CA2433102A1 - Precision vice and machine including the same - Google Patents
Precision vice and machine including the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2433102A1 CA2433102A1 CA 2433102 CA2433102A CA2433102A1 CA 2433102 A1 CA2433102 A1 CA 2433102A1 CA 2433102 CA2433102 CA 2433102 CA 2433102 A CA2433102 A CA 2433102A CA 2433102 A1 CA2433102 A1 CA 2433102A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vice
- precision
- precision vice
- view
- present
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- 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.)
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B1/00—Vices
- B25B1/24—Details, e.g. jaws of special shape, slideways
- B25B1/2405—Construction of the jaws
- B25B1/2473—Construction of the jaws with pull-down action on the workpiece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B1/00—Vices
- B25B1/02—Vices with sliding jaws
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B1/00—Vices
- B25B1/06—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws
- B25B1/10—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws
- B25B1/12—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws with provision for disengagement
- B25B1/125—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws with provision for disengagement with one screw perpendicular to the jaw faces
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Jigs For Machine Tools (AREA)
Description
PRECISION VICE AND MACHINE INCLUDING THE SAME
Field of the invention The present invention relates to a vice. More particularly, the present invention relates to a precision vice, and to a machine including the same.
Background of the invention Precision vices are well known in the art. indeed, as better shown in Figures 1 to 3 enclosed herewith, a typical precision vice 1 generally comprises two jaws 3, 5 slidably mounted respectively onto corresponding jaw supports 7, 9, one jaw support 7 being fixed at one end of the vice base 11 and the other jaw support 9 being movable with respect to the vice base 11. Each jaw 3, 5 is generally mounted onto its corresponding support 7, 9 at an incline and with a certain sliding slack, so that when the two jaws 3, 5 are brought together onto a work piece (not shown), and tightened onto the same, lateral movement of the supports 7, 9 cause inclined sliding movement by friction of the jaws 3, 5 onto the work piece so as to hold it down onto the vice base 11 in a fixed and secured position. Movement of the movable jaw support 9 is done first by fastening/unfastening and sliding the movable jaw support base 13 onto the vice base 11, and then secondly by rotating a lead screw 15 mounted onto the movable jaw support base 13 and operatively connected to the movable jaw 5 through its support 9. Hence, at least two different tools are generally required to move the movable jaw support base 13 and to move the lead screw 15 of the same. This has been known to be very cumbersome and time-consuming especially when the work piece needs to be held in different positions or different work pieces need to be worked on. Furthermore, another big disadvantage associated with the above-mentioned type of precision vice 1 is that it relies on a principle of inclines and tilted base planes whose jaws 3, 5 are movable by friction, and hence, after a certain time, these planes become wedged due to torsion and render the vice 1 inoperable, requiring extensive maintenance andlor
Field of the invention The present invention relates to a vice. More particularly, the present invention relates to a precision vice, and to a machine including the same.
Background of the invention Precision vices are well known in the art. indeed, as better shown in Figures 1 to 3 enclosed herewith, a typical precision vice 1 generally comprises two jaws 3, 5 slidably mounted respectively onto corresponding jaw supports 7, 9, one jaw support 7 being fixed at one end of the vice base 11 and the other jaw support 9 being movable with respect to the vice base 11. Each jaw 3, 5 is generally mounted onto its corresponding support 7, 9 at an incline and with a certain sliding slack, so that when the two jaws 3, 5 are brought together onto a work piece (not shown), and tightened onto the same, lateral movement of the supports 7, 9 cause inclined sliding movement by friction of the jaws 3, 5 onto the work piece so as to hold it down onto the vice base 11 in a fixed and secured position. Movement of the movable jaw support 9 is done first by fastening/unfastening and sliding the movable jaw support base 13 onto the vice base 11, and then secondly by rotating a lead screw 15 mounted onto the movable jaw support base 13 and operatively connected to the movable jaw 5 through its support 9. Hence, at least two different tools are generally required to move the movable jaw support base 13 and to move the lead screw 15 of the same. This has been known to be very cumbersome and time-consuming especially when the work piece needs to be held in different positions or different work pieces need to be worked on. Furthermore, another big disadvantage associated with the above-mentioned type of precision vice 1 is that it relies on a principle of inclines and tilted base planes whose jaws 3, 5 are movable by friction, and hence, after a certain time, these planes become wedged due to torsion and render the vice 1 inoperable, requiring extensive maintenance andlor
2 part replacement. Moreover, the jaws 3, 5, because of their design, occasionally get jammed due to an accumulation of debris onto the vice 1, which also requires extensive maintenance.
