AN APPARATUS FOR WORKING OPPOSITE ARRANGED SURFACES

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for working oppositely arranged first and second surfaces of a pressing section. The apparatus comprises an upper working unit forming a top wall and an upper sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall; a lower working unit forming a bottom wall and a lower sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall; and an inflatable bellows movable between an inflated state and a deflated state by inflation with an inflation medium. The upper sidewall is arranged to guide the lower sidewall to thereby form an internal space enclosed by the top wall, the bottom wall, the upper sidewall, and the lower sidewall. The inflatable bellows is arranged in the internal space to facilitate variation of the distance between the top wall and the bottom wall during relative movement between the upper sidewall and lower sidewall by inflation of the inflatable bellows.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. An apparatus for working oppositely arranged first and second surfaces of a pressing section, the apparatus comprising: an upper working unit forming a top wall and an upper sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall; a lower working unit forming a bottom wall and a lower sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall; and an inflatable bellows movable between an inflated state and a deflated state by inflation with an inflation medium; wherein the upper sidewall is arranged to guide the lower sidewall to thereby form an internal space enclosed by the top wall, the bottom wall, the upper sidewall, and the lower sidewall, and wherein the inflatable bellows is arranged in the internal space to facilitate variation of the distance between the top wall and the bottom wall during relative movement between the upper sidewall and lower sidewall by inflation of the inflatable bellows.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the top wall forms a plane upper working surface, and the bottom wall forms a plane lower working surface.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the upper working unit comprises a first locking structure for attachment of an upper working element, and the lower working unit comprises a second locking structure for at attachment of a lower working element.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the first locking structure and the second locking structure each is a geometrical locking structure configured to limit movement of the upper and lower working element relative to the upper and lower working unit, respectively.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the upper working element and the lower working element are releasably attached to the upper working unit and the lower working unit, respectively.

21. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the upper sidewall forms a top edge extending about an opening into an upper cavity, and wherein the lower sidewall extends into the upper cavity.

22. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the lower sidewall forms a bottom edge extending about an opening into a lower cavity, and wherein the inflatable bellows, in the deflated state is arranged within the lower cavity.

23. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the inflatable bellows is fixed to the lower working unit.

24. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a spring structure arranged between upper working unit and the lower working unit, the spring structure biasing the top wall towards the bottom wall.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the spring structure is arranged in the internal space.

26. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an additional inflatable bellows movable between an inflated state and a deflated state by inflation with an inflation medium, wherein the additional inflatable bellows is arranged in the internal space.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the additional inflatable bellows is arranged between the top wall and the inflatable bellows.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the additional inflatable bellows is arranged adjacent to the inflatable bellows.

29. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the inflatable bellows and the additional inflatable bellows are arranged in joint communication with the inflation medium for simultaneously inflation of the inflatable bellows and the additional inflatable bellows.

30. A method of working oppositely arranged first and second surfaces of a pressing section by use of an apparatus comprising: an upper working unit forming a top wall and an upper sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall; a lower working unit forming a bottom wall and a lower sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall; and an inflatable bellows movable between an inflated state and a deflated state by inflation with an inflation medium; wherein the upper sidewall is arranged to guide the lower sidewall to thereby form an internal space enclosed by the top wall, the bottom wall, the upper sidewall, and the lower sidewall, and wherein the inflatable bellows is arranged in the internal space; the method comprising the steps of: arranging the upper and lower working units between the first and second surfaces of the pressing section; inflating the inflatable bellows increase the distance between the top wall and the bottom wall by relative movement between the upper sidewall and lower sidewall; and moving the upper and lower working units between the first and second surfaces of the pressing section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for working,

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates another view of an embodiment of an apparatus for working,

[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section through an embodiment of an apparatus for working,

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates parts of an embodiment of an apparatus for working,

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates another view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4,

[0063] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section through an embodiment of an apparatus for working,

[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for working during use, and

[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus for working.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploited view of an embodiment of an apparatus 1 for working oppositely arranged first S1 and second surfaces S2 (see FIG. 7) of a pressing section. The apparatus 1 comprises an upper working unit 2 and a lower working unit 3, where the upper working unit 2 forms a top wall 4 and an upper sidewall 5 extending downwardly from the top wall 4. The lower working unit 3 forms a bottom wall 6 and a lower sidewall 7 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 6.

[0068] The apparatus 1 further comprises an inflatable bellows 8 which is movable between an inflated state and a deflated state by inflation with an inflation medium (not shown), such as compressed air. The illustrated embodiment comprises a single inflatable bellows. It should, however, be understood, that the apparatus 1 may comprise one or more additional inflatable bellows.

[0069] The upper sidewall 5 is arranged to guide the lower sidewall 7 to thereby form an internal space 9 (see FIG. 3) enclosed by the top wall 4, the bottom wall 6, the upper sidewall 5, and the lower sidewall 7. The inflatable bellows 8 is arranged in the internal space 9 to facilitate variation of the distance (indicated by the arrow A) between the top wall 4 and the bottom wall 6 during relative movement between the upper sidewall 5 and lower sidewall 7 by inflation of the inflatable bellows 8.

[0070] The distance A between the top wall 4 and the bottom wall 6 may in the illustrated embodiment vary between 25 mm and 50 mm, where the lower value of 25 mm corresponds to the distance A between the top wall 4 and the bottom wall 6 when the inflatable bellows 8 is in the deflated state, whereas the higher value of 50 mm corresponds to the distance A between the top wall 4 and the bottom wall 6 when the inflatable bellows 8 is in the inflated state.

[0071] During inflation of the inflatable bellows 8, the upper sidewall 5 and the lower sidewall 7 will move relative to each other by decreasing the overlap between the upper and lower sidewalls 5, 7.

[0072] Guiding is achieved by providing the upper working unit 2 and the lower working unit 3 with substantially the same shape and by providing the upper sidewall 5 and the lower sidewall 6 so that the extend parallel to each other whereby at least a part of the lower working unit 3 can be inserted into upper working unit 2 to thereby form the internal space.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 1 can be arranged between the first and second oppositely arranged surfaces S1, S2 by arranging the bottom wall 6 on the lower one of the first and second surfaces S1, S2 and with the top wall 5 facing the other one of the first and second surfaces S1, S2 (see FIG. 7).

[0074] The apparatus 1 further comprises at two separate working elements 10, 11. To facilitate attachment hereof, the upper working unit 2 comprises a first locking structure 12 for attachment of a separate upper working element 10, and the lower working unit 3 comprises a second locking structure 13 for attachment of a separate lower working element 11.

[0075] Each of the separate upper and lower working elements 10, 11 comprises a plane working surface; i.e. a plane upper working surface 14 and a plane lower working surface 15. An abrasive paper, a cloth, or other means (not shown) may be attached to the plane upper and lower working surfaces 14, 15 to facilitate working; such as polishing, cleaning, sanding, and the like. The abrasive paper, the cloth, or other suitable material for the working of the surface may as an example be attached by Velcro or by other similar means.

[0076] The first and second locking structures 12, 13 comprise a protrusion on the upper working unit 2 and the lower working unit 3. The protrusions 12, 13 match an indentation 16, 17 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 6) formed in each of the upper and lower working elements 10, 11. As the indentations 16, 17 and the corresponding protrusions 12, 13 are of matching shape, the locking structures prevent relative movement of the upper working element 10 and the upper working unit 2 and prevent relative movement of the lower working element 11 and the lower working unit 3 in a direction transverse to the inflation direction (indicated by the arrow A).

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled view of the apparatus 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1. To enable inflation of the inflatable bellows 8, a pneumatic component comprising an inflation opening 18 is arranged in the upper working unit 2 thereby provide an inlet for a fluid; i.e. the inflation medium in the form of compressed air enabling inflation of the inflatable bellows 8. A fluid path is provided via the flexible tube 19 having a free end 20 which should be coupled to the inflation opening 18.

[0078] To facilitate working, the apparatus 1 further comprises a handle 21 attached to the upper working element 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 21 is formed by an elongated element having a free end at which a user may hold and operate the apparatus 1, and an opposite end being attached to the upper working element 10. The handle 21 comprises a 4-5 parts to facilitate working of different areas of the pressing section (not shown).

