Patent Description:
When making multi-component items such as toys, for example toy figurines, from plastic, there is a need for easy manufacture and easy post manufacture processes (after treatment processes) and for easy of assembly of any sub-parts or components of the item.

It is known to mould such components or sub-parts of in workpieces comprising two or more sub-parts. Thereby the manufacturing process may be accelerated. Often the workpieces are connected by runners of the moulding process, which runners are need to be removed before the sub-parts are assembled, and if present during any after-treatment process of the workpiece may hinder or complicate the after-treatment process. Such an after-treatment may for example be printing/placement of decorations, spray painting, or the like on the sub-parts of the workpiece. It is also known that it is difficult to accurately provide such printing/placement of decorations, spray painting, or the like on the sub-parts of the workpiece, because it is difficult to correctly control the positioning of the workpiece relative to the machinery performing the after-treatment process.

Document <CIT> discloses an alignment jig for holding a workpiece in a downward direction. The jaw is adapted to the workpiece.

It is an object of the invention to alleviate the above mentioned difficulties.

In a first aspect the objects of the invention may be achieved by an alignment jig for holding a workpiece according to claim <NUM>.

The first abutment surface on the second jaw thereby is configured the press the first and second alignment surfaces of the workpiece against the first and second alignment surfaces of the first jaw, respectfully, and thereby align the workpiece correctly in the alignment jig.

The second abutment surface on the second jaw thereby further is configured to hold the workpiece down in the alignment jig.

The first jaw is preferably arranged adjacent to the second jaw.

The first jaw and the second jaw, are arranged such that a distance - when the second jaw is in a rest position - between the first and/or second alignment surfaces of the first jaw and the first abutment surface of the second jaw is smaller than a distance between the first and/or second alignment surfaces of the workpiece and the second surface of the workpiece, which the alignment jig is configured for holding.

In an embodiment, the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface on the first jaw forms part of a wedge-shaped indentation in the first jaw. This embodiment is suitable for workpieces having first and second alignment surfaces formed adjacent to and angled to each other in a protruding wedge shape.

In an embodiment the second jaw comprises two sets of first and second abutment surfaces arranged on two vertical surfaces of the second jaw, where the two vertical surfaces are arranged in a wedge shape protruding from the second jaw.

This embodiment is suitable for workpieces having first and second alignment surfaces formed adjacent to and angled to each other in a wedge shape indention.

In a further embodiment, the second jaw comprises an elongate body having a base fixedly connected to the alignment jig and a rod connected to and extending from the base, wherein at least the rod is formed in an elastically resilient material.

The elastic resilient properties of the material of the rod are preferably configured such that the rod is allowed to bend relative to the base of the elongate body of the second jaw, if a sideways pressure is applied to an upper portion (formed opposite to the base of the elongate body) of the rod and swing back to its original position, when the pressure is removed from the upper portion of the rod.

Thereby, at least the upper portion of the rod may be movably arranged relative to the alignment jig as such. Thereby, if a suitably configured workpiece is pressed into the alignment jig, at least the upper portion of the rod is bend away from its rest position and will create a bias towards its rest position on a portion of the workpiece. This is utilized provide a bias on the workpiece and force the first and alignment surfaces of the workpiece towards the first and second alignment surfaces of the first jaw of the alignment jig.

In these embodiments the first abutment surface on the second jaw is preferably arranged at the upper portion/end of the rod of the second jaw.

In these embodiments the second abutment surface is preferably arranged at the upper portion/end of the rod of the second jaw.

In a further embodiment of any of the previously described embodiments, the second jaw is biased in towards the first jaw.

In a further embodiment of any of the previously described embodiments the second jaw is pivotally connected relative to the first jaw.

Furthermore, there is another alignment jig not according to the invention for holding a workpiece during after-treatment, is configured for workpieces comprising.

the first alignment surface is formed in a first side surface of the intermediary portion; and the second alignment surface is formed in the first side surface of the intermediary portion, and.

The cooperating alignment surfaces on the alignment jig and the workpiece allows centering/alignment of the workpiece in the alignment jig for accurate after-treatment, e.g. printing on the workpiece.

In an embodiment the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface on the first jaw forms part of a wedge-shaped flange protruding from the first jaw.

The corresponding alignment surfaces on the workpiece thereby may be provided as a correspondingly wedge-shaped indent in the intermediary portion of the workpiece, whereby the arrangement allows that the wedge-shaped indent on the workpiece may serve the dual purpose of aligning and as weakened zone of reduced material thickness, such that the sub-parts of the workpiece may be easily separated.

In an embodiment, the wedge-shaped flange is formed centrally on the alignment jig and configured to engage as centrally located wedge shaped indentation on the intermediary portion of the workpiece.