Hence, in view of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved precision vice comprising a novel mechanism for moving the jaws with respect to their supports for clamping the work piece onto the vice base. There is also a need for an improved precision vice comprising a novel way of displacing the movable jaw support base with respect to the vice base.
Summary of the invention The object of the present invention is to provide a precision vice which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related precision vices known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a precision vice such as the one briefly described herein and exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a machine including the above-mentioned precision vice.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for clamping a work piece onto a precision vice.
The precision vice 101, according to the present invention as briefly explained hereinbelow, preferably comprises bearing mechanisms 116, 117 which enable downward movement of the jaws 103, 105 by mechanical push, rather than by friction on inclined bases.
Hence, in view of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved precision vice comprising a novel mechanism for moving the jaws with respect to their supports for clamping the work piece onto the vice base. There is also a need for an improved precision vice comprising a novel way of displacing the movable jaw support base with respect to the vice base.
Summary of the invention The object of the present invention is to provide a precision vice which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related precision vices known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a precision vice such as the one briefly described herein and exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a machine including the above-mentioned precision vice.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for clamping a work piece onto a precision vice.
The precision vice 101, according to the present invention as briefly explained hereinbelow, preferably comprises bearing mechanisms 116, 117 which enable downward movement of the jaws 103, 105 by mechanical push, rather than by friction on inclined bases.
3 Preferably, a rocking latch 119 is also used, as described hereinbelow, to provide substantial sliding of the movable jaw support base 113 with respect to the vice base 111 without special tools.
Moreover, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the widths of the jaws 103, 105 do not exceed the width of the base 111 enabling the vice 101 to be used sideways, as also explained hereinbelow.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention wilt become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a precision vice according to the prior a rt.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the movable jaw support base of the precision vice shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is another perspective view of a precision vice according to the prior art.
Figure 4 is a perspective side view of the precision vice according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 4, said precision vice being shown in an intermediate configuration.
Moreover, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the widths of the jaws 103, 105 do not exceed the width of the base 111 enabling the vice 101 to be used sideways, as also explained hereinbelow.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention wilt become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a precision vice according to the prior a rt.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the movable jaw support base of the precision vice shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is another perspective view of a precision vice according to the prior art.
Figure 4 is a perspective side view of the precision vice according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 4, said precision vice being shown in an intermediate configuration.
4 Figure 6 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 4, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the precision vice according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vice being shown mounted laterally onto a machine with mounting flanges.
Figure 8 is another view of what is shown in Figure 7.
Figure 9 is another perspective view of the precision vice shown in Figure 7, the vice being shown now mounted vertically and provided with an abutment flange.
Figure 10 is a perspective side view of the precision vice according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 10, said precision vice being shown in an intermediate configuration.
Figure 12 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 11, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 13 is a top sectional view of what is shown in Figure 11.
Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a fixed jaw support base and corresponding jaw of the precision vice shown in Figure 11.
Figure 15 is a front plan view of the support base shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a top plan view of the support base shown in Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a table and listing of various preferred dimensions and properties of the precision vice shown in Figure 10.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the precision vice according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vice being shown mounted laterally onto a machine with mounting flanges.
Figure 8 is another view of what is shown in Figure 7.
Figure 9 is another perspective view of the precision vice shown in Figure 7, the vice being shown now mounted vertically and provided with an abutment flange.
Figure 10 is a perspective side view of the precision vice according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 10, said precision vice being shown in an intermediate configuration.
Figure 12 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 11, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 13 is a top sectional view of what is shown in Figure 11.
Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a fixed jaw support base and corresponding jaw of the precision vice shown in Figure 11.
Figure 15 is a front plan view of the support base shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a top plan view of the support base shown in Figure 14.
Figure 17 is a table and listing of various preferred dimensions and properties of the precision vice shown in Figure 10.
5 Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 10, said precision vice being shown in an intermediate configuration.
Figure 19 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 10, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a standard ball plunger used with the precision vice shown in Figure 18.
Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ball plunger shown in Figure 20.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a precision vice according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said precision vice being shown cooperating with a tightening tool.
Figure 23 is a front perspective view of the precision vice shown in Figure 22.
Figure 24 is a fragmentary view of the precision vice shown in Figure 22, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 25 is another fragmentary view of a portion of the precision vice shown in Figure 22.
Figure 19 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 10, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of a standard ball plunger used with the precision vice shown in Figure 18.
Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ball plunger shown in Figure 20.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a precision vice according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said precision vice being shown cooperating with a tightening tool.
Figure 23 is a front perspective view of the precision vice shown in Figure 22.
Figure 24 is a fragmentary view of the precision vice shown in Figure 22, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 25 is another fragmentary view of a portion of the precision vice shown in Figure 22.
6 Figure 26 is a perspective view of another portion including the tightening tool of the precision vice shown in Figure 22.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of a precision vice mounted onto a machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 28 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 27.
Figure 29 is a perspective view of a precision vice mounted onto a machine according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a precision vice according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, components of the fixed and moveable jaws being shown in an exploded view with respect to the precision vice.
Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 30, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 32 is a schematic top view of the precision vice shown in Figure 30.
Figure 33 is a schematic front plan view of the moveable jaw of the precision vice shown in Figure 30.
Figure 34 is a schematic front plan view of the fixed jaw of the precision vice shown in Figure 30.
Figure 27 is a perspective view of a precision vice mounted onto a machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 28 is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 27.
Figure 29 is a perspective view of a precision vice mounted onto a machine according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a precision vice according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, components of the fixed and moveable jaws being shown in an exploded view with respect to the precision vice.
Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the precision vice shown in Figure 30, said precision vice being shown now in a clamping configuration with a work piece.
Figure 32 is a schematic top view of the precision vice shown in Figure 30.
Figure 33 is a schematic front plan view of the moveable jaw of the precision vice shown in Figure 30.
Figure 34 is a schematic front plan view of the fixed jaw of the precision vice shown in Figure 30.
7 Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, dimensions, and physical properties shown in Figures 4-34 are preferred only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for a precision vice, it may be used with other types of clamping devices, i.e.
other types of vices, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expressions "precision" andlor "vice" should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of clamping devices with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "vice", "device" and "clamping device" may be used interchangeably.
Furthermore, expressions such as "flanges" and "fasteners", as well as any other equivalent expressions andlor compound words thereof, may also be used interchangeably in the context of the present description. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "slots" and "grooves" for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
in addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components such as a rocking latch, mounting flanges, an abutment flange, slots, etc., and although the preferred embodiment of the precision vice and corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. !t is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as welt as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the precision vice according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter, without departing from the scope of the invention.
The precision vice according to the preferred embodiment of the invention as it is illustrated with accompanying drawings is an improvement over the prior art.
As better shown in Figures 4-6, downward movement and displacement of the jaws 103, 105 with respect to their corresponding supports 107, 109 is done by mechanical push rather than by friction as is the case with the prior art. Indeed, the lead screw 115 of the movable jaw support base 113 pushes onto a ball bearing 116 resting against an internal inclined groove of the movable jaw 105 so as to force the movable jaw 105 downward onto the working piece as the jaws 103, 105 are brought together onto the same. Similarly, the jaw 103 at the other end of the vice 101 has internal inclined grooves operatively connected by means of needle bearings 117 to internal inclined grooves of the fixed jaw support 109. The combined action of the needle bearings 116, 117, internal inclined grooves and inclined planes of the jaws 103, 105 enable the jaws to be pushed down vertically, at a combined angle, as soon as a horizontal push is carried out by their supports 107, 109, and this is done without friction.
Indeed, by virtue of the above-mentioned design and components, the jaws 103, 105 can be pushed horizontally and vertically at the same time with power and without friction.
Furthermore, as also shown in Figures 4-6, instead of using a movable jaw support base 13 which is slid and fastened/unfastened onto the vice base by means of a fastener and special tooling, the vice 101 according to the present invention uses a rocking latch 119 which is pivotally mounted onto the movable jaw support base 113 and which is insertable into corresponding slots 121 provided along the vice base 111 so as to give ease and speed of execution without any special tooling. Some of the slots 121 are preferably shaped and sited for receiving suitable fasteners, such as hallen cap screws for example, in order to mount the vice 101 onto a fixed structure via its base 111, without the use of any lateral mounting means. It is also worth mentioning that the rocking latch 119 is preferably devised so as to be engageable with these slots 121, even if hallen cap screws are inserted therein, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Final tightening of the movable jaw support 109 is carried out with the lead screw 115 as in the case with the vices of the prior art.
