Automotive sheet metal work - curved surface-following laminated polishing tool

Abstract

This invention provides a layered polishing tool that automatically follows curved surfaces without requiring manual curvature adjustment, and reliably cuts only the convex parts without picking up any unevenness in the putty. [Solution] A three-layer structure is formed by laminating a pressure-absorbing cushion layer 2 below a rigid hard layer 1, and below that, laminating an elastic plate layer 3 that has a certain rigidity that conforms to large curved surfaces but does not conform to minute irregularities. When the worker presses the hard layer 1 against the surface, the cushion layer 2 is compressed, and the elastic plate layer 3 autonomously deforms and conforms to the overall curved surface while maintaining its core rigidity, allowing only the convex parts to be cut without picking up the undulations of the surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand tool (laminated polishing tool) used for patty surfacing work in automotive sheet metal painting processes and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Automotive body panels have complex three-dimensional curved surfaces (concave surfaces and convex surfaces). Among conventional polishing files, those made solely of flexible materials would excessively polish even the minute recesses (low portions) of the patty, picking up surface undulations and making smooth surfacing difficult. On the other hand, those made of highly rigid materials cannot follow curved surfaces. In addition, even for existing polishing files with a layered structure, during use the operator themselves must manually bend the entire file with finger force or the like, and perform polishing while maintaining that shape, which poses the problem of requiring advanced craftsmanship and great labor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention requires no manual bending adjustment by the operator for complex curved surfaces (concave surfaces and convex surfaces), has the flexibility to automatically follow large overall curved surfaces simply by being pressed against them, and at the same time has the core hardness (rigidity) that does not follow fine irregularities of the patty, thereby ensuring that only the convex portions of the patty are cut, and its object is to provide a laminated polishing tool that can perform high-precision surfacing easily and quickly.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] To solve the above problems, this invention employs a laminated structure consisting of three layers: a rigid, non-bending layer 1, a flexible cushion layer 2 that absorbs pressure, and an elastic plate layer 3 that conforms to the large curved surface of the surface to be polished while maintaining a rigidity that does not conform to fine irregularities. As a result, when the operator simply presses the upper rigid layer 1 against the panel, the intermediate cushion layer 2 releases pressure like a suspension, while the lower elastic plate layer 3 automatically deforms and conforms to the large curved shape of the vehicle body solely by the stress of the tool itself. Furthermore, the elastic plate layer 3's certain rigidity allows it to autonomously remove only the high parts without picking up fine undulations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this invention, in the surface finishing work of curved surfaces which requires highly skilled techniques, the laminated polishing tool automatically fits the curved shape of the entire panel simply by applying it. In particular, the elastic plate layer 3 is not only soft but also has appropriate rigidity that does not follow minute irregularities, so it can smoothly cut only the convex parts while following a large R surface without picking up the undulations (lower parts) of the putty. A high-precision finish can be obtained without relying on the craftsman's sense, and the degree of flexibility can be freely adjusted by changing the thickness of the elastic plate layer 3. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing one embodiment of the laminated polishing tool of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an end view showing the structure of the laminated polishing tool of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a reference diagram showing the state in which the laminated polishing tool of the present invention is used, autonomously bending while following the large curved surface of the surface to be polished, without picking up the undulations of the surface. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The laminated polishing tool of the present invention has a structure in which three layers, a hard layer 1, a cushion layer 2, and an elastic plate layer 3, are integrally laminated together from top to bottom using double-sided tape or adhesive. The hard layer 1 is made of a material that has rigidity and does not deform by human force, such as wood.

[0009] The cushion layer 2 is made of a flexible material such as sponge and acts as a suspension that absorbs and disperses pressure. The elastic plate layer 3 is made of an acrylic plate or the like. This elastic plate layer 3 is not only soft and flexible, but also has enough rigidity not to follow the fine irregularities of the putty, while autonomously bending to follow the larger curves of the entire surface being polished. This balance of rigidity and flexibility makes it possible to smooth out only the protrusions without picking up the undulations of the surface.

[0010] The side of the elastic plate layer 3 opposite the cushion layer 2 is called the abrasive tool connection surface. The abrasive tool connection surface can be configured to either have sandpaper directly attached to it, or to have a fastener 4 such as a hook-and-loop fastener attached before connecting the abrasive tool. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0011] 1 hard layer 2 cushion layers 3 Elastic plate layers 4 attachment / detachment equipment

Claims

1. A hand tool for sanding putty applied to a surface to be sanded, such as an automobile body panel, A rigid layer having non-bending rigidity for the worker to grip or apply pressure to, A flexible cushion layer is laminated beneath the rigid layer to absorb and disperse the applied pressure, The structure has at least three laminated layers, consisting of an elastic plate layer laminated below the cushion layer, which autonomously bends to follow the overall curved surface of the surface to be polished, but has a certain rigidity that does not follow the minute irregularities of the putty, An abrasive material is placed on the lower surface of the elastic plate layer, A laminated polishing tool characterized in that, without requiring manual shape adjustment by an operator, the cushion layer is compressed solely by the stress of pressing the hard layer against it, the elastic plate layer autonomously deforms to follow large curved surfaces such as concave and convex shapes of the material to be polished, and the rigidity of the elastic plate layer and the hard layer allows for selective cutting of only the convex portions of the material to be polished.

2. A laminated polishing tool according to claim 1, characterized in that it has the same polishing surface size and is configured to allow selection of either a configuration in which a gripping portion for the operator to grip is integrally or detachably provided on the upper or back surface of the hard layer, or a configuration in which the gripping portion is not provided.

3. A laminated polishing tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to allow selection of either a configuration in which a polishing tool is connected by providing an attachment / detachment device on the polishing tool connection surface of the elastic plate layer, or a configuration in which an adhesive type of polishing paper can be directly attached without providing the attachment / detachment device.

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