U.S. patent application number 14/133035 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for system for mounting an abrasive tool to a drive plate of grinding and polishing machines.
This patent application is currently assigned to WERK INDUSTRIES LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Alex Chabros, Owen Rogers, Harvey Stark, Brian Wilson. Invention is credited to Alex Chabros, Owen Rogers, Harvey Stark, Brian Wilson.
Application Number | 20140101907 14/133035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42317960 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140101907 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stark; Harvey ; et
al. |
April 17, 2014 |
System for Mounting an Abrasive Tool to a Drive Plate of Grinding
and Polishing Machines
Abstract
Thus, according to one aspect, the invention provides a system
for mounting an abrasive tool to a drive plate of a polisher or
grinding tool, the system comprising: an intermediate element
mounted to a surface of the drive plate via a first securing means;
and a second securing means for securing the abrasive tool to the
intermediate element. The intermediate element may be a tool
mounting plate and the second securing means is at least one pin
and spring assembly. The intermediate element may be a ring and the
second securing element comprises magnets and pins. The
intermediate element may be a circular bracket and the second
securing element comprises rotary slot attachment.
Inventors: |
Stark; Harvey; (Montreal,
CA) ; Rogers; Owen; (North Vancouver, CA) ;
Wilson; Brian; (North Vancouver, CA) ; Chabros;
Alex; (Coquitlam, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stark; Harvey
Rogers; Owen
Wilson; Brian
Chabros; Alex |
Montreal
North Vancouver
North Vancouver
Coquitlam |
|
CA
CA
CA
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
WERK INDUSTRIES LTD.
North Vancouver
CA
DIAMOND PRODUCTIONS CANADA LTD.
Montreal
CA
|
Family ID: |
42317960 |
Appl. No.: |
14/133035 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12687953 |
Jan 15, 2010 |
|
|
|
14133035 |
|
|
|
|
61144923 |
Jan 15, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24D 7/16 20130101; B24D
7/066 20130101; Y10T 29/53704 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/243 |
International
Class: |
B24D 7/16 20060101
B24D007/16 |
Claims
1. A system for mounting an abrasive tool to a drive plate of a
grinding or polishing machine, the system comprising: an
intermediate element mounted to a surface of the drive plate via a
first securing means; and a second securing means for securing the
abrasive tool to the intermediate element, wherein the intermediate
element is a circular bracket and the second securing element
comprises rotary slot attachment.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate element is a
tool mounting plate and the second securing means is at least one
pin and spring assembly.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the spring comprises a
spring-type washer.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the spring is made from
steel.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the plate is sized and shaped to
accommodate the polisher or grinding tool.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material is affixed
to the one surface via a hook and loop system.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate element is a
ring and the second securing element comprises magnets and
pins.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive plate is sized and
shaped to accommodate a Werkmaster.TM. grinding and polishing
machine.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/687,953, now pending, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/144,923 filed Jan.
15, 2009, both incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to grinding and polishing
machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
system to change between multiple abrasive tools on grinding and
polishing machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known in the art that grinding and polishing machines
uses multiple grinding and polishing tools or abrasive tools. And
quite often it is necessary to change between tools. There are very
slow methods that involve bolting each of several grinding plates
to one or many drive plates on grinding and polishing machines.
Changing tools can take as much as 20 minutes. There are also
various proprietary quick-change systems that are only available on
select equipment. Many systems are difficult if not impossible to
adapt generically.
[0004] Grinding and polishing machines have a drive plate on the
bottom thereof. Attached thereon are the grinding and polishing
tools, which is typically an abrasive material. In prior art
systems, the abrasive material is typically mounted right on the
drive plate, which makes it difficult to replace without replacing
the drive plate as well. This reflects on cost and time
consumption.
[0005] In particular, Werkmaster.TM. machines use multiple abrasive
tools that require specific tool drive plate sizes that are unique
to the Werkmaster.TM. machines. As there are several different
models each with its own plate size this requires all the tooling
to be made in each of these sizes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Disclosed is a system for efficiently changing the tools on
the drive plate of a grinder or polishing machine. A system in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention uses an
intermediate element to which the tools are mounted. This
arrangement is then mounted to the drive plate.
[0007] Thus, according to one aspect, the invention provides a
system for mounting an abrasive tool to a drive plate of a polisher
or grinding machine, the system comprising: an intermediate element
mounted to a surface of the drive plate via a first securing means;
and a second securing means for securing the abrasive tool to the
intermediate element. The intermediate element may be a tool
mounting plate and the second securing means is at least one pin
and spring assembly. The intermediate element may be a ring and the
second securing element comprises magnets and pins. The
intermediate element may be a circular bracket and the second
securing element comprises rotary slot attachment.
