Source: http://www.sumobrain.com/patents/wipo/Modular-vertical-adjustment-apparatus-positioning/WO2019201413A1.html
Timestamp: 2020-02-24 17:42:56
Document Index: 682522750

Matched Legal Cases: ['art(1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3']

A MODULAR VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A WORKPIECE IN CLAMPING SYSTEMS - MULTINORM D.O.O.
A MODULAR VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A WORKPIECE IN CLAMPING SYSTEMS
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/201413
A modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece comprising a clamping part; which consists of several exchangeable, interconnected components, comprising two mutually compatible modules consisting of a base (5a; 5b) and a vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b), the base (5a; 5b) is a stationary part fixed to a bedplate (2) and the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) is a movable part. The base (5a; 5b) and the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) each are shaped as a compact hollow component, the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) is sized and shaped to fit within and to slide along the hollow interior of the base (5a; 5b) in a vertical direction. Height adjustment of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) in relation the base (5a; 5b) is carried out by a screwshaft (10) and a pair of nuts (11).
MAGDIC, Milan (Wilhelm Busch Strasse 23, Dingolfing, 84130, DE)
EP2018/025120
MULTINORM D.O.O. (Kralja Zvonimira 59a, Cerna, 32272, HR)
B25B5/00; B25H1/00; F16M11/26
DE29807366U1 1999-09-02
US5253504A 1993-10-19
EP1043116A2 2000-10-11
DE19716874A1 1997-11-06
US6322063B1 2001-11-27
US6364302B2 2002-04-02
DE19536341A1 1997-04-03
DE4243370A1 1994-06-23
DE3801813A1 1989-08-03
SUCIC, Tatjana (Callidea Ltd, Pustoselina 7a, Zagreb, 10000, HR)
1. A modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece comprising a commercially available damping part which consists of several exchangeable, interconnected components, the damping part is fixed to the modular apparatus by means of a head part(1), the head part comprising an arm (1a) and plurality of fasteners provided in the arm(1a) and in the head part (1) for fixing the head part (1) to the modular vertical adjustment apparatus and any damping unit to the arm (1a), characterized by that said modular vertical adjustment apparatus comprises
two mutually compatible modules consisting of a base (5a; 5b) and a vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b), the base (5a; 5b) is a stationary part firmly fixed to a bedplate (2) and the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) is a movable part where the base (5a; 5b) and the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) each are shaped as a compact hoi low component the base (5a; 5b) has a hollowiiterior forming a cavity (31) and an open upper surface, the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) has a holla/v interior forming a cavity (23) and an open lower surface, wherein the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) is sized and shaped to fit wthin the cavity (31 ) and to provide sliding of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) along the hollow interior of the base (5a; 5b) in a vertical direction; and
a screwshaft (10) and a pair of nuts (11) for vertically moving and fixing, at predetermined height of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) in respect of the base (5a; 5b), the screw shaft (10) is centrally extending along the cavity (31) of the base (5a; 5b) and the cavity (23) of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b).
2. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein comprising at least one tensioner (8; 30; 30a) for fixing and preventing shear dislocation of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) wthin the base (5a; 5b).
3. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claims 1 and 2, wherein a front side of the base (5a;5b) comprises two openings (20) divided by a vertical panel (13), the panel (13) comprises an opening (55) sized and shaped to receive a second tensioner (30a), a back panel (18) of the base (5a; 5b) comprises at least one bore (38) arranged in a vertical direction along a vertical centerline ofthe panel (18), the base 5a; 5b further comprises two cqgs (22), each cqg (22) is laying in vertical direction along a vertically directed edges ofthe openings (20), the cqgs (22) are facing each other and are in parallel relation to the back panel (18), an outer side surfaces (9) ofthe base (5a; 5b) are carried out as panels, and a bottom of the base (5a; 5b) comprises a bed plate (47) comprising at least one bore (48) for receiving and retaining the screwshaft (10).
4. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claims 1 and 2, wherein a front side of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) at lcwer part comprises an opening (27) of a rectangular shape with two vertically oriented mutually facing edges (39) and an upper portion of the front side of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) is closed ty a front panel (28), the opening (27) is arranged symmetrically in a vertical direction along a vertical centerline of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b), a back panel (26) of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) comprises a plurality of through- bores (19) sized and shaped for receiving at least one fastener (37) to fasten the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) to the base (5a; 5b) by virtue of a first tensioner (8), a side walls of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) are carried out as panels, and at a lcwer portion of the cavity (23) a second lateral plate (50) is provided the second lateral plate (50) is in parallel relation to the bedplate (2), the second lateral plate (50) comprises a central bore (49) through which a screw shaft (10) passes, where one of the nuts (11) abuts on an upper side of the second lateral plate (50) and the other nut (11 ) abuts on an lower side the second lateral plate (50).
5. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, wherein fixing and shear preventing of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) in relation to the base (5a; 5b) is carried out by means of two third tensioners (30), each third tensioner (30) is mounted on an oppositely arranged surfaces (46) of each cqg 22, each surface (46) is arranged in mutually parallel relation to one another and in parallel relation to the outer side surfaces (9) of the base (5a; 5b).
6. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each vertically directed edge (39) of the opening (27) of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) comprises a plurality of teeth forming a second toothed surface (42), the second toothed surface (42) is extending from the edge (39) in a lateral direction away of the edge (39) along a first contact surface (43), and each third tensioner (30) comprises a first toothed surface (41) which engage the second toothed surface (42), teeth of each said toothed surfaces are sized and shaped for mutual engagement the first toothed surface (41) of each third tensioner (30) is arranged in orthqgonal relation to each surface (46) of each cqg (22), where each third tensioner (30) is fixed to the base (5a; 5b) by a releasable fastener (35) passing through a through-bore (40) arranged at the outer side surfaces (9) of the base (5a; 5b) to thereby releasably fasten the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) to the base (5a; 5b), where each third tensioner(30) includes at least one internal bore (12) having a threaded portion that threadingly engages the fastener (35).
7. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, wherein fixing and shear preventing of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) in relation to the base (5a; 5b) is carried out ty means of a first tensioner (8) and a second tensioner (30a), each of said tensioners is positioned in a lateral plane in parallel to the bedplate 2, the second tensioner (30a) is arranged beneath and in parallel relation to the firsttensioner (8).
8. The modular vertical adjustrment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first tensioner (8) in a cross section has the form of an isosceles trapezoid with two sloped surfaces, the two sloped surfaces of the first tensioner (8) are abutting to a slanted vertical inner side walls (51) of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b), the first tensioner (8) comprises at least one internal through-bore (14) having a threaded portion that threadingly engages at least one fastener (37) to thereby fasten at the predetermined height the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) to the base (5a; 5b), the fastener (37) passes through the bore (38) of the back panel (18) to thereby releasably fasten the first tensioner (8) and the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) to the base (5a; 5b).
9. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second tensioner (30a) in a cross section has the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having two beveled edges (53), the beveled edges (53) are positioned to abut on the vertically oriented edge (39) of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b), the vertical wall (39) is correspondingly slanted and comprises the second toothed surface 42, where the beveled edges (53) comprise a toothed surface (41a) which engages the second toothed surface (42), teeth of each said toothed surfaces are sized and shaped for mutual engagement
10. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second tensioner (30a) comprises a through-bore that is sized and shaped to receive a releasable fastener (45) to thereby releasably fasten the second tensioner (30a) to the base (5a; 5b), the releasable fastener (45) passes through a center of the second tensioner (30a) and through at least one through-bore arranged at the back panel (18), said through-bore having a threaded portion that threadingly engages the fastener (45) to thereby fix the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) to the base (5a; 5b).
11. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of semi-circular holes (34) are arranged in the base (5a; 5b) and a plurality of sem-circular counter holes (33) are arranged in the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b), the plurality of sem-circular holes (34) and correspondingly arranged the plurality of sem-circular counter holes (33) are set to mutually face each other, the sem-circular holes (34) and (33) are mutually interlocked by at least one stud bolt (32), where each outer side surface (9) of the base (5a; 5b), along a vertical plane passing through mutually facing the first confect surface (43) and a second contact (44), comprises a plurality of through-bores (40) sized and shaped to receive at least one stud bolt (32) to thereby fasten at the predetermined height the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) to the base (5a; 5b).
12. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of sem-circular holes (34) are arranged in parallel and extend horizontally along the second confect surface (44) of the cqg (22), the second contact surface (44) is directed towards the cavity (31) of the (base 5a; 5b), the plurality of sem- circular counter holes (33) are arranged in parallel and extend horizontally from the edge (39) along the first contact surface (43) of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b), the edge (39) and the first contact surface (43) abut on the ccg (22) and on the second contact surface (44) of the base (5a; 5b).
13. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to any °f preceding claims, wherein said apparatus further comprises a bracket (7), the bracket (7) comprises at least four through-bores (25) that are sized and shaped to receive releasable fasteners to thereby releasably fasten a foot part (3) of the base (5a; 5b) to an upper flat surface of the bracket (7).
14. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to any °f preceding claims, wherein vertically moving and fixing, at predetermined height of the vertical adjustment component (6a; 6b) in respect of the base (5a; 5b) is performed manually, or by means of an electric motor (16).
15. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the electric motor(16) is arranged beneath the modular vertical adjustment apparatus and operably connected to the screw shaft (10), the electric motor (16) is a remotely controllable electric motor (16).
16. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the modular vertical adjustment apparatus is arranged on a horizontal guide (17) prcviding a horizontal displacement the horizontal displacement of the modular vertical adjustment apparatus is performed manually, or by means of a remotely controllable second electric motor.
A MODULAR VE RTICAL ADJ USTME NT APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A WORKPIECE IN CLAMPING
FIE LD OF THE INVE NTION
The present invention generally relates to a workp ' ece positioning and fixating systems, and more particularly to a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in damping systems.
Workpiece positioning and damping systems are well known in the art For example, such a danrping apparatus has been known from DE-A 197 16874. It comprises one or more tensioners, which can be positioned on a damping table and wth which the workpiece, e.g„ body parts of vehicles, can be clamped. The workpiece can then be welded or machined in another way by an industrial robot or the like. The tensioners are of a multipart design and comprise a foot part a middle partand a head part which are guided adjustably relative to another along at least one axis. A positioning apparatus wth vertical adjustment apparatus and a fixing device are present for the mutual adjustment The vertical adjustment apparatus comprises one or more adjusting screws between the parts of the tensioner. The overall length (x) of the clamp part is varied by the user of the holder to suit the held part (W) ty a lower height adjuster 7 attached to the horizontal leg of the lower part acting on the lower end of the central piece and by an upper height adjuster 10 seated on the upper end of the middle part
U.S. Pat No.6,322,063 discloses another damping apparatus comprising one or more tensioners, which can be positioned on a damping table. The tensioners have a plurality of tensioner parts, which are guided adjustably in relation to one another along at least one axis and which have a positioning apparatus wth a vertical adjustment device and a fixing device for the mutual adjustment The vertical adjustment has a coarse adjustment device and a fine adjustment device, wherein the coarse adjustment device has a grid-like mount and a hinge pin on one tensioner part and the fine adjustment device has a support and optionally one or more fitting plates and a fixing device for supporting the hinge pin on the other tensioner part
U.S. Pat No.6,364,302 discloses a modular system and fixture for positioning and damping a workpiece 5 comprises a riser 7, a modular positioning blade 9, and a clamp assembly 11. More particularly, riser 7 includes a mounting plate 18 and a seat plate 21 , wth a stiffening support 23 fastened between them to add to the rigidity and ability of riser 7 to support significant loads. Modular positioning blade 9 is mounted to a top portion 24 of each riser 7. A plurality of positionirig-bores 25 and mounti rig-bores 26 are defined in top portion 24 of each riser 7. Positionirig-bores 25 ate accurately sized and shaped, and selectively and precisely located in top portion 24 for operatively locating modular positioning blade 9 on riser 7, via dowel ns 27. Conventional fasteners, e.g„ bolts 28 or the like, are positioned through mounting- bores 26 so as to fasten modular positioning blade 9 to top portion 24 of riser 7.
