CA2161815A1 - Apparatus for cleaning a welded joint - Google Patents
Apparatus for cleaning a welded jointInfo
- Publication number
- CA2161815A1 CA2161815A1 CA 2161815 CA2161815A CA2161815A1 CA 2161815 A1 CA2161815 A1 CA 2161815A1 CA 2161815 CA2161815 CA 2161815 CA 2161815 A CA2161815 A CA 2161815A CA 2161815 A1 CA2161815 A1 CA 2161815A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- work piece
- knife
- actuator
- cutter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for automatically removing waste material from a work piece, such as a window sash or door frame, including a locating assembly for position and clamping the work piece in position, and an automated trimming assembly including a first cutter assembly for trim-ming the interior portion of the work piece, and second and third cutter assemblies for trimming the outside peripheral edge and lateral surfaces of the work piece. In the preferred embodiment, once the work piece is loaded, the locating, clamping, and cutting assemblies are controlled automatically by a programmable logic control circuit operably coupled to a solenoid valve manifold which sequentially controls the actuators manipulating the various assemblies.
Description
~. 2161815 APPARATUS FOR CLEANING A WELDED JOINT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for cleaning excess material from welded joints and 5 more particularly to an automated device for cleaning excessive polymeric material from the corner joints of extruded window and door assemblies and the like.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
Windows, door assemblies, and the like have been manufactured for some time wherein the window and door frames/jams are assembled from extruded polymeric material, typically 10 polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The extruded profiles are welded together by partially melting the ends of the components to be joined and while the polymeric material is molten, mating the ends to be joined. The joint is static until the molten polymeric material solidifies, producing a substantially strong joint.
A disadvantage associated with manufacturing windows, doors, and other assemblies 15 using this technique is that the welded joint between the extruded polymeric components produces a bead or ridge which extends from the product as a result of the compression of the components being joined. Because the material is partially molten, the material flows outwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the compressive force. This bead is considered to be unattractive and undesirable and must be removed from the product to provide a finished surface.
In the past, this bead was removed by hand, however, this resulted in increased manpower, caused physical injury to some workers, and because of the complex extrusion shapes, the bead was often difficult to access and remove. This resulted in increased costs associated with increased manpower and a low production rate.
In an effort to increase production and reduce the need for manpower, complex devices 25 were constructed which carried one or more routers or dremmels having a rotating cutter which, with the aid of a robotic arm, trimmed the bead from the extruded product. However, as a result of the rotating, relatively small cutter head, the polymeric bead was not fully removed from the product, and often remained as a distorted string or strip h~nging from the product.
These "curlicue" pieces of material also needed to be removed and trimmed from the work piece 0 by hand to produce a satisfactory and aesthetically pleasing product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In its broadest form, the invention provides a device for mechanically trimming and removing excess material from a work piece by automatically locating and fixing the work piece -in position on the device, and then sequentially trimming excess material from the surfaces of the work piece either sequentially or generally simlllt~nPously.
In one form, the appdld~us includes a base frame having a locating assembly disposed on an upper surface thereof for positioning the welded joint of the work piece at a predetermined 5 location on the device. A first cutter assembly is provided, which engages an interior surface of the work piece and includes linearly achl~tecl knives which trim the excess material from the inside surface of the joint. Substantially simlllt~n~ously with the actuation of the first cutter assembly, is a second cutter assembly disposed on a side of the locating assembly opposite that cont~ining the first cutter assembly and configured to move between a first and second position 10 tangent to the work piece for trimming excess material from at least a portion of the exterior surface of the joint. Subsequent to the actuation of the second cutter, a third cutter assembly is provided which is configured to move between a first and second position, generally perpendic-ular to the work piece, for removing excess material from the lateral surfaces of the joint.
More specifically, the locating assembly includes a pair of stops or locating blocks, each 15 spaced from the other to define a gap, and configured to engage the work piece to specifically position the welded joint of the work piece on the upper surface of the base frame. A first clamp assembly is slidably disposed on the work surface and engages an interior side of the work piece opposite that eng~ging the locating blocks. The first clamp assembly forces the work piece up against the locating blocks and retains it in position until the cycle is complete. Concurrent 20 with the actuation of the first clamp assembly is a second clamp assembly located above the work piece, which forces the work piece dowllwdfdly against the upper surface of the base frame.
The first cutter assembly includes a pair of knives mounted on the first clamp assembly and configured to engage the inside surface of the work piece and conform substantially thereto such that upon sequential actuation of the knives, substantially all of the excess material about the 25 joint is severed and completely removed from the work piece. The second cutter assembly includes a cutter head having a profile substantially conforming to the exterior surface of the work piece. The cutter head is mounted to an electric motor or other drive assembly mounted on a carriage adapted to slide between the first and second positions controlled by an actuator interconn~cting the carriage to the base frame. The third cutter assembly includes a pair of scarf 30 knives spaced a predetermined distance from each other and mounted to a frame configured for linear actuation between a first retracted position and a second extended and ~ g position by an actuator.
In another form of the invention, the first cutter assembly mounted in the first clamp assembly includes at least one and preferably two knives configured to engage the inside surfaced of the work piece and translate along a parallel path controlled by a channel or raceway to trim the interior surface of the work piece. Each knife is activated by an actuator having a first end 5 fixed within the first clamp assembly and the opposite end coupled to a joint interconnecting two links. A first link has one end pivotally coupled to and fixed to the first clamp assembly and the opposite end pivotally coupled to the free end of the actuator. A second link has one end pivotally coupled to the sliding knife and the opposite end pivotally coupled to the end of the actuator and the first link. Operation of the actuator forces the links to straighten and lie 10 substantially in line with the knife causing the knife to slide in a first direction. Retraction of the actuator causes the links to bend at the coupling, shortening the distance between the fixed part of the first link and the end of the link coupled to the knife, causing the knife to slide in the opposite direction.
In yet another form of the invention, the first clamping assembly is provided with a 15 position locking mechanism for holding the first clamping assembly in place while the work piece is trimmed. In one embodiment, one or more locking pins more upward from the cabinet into the first clamping assembly to hold it in place with respect to the cabinet during the g cycle.
In yet another form of the invention, a router assembly may be configured with the 20 foregoing components to trim areas inaccessible to the knife or other cutters. In one embodiment, a router is disposed beneath the work piece and configured to move upwards such that a router blade trims an interior corner or recess of the work piece.
The invention described herein provides the advantages of more efficient and effective removal of excess material from all sides of the joint on a work product, resulting in reduced 25 cost, increased productivity, and reduced operator injury. What used to take several minutes to trim m~ml~lly, causing operator strain and injury, can now be trimmed autom~tir~lly in a matter of seconds using this invention.
BRIEF DESCR~ON OF THE DRAWING FIGIJRES
A better underst~n(ling of the invention and the advantages provided thereby may be 30 obtained by r~fe~ ce to the specification and the attached drawing figures, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective plan view of the invention;
2161~5 Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective plan view of the locating assembly and a portion of a first cutter assembly used to trim the welded bead from the interior of the work piece;
Fig. 3A is a fragmentary, sectional view of the hold-down assembly taken along plane IIIA-IIIA of Fig. 3;
Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a first cutter assembly as it relates to the work piece;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective plan view of the second and third cutter assemblies of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the second and third cutter assemblies taken along plane VI-VI of Fig. 5 with the router in a lower position;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the third cutter assembly;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 9;Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 9;
Fig. 12 is a plan view of a first cutter assembly of the alternate embodiment;
Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view of the first cutter assembly looking in the direction of arrows XII-XII shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a second cutter assembly of the alternate embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 15 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the second cutter assembly looking in the direction of arrows XV-XV shown in Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary view looking in the direction of arrows XVI-XVI
shown in Fig. 11;
Fig. 17 is a sectional plan view taken along plane XVII-XVII of Fig. 16;
Figs. 18 and 18A are sectional plan views taken along plane XVIII-XVIII of Fig. 16;
Fig. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view of the third cutter assembly taken along plane XIX-XIX of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is also a fragmentary elevational view at a right angle to that shown in Fig. 19, taken along plane XX-XX of Fig. 18;
Fig. 21 is a side elevational view of a fourth cutter assembly in the alternate embodiment of this invention; and Fig. 22 is another elevational view of the cutter assembly shown in Fig. 21, looking in the direction of arrows XXII-XXII shown in Fig. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For the purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left,"
"front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives or equivalents thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in Fig. 2. It is understood that the invention may assume various 5 alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limi~ing unless the claims expressly 10 state otherwise.
The device described below is intended to remove excess material from a welded joint of components formed by the extrusion of polymeric material. For example, plastic window sashes and door frames have been manufactured from extruded materials for some time. Although the following description may be specific to extruded work pieces, such as shown in Fig. 4, it is not 15 contemplated to be a limitation and may be used to trim other products.
As shown generally in Fig. 1, the automatic trimming device 10 of this invention includes a base assembly 12 enclosed within a cabinet 14 provided with an access door 16. Contained behind access door 16 may be a power supply connection and other circuitry used to operate device 10, including a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the device 10. Specifics 20 of these features will be described in greater detail below. An upper work surface 18 of the cabinet 14 includes an upper cabinet or cover 20 for preventing accidental access to certain components of device 10. The upper cabinet 20 may be attached to base assembly 12 in a variety of ways in order to provide access to the components therein. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2 and partially in Fig. 3, cabinet 20 may be attached by a hinge 26 to upper work 25 surface 18. In this fashion, upper cabinet 20 may be opened and rotated about hinge 26. One or more handle assemblies, not shown, may be located on the upper cabinet assembly to provide a hand-hold to open and close the cabinet. Depending from the front of cabinet 14 and disposed substantially horizontal and at the approp~iate elevation, is a support shelf 22 used to support the work piece being trimmed. Shelf 22 may have a distal edge supported with respect to the base 30 assembly 12 by a support rod 24. It is plefell~d that support shelf 22 be a frame or lattice-type configuration in contrast with solid shelf such that weight is reduced and waste from the Ll;lllllling process does not build up and is allowed to fall to the floor.
Referring to Figs. 2-5, device 10 includes a locating assembly 30 disposed on the upper work surface 18 for providing an accurate and reliable template for positioning the work product on device 10, a first cutter or knife assembly 32 disposed on a portion of the locating assembly, a second and a third cutter assembly 34, 36, respectively, disposed on work surface 18 on a side 5 of locating assembly 30 opposite that cont~ining the first cutter assembly 32.Locating assembly 30 includes a base plate 40 attached to upper work surface 18 by a plurality of fasteners extending through elongated slots (not shown) to allow horizontal adjust-ment of base plate 40 on work surface 18. To assure that movement of base plate 40 is along a pred~te~ ed axis, channel plates 42 may be fixed to upper surface 18 and located immediately 10 adjacent the lateral edges of base plate 40 to act as a channel guide. It is pler~--.,d that a front portion of base plate 40 is cantilevered out from work surface 18, for reasons which will be apparent below.
Extending upwardly from base plate 40 are a pair of stops or locating blocks 46a, 46b and detachably fastened to base plate 42 by a plurality of fasteners 48. In the embodiment 15 shown, stops 46a, 46b are spaced apart from each other and oriented at a right angle with respect to the other. The respective angular orientation of stops 46a, 46b may be adjusted by providing the approp.iate slots or combination of tapped holes or the like to receive the fasteners 48. In this way, the gap 49 between the stops may also be adjusted. Mounted to a back side of at least one locating block, such as 46b, and mounted in a hole extending horizontally through the mounted proximate work surface 18 may be a proximity sensor 47. Sensor 47 is intended to sense when a work piece, such as 35 (Fig. 4), has been located in position against locating blocks 46a, 46b. When true, sensor 47 sends a signal to the programmable logic control or microprocessor inside the cabinet 14. Such sensors are conventional sensors available as stock items that can be purchased from electrical supply outlets.
