DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to sheet metal hemming apparatus and more particularly, but not exclusively to a sheet metal hemming apparatus and method for accommodating various vehicle closures sizes.
BACKGROUND
[002] It is well known to construct motor vehicle body doors, hoods, fenders, tailgates, trunks and deck lids by stamping an outer sheet metal panel and separately stamping an inner sheet metal reinforcing panel and then joining the two panels together by hemming a flange of the periphery of the outer panel over an adjacent edge of the inner panel to secure the panels together. Also it is desired that the outer panel is slightly larger than the inner panel to provide a border flange portion along the periphery of the outer panel which has an upstanding lip which can be folded over the peripheral edge of the inner panel to define the hem flange which connects the two panels.
[003] Hemming fixture is a tool used for holding or supporting the vehicle closures to facilitate assembly/hemming process of the vehicle closures. Conventional methods and fixtures/systems for accommodating vehicle closures to facilitate assembly of the outer panel to the inner panel of the vehicle closure incur high manufacturing costs, higher development time, higher number of manufacturing operations and the process is tedious. Further, providing various vehicle closures dimensions in the aforementioned conventional systems/fixtures for assembly of outer panel to the inner panel of the vehicle closures is difficult and is one of the challenges faced by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM).
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus and a method for accommodating various vehicle closures to facilitate assembly operation of the vehicle closures. Further, there exists a need for a hemming apparatus, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a hemming apparatus for accommodating various vehicle closures to facilitate assembly operation of the vehicle closures.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for assembly of various closures dimensions in vehicles.
[007] Yet another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a hemming apparatus, which is easy to manufacture.
[008] Still another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a hemming apparatus, which is inexpensive.
[009] Further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a hemming apparatus, which is flexible and interchangeable.
[0010] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a conventional hemming apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another conventional hemming apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a hemming apparatus for assembly of a vehicle closure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a hemming apparatus in interchangeable positions, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of a hemming apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0017] Fig. 6 depicts another perspective view of a hemming apparatus in interchangeable positions, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0019] The embodiments herein achieve a hemming apparatus for accommodating various vehicle closures to facilitate assembly operation of the vehicle closures. Further, embodiments herein achieve a method for assembly of various closures dimensions in vehicles. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a conventional hemming apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a conventional low volume production manual proto-hemming fixture made of cast iron. A closure outer panel is located by a profile locator in a casting die. A plurality of ‘closure inner assembly’ locating units are manufactured and assembled to the casting die with dowels and bolts. The casting process consumes 6 - 7 weeks’ time due to the following operations: Design of casted hemming bed, Design for pattern making, Pattern making, casting and post processing, CNC machining of hemming die. The hemming bed produced by above method can accommodate minor design changes in closure assembly by re-machining. The hemming bed after re-machining cannot be used for new models as it is a single casted block.
[0021] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another conventional hemming apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, mild steel blocks are available in standard size. There is a constraint of sizes of blocks available in the market. When standard sized blocks are used, the hemming bed becomes heavy and is costly if fabricated in one piece. In single sized hemming bed, the raw material size more than the size of the closure has to be used for preparing the hemming bed and a lot of scrap is generated as pockets are introduced to reduce the weight of hemming bed. The cost of the raw material becomes high.
[0022] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a hemming apparatus for assembly of a vehicle closure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the hemming apparatus includes a fixture 100, the fixture 100 includes at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108, at least one additional fifth standardized block 110, a plurality of locating units 112, 114 and 116, and an opening 118.
[0023] In an embodiment, the fixture 100 includes at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108, and at least one additional fifth standardized block 110 (herein after combinedly referred as standardized blocks). In an alternate embodiment, the fixture 100 includes only the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106 and 108. In an embodiment, the standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 are fabricated in rectangular construction as shown in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the standardized blocks (102, 104, 106, 108 and 110) are cut out of standard MS sheets, machined and assembled together to form the hemming fixture based on the size and shape of the closure to be assembled.
[0024] In an embodiment, the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are made up of at least one of mild steel, EN8, cast iron, and resin. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any material for fabricating the standardized blocks without otherwise deterring the intended function of the fabricating the standardized blocks as can be deduced from the description.
[0025] FIGS. 4 and 6 depict a perspective view of a hemming apparatus in interchangeable positions, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the standardized blocks (102, 104, 106, 108 and 110) are assembled together by a plurality of first dowels (not shown) and a plurality of first bolts (not shown). In an embodiment, the standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are joined together by butt joint to ensure that there is no gap between the standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110.
[0026] In an embodiment, the fixture 100 defines an opening 118 to receive at least two sheet metal panels (not shown). In an embodiment, the standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are configured to slide along a predetermined length of adjacent mating standardized block forming different sizes of at least one of a square shape, and a rectangular shape to receive the sheet metal panels. In an embodiment, the at least four standardized 102, 104, 106, and 108 are configured to slide along the length of the adjacent mating standardized block from a first position to a second position. The thickness of the standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 enables it to be re-machined for design changes in the closures.
[0027] In an embodiment, the fixture 100 further includes the plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116. In an embodiment, the plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116 are coupled at predetermined locations of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108. In an embodiment, the plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116 are coupled at predetermined locations of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 by a plurality of second dowels (not shown) and a plurality of second bolts (not shown).
[0028] In an embodiment, a method for assembly of closures in vehicles is disclosed, the method includes providing a fixture 100 configured to receive and hold at least two sheet metal panels. The fixture 100 includes, at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 and a plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116 coupled at predetermined locations of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108. In an embodiment, the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are connected together by a plurality of first dowels (not shown) and a plurality of first bolts (not shown). In an embodiment, the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are connected together to define an opening 118 of at least one of a square shape, and a rectangular shape to receive the at least two sheet metal panels. In an embodiment, the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are configured to slide along a predetermined length of adjacent mating standardized block forming different sizes of the at least one of the square shape, and the rectangular shape to receive the at least two sheet metal panels.
[0029] In an embodiment, after completion of work, the standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are dismantled and stored within less space. The same standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are reused by assembling the rectangular blocks along other unused faces and machined to form a new hemming fixture as required for new models, thus reducing time, cost and resources.
[0030] In an embodiment, the splitting of single sized hemming apparatus reduces time, cost, raw material consumption and scrap content drastically. In an embodiment, the proposed design concept of the standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 with MS material is developed and proved for Jeeto Rear closure assembly. EN8 material or one time investment standard Cast Iron rectangular blocks can be used for the same concept of hemming fixture for better repeatability in higher volume production which saves time, cost and resources compared to conventional methods of single piece/unibody casted or molded hemming bed.
[0031] Some of the technical advantages of the proposed invention are as follows. The hemming fixture 100 made of mild steel/EN8 for closure assembly of a vehicle is faster to develop within a short notice i.e. 70-75% reduction in development time compared to conventional hemming bed. The standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 made of mild steel/EN8 for closure assembly of the vehicle is reusable to accommodate major design changes during product development stage of the same model. The Mild steel/EN8 blocks of hemming fixture 100 for closure assembly of the vehicle is modular as it can be disassembled, assembled after resizing and machined as per future models requirement which makes it a sustainable solution. The hemming fixture 100 made of mild steel for closure assembly of a vehicle is cost effective (75% cost reduction compared conventional proto-hemming bed). The raw material - Mild Steel/EN8 for hemming fixture 100 for closure assembly of the vehicle is readily available in the market. Hence the source for development can be localized which in turn reduces transportation (Cost, Time & Energy). The hemming fixture 100 for closure assembly of the vehicle can be stored in lesser space by dismantling the blocks until it is reused for future projects.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Referral Numerals:
Fixture 100
standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, 108, 110
Locating units 112, 114, 116
opening 118