Clamping pallets for workpieces on machine tools or gaging machines have been known from DE-A 19536341, DE- A 4243 370 and DE-A 38 01 813. The tensioners have damping claws, which are vertically adjustable ty apparatus of adjusting screws, toothed plates or the like. In DE-A 4243 370 two guide columns 2, 3 are arranged vertically and parallel to each other. These are bar-shaped and synchronously nrrvable in a basic body 1. Each of the guide columns is provided with a row of equally horizontally and radially directed securing holes 8 equally spaced apart and via an adjustment bolt 10 can be adjusted to adequately arranged securing holes 9 in the guide column axial position 7 in the basic body.
T echnical solution known ffomaforesaid prior art documents disclose only limited adjustment in vertical direction of the work ece and thereby lowflexibility.
The present invention relates essentially to the positioning and fixing °f various parts in manual production and automated production processes, particularly in industries that combine complicated parts made of metal, plastic, glass-plastic, plastic with carbon fibers. Apparatus and tools for positioning and fixing parts in production processes are known. Mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric-pneumatic and electrical elements are also kncwn for p ' ckirg and positioning the parts. Between the base bearing surface and the elements for positioning and fixing the parts, due to the complex geometry, in most cases it is necessary to adjust a brackettothe production conditions. These brackets for each new product are re-planed, constructed, and produced what causes increasing of costs. Thus, specially manufactured parts for reaching each new production conditions are not cost effective.
Based on this, the present invention seeks to further develop the kncwn devices for damping workpieces, in particular vehicle body parts, in such a way that easy handling combined with an extremely sensitive height adjustability, broader range ofvertical adjustment of a workpiece is possible with little design effort
SUMMARY AND OBJ ECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a damping system One aspect of the present invention prcvides two mutually compatible modules consisting of a base and a vertical adjustment component the base is a stationary part firmly fixed to a bedplate and the vertical adjustment component is a movable part where the base and the vertical adjustment component each are shaped as a compact hollow component The vertical adjustment component is sized and shaped to fit within a cavity of the base and to provide sliding of the vertical adjustment component along a hdlcw interior of the base in a vertical direction. A screw shaft and a cooperating pair of nuts are previded for vertically moving and fixing the vertical adjustment component in relation to the base at predetermined height
The modular vertical adjustment apparatus further comprises a bracket where the base and the vertical adjustment component are carried out in two standardized heights, and the bracket in one standardized height but said components can be earned out in more different heights providing the vertical adjustment of the workpiece in a broad range.
The modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning the workpiece is provided with additional components for preventing shear dislocation of the vertical adjustment component within the base, namely a first tensioner, a second tensioner, a third tensioner and additional arrangement consisting of a plurality of through-bores interlocked by at least one stud bolt
Numerous advantages are obtained ty employing the present invention.
More specifically, a vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in damping systems is provided which provides vertical adjustment of a workpiece in a range at least from 225 to 1025 mm
In addition, a vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in damping systems is previded which does not require well trained and technically sophisticated personnel to properly operate.
Furthermore, a vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in damping systems is previded which reduces the cost and complexity associated with the accurate positioning of a workpiece, such as a portion of an automobile.
Also, a vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in damping systems is previded which incorporates a modular design that allows for fine adjustments of the position of a workpiece through the selection of easily identifiable, standardized modular components that are easily assembled to accommodate a plurality of required workpece locations.
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a damping system in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective viewofa modularvertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3a is a cross section view of a fixture between a base/stationary part and a vertical adjustment component/movable part in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a cross section view of a fixture between a base and a vertical adjustment component of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4;
FIG. 5a is a side elevational view of a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5b is a perspective view of embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 5a;
FIG. 6a is a cross section elevational view of the present invention, section viewAA, section view B-B of a fixation means and components for preventing shear dislocation of a vertical adjustment component a within a base of the present invention;
FIG. 6b is a cross section view of a second tensioner in accordance with present invention;
FIG. 6c is a perspective view of embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6a;
FIG 6d is a perspective view of embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6c;
FIG. 7 is a perspective viewofa modularvertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece where heightA/ertical adjustment of a workpiece is performed by an electro motor; and
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece where horizontal/lateral adjustment of a workpiece is performed by a horizontal guide.