Slidably disposed on base plate 40 is an interior locating plate 50 having a portion of its peripheral edge 52 substantially conforming to the angular orientation of the locating blocks 46a, 46b. As shown in Fig. 3, locating plate 50 is generally triangular in shape with the base of the triangle oriented toward the front of device 10. Extending through locating plate 50 are a pair of elongate holes or slots 54 having a longitll~lin~l axis oriented generally 30 perpendicular to the base edge 56 which are configured to receive shoulder bolts 58 and retain a hold-down member 60. Hold-down member 60 lies immediately adjacent the upper surface of locating plate 50 for the purpose of m~int~ining locating plate 50 against base plate 40 while allowing locating plate 50 to move between first and second positions dictated by slots 54.
. ~16l8l5 . .
Locating plate 50 may be moved between the first position proximate locating blocks 46a, 46b, and the second position distant from blocks 46a, 46b by a pair of actuators 62a, 62b fixed by a flange 66 to the front portion 44 of base plate 40, and with the ends of the actuator arms 68 pivotally coupled to locating plate 50.
Locating assembly 30 includes a clamp assembly 70 (Figs. 2-4) formed by a cross member 72 supported above locating blocks 46a, 46b by cylindrical guides 74a, 74b. Slidably received on guides 74a, 74b and spanning the di~t~nre therebetween is a sliding beam 76.
Beam 76 includes a hole 77 at each end of the beam having a diameter slightly greater than guide 74a, 74b to allow beam 76 to slide up and down along the guides while m~int~ining a 10 generally horizontal orientation. Beam 76 is actuated between a first retracted position and a second extended position by an actuator 78 mounted to cross member 72 and with the end of the actuator arm coupled to the beam 76. Depending from sliding beam 76 are at least one, and preferably a plurality of, pins 78 which are configured to engage the uppermost surface of the work piece with beam 76 in the extended position.
In Fig. 4, first cutter assembly 32 is configured to trim the interior corner 33 of the work piece 35 using a pair of knife assemblies, each disposed on interior locating plate 50 (Figs. 2 and 3) proximate the peripheral edge which substantially conforms to the angular orientation of the locating blocks 46a, 46b. Each knife assembly 32 includes an actuator 80 coupled horizontally to plate 50 by a block 82 with the actuator arms 84 oriented toward the apex 55 of the base 20 plate 50. Attached to the ends of the actuator arms may be mounting blocks 86 which, in turn, may be attached to the knife blades 88 described in greater detail below. Alternatively, the knife blades 88 may be coupled directly to the actuator arms 84, such as shown generally in Fig. 4.
Located on a side of locating blocks or stops 46 opposite that cont~ining the first cutter or knife assembly 32 is the second cutter assembly 34 (see Figs. 4 and 5). The second cutter 25 assembly extends from the interior of cabinet 14 up through a slot or opening 90 in the work surface 18 and generally includes a drive assembly such as an electric motor 92 mounted to the lower surface of a carriage 94. The drive shaft or spindle 96 of motor 92 extends through the carriage 94 and up through opening 90. The electric motor may be coupled to a flexible drive coupling 98 to spindle 96 contained within a housing 99 also mounted to carriage 94. The upper 30 end of spindle or drive shaft 96 is configured to receive at least one shaper or cutter head 100 retained on shaft 96 in a conventional manner. The particular shape of cutter head 100 is especially adapted and configured to substantially conform to the profile of the outer surfaces of the work piece. The shaper assembly engages the work piece tangentially by the translational movement of carriage 94 along guide bars 102 slidably received within pillow block bearings 104 mounted on carriage 94. An actuator (not shown) interconnects carriage 94 to the interior of cabinet 14 to move carriage 94 from its generally retracted position proximate one side of cabinet 14 to its fully extended position across a centerline of the cabinet and back again. The 5 actuator used to translate the shaper/cutter assembly may be substantially the same actuator as that mentioned above, with the exception that it has a longer actuator arm to provide the required travel distance.
Adjacent shaper/cutter assembly 34 is the third cutter assembly 36, which, in this embodiment, is configured to remove the excess material from the lateral surfaces of the work 10 piece. The third cutter or scarf knife assembly 36 is configured to operate in a direction generally normal to the work piece and, thus, is disposed upon an axis extending through the gap 49 between locating blocks 46a, 46b. The scarf knife assembly 36 generally includes a frame 110 fixed to upper work surface 18 and straddling an elongate opening 112. Frame 110 includes left and right track members 114, 116 located opposite each other across opening 112 15 and each having a channel 118 extending the length of the interior surface or side. Disposed between frame member 114, 116 and slidably received within channel 118 by lugs 123, is a vertical beam 122. Beam 122 is configured to translate along channels 118 in a substantially horizontal plane from one end of frame members 114, 116 to the other. Translation of vertical beam 122 is achieved by actuator assembly 124 mounted to block 128 proximate the rear 20 edge 130 of work surface 18 with the actuator arm 132 coupled thereto.
Coupled to vertical beam 122 are upper and lower knife carriers 134, 136, respectively.
Each may be fastened to vertical beam 122 by a clamp or vice fastener 137 extending through an elongate slot defined in beam member 122 to allow vertical adjustment of the knife carriers 134, 136. Each knife carrier has an exterior channel 142 configured to receive a 25 respective scarf knife blade 144. Each scarf knife blade is preferably cantilevered out from slot 142 and retained therein by a bolt 146 which extends through each knife blade 144 and is threaded into the respective knife carrier. A spring 148 is provided between the head of the fastener and the top of the knife blade to allow the blade to move along the shaft of the bolt 146 under the compressive force of the spring 148. An adjustment screw 150 extends through 30 blade 144 between bolt 146 and the vertical beam 122, to adjust the cant or pitch of the blade about bolt 146.
All of the actuators described above are preferably air linear actuators or similar hydraulic motors which convert fluid pleS~ule into useful, mechanical work. Each actuator is 2 1 6 1 8 ~ 5 preferably coupled by a pair of air pressure lines to a manifold configured to actuate each of the air cylinders upon receipt of an electrical signal generated by a programmable circuit. For example, the manifold may be comprised of MACTM remote air pilot and solenoid files such as available under the 900 Series and 55, 56 Series bodies. Each solenoid valve manifold may 5 receive its input from a programmable logic control circuit disposed behind the access door 16 within cabinet 12. One embodiment of a program for such a circuit is shown in Appendix A.
The programmable local control sends an appropliate output to the air manifold to actuate the respective air cylinders in a predetermined order to carry out the operation of the device 10.
In operation, the operator locates the work piece, such as a welded, extruded window 10 sash or door frame, on the product support shelf such that the corner of the work piece is urged against locating blocks 46a, 46b and allowed to rest on base plate 40. With the work piece in this position, the operator then steps on peddle 28 (Fig. 1) to run the programmable logic control circuit, controlled by a specific program such as set out in Appendix A. The programmable logic control circuit preferably first causes the actuation of cylinders 62a, 62b to move interior 15 locating plate 50 from a retracted position proximate the front edge of device 10 to an extended position proximate locating blocks 46a, 46b, thus forcing the work product into gap 49. Once the work product 35 is appropliately located against blocks 46a, 46b detected by sensor 47, the programmable logic control circuit causes actuator 80 to extend, thus forcing beam 76 and pins 78 dowllwaldly against the upper surface of the work product to hold the work piece against 20 base plate 40. In the preferred embodiment, the programmable logic control circuit then actuates the first cutter assembly 32 to trim the interior corners of the work product by causing the actuators 80a, 80b to act sequentially, driving knife blades 88 along the interior surface and into the corner to trim the excess material from the welded joint. Substantially simlllt~n~ously with the ~l;lllllli~g of the interior corners of the work piece, the programmable logic control may 25 cause the actuator coupled to the shaper/cutter carriage 94 to actuate, thus drawing the shaper/cutter assembly 34 across the exterior corner of the work piece to trim any excess material the outer edge from the welded joint. The shaper head 34 may make two passes across the work piece as it moves from the first position to the second position and back again. In an alternate embodiment, the shaper head may make a single pass translating from one side of the 30 cabinet to an opposite side of the cabinet in one cycle. The purpose of locating the shaper head laterally to one side of the cabinet is to provide the scarf knife assembly access to the work plece.
2i61815 Once the shaper head assembly has made its pass across the exterior edge of the product, the programmable logic control circuit causes the actuator 124 on the scarf knife assembly 36 to extend, enabling the tips of the scarf knife blades 144, under pressure controlled by springs 148, to engage the lateral surfaces of the work piece and remove excess material from the welded 5 joint. After the scarf knife assembly makes its pass, it retracts and the cycle is completed until the operator steps on peddle 28 again to renew the cycle.
Referring to Figs. 8-11, an alternate and preferred embodiment of the automatic ~ ing device 210 includes a base assembly 212 preferably formed from a cabinet or box-like structure 214 having a plurality of upright interconnected walls 216 supporting an upper work surface 218.
10 One of walls 214 may include an access door behind which may be located a programmable circuit including a microprocessor, described in greater detail below, for operating the automatic ~l;lllllling device 210. The access door may also provide access to a connection to a power cord which provides high voltage (220 VAC power) to the circuitry and other components of the device. It is preferred that the access door include a latch which interrupts power to the device lS 210 or otherwise requires the operator to disconnect the electrical power to the device 210 prior to gaining access through the door.
The upper work surface 218 of the cabinet 214 includes an upper cabinet or safety cover 220 which prevents accidental access to various components of device 210 while operating. As is well-known in industry, a safety switch may be provided to cover 220 such that all power to 20 the components therein is interrupted and/or that safety brakes are automatically activated to stop movement of the components. Cover 220 preferably is made from sheet metal, like cabinet 214, and attached to cabinet 214 by a hinge or other coupling similar to those described above.
Attached to the front of cabinet 214 at or above upper work surface 218 is a support shelf 222 oriented substantially parallel to work surface 218. It is plcfellcd that shelf 222 have a 25 frame or lattice-like configuration to reduce its weight and to allow debris from the work piece to fall to the floor. Depending upon the distance shelf 222 extends o ulw~ldly from the base cabinet 214; the distal end of the shelf 222 may be supported by a brace, strut, or rod (not shown).
The embodiment of the automatic trimming device shown in Figs. 9-11 includes a 30 locating assembly 230 fixed to the upper work surface 218 for providing a repetitively accurate and reliable template for positioning a work piece or product, such as a welded extruded window or door frame, in the llillllllil-g device 210. Device 210 also includes a cutter or shaper assembly 232 (Figs. 11, 12, and 13) and a scarf or knife assembly 234 (Figs. 11, 14, and 15) mounted to the upper work surface 218 and concealed or covered by upper cabinet 220. A third cutter or trim assembly 236 (Figs. 11, 14, and 15) for trimming an interior surface of the work piece cooperates with, and forms a part of, locating assembly 230 located toward a front edge of the upper work surface 218.
Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, the shaper head assembly 232 is located generally in the central portion of upper work surface 218, extending through an opening 240 formed on surface 218 of sufficient dimension to provide full translation or travel of the shaper assembly along a horizontal axis, preferably tangent to a corner of the work piece being trimmed, and shown generally by line A-A in Fig. 12. Shaper assembly 232 generally includes a drive assembly 242 having an electric motor 244, preferably 440V DC, 60 Hz motor available from U.S. Electrical Motors Division of Emerson Electric Co. of Milford, Conn~cticllt, capable of rotating at 3500 RPM. Motor 244 is preferably suspended from a carriage generally indicated as 246 having four bushing bearings 249 configured to slide along a pair of guide bars or rods 248. Guide bars 248 are interconn~cte~l at opposite ends by frame members 250 which are, in turn, attached by bolts 252 to a lower surface or bottom 254 of upper work surface 218 to mount shaper assembly 232 in a recess or opening 240.
A drive shaft 256 (Figs. 12 and 13) of motor 244 extends upwardly and is interconnected to a shaper or cutter head 258 extending above surface 218 by a shaft or spindle 260 concentrically disposed for rotation in a cylindrical housing 252 fixed to an upper surface of carriage 256 by one or more roller bearings 264, 266 such as taper roller bearings available from NSK of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and designated LM67048, LM67010, LM29749, and LM29710.
