Patent Application
20080099104
The present invention relates to a workbench configured for routing and shaping work pieces and the efficient storage of work tools.
Various types of workbenches and work support structures are known in the art of shaping and routing work pieces using tools associated with a motor. Many prior art configurations provide the ability for detaching the motor apparatus from the workbench and reattaching the motor apparatus at a second location thereby providing multiple functions. One example of such prior art designs is described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,718,275 issued to R. L. Carter. Such prior art device are generally constructed from massive cast iron components making them relatively expensive and heavy, and thus, relatively awkward to use. Additionally, such prior devices comprise support structures that are not optimized for pin router application.
In more recent years new workbench configurations have been developed comprising a top that is pivotally mounted to a frame and used in conjunction with tools such as a table saw. One such example is a woodworking bench described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,114 issued to Schumacher and such patent is incorporated by this reference for all purposes. The Schumacher workbench also has several design issues that limit its usefulness for use as a pin router. For example, while the top is pivotally associated with a frame providing for two work surfaces, the top face of at least one work surface is positioned at height that is lower than the frame supports when rotated into position. Thus, the work piece cannot easily be moved across the entire surface of such a work surface as the work piece will come in contact with the frame support. The ability to use the entire work surface area is highly desirable for pin router systems.
In recent years, many types of workbenches comprising under table routers have become available to small woodworking shops and hobbyists. Such devices often comprise lifts, jacks and adjustment mechanisms for moving the router apparatus, but such systems still do not provide sufficient versatility or maximize work shop space utilization effectively.
What is needed is a multi-function workbench capable of performing a wide variety of routing and shaping operations while maximizing work shop space utilization efficiency.
Additionally, many routing applications require the router motor to be movable relative to the motor support structure so that the router tool may be moved into the work piece (e.g. plunge) and retracted from the work piece. Many prior art routing plunge mechanisms have been developed to perform such functions; however, such mechanisms typically have an undesirably large vertical profile. Such large vertical profile greatly complicates or makes it impossible to flip the top to a second configuration where the systems become an under table router/shaper. What is needed is a motor movement mechanism with a minimized vertical profile.
Another short coming of prior art systems having motor movement mechanisms concerns the movement activation apparatus. Typically, prior art pneumatic systems include a foot pedal associated with both mechanical linkage and/or an air source such as an air compressor. When a user desires to invoke a movement, the user presses the foot pedal with his foot thereby allowing air to flow to a pneumatic device that moves the router motor (for example). Such activation apparatus' have worked well in the past but they do have their shortcomings. First, a user often becomes preoccupied with the foot pedal location taking attention away from the task at hand. Second, the user places less pressure on the foot operating the foot pedal than the he places on the opposite foot. Thus, a user may feel like he has been standing on one leg the entire time he is using the system as that leg becomes fatigued faster than the leg operating the foot pedal. Consequently, improvements to such activation apparatus' are needed to make them more user friendly and ultimately improving operator safety.
Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be set forth in the following description, while other objects and advantages of the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is to provide a combined routing and shaping tool comprising a work bench, a motor support structure associated with a motor wherein the workbench may be placed in plurality of work positions so that the tool may be used as both an over arm pin router and an under table router/shaper for precision machining of a work piece without requiring the motor unit to be repositioned.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a workbench having a plurality of work surfaces that are higher than the workbench top support structure so that the work piece being machined may be moved over the entirety of the work surface.
Still another object of the invention is to provide for an adjustable motor support structure that has a low vertical profile and provides for adjusting the distance between a motor associated with the support structure and a work surface.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a wireless motor adjustment system that comprises a wireless portable transmitter operatively associated with a motor movement system so that a user may control the motor movements using said portable transmitter.
Another object of the invention is to provide a work bench configured to simultaneously receive a plurality of work tools on a plurality of work surfaces thereby maximizing work space utilization efficiency.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or features hereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or parts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description).
One exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for routing and shaping a work piece comprising novel implementations of wireless electronic technology associated with novel mechanical configurations for a workbench. The apparatus comprises a top defining a pair of opposed faces, each said face defining a substantially flat plane, each said plane being substantially parallel to the other, said top further defining a peripheral edge connecting said opposed faces. The top is pivotally associated with a first top rail at a first peripheral edge location that is about half way between said opposed faces. The top is also associated with a second top rail at a second peripheral edge location that is about half way between said opposed faces. Each top rail is associated with at least one support leg where each support leg is substantially equal in height. For embodiments where the top rail is associated with only one support leg, such a support structure may form a one-support-let “T” configuration as described later. For embodiments where the top rail is associated with two support legs, such a support structure may form an upside down “U” configuration as describe later.
The pivotal association between the top and the top rails allow the top to be selectably positioned in at least one of a first work position and a second work position. For the first work position, the substantially flat plane defined by one of said opposing faces is substantially parallel to a top rail and higher than said top rail. For the second work position, the substantially flat plane defined by the other face is substantially parallel to said top rail and higher than said top rail.
The top further defines a support plate opening configured for releasably receiving a support plate recessed into one of said faces. For some embodiments, the support plate may also be received by the support plate opening associated with the other face of said top.
The apparatus further comprises a support plate releasably associated with said support plate opening, said support plate comprising one of (a) a template guide pin and (b) a predefined opening configured for releasably receiving a template guide pin. Such a configuration allows a plurality of template guide pin configurations to be used with the apparatus. A template guide bushings may also be used in “under table position” allowing a template to contact the guide bushing outside diameter while a smaller diameter router bit can perform a cutting action on the work piece without the necessity of a bearing installed n the router bit. Template guide bushings are well known by those skilled in the art and a detailed description thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention.
This embodiment of the invention further comprises a motor support structure associated with a face of said top, said motor support structure comprising a support arm. A motor bracket is movably associated with the support arm. The support arm is substantially parallel to said face and extends to a vertical alignment point with the support plate opening. A motor is associated with said motor bracket wherein the motor is configured for receiving at least one of a routing element and a shaping element. One possible vertical alignment point is the point where the motor shaft for said motor is in alignment with the support plate opening.
A motor bracket adjustment system is associated with the motor bracket and the support arm, said motor bracket adjustment system configured for varying the distance between said motor bracket and said top. For one embodiment of the invention, substantially all of the motor bracket adjustment system is enclosed in said support arm to minimize the vertical profile of the motor support structure and motor bracket adjustment combination.
The apparatus may further comprise a spring loaded indexing pin configured for releasably holding said top in a desired work position. The spring loaded indexing pin comprises a rod extending through a top rail with a first end of the rod being received by the peripheral edge of said top, and wherein the second end of said rod is associated with a handle. The spring loaded indexing pin is biased toward said peripheral edge thereby tending to maintain said top in a locked mode. The top is placed in an unlocked mode by pulling said handle thereby moving said first end away from said peripheral edge. When in the unlocked mode, the workbench may be moved to a different work position. Alternatively, a threaded indexing pin may be used for releasably holding the top in a work position. The threaded indexing pin comprises a threaded rod extending through said first top rail with a first end of the rod being received by the peripheral edge of the top. The second end of said rod is associated with a handle wherein the top is placed in a locked mode by turning said handle in a first direction until said first end of said threaded indexing pin is received by said peripheral edge and wherein the top is placed in an unlocked mode by turning said handle in a second direction until said first end of said threaded indexing pin is moved away from said peripheral edge. Additionally, the peripheral edge is further configured to receive said threaded indexing pin when the top is pivoted to the second work position.
The motor bracket adjustment system comprises a controller electrically associated with a portable transmitter. The controller includes a receiver configured for receiving a signal from said portable transmitter. The portable transmitter may be associated with a work piece carrier, a user, a work piece template or any other suitable object. The portable transmitter technology and said receiver technology may be comprised of any suitable technology such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) technology. A processing device is electrically associated with said receiver and configured for generating adjustment signals.
The controller may further comprise a signaling device electrically associated with said processing device, said signaling device comprising at least one of (a) a light emitting element, and (b) a sound emitting element. For this configuration, the processing device is preferably configured to activate the signaling device upon receiving a signal from the portable transmitter. The processing device may be configured to wait a predefined period of time after receiving a signal from said portable transmitter before generating said adjustment signals, thereby providing a warning that the motor bracket adjustment system is about to be engaged.
