U.S. patent application number 11/946215 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for apparatus for milling machine.
Invention is credited to Alan Edward Osburn.
Application Number | 20080107491 11/946215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032280 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080107491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osburn; Alan Edward |
May 8, 2008 |
APPARATUS FOR MILLING MACHINE
Abstract
The present invention provides a tool for attachment to a
milling machine. The tool comprises an elongated hollow housing
defined by a neck section, a middle section, and a bottom section.
The neck section is adapted to engage a spindle of the milling
machine for rotational and axial movement therewith. A torque
spring is situated within the middle section of the housing. A
torque adjuster is dimensioned and configured to sit within the
neck section of the housing on top the torque spring. The torque
adjuster provides the capability of setting the torque spring to a
predetermined torque threshold level. A bit holder is rotationally
mounted to the bottom section of the housing. A driver mechanism is
interposed between the bit holder and the torque spring. The driver
mechanism is coupled to the bit holder for simultaneous rotation
therewith. When the torque threshold is reached by the bit holder,
the driver mechanism rotationally disengages from the bit holder.
The system further includes a means for automatically controlling
the rotation of the bit holder until the predetermined torque.
Inventors: |
Osburn; Alan Edward;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODARD, EMHARDT, MORIARTY, MCNETT & HENRY LLP
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE, SUITE 3700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
36032280 |
Appl. No.: |
11/946215 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10938711 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
7318691 |
|
|
11946215 |
Nov 28, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
408/139 ; 29/560;
81/473 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/50 20150115;
B23P 19/065 20130101; Y10T 408/70 20150115; Y10T 409/309408
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
408/139 ;
029/560; 081/473 |
International
Class: |
B23Q 5/22 20060101
B23Q005/22 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. A tool, comprising: an elongate body having a central
longitudinal axis, said body having an upper end and a lower end
spaced along the axis and an interior chamber between said ends; a
neck section integrally formed at said upper end of said elongate
body wherein said neck section is attachable to a rotational
machine to rotate said body around the axis; a bit holder
rotationally mounted within said interior chamber and configured to
retain a bit extending outwardly from said lower end of said body
along the axis; a driver mechanism situated within said hollow
interior chamber and engaged to transmit rotational force imparted
to said body to said bit holder; a breakaway mechanism arranged
between said driver mechanism and said bit holder wherein said
breakaway mechanism rotationally disengages said driver mechanism
from said bit holder when the transmitted rotational force exceeds
a preset torque threshold; a torque threshold adjustment mechanism,
wherein said mechanism is adjustable to compress said driver
mechanism against said bit holder along the length of said interior
chamber to preset the torque threshold; and, a set screw engaged
between an internal bore through said upper end and against a top
surface of said torque threshold adjustment mechanism, wherein said
set screw is adjustable to adjust said torque threshold adjustment
mechanism.
13. The tool of claim 12, wherein said breakaway mechanism
comprises a plurality of ball bearings arranged between said driver
mechanism and said bit holder.
14. The tool of claim 13, wherein said torque threshold adjustment
mechanism comprises a torque adjuster with a plate member
perpendicular to the axis and a spring engaged between said plate
member and said driver mechanism.
15. The tool of claim 14, wherein said set screw engages said
torque adjuster and is rotatable to adjust the advancement of said
plate member.
16. The tool of claim 15, wherein said set screw is engaged with an
inner bore of said upper end aligned with the axis and passing
through said neck section.
17. The tool of claim 16, wherein said torque adjuster includes an
top portion projecting outwardly towards said neck section along
the axis in alignment with said set screw.
18. The tool of claim 14, wherein said bit holder is compressed
against said lower end by said a torque threshold adjustment
mechanism.
19. The tool of claim 12, wherein said driver mechanism includes a
cylindrical plate having a diameter rotationally seated within said
interior chamber, and a locking pin with a central portion passing
through said cylindrical plate and opposing ends received in
opposing sidewall portions of said interior chamber.