As better shown in Figure 4, the vice 101 according to the present invention comprises jaws 103, 105 whose widths do not exceed the width of the vice base 111 so that the precision vice 101 can be installed sideways, flush against a working surface. This specific feature is very useful for surface grinders or any other machines as is well known in the art, as better shown in Figures 27-29.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a perspective view of the precision vice 101 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the vice 101 being mounted laterally to a work station 123 with mounting flanges 125. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, these mounting flanges 125 preferably rest against or are inserted into corresponding slots of the precision vice 101, for example in the rear portion of the fixed jaw support 107. As can be easily understood, these mounting flanges 125 enable namely the precision vice 101 according to the present invention to be mounted quickly and efficiently onto the work station 105 without requiring special tooling. Other interactions between the precision vice 101 and mounting flanges 125 rnay be used to ensure proper mounting of the vice 101 onto the work station 123, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown another perspective view of the vice 101 shown in Figure 7, the vice 101 being shown now mounted vertically and provided with an abutment flange 129. As shown in this figure, the mounting flanges 125 are preferably designed to engage with corresponding lateral slots provided along the precision vice 101 so as to enable it to be quickly, efficiently, and securely mounted to a work station 123, without the use of extensive tooling, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the precision vice may be provided with an abutment flange 127 removably mountable onto the precision vice 101, preferably onto a corresponding slot 129 provided on the 5 sides of the fixed jaw support 107 so as to enable like work pieces to be positioned quickly, repeatedly, and precisely onto the precision vice 101 between the jaws 103, 105. The abutment flange 127 may be provided with adjusting means, such as a threaded tab 132, so as to adjust positioning of the work piece with respect to the vice 101. As mentioned hereinabove, the abutment flange 10 enables namely several like pieces to be worked upon quickly, repeatedly, and precisely, at a mass production rate. It is to be understood that other suitable positioning means may be used with the precision vice 101 according to the present invention, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
It is worth mentioning that several other modifications could be made to the present precision vice 101 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed, as better shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 10-29, instead of having needle bearings 117, said bearings 117 may be replaced by ball plungers 131, as better shown in Figures 11, 12, 20 and 21. As can now be easily understood, the use of said ball plungers 131 in combination with the corresponding supports 107, 109 and jaws 103, 105 enables an exclusive mechanism which allows to push and lower the jaws 103, 105 at the same time.
Moreover, the bottom portion of the jaws 103, 105 are preferably provided with springs 133, as better shown in Figures 11 and 12. Moreover, the recesses inside the jaws 103, 105 and corresponding supports 107, 109 are preferably devised so as to have a combined angle of 15° + 15° preferably, with the help of the ball plungers 7 31 and/or needle bearings 116, 117 in order to eliminate friction thereinbetween. It is respectfully believed that this is a unique and revolutionary system which allows to push horizontally and vertically, at the same time, with power and without friction. Moreover, similarly to the other embodiments described previously, the blocking of the movement of the jaw 105 is done by the rocking latch 121 which gives ease and speed of execution without any tools, as aforementioned.
It is worth mentioning that several other modifications could be made to the present precision vice 101 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed, as better shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 34, the precision vice 101 may be further modified in order to have it better adapted to the potential needs of the CNC machine industry. Indeed, since the fixed jaw of a precision vice is generally taken to be the "zero" reference of a CNC machine when used therewith, the fixed jaw 103 according to the present invention may be altered so that it be able to displace itself vertically and thus eliminate a given angle component as shown in Figure 34, and as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 30. Indeed, the fixed and moveable jaws 103, 105 of the precision vice 101 may have components which are interchangeable and displaceable about their corresponding supports in a vertical manner. Moreover, the interaction between the fixed jaw 103 (or moveable jaw 105) and corresponding components of the base 111 of the precision vice 101 may be devised such as to have different possible interactions and thus corresponding movements, as apparent to a person skilled in the art, and as exemplified in Figures 30 and 31.