DETAILE D DESCRIPTION OF THE PRE FE RRE D EMBODIMENT
This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," 'top" and "bottomT as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downvtardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including "irwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, couplings and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnectecl" refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment coupling or connection that allcws the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece, such as a portion of an automobile, is used in damping systems for receiving and holding the workpieces of complicated geometiy, comprising a commercially available damping part which consists of several exchangeable, interconnected components. The damping part is fixed to the modular apparatus by means of a head part 1 , the head part comprising an arm 1a and plurality of festeners provided in the arm 1a and in the head part 1, such as screws and nuts, for fixing the head part 1 to a vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b and any damping systemto the arm 1 a. The modular vertical adjustment apparatus is by virtue of festeners 4 such as screws fixed to a bedplate 2.
In accordance with the present invention, the modular vertical adjustment apparatus has the advantage that a small number of standard elements are sufficient for a broad field of application. By means of only five basic parts, made in a simple and defined manner, continuous vertical adjustment is possible with high accuracy and reproducibility. Technical solution solved by the present invention prcvides a vertical adjustment of the workpiece in a range at least from 225 to 1025 htth however broader ranges may be achieved with same five basic parts where different heights of each of said five parts may be provided. The vertical adjustment of the workpiece can be a coarse adjustment and a fine adjustment Referring to FIG. 2, the vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning the workpiece comprising a base 5a; 5b, a vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b and a bracket 7, wherein all said components are mutually modular and may be carried out in different heights. FIG. 2 illustrates the base 5a; 5b, the vertical adjustment conrponent 6a; 6b carried out in two standardized heights, and the bracket 7 in one standardized height but said components can be carried out in more different heights providing the vertical adjustment of the workpiece in the broader range than aforesaid.
The modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning the workpiece is provided with cooperating means for preventing a shear dislocation of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b within the base 5a; 5b, namely a first tensioner 8, a second tensioner 30a, a third tensioner 30 and an arrangement consisting of a plurality of through-bores interlocked by at feast one stud bolt 32 One modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning the workpiece may mutually combine said cooperating means for preventing the shear dislocation. A screwshaft 10 and the pair of nuts 11 are pra/ided to fixedly secure and to enable vertical translation of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b within the base 5a; 5b.
Referring to FIGS. 3 to 8, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, each modular vertical adjustment apparatus generally comprises two components, the base 5a; 5b and the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b, wherein the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b can slide inside a cavity 31 of the base 5a; 5b in the vertical direction. Therefore, the base 5a; 5b is a stationary part and the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b is a mo/able part The base 5a; 5b comprises a foot part 3 pra/ided with at least four evenly disposed mounting bores 24 for receiving fasteners 4 to fasten the base 5a; 5b to the bracket 7 or to the bedplate Z The bracket 7 comprises at a foot part 3a at least four mounting bores 24 that are sized and shaped to receive releasable fastener 4, such as screws to thereby releasably fasten the bracket 7 to the bedplate 2. An upper flat surface of the bracket 7 comprises at least four through-bores 25 that are sized and shaped to receive releasable fasteners 4 to thereby releasably fasten the foot part 3 of the base 5a; 5b to the upper flat surface of the brackets The base 5a; 5b forms an U_shaped support; preferably ofa rectangular cross-section, namely its interior is hdlo/vfomning the cavity 31 , the cavity 31 is sized and shaped to receive the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b. A back side of the base 5a; 5b is closed ty a back panel 18, the back panel 18 may comprise at least one vertically positioned and threated bore 38. The threated bores 38 are arranged in a vertical direction along a vertical centerline of the panel 18. A front side of the \J_shaped base 5a; 5b, depending on the height of the base 5a; 5b, comprises one or two openings 20. In the embodiment of the base 5a; 5b of a smaller height the base 5a; 5b comprises one opening 20. The front side of the base 5a; 5b (£ in parallel relation to the back panel 18. In embodiment of the base 5a; 5b with two openings 20, one opening 20 is positioned at an upper part of the front side of the base 5a; 5b, and the other opening is positioned at a lover part of the front side the base 5a; 5b. Two openings 20 are separated by a first lateral plate 21 , the first lateral plate 21 is in parallel relation to the bedplate 2. The base 5a; 5b comprises two ccgs 22, each cqg 22 is