EP0951975A1

EP0951975A1 - A device for independently raising machine tool protective devices

Info

Publication number: EP0951975A1
Application number: EP99830177A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gianfranco Scattolari
Original assignee: CPS Srl
Current assignee: CPS Srl
Priority date: 1998-04-23
Filing date: 1999-03-26
Publication date: 1999-10-27
Also published as: ITRN980017A1; IT1305909B1

Abstract

A device for independently raising machine tool protective devices comprises a plurality of bodies (1), each of which rotates about its own axis (5) and which are connected in one another by a support (2), free to rotate about a pin (3) which is integral with the protective device (4). In the home position, the pin (3) is at a height greater than that of the axis (5a) of the rotary body (1a) which makes contact with a workpiece (6) to be machined, so that when pushed by the latter, the pin (3) and the protective device (4) integral with it are raised.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for independently raising machine tool protective devices.
As is known, there are strict safety regulations for the protection of the operators of particular machine tools, such as saws, routers and planer/thicknessers.
Such regulations necessitate the use of mobile guards whose positions can be adapted to the dimensions of the workpiece to be machined, or at least its height. However, the majority of known guards are moved manually, meaning that, in practice, due to the inconvenience of continuously having to move the guard, most operators work with the guard off, thus exposing themselves to the risk of injury.
The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages. The present invention, as described in the claims herein, solves the problem of raising machine tool protective devices by means of the thrust from the workpiece to be machined.
One of the advantages of the present invention is basically that the protective device does not have to be moved manually and, as a result, its protective function is further guaranteed.
Moreover, the device automatically adopts the position which provides maximum protection without requiring that the operator evaluates its correct positioning.
The technical characteristics of the invention, in accordance with the aims, are clearly described in the claims herein and the advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, without limiting the scope of application, and in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the present invention in the home position;
Figure 2 illustrates the invention in a succession of positions assumed during its operation.

The present invention relates to a device for independently raising machine tool protective devices.
As can be seen in the accompanying drawings, the present invention comprises a set of rotary bodies 1, such as rollers or wheels, connected to one another by a support 2, which is also free to rotate about a pin 3 and which is integral with the protective device 4. Each of the rotary bodies 1 can, therefore, rotate not only about to its own axis 5, shown in Figure 1 but also all together and with the support 2 about the pin 3.
For correct operation, when the device 10 is in the home position, the pin 3 must be at a height above that of the axis 5a of the rotary body la which makes contact with a workpiece 6 to be machined. When the workpiece 6 to be machined makes contact with this rotary body la, it applies a thrust labelled S in Figure 2 which causes a constraining reaction R localisable in the pin 3. The torque produced causes a clockwise moment and a similar rotation of the entire device 10: subsequently, a second rotary body (1b) moves over the upper edge of the workpiece 6 to be machined, raising the pin 3 and the protective device 4 which is integral with the pin. As it continues its forward motion, the workpiece 6 continues to push the rotary body la, further raising the device 10, which moves over the workpiece 6 to be machined. When the workpiece reaches its final position, the protective device 4 is above it, with possible settling due to the effects of gravity, corresponding with a position offering maximum protection, in the case of irregularities in the upper surface of the workpiece 6 to be machined.
In a preferred embodiment, which in no way limits the scope of application of the invention, but is used here by way of example, the device 10 comprises three wheels 1, whose centres are separated from one another by an angle of 120°.
The present invention may be subject to numerous variations, all encompassed by the original design concept. Moreover, all parts may be substituted with technically equivalent elements
Obviously, modifications and/or improvements covered by the claims herein are possible.

Claims

A device for independently raising machine tool protective devices, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of bodies (1), each rotating about its own axis (5) and a support (2) for said bodies (1), the support rotating about a pin (3) which is integral with the protective device (4), and characterised in that, in the home position, the axis (5a) of the rotary body (la) which makes contact with a workpiece (6) to be machined is at a height lower than that of the pin (3).
The device according to claim 1, characterised in that the rotary bodies are three wheels (1), their centres being arranged in a circle with the pin (3) at the centre.
The device according to claim 2, characterised in that the centres of the wheels (1) are separated from one another by an angle of 120°.