[0008] There are many advantages in using a quick change system in
accordance with the teachings of this present invention. The
uniqueness of the present invention allows for adaptation to a
variety of different types of machines. The system in accordance
with the teachings of this invention is at least as fast and in
most cases faster than other systems for changing tools. It also
provides a more stable, less complicated and more reliable
functioning of the tools than most other systems. A system in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention works very
quickly without having complicated designs and parts. As
importantly, it facilitates the use of one standard tool size for
several sizes and weights of equipment making it a great deal more
efficient. The cost of manufacturing is reduced because there is no
need for replacing the whole head plate, but just the segments.
There is also a possibility to quickly change a defective segment
or even add more segments on the same plate for more aggressive
work. It also provides the ability to custom balance the machine
due to the irregularities of the surface being worked on.
[0009] Embodiments of the invention are specifically designed for
use with Werkmaster.TM. grinding and polishing machines.
[0010] Other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the invention
will be readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art
upon a review of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate one embodiment of a quick change
system in accordance with the teachings of this invention;
[0013] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate a spring assembly that can be
used in the quick change system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 2d illustrates a wire form spring used in the spring
assembly of FIG. 2a;
[0015] FIGS. 3a, 3b 3c and 3d illustrate an assembled tool mounting
plate that can be used in the quick change system of FIG. 1,
showing preferable dimensions;
[0016] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate the tool mounting plate of
FIG. 3 without pins and some preferable dimensions;
[0017] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c illustrate a pin that can be used in the
quick change system of FIG. 1 and some preferable dimensions;
and
[0018] FIG. 6a illustrates another embodiment of a quick change
system in accordance with the teachings of this invention;
[0019] FIGS. 6b and 6c show possible dimensions that can be used
with the embodiment of FIG. 6a;
[0020] FIG. 6d illustrates a drive plate that can be used with the
embodiment of FIG. 6a;
[0021] FIG. 6e illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 6a mounted to a
Werkmaster.TM. polisher or grinding tool;
[0022] FIG. 6f illustrates another embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a quick change
system in accordance with the teachings of this invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment where the tool mounting
plate is screwed to the drive plate; and
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a quick change
system in accordance with the teachings of this invention.
[0026] This invention will now be described in detail with respect
to certain specific representative embodiments thereof, the
materials, apparatus and process steps being understood as examples
that are intended to be illustrative only. In particular, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the methods, materials,
conditions, process parameters, apparatus and the like specifically
recited herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Disclosed in accordance with the teachings of this present
invention is a quick change system to change the polishing or
grinding tool for a polisher or grinding machine. The tool can be
any suitable tool or abrasive material, such an abrasive diamond in
various matrices, sandpaper, Velcro-backed polishing pads, etc. A
drive plate is located on the bottom of the polisher or grinding
machine. Embodiments of this invention provide an efficient way to
attach at least one tool to the drive plate. Embodiments of this
invention use an intermediate element between the drive plate and
the abrasive tool. A securing means is used to fasten the abrasive
tool to the intermediate element and a second securing means is
used to fasten the intermediate element to the drive plate.
[0028] In general, embodiments of the invention have been designed
to work on Werkmaster.TM. machines. Werkmaster.TM. machines use
multiple grinding heads that required specific tool plate sizes
that are unique to the Werkmaster.TM. machine. As there are several
different models each with its own plate size this required all the
tooling to be made in each of these sizes. In order to simplify
this requirement it was decided to go to a modular type tooling
where one size fits all the different models and drive plate sizes.
As there were height and plate size restrictions for each
Werkmaster.TM. machine it necessitated designing a unique tool and
plate assembly that would facilitate all these restrictions for
each model. There are other modular type tool systems available on
the market none of which could be adapted to the Werkmaster.TM.
machines. Embodiments of the invention used on a Werkmaster.TM.
machine reduces the need for multiple tool sizes for each model as
well as greatly reducing the time required to change tools in many
instances.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in one embodiment, the abrasive
tool 10 is mounted to a tool mounting plate 14, which is mounted to
the drive plate 12. The present inventors faced a problem of how to
mount the tool mounting plate 14 to the drive plate 12. The present
inventors tried screwing the tool mounting plate 14 to the drive
plate 12, as seen in FIG. 8. However the inventors found that the
time needed to replace the tool mounting plate 14 became
longer.
[0030] Then the inventors tried another system using a small
chamfered tail extruded from the bottom of the tool mounting plate
and slides into a designated negative groove on the head using
centrifugal forces keep the plate from sliding back. With this idea
the time needed for replacement was shortened but the cost of
manufacturing and material of the tool, and the cost for the
modifications of the drive plate, were too high. Plus there was a
risk of the tool falling since there was nothing holding it
securely to the plate except the groove.
[0031] The inventors then tried using brackets 90 angled at
25.degree. bolted to the drive plate 12 to prevent the tool
mounting plate 14 with tool 10 thereon from sliding back by a small
spring steel mechanism 92 (seen in FIG. 9). But the complexity of
manufacture was still too great. Plus there was an issue with the
removing of the tool mounting plate 14 from the drive plate 12,
since it required additional tools.