[0079] Inflation of the inflatable bellows 8 is performed by use of a pneumatic pressure control element 22 arranged at the handle.

[0080] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section through an embodiment of an apparatus 1 for working. The upper part of FIG. 3 is a top view of the upper working unit 2 illustrating the locking structure in the form of a protrusion 12.

[0081] The lower part of FIG. 3 is a cross-section through the upper part of FIG. 3 illustrating the inflatable bellow 8 in a deflated condition in the internal space 9.

[0082] As further illustrated, the apparatus 1 comprises a spring structure 23 arranged between upper working unit 2 and the lower working unit 3, where the spring structure 23 biases the top wall 4 towards the bottom wall 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring structure 23 comprises four springs 23 being mounted via the openings 24 in the upper working unit 2.

[0083] The spring structure 23 has a strength which can be exceeded by inflation of the inflatable bellows 8 to thereby increase the distance between the top wall 4 and the bottom wall 6 by the inflation. The strength of the spring structure 23 is furthermore sufficient to reduce the distance when the pressure applied to inflate the bellows 8 has been removed.

[0084] Additionally, the spring structure 23 may ensure that the upper working unit 2 and the lower working unit 3 are kept together, e.g. when the apparatus 1 is moved, prepared for use, not in use, etc.

[0085] The spring structure 23 is arranged in the internal space 9, whereby the spring structure 23 is protected by the upper and lower working units 2, 3.

[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates a side-view of an apparatus 1 for working, where the side-view corresponds to the cross-section of FIG. 3.

[0087] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploited view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, thereby illustrating four springs 23 and the inflatable bellows 8 arranged between the upper working unit 2 and the lower working unit 3.

[0088] The inflatable bellow 8 is in the illustrated embodiment attached to the upper working unit 2. However, it should be understood, that the inflatable bellows 8 may likewise be attached to the lower working unit 3.

[0089] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section through an embodiment of an apparatus 1 for working. The embodiment is identical to the embodiment illustrated in each of FIGS. 1-5. As illustrated in the cross-section, the handle 21 attached to the upper working element 10 by inserting an end part 21A into an opening 25. If desired or needed, the handled 21 may alternatively be attached to the lower working element 11 by inserting the end part 21A into the opening 26. The handle 21 may be fixed by providing an outer treading on the handle which may engage an inner treading provided in the opening 25, 26.

[0090] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 1 for working during use. The plane lower working surface 15 is brought into contact with the second surface S2 of the pressing section by position the apparatus with the lower working surface 15 on the second surface S2. The plane upper working surface 14 is brought into contact with the first surface S1 of the pressing section by inflating the inflatable bellow 8 (not shown) whereby the distance between the top wall and the bottom wall is increased, thereby increasing the distance between the plane upper working surface 14 and the plane lower working surface 15.

[0091] This can be seen by the fact that the overlap between the upper and lower sidewalls 5, 7 has been decreased thereby making a larger part of the lower working unit 3 visible.

[0092] FIG. 8 illustrates different views of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 101 for working. The apparatus 101 comprises an upper working unit 102 and a lower working unit 103, where the upper working unit 102 forms a top wall 104 and an upper sidewall 105 extending downwardly from the top wall 104. The lower working unit 103 forms a bottom wall 106 and a lower sidewall 107 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 106.

[0093] The apparatus 101 further comprises an inflatable bellows (not shown) which is movable between an inflated state and a deflated state by inflation with an inflation medium (not shown), such as compressed air.

[0094] The embodiment of the apparatus 101 is similar to the apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. However, in this embodiment, the top wall 104 forms a plane upper working surface 114 and the bottom wall 106 forms a plane lower working surface 115. The top wall 104 and the bottom wall 106 can thereby themselves be used to sand, polish, clean, or otherwise condition the first and second surfaces S1, S2 of the pressing section. An abrasive paper may be attached to the top and/or bottom wall 104/106 to facilitate working. Furthermore, is may be possible to attach a cloth to the top and/or bottom wall 104/106 to facilitate polishing.

[0095] Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, separate upper and lower working elements may be omitted.