A lower end 268 of spindle 260 is interconnected to motor shaft 256 by a flexible coupling 270, having a pair of 7/8 inch bores. One example of such a coupling is Model L-075 available from Lovejoy Corp.. The opposite end 272 of the spindle 260 above housing 262 is configured to 25 detachably retain a cutter head 258 comprised of a plurality of cutter or shaper blades sandwiched together to provide the a~propfiate profile to be shaped. The shaper/cutter head 258 is retained on spindle 260 by bushing 276 and screw 278 threaded onto the end 272 of the spindle 260. At the bottom of the stack of blades forming the shaper head 274, a shoulder 280 is formed on the spindle 260 against which the shaper head is held.
The carriage 246 carrying the shaper/cutter 232 is moved between first and second posi-tions, tr~n~l~ting back and forth along line A-A by an actuator 282 having one end 284 of the actuator cylinder 286 mounted to the lower surface 254 of work surface 218. The free end 288 of the actuator arm 290 is coupled to a far end of frame member 250. It is pr~felled that actu-ator 282 be a single spring return actuator such as Model 4-DP-8.0 air actuator available from Humphrey. It is further pl~felled that cutter assembly 232 be located at a first or resting posi-tion at the far end of guide rods 248 proximate one side of base cabinet 214. When ~ctll~ted, cutter assembly 232 translates along guide bars 248 toward the center of work surface 218, mov-5 ing tangentially to the exterior surface of the work piece being trimmed such that the shaper head274 removes the desired material. Once the stroke is complete, the cycle reverses and cutter assembly 232 retracts back to its resting position. It is also pl~fell~d that the relative position of cutter assembly 232 be monitored by proximity switches 292, such as an inductive proximity switch, Model No. EL1204PPOS, made by Electromatic Controls Corp. Such switches are 10 located at the resting position of cutter assembly 232 and are activated by a bracket 294 extending from carriage 246. It is further pl~r~ d that the free end 288 of actuator arm 290 is coupled by an actuator joint 296 to the bracket extending between frame member 250 and prox-imity switch 292.
Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, the scarf knife assembly 234 which is oriented to move 15 along an axis indicated by line B-B (Fig. 14) which is preferably generally perpendicular to the travel path of shaper assembly 232 described above. The objective of scarf knife assembly 234 is to remove excess material from both the upper and lower surfaces of the work piece as it is located on ~ ing device 210.
Scarf knife assembly 234 includes a base plate 300 having a pair of spaced apart members 20 or rectangular columns 302, 304 attached thereto such that the long axes of the columns are oriented vertically and substantially parallel to each other. Each column includes at least one and preferably two bushing bearings 306, 308 extending thel~lhlough and aligned with a corresponding bushing bearing in the spaced column. Slidably received in the upper and lower bearings 306, 308, respectively of each column 302, 304 is a guide rod 310, 312, intercormected 25 at one end 310 by a cross-member 312. The opposite ends 314 on the opposite sides of the two columns 302, 304 are also interconnected by a vertically oriented beam 316 attached by shoulder bolts to the guide bars. Cantilevered from opposite ends 318, 320 of beam 316 are upper and lower knife carriers 322, 324, respectively, attached to the lateral sides 326, 328 of the beam by corresponding plates 330, 332. Each knife carrier 322, 324 is coupled at one end between plates 30 such as 330, 332. Plates 330, 332 are, in turn, pivotally coupled to beam 316 by dowel pins 336, 338 extending therethrough and into plates 330, 332 (Fig. 15). A compression spring (not shown) is disposed between the end of each knife carrier 322, 324 and beam 316, to force each knife carrier and plate (330 and 332) generally toward each other. The colllpressive force of each spring may be adjusted by a set screw 340 received in each end of beam 316. The rotation of each knife carrier 322, 324 and its corresponding plates about dowel pins 336, 338 is controlled by bolts 344, 346 received in brackets 348, 350 extending laterally behind and away from beam 316 such that the tip of each bolt 344, 346 can engage one of the plates in each pair 5 inboard of the pivot point along dowel pins 336, 338. By adjusting bolts 344, 346 the distance between the distal ends 352 of the knife carriers 322, 324 can be adjusted to accommodate a range of work piece thicknesses or widths. As in the prior embodiment, scarf knife blades 354 are rigidly fixed to the distal end 352 of each knife carrier 322, 324.
Interconn~cting beam 316 and at least a portion of the base 300, preferably column 302 is 10 an actuator 360 configured to translate beam 316 and its associated knife blades 354 along axis B-B between its first or retracted position proximate column 302 and its fully extended position distant from column 302. Actuator 306 is preferably an air actuator, Model No. 4-D-9.0 available from Humphrey, wherein a free end 362 of the actuator arm 364 is coupled by a cylinder joint to a center point of beam 316. The air cylinder 366 is preferably coupled at end 15 368 to column 302. As with the shaper assembly described above, the extent of travel and rest position of the scarf knife assembly can be detected and/or controlled by proximity switches 368 and 370. Switch 368 is preferably mounted in column 304 and oriented to detect the extension of the scarf knife assembly 234. A bolt 372 threadably received in cross member 312 may be threaded in or out to adjust the extension distance. Likewise, proximity switch 370 is mounted 20 in column 302 to face toward beam 316 to detect when beam 316 is retracted to the appl~liate point.
Referring to Figs. 16 through 18, locating assembly 230 disposed on upper work surface 18 positions and retains the work piece in the appropriate position in the trimming device 210 during the trimming process. Locating assembly 230 includes a horizontal positioning and 25 clamping portion 380 as well as a vertical position and clamping portion 382. The horizontal positioning and clamping portion 380 includes a base plate 384 (Figs. 16 and 17) fixed to upper work surface 218 by a pair of clamps 386 eng~ging opposing peripheral edges of the base plate 384 and secured to work surface 218. A plurality of slots or openings 388, 390, and 392 extending through base plate 384 are disposed above and aligned with corresponding openings 30 formed in work surface 218. Between opening or slots 388 and 390, and extending from the upper surface of base plate 384 are a plurality of rails 394, 396, and 398, all arranged substan-tially parallel to each other at three triangularly spaced points (Fig. 17).
.. . 2i~1815 Also mounted to the upper surface of base plate 384 are a pair of stops or locating blocks 400, 402 (Fig. 18) fixed in position by fasteners. Stops 400, 402 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. The respective angular orientations of stop 400, 402 may be adjusted by providing the ap~lopliate 5 slots or combination of tapped holes to receive the fasteners. In this way, the gap 404 between the stops may be changed. The transverse profiles of each stop 400 or 402 may vary, but are intended to conform closely to the exterior surface of that portion of the work piece being received. Thus, it is contemplated that recesses or projections may be formed a part thereof as n~ces~ry. Stops 400, 402 may be made from any rigid material including metal and many poly-meric substances. Mounted in a hole extending through at least one of the stops 400 or 402 is a proximity switch 406 intended to determine when a work piece has been located in position against stops 400, 402. Due to various types of materials trimming device 210 may work on, it is preferred that proximity switch 406 be of the optical type.
Slidably disposed on rails 394, 396, and 398 and configured to move between a first retracted position and a second extended position adjacent stops 400, 402 is an interior clamp or locating assembly 380 interconnected to the rails 394, 396, and 398 by linear bearing such as shown by 408. Interior clamp 380 generally includes a housing 412 (Fig. 19) having lower and upper members 414, 416, respectively, both having at least two sides such as 418, 420 which substantially parallel the angular orientation of stops 400, 402. The rem~ining sides of the hous-ing may take on any shape. The housing 412 is preferably translated along rails 394, 396, 398 by bearings 408 between the two positions by at least one actuator 422 (Figs. 10, 11, and 16).
Actuator 422 is substantially identical to those described above and includes a cylinder portion 426 mounted at one end to the bottom 254 of surface 218. The arm 430 of actuator 422 has its free end coupled to a lower surface of lower member 414 preferably by a cylinder coupling.
Spaced from actuator 422 and oriented substantially vertically from the bottom 254 of surface 218 are at least one, and preferably two, locking assemblies 424 each generally including an actuator 428 securely fixed in place below surface 218 by a frame member 432, positioning each actuator such that the actuator arms extend and retract vertically through surface 218 and into locking registry in sockets 434 (Fig. 16) formed in the lower member 414 of housing 412.
30 It is plefell~d that the locking assemblies are actuated only when housing 412 is translated to its extended position, urging the work piece against the stops 400, 402 to trim the interior surface.
When in this configuration the locking pins extend and engage holes 434, fixing interior clamp 410 in place while the work piece is being trimrned. Locking assemblies 424 preferably use actuators such as Model No. S-D-1.00 available from Humphreys.
The second or vertical positioning and clamping mechanism 382 includes a cross member 440 supported above stops 400, 402 by a pair of uprights 442, ~ wherein the lower ends of 5 each upright are attached to stops 400, 402. It is preferred that in plan view, cross member 440 be located substantially above the area to receive the work piece for reasons which will be apparent.
Mounted to cross member 440 is at least one, and preferably a plurality of, vertically oriented actuators 446, each having a cylinder portion 448 secured to cross member 440 and with 10 the actuator arms 450 extending downwardly through holes in the cross member. The ends of the actuator arms are mounted with pads or feet 452 adapted to engage the upper surface of the work piece when extended, and force the work piece downward against stops 400, 402 and base plate 384.
Referring to Figs. 18 and 18A, housing 412 also retains a pair of knife assemblies 460, 462, 15 each configured to trim an interior surface of the work piece urged against stops 400, 402 by clamp assembly 380. More particularly, the knife assemblies 460 are provided to an interior corner of the welded work piece. Each knife assembly 460, 462 includes a knife blade 464 con-~lgured to slide substantially parallel to side 418 or 420 and along an interior surface of the work piece. As with stops 400, 402, the profile of each blade 464 closely conforms to the surface of 20 the work piece to be trimmed. Each knife blade 464 is retained 011 a knife carrier 466 mounted between upper and lower members 414, 416 and configured to slide substantially parallel to the edge 418 or 420 of housing 412. It is contemplated that carrier 466 may be mounted in tracks or race formed between flanges or ridges, such as 456 and 458 (Fig. 18), to assure that carrier 466 translates in a linear direction. Each knife carrier 466 is pivotally coupled at one end 468 to a 25 hinge assembly 470. Hinge assembly 470 includes a first member 472 having at one end pivot-ally coupled to end 468 of carrier 466 and an opposite end 474 pivotally connected to a first end 476 of second member 478. The opposite end 480 of the second member is pivotally coupled at 482 to housing 412 by a dowel pin and thrust washer (not shown). Interconnected to the hinged iunction formed by ends 474 and 476 is a free end 484 of an actuator arm 486 extending from 30 actuator cylinder 488 pivotally coupled at 490 to housing 412. With actuator arm 486 retracted in cylinder 488, hinge assembly 472 is bent forcing knife carrier 466 along side 418 or 420 to a retracted position. With actuator arm 486 extended, hinge assembly 470 becomes extended, forcing knife carrier 466 to translate parallel to side 418 or 420 When actuator arm 486 retracts, the hinge assembly 470 folds along the hinge line, shortening the distance between coupling 482 and the end 468 of knife carrier 466 causing the knife carrier 466 to retract along side 418 or 420 away from the corner of the work piece.
Referring to Figs. 10, 11, 21, and 22, the automatic trimming device 210 may also 5 include a router assembly 500 generally intended to extend upwardly through work surface 218 beneath the work piece to a predetermined point, where the router tip 502 cleans a portion of the corner inaccessible by the interior knife blade 464.