Referring now to Figures 22-34, and as may now be better appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the prior art in that it enables ease and rapidity of jaw movement and a blocking mechanism due to the rocking latch 121. Moreover, the lock is set into various different positions preventing the jaw 105 from moving backwards. This specific feature enables to save meaningful time and does not require any tools, as opposed to similar models on the market. The present invention is also an improvement over the prior art in that the downward movement of the jaws is done by mechanical push, rather than by friction on inclined bases, in the manner explained hereinabove. This principle forces the lowering of the jaws 103, 105 at any time, as opposed to the principle of tilted plans, which can sometimes wedge, as '12 previously discussed. Moreover, the precision vice 101 is an improvement over the prior art in that it can be fixed by the center with socket cap screws for example, without obliging to use clamps on the sides. Moreover, it won't prevent rocking latch 121 to cling in the hexagonal hole. Moreover, the rocking latch has been preferably manufactured for socket cap screws draws to go into hexagonal holes. Moreover, the tightening wrench included with the precision vice 101 favors ease and speed of execution as the wrench has preferably a flexible head. This allows namely the tightening without removing andlor putting back the key to complete the tightening.
As may also be appreciated, the present invention is an improvement over the prior art in that the present precision vice 101 can be installed sideways as well as conventionally, because its jaws' width does not exceed the vice width.
This specific feature is very useful for different machines such as milling machines, CNC, surface grinders and for a layout, and the like, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Moreover, all the sides of the vice's squareness are preferably guaranteed to about 0.001" tolerance for precision mounting. The unique mechanical push-down design enables to hold parts in most immobile state possible.
The precision vice 101 is preferably manufactured in a special way to be fixed by U-clamps, which is an optional feature as above-discussed.
Moreover, behind the vice, there are preferably six holes foreseen by the concept, so as to possibly fix the same on top of the vice. On the side of a stationary jaw, there is preferably provided a slot especially made to be fixed on the side.
Moreover, as better shown in Figures 11 and 12, the groove along each side of the precision vice 101 may extend along the length of the precision vice 101 so as to have a better support when it is turned on its side, as can be easily understood.
As may now be appreciated, the present invention enables ease and rapidity of jaw movement and the blocking mechanism due to the rocking latch 119. The lock is set into an appropriate position preventing the jaw 105 from moving backwards. This specific feature will save time and does not require any tools, as opposed to similar models of the prior art.
Furthermore, as may also be appreciated, downward movement of the jaws 103, 105 is done by mechanical push, rather than by friction on inclined bases. This principle forces the lowering of the jaw 103, 105 at any time contrary to the principle of the tilted planes which can sometimes wedge.
Moreover, the precision vice 101 can also be installed sideways because the widths of the jaws 103, 105 and supports 107, 109 do not exceed the width of the vice base 111. This specific feature is very useful for surface grinders and with any other machines.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for a precision vice, it may be used with other types of clamping devices, i.e.
other types of vices, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expressions "precision" andlor "vice" should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of clamping devices with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "vice", "device" and "clamping device" may be used interchangeably.
Furthermore, expressions such as "flanges" and "fasteners", as well as any other equivalent expressions andlor compound words thereof, may also be used interchangeably in the context of the present description. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "slots" and "grooves" for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
in addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components such as a rocking latch, mounting flanges, an abutment flange, slots, etc., and although the preferred embodiment of the precision vice and corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. !t is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as welt as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the precision vice according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter, without departing from the scope of the invention.
The precision vice according to the preferred embodiment of the invention as it is illustrated with accompanying drawings is an improvement over the prior art.
As better shown in Figures 4-6, downward movement and displacement of the jaws 103, 105 with respect to their corresponding supports 107, 109 is done by mechanical push rather than by friction as is the case with the prior art. Indeed, the lead screw 115 of the movable jaw support base 113 pushes onto a ball bearing 116 resting against an internal inclined groove of the movable jaw 105 so as to force the movable jaw 105 downward onto the working piece as the jaws 103, 105 are brought together onto the same. Similarly, the jaw 103 at the other end of the vice 101 has internal inclined grooves operatively connected by means of needle bearings 117 to internal inclined grooves of the fixed jaw support 109. The combined action of the needle bearings 116, 117, internal inclined grooves and inclined planes of the jaws 103, 105 enable the jaws to be pushed down vertically, at a combined angle, as soon as a horizontal push is carried out by their supports 107, 109, and this is done without friction.
