Self-adjusting universal support tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-adjusting universal support tool on which a piece (P) having an irregular surface (S) can be supported. The tool comprises: a set of flat stacked plates (2, 3, 4) with aligned holes (5) distributed across the surface thereof; a series of support shafts (6) inserted into all or some of the holes (5) of the plates (2, 3, 4), each support shaft (6) being able to slide independently in the respective hole (5) when the upper end of the shaft is pressed against the irregular surface (S) of the piece (P) to be supported; elastic means (7) associated with each support shaft (6); and interlocking means (8) that block the sliding movement of the support shafts (6) and keep them in the position adopted according to the shape of the surface (S) of the piece (P) against which they rest.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] As expressed in the title of the present specification, the invention relates to a self-adjusting universal support tool which provides its intended function with advantages and features that are described in detail below.

[0002] The object of the present invention relates to a support tool which, being made up essentially of a series of plates in which a plurality of moving support shafts which are self-adjustable through springs or other elastic means are incorporated, has the purpose of ensuring the support and securing of bulky and heavy pieces that require handling, for example, pieces of a car engine during mechanical repair operations such as the crankcase, the surface of which has an irregular shape, with said support being specially designed to facilitate its removal and subsequent placement in exactly the same position, preventing risks and overexertion.FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The field of application of the present invention is comprised in the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of support instruments and tools, focusing particularly on the area of mechanical instruments and tools.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] As is known, in vehicle repair shops, but also in many other areas of mechanics, it is common to have to remove and move bulky and heavy pieces which must then be put back in the same position. A clear example of this is the engine crankcase.

[0005] The problem is that these pieces often have a surface the configuration of which is not flat, but rather has multiple irregularities that prevent the use of a conventional resting support. This means that, when moving and, especially, when putting these pieces back in their corresponding place, the mechanic, operator, or worker who must carry out said operation needs the help and collaboration of others and, even so, there is a risk of having to make great efforts, as well as of the piece not being able to be put back in exactly the same position as it was originally, with the subsequent risk to workers' health and to the proper operation of the mechanical assembly.

[0006] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a tool which is specially designed for such function and which can furthermore be adapted to the shape of any piece, such that it is of universal use and is adapted to the shape of the piece, automatically adapting to the surface irregularities of the piece, gaining time and safety.

[0007] Moreover and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be indicated that at least the applicants are unaware of the existence of any other self-adjusting universal support tool or any other similar application invention which presents technical, structural, and constitutive features identical or similar to those claimed herein.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The self-adjusting universal support tool proposed by the invention is configured as an optional solution for the aforementioned objectives, with the characterizing details that make it possible and distinguish it being suitably included in the final claims accompanying the present description.

[0009] Specifically, as set forth above, the invention proposes a support tool having the purpose of ensuring the support and securing of bulky and heavy pieces, the surface of which has an irregular shape such as, for example, a vehicle gearbox, said support being specially designed to adapt to the shape of the piece, automatically adapting to same in order to facilitate and allow the safe performance of both removal and subsequent placement of the piece in exactly the same position, preventing risks and overexertion.

[0010] To that end, and more specifically, the support tool is made up essentially of a series of plates arranged on top of one another by way of a sandwich and in which there is incorporated, inserted through holes provided to that end in said plates, a plurality of scattered and interchangeable support shafts, such that they are distributed at various points of the plates, with each of said support shafts being linked to elastic means, preferably a spring, that generates more or less tension upon pressing the upper end of the shafts when they are located in contact with the piece to be moved and the different support shafts are gradually supported on the irregular surface thereof, preferably by means of using a lifting apparatus, for example, a lifting shaft or carriage, in which the lower plate of the universal support tool will be fixed, with there being furthermore provided blocking means to fix the position of the support shafts once they are all in contact with the surface of the piece, such that they will be self-adjusted to different heights.

[0011] In this way, the piece to be moved can be removed after securing it to the support tool by means of a tension belt, making the movement thereof to perform appropriate repair operations safe and comfortable and, subsequently, since it will not be moved from the support, it can be put back in the same position as the one from which it was removed, also in a safe and comfortable manner for the operator, facilitating their work and preventing overexertion risks.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] To complement the description that is being made and for the purpose of helping to better understand the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the present specification, as an integral part thereof, in which the following is depicted in a non-limiting, illustrative manner: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the self-adjusting universal support tool object of the invention, depicted with all its support shafts pressed at maximum tension, with its general configuration and main parts being depicted; Figure 2-A shows an exploded perspective view of the self-adjusting universal support tool of the invention according to the example shown in Figure 1, with the configuration of each of its parts and elements being depicted; Figure 2-B shows an enlarged view of detail A indicated in Figure 2-A in which the grooved configuration of the rods forming the support shafts is depicted. Figures 3, 4, and 5 show respective front elevational, side, and top plan views of the example of the support tool shown in the preceding figures, depicted in an assembled position and with all its support shafts pressed at maximum tension, having included in Figure 3 the grip handle and the coupling means for coupling to the lifting apparatus; Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view of the sliding intermediate plate comprised in the tool of the invention, with the configuration of its interlocking elements and their arrangement between the respective side guides being depicted; Figure 7 shows a schematic side elevational view of the tool assembly, again depicted in an assembled position, in this case with all its support shafts located in a resting position with the springs being free of tension; and Figure 8 shows a schematic side elevational view of the tool in a usage position with a piece to be moved, with the adaptation of the different support shafts to the surface irregularities of the piece being depicted. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In view of the mentioned figures and according to the adopted numbering, a non-limiting embodiment of the self-adjusting universal support tool of the invention which comprises what is described in detail below, can be seen therein.