In embodiments, the first and second jaws may both be fixed/stationary relative a base, e.g. a plate body of the alignment jig. In this case one or both of the jaws may be provided with a resilience, such that a workpiece may be snapped in between the two jaws.

However, preferably the second jaw is moveable relative to the first jaw.

In an embodiment, the second jaw is biased in towards the first jaw.

In further embodiments, the second jaw is pivotally connected to the alignment jig, such that it is pivotal relative to the first jaw.

In further embodiments, the abutment surface of the second jaw is provided on a head portion which is pivotally connected to a body of the second jaw. When also the body of the second jaw is pivotally connected to the alignment jig, this allows a transfer of a vertical movement into a horizontal movement of the abutment surface of the second jaw towards the first jaw, in a space reducing manner.

In either of the embodiments of the alignment jig according to the first aspect, each alignment jig is configured with a single first jaw and a single second jaw, and therefore a single alignment jig is configured to hold a single workpiece at a time.

In a second aspect the objects of the invention are achieved by a holding system for holding and aligning a workpiece during after-treatment of the workpiece, the holding system comprising.

In an embodiment, the alignment jig of the holding system comprises attachment means for coupling the alignment jig to a robot arm and/or to a main jig.

In a further embodiment, the holding system may comprise a plurality of alignment jigs attached to a main jig in an array of alignment jigs.

In a further embodiment of any of the above embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the first alignment surface of the workpiece and the second alignment surface of the workpiece are arranged adjacent to each other in a wedge shape on outer surfaces of the workpiece, and wherein the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface on the first jaw forms part of a wedge-shaped indentation in the first jaw.

In a further embodiment of any of the above embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the second side surface of the workpiece comprises two surface sections formed adjacent to each other and in a wedge shape;.

In an embodiment, the workpiece or a portion thereof is shaped in a wedge.

In an embodiment, the workpiece is shaped as a pie-piece.

In an embodiment thereof, the holding system comprises a plurality of alignment jigs attached to a main jig in an array of alignment jigs.

In a further embodiment, the main jig comprises a main body having an upper surface on which the plurality of alignment jig are attached,.

Thereby a very compact holding system may be provided.

In either of the embodiments of the holding system according to the second aspect, each alignment jig is configured with a single first jaw and a single second jaw, and therefore each alignment jig is configured to hold a single workpiece at a time.

Furthermore there may be a workpiece comprising.

wherein the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface are angled with respect to each other, and with respect to the first side surface.

Thereby a workpiece, which may be easily aligned for after-treatment is obtained.

In an embodiment, the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface of the workpiece forms part of a wedge-shaped indent into the intermediary portion. The wedge-shaped indent on the workpiece may serve the dual purpose of aligning and as weakened zone of reduced material thickness, such that the sub-parts of the workpiece may be easily separated
In an embodiment, the wedge-shaped indent is formed centrally on the intermediary portion of the workpiece.

In either embodiment of either of the above mentioned aspects of the invention, the workpiece may be injection moulded workpiece.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

The present invention relates to a holding system <NUM>, the holding system <NUM> being configured for holding and aligning a workpiece <NUM> during after-treatment of the workpiece <NUM>, after forming the workpiece <NUM> as such. The invention also relates to an alignment jig <NUM>, which may form part of the holding system <NUM>, the alignment jig <NUM> being configured for holding and aligning a workpiece <NUM> during after-treatment of the injection moulded workpiece <NUM>. The invention further relates to workpiece <NUM>, which is adapted to be easily held in an alignment jig <NUM>, such as referred to in the previous sentence. Such workpieces <NUM> may form part of the mentioned holding system <NUM>.

The workpiece <NUM> is preferably made in plastic. The workpiece <NUM> may be formed by moulding. Preferably, the workpiece <NUM> is an injection moulded workpiece.

<FIG>, in a top view, shows a holding system <NUM> according to an embodiment thereof, and comprising an injection moulded workpiece <NUM> held by and aligned in an alignment jig <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG>, in perspective views, show the injection moulded workpiece <NUM> and the alignment jig <NUM> in a separated state. <FIG> shows the injection moulded workpiece <NUM> and the alignmentjig <NUM> from one side, and <FIG> shows the injection moulded workpiece <NUM> and the alignment jig <NUM> from the opposite side. <FIG>, in a perspective view, shows the workpiece <NUM> from one side. <FIG> show other views of the alignment jig <NUM> of the holding system <NUM>.

<FIG> shows detail of the alignment jig <NUM>, and <FIG> shows detail of an intermediary portion <NUM> and a weakening zone of the workpiece <NUM>.

As shown in e.g. <FIG>, the workpiece <NUM> may comprise two temporarily interconnected items, a first sub-part <NUM> and a second sub-part <NUM>. The first toy sub-part <NUM> and the second sub-part <NUM> are temporarily interconnected by a middle part, intermediary portion <NUM>.

