Parts holder assembly and arrangement system

Abstract

A part support assembly (14) configured to fix and secure a part (16), the part (16) defining a plurality of bores (24, 26), the part support assembly (14) comprising: a frame (30) with a rail (32); and a first device (34) and a second device (36), both supported by the frame (30), one of the two devices (34, 36) being movable along the rail (32) so that the devices (34, 36) can be positioned relative to each other and relative to the position of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16); wherein the first device (34) includes a first pin (46) and the second device (36) includes a second pin (48), the first and second pins (46, 48) being movable between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the first and second pins (46, 48) are configured such that, in the closed position, they are passed through corresponding bores (24, 26) of the part (16) to fix the part (16) and the first and second pins (46, 48) are configured such that, in the open position, they expand in the corresponding bores (24, 26) to fix the part (16) to the first and second devices (34, 36); wherein the second device (36) is fixed to the frame (30), and the first device (34) is movable along the rail (32) relative to the second device (36) such that a position of the first device (34) relative to the second device (36) can be changed; wherein the first device (34) includes a first arm (50) carrying the first pin (46), and wherein the first arm (50) is movable transversely to the movement of the first device (34) along the rail (32) such that a position of the first pin (46) is variable in relation to the rail (32); wherein the first device (34) includes a first housing (62) supported by the first arm (50) and defining a first opening (64), the first pin (46) inserted into the first opening (64) partially projecting beyond the first housing (62) such that an end portion (66) of the first pin (46) is exposed outside the first housing (62); wherein the end portion (66) of the first pin (46) includes a plurality of first pins (68) arranged side by side in the closed position such that the first pins (68) are configured to be inserted into one of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16) to fix the part (16), and the first pins (68) are arranged at a greater distance from each other in the open position than in the closed position such that the first pins (68) are configured to move away from each other to lock the part (16) within one of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16), thereby fixing the part (16) to the first device (34); and wherein the first housing (62) has a respective recess for each of the first pins (68) in which the respective first pin (68) is guided when the first pins (68) are moved between the closed position and the open position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a part support assembly configured to fix and secure a part and to an arrangement system configured to fix and secure the part.

[0002] A composite device comprises a multitude of components that are joined together with sufficient precision to achieve the desired function and aesthetics. The composite device comprises several sub-assemblies, each having a number of subcomponents. Typically, special brackets are designed for the presentation and positioning of each subcomponent relative to one or more other subcomponents to which the subcomponent is to be installed. The special brackets are customized for a specific subcomponent and therefore have limited adjustability. These brackets increase lead time, and their design and manufacturing involve significant capital costs prior to their use in assembling the subcomponents. The composite device can be a vehicle, a household appliance, a piece of furniture, an aircraft, a watercraft, or similar.

[0003] Generally, the openings through the various subcomponents are not standardized. Therefore, separate, individual, and specialized gripping tools are used to move the various subcomponents. In other words, one specialized gripping tool is used for a specific subcomponent configuration, and another specialized gripping tool is used for another specific subcomponent configuration. Therefore, specialized gripping tools must be designed for each individual subcomponent, which in turn lengthens lead time and increases investment costs. Therefore, specialized gripping tools have limited adjustability.

[0004] Conventional part support assemblies and arrangement systems are known from the documents JP 2009- 90 442 A and DE 10 2014 202 257 A1.

[0005] Further prior art can also be found in the documents US 8 025 277 B2, US 4 631 815 A and JP 2010 - 201 517 A.

[0006] Based on JP 2009-90 442 A, the invention is based on the object of creating a durable part holding assembly that can grip and secure a part in a reliable manner.

[0007] This object is achieved with a parts holder assembly which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0008] The parts holding assembly according to the invention is configured to fix and secure a part, the part defining a plurality of bores. The parts holding assembly includes a frame with a rail. The parts holding assembly also includes a first device and a second device, both supported by the frame. One of the two devices can be moved along the rail so that the devices can be positioned relative to each other and relative to the position of the bores of the part. The first device includes a first pin and the second device includes a second pin. Both pins are movable between a closed position and an open position. Both pins are configured so that in the closed position they can be guided through corresponding bores of the part to fix the part.Additionally, both pins are configured to extend into the respective bores in the open position to secure the part to the first and second fixtures. The second fixture is attached to the frame, and the first fixture is movable along the rail relative to the second fixture such that a position of the first fixture relative to the second fixture is changeable. The first fixture includes a first arm supporting the first pin, the first arm being movable transversely to the movement of the first fixture along the rail such that a position of the first pin relative to the rail is changeable.The first device includes a first housing supported by the first arm and defining a first opening, wherein the first pin, which is inserted into the first opening, partially projects beyond the first housing such that an end portion of the first pin is exposed outside the first housing. The end portion of the first pin includes a plurality of first pins that are arranged side by side in the closed position such that the first pins are configured to be inserted into one of the bores of the part to fix the part, and the first pins are arranged at a greater distance from each other in the open position than in the closed position such that the first pins are configured to move away from each other to lock the part within one of the bores of the part, thereby fixing the part to the first device.The first housing has a respective recess for each of the first pins in which the respective first pin is guided when the first pins are moved between the closed position and the open position.

[0009] A placement system according to the invention is configured to locate and secure a part, the part defining a plurality of bores. The system includes a support structure with a fastener, and the system includes a part support assembly connected to the fastener. The part support assembly includes the features discussed in the paragraph immediately above.