Indeed, by virtue of the above-mentioned design and components, the jaws 103, 105 can be pushed horizontally and vertically at the same time with power and without friction.
Furthermore, as also shown in Figures 4-6, instead of using a movable jaw support base 13 which is slid and fastened/unfastened onto the vice base by means of a fastener and special tooling, the vice 101 according to the present invention uses a rocking latch 119 which is pivotally mounted onto the movable jaw support base 113 and which is insertable into corresponding slots 121 provided along the vice base 111 so as to give ease and speed of execution without any special tooling. Some of the slots 121 are preferably shaped and sited for receiving suitable fasteners, such as hallen cap screws for example, in order to mount the vice 101 onto a fixed structure via its base 111, without the use of any lateral mounting means. It is also worth mentioning that the rocking latch 119 is preferably devised so as to be engageable with these slots 121, even if hallen cap screws are inserted therein, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Final tightening of the movable jaw support 109 is carried out with the lead screw 115 as in the case with the vices of the prior art.
As better shown in Figure 4, the vice 101 according to the present invention comprises jaws 103, 105 whose widths do not exceed the width of the vice base 111 so that the precision vice 101 can be installed sideways, flush against a working surface. This specific feature is very useful for surface grinders or any other machines as is well known in the art, as better shown in Figures 27-29.
Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a perspective view of the precision vice 101 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the vice 101 being mounted laterally to a work station 123 with mounting flanges 125. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, these mounting flanges 125 preferably rest against or are inserted into corresponding slots of the precision vice 101, for example in the rear portion of the fixed jaw support 107. As can be easily understood, these mounting flanges 125 enable namely the precision vice 101 according to the present invention to be mounted quickly and efficiently onto the work station 105 without requiring special tooling. Other interactions between the precision vice 101 and mounting flanges 125 rnay be used to ensure proper mounting of the vice 101 onto the work station 123, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown another perspective view of the vice 101 shown in Figure 7, the vice 101 being shown now mounted vertically and provided with an abutment flange 129. As shown in this figure, the mounting flanges 125 are preferably designed to engage with corresponding lateral slots provided along the precision vice 101 so as to enable it to be quickly, efficiently, and securely mounted to a work station 123, without the use of extensive tooling, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the precision vice may be provided with an abutment flange 127 removably mountable onto the precision vice 101, preferably onto a corresponding slot 129 provided on the 5 sides of the fixed jaw support 107 so as to enable like work pieces to be positioned quickly, repeatedly, and precisely onto the precision vice 101 between the jaws 103, 105. The abutment flange 127 may be provided with adjusting means, such as a threaded tab 132, so as to adjust positioning of the work piece with respect to the vice 101. As mentioned hereinabove, the abutment flange 10 enables namely several like pieces to be worked upon quickly, repeatedly, and precisely, at a mass production rate. It is to be understood that other suitable positioning means may be used with the precision vice 101 according to the present invention, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
It is worth mentioning that several other modifications could be made to the present precision vice 101 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed, as better shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 10-29, instead of having needle bearings 117, said bearings 117 may be replaced by ball plungers 131, as better shown in Figures 11, 12, 20 and 21. As can now be easily understood, the use of said ball plungers 131 in combination with the corresponding supports 107, 109 and jaws 103, 105 enables an exclusive mechanism which allows to push and lower the jaws 103, 105 at the same time.
Moreover, the bottom portion of the jaws 103, 105 are preferably provided with springs 133, as better shown in Figures 11 and 12. Moreover, the recesses inside the jaws 103, 105 and corresponding supports 107, 109 are preferably devised so as to have a combined angle of 15° + 15° preferably, with the help of the ball plungers 7 31 and/or needle bearings 116, 117 in order to eliminate friction thereinbetween. It is respectfully believed that this is a unique and revolutionary system which allows to push horizontally and vertically, at the same time, with power and without friction. Moreover, similarly to the other embodiments described previously, the blocking of the movement of the jaw 105 is done by the rocking latch 121 which gives ease and speed of execution without any tools, as aforementioned.
