Patent ID: 9180555
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: B21D,B23K,B25B

Abstract:
1. A system for forming a plurality of different types of clamshell components, comprising: a plurality of interchangeable squeezer units comprising a first pair of squeezer units for use during forming of a first type of clamshell component and a second pair of squeezer units for use during forming of a second type of clamshell component, each squeezer unit having a first mounting structure and having a contacting surface; a squeezer assembly having a pair of second mounting structures, each one of the pair of second mounting structures for detachably coupling with the first mounting structure of one of the squeezer units of the first pair of squeezer units during forming of the first type of clamshell component and for detachably coupling with the first mounting structure of one of the squeezer units of the second pair of squeezer units during forming of the second type of clamshell component; a support assembly comprising a first locator member and a second locator member, the first locator member controllably movable relative to the second locator member, the support assembly being adjustable between a first configuration in which the first locator member and the second locator member are disposed one relative to the other for locating first and second parts of the first type of clamshell component between the contacting surfaces of the first pair of squeezer units and a second configuration in which the first locator member and the second locator member are disposed one relative to the other for locating first and second parts of the second type of clamshell component between the contacting surfaces of the second pair of squeezer units; and wherein the squeezer assembly includes a drive mechanism, and at least one squeezer arm and wherein said drive mechanism is coupled to the at least one squeezer arm, for moving the squeezer units of the first pair of squeezer units one toward the other such that the contacting surfaces thereof are brought into contact with at least one of the first and second parts of the first type of clamshell component during forming of the first type of clamshell component, and for moving the squeezer units of the second pair of squeezer units one toward the other such that the contacting surfaces thereof are brought into contact with at least one of the first and second parts of the second type of clamshell component during forming of the second type of clamshell component.