[0010] The detailed description and the drawings or figures serve to support the illustration of the disclosure. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement system and a parts support assembly installed on a support structure. Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the parts support assembly with a first device shown in solid lines in a first position and in dashed lines in a second position. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of an example of a part. Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of another example of the part. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a pin in a closed position. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the pin of Fig. 5 in an open position. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic fragmentary cross-sectional view of the pin of Fig. 5 in the closed position, with the part shown in dashed lines. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic fragmentary cross-sectional view of the pin of Fig. 5 in the open position, with the part shown in dashed lines. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a pin of another configuration in a closed position, the part being shown in dashed lines.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will recognize that all directional terms (e.g., above, below, above, down, down, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used to describe the figures and assist the reader in understanding the subject matter. Furthermore, the term "substantially" may refer to minor variances or slight deviations from a state, quantity, value, or measure, etc., some of which are within the tolerances or variations of the manufacturing process.

[0012] Referring to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, an assembly system 10 with support structure 12 is generally shown in Fig. 1, with a parts support assembly 14 connected to the support structure 12. Therefore, the assembly system 10 may include the parts support assembly 14.

[0013] The part support assembly 14 can be connected to the support structure 12. Therefore, the part support assembly 14 can be removed from the support structure 12 if necessary. The part support assembly 14 can be used to position a part 16, which will be referred to as the first part 16 for the following embodiments, during assembly 14. The support structure 12 can be a fixed fixture, a frame, a robotic device, etc. If the support structure 12 is a robotic device (as in Fig. 1), the robot device can use the part support assembly 14 to fix the first part 16 and bring it into a desired position / orientation, the corresponding details being explained below. Therefore, a controller can be connected to the support structure 12 to position the part support assembly 14 in a specific position relative to the first part 16. The part support assembly 14 and the first part 16 are schematically shown in Fig. 1 to generally show the orientation of the components in relation to the support structure 12. The details of the parts support assembly 14 are shown in Fig. 2 and explained below.

[0014] Referring to Fig. 1, the part support assembly 14 can be used to position the first part 16 relative to a base part 18 during assembly 14. Therefore, the assembly system 10 can include the first part 16, the base part 18, the support structure 12, and the part support assembly 14. For example, the robotic device can position the base part 18, and another robotic device can receive another part, such as the first part 16, and position the first part 16 relative to the base part 18. That is, one robotic device with one part support assembly 14 can serve as a support to support the base part 18, while another robotic device with a different part support assembly 14 positions the first part 16 relative to the base part 18.Alternatively, a stationary fixture 19 can be used to support the base part 18, and the robot device with the parts support assembly 14 can position the first part 16 relative to the base part 18. In a further alternative, the parts support assembly 14 can be attached to the stationary fixture 19 and the base part 18 can be placed on the parts support assembly 14, then the robot device with another parts support assembly 14 can position the first part 16 relative to the base part 18. In general, the parts support assembly 14 can precisely fix and hold the first part 16 for manufacturing and assembly operations 14. For example, a single part, a subassembly / assembly of parts can be precisely fixed and held so that various parts can be assembled, welded, and / or inspected during the assembly process.Therefore, a controller may be connected to the support structure 12 to position the part support assembly 14 in a specific position relative to the first part 16 and / or the base part 18. The controller may include a process and a memory, as described below for the other controllers.

[0015] The first part 16 and the base part 18 may have any suitable configuration and are thus schematically shown in Fig. 1. Examples of different configurations of the first part 16 are shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. In certain embodiments, the first part 16 and the base part 18 may be components of a vehicle, such as body parts or body panels, for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, agricultural machinery, etc. Alternatively, the first part 16 and the base part 18 may also be intended for non-vehicles, such as devices, machines, agricultural machinery, etc. Examples of the base part 18 are trunk lids and tailgates of the vehicle. Examples of the first part 16 of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are reinforcement parts. For example, the reinforcement part of Fig. 3 are used to reinforce a hinge of the tailgate, and the reinforcing part of Fig. 4 can be used to reinforce a trunk lid hinge. The first part 16 can be any suitable material(s), and examples can include steel, aluminum, or composite materials.

[0016] The parts support assembly 14 can be used with many different configurations of the first part 16 and the base part 18, which can result in cost and time savings as well as increased adjustability. Therefore, the parts support assembly 14 described here offers versatility in assembling many different parts.

[0017] Further with reference to Fig. 1, the support structure 12 may include a fastener 20. Generally, the part support assembly 14 may be connected to the fastener 20. The fastener 20 may be any configuration suitable for supporting the part support assembly 14. For the robotic device embodiment, movement of the fastener 20 accordingly moves the part support assembly 14.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 2, the parts support assembly 14 includes a platform 22 that is configured to be connected to the support structure 12. For example, the platform 22 may be secured to the robotic device such that the parts support assembly 14 moves accordingly during movement of the robotic device. In certain embodiments, the platform 22 is secured to the mounting member 20. The platform 22 may be fixed to the mounting member 20 using any suitable method, such as one or more fasteners, clips, snaps, latches, tabs, etc.