In a preferred embodiment of the router assembly 500, a base 504 is dependent from upper work surface 218 or attached to a frame work (not shown) internal to cabinet 214. Base 10 504 has a rail 506 attached thereto, configured to recurve a linear bearing 408 similar to those used to glide housing 412 along base plate 384. Attached to linear bearing 508 is a carriage 510 cont~ining a mounting bracket 512 for fixing router 514 thereon. Carriage 510 also includes a laterally extending member 516 configured to be attached to one end of an actuator 518, preferably the free end of the actuator arm 520. The cylinder 522 is fixed in position, preferably 15 by a pillow block or collar 524 disposed at or toward the lower end of base 504. Collar 524 may also provide a tab 526 for mounting a proximity switch 528 thereon, positioned to detect when carriage 510 (laterally extending members or router 514) is at its retracted position. To add flexibility to the router assembly for use on work pieces of a different configuration, mount-ing bracket 512 may be pivotally coupled to carriage 510 to allow router 514 to be rotated or 20 fixed at a predetermined angle as necessary.
The mode of operation contemplated for this embodiment of the invention is substantially similar to that described above. It shall be ~s~m~cl that electrical power is provided to the electrical circuitry necessary to operate the programmable logic control and electric motor for spinning the shaper assembly. It is also L,l-,rell~d that a supply of pressurized air also be con-25 nected to an appropliate air manifold/solenoid assembly in order to operate the various pneu-matic actuators used in the invention. It shall also be assumed that a programmable logic control circuit is provided to control the sequence of operations following a program similar to that shown in the Appendix.
Referring back to Figs. 9-21, an operator locates the work piece on work surface 218 30 between stop 400, 402 and horizontal positioning clamp 380, 410. With the work piece gener-ally positioned, the operator activates the programmable logic control circuit using the program (Appendix A) to initiate the trimming sequences. It is preferred that the first step is the clamp-ing of the work piece horizontally against stops 400, 402 by the traverse of interior clamp 21618~5 assembly 410 moved by actuator 422 and locked into position by locking actuators 424. Thework piece is also urged dowllwardly against stops 400, 402 and surface 218 by vertical clamp assembly 382. Although the following steps may occur in sequence, it is preferred that the inte-rior surface of the work piece is trimmed first by the actuation of knife assemblies 460, 462 in 5 housing 412, followed by the extension of router assembly 500 to clean the weld rem~ining from knives 464 after they retract. Once the interior trim is complete, it is prefelled that shaper assembly 232, already spinning at approximately 3500 RPM, is tr~n~l~ted along axis A-A to move cutter head 258 across the exterior surface of the work piece extending through gap 404.
At the end of its pass determined by a proximity switch, the programmable logic control circuit 10 (PLC) causes the air manifold to redirect the air to retract the shaper assembly to its resting posi-tion. With the shaper back in its starting position, scarf knife assembly is actuated by the PLC
tr~n~l~ting the upper and lower knife blades 354 to trim any excess material from the lateral surfaces of the work piece. Again, the proximity switch detecting the cross member or other lèfelellce signals the PLC to retract the air cylinder to return the scarf knife assembly to its 15 original position. Once all of the steps have been completed, the PLC finishes the program by retracting the actuators of the locating assembly 230, allowing the work piece to be removed and repositioned or moved on down the assembly line.
The above description is considered that of the plefelled embodiments only. Modifi-cation of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make and use the 20 invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for cleaning excess material from welded joints and 5 more particularly to an automated device for cleaning excessive polymeric material from the corner joints of extruded window and door assemblies and the like.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
Windows, door assemblies, and the like have been manufactured for some time wherein the window and door frames/jams are assembled from extruded polymeric material, typically 10 polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The extruded profiles are welded together by partially melting the ends of the components to be joined and while the polymeric material is molten, mating the ends to be joined. The joint is static until the molten polymeric material solidifies, producing a substantially strong joint.
A disadvantage associated with manufacturing windows, doors, and other assemblies 15 using this technique is that the welded joint between the extruded polymeric components produces a bead or ridge which extends from the product as a result of the compression of the components being joined. Because the material is partially molten, the material flows outwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the compressive force. This bead is considered to be unattractive and undesirable and must be removed from the product to provide a finished surface.
In the past, this bead was removed by hand, however, this resulted in increased manpower, caused physical injury to some workers, and because of the complex extrusion shapes, the bead was often difficult to access and remove. This resulted in increased costs associated with increased manpower and a low production rate.
In an effort to increase production and reduce the need for manpower, complex devices 25 were constructed which carried one or more routers or dremmels having a rotating cutter which, with the aid of a robotic arm, trimmed the bead from the extruded product. However, as a result of the rotating, relatively small cutter head, the polymeric bead was not fully removed from the product, and often remained as a distorted string or strip h~nging from the product.
These "curlicue" pieces of material also needed to be removed and trimmed from the work piece 0 by hand to produce a satisfactory and aesthetically pleasing product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In its broadest form, the invention provides a device for mechanically trimming and removing excess material from a work piece by automatically locating and fixing the work piece -in position on the device, and then sequentially trimming excess material from the surfaces of the work piece either sequentially or generally simlllt~nPously.
In one form, the appdld~us includes a base frame having a locating assembly disposed on an upper surface thereof for positioning the welded joint of the work piece at a predetermined 5 location on the device. A first cutter assembly is provided, which engages an interior surface of the work piece and includes linearly achl~tecl knives which trim the excess material from the inside surface of the joint. Substantially simlllt~n~ously with the actuation of the first cutter assembly, is a second cutter assembly disposed on a side of the locating assembly opposite that cont~ining the first cutter assembly and configured to move between a first and second position 10 tangent to the work piece for trimming excess material from at least a portion of the exterior surface of the joint. Subsequent to the actuation of the second cutter, a third cutter assembly is provided which is configured to move between a first and second position, generally perpendic-ular to the work piece, for removing excess material from the lateral surfaces of the joint.
More specifically, the locating assembly includes a pair of stops or locating blocks, each 15 spaced from the other to define a gap, and configured to engage the work piece to specifically position the welded joint of the work piece on the upper surface of the base frame. A first clamp assembly is slidably disposed on the work surface and engages an interior side of the work piece opposite that eng~ging the locating blocks. The first clamp assembly forces the work piece up against the locating blocks and retains it in position until the cycle is complete. Concurrent 20 with the actuation of the first clamp assembly is a second clamp assembly located above the work piece, which forces the work piece dowllwdfdly against the upper surface of the base frame.
The first cutter assembly includes a pair of knives mounted on the first clamp assembly and configured to engage the inside surface of the work piece and conform substantially thereto such that upon sequential actuation of the knives, substantially all of the excess material about the 25 joint is severed and completely removed from the work piece. The second cutter assembly includes a cutter head having a profile substantially conforming to the exterior surface of the work piece. The cutter head is mounted to an electric motor or other drive assembly mounted on a carriage adapted to slide between the first and second positions controlled by an actuator interconn~cting the carriage to the base frame. The third cutter assembly includes a pair of scarf 30 knives spaced a predetermined distance from each other and mounted to a frame configured for linear actuation between a first retracted position and a second extended and ~ g position by an actuator.
In another form of the invention, the first cutter assembly mounted in the first clamp assembly includes at least one and preferably two knives configured to engage the inside surfaced of the work piece and translate along a parallel path controlled by a channel or raceway to trim the interior surface of the work piece. Each knife is activated by an actuator having a first end 5 fixed within the first clamp assembly and the opposite end coupled to a joint interconnecting two links. A first link has one end pivotally coupled to and fixed to the first clamp assembly and the opposite end pivotally coupled to the free end of the actuator. A second link has one end pivotally coupled to the sliding knife and the opposite end pivotally coupled to the end of the actuator and the first link. Operation of the actuator forces the links to straighten and lie 10 substantially in line with the knife causing the knife to slide in a first direction. Retraction of the actuator causes the links to bend at the coupling, shortening the distance between the fixed part of the first link and the end of the link coupled to the knife, causing the knife to slide in the opposite direction.
In yet another form of the invention, the first clamping assembly is provided with a 15 position locking mechanism for holding the first clamping assembly in place while the work piece is trimmed. In one embodiment, one or more locking pins more upward from the cabinet into the first clamping assembly to hold it in place with respect to the cabinet during the g cycle.
In yet another form of the invention, a router assembly may be configured with the 20 foregoing components to trim areas inaccessible to the knife or other cutters. In one embodiment, a router is disposed beneath the work piece and configured to move upwards such that a router blade trims an interior corner or recess of the work piece.
The invention described herein provides the advantages of more efficient and effective removal of excess material from all sides of the joint on a work product, resulting in reduced 25 cost, increased productivity, and reduced operator injury. What used to take several minutes to trim m~ml~lly, causing operator strain and injury, can now be trimmed autom~tir~lly in a matter of seconds using this invention.
BRIEF DESCR~ON OF THE DRAWING FIGIJRES
A better underst~n(ling of the invention and the advantages provided thereby may be 30 obtained by r~fe~ ce to the specification and the attached drawing figures, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective plan view of the invention;
2161~5 Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective plan view of the locating assembly and a portion of a first cutter assembly used to trim the welded bead from the interior of the work piece;
Fig. 3A is a fragmentary, sectional view of the hold-down assembly taken along plane IIIA-IIIA of Fig. 3;
Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a first cutter assembly as it relates to the work piece;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective plan view of the second and third cutter assemblies of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the second and third cutter assemblies taken along plane VI-VI of Fig. 5 with the router in a lower position;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the third cutter assembly;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 9;Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 9;
Fig. 12 is a plan view of a first cutter assembly of the alternate embodiment;
Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view of the first cutter assembly looking in the direction of arrows XII-XII shown in Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a second cutter assembly of the alternate embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 15 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the second cutter assembly looking in the direction of arrows XV-XV shown in Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary view looking in the direction of arrows XVI-XVI
shown in Fig. 11;
Fig. 17 is a sectional plan view taken along plane XVII-XVII of Fig. 16;
Figs. 18 and 18A are sectional plan views taken along plane XVIII-XVIII of Fig. 16;
Fig. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view of the third cutter assembly taken along plane XIX-XIX of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is also a fragmentary elevational view at a right angle to that shown in Fig. 19, taken along plane XX-XX of Fig. 18;
Fig. 21 is a side elevational view of a fourth cutter assembly in the alternate embodiment of this invention; and Fig. 22 is another elevational view of the cutter assembly shown in Fig. 21, looking in the direction of arrows XXII-XXII shown in Fig. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For the purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left,"
"front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives or equivalents thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in Fig. 2. It is understood that the invention may assume various 5 alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limi~ing unless the claims expressly 10 state otherwise.
The device described below is intended to remove excess material from a welded joint of components formed by the extrusion of polymeric material. For example, plastic window sashes and door frames have been manufactured from extruded materials for some time. Although the following description may be specific to extruded work pieces, such as shown in Fig. 4, it is not 15 contemplated to be a limitation and may be used to trim other products.
As shown generally in Fig. 1, the automatic trimming device 10 of this invention includes a base assembly 12 enclosed within a cabinet 14 provided with an access door 16. Contained behind access door 16 may be a power supply connection and other circuitry used to operate device 10, including a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the device 10. Specifics 20 of these features will be described in greater detail below. An upper work surface 18 of the cabinet 14 includes an upper cabinet or cover 20 for preventing accidental access to certain components of device 10. The upper cabinet 20 may be attached to base assembly 12 in a variety of ways in order to provide access to the components therein. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2 and partially in Fig. 3, cabinet 20 may be attached by a hinge 26 to upper work 25 surface 18. In this fashion, upper cabinet 20 may be opened and rotated about hinge 26. One or more handle assemblies, not shown, may be located on the upper cabinet assembly to provide a hand-hold to open and close the cabinet. Depending from the front of cabinet 14 and disposed substantially horizontal and at the approp~iate elevation, is a support shelf 22 used to support the work piece being trimmed. Shelf 22 may have a distal edge supported with respect to the base 30 assembly 12 by a support rod 24. It is plefell~d that support shelf 22 be a frame or lattice-type configuration in contrast with solid shelf such that weight is reduced and waste from the Ll;lllllling process does not build up and is allowed to fall to the floor.