The first sub-part <NUM> and the second sub-part <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM>, when separated from each other, may be assembled into or form parts of an assembly forming a toy, such as a toy figurine or a toy building element, when assembled. The workpiece <NUM> shown in the <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, 45A-B and <FIG> resembles a left and right legs, i.e. the first sub-part <NUM> resembles a first leg <NUM>, and the second sub-part <NUM> resembles a second leg <NUM> of such a toy figurine (not shown). The workpiece <NUM> shown in <FIG> is of a different type resembling e.g. toy pie piece/slice or a toy building element such as a toy tile.

Retuning now to the workpiece <NUM> shown in the <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, 45A-B and <FIG>, attached to the first leg <NUM> is a first foot <NUM>, and attached to the second leg <NUM> is a second foot <NUM>.

The first sub-part <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. Likewise, the second sub-part <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. The intermediary portion <NUM> is elongate and has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. As illustrated in e.g. <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the first sub-part <NUM> is connected to the first end <NUM> of the intermediary portion <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the second sub-part <NUM> is connected to the second end <NUM> of the intermediary portion <NUM>. The first foot <NUM> of the first leg <NUM> is connected to the first sub-part <NUM> at the fist end <NUM> thereof. The second foot <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> is connected to the second sub-part <NUM> at the first end <NUM> thereof.

The first sub-part <NUM>, the second sub-part <NUM> and the intermediary portion <NUM> are formed together as a unitary structure, preferably in plastic, and preferably by moulding process such as an injection moulding process.

The workpiece <NUM> may be held by the alignment jig <NUM> during an after-treatment of the first sub-part <NUM> and the second sub-part <NUM>. Such an after-treatment may for example be printing/placement of decorations, spray painting, or the like.

When the first sub-part <NUM> and the second sub-part <NUM> have been after treated, the first sub-part <NUM> and the second sub-part <NUM> may be separated from each other, and form parts of e.g. a toy, such as a toy figurine.

Preferably, the first sub-part <NUM> and the second sub-part <NUM> are identical or symmetrical items. Preferably, the first sub-part <NUM> and the second sub-part <NUM> are symmetrical about a centre plane.

The intermediary portion <NUM> is configured to allow a holding device, an alignment jig <NUM>, to grab and hold the workpiece for and during the after-treatment (e.g. printing). The two sub-parts <NUM>, <NUM> and the intermediary portion <NUM> are aligned along an axis. Holding the workpiece <NUM> at the intermediary portion <NUM> allows that the two sub parts <NUM>, <NUM> are free to be after-treated.

The intermediary portion <NUM> has a first side <NUM>, see e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>, and opposite thereto, a second side <NUM>, see e.g. <FIG>.

The intermediary portion <NUM> may have a generally rectangular cross-section.

The intermediary portion <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM> and the alignment jig <NUM> are configured such that the workpiece <NUM> may be held by the alignment jig <NUM> during the after-treatment process by the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> being squeezed between a first jaw <NUM> and a second jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM>.

The intermediary portion <NUM> further has a weakened zone <NUM> of reduced material thickness, see e.g. <FIG>.

When the after-treatment has been completed (using the holding system <NUM> and alignment jig <NUM>), the two sub parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM> may be separated, breaking them apart at the weakened zone <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the weakened zone <NUM> is preferably provided centrally on the workpiece <NUM> and the intermediary portion <NUM>, i.e. the distance, L1, from the extreme end of the first sub-part <NUM> to the single, central weakened zone <NUM>, is identical to the distance L2, from the opposite, extreme end of the second sub-part <NUM> to the single, central weakened zone <NUM>.

In this case, each of the two sub parts <NUM>, <NUM> after breaking them apart at the weakened zone <NUM>, will end of having a portion (half of the intermediary portion <NUM>) attached to it.

In principle, in other (not shown) embodiments, there may be two weakened zones, so that the intermediary portion <NUM> (or at least a portion thereof) will not form part of the resulting items (e.g. legs <NUM>, <NUM>), when the workpiece <NUM> could then be separated into three parts.

The weakened zone <NUM> may be formed as an indent in at least a first side <NUM> of the intermediary portion <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM>. This is illustrated in e.g. <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the intermediary portion <NUM> may further comprise a second indent <NUM> in the opposite second side <NUM> of the intermediary portion of the injection moulded workpiece, see <FIG>. The one or oppositely arranged indents <NUM>, <NUM> provides a reduced material thickness, and thereby provides a weakened zone <NUM>.

Preferably, and in order to allow an alignment jig <NUM> to grab and align a workpiece <NUM> between a first and a second jaw <NUM>, <NUM> in a correct position lengthwise position thereof, the intermediary portion <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM> is provided with a first alignment surface <NUM> and a second alignment surface <NUM> provided on the intermediary portion <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM>, where the first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably angled relative to each other, and configured to cooperate with mating respective first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on one of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM>.