[0019] The assembly system 10, and in particular the part support assembly 14, is configured to fix and secure the first part 16, thereby defining a plurality of bores 24, 26. For example, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the holes 24, 26 of the first part 16 are defined as a first hole 24 and a second hole 26. The first and second holes 24, 26 can be located at different locations depending on the configuration of the first part 16. Comparing the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, two different first parts 16A, 16B are shown, and the first and second holes 24, 26 of these different first parts 16A, 16B are located at different locations. Typically, the holes 24, 26 are spaced apart from each other and can have any suitable configuration. The holes 24, 26 are used to secure the first part 16, but the holes 24, 26 are not intended to allow the passage of a fastener, screw, etc., to secure the first part 16 to another part (such as the base part 18). In other words, the holes 24, 26 are used only to secure the first part 16. Therefore, the controller can be programmed to move the part support assembly 14 to a specific position to secure the first part 16 via the holes 24, 26. Each of the holes 24, 26 is defined by an outer edge 28 of the first part 16, which will be explained further below.It should be noted that any suitable number of holes 24, 26 may be used.

[0020] With reference to Fig. The parts support assembly 14 includes a frame 30. The platform 22 may be part of the frame 30. The frame 30 may be connected to the mounting member 20, and more specifically, the platform 22 of the frame 30 may be connected to the mounting member 20. The frame 30 may be removed from the mounting member 20 if necessary. When the frame 30 is attached to the mounting member 20, the parts support assembly 14 moves in unison with the mounting member 20. Therefore, in the robotic device embodiment, the movement of the mounting member 20 correspondingly moves the frame 30.

[0021] Further with reference to Fig. 2, the frame 30 includes a rail 32. Generally, the rail 32 is spaced from the platform 22. The parts support assembly 14 also includes a first fixture 34 and a second fixture 36, both supported by the frame 30. One of the two fixtures 34, 36 can be moved along the rail 32 so that the fixtures 34, 36 can be positioned relative to each other and relative to the position of the holes 24, 26 of the first part 16. In certain embodiments, the second fixture 36 is attached to the frame 30, and the first fixture 34 is movable along the rail 32 relative to the second fixture 36 so that a position of the first fixture 34 relative to the second fixture 36 can be changed.In other embodiments, the first device 34 is attached to the frame 30 and the second device 36 is movable along the path 32 relative to the first device 34 such that a position of the second device 36 relative to the first device 34 can be changed.

[0022] For illustrative purposes only, the first device 34 is shown in a first position relative to the second device 36 in dashed lines in Fig. 2, and the first device 34 is shown in a second position relative to the second device 36 in solid lines in Fig. 2 shown. Fig. also illustrates two different sizes of the first part, 16A and 16B (one in dashed lines and one in solid lines), in which the bores 24, 26 are located in different locations, further illustrating the versatility of the part support assembly 14 in which one of the devices 34, 36 is movable relative to the other device 34, 36. When the first device 34 is movable, the first device 34 can move in first and second directions relative to the first direction. When the second device 36 is movable, the second device 36 can move in the first and second directions. In certain embodiments, the first device 34 moves substantially linearly between the first and second positions, and when the second device 36 is movable, the second device 36 moves substantially linearly between the first and second positions.

[0023] The first device 34 may include a first drive 38 that selectively moves the first device 34 along the rail 32. The first drive 38 may exchange data with a first controller 40. The first controller 40 may control the first drive 38 to selectively change the position of the first device 34 relative to the second device 36. In particular, the first controller 40 determines the position at which the first device 34 should be located along the track 32 and instructs the first drive 38 to activate, which then moves the first device 34 along the rail 32. The first controller 40 may be part of an electronic control module. The first drive 38 may be a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic drive, or another suitable drive.

[0024] The first controller 40 may include a processor 42 and a memory 44 on which the control instructions for the first drive 38 are stored. The first controller 40 may control other components not expressly described here or have electrical communication with another controller. The first controller 40 is configured to execute the instructions from the memory 44 via the processor 42. For example, the first controller 40 may be a host computer or a distributed system, such as a computer such as a digital computer or microcomputer, and / or a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller with a processor 42 and as memory 44 a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory.The first controller 40 may also include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog / digital (A / D) and / or digital / analog (D / A) circuitry, and any required input / output circuitry and associated devices, as well as any required signal conditioning and / or signal buffering circuitry.

[0025] Therefore, the first controller 40 may include all software, hardware, memory 44, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc. necessary to control the first drive 38. Thus, an operational control method for controlling the first drive 38 may be embodied as software or firmware connected to the first controller 40. It should be noted that the first controller 40 may also include any device capable of analyzing data from various sensors, comparing data, and making the necessary decisions to control and monitor the first drive 38.

[0026] If the second device 36 is movable along the track 32 instead of the first device 34, the second device 36 may include the first drive 38 to selectively move the second device 36 along the rail 32. Furthermore, when using the first drive 38 with the second device 36, the first drive 38 may also include the first controller 40 and the functions of the first controller 40, as described above.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 2, the first device 34 includes a first pin 46 and the second device 36 includes a second pin 48. The first and second pins 46 and 48 are used to fix the respective bores 24 and 26. Both the first and second pins 46, 48 are movable between a closed position (see Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 9) and an open position (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 8) movable. Both pins 46, 48 are configured so that in the closed position they can be guided through corresponding bores 24, 26 of the first part 16 to fix the first part 16. For example, in the closed position the first pin 46 can be passed through the first bore 24 of the first part 16 and the second pin 48 can be passed through the second bore 26 of the first part 16. The first and second pins 46, 48 can be moved between the open and closed positions simultaneously with each other, have partially overlapping movements, or move independently of each other, i.e. one pin moves before the other or one moves while the other does not move.

