Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool – Processes – Bit detachable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-01
2001-11-06
Howell, Daniel W. (Department: 3722)
Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
Processes
Bit detachable
C408S161000, C408S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312200
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to mechanically driven tool compensators, and more particularly, to a tool compensator method and apparatus for a cutting tool having a tool cartridge or body member to be moved radially with respect to a rotating axis of the cutting tool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrically driven tool compensators are known for moving a tool between a working position and a retracted position in combination with gaging equipment which signals a predetermined increment of tool travel each time tool adjustment is needed. The tool is movable radially outward and inward in response to an axial movement of a draw bar. An electrical motor with a gear reducer drives a screw nut assembly connected to the draw bar so that the draw bar is moved back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the draw bar, where the direction of movement is determined by the direction of rotation of the motor. The nut is formed to a cylindrical shape and has an interior cavity with a threaded opening. The drive nut is slidably mounted within the housing cavity and a draw bar assembly is removably affixed to the nut so that the draw bar moves axially as the nut rotates. A boring bar is conventionally secured to the draw bar and is operable to provide for radially inward and outward movement of a cutting tool. A cam on the boring bar is operated in response to axial movement of the draw bar in one direction to flex a strip member and thus move the tool radially outwardly toward the workpiece.
The amount of adjustment permitted in known tool compensator configurations is less than the degree of movement desired. In particular, if additional movement could be provided more intricate profiles could be cut. Additional movement could also provide more efficient cutting operation, by allowing multiple cuts to be simultaneously performed at different radial positions at the same time. Accuracy, reliability, and repeatability of the positioning movement of the radially moveable body member is also desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for adjusting a tool cartridge or a cutter body with a drive member, such as an internal screw, operably engaged with a wedge. As the drive member is rotated in either direction, the wedge is driven longitudinally to engage the angled or sloped surface of the tool cartridge or cutter body in order to drive the tool cartridge or cutter body radially inward or outward depending on the direction of rotation. A ring spring is positioned with respect to a periphery, internal or external, of the tool cartridge to hold the individual pieces together. Generally, a tool cartridge or cutter body operates at approximately 3,600 to 4,000 revolutions per minute. In the present invention, the drive member, such as a compensator screw, generally rotates at the same speed as the drive spindle until an adjustment is required. The drive member or compensator screw is driven at a differential speed with respect to the drive spindle in order to move the wedge in the desired direction for controlling the position of the tool cartridge or cutter body.
The present invention provides an apparatus for adjusting at least one tool cartridge or radially moveable body member of a machine tool having rotatable, concentric, elongate, inner and outer drive spindles. The outer drive spindle includes at least one pocket exposing a portion of the inner drive spindle. A wedge is disposed in each pocket for movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate inner drive spindle in response to relative rotation of the inner drive spindle with respect to the outer drive spindle. Each wedge includes a threaded surface, either internal or external, operably engagable with a threaded portion of the inner drive spindle or a threaded portion of the outer drive spindle. A radially moveable body member is operable engaged within each pocket of the outer drive spindle for radial movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer spindle in response to relative movement of the corresponding wedge.
The present invention also includes a method for radially adjusting a position of at least one tool cartridge of a machining tool having rotatable, concentric, elongate, inner and outer drive spindles with at least one pocket formed in the outer drive spindle exposing a portion of the inner drive spindle. The method includes the steps of moving at least one wedge disposed in each pocket relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate inner drive spindle in response to relative rotation of the inner drive spindle with respect to the outer drive spindle. Each wedge has a threaded surface operably engagable with a threaded portion of the inner drive spindle or a threaded portion of the outer drive spindle. The method also includes the step of radially moving at least one tool cartridge operably engaged within each of the pockets of the outer drive spindle relative to the longitudinal axis of the spindle in response to relative movement of the corresponding wedge.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3740161 (1973-06-01), Milewski
patent: 4416569 (1983-11-01), Yamakage et al.
patent: 4544309 (1985-10-01), Krstovic
patent: 4615652 (1986-10-01), Van Sickle et al.
patent: 4867619 (1989-09-01), Briggs
patent: 132403-A (1983-08-01), None
Graham John
Klimach Johann S.
Raible Robert B.
Antonelli Terry Stout & Kraus LLP
Ex-Cello Machine Tools, Inc.
Howell Daniel W.
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