20. A tool, comprising: an elongate body having a central
longitudinal axis, said body having an upper end and a lower end
spaced along the axis and an interior chamber between said ends, at
least said lower end being closed; a bit holder rotationally
mounted within said interior chamber and extending outwardly
through an opening defined in said lower end of said body, wherein
said bit holder is configured to fit a bit aligned with the axis; a
torque transmitter situated within said hollow interior chamber and
engaged to transmit rotational force imparted to said body to said
bit holder; a breakaway mechanism arranged between said torque
transmitter and said bit holder wherein said breakaway mechanism
rotationally disengages said torque transmitter from said bit
holder when the transmitted rotational force exceeds a preset
torque threshold; a torque threshold adjustment mechanism, wherein
said mechanism is adjustable along the length of said interior
chamber to selectively compress and decompress said torque
transmitter against said bit holder to preset the torque threshold;
and, a set screw engaged between an internal bore through said
upper end and against a top surface of said torque threshold
adjustment mechanism, wherein said set screw is adjustable to
adjust said torque threshold adjustment mechanism.
21. The tool of claim 20, comprising a set screw engaged through
said upper end of said body, wherein said set screw engages said
torque threshold adjustment mechanism and is rotatable to adjust
the advancement of said torque threshold adjustment mechanism.
22. The tool of claim 20, wherein said hollow interior chamber has
a cylindrical cross-section with a diameter perpendicular to the
axis and wherein said bit holder comprises: a cylindrical plate
having an internal diameter rotationally seated within the internal
diameter of said interior chamber; and, an outward portion
extending from said cylindrical plate and protruding through said
lower end, wherein said outward portion is adapted to fit a
bit.
23. The tool of claim 22, wherein said bit holder cylindrical plate
is compressed against said lower end.
24. The tool of claim 20, wherein said lower end is closed with a
cap secured to said body member with an opening defined in said cap
through which said bit holder extends.
25. The tool of claim 24, wherein said upper end is closed with a
neck section attachable to a rotational machine to rotate said body
around the axis.
26. A tool, comprising: an elongate body having a central
longitudinal axis, said body having an upper end and a lower end
spaced along the axis and a sidewall defining a cylindrical
interior chamber; two parallel elongate slits defined in said
sidewall on opposing sides of said axis; a bit holder rotationally
mounted within said interior chamber, wherein said bit holder is
configured to fit a bit aligned with the axis; a driver mechanism
situated within said hollow interior chamber and engaged to
transmit rotational force imparted to said body to said bit holder,
wherein said driver mechanism includes a cylindrical plate having a
diameter rotationally seated within the internal diameter of said
interior chamber and a locking pin with a central portion passing
through said cylindrical plate and opposing ends received in said
longitudinal slits; and, a breakaway mechanism arranged between
said driver mechanism and said bit holder wherein said breakaway
mechanism rotationally disengages said driver mechanism from said
bit holder when the transmitted rotational force exceeds a preset
torque threshold and wherein during said disengagement said locking
pin opposing ends reciprocate within said longitudinal slits to
increase the spacing between said cylindrical plate and said bit
holder.
27. The tool of claim 26, wherein said breakaway mechanism
comprises a plurality of ball bearings arranged between opposing
pairs of pockets defined in said driver mechanism and said bit
holder.
28. The tool of claim 26, comprising a torque threshold adjustment
mechanism engaging said driver mechanism within said interior
chamber.
29. The tool of claim 28, where said torque threshold adjustment
mechanism comprises a torque adjuster with a plate member parallel
to said cylindrical plate of said driver mechanism, and a spring
engaged between said plate member and said driver mechanism.