In the embodiments shown, the first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on a first stationary jaw <NUM>, which will be described in more detail below, in connection with the alignment jig <NUM>.

Preferably, the two alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the intermediary portion <NUM> of the workpiece are formed as intersecting surfaces in a wedge shape. Preferably, the two alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the intermediary portion <NUM> are formed as an indention <NUM> into a side <NUM> of the intermediary portion <NUM>. In this case, the cooperating alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on the jaw <NUM>, <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM> is provided as a protruding wedge-shaped flange <NUM>.

In preferred embodiments, and as shown in the figures, such an indention <NUM> may preferably be coinciding with the weakend zone <NUM>, i.e. the indention <NUM> is the same as the indent <NUM> in first side of the intermediary portion <NUM> of the injection moulded workpiece <NUM>.

However, in not shown embodiments, there may be both alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and indents <NUM>,<NUM> in the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the intermediary portion <NUM>.

Thus, an aspect of the invention relates to a workpiece <NUM> having profiled aligning surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> configured for interacting with corresponding surfaces on a jaw of an alignment jig <NUM>. This allows centering/alignment of the workpiece <NUM> in the alignment jig <NUM> for accurate after-treatment (e.g. printing). The interacting profiled <NUM>, <NUM> alignment surfaces preferably forms a V-shape.

Also, an aspect of the invention relates to an alignment jig <NUM> having profiled aligning surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> configured for interacting with corresponding surfaces <NUM> on a workpiece <NUM>. This allows centering/alignment of the workpiece <NUM> in the alignment jig <NUM> for accurate after-treatment (e.g. printing). The interacting profiled alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> preferably forms a V-shape.

An alignment jig <NUM> according to the invention may comprise a set of jaws <NUM>, <NUM> having opposed alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> as described above. The jaws <NUM>, <NUM> may in principle both be fixed/stationary relative a base, e.g. a plate body <NUM>' of the alignment jig <NUM>, one or both of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> being provided with a resilience such that a workpiece <NUM> may be snapped in between the two jaws <NUM>, <NUM>.

However, in a further aspect, the invention relates to a holding device in the form of an alinement jig <NUM> having a fixed or stationary jaw <NUM> and a moveable jaw <NUM> configured for cooperating with two opposite side <NUM>, <NUM> of an intermediary portion of a workpiece <NUM>. The fixed jaw <NUM> has profiled alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> configured for interaction/cooperation with profiled alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on the workpiece <NUM>. This allows the moveable jaw <NUM> to push the matching profiled alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on the workpiece <NUM> into contact with each other to actively longitudinally align the workpiece during insertion of the workpiece, and allows for easy release of the workpiece after the after-treatment (printing).

Such an alignment jig <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The alignment jig <NUM> may comprise a base, e.g. a plate body <NUM>'. The plate body <NUM>' has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>.

The alignment jig <NUM> may comprise attachment means, such as one or more holes <NUM> configured for attaching the alignment jig to a robot arm or a main jig <NUM> suitable for mounting a plurality of alignment jigs <NUM>. An example of the latter is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and described in more detail below.

Preferably, but optionally, the alignment jig <NUM> may comprises a first workpiece support <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the plate body <NUM>' of the alignment jig <NUM>. The first workpiece support <NUM> may provide support for the workpiece during engagement of the workpiece <NUM> and/or during the after-treatment process. The first workpiece support <NUM> may especially provide support against movement in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece10. The first workpiece support <NUM>, may as shown in e.g. <FIG> comprise a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM> where in between a portion of the workpiece may rest.

Correspondingly, the alignment jig <NUM> may comprises a second workpiece support <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the plate body <NUM>' of the alignment jig <NUM>. The second workpiece support <NUM> may provide support for the workpiece during engagement of the workpiece <NUM> and/or during the after-treatment process. The second workpiece support <NUM> may especially provide support against movement in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the workpiece10. The second workpiece support <NUM>, may as shown in e.g. <FIG> comprise a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM> where in between a portion of the workpiece may rest.

In some embodiments the alignment jig comprises both a first workpiece support at the first end of the alignment jig <NUM> and a second workpiece support <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM>. This may counteract torsional forces in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the plate body <NUM>' of the alignment jig <NUM>.

An elevated plateau <NUM> may extend above the plate body <NUM>' of alignment jig <NUM>, at least at a central portion thereof.

A first jaw <NUM> may protrude upwards from the plate body <NUM>' of alignment jig <NUM>, or from the elevated plateau <NUM>.

