Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Including component designed to receive a disparate article... – Task-area type repositionable component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-09-04
Callo, Laura A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Including component designed to receive a disparate article...
Task-area type repositionable component
C052S071000, C049S246000, C049S248000, C049S359000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282847
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Industrial workcells or work stations are well known for housing and isolating manufacturing work, particularly automated work such as that performed by robotics. Such workcells include an access opening to permit an operator to enter the interior work area for various purposes, such as positioning a work piece, checking progress of the work, etc. Often times a door is provided for the access opening, with the door normally being closed while work is performed within the workcell. In the prior art, such door typically have been hinged along one side to the workcell, thereby requiring a clearance space to open the door, with the depth of the space being at least as great as the width of the door so as to permit the door to fully open. Problems arise with work area entry and exit of people and work pieces in such side-mounted doors when there is insufficient space to permit full opening of the door. Thus, it is desirable to have a workcell that occupies minimal floor space while permitting full opening of the workcell door.
The prior art workcells also are typically fixed in location within a manufacturing facility. The walls of the workcell are usually made of steel or other heavy weight, high strength material. However, as work projects within a manufacturing facility change, it may be desirable to modify the layout of one or more workcells. Thus, a portable workcell is desirable.
Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is a provision of an improved workcell for the manufacturing industry.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a workcell that requires minimal floor space.
A further objective of the present invention is the provision of workcell with an improved door that is moveable between open and closed positions with a minimum of space requirements.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a workcell door that is pneumatically or hydraulically controlled for movement between open and closed positions.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a portable workcell with wall panels that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled.
A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a portable workcell constructed of lightweight, high strength, durable wall panels.
These and other objectives become apparent from the following description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The improved workcell of the present invention includes a door which is pivotally mounted to the door frame adjacent the access opening in the workcell, such that the door is maintained in a plane parallel to the opening as the door moves between open and closed positions. The door hinges are pivotally connected at opposite ends to the workcell frame and to the midpoint of the door, thereby minimizing the clearance distance required to open and close the door. The swinging movement of door between the open and closed positions is controlled by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.
The improved workcell of the present invention is also portable, being comprised of a plurality of wall panels, which are quickly and easily assembled on support posts with the use of elongated pins. Each post includes upper and lower tabs, and each side of the wall panel has a collar adapted to be positioned between and aligned with the tabs, such that the pins are extendable through the aligned upper tab, collar, and lower tab. Removal of one pin allows the panel to be used as a conventional style door which pivots about the remaining pin. The panels are made from lightweight, high strength HDPE and have a unitary construction.
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Mangelsen Jan C.
Remley Fred K.
Callo Laura A.
Genesis Systems Group, Ltd.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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