Referring to Figs. 2-5, device 10 includes a locating assembly 30 disposed on the upper work surface 18 for providing an accurate and reliable template for positioning the work product on device 10, a first cutter or knife assembly 32 disposed on a portion of the locating assembly, a second and a third cutter assembly 34, 36, respectively, disposed on work surface 18 on a side 5 of locating assembly 30 opposite that cont~ining the first cutter assembly 32.Locating assembly 30 includes a base plate 40 attached to upper work surface 18 by a plurality of fasteners extending through elongated slots (not shown) to allow horizontal adjust-ment of base plate 40 on work surface 18. To assure that movement of base plate 40 is along a pred~te~ ed axis, channel plates 42 may be fixed to upper surface 18 and located immediately 10 adjacent the lateral edges of base plate 40 to act as a channel guide. It is pler~--.,d that a front portion of base plate 40 is cantilevered out from work surface 18, for reasons which will be apparent below.
Extending upwardly from base plate 40 are a pair of stops or locating blocks 46a, 46b and detachably fastened to base plate 42 by a plurality of fasteners 48. In the embodiment 15 shown, stops 46a, 46b are spaced apart from each other and oriented at a right angle with respect to the other. The respective angular orientation of stops 46a, 46b may be adjusted by providing the approp.iate slots or combination of tapped holes or the like to receive the fasteners 48. In this way, the gap 49 between the stops may also be adjusted. Mounted to a back side of at least one locating block, such as 46b, and mounted in a hole extending horizontally through the mounted proximate work surface 18 may be a proximity sensor 47. Sensor 47 is intended to sense when a work piece, such as 35 (Fig. 4), has been located in position against locating blocks 46a, 46b. When true, sensor 47 sends a signal to the programmable logic control or microprocessor inside the cabinet 14. Such sensors are conventional sensors available as stock items that can be purchased from electrical supply outlets.
Slidably disposed on base plate 40 is an interior locating plate 50 having a portion of its peripheral edge 52 substantially conforming to the angular orientation of the locating blocks 46a, 46b. As shown in Fig. 3, locating plate 50 is generally triangular in shape with the base of the triangle oriented toward the front of device 10. Extending through locating plate 50 are a pair of elongate holes or slots 54 having a longitll~lin~l axis oriented generally 30 perpendicular to the base edge 56 which are configured to receive shoulder bolts 58 and retain a hold-down member 60. Hold-down member 60 lies immediately adjacent the upper surface of locating plate 50 for the purpose of m~int~ining locating plate 50 against base plate 40 while allowing locating plate 50 to move between first and second positions dictated by slots 54.
. ~16l8l5 . .
Locating plate 50 may be moved between the first position proximate locating blocks 46a, 46b, and the second position distant from blocks 46a, 46b by a pair of actuators 62a, 62b fixed by a flange 66 to the front portion 44 of base plate 40, and with the ends of the actuator arms 68 pivotally coupled to locating plate 50.
Locating assembly 30 includes a clamp assembly 70 (Figs. 2-4) formed by a cross member 72 supported above locating blocks 46a, 46b by cylindrical guides 74a, 74b. Slidably received on guides 74a, 74b and spanning the di~t~nre therebetween is a sliding beam 76.
Beam 76 includes a hole 77 at each end of the beam having a diameter slightly greater than guide 74a, 74b to allow beam 76 to slide up and down along the guides while m~int~ining a 10 generally horizontal orientation. Beam 76 is actuated between a first retracted position and a second extended position by an actuator 78 mounted to cross member 72 and with the end of the actuator arm coupled to the beam 76. Depending from sliding beam 76 are at least one, and preferably a plurality of, pins 78 which are configured to engage the uppermost surface of the work piece with beam 76 in the extended position.
In Fig. 4, first cutter assembly 32 is configured to trim the interior corner 33 of the work piece 35 using a pair of knife assemblies, each disposed on interior locating plate 50 (Figs. 2 and 3) proximate the peripheral edge which substantially conforms to the angular orientation of the locating blocks 46a, 46b. Each knife assembly 32 includes an actuator 80 coupled horizontally to plate 50 by a block 82 with the actuator arms 84 oriented toward the apex 55 of the base 20 plate 50. Attached to the ends of the actuator arms may be mounting blocks 86 which, in turn, may be attached to the knife blades 88 described in greater detail below. Alternatively, the knife blades 88 may be coupled directly to the actuator arms 84, such as shown generally in Fig. 4.
Located on a side of locating blocks or stops 46 opposite that cont~ining the first cutter or knife assembly 32 is the second cutter assembly 34 (see Figs. 4 and 5). The second cutter 25 assembly extends from the interior of cabinet 14 up through a slot or opening 90 in the work surface 18 and generally includes a drive assembly such as an electric motor 92 mounted to the lower surface of a carriage 94. The drive shaft or spindle 96 of motor 92 extends through the carriage 94 and up through opening 90. The electric motor may be coupled to a flexible drive coupling 98 to spindle 96 contained within a housing 99 also mounted to carriage 94. The upper 30 end of spindle or drive shaft 96 is configured to receive at least one shaper or cutter head 100 retained on shaft 96 in a conventional manner. The particular shape of cutter head 100 is especially adapted and configured to substantially conform to the profile of the outer surfaces of the work piece. The shaper assembly engages the work piece tangentially by the translational movement of carriage 94 along guide bars 102 slidably received within pillow block bearings 104 mounted on carriage 94. An actuator (not shown) interconnects carriage 94 to the interior of cabinet 14 to move carriage 94 from its generally retracted position proximate one side of cabinet 14 to its fully extended position across a centerline of the cabinet and back again. The 5 actuator used to translate the shaper/cutter assembly may be substantially the same actuator as that mentioned above, with the exception that it has a longer actuator arm to provide the required travel distance.
Adjacent shaper/cutter assembly 34 is the third cutter assembly 36, which, in this embodiment, is configured to remove the excess material from the lateral surfaces of the work 10 piece. The third cutter or scarf knife assembly 36 is configured to operate in a direction generally normal to the work piece and, thus, is disposed upon an axis extending through the gap 49 between locating blocks 46a, 46b. The scarf knife assembly 36 generally includes a frame 110 fixed to upper work surface 18 and straddling an elongate opening 112. Frame 110 includes left and right track members 114, 116 located opposite each other across opening 112 15 and each having a channel 118 extending the length of the interior surface or side. Disposed between frame member 114, 116 and slidably received within channel 118 by lugs 123, is a vertical beam 122. Beam 122 is configured to translate along channels 118 in a substantially horizontal plane from one end of frame members 114, 116 to the other. Translation of vertical beam 122 is achieved by actuator assembly 124 mounted to block 128 proximate the rear 20 edge 130 of work surface 18 with the actuator arm 132 coupled thereto.
Coupled to vertical beam 122 are upper and lower knife carriers 134, 136, respectively.
Each may be fastened to vertical beam 122 by a clamp or vice fastener 137 extending through an elongate slot defined in beam member 122 to allow vertical adjustment of the knife carriers 134, 136. Each knife carrier has an exterior channel 142 configured to receive a 25 respective scarf knife blade 144. Each scarf knife blade is preferably cantilevered out from slot 142 and retained therein by a bolt 146 which extends through each knife blade 144 and is threaded into the respective knife carrier. A spring 148 is provided between the head of the fastener and the top of the knife blade to allow the blade to move along the shaft of the bolt 146 under the compressive force of the spring 148. An adjustment screw 150 extends through 30 blade 144 between bolt 146 and the vertical beam 122, to adjust the cant or pitch of the blade about bolt 146.
All of the actuators described above are preferably air linear actuators or similar hydraulic motors which convert fluid pleS~ule into useful, mechanical work. Each actuator is 2 1 6 1 8 ~ 5 preferably coupled by a pair of air pressure lines to a manifold configured to actuate each of the air cylinders upon receipt of an electrical signal generated by a programmable circuit. For example, the manifold may be comprised of MACTM remote air pilot and solenoid files such as available under the 900 Series and 55, 56 Series bodies. Each solenoid valve manifold may 5 receive its input from a programmable logic control circuit disposed behind the access door 16 within cabinet 12. One embodiment of a program for such a circuit is shown in Appendix A.
The programmable local control sends an appropliate output to the air manifold to actuate the respective air cylinders in a predetermined order to carry out the operation of the device 10.
In operation, the operator locates the work piece, such as a welded, extruded window 10 sash or door frame, on the product support shelf such that the corner of the work piece is urged against locating blocks 46a, 46b and allowed to rest on base plate 40. With the work piece in this position, the operator then steps on peddle 28 (Fig. 1) to run the programmable logic control circuit, controlled by a specific program such as set out in Appendix A. The programmable logic control circuit preferably first causes the actuation of cylinders 62a, 62b to move interior 15 locating plate 50 from a retracted position proximate the front edge of device 10 to an extended position proximate locating blocks 46a, 46b, thus forcing the work product into gap 49. Once the work product 35 is appropliately located against blocks 46a, 46b detected by sensor 47, the programmable logic control circuit causes actuator 80 to extend, thus forcing beam 76 and pins 78 dowllwaldly against the upper surface of the work product to hold the work piece against 20 base plate 40. In the preferred embodiment, the programmable logic control circuit then actuates the first cutter assembly 32 to trim the interior corners of the work product by causing the actuators 80a, 80b to act sequentially, driving knife blades 88 along the interior surface and into the corner to trim the excess material from the welded joint. Substantially simlllt~n~ously with the ~l;lllllli~g of the interior corners of the work piece, the programmable logic control may 25 cause the actuator coupled to the shaper/cutter carriage 94 to actuate, thus drawing the shaper/cutter assembly 34 across the exterior corner of the work piece to trim any excess material the outer edge from the welded joint. The shaper head 34 may make two passes across the work piece as it moves from the first position to the second position and back again. In an alternate embodiment, the shaper head may make a single pass translating from one side of the 30 cabinet to an opposite side of the cabinet in one cycle. The purpose of locating the shaper head laterally to one side of the cabinet is to provide the scarf knife assembly access to the work plece.
2i61815 Once the shaper head assembly has made its pass across the exterior edge of the product, the programmable logic control circuit causes the actuator 124 on the scarf knife assembly 36 to extend, enabling the tips of the scarf knife blades 144, under pressure controlled by springs 148, to engage the lateral surfaces of the work piece and remove excess material from the welded 5 joint. After the scarf knife assembly makes its pass, it retracts and the cycle is completed until the operator steps on peddle 28 again to renew the cycle.
Referring to Figs. 8-11, an alternate and preferred embodiment of the automatic ~ ing device 210 includes a base assembly 212 preferably formed from a cabinet or box-like structure 214 having a plurality of upright interconnected walls 216 supporting an upper work surface 218.
10 One of walls 214 may include an access door behind which may be located a programmable circuit including a microprocessor, described in greater detail below, for operating the automatic ~l;lllllling device 210. The access door may also provide access to a connection to a power cord which provides high voltage (220 VAC power) to the circuitry and other components of the device. It is preferred that the access door include a latch which interrupts power to the device lS 210 or otherwise requires the operator to disconnect the electrical power to the device 210 prior to gaining access through the door.
The upper work surface 218 of the cabinet 214 includes an upper cabinet or safety cover 220 which prevents accidental access to various components of device 210 while operating. As is well-known in industry, a safety switch may be provided to cover 220 such that all power to 20 the components therein is interrupted and/or that safety brakes are automatically activated to stop movement of the components. Cover 220 preferably is made from sheet metal, like cabinet 214, and attached to cabinet 214 by a hinge or other coupling similar to those described above.
Attached to the front of cabinet 214 at or above upper work surface 218 is a support shelf 222 oriented substantially parallel to work surface 218. It is plcfellcd that shelf 222 have a 25 frame or lattice-like configuration to reduce its weight and to allow debris from the work piece to fall to the floor. Depending upon the distance shelf 222 extends o ulw~ldly from the base cabinet 214; the distal end of the shelf 222 may be supported by a brace, strut, or rod (not shown).