[0014] Therefore, as observed in said figures, the support tool (1) of the invention on which a piece (P) having an irregular surface (S) can be supported essentially comprises: a set of flat plates (2, 3, 4) stacked by way of a sandwich and perforated with a plurality of aligned holes (5) distributed across the surface thereof; a series of support shafts (6) inserted into all or some of the holes (5) of the plates (2, 3, 4), each support shaft (6) being able to slide independently in the respective hole (5) when the upper end of the shaft is pressed against the irregular surface (S) of the piece (P) to be supported; elastic means (7) associated with each of the support shafts (6) such that they, in a resting position, keep the shafts in a lifted position with respect to the plates (2, 3, 4), and in a tension position, when the upper end of the support shafts (6) is pressed against the surface (S) of the piece (P), tend to bring the shafts to said lifted position, such that each shaft (6) is located in one position, based on the shape of the surface (S); and interlocking means (8) that block the sliding movement of the support shafts (6) and keep them in the position adopted according to the shape of the surface (S) of the piece (P) against which they rest.

[0015] Preferably, the set of perforated plates comprises a lower plate (2) with holes (5), a sliding intermediate plate (3) with interlocking means (8), and an upper plate (4) with holes (5).

[0016] Furthermore, said set of perforated plates comprises a lower support (16) for fixing the elastic means (7), preferably a spring support (16).

[0017] In turn, in the preferred embodiment, the support shafts (6) have grooves (61) intercalated with protrusions (62) distributed along the length thereof, these shafts (6) being suitable to be inserted, preferably in an interchangeable manner, through the holes (5) of the lower plate (2) and the upper plate (4) and the interlocking means (8) when the intermediate plate (3) is in a non-blocking position, whereas when said intermediate plate (3) is located, upon sliding, in a blocking position, the support shafts (6) are locked in said interlocking means (8), preventing the mobility thereof.

[0018] To that end, as can be seen in Figure 6, said interlocking means (8) of the sliding intermediate plate (3) are spaces having a wide portion (81) through which the protrusions (62) of the shafts (6) pass and a narrow portion (82) through which said protrusions (62) do not pass and the grooves (61) of the shafts (6) fit therein, such that the shafts (6) are locked and blocked in said interlocking spaces (8).

[0019] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the intermediate plate (3) slides when inserted between two side plates (9) which, by way of a guide, allow the longitudinal displacement of said plate (3) between same. In turn, both side plates (9) are integrally fixed, preferably by means of screws (10) and nuts (11), to the lower plate (2) and to the upper plate (4), as can be seen in Figure 2A.

[0020] Preferably, to facilitate the sliding movement of the intermediate plate (3) in order to position the interlocking spaces (8) in a blocking position, there is envisaged, associated with said intermediate plate (3), the existence of coupling means for coupling a grip handle (M) or another similar instrument which facilitates said sliding operation.

[0021] To that end, preferably, said coupling means comprise an eccentric bearing (12) and a base (13) located with a fork (14) between the lower plate (2) and the intermediate plate (3) at one end such that said bearing (12) allows the sliding of the intermediate plate (3). Therefore, there is coupled in the base (13) of the eccentric bearing (12), emerging below the lower plate (2), a handle (M), such as the one depicted in Figure 3, for sliding the intermediate plate (3) to the blocking position for blocking the support shafts (6).

[0022] Furthermore, preferably, between the intermediate plate (3) and the lower plate (2) there is envisaged the inclusion of an additional safety screw (not depicted) to prevent said intermediate plate (3) from moving once it is located in the blocking position, preventing one of the support shafts (6) from being able to move out of its position upon moving the assembly.

[0023] Likewise, preferably, one of the plates has side prolongations provided with openings (21) which, as can be seen in Figure 5, project along the perimeter with respect to the rest of the plates to facilitate securing the assembly of the tool (1) and the piece (P) to be moved, for example, by means of tension belts, or for coupling additional arms, if pieces of larger dimensions are to be secured.

[0024] However, though not depicted, in an alternative embodiment option, instead of consisting of the described spaces of the intermediate plate (3), the interlocking means (8) that block the sliding movement of the support shafts (6) are made up of another type of interlocking elements, for example magnetic elements, in any case, such that when operated, they block the sliding movement of the support shafts (6) and keep them in the position adopted according to the shape of the surface (S) of the piece (P) against which they rest.