The first jaw <NUM> is preferably and as shown in the figures fixed/stationary relative to the plate body <NUM>' of alignment jig <NUM>. The first jaw <NUM> has a front surface facing towards a second jaw <NUM>. The first jaw <NUM> further comprises a flange <NUM> protruding from the front surface towards the second jaw <NUM>. The flange has a triangular or wedge-shaped cross-section. Thus two surfaces, first alignment surface <NUM> and second alignment surface <NUM> forming a V-shape relative to each other. When, a workpiece <NUM> having a depression <NUM> with two corresponding alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> is pressed against the flange <NUM> of the first jaw (by the second jaw <NUM>) the workpiece will align in the lengthwise direction.

Opposite to the first jaw <NUM> a second jaw is arranged. The second jaw <NUM> is movable relative to the plate body <NUM>' and to the first jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM>. The second jaw <NUM> is movable in the direction of the arrow <NUM> (and <NUM>° thereto) in <FIG> to provide a pressure on a workpiece <NUM> inserted between the first and second jaw <NUM>, <NUM>, and towards the fixed/stationary first jaw <NUM>. The second jaw <NUM> is also moveable away from the first jaw <NUM>, such that the workpiece may be released from the grip of the first and second jaws <NUM>, <NUM>, once the after-treatment has been completed.

This allows the moveable second jaw <NUM> to push the matching profiled alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on the workpiece <NUM> and the profiled alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on the first jaw <NUM> into contact with each other to actively longitudinally align the workpiece <NUM> during insertion of the workpiece, and allows for easy release of the workpiece after the after-treatment (e.g. printing).

The second jaw <NUM> has a front surface, such as first abutment surface <NUM>, for abutment against a surface of the workpiece <NUM>. The first abutment surface <NUM> may be provided on head portion <NUM> attached to second jaw as described below or directly on the second jaw (not shown). Correspondingly, the workpiece <NUM> may comprise an abutment surface <NUM> on the second side <NUM> of intermediary portion <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM>.

In a further aspect, the moveable second jaw <NUM> may be shaped with two contact surfaces, an upper contact surface and a lower contact surface. The lower contact surface or first abutment surface <NUM> is configured to push the workpiece <NUM> against the fixed/stationary first jaw <NUM> (in the direction of the arrow <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The arrow <NUM> in <FIG> shows this push against the workpiece <NUM>. The upper contact surface or second abutment surface <NUM> of the second jaw is configured for pushing the workpiece <NUM> "downward"/against body plate <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM>, thereby aiding vertical alignment of the workpiece for the after-treatment, and securing the workpiece <NUM> from slipping out of the jaws hold during the after treatment. Arrow <NUM> in <FIG> represents a downward directed force component by the second abutment surface <NUM> of the holding head <NUM> on the workpiece <NUM> (when pressed into alignment jig <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>). As also described in connection with previously mentioned aspects and embodiments, the first abutment surface <NUM> and the second abutment surface <NUM> may be provided on a head portion <NUM> attached to second jaw <NUM>, which will be described below, or directly on the second jaw (not shown).

As mentioned above, the contact surfaces, the first and second abutment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> on the movable jaw <NUM> may preferably and as illustrated in <FIG> be arranged on a head portion <NUM>, forming a separate attachable part relative to the main part, body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM>. Preferably, the head portion <NUM> is pivotal relative to the main jaw body <NUM>. Thereby, the head portion <NUM> may act as a force turning unit. This allows a more precise and stable grabbing of the workpiece.

As shown in <FIG>, the head portion <NUM> is pivotally connected to the body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> by a protruding knob <NUM> protruding in the horizontal direction from a portion of the body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM>, and cooperating with a cavity formed in a body of the head portion <NUM>, which cavity <NUM> is configured for receiving the protruding knob of the second jaw <NUM>. The protruding knob <NUM> and the corresponding cavity <NUM> allow a slight rotation between the head <NUM> and the second jaw body <NUM>, second pivot P2.

The head portion or holding head <NUM> may be held in position sideways by a side support <NUM>, The side support <NUM> may comprise a first side flange <NUM> of one side of the second jaw <NUM> and holding head <NUM>, and a second side flange <NUM> on the other side of the second jaw <NUM> and holding head <NUM>.

The second jaw <NUM> is preferably pivotally connected to the alignment jig <NUM> via an axle <NUM> in a firs pivot P1. This allows the second jaw <NUM> to act as a "force turning unit" to translate a force of a e.g. a vertically arranged spring <NUM> into a sideways/rotational force of the movable second jaw <NUM>. This, will be explained in further detail in connection with <FIG>. However, it will be realized that spring loading the second jaw <NUM> by a vertically arranged spring <NUM> will save space in the horizontal direction and thereby allow a close bundling of a plurality of alignment jigs <NUM> side by side.

Preferably, the plate body <NUM>' of the alignment jig <NUM> is provided with a through-going opening <NUM>, through the plate body <NUM>' this allows to lower the first pivot P1.

