A positioning device, in particular a tool positioning device, for a processing center that comprises a compound slide with a first slide movable in a longitudinal direction of the processing center and a second slide that can be moved in a transverse direction relative to the first slide. The first and the second slides have a matching offset configuration of the sides opposite each other, that bear guides and guide elements that interact with each other in order to guide the second slide in the transverse direction. These guides and guide elements are in part arranged at different heights in a vertical direction in such a manner that the second slide is guided on the first slide on at least two spaced apart guiding points, wherein the guiding distance between the guiding points varies during a traversing motion of the second slide relative to the first slide in the transverse direction.

A modular frame structure for a machining center which includes at least one modular unit having a first and a second individual module. Each individual module includes two mutually parallel vertical columns, each one extending parallel to a vertical direction; a pair of first horizontal cross-members, each one extending parallel to a first horizontal direction, each horizontal cross-member of the pair of first cross-members being joined to both columns. The modular unit further includes two pairs of second horizontal cross-members, each horizontal cross-member parallel to a second horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

A moving mechanism brings the rotational axis of each driven rotator into alignment with the rotational axis of a drive rotator, which has an engaging face extending along its rotational axis. Each driven rotator has an engageable face extending along the rotational axis of the drive rotator. Rotating the drive rotator while moving the driven rotator, of which the rotational axis is aligned with the rotational axis, toward the drive rotator will bring the engaging face into engagement with the engageable face.

A manufacturing fixture includes a rigid base defining a control plane. A first cone locator pin has a first longitudinal axis. The first cone locator pin is connected to the rigid base with the first longitudinal axis orthogonal to the control plane to engage a complementary locating aperture defined in a workpiece. The first cone locator pin engages the complementary locating aperture to locate the workpiece and constrain translation of the workpiece with respect to the control plane. A second cone locator pin has a second longitudinal axis. The second cone locator pin is connected to the rigid base with the second longitudinal axis orthogonal to the control plane to engage a complementary locating hole defined in a workpiece. The second cone locator pin engages the complementary locating hole to locate the workpiece and prevent rotation of the workpiece about the first longitudinal axis.

A manufacturing fixture includes a rigid base defining a control plane. A first cone locator pin has a first longitudinal axis. The first cone locator pin is connected to the rigid base with the first longitudinal axis orthogonal to the control plane to engage a complementary locating aperture defined in a workpiece. The first cone locator pin engages the complementary locating aperture to locate the workpiece and constrain translation of the workpiece with respect to the control plane. A second cone locator pin has a second longitudinal axis. The second cone locator pin is connected to the rigid base with the second longitudinal axis orthogonal to the control plane to engage a complementary locating hole defined in a workpiece. The second cone locator pin engages the complementary locating hole to locate the workpiece and prevent rotation of the workpiece about the first longitudinal axis.

Workpiece-holding tools and techniques are described. Workpiece-holding tools and techniques are usable to ensure consistent and durable alignment of various workpieces while providing access for performing attachment techniques thereon. In one example, the workpiece-holding tool is configured to allow objects to be held or removably affixed to an alignment surface. Holding objects with the workpiece-holding tool ensures that the alignment of objects with an alignment surface does not change while a user is operating upon a workpiece, e.g., as by joining aligned objects together, without interfering or obstructing access to the objects. The ability to hold objects is enhanced by the inclusion of cutouts that provide increased access to interior surfaces of the workpiece-holding tool, such as to increase the area available for use of clamps or other fastening devices.

Magnetic table jig assemblies and methods allow workpieces (e.g., aircraft components to be fabricated) on a table top of the table jig assembly to be accurately indexed relative to a robotically operated tool (e.g., a robotically operated drill). The magnetic table jig assembly may include a wheeled frame which is capable of rolling movement across a floor surface, a horizontally planar table top exhibiting ferromagnetic properties supported by the frame and a plurality of magnetic workpiece positioners each including an actuator to magnetically couple and decouple the magnetic workpiece positioner to the table top. The workpiece will therefore be positioning restrained on the table top by magnetically coupling the plurality of the magnetic workpiece positioners to the table top in abutting relationship to a perimetrical edge of the workpiece.

In an object positioning/fixing device that positions and fixes a target object on a base member in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, a structure is provided in which, in a state in which the target object is pressed against the base member and fixed thereon by a fixation mechanism: first and second tapered engagement surfaces of first and second reference members are closely contacted against the inner circumferential surfaces of first and second annular engagement members via elastic deformation of the first and second annular engagement members; also first and second base end contact surfaces of the first and second reference members are contacted against the base member; and a pair of regulated surfaces of the second annular engagement member are closely contacted against a pair of regulating surfaces of a second installation hole via elastic deformation of the second annular engagement member.

In an object positioning/fixing device that positions and fixes a target object on a base member in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, a structure is provided in which, in a state in which the target object is pressed against the base member and fixed thereon by a fixation mechanism: first and second tapered engagement surfaces of first and second reference members are closely contacted against the inner circumferential surfaces of first and second annular engagement members via elastic deformation of the first and second annular engagement members; also first and second base end contact surfaces of the first and second reference members are contacted against the base member; and a pair of regulated surfaces of the second annular engagement member are closely contacted against a pair of regulating surfaces of a second installation hole via elastic deformation of the second annular engagement member.

Alignment modules attached to a robotic tool changer assist spatial orientation and alignment of a robot arm relative to a robotic tool for location training. A three-axis spatial orientation sensor is first attached to an alignment module affixed to a tool unit. The sensor is “zeroed,” or calibrated to the spatial orientation of the tool unit. The sensor is transferred to a corresponding surface of an alignment module affixed to a master unit. The orientation of the robot arm is adjusted to eliminate sensor error signals indicating deviations from the zeroed orientation of the tool unit. An optical signal, such as a cross line laser beam, is then projected between the alignment modules. The x- and y-axis position of the robot arm is adjusted to align the optical signal with alignment markings. When the master and tool units are aligned, the robot arm is advanced in the z-axis direction until the master unit abuts the tool unit.