Metal working – Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for... – Common reciprocating support for spaced tools
Patent
1983-08-12
1987-04-07
Bilinsky, Z. R.
Metal working
Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for...
Common reciprocating support for spaced tools
82 36B, 279 48, 414226, 414590, 414735, 414736, B23Q 3155, B23Q 3157
Patent
active
046549552
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Machining centers utilizing tool changer mechanisms can contribute significantly to improved flexibility and reduced non-cutting time in machining operations. Standardization of tool shanks and holders, as well as the use of modular tooling, interchangeable tool inserts, and uniform pallet sizes are the prerequisites. Both tooling and machine tool manufacturers are putting great effort into development of new systems designed to meet users requirements.
Machine centers are a relatively new development made possible by the versatility of numerically controlled machine tools, in particular the numerically controll lathe. However, tooling costs can account for a sizable portion of the total investment required to place a machining center in production. Typical tooling costs average 15-20% of the cost of the machining center. Thus, when several different machine tools are utilized in a production facility, minimization of the number of different tools becomes desirable and, for unattended production, mechanized tool handling becomes imperative. Stated in another manner, while tool standardization is welcome, optimum cutting performance mandates the use of specialized tool handling mechanisms that meet specific user requirements.
Numerically controlled turning has led to the grouping of several operations, thereby requiring the use of turrets with a multiplicity of tools. However, replacing worn tools or cutting inserts still materially adds to non-cutting time loss and is a primary obstacle to the utilization of unmanned machining centers. Therefore, a standarized tool system with hydraulically actuated tool change and storage thereof in a magazine which can be replenished at an operator's convenience is required to maximize the duration of unattended operation of the machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A tool changer in accordance with the instant invention is designed to change A.N.S.I. standard tools with minor alterations. Alterations made to the tools do not affect use thereof in non-tool changer type applications. By using standard but altered tools instead of custom designed, single source tools, the tool changer enables the tooling to be purchased from any desired supplier. In addition, present in-house tools can be modified to fit tool changer machine centers.
The turning tools used on the tool changer of the instant invention are provided with two drilled and chamfered holes to accept the tool changer fingers. Boring tools used on the tool changer have a standard "ez-on" form on the shank end of the tool for easy entry into the boring bar holder and are provided with a pre-settable collar having a standard "V" flange form.
A constructed embodiment of the invention changes 11/2" diameter shank boring bars and 11/4" square turning tools. The constructed tool changer is hydraulic and air operated and is controlled by a programmable logic controller.
More specifically, the tool changer of the instant invention comprises a horizontally and vertically movable slide with a rotatable arm thereon. The arm has a wrist and a hand at each end with fingers and grippers to pick up both boring and turning tools. Finger roll, wrist roll, and arm index movements are actuated by hydraulic rotary actuators. The finger gripping action is air operated. A 10" hex turret assembly is equipped with one boring bar holder and one turning tool holder. A hydraulic cylinder positions the turret thereby to position the proper tool holder as required for tool change.
A tool magazine holds a replacement boring bar and a turning tool, a hydraulic cylinder positioning the proper tool when a tool change is made.
An automatic tool lock-unlock mechanism consists of two air driven nutrunner torque motors mounted on guide rails and delivered to position by a hydraulic cylinder. Each torque motor is set to provide the proper locking torque for both types of tools. Several types of locking mechanisms are utilized for clamping the turning and boring tools.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front el
REFERENCES:
patent: 1886224 (1932-11-01), Redinger
patent: 3628404 (1971-12-01), Riley
patent: 3667114 (1972-06-01), Smith et al.
patent: 4055095 (1977-10-01), Gramespacher et al.
Bilinsky Z. R.
Forster Lloyd M.
The Valeron Corporation
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