The second jaw <NUM> is preferably provided partly in the opening <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> comprises a horizontal portion <NUM> provided in the opening <NUM> through the plate body <NUM>'. The body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> further comprises a vertical portion <NUM> formed as an integral part of the body <NUM>, and perpendicular to the horizontal portion <NUM>. The vertical portion <NUM> extends from and above the through-going opening <NUM> through the plate body <NUM>'. The above mentioned protruding knob <NUM> extends from the vertical portion <NUM> in the horizontal direction, perpendicular to the direction of the vertical portion <NUM>, from an upper portion thereof.

The body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> further may comprise a spring abutment surface <NUM> for abutment against a spring <NUM> for spring loading the second jaw <NUM>. The spring abutment surface <NUM> is provided on a lower/downwardly facing surface of the body spring <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> below the vertical portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> a plurality of alignment jigs <NUM> as described above may be grouped together on a main jig <NUM>. In <FIG> a grid of 2x4 alignment jigs <NUM> has been provided. It will be appreciated that a main jig <NUM> may comprise fewer or more alignment jigs <NUM> arranged in a grid structure.

Arranging the alignment jigs <NUM> in a grid allows the simultaneous after treatment of multiple workpieces at the same time.

The main jig <NUM> may as shown in <FIG> comprise a block/main body <NUM> having an upper surface <NUM> on which the alignment jigs <NUM> may be attached using suitable attachment means. For instance, threaded holes (not shown) may be provided in the block/main body <NUM> to which bolts <NUM> may be secured through the above mentioned holes <NUM> in the alignment jigs <NUM>.

Opposite to the upper surface <NUM> of the main jig <NUM>, the main jig <NUM> may comprise a mounting flange <NUM> configured to connect the main jig <NUM> to a robot arm or other machinery suitable for bring the workpieces <NUM> held by the alignment jigs <NUM> into contact with the machinery performing a desired after-treatment to the workpieces.

For each alignment jig <NUM> arranged on the main jig <NUM>, a spring <NUM> may be arrange in separate bores provided from the upper surface <NUM> of the main jig <NUM> and into the block/main body <NUM> vertically (perpendicular to a plane defined by the upper surface <NUM>).

The spring <NUM> may be inserted through an opening <NUM> into the bore <NUM> from the upper surface of block/main body <NUM> of the main jig <NUM>.

The spring has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> and length adapted to a length of the bore <NUM> such that the spring <NUM> provides a loading of the second jaw <NUM>, when the first end of the spring <NUM> abuts on the spring abutment surface of the second jaw <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> abuts against a bottom <NUM> of the bore <NUM>, see <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a workpiece <NUM> having a different shape than the workpiece described above, i.e. a different type of workpiece <NUM>. The workpiece <NUM> shown in <FIG> is of a type resembling e.g. toy pie piece/slice or a toy building element such as a toy tile. This is representative of a type of the workpiece <NUM> having a wedge shape or having a portion of which is wedge shaped, or having a wedged shaped alignment surfaces formed in or on the workpiece <NUM>.

In any case, the workpiece <NUM>, shown in <FIG> comprises a first alignment surface <NUM>' and a second alignment surface <NUM>' adjacent to and angled respective to the first alignment surface <NUM>', Thus, the workpiece <NUM> shown describes a general wedge shape. It will be appreciated that in this case, the wedge shape protrudes from the body <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM> in contrary to the embodiments described above in connection with <FIG> where the corresponding first alignment surface <NUM> and second alignment surface <NUM> were formed as a wedge shape indent into a body portion (the intermediary portion <NUM>) of the workpiece <NUM>.

In the following, and associating to <FIG>, is described an alignment jig <NUM> and a holding system <NUM> configured for holding and aligning a workpiece <NUM> of the type exemplified in <FIG> during after-treatment of the workpiece <NUM>.

<FIG>, in perspective view, shows a vertical section through a portion of an alignment jig <NUM> of a holding system <NUM> according to this aspect of the invention. <FIG> further shows a pie-piece shaped workpiece <NUM> as shown in <FIG> arranged in therein. In <FIG>, the workpiece <NUM> is also shown in section, i.e. the same section as the alignment jig <NUM>.

<FIG>, also in a perspective view, shows details of an upper portion of the alignment jig <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG>, in a side view, shows the same detail of the alignment jig of <FIG>, as <FIG>.

<FIG>, in top view, shows an alignment jig <NUM> of the holding system <NUM> with a workpiece <NUM> as shown in <FIG> held in the alignment jig <NUM>. The workpiece <NUM> is represented by a horizontal vertical section through the workpiece <NUM>; and <FIG>, in a perspective view, shows the alignment jig of <FIG>.

The alignment jig <NUM> in these embodiments comprises a main body <NUM>", corresponding to the plate body <NUM>' described in connection with <FIG> above. However, in this case, the main body <NUM>" may as shown be elongate in the vertical direction. Similar to the embodiments described in connection with <FIG> above, the main body <NUM>" comprises a portion which functions as a first jaw <NUM>.

