초록 ▼

The present invention describes a workholding apparatus for holding workpieces that are to undergo various machining processes. The workholder apparatus is particularly suitable for numerically controlled machining applications. The workholder consists of a main body having a generally flat work sur

The present invention describes a workholding apparatus for holding workpieces that are to undergo various machining processes. The workholder apparatus is particularly suitable for numerically controlled machining applications. The workholder consists of a main body having a generally flat work surface and two or more clamping assemblies slidably located beneath the work surface. The invention includes a means for accurately and repeatably clamping a workpiece to the work surface, so that a part may be removed at an intermediate stage for examination or other processing, and returned to the workholder in the same location. A major advantage of the present invention is the clamping is accomplished without producing undesirable stresses in the workpiece, and all sides of the workpiece can be exposed for machining without changing the attachment of the workpiece in the workholder. A modular and extensible embodiment of the invention is also described.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A workholder apparatus for removably attaching workpieces having elongated wedge-shaped channels along two sides thereof and at least one indexing aperture on its bottom surface, to said workholder apparatus, said workholder apparatus comprising:i. a main body having a proximal end, a distal end

1. A workholder apparatus for removably attaching workpieces having elongated wedge-shaped channels along two sides thereof and at least one indexing aperture on its bottom surface, to said workholder apparatus, said workholder apparatus comprising:i. a main body having a proximal end, a distal end and a mounting surface between said proximal and distal ends, said body including a plurality of elongated cylindrical apertures extending transversely therethrough having a portion that intersects said mounting surface thereby defining a plurality of open slots in said mounting surface, and a plurality of index pin apertures between said open slots that extend from said mounting surface into said main body; ii. a plurality of clamp assemblies insertable into said cylindrical apertures, said clamp assemblies comprising: a. a clamp rod having threads along a portion of its length and a turning means fixedly attached at one end, b. a first clamp dog having a threaded aperture therethrough screwably attachable to said clamp rod and a first wedge portion that protrudes through said open slot when said clamp assembly is inserted into one of said cylindrical apertures, c. a second clamp dog having an aperture therethrough attachable to said clamp rod between said turning means and said first clamp dog, and a second wedge portion that protrudes through said open slots when said clamp assembly is inserted into one of said cylindrical apertures; iii. at least one index pin having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end insertable into one of said index pin apertures such that said distal end of said index pin protrudes from said mounting surface of said main body, and said distal end sized to slidably insert into said indexing aperture of said workpiece.