The embodiment of the automatic trimming device shown in Figs. 9-11 includes a 30 locating assembly 230 fixed to the upper work surface 218 for providing a repetitively accurate and reliable template for positioning a work piece or product, such as a welded extruded window or door frame, in the llillllllil-g device 210. Device 210 also includes a cutter or shaper assembly 232 (Figs. 11, 12, and 13) and a scarf or knife assembly 234 (Figs. 11, 14, and 15) mounted to the upper work surface 218 and concealed or covered by upper cabinet 220. A third cutter or trim assembly 236 (Figs. 11, 14, and 15) for trimming an interior surface of the work piece cooperates with, and forms a part of, locating assembly 230 located toward a front edge of the upper work surface 218.
Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, the shaper head assembly 232 is located generally in the central portion of upper work surface 218, extending through an opening 240 formed on surface 218 of sufficient dimension to provide full translation or travel of the shaper assembly along a horizontal axis, preferably tangent to a corner of the work piece being trimmed, and shown generally by line A-A in Fig. 12. Shaper assembly 232 generally includes a drive assembly 242 having an electric motor 244, preferably 440V DC, 60 Hz motor available from U.S. Electrical Motors Division of Emerson Electric Co. of Milford, Conn~cticllt, capable of rotating at 3500 RPM. Motor 244 is preferably suspended from a carriage generally indicated as 246 having four bushing bearings 249 configured to slide along a pair of guide bars or rods 248. Guide bars 248 are interconn~cte~l at opposite ends by frame members 250 which are, in turn, attached by bolts 252 to a lower surface or bottom 254 of upper work surface 218 to mount shaper assembly 232 in a recess or opening 240.
A drive shaft 256 (Figs. 12 and 13) of motor 244 extends upwardly and is interconnected to a shaper or cutter head 258 extending above surface 218 by a shaft or spindle 260 concentrically disposed for rotation in a cylindrical housing 252 fixed to an upper surface of carriage 256 by one or more roller bearings 264, 266 such as taper roller bearings available from NSK of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and designated LM67048, LM67010, LM29749, and LM29710.
A lower end 268 of spindle 260 is interconnected to motor shaft 256 by a flexible coupling 270, having a pair of 7/8 inch bores. One example of such a coupling is Model L-075 available from Lovejoy Corp.. The opposite end 272 of the spindle 260 above housing 262 is configured to 25 detachably retain a cutter head 258 comprised of a plurality of cutter or shaper blades sandwiched together to provide the a~propfiate profile to be shaped. The shaper/cutter head 258 is retained on spindle 260 by bushing 276 and screw 278 threaded onto the end 272 of the spindle 260. At the bottom of the stack of blades forming the shaper head 274, a shoulder 280 is formed on the spindle 260 against which the shaper head is held.
The carriage 246 carrying the shaper/cutter 232 is moved between first and second posi-tions, tr~n~l~ting back and forth along line A-A by an actuator 282 having one end 284 of the actuator cylinder 286 mounted to the lower surface 254 of work surface 218. The free end 288 of the actuator arm 290 is coupled to a far end of frame member 250. It is pr~felled that actu-ator 282 be a single spring return actuator such as Model 4-DP-8.0 air actuator available from Humphrey. It is further pl~felled that cutter assembly 232 be located at a first or resting posi-tion at the far end of guide rods 248 proximate one side of base cabinet 214. When ~ctll~ted, cutter assembly 232 translates along guide bars 248 toward the center of work surface 218, mov-5 ing tangentially to the exterior surface of the work piece being trimmed such that the shaper head274 removes the desired material. Once the stroke is complete, the cycle reverses and cutter assembly 232 retracts back to its resting position. It is also pl~fell~d that the relative position of cutter assembly 232 be monitored by proximity switches 292, such as an inductive proximity switch, Model No. EL1204PPOS, made by Electromatic Controls Corp. Such switches are 10 located at the resting position of cutter assembly 232 and are activated by a bracket 294 extending from carriage 246. It is further pl~r~ d that the free end 288 of actuator arm 290 is coupled by an actuator joint 296 to the bracket extending between frame member 250 and prox-imity switch 292.
Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, the scarf knife assembly 234 which is oriented to move 15 along an axis indicated by line B-B (Fig. 14) which is preferably generally perpendicular to the travel path of shaper assembly 232 described above. The objective of scarf knife assembly 234 is to remove excess material from both the upper and lower surfaces of the work piece as it is located on ~ ing device 210.
Scarf knife assembly 234 includes a base plate 300 having a pair of spaced apart members 20 or rectangular columns 302, 304 attached thereto such that the long axes of the columns are oriented vertically and substantially parallel to each other. Each column includes at least one and preferably two bushing bearings 306, 308 extending thel~lhlough and aligned with a corresponding bushing bearing in the spaced column. Slidably received in the upper and lower bearings 306, 308, respectively of each column 302, 304 is a guide rod 310, 312, intercormected 25 at one end 310 by a cross-member 312. The opposite ends 314 on the opposite sides of the two columns 302, 304 are also interconnected by a vertically oriented beam 316 attached by shoulder bolts to the guide bars. Cantilevered from opposite ends 318, 320 of beam 316 are upper and lower knife carriers 322, 324, respectively, attached to the lateral sides 326, 328 of the beam by corresponding plates 330, 332. Each knife carrier 322, 324 is coupled at one end between plates 30 such as 330, 332. Plates 330, 332 are, in turn, pivotally coupled to beam 316 by dowel pins 336, 338 extending therethrough and into plates 330, 332 (Fig. 15). A compression spring (not shown) is disposed between the end of each knife carrier 322, 324 and beam 316, to force each knife carrier and plate (330 and 332) generally toward each other. The colllpressive force of each spring may be adjusted by a set screw 340 received in each end of beam 316. The rotation of each knife carrier 322, 324 and its corresponding plates about dowel pins 336, 338 is controlled by bolts 344, 346 received in brackets 348, 350 extending laterally behind and away from beam 316 such that the tip of each bolt 344, 346 can engage one of the plates in each pair 5 inboard of the pivot point along dowel pins 336, 338. By adjusting bolts 344, 346 the distance between the distal ends 352 of the knife carriers 322, 324 can be adjusted to accommodate a range of work piece thicknesses or widths. As in the prior embodiment, scarf knife blades 354 are rigidly fixed to the distal end 352 of each knife carrier 322, 324.
Interconn~cting beam 316 and at least a portion of the base 300, preferably column 302 is 10 an actuator 360 configured to translate beam 316 and its associated knife blades 354 along axis B-B between its first or retracted position proximate column 302 and its fully extended position distant from column 302. Actuator 306 is preferably an air actuator, Model No. 4-D-9.0 available from Humphrey, wherein a free end 362 of the actuator arm 364 is coupled by a cylinder joint to a center point of beam 316. The air cylinder 366 is preferably coupled at end 15 368 to column 302. As with the shaper assembly described above, the extent of travel and rest position of the scarf knife assembly can be detected and/or controlled by proximity switches 368 and 370. Switch 368 is preferably mounted in column 304 and oriented to detect the extension of the scarf knife assembly 234. A bolt 372 threadably received in cross member 312 may be threaded in or out to adjust the extension distance. Likewise, proximity switch 370 is mounted 20 in column 302 to face toward beam 316 to detect when beam 316 is retracted to the appl~liate point.
Referring to Figs. 16 through 18, locating assembly 230 disposed on upper work surface 18 positions and retains the work piece in the appropriate position in the trimming device 210 during the trimming process. Locating assembly 230 includes a horizontal positioning and 25 clamping portion 380 as well as a vertical position and clamping portion 382. The horizontal positioning and clamping portion 380 includes a base plate 384 (Figs. 16 and 17) fixed to upper work surface 218 by a pair of clamps 386 eng~ging opposing peripheral edges of the base plate 384 and secured to work surface 218. A plurality of slots or openings 388, 390, and 392 extending through base plate 384 are disposed above and aligned with corresponding openings 30 formed in work surface 218. Between opening or slots 388 and 390, and extending from the upper surface of base plate 384 are a plurality of rails 394, 396, and 398, all arranged substan-tially parallel to each other at three triangularly spaced points (Fig. 17).
.. . 2i~1815 Also mounted to the upper surface of base plate 384 are a pair of stops or locating blocks 400, 402 (Fig. 18) fixed in position by fasteners. Stops 400, 402 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. The respective angular orientations of stop 400, 402 may be adjusted by providing the ap~lopliate 5 slots or combination of tapped holes to receive the fasteners. In this way, the gap 404 between the stops may be changed. The transverse profiles of each stop 400 or 402 may vary, but are intended to conform closely to the exterior surface of that portion of the work piece being received. Thus, it is contemplated that recesses or projections may be formed a part thereof as n~ces~ry. Stops 400, 402 may be made from any rigid material including metal and many poly-meric substances. Mounted in a hole extending through at least one of the stops 400 or 402 is a proximity switch 406 intended to determine when a work piece has been located in position against stops 400, 402. Due to various types of materials trimming device 210 may work on, it is preferred that proximity switch 406 be of the optical type.
Slidably disposed on rails 394, 396, and 398 and configured to move between a first retracted position and a second extended position adjacent stops 400, 402 is an interior clamp or locating assembly 380 interconnected to the rails 394, 396, and 398 by linear bearing such as shown by 408. Interior clamp 380 generally includes a housing 412 (Fig. 19) having lower and upper members 414, 416, respectively, both having at least two sides such as 418, 420 which substantially parallel the angular orientation of stops 400, 402. The rem~ining sides of the hous-ing may take on any shape. The housing 412 is preferably translated along rails 394, 396, 398 by bearings 408 between the two positions by at least one actuator 422 (Figs. 10, 11, and 16).
Actuator 422 is substantially identical to those described above and includes a cylinder portion 426 mounted at one end to the bottom 254 of surface 218. The arm 430 of actuator 422 has its free end coupled to a lower surface of lower member 414 preferably by a cylinder coupling.
Spaced from actuator 422 and oriented substantially vertically from the bottom 254 of surface 218 are at least one, and preferably two, locking assemblies 424 each generally including an actuator 428 securely fixed in place below surface 218 by a frame member 432, positioning each actuator such that the actuator arms extend and retract vertically through surface 218 and into locking registry in sockets 434 (Fig. 16) formed in the lower member 414 of housing 412.
30 It is plefell~d that the locking assemblies are actuated only when housing 412 is translated to its extended position, urging the work piece against the stops 400, 402 to trim the interior surface.
When in this configuration the locking pins extend and engage holes 434, fixing interior clamp 410 in place while the work piece is being trimrned. Locking assemblies 424 preferably use actuators such as Model No. S-D-1.00 available from Humphreys.
The second or vertical positioning and clamping mechanism 382 includes a cross member 440 supported above stops 400, 402 by a pair of uprights 442, ~ wherein the lower ends of 5 each upright are attached to stops 400, 402. It is preferred that in plan view, cross member 440 be located substantially above the area to receive the work piece for reasons which will be apparent.
Mounted to cross member 440 is at least one, and preferably a plurality of, vertically oriented actuators 446, each having a cylinder portion 448 secured to cross member 440 and with 10 the actuator arms 450 extending downwardly through holes in the cross member. The ends of the actuator arms are mounted with pads or feet 452 adapted to engage the upper surface of the work piece when extended, and force the work piece downward against stops 400, 402 and base plate 384.