[0028] Both pins 46, 48 are configured to extend in the respective bores 24, 26 in the open position to secure the first part 16 to the first and second devices 34, 36. Therefore, for example, in the open position, the first pin 46 can extend in the first bore 24 of the first part 16 and the second pin 48 can extend in the second bore 26 of the first part 16. The first and second pins 46, 48 can have any suitable configuration and the Fig. 5 - 8 illustrate a suitable configuration of the pins 46A, 48A, and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates another suitable configuration of the pins 46B, 48B. Both pins 46, 48 may have substantially the same configuration, or the pins 46, 48 may have different configurations. Therefore, for example, both pins 46, 48 may be in the configuration of Fig. 5 - 8 or both pins 46, 48 in the configuration of the Fig. 9. Alternatively, one of the pins 46, 48 in the configuration of the Fig. 5 - 8 and the other of the two pins 46, 48 in the configuration of the Fig. 9.

[0029] Back to Fig. 2: The first device 34 may include a first arm 50 supporting the first pin 46. In certain embodiments, the first arm 50 may be movable transversely to the movement of the first device 34 along the rail 32, such that a position of the first pin 46 relative to the rail 32 is changeable. For example, the first arm 50 is movable between a third position and a fourth position relative to the third position. The third and fourth positions are different from the first and second positions. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates two different sizes of the first part 16 (one in dashed lines and one in solid lines) in which the first and second bores 24, 26 are at different heights, further demonstrating the versatility of the part support assembly 14, wherein the first arm 50 is movable relative to the rail 32 to accommodate different heights of the bores 24, 26 relative to one another.

[0030] The first arm 50 is substantially linearly movable between the third and fourth positions. The movement of the first arm 50 may be transverse to the movement of the first device 34. In one embodiment, the first arm 50 moves between the third and fourth positions substantially perpendicular to the movement of the first device 34 between the first and second positions. The first device 34 and the first arm 50 may be moved simultaneously with each other between the open and closed positions, have partially overlapping movements, or translate independently of each other, i.e., one pin moves before the other or one moves while the other does not move. When the first device 34 is attached to the frame 30 (rather than being movable), the first arm 50 may be fixed in one position relative to the frame 30.

[0031] Further with reference to Fig. 2, the second device 36 may include a second arm 52 supporting the second pin 48. In certain embodiments, the second arm 52 may be fixed in position relative to the frame 30. Therefore, the second pin 48 is movable relative to the second arm 52 between the closed and open positions, while the second arm 52 remains stationary.

[0032] And again with reference to Fig. 2, the first device 34 may include a second drive 54 that selectively moves the first arm 50 between the third and fourth directions. The second drive 54 may communicate with a second controller 56. The second controller 56 may control the second drive 54 to selectively change the position of the first arm 50 relative to the first device 34. In particular, the second controller 56 determines the position the first arm 50 should assume relative to the rail 32 or the frame 30 and instructs the second drive 54 to actuate and move the first arm 50. The second controller 56 may be part of an electronic control module. In certain embodiments, the second drive 54 may be in communication with the first controller 40 such that the first controller 40 controls both the first and second drives 38, 54, thus eliminating the second controller 56.The second drive 54 may be a pneumatic, a hydraulic or another suitable drive.

[0033] The second controller 56 may include a processor 58 and a memory 60 on which the control instructions for the second drive 54 are stored. The second controller 56 may control other components not expressly described here or have electrical communication with another controller or with the first controller 40. The second controller 56 is configured to execute the instructions from the memory 60 via the processor 58. For example, the second controller 56 may be a host computer or a distributed system, such as a computer such as a digital computer or microcomputer, and / or a PID (proportional - integral - derivative) controller with a processor 58 and as memory 60 a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory.The second controller 56 may also include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog / digital (A / D) and / or digital / analog (D / A) circuitry, and any required input / output circuitry and associated devices, as well as any required signal conditioning and / or signal buffering circuitry. Therefore, the second controller 56 may include all software, hardware, memory 44, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc., necessary to control the second drive 54. Thus, an operational control method for controlling the second drive 54 may be embodied as software or firmware connected to the second controller 56. It should be noted that the second controller 56 may also include any device capable of analyzing data from various sensors, comparing data, and making the necessary decisions to control and monitor the second drive 54.

[0034] If the second device 36 is movable along the path 32 instead of the first device 34, the second device 36 may include the second drive 54 to selectively move the second arm 52 between the third and fourth positions. Furthermore, when using the second drive 54 with the second device 36, the second drive 54 may also include the second controller 56 and the functions of the second controller 56, as described above.

[0035] Back to Fig. 2-9: the first device 34 may include a first housing 62 supported by the first arm 50. The first housing 62 may define a first opening 64 (best shown in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8). The first pin 46 is disposed in the first opening 64 and extends partially beyond the first housing 62 such that an end portion 66 of the first pin 46 is located outside the first housing 62. The exposed portion of the first pin 46 can be inserted through the first bore 24 of the first part 16, which is best achieved in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is shown.

[0036] The first pin 46 may include a plurality of first pins 68 (best shown in numbers 5-9). More specifically, in certain embodiments, the end portion 66 of the first pin 46 may include the first pins 68. Generally, the movement of the first pins 68 is controlled. The first pins 68 are arranged side by side in the closed position such that the first pins 68 can be inserted into one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16 to secure the first part 16. In other words, the first pins 68 are arranged side by side in the closed position such that the first pins 68 are configured to be inserted into one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16 to secure the first part 16. Optionally, the first pins 68 may abut one another in the closed position.

[0037] In addition, the first pins 68 are arranged farther apart from each other in the open position than in the closed position, such that the first pins 68 are movable away from each other to fix the first part 16 within one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16, thereby securing the first part 16 to the first device 34. In other words, the first pins 68 are farther apart from each other in the open position than in the closed position, such that the first pins 68 are configured to move away from each other to fix the first part 16 in one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16, thereby securing the first part 16 to the first device 34. Therefore, the first pins 68 can be spaced apart from each other in the open position and can snap into place on the outer edge 28 in the open position.

[0038] How best in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first opening 64 is arranged along a first axis 70. The first pins 68 are movable between the closed and open positions relative to the first axis 70. Therefore, when the first pins 68 are in the closed position, the first pins 68 are arranged adjacent to the first axis 70, and when the first pins 68 are in the open position, the first pins 68 move outward, away from the first axis 70.

[0039] The first pins 68 are configured to cooperate with different types of material and different thicknesses of material from which the part 16 may be formed. The first pins 68 may have different configurations, as best shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9. In general, the first pins 68 of both embodiments may each have an outer surface 72 directed outwardly, away from the first axis 70. The outer surface 72 of each of the first pins 68, in the open position, engages the first member 16 within the first bore 24 to secure the first member 16 to the first device 34. More specifically, the outer surface 72 of the first pins 68 may engage the outer edge 28 of the first member 16.

[0040] The outer surface 72 of the first pins 68 may have various configurations to assist in securing the first part 16 to the first device 34. For example, the outer surface 72 of the first pins 68 may have different tapers. It should be noted that the outer surface 72 of the first pins 68 may have different configurations than illustrated in the figures. The configuration of the outer surface 72 of the first pins 68 assists in securing the first part 16 to the first device 34 when the first pin 46 is in the open position. In certain embodiments, the outer surface 72 of each of the first pins 68 may include a tapered portion 74. Both embodiments of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9 illustrate the tapered portion 74. In certain embodiments, the tapered portion 74 of the first pins 68 may be angled outward away from the first axis 70. In certain embodiments, the tapered portion 74 of the first pins 68 may be angled outward away from the first axis 70 toward the first housing 62. Therefore, the tapered portion 74 may increase in size where the tapered portion 74 is at an angle to the first housing 62.

[0041] The tapered portion 74 described above may be referred to as the first tapered portion 74. The outer surface 72 of each of the first pins 68 for the embodiment of the Fig. 5 may further include a second tapered portion 76. In certain embodiments, the second tapered portion 76 of the first tenons 68 may be angled outward away from the first axis 70. In one embodiment, the second tapered portion 76 of the first tenons 68 may be angled outward away from the first axis 70 toward the first tapered portion 74. Therefore, the second tapered portion 76 may increase in size where the second tapered portion 76 is at an angle to the first tapered portion 74. Simply stated, the first and second tapered portions 74, 76 may meet at an apex 78 (as best shown in Fig. 7).

[0042] Referring to the Fig. 7-9, the end portion 66 of the first pin 46 can be inserted into the first bore 24 until a first surface 80 of the first part 16 abuts a remainder 82 of the first housing 62. Once the first surface 80 abuts the remainder 82, the first pins 68 can be moved into the open position, resulting in the outer surface 72 of the first pins 68 engaging the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 in the first bore 24. Thus, the first pins 68 apply a first force 84 in the open position (identified as arrows 84 in Fig. 8), outwardly toward the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 into the first bore 24. Generally, the first force 84 may be applied substantially perpendicular to the surface of the outer edge 28.

[0043] In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the second tapered portion 76 of the first pin 68 engages in the open position with the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 in the first bore 24. The configuration of the second tapered portion 76 of the first pin 68 can also exert a second force 86 (indicated by the arrows 86 in Fig. 8) to the first part 16. Therefore, the first tenons 68 apply the second force 86 to a second surface 88 of the first part 16. The second surface 88 opposes the first surface 80. Generally, the second force 86 can be applied substantially perpendicular to the second surface 88 of the first part 16. As such, the first tenons 68 can clamp the first part 16 between the second tapered portion 76 and the remainder 82.

[0044] In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the outer surface 72 of the first pins 68, which is spaced from the first tapered portion 74, engages the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 in the open position. Therefore, in the embodiment of Fig. 9, the first tapered portion 74 of the first pins 68 does not engage the outer edge 28. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the first force 84 is applied outwardly to the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 into the first bore 24 in the open position, and the first force 84 can be applied substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 28 (the representation of the arrows 84 of the Fig. 8 also applies to the Fig. 9). Additionally, the second force 86 is applied to the first part 16, but since this embodiment does not have the second tapered portion 76, the first pins 68 do not engage the first part 16, but instead provide a frictional engagement with the outer edge 28 to assist in holding the first part 16 to the first device 34. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the second force 86 is applied substantially parallel to and at the outer edge 28 of the first bore 24 (the representation of the arrows 86 of the Fig. 8 also applies to the embodiment of Fig. 9).

[0045] The first device 34 may include a third drive 90 (see Fig. 2) that selectively moves the first pins 68 between the closed and open positions. The third drive 90 may be in communication with a third controller 92. The third controller 92 may control the third drive 90 to selectively change the position of the first pins 68 relative to the first housing 62. More specifically, the third drive 92 determines whether the first pins 68 should be in the closed or open position and signals the third drive 90 to activate, thereby moving the first pins 68. Additionally, the third controller 92 may determine the amount of force 84, 86 to be applied to the first part 16 in the first bore 24 when the first pins 68 are in the open position. This controls the movement of the first pins 68.

[0046] The third controller 92 may be part of an electronic control module. In certain embodiments, the third drive 90 may be in communication with the first controller 40, such that the first controller 40 controls the first, second, and third drives 38, 54, 90, thus eliminating the third controller 92. When the second controller 56 is used, the third drive 90 may be connected to the first controller 40 or the second controller 56, such that either the first controller 40 controls the third drive 90, or the second controller 56 controls the third drive 90, thus eliminating the third controller 92. The third drive 90 may be pneumatic, hydraulic, or another suitable drive.

[0047] The third controller 92 may include a processor 94 and a memory 96 in which the control instructions for the third drive 90 are stored. The third controller 92 may control other components not expressly described here or have electrical communication with another controller, with the first controller 40 and / or the second controller 56. The third controller 92 is configured to execute the instructions from the memory 96 via the processor 94. For example, the third controller 92 may be a host computer or a distributed system, such as a computer such as a digital computer or microcomputer, and / or a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller with a processor 94 and as memory 96 a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory.The third controller 92 may also include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog / digital (A / D) and / or digital / analog (D / A) circuitry, and any required input / output circuitry and associated devices, as well as any required signal conditioning and / or signal buffering circuitry. Therefore, the third controller 92 may include all software, hardware, memory 96, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc., necessary to control the third drive 90. Thus, an operational control method for controlling the third drive 90 may be embodied as software or firmware connected to the third controller 92. It should be noted that the third controller 92 may also include any device capable of analyzing data from various sensors, comparing data, and making the necessary decisions to control and monitor the third drive 90.

[0048] Back to Fig. 2-9: the second device 36 may include a second housing 98 supported by the second arm 52. The second housing 98 may have a second opening 100 (best shown in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8). The second pin 48 is arranged in the second opening 100 and extends partially beyond the second housing 98 such that an end portion 102 of the second pin 48 is located outside the second housing 98. The exposed portion of the first pin 46 can be inserted through the second bore 26 of the first part 16, which is best achieved in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is shown.

[0049] The second pin 48 may include a plurality of second pins 104 (best shown in the Fig. 5-9). More specifically, in certain embodiments, the end portion 102 of the second pin 48 may include the second pins 104. Generally, the movement of the second pins 104 is controlled. The second pins 104 are arranged side by side in the closed position so that the second pins 104 can be inserted into another one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16 to secure the first part 16. In other words, the second pins 104 are arranged side by side in the closed position so that the second pins 104 are configured to be inserted into another one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16 to secure the first part 16. Optionally, the second pins 104 may abut one another in the closed position.

[0050] Additionally, the second pins 104 are spaced farther apart from each other in the open position than in the closed position, such that the second pins 104 are movable away from each other to locate the first part 16 within a different one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16, thereby securing the first part 16 to the second device 36. In other words, the second pins 104 are spaced farther apart from each other in the open position than in the closed position, such that the second pins 104 are configured to move away from each other to locate the first part 16 within a different one of the bores 24, 26 of the first part 16, thereby securing the first part 16 to the second device 36. Therefore, the second pins 104 can be spaced apart from each other in the open position and can snap into place on the outer edge 28 in the open position.

[0051] How best in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the second opening 100 is arranged along a second axis 106. The second pins 104 are movable between the closed and open positions relative to the second axis 106. Therefore, when the second pins 104 are in the closed position, the second pins 104 are arranged adjacent to the second axis 106, and when the second pins 104 are in the open position, the second pins 104 move outward, away from the second axis 106.

[0052] The second pins 104 are configured to cooperate with different types of material and different thicknesses of material from which the part 16 may be formed. The second pins 104 may have different configurations, as best shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9. In general, the second pins 104 of both embodiments may each have an outer surface 108 directed outwardly, away from the second axis 106. The outer surface 108 of each of the second pins 104, in the open position, engages the first piece 16 within the second bore 26 to secure the first piece 16 to the second device 36. More specifically, the outer surface 108 of the second pins 104 may engage the outer edge 28 of the first piece 16.

[0053] The outer surface 108 of the second pins 104 can have various configurations to assist in securing the first part 16 to the second device 36. For example, the outer surface 108 of the second pins 104 can have different tapers. It should be noted that the outer surface 108 of the second pins 104 can have different configurations than shown in the figures. The configuration of the outer surface 108 of the second pins 104 assists in securing the first part 16 to the second device 36 when the second pin 48 is in the open position. In certain embodiments, the outer surface 108 of each of the second pins 104 can include a tapered portion 110. Both embodiments of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9 illustrate the tapered portion 110. In certain embodiments, the tapered portion 110 of the second pins 104 may be angled outward away from the second axis 106. In one embodiment, the tapered portion 110 of the second pins 104 may be angled outward away from the second axis 106 toward the second housing 98. Therefore, the tapered portion 110 may increase in size where the tapered portion 110 is at an angle to the second housing 98.

[0054] The tapered portion 110 of the second pins 104 described above may be referred to as the first tapered portion 110. The outer surface 108 of each of the second pins 104 for the embodiment of the Fig. 5 may further include a second tapered portion 112. In certain embodiments, the second tapered portion 112 of the second tenons 104 may be angled outward away from the second axis 106. In one embodiment, the second tapered portion 112 of the second tenons 104 may be angled outward away from the second axis 106 toward the first tapered portion 110 of the second tenons 104. Therefore, the second tapered portion 112 may increase in size where the second tapered portion 112 is at an angle to the first tapered portion 110. Simply stated, the first and second tapered portions 110, 112 may meet at an apex 114 (as best shown in Fig. 7).

[0055] Referring to the Fig. 7-9, the end portion 102 of the second pin 48 can be inserted into the second bore 26 until a first surface 80 of the first part 16 abuts a remainder 116 of the second housing 98. Once the first surface 80 abuts the remainder 116, the second pins 104 can be moved into the open position, which results in the outer surface 108 of the second pins 104 engaging the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 in the second bore 26. Thus, the second pins 104 apply a first force 118 in the open position (shown as arrows 118 in Fig. 8), outwardly toward the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 into the second bore 26. In general, the first force 118 may be applied substantially perpendicular to the surface of the outer edge 28.

[0056] In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the second tapered portion 112 of the second pin 104 engages in the open position with the outer edge 28 of the first part 16 in the second bore 26. The configuration of the second tapered portion 112 of the second pin 104 can also exert a second force 120 (indicated by the arrows 120 in Fig. 8) to the first part 16. Therefore, the second tenons 104 apply the second force 120 to the second surface 88 of the first part 16. As stated above, the second surface 88 opposes the first surface 80. Generally, the second force 120 can be applied substantially perpendicular to the second surface 88 of the first part 16. As such, the second tenons 104 can clamp the first part 16 between the second tapered portion 112 and the remainder 116.

[0057] In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the outer surface 108 of the second pins 104, which is spaced from the first tapered portion 110, engages in the open position with the outer edge 28 of the first part 16. Therefore, in the embodiment of Fig. 9, the first tapered portion 110 of the second pins 104 does not engage the outer edge 28. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the first force 118 is applied outwardly to the peripheral edge 28 of the first part 16 into the second bore 26 in the open position, and the first force 118 can be applied substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 28 (the representation of the arrows 118 of the Fig. 8 also applies to the Fig. 9). Additionally, the second force 120 is applied to the first part 16, but since this embodiment does not have the second tapered portion 112, the second pins 104 do not engage the first part 16, but instead provide a frictional engagement with the outer edge 28 to assist in holding the first part 16 to the second device 36. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the second force 120 is applied substantially parallel to and at the outer edge 28 of the second bore 26 (the representation of the arrows 120 of the Fig. 8 also applies to the embodiment of Fig. 9).

[0058] The second device 36 may include a fourth drive 122 (see Fig.2) that selectively moves the second pins 104 between the closed and open positions. The fourth drive 122 may be in communication with a fourth controller 124. The fourth controller 124 may control the fourth drive 122 to selectively change the position of the second pins 104 relative to the second housing 98. More specifically, the fourth drive 124 determines whether the second pins 104 should be in the closed or open position and signals the fourth drive 122 to activate, thereby moving the second pins 104. Additionally, the fourth controller 124 may determine the amount of force 118, 120 to be applied to the first member 16 in the second bore 26 when the second pins 104 are in the open position. Thus, the movement of the second pins 104 is controlled.

[0059] The fourth controller 124 may be part of an electronic control module. In certain embodiments, the fourth drive 122 may be in communication with the first controller 40 such that the first controller 40 controls the first, second, third, and fourth drives 38, 54, 90, 122, thus eliminating the need for the fourth controller 124. When the second controller 56 is used, the fourth drive 122 may be connected to the first controller 40 or the second controller 56 such that either the first controller 40 controls the fourth drive 122 or the second controller 56 controls the fourth drive 122, thus eliminating the need for the third controller 124. Alternatively, when the third controller 92 is used, the fourth drive 122 may be in communication with the third controller 92 such that the third controller 92 controls the fourth drive 122, thus eliminating the need for the fourth controller 124.The fourth drive 122 may be a pneumatic, a hydraulic or another suitable drive.

[0060] The fourth controller 124 may include a processor 126 and a memory 128 on which the control instructions for the fourth drive 122 are stored. The fourth controller 124 may control other components not expressly described here or have electrical communication with another controller, with the first controller 40, the second controller 56, and / or the third controller 92. The fourth controller 124 is configured to execute the instructions from the memory 128 via the processor 126. For example, the fourth controller 124 may be a host computer or a distributed system, such as a computer such as a digital computer or microcomputer, and / or a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller with a processor 126 and as the memory 128 a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory.The fourth controller 124 may also include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog / digital (A / D) and / or digital / analog (D / A) circuitry, and any required input / output circuitry and associated devices, as well as any required signal conditioning and / or signal buffering circuitry. Therefore, the fourth controller 124 may include all software, hardware, memory 128, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc., necessary to control the fourth drive 122. Thus, an operational control method for controlling the fourth drive 122 may be embodied as software or firmware connected to the third controller 124. It should be noted that the fourth controller 124 may also include any device capable of analyzing data from various sensors, comparing data, and making the necessary decisions to control and monitor the fourth drive 122.