30. The tool of claim 29, comprising a set screw engaged with an
internal bore of said neck section, wherein said set screw engages
said torque adjuster and is rotatable to adjust the compression
between said torque adjuster and said driver mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates to tools for automated cutting or
milling machines. Generally, milling machines are used to machine
metal into finished manufactured parts. To manufacture parts
quickly and efficiently, milling machines can be numerically
programmed to perform repetitive production machining operations on
a plurality of work pieces. Each work piece must be secured in
place with some type of fastener prior to beginning the machining
process. Currently, each work piece is secured in place manually
with some type of work holding device such as vise, chuck, clamps
etc. What is needed is a tool which can be controlled by a
numerically programmed milling machine for tightening or loosening
fasteners that hold work pieces in place.
SUMMARY
[0002] The present invention provides a tool for attachment to a
milling machine. The tool of the present invention provides the
capability of automating the tightening and the untightening of
fasteners required to secure work pieces in place during the
machining process. The present invention significantly decreases
the time it would take to secure each work piece on the work table
during the cutting process, thereby increasing production.
[0003] The tool comprises an elongated hollow housing defined by a
neck section, a middle section, and a bottom section. The neck
section is adapted to engage a spindle of the milling machine for
rotational and axial movement therewith. A torque spring is
situated within the middle section of the housing. A torque
adjuster is dimensioned and configured to sit within the neck
section of the housing on top the torque spring. The torque
adjuster provides the capability of setting the torque spring to a
predetermined torque threshold level. A bit holder is rotationally
mounted to the bottom section of the housing. A driver mechanism is
interposed between the bit holder and the torque spring. The driver
mechanism is coupled to the bit holder for simultaneous rotation
therewith. When the torque threshold is reached by the bit holder,
the driver mechanism rotationally disengages from the bit holder.
The system further includes a means for automatically controlling
the rotation of the bit holder until the predetermined torque.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the present invention with each
component separated.
[0005] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the barrel.
[0006] FIG. 2B is a top view of the barrel.
[0007] FIGS. 2C and 2D are cross-sectional views of the barrel.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the torque adjuster.
[0009] FIG. 3A is a top view of the torque adjuster.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the bit holder.
[0011] FIG. 4A is a top and opposite side view of the bit
holder.
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded top view of the driver mechanism.
[0013] FIG. 5A is an exploded bottom view of the driver
mechanism.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded top view of the cap for a bit
holder.
[0015] FIGS. 6 and 6A are an exploded bottom view of the cap and
bit holder.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of work pieces along with the
tool in place above a plurality of work pieces.
DETAILED SPECIFICATION
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a frontal view of the
present invention, a tool (10) attachment for an automated cutting
or milling machine (5) as shown in FIG. 7 which will be described
below. Tool (10) further comprises an elongated hollow barrel (100)
defined by a neck section (110), a middle section (115), and a
bottom section (120). The internal hollow configuration of housing
(100) and cap member (127) are adapted to enclose and to support
each mechanical component (125) of tool (10) as described below.
Tool (10) can be made of steel alloy or another suitable
material.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 2A, there is shown a frontal view of
barrel (100). In the illustrated embodiment, middle section (115)
and bottom section (120) of barrel (100) are cylindrical in shape.
The internal diameter of section (115) encompasses torque
transmitter (570) (shown in FIG. 1). Bottom section (120) internal
configuration is adapted to encompass driver mechanism (300) and
bit holder (250) shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] Circumferentially surrounding the bottom opening of barrel
(100) is a plurality of bores (128). Each bore is adapted to
support the engagement of fasteners utilized to secure cap member
(127) (shown in FIG. 1) to the bottom of barrel (100). In the
illustrated embodiment, each bore is threaded to support the
engagement of the fasteners. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 6A cap member
(127) further comprises a plurality of bores (350) which aligns
over bores (128) when cap member (127) is placed over the bottom of
barrel (100). Cap member (127) is then secured with fasteners which
secure bit holder (250) in place. Bit holder (250) is adapted to
protrude through opening (345) in cap member (127).
[0020] Referring to FIG. 2B, there is shown a top view of barrel
(100). Neck section (110) of barrel (100) is formed upon the top of
middle section (115). Neck section (110) further comprises lid
member (116) formed upon the top of barrel (100). Tubular portion
(118) is formed upon lid member (116). Tubular portion (118)
projects outward to a predetermined distance from lid member (116).
Internal bore (117) is formed within tubular portion (118) along
axis (112).
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded side view of one embodiment
of torque adjuster (200). Torque adjuster (200) further comprises
cylindrical shape plate member (210) having an upper surface area
(211) and a lower surface area (212). Plate member (210) is
configured and dimensioned to seat inside the top circular opening
of middle section (115) of barrel (100) illustrated in FIG. 2B. As
depicted, torque adjuster (200) further comprises a cylindrical
elongated top portion (215) formed upon the upper surface area
(211) of plate member (210) to a predetermined distance.
Additionally, top portion (215) is dimensioned and configured to
slide into internal bore (117) of neck section (110) illustrated in
FIG. 2B.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, internal bore (117) is adapted
to receive an adjustment fastener (400) which is utilized to
compress and uncompress upon top surface (220) of top portion
(215). The adjustment fastener (400) can be a conventional set
screw. Internal bore (117) is threaded throughout its internal
diameter to receive the adjustment fastener (400).
[0023] Referring back to FIG. 1, lower surface area (212) of plate
member (210) sits upon torque transmitter mechanism (670). As
depicted torque transmitter mechanism (570) is a spring. In
operation, the adjustment fastener (400) is rotated until the
desired torque threshold is achieved. The bottom of the adjustment
fastener (400) sits upon lower surface (212). As the adjustment
fastener (400) is rotated, the bottom of the adjustment fastener
(400) compresses upon lower surface (212) which in turn compresses
spring (570). Spring (570) is compressed to increase the torque
threshold level and spring (570) is uncompressed to decrease the
torque threshold level. As the spindle of the milling machine
rotates, the spindle also moves downward to maintain the constant
set torque threshold level. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, barrel
(100) further comprises a pair of parallel elongated slits (25).
Slits (25) form an opening on each opposing side of barrel (100).
In operation, an operator can view the compression of spring (570)
within slits (25) of barrel (100).
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an exploded view of bit
holder (250). Bit holder (250) further includes plate member (265)
which is defined by an upper surface (271) and a lower surface
(270). Plate member (265) has a cylindrical shape with a
circumference dimensioned and configured to seat within the
internal diameter of bottom section (120) as shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 4A, there is shown an exploded top view of
a bit holder (250). The upper surface (275) has a plurality of
pockets (280) adapted to fit a plurality of ball bearings. In the
present invention each ball bearing is a sphere. Each pocket (280)
is adapted with sufficient depth to receive a portion of the area
of each sphere. Bottom portion (260) is formed upon the lower
surface (270) of the plate member (265) and projects outward to a
predetermined distance therefrom.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, hole (251) is formed within the bottom
portion (260). Hole (251) is adapted to fit bit (255). Bit (255)
can be exchanged to support the tightening and untightening of a
plurality of different type of fasteners utilized to secure work
pieces during the machining process.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exploded view of
driver mechanism (300). Driver mechanism (300) has a cylindrical
shape with a circumference dimensioned and configured to seat
within the internal diameter of bottom section (120) upon bit
holder (250) as shown in FIG. 1. Driver mechanism (300) further
comprises plate member (317) which is defined by an upper surface
(318) and a lower surface (315). Plate member (317) is dimensioned
and configured to seat within the bottom section (12) as shown in
FIG. 1. The lower surface (315) of plate member (317) has a
plurality of pockets (310) adapted to fit a plurality of ball
bearings. Each pocket (310) is adapted with sufficient depth to
receive a portion of the area of each sphere. As shown in FIG. 5A,
upper surface (318) is substantially flat. Within bottom section
(120), upper surface (318) abuts the bottom of spring (570) as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] Driver mechanism (300) further comprises locking mechanism
(320) for securing driver mechanism (300) in place within the
internal diameter of bottom section (120) as shown in FIG. 1. As
depicted, the locking mechanism (320) further comprises aperture
(325) and pin (320). Aperture (325) emanates through the center of
the side of plate member (317). Aperture (325) is adapted to
receive pin (320) which firmly secures the driver mechanism (300).