laying in vertical direction along vertically directed edges of the opening 20 positioned at the frontside of the base 5a; 5b. The cqgs 22 are facing each other in the plane defining the frontside of the base 5a; 5b, the cqgs 22 are in parallel relation to the back panel 18. Outer side surfaces 9 of the base 5a; 5b are carried out as panels, each side surface 9 may comprise a niche with at least one through-bore 40 that is sized and shaped to receive releasable fastener 35 to thereby releasably fasten the third tensioner 30. A front side of the base 5a;5b comprises two openings 20 divided ty a vertical panel 13, the panel 13 comprises an opening 55 sized and shaped to receive the second tensioner 30a. The vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b is formed as a hollo/v component preferably of a rectangular cross-section, namely its interior is holla/v forming a cavity 23. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cavity 23 has rectangular cross section. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cross section of the cavity 23 has the form of an isosceles trapezoid with one base in parallel relation to a back panel 26 of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b and with slanted vertical side inner walls 51. At a lower portion of the cavity 23 a second lateral plate 50 is provided, the second lateral plate 50 is in parallel relation to the bedplate 2. The second lateral plate 50 comprises a central bore 49 through which a screwshaft 10 passes where one of the nuts 11 abuts on an upper side of the second lateral plate 50 and the other nut 11 abuts on a lower side the second lateral plate 50. The vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b is sized and shaped to fit within the cavity 31 and to provide sliding of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b within the base cavity 31 of the base 5a; 5b. Particularly, an outer shape of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b coincide with an inner shape of the cavity 31 of the base 5a; 5b in order to enable vertical translation of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b within the cavity 31 of the base 5a; 5b. A back side of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b is closed ty the back panel 26. The back panel 26 may comprise a vertically positioned and centered slot or plurality of through-bores 19. A lower portion of a front side of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b comprises an opening 27 of a rectangular shape with two vertically oriented mutually feeing edges 39, and an upper portion of a front side of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b is closed by a front panel 28. In one embodiment of the present invention, surfaces defining both edges 39 are in mutual parallel relation and in parallel relation to a side walls of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b. In another embodiment of the present invention, surfaces defining both edges 39 are slanted.
The back panel 26 may comprise a vertically positioned and centered slot (not shewn) or plurality of through-bores 19 for receiving at least one fastener 37 to fasten the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b by virtue of the first tensioner 8. The front panel 28 may or may not comprise plurality of bores. The side walls of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b are carried out as parallel flat panels. The opening 27 is in a form rectangular cross- section and is arranged symmetrically in a vertical direction along a vertical centerline of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3a, the screwshaft 10 and the pair of nuts 11 are provided to fixedly secure and to enable vertical translation of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b within the base 5a; 5b. Additional fixing and preventing shear dislocation of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b is performed by means of a plurality of semi-circular holes 34 arranged in the base 5a; 5b and by a plurality of senri-circular counter holes 33 arranged in the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b, the semicircular holes 34 and 33 are mutually interlocked by at least one stud bolt 32. The plurality of sem-circular holes 34 arranged in the base 5a; 5b and correspondingly arranged a plurality of sem-circular counter holes 33 in the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b are set to mutually fece each other. The plurality of sem-circular holes 34 are arranged in parallel and extend horizontally alorg a second contact surface 44 of the cqg 22, the second contact surface 44 is directed towards the base cavity 31 of the base 5a; 5b. The plurality of sem-diameters 33 are arranged in parallel and extend horizontally from an edge 39 along a first contact surface 43 of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b, the edge 39 and the first contact surface 43 abut on the cqg 22 and the second contact surface 44 of the base 5a; 5b. The first contact surface 43 of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b and the second contact surface 44 of the base 5a; 5b are facing each other. Each outer side surface 9 of the base 5a; 5b, along a vertical plane passing through mutually facing surfaces 43 and 44, comprises a plurality of through- bores 40 sized and shaped to receive the stud bolt 32 to thereby fasten at the predetermined height the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b. Fastening of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b is earned out ty mutually adjusting the senri-circular counter holes 33 and sem-circular holes 34 as to form a plurality of through-bores in order to receive at least one stud bolt 32 to thereby fasten at the predetermined height the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b. A pitch between t wo adjacent sem-circular holes is of 5 mm The height adjustment and fixing of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in relation to the base 5a; 5b is earned out ty the screwshaft 10 and the pair of nuts 11. In addition to fastening ty at least one stud bolt 32, fixedly securing of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b may be carried out ty means of the first tensioner 8.