[0061] The present disclosure further describes a method for fixing and securing the first part 16. The method includes positioning the part support assembly 14 relative to the first part 16. The part support assembly 14 includes the features described above, some of which are the frame 30, the first device 34 with the first pin 46, and the second device 36 with the second pin 48.

[0062] The method further includes moving one of the first and second devices 34, 36 to position the devices 34, 36 relative to each other and relative to the position of a first bore 24 and a second bore 26 relative to the first part 16. In certain embodiments, moving a first and second device 34, 36 further includes moving the first device 34 along the rail 32 of the frame 30 while the second device 36 remains stationary, thereby changing a position of the first pin 46 relative to the second pin 48. Generally, the movement of the first device 34 occurs prior to inserting the first pin 46 into the first bore 24 of the first part 16.

[0063] The method also includes inserting the first pin 46 into the first bore 24 of the first part 16 to secure the first part 16 and inserting the second pin 48 into the second bore 26 of the first part 16 to secure the first part 16. In certain embodiments, the movement of the first device 34 occurs before inserting the first and second pins 46, 48 into the first and second bores 24, 26, respectively, to secure the first part 16.

[0064] Additionally, the method includes extending the first and second pins 46, 48 after inserting the pins 46, 48 into the first and second bores 24, 26, respectively, to secure the first part 16 to the first and second fixtures 34, 36. Extending the pins 46, 48 may include moving the first tenons 68 outward toward the outer edge 28 of the first bore 24 and moving the second tenons 104 outward toward the outer edge 28 of the second bore 26. Once the pins 46, 48 are extended to secure the first part 16 to the part support assembly 14, the first part 16 may be moved to position the first part 16 relative to the base part 18. A subsequent operation, such as welding or fastening the first part 16 to the base part 18, may then occur.

[0065] The method may include additional functions not explicitly described in the method description. Therefore, the method may include other features disclosed herein.

Claims

[1] A part support assembly (14) configured to fix and secure a part (16), the part (16) defining a plurality of bores (24, 26), the part support assembly (14) comprising: a frame (30) with a rail (32); and a first device (34) and a second device (36), both supported by the frame (30), one of the two devices (34, 36) being movable along the rail (32) so that the devices (34, 36) can be positioned relative to each other and relative to the position of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16); wherein the first device (34) includes a first pin (46) and the second device (36) includes a second pin (48), the first and second pins (46, 48) being movable between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the first and second pins (46, 48) are configured such that, in the closed position, they are passed through corresponding bores (24, 26) of the part (16) to fix the part (16) and the first and second pins (46, 48) are configured such that, in the open position, they expand in the corresponding bores (24, 26) to fix the part (16) to the first and second devices (34, 36); wherein the second device (36) is fixed to the frame (30), and the first device (34) is movable along the rail (32) relative to the second device (36) such that a position of the first device (34) relative to the second device (36) can be changed; wherein the first device (34) includes a first arm (50) carrying the first pin (46), and wherein the first arm (50) is movable transversely to the movement of the first device (34) along the rail (32) such that a position of the first pin (46) is variable in relation to the rail (32); wherein the first device (34) includes a first housing (62) supported by the first arm (50) and defining a first opening (64), the first pin (46) inserted into the first opening (64) partially projecting beyond the first housing (62) such that an end portion (66) of the first pin (46) is exposed outside the first housing (62); wherein the end portion (66) of the first pin (46) includes a plurality of first pins (68) arranged side by side in the closed position such that the first pins (68) are configured to be inserted into one of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16) to fix the part (16), and the first pins (68) are arranged at a greater distance from each other in the open position than in the closed position such that the first pins (68) are configured to move away from each other to lock the part (16) within one of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16), thereby fixing the part (16) to the first device (34); and wherein the first housing (62) has a respective recess for each of the first pins (68) in which the respective first pin (68) is guided when the first pins (68) are moved between the closed position and the open position. [2] The parts support assembly (14) of claim 1, wherein the first opening (64) is disposed along a first axis (70), and the first pins (68) are movable relative to the first axis (70) between the closed and open positions, the first pins (68) each having an outer surface (72) directed outwardly and away from the first axis (70), and the outer surfaces (72) of all the first pins (68) include a tapered portion (74). [3] The parts support assembly (14) of claim 1, wherein the second device (36) includes a second arm (52) supporting the second pin (48), the second arm (52) being fixed in one position relative to the frame (30), and the second pin (48) being movable relative to the second arm (52) between the closed and open positions. [4] The part retaining assembly (14) of claim 1, wherein the second pin (48) includes a plurality of second pins (104) arranged side by side in the closed position such that the second pins (104) can be inserted into a different one of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16) to fix the part (16), and the second pins (104) are arranged farther apart from each other in the open position than in the closed position such that the second pins (104) can be moved away from each other to fix the part (16) within a different one of the bores (24, 26) of the part (16), thereby securing the part (16) to the second device (36); and wherein the movement of the first and second pins (68, 104) is controlled. [5] An assembly system (10) configured to fix and secure a part (16), the part (16) defining a plurality of bores (24, 26), the assembly system (10) comprising: a support structure (12) with a fastening element (20); a parts support assembly (14) according to claim 1, connected to the fastening element (20).

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