The motor bracket adjustment system may further comprise a display electrically associated with said processing device. The display may be used for displaying any type of information including elapsed time for a particular job, motor bracket position settings, bit temperature, room temperature, and tool speed.
A motor bracket mover device electrically associated with said processing device and mechanically associated with said motor bracket. For this embodiment of the invention, the motor bracket mover device is configured for adjusting the distance between said motor bracket and said top in response to the adjustment signals generated by the processor. The motor bracket mover device may comprise a pneumatic cylinder comprising a first pneumatic connection, a second pneumatic connection, wherein said pneumatic cylinder is mechanically associated with the motor bracket. An electronic pneumatic switching device is electrically associated with said processing device and pneumatically associated with said first pneumatic connection, said second pneumatic connection, and an air source. The electronic pneumatic switching device is configured for selectively connecting the air source to one of said first pneumatic connection and said second pneumatic connection in response to the adjustment signals generated by the processing device.
The motor bracket adjustment system may further comprise a motor bracket movement limiter for limiting the movement of the motor bracket. The motor bracket movement limiter is mechanically associated with the bracket mover device and electrically associated with said processing device. One example of a motor bracket movement limiter is a series of vertical pins having different heights and installed within a turret device. The motor bracket includes a motor bracket stop that is in alignment with one of the vertical pins and comes in contact with such pin when the motor bracket is moved far enough thereby limiting the motor bracket movement. When more movement is desired, a shorter pin placed in alignment with the motor bracket stop. The motor bracket movement limiter has a plurality of electronically (using electronics) or mechanically selectable movement limit settings (i.e. a plurality of pins in the above example). For the preferred embodiment, the motor bracket movement limiter setting is determined by adjustment signals generated by the processing device. Additionally, any one of the controller, motor bracket, and motor bracket movement system may comprise a display configured for indicating the motor bracket movement limiter setting.
Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to a workbench comprising a top defining a pair of opposed faces, each said face defining a substantially flat plane, each said plane being substantially parallel to the other, said top further defining a peripheral edge connecting said opposed faces. At least two upper support legs, each upper support leg having a first end and a second end are associated with a top rail. A first top rail associated with the first end of a first upper support leg and a second top rail associated with the first end of a second upper support leg. The top is pivotally associated with the first top rail at a first peripheral edge location that is about half way between said opposed faces. The top is also pivotally associated with the second top rail at a second peripheral edge location that is about half way between said opposed faces. The top is selectably positionable in at least one of a first work position and a second work position.
When in the first work position, the substantially flat plane defined by one of said opposing faces is substantially parallel to a top rail and higher than said top rail. When in the second work position, the substantially flat plane defined by the other face is substantially parallel to said top rail and higher than said top rail when said top is in said second work position.
The top further comprises a support plate opening defining a hole through the top. The support plate opening is configured for releasably receiving a support plate. A support plate is releasably associated with the support plate opening and comprises one of (a) a template guide pin, (b) a template guide pin assembly, (c) a template guide bushing, and (d) a predefined opening configured for releasably receiving a template guide pin.
The workbench may further comprise a first lower support leg and a second lower support leg with each support leg having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first lower support leg is associated with the second end of the first upper support leg in a telescopic arrangement. Similarly, the first end of the second lower support leg is associated with the second end of the second upper support leg in a telescopic arrangement. At least one lower support leg and upper support leg pair further comprises at least one locking point for adjusting the height of said top.
The work bench may further comprise a lower surface defining a pair of opposed faces, each said face defining a substantially flat plane, each said plane being substantially parallel to the other, said lower surface further defining a peripheral edge connecting said opposed faces. The lower surface is associated with said lower support legs so that the faces of said lower surface are substantially parallel to faces of said top when said top is positioned in the first work position and the second work position. The lower surface may further define the top of at least one storage bin positioned between said lower surface and said second ends of said lower support legs.
A still further embodiment of the invention relates to a wireless motor movement controller for a motor associated with a workbench. For this embodiment of the invention, the wireless motor movement controller comprises a portable transmitter configured for receiving user input and transmitting control signals in response to said user input. The wireless motor movement controller further comprises a motor support structure having a workbench interface configured for associating the motor support structure to the top of a workbench. A motor bracket configured for receiving a motor is moveably associated with the motor support structure.