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 4a, and 4b additional fixing and shear preventing of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in relation to the base 5a; 5b is earned out by means oftwo third tensioners 30, a first toothed surface 41 and a second toothed surface 42. Each vertically directed edge 39 of the opening 27 of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b comprises a plurality of teeth forming the second toothed surface 42, the second toothed surface 42 is extending from the edge 39, in the lateral direction away of the edge 39, along the first contact surface 43. The lateral length of teeth of the first 41 and second toothed surface 42 depends on the load to withstand and is calculated accordingly. In this embodiment each third tensioner 30 comprise the first toothed surface 41 which engage the second toothed surface 42, teeth of each said toothed surface are sized and shaped for mutual engagement Each third tensioner 30 is fixed to the base 5a; 5b by virtue of the through-bore 40 that is sized and shaped to receive releasable fastener 35 to thereby releasably fasten the third tensioner 30 to thereby releasably fasten the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b. Outer side surfaces 9 of the base 5a; 5b are earned out as panels, each side surface 9 at predetermined height comprises the niche with at least one through- bore 40 passing through said panels to enable fastening the third tensioner 30, wherein the first toothed surface 41 of each third tensioner 30 is engaged with the second toothed surface 42, by virtue of fastener 35 to thereby releasably fasten the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b. Each third tensioner 30 includes at least one internal bore 12 having a threaded portion that threa di ngly engages the fastener 35 to therebyfixthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b at certain height depending on the requirements of the production process. Each third tensioner 30 is mounted on oppositely arranged surfaces 46 of each cqg 22, each surface 46 of each cog 22 is arranged in mutually parallel relation to one another, wherein each surface 46 is in parallel relation to outer side surfaces 9 of the base 5a; 5b. Each firsttoothed surface 41 of each third tensioner 30 is arranged in orthogonal relation to each surface 46 of each cqg 22. Each oppositely arranged third tensioner 30, ty means of the first toothed surface 41 that engage the second toothed surface 42 and ty means of each fastener 35, hold the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b engaged with the base 5a; 5b and provide accurate positioning of the workpece. The shape of teeth of the first toothed surface 41 and of the second toothed surface 42 may be rectangular, triangular or of any other suitable shape. A pitch between two adjacent teeth is of 5 mm Vertical translation ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in relation to and within the base 5a; 5b is provided ty the screw shaft 10 and the pair of nuts 11. In addition to fastening by the third tensioners 30, fixedly securing ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b may be carried out by means ofthe first tensioner 8.
FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate vertical translation ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in relation to and within the base 5a; 5b by the screwshaft 10 and the corresponding pair of nuts 11 arranged on the scnewshaft 10, one nut 11 is abuts under the second lateral plate 50 and the other nut 11 abuts over the second lateral plate 50. The screw shaft 10 is positioned vertically inside a central part ofthe cavity 31 and the cavity 23, extending from a bed plate 47 and is passing through the central bore 49 ofthe second lateral plate 50. The nuts 11 are arranged on each side ofthe second lateral plate 50. The bed plate 47 comprises at least one bore 48 for receiving and retaining the screwshaft 10. The bore 48 may have dosed bottom in which case vertical translation of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in relation to and within the base 5a; 5b is performed by virtue ofthe pair of nuts 11. In another embodiment ofthe present invention, the bore 48 is a through-bore and the screwshaft 10 may be operatively connected to an electromotor 16, the electromotor 16 rotates the screwshaft 10 and performs vertical translation ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in relation to and within the base 5a; 5b in which case, after positioning at predetermined height ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b, the pair of nuts 11 are tied to secure the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b. In addition, after positioning at predetermined height ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b and fixedly securing it by the pair of nuts 11, said component 6a; 6b may additionally be fixedly secured to the base 5a; 5b by virtue of two third tensioners 30 and corresponding fasteners 35, as previously disclosed, and/or ty means ofthe first tensioner 8.