[0025] Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the elastic means (7) with which each of the support shafts (6) is associated consist of springs surrounding the lower end of the shafts and fixed thereto through a lower stop or a fixing system (71).

[0026] In any case, preferably, there is incorporated at the upper end of the support shafts (6) a damping element (17) whereby the shafts contact and press against the surface (S) of the piece (P) to be removed. Said damping element (17) has a variable shape, as appropriate, and is preferably made of a non-slip material, for example, rubber or the like, being able to consist, for example, of a silent block or an adjusting screw, among others.

[0027] In any case, preferably, the support shafts (6) are inserted into the holes (5) and the interlocking means (8) of the panels (2, 3, 4) inserted into bushings (18) located in the upper part of the upper plate (4) which keep them in a position perpendicular to said plate and to the assembly of the rest of the plates.

[0028] In one embodiment option, the support shafts (6) are inserted into the panels (2, 3, 4) in a non-removable manner, so they always have the same position.

[0029] However, in an alternative embodiment, the support shafts (6) are inserted into the plates (2, 3, 4) in a removable manner, which allows varying their position, as appropriate, according to the type of piece (P) to be handled, for which, preferably, more holes (5) and interlocking means (8) than support shafts (6) are envisaged, such that the position and number thereof may vary, as appropriate.

[0030] In this case, preferably, each hole (5) of the upper plate (4) incorporates a bushing (18) integrally fixed on the surface of its upper face (4a).

[0031] Lastly, to facilitate the use of the described tool (1), it is positioned coupled on a lifting implement or apparatus (not depicted), for example and in a non-limiting manner, a lifting shaft or carriage, since the operations for which the tool is intended are generally removal from below the piece (P) in question.

[0032] Therefore, optionally, to facilitate said coupling, the inclusion of lower fixing means (19), on the lower face (2b) of the lower plate (2) is envisaged to facilitate the insertion of the lifting shaft, as depicted in Figure 3.

[0033] Figure 8 shows, by means of the depicted large arrows, the abutment of the support shafts (6) through the damping elements (17) at their upper end upon lifting the assembly to the position of the piece (P), causing more or less tension of the elastic means (7) based on the shape of the surface (S).

[0034] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to further explain the invention for one skilled in the art to understand its scope and the advantages derived therefrom.

Claims

1. A self-adjusting universal support tool on which a piece (P) having an irregular surface (S) can be supported, characterized by comprising: - a set of flat stacked plates (2, 3, 4) with aligned holes (5) distributed across the surface thereof, - a series of support shafts (6) inserted into all or some of the holes (5) of the plates (2, 3, 4), each support shaft (6) being able to slide independently in the respective hole (5) when the upper end of the shaft is pressed against the irregular surface (S) of the piece (P) to be supported, - elastic means (7) associated with each of the support shafts (6) such that they, in a resting position, keep the shafts in a lifted position with respect to the plates (2, 3, 4), and in a tension position, when the upper end of the support shafts (6) is pressed against the surface (S) of the piece (P), tend to bring the shafts to said lifted position, such that each shaft (6) is located in one position based on the shape of the surface (S), and - interlocking means (8) that block the sliding movement of the support shafts (6) and keep them in the position adopted according to the shape of the surface (S) of the piece (P) against which they rest.

2. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a lower plate (2) with holes (5), a sliding intermediate plate (3) with interlocking means (8), and an upper plate (4) with holes (5).

3. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to claim 2, characterized in that the support shafts (6) have grooves (61) intercalated with protrusions (62) distributed along the length thereof, being suitable to be inserted through the holes (5) of the lower plate (2) and the upper plate (4) and the interlocking means (8) when the intermediate plate (3) is in a non-blocking position, whereas when said intermediate plate (3) is located, upon sliding, in a blocking position, the support shafts (6) are locked in said interlocking means (8), preventing the mobility thereof.

4. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the sliding intermediate plate (3) is inserted between two side plates (9) which, by way of a guide, allow the longitudinal displacement of said plate (3) between same.

5. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to claim 4, characterized in that, associated with the intermediate plate (3), there are provided means to enable coupling a grip handle (M) to facilitate the sliding movement of said intermediate plate (3).

6. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the interlocking means (8) are actuated by means of sliding the intermediate plate (3).

7. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic means (7) of the support shafts (6) consist of springs surrounding the lower end of said support shafts (6).

8. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the upper end of the support shafts (6) they incorporate a damping element (17).

9. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support shafts (6) are inserted into the holes (5) and the interlocking means (8) are inserted into bushings (18).

10. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support shafts (6) are inserted into the plates (2, 3, 4) in a non-removable manner.

11. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support shafts (6) are inserted into the panels (2, 3, 4) in a removable manner, such that their position and number may vary.

12. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises lower fixing means (19) for coupling a lifting implement or apparatus.

13. The self-adjusting universal support tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the plates has side prolongations provided with openings (21) projecting from along the perimeter with respect to the rest of the plates to facilitate securing the assembly of the tool (1) and the piece (P) to be moved.

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