The motor bracket is further associated with a motor bracket mover system comprising a force-to-movement-converter. The force-to-movement-converter is configured for receiving a substance that flows into the force-to-movement-converter thereby creating a force that is converted into a movement that moves said motor bracket in one of a plurality of directions and wherein the direction of movement is determined by the flow path. For one embodiment of the wireless motor movement controller, the motor bracket mover system comprises a chain in mechanical communication with said force-to-movement-converter and the motor bracket. The substance flowing into the force-to-movement-converter may be electrons (e.g. electrical motor), gas (e.g. a pneumatic system), and a fluid (e.g. a hydraulic system).
The wireless motor movement controller further comprises a processing device associated with a receiver configured for receiving said control signals transmitted by the portable transmitter. The processing device is configured for generating motor bracket adjustment signals in response to at least part of said control signals. The processing device is further electrically associated with a flow controller wherein said flow controller is associated with a source for providing said substance and wherein the flow controller is configured for controlling the flow of said substance in response to motor bracket adjustment signals generated by the said processing device.
The wireless motor movement controller may further comprise a signaling device electrically associated with said processing device, said signaling device comprising at least one of (a) a light emitting element, and (b) a sound emitting element. The processing device may be further configured to activate the signaling device upon receiving a signal from said portable transmitter and then wait a predefined period of time after activating said signaling device before generating said motor bracket adjustment signals adjustment signals. Preferably the portable transmitter technology and said receiver technology comprise one of (a) Bluetooth technology and (b) Wi-Fi technology with the controller having a display configured for displaying system information.
Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features or parts referenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or features or components as otherwise discussed in this application.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.
A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
a is a side view of a template pin;
b is a top view of the template pin in
Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology.
Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from the following detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements or steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.
While the particulars of the present invention and associated technology may be adapted for use with any type routing and shaping application on a work piece composed of any type of material (including composite materials), the examples discussed herein are primarily in the context of routing and shaping work pieces for precision woodworking applications.
For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physical connection. Similarly, two or more items are “electrically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including: (a) a direct, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) a direct/indirect or inductive power connection. Additionally, while the drawings may illustrate various electronic components of a system connected by a single line, it will be appreciated that such lines may represent one or more signal paths, power connections, electrical connection and/or cables as required by the embodiment of interest.
Referring now to
The top (12) is pivotally associated with first top rail (20) at a first peripheral edge location (32) that is about halfway between said opposed faces (14) and (16). Similarly, top (12) is pivotally associated with second top rail (26) at a second peripheral edge location that is about half way between opposed faces (14) and (16). Such a configuration creates a pivot axis (36) about which top (12) may be pivoted allowing top (12) to be selectably positioned in at least two work positions.
Referring now to
Additionally, in the absence of any type of over arm pin router embodiment, the workbench itself is preferably of sufficient size to be adapted to act as a multi-tool storage bench. For this embodiment, a plurality of power tools can be bolted/fastened to face (14) and face (16) of the top (12) for convenient space saving storage and rapid availability within the workshop. Additionally, for some configurations, top (12) may not comprise a support plate opening.
This embodiment of the invention may further comprise a lower surface (70) defining a pair of opposed faces, each said face defining a substantially flat plane, each said plane being substantially parallel to the other, said lower surface further defining a peripheral edge connecting said opposed faces. The lower surface (70) is associated with said lower support legs (24b) and (30b) so that the faces of said lower surface are substantially parallel to faces of said top (12) when said top (12) is positioned in said first work position and said second work position. As shown in
Referring now to
Still referring to
Workbench (10) may further comprise lower support legs (22b) and (24b). For the preferred embodiment, a first end (22c) of lower support leg (22b) is associated with the free end of support leg (22) in a telescopic arrangement. Similarly, a first end (24c) of lower support leg (24b) is associated with the free end of upper support leg (24) in a telescopic arrangement.
