus according to claim 23, in which the second fastener comprises the connector.
25.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support defines one or more second locking hole(s) in which a corresponding one or more of the second locking member(s) is locatable.
26.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support defines a second fixing hole in which the second fastener is locatable.
27.Apparatus according to claims 25 and 26, in which the second locking hole(s) and second fixing hole comprise the second mounting.
28.Apparatus according to claim 22 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the connector defines one or more locking hole(s) in which the second locking member(s) are locatable.
29.Apparatus according to claim 28, in which the connector locking hole(s) comprise the second mounting.
30.Apparatus according to claims 23 and 26 or any claim dependent thereon, in which, in an adjustment condition, the connector is mounted to the support, with the second fastener extending into or through the second fixing hole.
31.Apparatus according to claims 22, 25 and 28 or any claim dependent thereon, in which, in a final assembled condition, the connector is mounted to the support, with the second locking member(s) extending through the second locking hole(s) and into the connector locking hole(s), the fit of the second locking member(s) in the second locking holes and connector locking holes permitting substantially no longitudinal and/or no rotational movement of the connector relative to the support.
32.Apparatus according to claims 25 and 26 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the support includes an arm part, which may extend substantially at 900 to the body part, and the arm part defines the one or more second 1 5 locking hole(s) and the second fixing hole(s).
33.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the third mounting is movable from an adjustment condition in which the position of the workpiece contacting device is adjustable relative to the connector and a final assembled condition in which the position of the workpiece contacting device is substantially fixed relative to the connector.
34.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the third mounting includes a workpiece contacting device mounting hole defined by the connector, in which a part of the workpiece contacting device is receivable.
35.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the third mounting comprises one or more third fixing hole(s), which are defined by the connector.
36.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the connector defines one or more third locking hole(s), which comprise the third mounting.

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37.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the third mounting includes one or more third locking member(s).
38. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the third mounting includes one or more third fastener(s).
39.Apparatus according any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes the workpiece contacting device.
40.Apparatus according to claim 39 when dependent on claim 37 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the workpiece contacting device defines one or more workpiece contacting device locking hole(s), in which a corresponding one or more of the third locking member(s) is locatable.
41.Apparatus according to claims 39 or 40 when dependent on claim 38, in which the workpiece contacting device defines one or more workpiece contacting device fixing holes in which a corresponding one or more of the third fastener(s) may be locatable.
42.Apparatus according to claims 40 and 41, in which the workpiece contacting device locking hole(s) and workpiece contacting device fixing hole(s) comprise the third mounting.
43.Apparatus according to claims 34, 35 and 39 or any claim dependent thereon, in which, in an adjustment condition, the part of the workpiece contacting device is located within the workpiece contacting device mounting hole, with the third fastener(s) extending through the third fixing hole(s).
44.Apparatus according to claims 34, 36, 37 and 40 or any claim dependent thereon, in which, in a final assembled condition, the part of the workpiece contacting device is located within the workpiece contacting device mounting hole, with the third locking member(s) extending through the third locking hole(s) and into the workpiece contacting device locking hole(s), the fit of the third locking member(s) in the third locking holes and in the workpiece contacting device locking holes permitting substantially no movement of the part of the workpiece contacting device relative to the connector.
45.Apparatus according to claim 7, 22 or 37 respectively, in which the first, second and/or third locking members are in the form of dowels, rods, or plain pins.
46.Apparatus according to claim 8, 23 or 38 respectively, in which the first, second and/or third fasteners are threaded, and may be in the form of bolts or screws.
47.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the workpiece contacting device includes any one or combination of a contacting surface, a toggle clamp, a spring loaded pin, and/or a pusher clamp.
48.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the connector includes a position adjuster, which may be extendible.
49.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support, the connector and the workpiece contacting device together comprise a
50.Apparatus according to claim 49, in which the workpiece mounting apparatus include a plurality of workpiece contacting assemblies, which may include a plurality of different types of workpiece contacting devices.
51.Apparatus according to claims 49 or 50, in which the workpiece mounting apparatus is modular, in that one or more of the workpiece contacting assemblies are utilised as required to mount a workpiece.
52.Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the forming purposes include the joining together of two or more sheet metal or plastic based components.
53.A method of mounting a workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes, the method including providing a workpiece mounting apparatus, the apparatus including a support, a first mounting for mounting the support to a base, a connector, a second mounting for mounting the connector to the support and a third mounting for mounting a workpiece contacting device to the connector.
54.Workpiece mounting apparatus for mounting a workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
55.A method of mounting a workpiece for forming, test or inspection purposes substantially as herein before described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.