,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A sheet metal hemming apparatus for assembly of closures in vehicles, the apparatus comprising:
a fixture 100 configured to receive and hold at least two sheet metal panels;
the fixture 100 includes:
at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108; and
a plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116 coupled at predetermined locations of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108;
wherein
the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are connected together by a plurality of first dowels and a plurality of first bolts;
the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are connected together to define an opening 118 of at least one of a square shape, and a rectangular shape to receive the at least two sheet metal panels;
the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are configured to slide along a predetermined length of adjacent mating standardized block forming different sizes of the at least one of the square shape, and the rectangular shape to receive the at least two sheet metal panels.

2. The sheet metal hemming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are joined together by butt joint.

3. The sheet metal hemming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixture includes at least one additional fifth standardized block 110 coupled to at least one of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 at a predetermined location and joined together by butt joint.
4. The sheet metal hemming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are made up of at least one of mild steel, EN8, cast iron, and resin.

5. The sheet metal hemming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least four standardized 102, 104, 106, and 108 are configured to slide along the length of the adjacent mating standardized block from a first position to a second position.

6. The sheet metal hemming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116 are coupled at predetermined locations of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 by a plurality of second dowels and a plurality of second bolts.

7. A method for assembly of closures in vehicles, the method comprising steps of:
providing a fixture 100 configured to receive and hold at least two sheet metal panels;
the fixture 100 including:
at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108; and
a plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116 coupled at predetermined locations of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108;
wherein
the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are connected together by a plurality of first dowels and a plurality of first bolts;
the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are connected together to define an opening 118 of at least one of a square shape, and a rectangular shape to receive the at least two sheet metal panels;
the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are configured to slide along a predetermined length of adjacent mating standardized block forming different sizes of the at least one of the square shape, and the rectangular shape to receive the at least two sheet metal panels.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 are joined together by butt joint.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fixture includes at least one standardized block 110 coupled to at least one of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 at a predetermined location and joined together by butt joint.

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of locating units 112, 114, and 116 are coupled at predetermined locations of the at least four standardized blocks 102, 104, 106, and 108 by a plurality of second dowels and a plurality of second bolts.

Dated: 24th August 2017 Signature:
Somashekar Ramakrishna