The first jaw <NUM> in the shown embodiment of <FIG> is formed as a part of an opening extending into an upper surface of the main body <NUM>" of the alignment jig <NUM>, which opening is sized and shaped to receive the shape of the workpiece <NUM>.

The first jaw <NUM> comprises a first alignment surface <NUM> configured for engaging the first alignment surface <NUM>' of the workpiece <NUM>, and a second alignment surface <NUM> configured for engaging the second alignment surface <NUM>' of the workpiece <NUM>. In this case, the first alignment surface <NUM> and the second alignment surface <NUM> are formed as inner surfaces or walls of the opening into the upper surface of the main body <NUM>" of the alignmentjig <NUM>.

The first alignment surface <NUM> and the second alignment surface <NUM> formed as inner surfaces or walls of the opening into the upper surface of the main body <NUM>" of the alignment jig <NUM> are - as shown - preferably formed vertically, i.e. perpendicular to the upper surface of the main body <NUM>" of the alignment jig <NUM>.

It will be appreciated from <FIG> and <FIG> that the opening into the upper surface of the alignment jig <NUM> for receiving the workpiece also has a "back wall" corresponding to the rounded/arc shaped "back surface" of the pie-piece shaped workpiece <NUM>. As may be appreciated from <FIG>, this back wall does not engage with rounded/arc shaped "back surface" of the pie-piece shaped workpiece <NUM>, and nay in other - not shown - embodiments be omitted.

As is the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, the alignment jig <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> also comprises a second jaw <NUM>.

As is the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, and as will be described in further detail below, the alignment jig <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> therefore also comprises a set of jaws configured to grab and hold the workpiece <NUM> between a first jaw <NUM> and a second jaw <NUM> of the set of jaws.

As is the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, and as will be described in further detail below, the second jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> is movably arranged relative to the first jaw <NUM>.

An embodiment of the second jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> is shown in more detail in <FIG>.

The second jaw <NUM> comprises an elongate body <NUM> comprising a base <NUM> and a rod <NUM>. The base <NUM> is fixedly connectable to the alignment jig <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be connected to a bore through the main body <NUM>" of the alignment jig <NUM>.

The rod <NUM> is connected to and extends from the base <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the rod <NUM> of the elongate body <NUM>, is arranged in a bore portion of the main body <NUM>" of the alignment jig <NUM>, which bore portion has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the rod <NUM>, Therefore, the rod <NUM> of the elongate body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> is allowed to bend relative to the base <NUM> of the elongate body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM>, if a sideways pressure is applied to an upper portion (which is defined opposite to the base <NUM>) of the rod <NUM>, and to swing back to its original position, when the pressure is removed from the upper portion of the rod <NUM>. Thereby, at least the upper portion of the rod <NUM> is movably arranged relative to the alignment jig as such.

At least the rod <NUM> may be formed in an elastically resilient material. However, in preferred embodiments the entire elongate body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> may be formed in the same material.

The elastic resilient properties of the material of the rod are preferably configured such that the rod is allowed to bend relative to the base of the elongate body of the second jaw, if a sideways pressure is applied to an upper portion of the rod and swing back to its original position, when the pressure is removed from the upper portion of the rod. Thereby, at least the upper portion of the rod is movably arranged relative to the alignment jig as such. And thereby, if a suitably configured workpiece <NUM> is pressed between the first and the second jaw <NUM>, 180of the alignment jig <NUM>, at least the upper portion of the rod <NUM> is bend away from its rest position and will create a bias towards it's rest position (and the first jaw <NUM>) on a portion of the workpiece <NUM>. This is utilized to provide a bias on the workpiece <NUM> and force the first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>', <NUM>'of the workpiece <NUM> towards the first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM>.

As is the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, and as will be described in further detail below, the second jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> comprises a first abutment surface <NUM>. The first abutment surface <NUM> is vertically arranged, and is configured for engaging a second side surface <NUM> of the workpiece <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the first abutment surface <NUM> is preferably formed on a hemispherical bulge <NUM> formed on a surface <NUM>' of the rod <NUM> of the elongate body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM>.

As is the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, and as will be described in further detail below, the second jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> comprises a second abutment surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the second abutment surface <NUM> is preferably formed on the hemispherical bulge <NUM> formed on a surface <NUM>' of the rod <NUM> of the elongate body <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM>.

The second abutment surface <NUM> faces downwards, at least partially, and is configure for engaging an upwardly facing surface <NUM> formed on the workpiece <NUM>.

The upwardly facing surface <NUM> formed on the workpiece <NUM> may is visible in at least <FIG>, where the upwardly facing surface <NUM> is formed as a ledge on an inwardly facing surface of the workpiece <NUM> opposite the first alignment surface <NUM> if the workpiece <NUM>.