Referring to Figs. 18 and 18A, housing 412 also retains a pair of knife assemblies 460, 462, 15 each configured to trim an interior surface of the work piece urged against stops 400, 402 by clamp assembly 380. More particularly, the knife assemblies 460 are provided to an interior corner of the welded work piece. Each knife assembly 460, 462 includes a knife blade 464 con-~lgured to slide substantially parallel to side 418 or 420 and along an interior surface of the work piece. As with stops 400, 402, the profile of each blade 464 closely conforms to the surface of 20 the work piece to be trimmed. Each knife blade 464 is retained 011 a knife carrier 466 mounted between upper and lower members 414, 416 and configured to slide substantially parallel to the edge 418 or 420 of housing 412. It is contemplated that carrier 466 may be mounted in tracks or race formed between flanges or ridges, such as 456 and 458 (Fig. 18), to assure that carrier 466 translates in a linear direction. Each knife carrier 466 is pivotally coupled at one end 468 to a 25 hinge assembly 470. Hinge assembly 470 includes a first member 472 having at one end pivot-ally coupled to end 468 of carrier 466 and an opposite end 474 pivotally connected to a first end 476 of second member 478. The opposite end 480 of the second member is pivotally coupled at 482 to housing 412 by a dowel pin and thrust washer (not shown). Interconnected to the hinged iunction formed by ends 474 and 476 is a free end 484 of an actuator arm 486 extending from 30 actuator cylinder 488 pivotally coupled at 490 to housing 412. With actuator arm 486 retracted in cylinder 488, hinge assembly 472 is bent forcing knife carrier 466 along side 418 or 420 to a retracted position. With actuator arm 486 extended, hinge assembly 470 becomes extended, forcing knife carrier 466 to translate parallel to side 418 or 420 When actuator arm 486 retracts, the hinge assembly 470 folds along the hinge line, shortening the distance between coupling 482 and the end 468 of knife carrier 466 causing the knife carrier 466 to retract along side 418 or 420 away from the corner of the work piece.
Referring to Figs. 10, 11, 21, and 22, the automatic trimming device 210 may also 5 include a router assembly 500 generally intended to extend upwardly through work surface 218 beneath the work piece to a predetermined point, where the router tip 502 cleans a portion of the corner inaccessible by the interior knife blade 464.
In a preferred embodiment of the router assembly 500, a base 504 is dependent from upper work surface 218 or attached to a frame work (not shown) internal to cabinet 214. Base 10 504 has a rail 506 attached thereto, configured to recurve a linear bearing 408 similar to those used to glide housing 412 along base plate 384. Attached to linear bearing 508 is a carriage 510 cont~ining a mounting bracket 512 for fixing router 514 thereon. Carriage 510 also includes a laterally extending member 516 configured to be attached to one end of an actuator 518, preferably the free end of the actuator arm 520. The cylinder 522 is fixed in position, preferably 15 by a pillow block or collar 524 disposed at or toward the lower end of base 504. Collar 524 may also provide a tab 526 for mounting a proximity switch 528 thereon, positioned to detect when carriage 510 (laterally extending members or router 514) is at its retracted position. To add flexibility to the router assembly for use on work pieces of a different configuration, mount-ing bracket 512 may be pivotally coupled to carriage 510 to allow router 514 to be rotated or 20 fixed at a predetermined angle as necessary.
The mode of operation contemplated for this embodiment of the invention is substantially similar to that described above. It shall be ~s~m~cl that electrical power is provided to the electrical circuitry necessary to operate the programmable logic control and electric motor for spinning the shaper assembly. It is also L,l-,rell~d that a supply of pressurized air also be con-25 nected to an appropliate air manifold/solenoid assembly in order to operate the various pneu-matic actuators used in the invention. It shall also be assumed that a programmable logic control circuit is provided to control the sequence of operations following a program similar to that shown in the Appendix.
Referring back to Figs. 9-21, an operator locates the work piece on work surface 218 30 between stop 400, 402 and horizontal positioning clamp 380, 410. With the work piece gener-ally positioned, the operator activates the programmable logic control circuit using the program (Appendix A) to initiate the trimming sequences. It is preferred that the first step is the clamp-ing of the work piece horizontally against stops 400, 402 by the traverse of interior clamp 21618~5 assembly 410 moved by actuator 422 and locked into position by locking actuators 424. Thework piece is also urged dowllwardly against stops 400, 402 and surface 218 by vertical clamp assembly 382. Although the following steps may occur in sequence, it is preferred that the inte-rior surface of the work piece is trimmed first by the actuation of knife assemblies 460, 462 in 5 housing 412, followed by the extension of router assembly 500 to clean the weld rem~ining from knives 464 after they retract. Once the interior trim is complete, it is prefelled that shaper assembly 232, already spinning at approximately 3500 RPM, is tr~n~l~ted along axis A-A to move cutter head 258 across the exterior surface of the work piece extending through gap 404.
At the end of its pass determined by a proximity switch, the programmable logic control circuit 10 (PLC) causes the air manifold to redirect the air to retract the shaper assembly to its resting posi-tion. With the shaper back in its starting position, scarf knife assembly is actuated by the PLC
tr~n~l~ting the upper and lower knife blades 354 to trim any excess material from the lateral surfaces of the work piece. Again, the proximity switch detecting the cross member or other lèfelellce signals the PLC to retract the air cylinder to return the scarf knife assembly to its 15 original position. Once all of the steps have been completed, the PLC finishes the program by retracting the actuators of the locating assembly 230, allowing the work piece to be removed and repositioned or moved on down the assembly line.
The above description is considered that of the plefelled embodiments only. Modifi-cation of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make and use the 20 invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.
Claims (30)
1. An apparatus for automatically removing excess material from a welded joint of extruded members, comprising in combination:
a base having an upper surface;
a locating assembly disposed on said upper surface for positioning said extrudedmembers;
a first cutter assembly engaging a first side of said members and shaped to conform to said first side of said members for removing excess material of the welded joint extending from said first side;
a second cutter assembly located on a side of said locating assembly opposite said first cutter assembly, and translating along a line tangent to a second and opposite side of said members for removing said excess material of the welded joint extending from said second side;
and a third cutter assembly disposed on said upper surface proximate said second cutter assembly and translating generally perpendicular to said members for removing said excess material of the welded joint extending from surfaces adjacent said first and second sides.
a base having an upper surface;
a locating assembly disposed on said upper surface for positioning said extrudedmembers;
a first cutter assembly engaging a first side of said members and shaped to conform to said first side of said members for removing excess material of the welded joint extending from said first side;
a second cutter assembly located on a side of said locating assembly opposite said first cutter assembly, and translating along a line tangent to a second and opposite side of said members for removing said excess material of the welded joint extending from said second side;
and a third cutter assembly disposed on said upper surface proximate said second cutter assembly and translating generally perpendicular to said members for removing said excess material of the welded joint extending from surfaces adjacent said first and second sides.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said base includes:
a cabinet for supporting said upper surface above a reference point, and a cover for enclosing said second and third cutter assemblies.
a cabinet for supporting said upper surface above a reference point, and a cover for enclosing said second and third cutter assemblies.
3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said locating assembly includes:a pair of stops, each spaced from the other to define a gap, and configured to engage said members to specifically position said members on said upper surface in a first dimension;
a first clamp assembly slidably disposed on said upper surface and engaging said first side of said members opposite that engaging said pair of stops for urging said members against said stops; and a second clamp assembly mounted to said upper surface for urging said members generally against said base.
a first clamp assembly slidably disposed on said upper surface and engaging said first side of said members opposite that engaging said pair of stops for urging said members against said stops; and a second clamp assembly mounted to said upper surface for urging said members generally against said base.
4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first cutter assembly includes:
a plate mounted to said upper surface of said base and slidable with respect to said upper surface between first and second positions, said plate also having a peripheral edge portion generally conforming to said first side of said members;
a hold-down assembly mounted to said upper surface and engaging said plate for holding said plate against said upper surface;
at least one blade substantially conforming to said first side of said members mounted on said plate and configured to slide along said first side and remove said excess material; and an actuator interconnecting said at least one blade to said plate for moving said blade between first and second positions along said first side of said members.
a plate mounted to said upper surface of said base and slidable with respect to said upper surface between first and second positions, said plate also having a peripheral edge portion generally conforming to said first side of said members;
a hold-down assembly mounted to said upper surface and engaging said plate for holding said plate against said upper surface;
at least one blade substantially conforming to said first side of said members mounted on said plate and configured to slide along said first side and remove said excess material; and an actuator interconnecting said at least one blade to said plate for moving said blade between first and second positions along said first side of said members.
5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said second cutter assembly includes:
a cutter head having a profile substantially conforming to said second side of said members;
a carriage assembly mounted to said base and having a carriage slidably mounted thereon for linear movement between first and second positions;
a motor interconnecting said cutter head to said carriage for rotating said cutter head about an axis; and an actuator interconnecting said carriage to said base for moving said carriage between said first and second positions.
a cutter head having a profile substantially conforming to said second side of said members;
a carriage assembly mounted to said base and having a carriage slidably mounted thereon for linear movement between first and second positions;
a motor interconnecting said cutter head to said carriage for rotating said cutter head about an axis; and an actuator interconnecting said carriage to said base for moving said carriage between said first and second positions.
6. An apparatus for automatically trimming interior, exterior, and side surfaces of a welded joint in an assembled extruded work piece, comprising in combination:
a base assembly having an upper work surface;
a clamping assembly disposed on said upper work surface of said base for positioning and clamping a portion of the extruded work piece to be trimmed on the apparatus;
a knife assembly associated with said clamping assembly for trimming an inner surface of the work piece, said knife assembly having at least one blade substantially conforming to the said inner surface of the work piece;
a shaper assembly located on a side of said clamping assembly opposite said knife assembly and coupled to said base for traveling between first and second positions tangent to the work piece and trimming a portion of an outer surface of the work piece; and a scarf knife assembly mounted on said upper work surface of said base adjacent said shaper assembly and configured to move at least one scarf knife blade between first and second positions generally perpendicular to the work piece for trimming at least one surface of the work piece adjacent said inner and outer surfaces.
a base assembly having an upper work surface;
a clamping assembly disposed on said upper work surface of said base for positioning and clamping a portion of the extruded work piece to be trimmed on the apparatus;
a knife assembly associated with said clamping assembly for trimming an inner surface of the work piece, said knife assembly having at least one blade substantially conforming to the said inner surface of the work piece;
a shaper assembly located on a side of said clamping assembly opposite said knife assembly and coupled to said base for traveling between first and second positions tangent to the work piece and trimming a portion of an outer surface of the work piece; and a scarf knife assembly mounted on said upper work surface of said base adjacent said shaper assembly and configured to move at least one scarf knife blade between first and second positions generally perpendicular to the work piece for trimming at least one surface of the work piece adjacent said inner and outer surfaces.
7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6, further including an actuator control assembly for selectively actuating said knife, shaper, and scarf knife assemblies.
8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said clamping assembly includes:a pair of stops spaced from each other and disposed on said work surface in a predetermined configuration for receiving the work piece and engage said outer surface thereof;
at least one clamp depending from said pair of stops for forcing said work piece toward said work surface; and a plate slidably attached to said work surface and movable between first and second positions, and having a peripheral edge generally conforming to said irmer surface of the work piece for engaging said inner surface of the work piece.
at least one clamp depending from said pair of stops for forcing said work piece toward said work surface; and a plate slidably attached to said work surface and movable between first and second positions, and having a peripheral edge generally conforming to said irmer surface of the work piece for engaging said inner surface of the work piece.
9. The apparatus as defined in claim 8, further including a sensor adjacent at least one of said pair of stops for detecting when the work piece is engaging said pair of edges.
10. The apparatus as defined in claim 8, further including a programmable circuit operably coupled to said actuator control assembly.
11. The apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said knife assembly including at least one actuator mounted to said plate, and having an actuator arm coupled to said at least one blade.
12. The apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said shaper assembly includes:a cutter head having a cutting profile conforming to an exterior profile of said outer surface, said cutter head reconfigurable to any desired profile;
an arbor extending up through said upper surface of said base for retaining said cutter head and rotating said cutter head;
a carriage slidably disposed within said base and coupled to said arbor, said carriage slidable along a pair of tracks between said first and second positions; and a motor assembly coupled to said carriage and having a shaft cormected to said arbor for rotating said arbor.
an arbor extending up through said upper surface of said base for retaining said cutter head and rotating said cutter head;
a carriage slidably disposed within said base and coupled to said arbor, said carriage slidable along a pair of tracks between said first and second positions; and a motor assembly coupled to said carriage and having a shaft cormected to said arbor for rotating said arbor.