FIGS. 6a to 6d illustrate the modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning the workpece comprising the first tensioner 8 and the second tensioner 30a, each of said tensioners is positioned in a lateral plane in parallel to the bedplate 2. The vertical translation ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in relation to and within the base 5a; 5b is provided ty the screwshaft 10 and the cooperating pair of nuts 11. The first tensioner 8, in its cross section has the form of an isosceles trapezoid, is provided with two sloped fastening surfaces to withstand higher loads and to prevent slippage of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b within the base 5a; 5b. Two sloped fastening surfaces of the first tensioner 8 are abutting to the slanted vertical inner side walls 51 ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b. A cross sections ofthe first tensioner 8 and ofthe cavity 23 ofthe vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b are sized and shaped for mutual engagement The first tensioner 8 comprises at least one internal bore 14 having a threaded portion that threadi rgly engages at least one fastener 37 to thereby fasten at the predetermined height the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b. The fastener 37 passes through the threated bore 38 IX. the back panel 18 to thereby releasably fasten the first tensioner 8 and the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b. The first tensioner 8 and the threated bore 38 are arranged at the upper part of the base 5a; 5b.
The second tensioner 30a is arranged below and in parallel relation to the first tensioner 8. To withstand higher loads and to prevent slippage of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b within the base 5a; 5b, the second tensioner 30a is provided with a toothed surface 41a which engages the second toothed surface 42, teeth of each said toothed surfaces are sized and shaped for mutual engagement The second toothed surface 42 is arranged along each vertically oriented edge 39 of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b. The second tensioner 30a comprises a through-bore that is sized and shaped to receive a releasable fastener 45 to thereby releasably fasten the second tensioner 30a to the base 5a; 5b. The releasable fastener 45 passes through a center of the second tensioner 30a and through at least one through-bore, arranged at the back panel 18, said through-bore having a threaded portion that threadirigly engages the fastener 45 to thereby fix the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b at certain height The second tensioner 30a in a cross section has the form of a rectangular parallelepped having two beveled edges 53, the beveled edges 53 are positioned to abut on the vertically oriented and slanted edge 39 of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b. In this embodiment each vertically oriented edge 39 is slanted and is extending from an edge of the vertical side inner wall 51 to an edge of the first contact surface 43 of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b. Each vertically positioned and slanted edge 39 comprises a plurality of teeth forming the second toothed surface 42. Each of two beveled edges 53 of the second tensioner 30a comprises plurality of teeth forming a toothed surface 41a. When the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b is positioned at desired height the second tensioner 30a is placed in the opening 55, the toothed surface 41a engages the second toothed surface 42 and the second tensioner 30a is fixed by the fastener 45 to the base 5a; 5b. By mutual engagement of two toothed surfaces 41a of two beveled edges 53 and two second toothed surfaces 42 of two vertically oriented slanted edges 39 shear dislocation between the component 6a; 6b and the base 5a; 5b is prevented, and in addition these components fixedly secure the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b to the base 5a; 5b.
In accordance with the present invention, vertically moving and fixing, at predetermined height of the vertical adjustment component 6a; 6b in respect of the base 5a; 5b is performed manually, or ty means of an electric motor 16.
FIG. 7 illustrates a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece where vertical adjustment of a workpece is performed ty a motor drive. In the embodiment shown, an electro motor 16 is provided, the electro motor 16 is positioned beneath the modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning the workpiece and operably connected to the screwshaft 10. The height adjustment of the workpiece is controlled bythe electric motor 16 preferably designed as a remotely controllable electro motor 16. The electro motor 16 may be programmed while adapting to different parts of the production process. The electro motor 16 may have any desired design.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modular vertical adjustment apparatus for positioning a workpiece where horizontal/lateral adjustment of a workpiece is performed by a horizontal guide 17. The horizontal displacement of the modular vertical adjustment apparatus is performed manually, or by means of a remotely controllable second electric motor.
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