Patent Application
20210260708
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 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.
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.
The presently claimed invention provides an apparatus and method for machining that facilitates the tool exchanging process. The present invention further provides an apparatus and method that provides flexibility to use various types of tools that work on a plane parallel to the earth.
More specifically, disclosed is mounting assembly used with an air spindle, the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes an insertable top portion for inserting into a mounting collar and to be rotatable therein, the insertable top portion formed with an upper disk shape with a first diameter and a lower disk shape with a second diameter and adjacent to the upper disk shape, an outer circumference of the upper disk shape having a groove formed therein, and the upper disk shape and the lower disk shape having a passage axially formed therethrough perpendicular to the groove. The mounting assembly further includes a sleeve disposed below the insertable top portion, the sleeve defining an opening with a sidewall which is perpendicular to the insertable top portion, the opening sized to hold a spindle, a port inside a wall of the sleeve defining the opening providing fluid communications with the passage of the insertable top portion, the sleeve further comprising an edge perpendicular to the opening, the edge defining an arcuate shaped channel concentric with the opening with a given depth, and the arcuate shaped channel extending to a region of the sidewall that is away from the edge.
In one example the sidewall further defines one or more holes perpendicular thereto for securing the spindle within the opening.
In another example the first diameter of the upper disk is smaller than the second diameter of the lower disk in the mounting assembly.
In still another example, the mounting assembly further includes an end cap with an end cap body, the end cap body defined an end cap opening therethrough to accept the insertable top portion to enable 360 degree rotation of the insertable top portion with respect to the end cap. The mounting assembly includes and a collar with a mounting collar and a collar arm, the mounting collar defines a collar opening therethrough to accept the end cap.
In a different example, the mounting assembly further includes an end-cap with an outer sidewall, for defining an end-cap opening therethrough to accept the insertable top portion to enable 360 degree rotation of the insertable top portion with respect to the collar. The mounting assembly includes a radian-scale disposed on the outer sidewall for showing an amount of rotation of the insertable top portion with respect to the collar.
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.
As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that the systems and methods described below can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosed subject matter in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description.
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and “having” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. open language). The term “coupled” as used herein, is defined as “connected” although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
The term “air” is intended to broadly cover many different types of fluids, including oil mixed with air. Various materials or combinations of materials can be used to construct the mounting collar assembly and its components. For example, materials such as metals, alloys, composites, plastics, ceramics, and other inorganic or organic materials or combinations thereof may be used.
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, which will be explained later in greater detail. However, the present disclosure contemplates the use of other structures and techniques for connecting and disconnecting the spindles 142 with the CNC machine 104 through use of the USMA 150, such as a linear carousel.
Referring to
The mounting collar 220 includes a passage 324 in fluid communication between an air inlet assembly 322 and the collar opening 324. The air inlet assembly 322 has a threaded end 323 for inserting into the mounting collar 330. In one example, air inlet assembly 322 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 322. The use of a check-valve greatly reduces any dirt and undesirable debris from entering the air inlet assembly 322. This is especially important when the mounting collar assembly 240 and spindle 360 with cutting tip 362 are stored in the tool carousel and/or not being used. In another example, air is directed through the USMA 150 itself (not shown). The mounting collar 220 is mechanically coupled to collar sleeve 330.
Continuing further mounting sleeve 330 is adapted to mechanically hold mounting assembly 230 which is further describe below. A prior art spindle 360 with cutting tip 362 is also shown. Although the present invention is not limited to a specific type of spindle 360, spindles available from Air Turbine Technologies in Boca Raton have been shown to work effectively with the present invention.
The insertable top portion 344 is formed with an upper disk shape 344 and a lower disk shape 348 to define a groove of sealing channel 347. The sealing channel may include an o-ring (not shown). The diameter of the upper disk shape 344 in one example is smaller than the diameter of the lower disk shape 348. Further the outer circumference of the upper disk shape 344 includes a groove 356 formed therein. An axial air passage 342 is formed through the insertable top portion 344 including the upper disk shape 344 and a lower disk shape 348. The axial air passage 342 is shown in dashed lines in the side view shown in
Turning to
The circular opening 354 is substantially perpendicular axial air passage 342. Stated differently, this perpendicular arrangement is ninety degrees (90°) with respect to the USMA 150. Surrounding more than half the circumference of the circular opening 354, the sleeve 352 includes an edge 358 perpendicular to the circular opening 354. The edge 358 defines an arcuate shaped channel 356 concentric with the circular opening 354. The arcuate shaped channel 356 has a depth that extends to a region of a sidewall 360 that is away from the edge 358.
The mounting collar assembly 240 can be fabricated from various metallic and non-metallic materials which includes organic and inorganic materials or composites. 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.
This application claims priority from and is related to the following prior application Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent PCT/US19/35696, filed on Jun. 6, 2019, entitled Ninety Degree Auto Changer Spindle Mounting Assembly, which claims priority from and is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/681,441, filed Jun. 11, 2018 entitled “Ninety Degree Auto Changer Spindle Mounting Assembly”. These prior applications, including the entirety of the written description and drawing figures, are hereby incorporated into the present application by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2019/035696 | 6/6/2019 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62681441 | Jun 2018 | US |