It is worth mentioning that several other modifications could be made to the present precision vice 101 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed, as better shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 34, the precision vice 101 may be further modified in order to have it better adapted to the potential needs of the CNC machine industry. Indeed, since the fixed jaw of a precision vice is generally taken to be the "zero" reference of a CNC machine when used therewith, the fixed jaw 103 according to the present invention may be altered so that it be able to displace itself vertically and thus eliminate a given angle component as shown in Figure 34, and as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 30. Indeed, the fixed and moveable jaws 103, 105 of the precision vice 101 may have components which are interchangeable and displaceable about their corresponding supports in a vertical manner. Moreover, the interaction between the fixed jaw 103 (or moveable jaw 105) and corresponding components of the base 111 of the precision vice 101 may be devised such as to have different possible interactions and thus corresponding movements, as apparent to a person skilled in the art, and as exemplified in Figures 30 and 31.
Referring now to Figures 22-34, and as may now be better appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the prior art in that it enables ease and rapidity of jaw movement and a blocking mechanism due to the rocking latch 121. Moreover, the lock is set into various different positions preventing the jaw 105 from moving backwards. This specific feature enables to save meaningful time and does not require any tools, as opposed to similar models on the market. The present invention is also an improvement over the prior art in that the downward movement of the jaws is done by mechanical push, rather than by friction on inclined bases, in the manner explained hereinabove. This principle forces the lowering of the jaws 103, 105 at any time, as opposed to the principle of tilted plans, which can sometimes wedge, as '12 previously discussed. Moreover, the precision vice 101 is an improvement over the prior art in that it can be fixed by the center with socket cap screws for example, without obliging to use clamps on the sides. Moreover, it won't prevent rocking latch 121 to cling in the hexagonal hole. Moreover, the rocking latch has been preferably manufactured for socket cap screws draws to go into hexagonal holes. Moreover, the tightening wrench included with the precision vice 101 favors ease and speed of execution as the wrench has preferably a flexible head. This allows namely the tightening without removing andlor putting back the key to complete the tightening.
As may also be appreciated, the present invention is an improvement over the prior art in that the present precision vice 101 can be installed sideways as well as conventionally, because its jaws' width does not exceed the vice width.
This specific feature is very useful for different machines such as milling machines, CNC, surface grinders and for a layout, and the like, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Moreover, all the sides of the vice's squareness are preferably guaranteed to about 0.001" tolerance for precision mounting. The unique mechanical push-down design enables to hold parts in most immobile state possible.
The precision vice 101 is preferably manufactured in a special way to be fixed by U-clamps, which is an optional feature as above-discussed.
Moreover, behind the vice, there are preferably six holes foreseen by the concept, so as to possibly fix the same on top of the vice. On the side of a stationary jaw, there is preferably provided a slot especially made to be fixed on the side.
Moreover, as better shown in Figures 11 and 12, the groove along each side of the precision vice 101 may extend along the length of the precision vice 101 so as to have a better support when it is turned on its side, as can be easily understood.
As may now be appreciated, the present invention enables ease and rapidity of jaw movement and the blocking mechanism due to the rocking latch 119. The lock is set into an appropriate position preventing the jaw 105 from moving backwards. This specific feature will save time and does not require any tools, as opposed to similar models of the prior art.
Furthermore, as may also be appreciated, downward movement of the jaws 103, 105 is done by mechanical push, rather than by friction on inclined bases. This principle forces the lowering of the jaw 103, 105 at any time contrary to the principle of the tilted planes which can sometimes wedge.
Moreover, the precision vice 101 can also be installed sideways because the widths of the jaws 103, 105 and supports 107, 109 do not exceed the width of the vice base 111. This specific feature is very useful for surface grinders and with any other machines.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2433102 CA2433102A1 (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2003-06-23 | Precision vice and machine including the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2433102 CA2433102A1 (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2003-06-23 | Precision vice and machine including the same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2433102A1 true CA2433102A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 |
Family
ID=33557664
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2433102 Abandoned CA2433102A1 (en) | 2003-06-23 | 2003-06-23 | Precision vice and machine including the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2433102A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103659379A (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2014-03-26 | 马光战 | Bidirectional flat-nose pliers for machine |
-
2003
- 2003-06-23 CA CA 2433102 patent/CA2433102A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103659379A (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2014-03-26 | 马光战 | Bidirectional flat-nose pliers for machine |
| CN103659379B (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2015-10-28 | 马光战 | Machine Bidirectional flat-nose pliers |
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