13. The apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said scarf knife assembly includes:
a pair of horizontally opposed track members, each having a channel extending along an inner surface;
a piston disposed between said track members, said piston having a pair of bearings extending therefrom, each configured to ride within one of said channels and maintain an orientation of said piston with respect to said pair of track members, said piston having at least one vertically extending portion containing a centrally disposed slot extending therethrough;
at least one knife carrier coupled to said vertically extending portion through said centrally disposed slot;
at least one knife disposed on said knife carrier and configured to trim an outside surface of the welded joint of the work piece laterally adjacent said outer surface; anda linear actuator assembly having a cylinder portion fixed with respect to said base, and an actuator arm having one end attached to said piston and an opposite disposed within said cylinder for moving said piston between said first and second positions.
a pair of horizontally opposed track members, each having a channel extending along an inner surface;
a piston disposed between said track members, said piston having a pair of bearings extending therefrom, each configured to ride within one of said channels and maintain an orientation of said piston with respect to said pair of track members, said piston having at least one vertically extending portion containing a centrally disposed slot extending therethrough;
at least one knife carrier coupled to said vertically extending portion through said centrally disposed slot;
at least one knife disposed on said knife carrier and configured to trim an outside surface of the welded joint of the work piece laterally adjacent said outer surface; anda linear actuator assembly having a cylinder portion fixed with respect to said base, and an actuator arm having one end attached to said piston and an opposite disposed within said cylinder for moving said piston between said first and second positions.
14. The apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said knife carrier coupled to said vertically extending portion of said piston, includes an adjustable coupling extending through said centrally disposed slot and coupled to said knife carrier to enable locating said knife carrier at any position vertically along said piston.
15. The apparatus as defined in claim 13, further comprising a spring fastener attaching said knife blade to said carrier to provide a bias on said knife blade against said knife carrier, and an adjustment screw for changing a cant of said knife blade with respect to said knife carrier.
16. An apparatus for trimming excess material from a welded miter joint on an extruded plastic window or door frame having an inner surface and an outer surface, comprising:
a base cabinet for containing a first and second locator assembly for positioning and clamping said frame in place;
an interior knife assembly disposed on said first locator assembly for trimming the excess material from the inner surface of the welded miter joint;
as shaper/cutter assembly extending from said base cabinet on a side of said first and second locator assemblies opposite that of said interior knife, for trimming the excess material from the outer surface of the welded miter joint; and an actuator mechanism operably interconnected to said interior knife assembly and said shaper/cutter assembly for causing said assemblies to cut and trim the excess material from the inner and outer surfaces of the welded miter joint.
a base cabinet for containing a first and second locator assembly for positioning and clamping said frame in place;
an interior knife assembly disposed on said first locator assembly for trimming the excess material from the inner surface of the welded miter joint;
as shaper/cutter assembly extending from said base cabinet on a side of said first and second locator assemblies opposite that of said interior knife, for trimming the excess material from the outer surface of the welded miter joint; and an actuator mechanism operably interconnected to said interior knife assembly and said shaper/cutter assembly for causing said assemblies to cut and trim the excess material from the inner and outer surfaces of the welded miter joint.
17. The apparatus as defined in claim 16, further comprising:
a scarf knife assembly adjacent said shaper/cutter assembly translatable with respect to said frame for trimming the excess material from a surface of said frame laterally adjacent the inner and outer surface of the frame; and an actuator mechanism operably connected thereto for causing said scarf knife assembly to cut and trim the excess material from said laterally adjacent surface.
a scarf knife assembly adjacent said shaper/cutter assembly translatable with respect to said frame for trimming the excess material from a surface of said frame laterally adjacent the inner and outer surface of the frame; and an actuator mechanism operably connected thereto for causing said scarf knife assembly to cut and trim the excess material from said laterally adjacent surface.
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein said actuator apparatus includes:
a plurality of actuators, each operably interconnecting said base cabinet to each of said assemblies; and each operably connected to a manifold;
a programmable logic control circuit for determining when said frame is appropriately located on said base, and controlling a sequence of operation of all of said assemblies by producing an output signal; and a solenoid assembly interconnected to said manifold and said circuit, responsive to said output signal, for causing the actuation of specific ones of said plurality of actuators of specific times.
a plurality of actuators, each operably interconnecting said base cabinet to each of said assemblies; and each operably connected to a manifold;
a programmable logic control circuit for determining when said frame is appropriately located on said base, and controlling a sequence of operation of all of said assemblies by producing an output signal; and a solenoid assembly interconnected to said manifold and said circuit, responsive to said output signal, for causing the actuation of specific ones of said plurality of actuators of specific times.
19. The apparatus as defined in claim 18, wherein said plurality of actuators include pneumatically operated dual-action linear actuators each having a cylinder fixed with respect to a respective assembly, and an actuator arm slidably disposed with respect to said cylinder, with one end coupled to a respective assembly and an opposite end disposed within said cylinder.
20. An apparatus for automatically trimming excess polymeric material from a welded joint of an extruded member work piece comprising:
a work surface for receiving said work piece thereon;
a first locating assembly disposed on said work surface and configured to engage at least one portion of said work piece for properly locating the welded joint of the work piece on said work surface;
a second locating assembly slidably disposed in spaced relation to said first locating assembly on said work surface so as to move between a first position proximate said first locating assembly and urging the work piece against said first locating assembly, and a second position distant from first locating assembly for releasing the work piece;
a clamp assembly disposed above said first locating assembly for urging the work piece against said work surface and assist in retaining the work piece in place; and at least one knife assembly mounted to said second locating assembly and having at least one knife blade generally conforming to a surface of the work piece, and moveable between a first and second position along said surface of the work piece for cutting and removing excess polymeric material from the welded joint.
a work surface for receiving said work piece thereon;
a first locating assembly disposed on said work surface and configured to engage at least one portion of said work piece for properly locating the welded joint of the work piece on said work surface;
a second locating assembly slidably disposed in spaced relation to said first locating assembly on said work surface so as to move between a first position proximate said first locating assembly and urging the work piece against said first locating assembly, and a second position distant from first locating assembly for releasing the work piece;
a clamp assembly disposed above said first locating assembly for urging the work piece against said work surface and assist in retaining the work piece in place; and at least one knife assembly mounted to said second locating assembly and having at least one knife blade generally conforming to a surface of the work piece, and moveable between a first and second position along said surface of the work piece for cutting and removing excess polymeric material from the welded joint.
21. An apparatus for automatically removing excess material from the inside corner of a welded joint of first and second frame members, each having inside surfaces of defined configurations, comprising in combination:
a cutter assembly for engaging the inside surface of said first frame member and shaped to conform to the configuration of said inside surface of said first frame member for removing excess material of the welded joint extending from said inside surface of said first frame member;
a second cutter assembly for engaging the inside surface of said second frame member and shaped to conform to the configuration of said inside surface of said second frame member for removing excess material of the welded joint extending from said inside surface of said second frame member; and said cutter assemblies when actuated along said inside surfaces cleaning said inside surfaces.
a cutter assembly for engaging the inside surface of said first frame member and shaped to conform to the configuration of said inside surface of said first frame member for removing excess material of the welded joint extending from said inside surface of said first frame member;
a second cutter assembly for engaging the inside surface of said second frame member and shaped to conform to the configuration of said inside surface of said second frame member for removing excess material of the welded joint extending from said inside surface of said second frame member; and said cutter assemblies when actuated along said inside surfaces cleaning said inside surfaces.
22. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first cuter assembly includes:
a housing including a lower and an upper member;
at least one knife assembly mounted between said lower and upper members and configured to slide between a first and a second position;
a hinged drive assembly pivoting about an intermediate point and having a first end pivotally coupled to an end of said knife assembly, and an opposite end pivotally coupled between said lower and upper members; and an actuator having a first end fixed in said housing and a second end coupled to said intermediate point of said hinged drive assembly, whereby upon extension of said actuator, said hinged drive assembly slides said at least one knife assembly to said first position and when retracted, slides said knife assembly to said second position.
a housing including a lower and an upper member;
at least one knife assembly mounted between said lower and upper members and configured to slide between a first and a second position;
a hinged drive assembly pivoting about an intermediate point and having a first end pivotally coupled to an end of said knife assembly, and an opposite end pivotally coupled between said lower and upper members; and an actuator having a first end fixed in said housing and a second end coupled to said intermediate point of said hinged drive assembly, whereby upon extension of said actuator, said hinged drive assembly slides said at least one knife assembly to said first position and when retracted, slides said knife assembly to said second position.
23. The apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein said hinged drive assembly includes:
a first and second hinge member pivotally interconnected at one end to form said pivoting intermediate point, an opposite end of said first member being pivotally coupled to said knife assembly and the opposite end of said second member pivotally coupled to said housing.
a first and second hinge member pivotally interconnected at one end to form said pivoting intermediate point, an opposite end of said first member being pivotally coupled to said knife assembly and the opposite end of said second member pivotally coupled to said housing.
24. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said first clamp assembly includes:
a base plate attached to said upper surface of said base;
an interior clamp assembly slidably disposed on said base plate, adapted to movegenerally in a horizontal plane between a first position distant from said pair of stops, and a second position proximate said pair of stops;
an actuator interconnecting said interior clamp assembly to said upper surface for translating said interior clamp assembly between said first and second positions; and at least one locking actuator for locking said interior clamp assembly in said second position.
a base plate attached to said upper surface of said base;
an interior clamp assembly slidably disposed on said base plate, adapted to movegenerally in a horizontal plane between a first position distant from said pair of stops, and a second position proximate said pair of stops;
an actuator interconnecting said interior clamp assembly to said upper surface for translating said interior clamp assembly between said first and second positions; and at least one locking actuator for locking said interior clamp assembly in said second position.
25. The apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said second clamp assembly includes at least one actuator disposed above said frame on said upper surface, said actuator having an actuator arm extending along a vertical axis to engage said frame and force it downwards toward said upper surface.
26. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a fourth cutter assembly intermediate said first and second cutter assemblies and translating along an axis generally at a right angle to said line of said second cutter assembly for trimming excess material from the welded joint.
27. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including a plurality of proximity switches for determining a position of said first, second, and third cutter assemblies.
28. An apparatus for trimming a surface of a work piece, comprising in combination:
at least one stop member configured to receive the work piece thereagainst;
a cutter head disposed in sliding relationship with respect to said stop member in a first position and release the work piece in a second position;
at least one knife assembly mounted to said cutter head configured to trim a surface of the work piece adjacent said cutter head, said knife assembly including at least one blade slidably disposed with respect to said cutter head; and an actuator assembly pivotally coupled to one end of said knife assembly for translating said knife assembly between first and second positions.
at least one stop member configured to receive the work piece thereagainst;
a cutter head disposed in sliding relationship with respect to said stop member in a first position and release the work piece in a second position;
at least one knife assembly mounted to said cutter head configured to trim a surface of the work piece adjacent said cutter head, said knife assembly including at least one blade slidably disposed with respect to said cutter head; and an actuator assembly pivotally coupled to one end of said knife assembly for translating said knife assembly between first and second positions.
29. The apparatus as defined in claim 28, wherein said actuator assembly includes a linear actuator having one end fixed to said cutter head and a second end coupled to an end of said knife assembly.
30 The apparatus as defined in claim 29, further including a linkage having a first member pivotally coupled to said cutter head and a second end pivotally coupled to said second end of said linear actuator, and a second member having one end pivotally coupled to said knife assembly and an opposite end pivotally coupled to said second end of said linear actuator and said second end of said first member.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/339,912 | 1994-11-01 | ||
| US33991294 | 1994-11-01 | ||
| US38992195A | 1995-02-16 | 1995-02-16 | |
| US08/389,921 | 1995-02-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2161815A1 true CA2161815A1 (en) | 1996-05-02 |
Family
ID=26991882
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2161815 Abandoned CA2161815A1 (en) | 1994-11-01 | 1995-10-31 | Apparatus for cleaning a welded joint |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2161815A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-10-31 CA CA 2161815 patent/CA2161815A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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