Patent Application
20130190153
This disclosure relates generally to machining processes and more specifically to an apparatus and method for machining.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are utilized in machining processes, and utilize a computer controller that typically reads G-code instructions for driving a powered mechanical device that is typically used to fabricate metal components by the selective removal of metal. CNC can do numerically directed interpolation of a cutting tool in the work envelope of a machine.
The powered mechanical device is often a pneumatic tool (e.g., a drill) that is fitted for coupling with the CNC machine, such as by insertion into and withdrawal from a CNC machine. The pneumatic tools or spindles can be manually coupled with the CNC machine or an automatic tool changer can be utilized.
Some tools are available from a CNC tool magazine, but require that the machine be stopped after change-over so that suitable power connections can be established with the tool. Other tools are pre-connected to the pneumatic source, but must be manually engaged with the CNC machine. Thus, CNC machines are typically programmed to stop prior to the normal machining cycle to permit manual tool installation or creation of a suitable power link with the tool after coupling with the machine.
Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for machining that facilitates the tool exchanging process. There is a further need for such an apparatus and method that provides flexibility to use various types of tools.
An apparatus and method for machining is provided. The features of the examples described herein can allow for machining while facilitating the tool exchanging process. These features can also provide flexibility to use various types of tools with the CNC machine or other control device.
In one example of the present disclosure, a spindle mounting assembly for use with a CNC machine, an auto changer device and a gas or air supply line, can include an auto changer spindle mounting assembly. The spindle mounting assembly can have a collar body and a collar arm, where the collar body has a first side and a second side and the collar body defines a collar opening. The collar opening creates a passage between the first side and the second side of the collar body. The spindle mounting assembly can also have a collar sleeve with a first end formed with an outer diameter sized to be larger than the collar opening. The second end of the tubular collar sleeve formed with an outer diameter sized to fit through the collar opening with a portion of the second end of the tubular collar sleeve protruding from the second side of the collar opening. Further, the spindle mounting assembly can also have a lock ring formed with an inner diameter sized to fit around the second end of the tubular sleeve protruding from the second side of the collar opening. The lock ring may include one or more fasteners for holding the lock ring to the second end of the tubular collar sleeve protruding from the second side of the collar opening.
The spindle mounting assembly can be connected to the CNC machine and can have a block inlet connected to the air supply line, a block outlet, and a block channel to provide fluid communication between the block inlet and the block outlet. The collar body further defines a passage in fluid communication between the gas inlet and the circular collar opening. The spindle mounting assembly may include a check value to allow air to pass into the inlet above a given pressure.
The spindle is selectively positioned through the collar opening and connected to the mounting collar, where the collar outlet is selectively in fluid communication with the spindle and sealed by the sealing element, where the collar inlet is selectively placed in fluid communication with the block outlet by the auto changer device. The spindle can be selectively rotated in the collar opening.
In another example, the collar opening in the collar body may include a side wall with one or more grooves formed thereon. The lock ring includes at a least a first seal sized to fit between the first end of the tubular collar sleeve and at least a second seal sized to fit between the second end of the tubular collar sleeve and the lock ring.
The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.
The
Referring to the drawings, and in particular to
The system 102 can also have a universal spindle mounting assembly (USMA) 150 that cooperates with the spindles 142 to allow for automatic exchanging of the spindles with the CNC machine 104. In the exemplary embodiment of system 102, the spindles 142 are exchanged between the CNC machine 104 and the tool carousel 140 by way of an auto changer device 800 (shown in
The USMA 150 can include a mounting collar assembly 250 and a mounting block 200, as shown more clearly in
More specifically,
A lock ring 358 is sized to form over the second end 556 of the collar sleeve 354. A fastening member 360, such as a screw, secures the lock ring 358 to the collar sleeve 354. In another example, the second end 556 of the collar sleeve 354 has threads (not shown) formed on the outside surface. Likewise, the lock ring 358 contains corresponding threads to hold the lock ring 358 to the collar sleeve 354.
The collar sleeve 354 may include an opening 356. In one example, treads are formed on the walls of opening 356 to accept a threaded plug 376. The threaded plug firmly holds the spindle 240 inside collar sleeve 354.
The mounting collar 350 includes a passage 352 in fluid communication between an air inlet assembly 310 and the collar opening 356. The air inlet assembly 310 has a threaded end 312 for inserting into the mounting collar 350. In one example, air inlet assembly 310 includes a spring-loaded check valve that opens above a given pressure to allow liquid, such as air, to flow into the air inlet assembly 310. The use of a check-valve greatly reduces any dirt and undesirable debris from entering the air inlet assembly 310. This is especially important when the mounting collar 350 and spindle 240 are stored in the tool carousel and/or not being used.
The spindle 240 is secured in inside collar 354 with a threaded plug 556 inserted into opening 356. One or more slots 455 are formed in the collar sleeve 354. The slots allow the second end 556 of the collar sleeve 354 to be compressed into a smaller diameter by lock ring 358.
Also a set of O-rings 580, 582 are used to seal the pressurize air or fluid inside mounting collar. In one example, pressurized fluid delivered through the collar 350 is used to operate the spindle 240. The O-rings 580 may be made out of Teflon, rubber, or other suitable material.
Referring additionally to
Referring additionally to
Referring to
The USMA 150 allows for the use of various types of spindles 142 with the CNC machine 104 and the auto changer device 800. For example, the mounting collar assembly 250 can be coupled with spindles that are not specifically designed for use with the auto changer device 800. The air supply to the spindle 240 does not need to be through the plunger but rather can be done through use of collar arm 670.
Referring now to
The base member includes a set of grooves and seals 1034, 1036, to form a tight seal around the piston 1010. A spring 1038 is used to urge the annular lip 1014 of the piston 1010 towards the stops 1046 disposed near the end of opening 1032. A threaded cap 1050 is sized to fit interior threads 1040 in the second end 1042 of the base 1030. In one example the distance into the base 1030 that the piston 1010 can travel is adjustable by the depth the threaded cap 1050 is inserted in the end 1042. This spring loaded piston arrangement provides compliance to the air inlet assembly 1002, which automatically adjusts for the height. This compliant air inlet assembly 1002 enables the quick disconnect air inlet 310 able to automatically adapt for different mounting spacing to mounting block 200.
The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