At least one telescopic arrangement provides a locking point for locking the telescopic arrangement at a desired height thereby providing a means for adjusting the height of top (12). For example, support leg (22) comprises hole (27a) that may be aligned with hole (27b) in lower support leg (22b). A locking rod (27c,
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Indexing pin (21) is considered to be in an engaged position and securing top (12) when the indexing pin extends through top rail (20) far enough to be received by a peripheral edge of top (12). For this embodiment of the invention, indexing pin (21) is threaded and is placed in an engaged position by turning indexing pin knob (21b) in a first direction until indexing pin (21) is received by top (12) (as shown in
One alternative configuration for indexing pin (21) comprises a spring loaded indexing pin where the indexing pin (21) is biased in the engaged position. For such a configuration, indexing pin (21) is disengaged by pulling on indexing pin knob (21b) until indexing pin (21) is no longer received by top (12). To reengage indexing pin (21), top (12) is properly aligned in a desired work position and indexing pin knob (21b) is released. Additionally, for some embodiments of the invention, the spring loaded indexing pin may be configured to lock in the disengaged position allowing the user to release the indexing pin while maintaining the indexing pin in the disengaged mode. Any number of well known technologies may be employed to achieve such functionality including spring loaded tabs.
Referring now to
Attention is now directed to the support plate (40) technology according one possible embodiment of the invention.
Similarly, the support plate opening defined by top (12) may further include a recessed groove (100) relative to face (16) and configured for releasably receiving support plate (40) as described above.
It will be appreciated that any number of well known devices may be used to releasably secure support plate (40) to support plate opening (90) including snaps, screws, and magnetic fields. For one embodiment, support plate (40) may be constructed from a relatively low cost material such as plastic which is secured to top (12) by screws or bolts. For another embodiment, bolts (40a) may be eliminated and the recessed groove (98, 100) of support plate opening (90) may be configured with magnets for securing support plate (40) to support plate opening (90). For such configuration, support plate (40) is composed of a metallic material that magnets are attracted to such as iron, steel, nickel and cobalt.
For the preferred embodiment support plate (40) comprises a predefined opening configured for releasably receiving a template guide pin assembly, although for some embodiments support plate (40) may comprise an integral template guide pin that is not removable. The template guide pin assembly comprises a pin body (91) center portion and an annular pin body top plate (92) integral to the pin body (91) center portion. The pin body (91) extends thorough the predefined opening so that the pin body top plate (92) is received by a recessed groove running along the perimeter of the predefined opening of support plate (40) so that the surface of pin body top plate (92) is substantially even with the support plate surface. For one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of pin body (91) comprises threads configured for receiving knurled nut (94) for securing the template guide pin assembly to support plate (40).
Support plate (40) is further configured to accommodate a plurality template guide bushings. Template guide bushings are well known by those skilled in the art and a detailed description thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention.
Pin body (91) and annular pin body top plate (92) further define a pin hole configured for receiving a template guide pin (43).
Attention now is directed to the motor support structure and associated technology.
Attention is now directed to components of the exemplarily motor bracket adjustment system. It should be recognized that the motor bracket adjustment system may comprise a plurality of physically separated but cooperatively associated electronic devices that are not shown independently in some figures, such as a radiofrequency transmitter and receiver, a processor, memory, electronic sensors, one or more display means such as a visual display screen, lights, an audio speaker, and the like, with communications being controlled by a central processing device.
Referring to
For one embodiment of the invention, portable transmitter (130) is a simple transmitter (136) configured to transmit a carrier signal at a predefined frequency when a user presses a button associated with portable transmitter (130). Alternatively, portable transmitter (130) may be a relatively more complicated device comprising a processing device configured for receiving and processing user input and transmitting a user data signal in response to at least part of the user input. Suitable transmitter technologies include BlueTooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi although any suitable technology or signal format may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Such technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention.
The motor bracket adjustment system shown in
Alternatively, a wireless electronic switching device may be used for controlling motor bracket movements. The wireless electronic switching device comprises a receiver electrically associated with a switching device. For such a configuration, a separate controller is not required and the transmitted user data signal is received directly by the wireless electronic switching device. One example of a wireless electronic switching device is a Bluetooth enabled pneumatic switch.
As shown in
Upon receiving a warning signal, the user may take any number of actions depending on the motor bracket adjustment system control configuration. For one configuration, (push and hold configuration), portable transmitter (130) has a “plunge” button that a user presses for the entire duration in time the users desires the motor bracket to move (or stay) in the plunge direction. When a user wishes to disengage a tool, the user simply releases the “plunge” button. Consequently, for this configuration, the user may simply releases the “plunge” button before the motor bracket adjustment system activates (or during movement) to abort the motor bracket (52) movement.