As was also the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, the first abutment surface <NUM> on the second jaw <NUM>, thereby is configured to press the first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>', <NUM>' of the workpiece <NUM> against the first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first jaw, respectfully, and thereby align the workpiece <NUM> correctly in the alignment jig <NUM>.

As was also the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, the second abutment surface <NUM> on the second jaw <NUM> thereby is configured to hold the workpiece <NUM> down in the alignment jig <NUM>.

As was also the case with the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>, the biased movement of the second jaw <NUM> relative to the first jaw <NUM> allows a workpiece of suitable size and shape to be snapped into hold between the first and second jaws <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is noted that the first jaw <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the second jaw <NUM>.

It is further noted that the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>, are arranged such that - when the second jaw <NUM> is in a rest position - a distance between the first and/or second alignment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first jaw, and the first abutment surface <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> is smaller than a distance between the first and/or second alignment surfaces <NUM>', <NUM>' of the workpiece <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" of the workpiece10.

Preferably, and as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. the second jaw <NUM> of the alignment jig <NUM> comprises two sets of first and second abutment surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>', <NUM>' arranged on two vertical surfaces <NUM>', <NUM>" of the second jaw <NUM>. The two vertical surfaces <NUM>', <NUM>" are arranged in a wedge shape, and protruding from the second jaw <NUM>.

Thus, the second jaw <NUM> comprises a first vertical surface <NUM>', and a second vertical surface <NUM>". The first vertical surface <NUM>' and the second vertical surface <NUM>" are arranged forming an angle between them, i.e. they form a wedge shape.

The first abutment surfaces <NUM> and the second abutment surface <NUM> is formed on the first vertical surface <NUM>'. Preferably, on a hemispherical bulge <NUM> as described above. A second set of a first abutment surfaces <NUM>' and a second abutment surface <NUM>' is formed on one the other, the second vertical surface <NUM>", preferably also on a hemispherical bulge <NUM> as described above.

This embodiment is suitable for workpieces having first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>', <NUM>" formed adjacent to each other and angled to each other in a wedge shaped indention, e.g. on inner surfaces of a workpiece <NUM>, such as the second side surfaces <NUM>' and <NUM>". In some embodiments - not shown - these second side surfaces <NUM>' and <NUM>" acting as first and second alignment surfaces may replace first and second alignment surfaces on the outer surfaces of the workpiece. However, in the embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the second side surfaces <NUM>' and <NUM>" on the inside of the workpiece acts in combination with the first and second alignment surfaces <NUM>', <NUM>' to improve the alignment.

As mentioned above, an alignment jig <NUM> as described in connection with <FIG>, as well as the embodiments described in connection with <FIG> may form part of a holding system <NUM> for holding and aligning a workpiece <NUM> during after-treatment of the workpiece <NUM>, where the holding system (<NUM>) comprises.

Now returning to the embodiments described above in connection with <FIG>, it will be appreciated that the alignment jig <NUM> described, may (as it is the case with the alignment jig of the embodiments described in connection with <FIG>) comprise attachment means for coupling the alignment jig to a robot arm and/or to a main jig.

In one embodiment, a plurality of alignment jigs as described in connection with <FIG> may be attached to a main jig in an array of alignment jigs, similar to the alignment jigs described in connection with the embodiments of <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A combination of a workpiece (<NUM>) and an alignment jig (<NUM>) for holding the workpiece (<NUM>) during after-treatment, wherein the workpiece (<NUM>) comprises
- a first alignment surface (<NUM>, <NUM>');
- a second alignment surface (<NUM><NUM>') adjacent to and angled respective to the first alignment surface (<NUM>, <NUM>'),
wherein the alignment jig (<NUM>) comprises a set of jaws configured to grab and hold the workpiece (<NUM>) between a first jaw (<NUM>) and a second jaw (<NUM>) of the set of jaws,
wherein the second jaw (<NUM>) is movably arranged relative to the first jaw (<NUM>) in the horizontal direction;
wherein the first jaw (<NUM>) comprises a first alignment surface (<NUM>) configured for engaging the first alignment surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the workpiece (<NUM>),
wherein the first jaw (<NUM>) comprises a second alignment surface (<NUM>) configured for engaging the second alignment surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') of the workpiece (<NUM>),
wherein the second jaw (<NUM>) comprises a first abutment surface (<NUM>), the first abutment surface (<NUM>) being vertically arranged and configured for engaging a second side surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the workpiece (<NUM>) and configured to push the workpiece (<NUM>) against the first jaw (<NUM>) in the horizontal direction, and
wherein the second jaw (<NUM>) further comprises a second abutment surface (<NUM>), the second abutment surface (<NUM>) facing downwards, and being configured for engaging an upwardly facing surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the workpiece (<NUM>), when the workpiece is inserted between the set of jaws of the alignment jig (<NUM>).