Each edge of pin (320) sits within each opposing slit (25) of
barrel (100) as shown in FIG. 2A. As driver mechanism (300)
rotates, each edge of pin (320) reciprocates within slit (25) as
soon as the driver mechanism reaches its torque threshold.
[0029] To form a cage for the ball bearings, the lower surface
(315) of the plate member (317) of driver mechanism (300) in FIG. 5
is aligned over the upper surface (275) of plate member (265) of
the bit holder (250) shown in FIG. 1. Ball bearings are interposed
between driver mechanism (300) and bit holder (250) with a slight
gap such that lower surface (315) and upper surface (275) do not
abut. The ball bearings allow driver mechanism (300) and the bit
holder (250) to simultaneously rotate together. When bit holder
(250) exceeds the torque threshold, the driver mechanism (300) and
the bit holder (250) rotationally disengages. The ball bearings are
locked in place in the cage until the driver mechanism (300)
disengages from the bit holder (250). Once disengaged, the driver
mechanism continues to rotate jumping one pocket at a time over
each ball bearing until the spindle of the machine stops rotation.
The bit holder (250) ceases to rotate while the rest of tool (10)
continues to rotate until the spindle of the milling machine stops
rotation.
[0030] The system further comprises an automation component which
is part of a numerical program for a milling machine. The
automation component controls the rotation of the spindle until the
driver mechanism (300) exceeds the predetermined torque threshold
and rotationally disengages from the bit holder (250) as shown in
FIG. 1. The automation component comprises two automated
subcomponents (1) an automated tightening component for securing
each work piece in place prior to beginning the machining process
and (2) an automated untightening component for unsecuring each
work piece when the machining process is over. The automated
tightening component controls the placement of the tool (10)
directly over each fastener (not shown) required to secure the work
piece in place, the torque applied in forward direction to fastener
to secure the work piece in place, and return of the tool (10) to
its home position. The untightening component controls the
placement of the tool (10) directly over each fastener (not shown)
required to unsecure the work piece from the milling machine work
table, the torque applied in a reverse direction to fastener to
unsecure the work piece, and return of the tool (10) to its home
position.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 7, generally, a numerical controller (270)
is used to automate the operation of a milling machine. In normal
operation, the operator would load the numerical program into
numerical controller (270) for performing a series of operations on
a work piece. The individual tools required to perform the
operations are placed within a cache (272). Then, the numerical
controller (270) controls the process of loading each required tool
in series from the cache (272) of tools into the spindle of the
milling machine, perform the operation on the work piece and return
the tool back to the cache (272). At the end of the operation, the
spindle of the milling machine (5) is returned to its home
position.
[0032] In operation, the present invention is just another tool
located in the cache. Referring to FIG. 7, the operator of the
milling machine (5) chooses a bit (255) to be place within the bit
holder (250). The operator compresses the torque spring to the
desired torque threshold level as discussed above. The tool of the
present invention is placed within the cache of the milling machine
(5). Then, the numerical program including the automation component
of the present invention is loaded into the numerical controller as
part of the overall machining operation. A plurality of work pieces
(6) are secured in some type of holding fixture which is secured
upon the work table. Finally, the operator presses the start button
on the numerical controller to begin the machining process. The
tool holder (4) of the milling machine (5) is adapted to engage
neck section (110) for rotational and axial movement along the
central axis line. The tool (10) performs the tightening and
untightening of work pieces (6) as part of the overall machining
process.
* * * * *