For a second control configuration, (push and release configuration), a user presses and releases a plunge button to cause the motor bracket (52) to plunge or move in the plunge direction. The motor bracket (52) continues to move in the plunge direction until it reaches a mechanical limit and remains in the plunge position until the user presses a “unplunge” button. Notably, the plunge and unplunge button may be the same button. For this configuration, the user may simply press the “unplunge” button before (or during) the motor bracket adjustment system activates to abort the motor bracket (52) movement. It will be appreciated that any number of motor bracket adjustment system control configurations may be used with out departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Attention now is directed to the display device (150) that may be electrically associated with processing device (144) for displaying system information. Any type of display devices (150) may be used including simple lights and relatively complex LCD displays. Such technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention. Displayable system information will be limited by the display technology used, however, for the purposes of this document, system information may be any kind of information including system settings (e.g. movement settings, movement limit settings, speed settings, etc.), sensor data (e.g. bit temperature, environment data), system diagnostic data (e.g. battery power level of the controller and/or transmitter, signal strength, electronic component health, etc.), and time data (e.g. elapsed time data, current time data, etc.). Environment data includes temperature, humidity, barometric pressure or any other measurement associated with the environment surround the workbench.
As shown in
Attention is now directed to the mechanical components of the motor bracket adjustment system. In
For the embodiment depicted in
Thus, for the above described configuration, the force created by the air flowing into or out of pneumatic cylinder (122) is converted into a movement that is transferred to chain (114) which in turn moves said motor bracket (52) either vertically up or vertically down. It will be appreciated, however, that motor bracket (52) may be configured to move in any number of directions, however, for the embodiment depicted in
A more detailed description of the pneumatic configuration for the disclosed embodiment is now presented. Pneumatic cylinder (122) comprises a first pneumatic connection (126) and a second pneumatic connection (128). Electronic pneumatic switching device (58b) is pneumatically associated with first pneumatic connection (126), second pneumatic connection (128) and air source. Electronic pneumatic switching device (58b) is further electrically associated with processing device (144). For the preferred embodiment, electronic pneumatic switching device (58b) is configured for selectively connecting the air source to one of said first pneumatic connection (126) and said second pneumatic connection (128) in response to the adjustment signals generated by processing device (144). Thus, switching device (58b) is one embodiment of a flow pattern controller that that alters the flow pattern of the air through the motor bracket mover based on adjustment signals received by processing device (144).
For example, pneumatic cylinder (122) is mechanically associated with motor bracket (52) via chain (114). When a user wishes to lower (“plunge”) the motor toward the work piece, the user presses a “plunge” button on portable transmitter (130). Portable transmitter (130) generates and transmits a control signal (or user data signal) which is received by receiver (142). Receiver (142) transfers at least part of the signal or information associated with the signal to processing device (144). Processing device (144) in turn generates adjustment signals that will result in a “plunge” action and transfers the adjustment signals to electronic pneumatic switching device (58b) which connects the air source to second pneumatic connection (128) which cause cylinder rod (124) to move in the plunge direction. Chain (114) then moves in the counter clockwise direction causing motor bracket (52) to move vertically downward.
The motor bracket adjustment system may further comprise a motor bracket movement limiter. Preferably, the motor bracket movement limiter has a plurality of manually or electronically selectable movement limit settings. For the embodiment shown in
For manual system, vertical limit posts (57, 57b, 57c) are associated together in a turret configuration with the turret arm (118) used to select which vertical limit post aligns with vertical stop adjustor (56b).
For electrically selectable limit setting configurations, the motor bracket movement limiter is mechanically associated with the bracket mover as described above and is also electrically associated with processing device (144) via an electronic limit selector. The electronic limit selector is configured to set the movement limiter setting in response to adjustments signals received from processing device (144). Electronic limit selector may comprise any technology suitable for mechanically selecting a vertical limit post in response to electronic commands generated by processing device (144). For example, the electronic limit selector may comprise an electronic motor configured to respond to said adjustment signals and mechanically move the desired vertical limit post in alignment with stop adjustor (56b). Such technology is known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention.
While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