[0032] The inventors then tried a drop and slide pin system.
However, alignment and precision of manufacture became an
issue.
[0033] The inventors then discovered a system that worked
effectively and can be manufactured efficiently, as seen in FIGS. 1
to 5. Broadly, the system affixes the tool mounting plate 14 to one
surface of the drive plate 12 using at least one pin and spring
assembly 95. Precisely sized pins 18, made from D.O.M. steel
engineered with a spring-type washer 24 made from steel affixed to
a shaped tool mounting plate 14 with abrasive tool 10 secured to
the surface. The spring-type washer 24 fits into groove 99 of pin
18 and allows for easy insertion and removal from a polisher or
grinding machine, including a Werkmaster.TM. grinding or polishing
machine.
[0034] Two pins 18 are welded on the back 20 of the tool mounting
plate. The pins 18 drop into holes 22 in the drive plate 12 and are
held by wire form springs 24. The tool mounting plate 14 is cut out
of sheet metal with two holes 98 to accommodate the two pins 18.
The abrasive tool 10 is welded onto the tool mounting plate 14
simultaneously with the pins 18. The pins 18 have a small groove 99
to hold the spring 24. The tool mounting plate 14 is placed on the
drive plate 12 by simply pushing the pins 18 into the designated
holes 98. Removing can be done by either pulling or pushing from
the reverse side the tool mounting plate 14.
[0035] The mechanism does not require any additional tools for
removal and replacing. It also gives the opportunity to use many
combinations of segments and many configurations
[0036] Alternatives understandable by those skilled in the art
include different types of pins (length, width, material) different
spring-type washers, different quantity of pins, different surfaces
can be used instead of abrasive material, and different sized
plates to accommodate various sizes of abrasive or polishing
materials.
[0037] In another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6a to 6e, the
intermediate element is a ring 30 to hold the tool mounting plate
14. Magnets 32 and pins 34 are attached to the drive plate 12. The
pins 34 prevent the ring 30 from moving as they are shaped and
sized to fit in their respective holes 36 in the ring 30. The
magnets 32 keep the ring 30 attached to the drive plate 12.
[0038] The tooling plate 30 includes high strength N40 neodymium
magnets 32 that are placed in relation to where the abrasive tools
10 can be inserted. Previous designs using a ring 30 without the
magnets caused the tooling segments 10 to droop and/or tilt out of
their intended positions so that the tools 10 would wear
irregularly and would also cause undesirable heavy tool marks. The
magnets 32 are recessed into the ring 30 so that the ring 30 bears
the weight of the machine 100 and the magnets 32 support the
tooling segments 10 and prevent the tooling segments 10 from
falling out or tilting during operation. The magnets 32 themselves
have countersunk holes (not shown) in the middle to allow for them
to be screwed into the plate 30. The strength of the magnets 32 is
typically strong enough to make tool-less removal difficult. To
address this, embodiments of the invention provide an alternative
method of tooling segment extraction. In this embodiment, slots 46
are incorporated into the plate design to allow for a screwdriver
to extract the tooling segment from off of the plate. A tooling
segment wire form spring can be added, but the inventors have found
this to be unnecessary as the magnets 32 provide enough strength to
hold the tooling segments 10 in place.
[0039] FIGS. 6b and 6c show some possible dimensions of that can be
used in the manufacture of ring 30. FIG. 6e illustrates this
embodiment mounted to a Werkmaster.TM. machine.
[0040] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, uses a solid
circular bracket 40 as the intermediate element. The bracket 40
includes a pin 41. The tool mounting plate 14 is now shaped to
slide into bracket 40 and to include pin hole 42 and it is turned
to snap into place. It is held by pin 41 with a spring attached to
its back (not shown). The pin 41 slides into the designated hole in
the tool mounting plate 14 preventing it from turning and slipping
off.
[0041] Thus has been described a system for mounting an abrasive
tool to a drive plate of a polisher or grinding tool. Each
embodiment includes an intermediate element mounted to one surface
of the drive plate and then the abrasive tool is mounted to the
intermediate element. In this way, the abrasive tool can be quickly
changed or replaced. The abrasive tool is securely fastened to the
intermediate element, which is mounted to the drive plate in such a
way that it too can be quickly changed. As mentioned above,
embodiments of the invention are ideally suited for use on a
Werkmaster.TM. machine.
[0042] The drive plate may have mounted thereon 1 or more
intermediate elements as needed, and 1 or more abrasive tools may
be used.
[0043] It will be appreciated that all dimensions provided are
exemplary only. It will also be understood that the machine could
be any suitable type of grinding or polishing machine, including
machines used on the floor or machines used on countertop.
[0044] Numerous modifications may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *