GB2501686A

GB2501686A - Coupling assembly with fluid receptacle

Info

Publication number: GB2501686A
Application number: GB1207491.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Jeffrey Strother
Original assignee: ALLIED MACHINERY Ltd
Current assignee: ALLIED MACHINERY Ltd
Priority date: 2012-04-30
Filing date: 2012-04-30
Publication date: 2013-11-06
Also published as: GB201207491D0

Abstract

The coupling assembly 100 for a work-piece machining apparatus includes at least one male member 500 adapted to receive at least one female member (600, Figure 4). At least one receptacle 200 is for housing a fluid. A means is operable to cause the fluid to move from the housing such that the male member communicates with the female member. The receptacle is located on the male member. The female member may be a tool bit. Two receptacles may be arranged symmetrically about a longitudinal axis 506 of the male member. At least one cover member 400 may be provided on the coupling assembly and this may be resiliently deformable. A kit of parts includes the coupling assembly and a work-piece machining apparatus. An alternative work-piece machining apparatus includes a coupling assembly with a fluid receptacle, a cover member for the receptacle and a seal member between the cover and the receptacle.

Description

A Coupling Assembly The invention relates to a coupling assembly. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a coupling assembly for a work-piece machining apparatus.

A coupling is a device commonly used to connect together two parts, for example, a female and male member. Such couplings are often employed to couple a spindle of a work-piece machining apparatus, such as a milling machine, drill or lathe, to a tool bit, such as a drill, boring-piece or cutter-block for milling. The coupling is required to transfer dynamic loads of torque, or axial loads, together with translational movement, from the spindle to the bit. Accordingly, the coupling must be precise to permit accurate machining and be sufficient in strength to transfer the required loads.

Devices for coupling spindles to tool bits are known. For instance, and as illustrated in Figure 1, a hydraulic coupling 10 is provided on a cutter-block 20 to couple with a spindle 30. The hydraulic coupling 10 includes one or more passageways 12. In use, a pressure of a hydraulic fluid within the passageway 12 is increased, for instance, by an actuator (not shown) which is in fluid communication with the passageway 12.

Consequently, and as shown in Figure 2, a gripping portion 14 of the coupling 10 is caused to displace and engage with the spindle 30 at an engagement point 16 or area. The gripping portion 14 contracts to grip the spindle 30 exclusively at the engagement point 16.

Disadvantageously, because the coupling of the prior art device is disposed on the cutter-block, a user must purchase a coupling for each cutter-block. This is highly undesirable, being costly to the end user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a coupling which overcomes the aforementioned problem.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a coupling assembly for a work-piece machining apparatus, the coupling assembly comprising at least one male member adapted to receive at least one female member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and a means operable to cause the fluid to move from the housing such that the at least one male member communicates with the at least one female member, wherein said receptacle is located on said male member.

Advantageously, since said receptacle is mounted on the male member, the same male member can be used for a plurality of female members or, preferably, cutter-blocks.

Preferably, the male member comprises a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the at least one receptacle is located substantially about the axis of the male member.

Preferably, the shaft is a cylindrical shaft. The shaft may be square or triangular.

Preferably, a first and a second receptacle are provided on the male member.

Preferably, the first and the second receptacle are arranged symmetrically about said axis. Preferably, the first receptacle is diametrically opposed to the second receptacle. Preferably, when a plurality of receptacles is provided, preferably said receptacles are located on high speed spindles.

Advantageously, the symmetrical arrangement of the receptacles about the axis, ensures that at a high rotational speed, vibration is minimised. Advantageously, this arrangement aids in balancing the assembly during use.

Preferably, the at least one receptacle is substantially one or a combination of the following shapes in plan view; rectangular; oval; circular; square; rectangular; polygon.

Advantageously, the shape of the receptacle is preferably varied such that the coupling assembly is operable to transfer the required torque.

The or each receptacle may extend circumferentially around substantially the whole circumference of the male member.

The or each receptacle may be located on an inner surface of the male member.

Preferably, the or each receptacle extends along the male member, in a direction parallel to said axis.

Advantageously! the at least one receptacle preferably has a large surface area, thereby enabling said receptacle to transfer a large amount of fluid pressure to a cover member.

Preferably, at least one cover member is provided on the coupling assembly.

Preferably, the at least one cover member is resiliently deformable. Preferably, said cover member is located adjacent the or each receptacle. Preferably, said cover member is adapted to lay adjacent substantially all of the or each receptacle.

Preferably, said cover member is adapted to extend preferably circumferentially around the male member.

Preferably, said cover member is operable to move between a first position and a second position. Preferably, in the first position, said cover member is substantially remote from the female member. Preferably, in the second position, said cover member is adjacent the female member. Preferably, in the second position, the cover member is operable to cause the communication between the male and female members. Preferably, in the second position, the male and female members are in an engaged configuration. This configuration represents the combined tolerances within the system to permit mount or dismount.

Preferably, the cover member is located between the male and the female members.

Preferably, a plurality of cover members are provided.

Preferably, the cover member is operable to move between the first and the second position in response to a pressure acting on the or each receptacle. Preferably, the pressure is a hydraulic pressure.

Preferably, the cover member is operable to engage the female member, preferably a tool bit, at a plurality of positions on said female member.

The or each receptacle may be located on the cover member, preferably on an inner surface thereof.

Preferably, the cover member includes an aperture. Preferably, the aperture is operable to receive a key of a keyway. Preferably, the keyway is located on the male member.

Preferably, the cover member is operable to transfer high torque from the male member, preferably when the male member and/or cover member, or both, are cylindrical.

Preferably, the female member is a tool bit. The tool bit, for example, may comprise a drill bit, or a blade.

Preferably, the male member is resiliently deformable.

The male member may comprise a spindle of a work piece machining apparatus.

Preferably, the coupling assembly includes a seal member. Preferable, the seal member comprises an 0-ring or gasket or the like. Preferably, the seal member is adapted to be received in a groove.

Preferably, the groove is positioned on an exterior surface of the male member.

Preferably, the groove Is located on an internal surface or inside of the cover member.

Optionally, the groove is in communication with the a part of the receptacle. The shape of the each receptacle may be defined by the groove. Preferably, a depth of the or each receptacle is defined by the seal member. The seal groove is operable to limit the shape of the receptacle.

Preferably, the female member includes an interior surface, preferably, the interior surface being engageable with the receptacle, most preferably with the cover member Preferably, the female member includes an exterior surface. Preferably, the exterior surface is adapted to receive at least one cutting member. Preferably, the exterior surface comprises one or more culling members.

Preferably, part of the cylindrical shaft design allows for other types (other than plain H7 tolerance bores) to be filled. A common type is a bore with a relieved centre portion, or an existing hydro grip cutterblock. If such types of tools are filled, the invented shaft or male member, will not grip; however, no damage will be caused in trying to grip. If attempts are made to pressurise the shaft to void bores, the cover member will lift above the seals and the shaft will deliberately leak. If the shaft male was formerly threaded for friction gripping at the shoulders with a spindle nut, this can still be used. Also a hyro-lock block can also be pressurised to the shaft without damage. In both cases, the shaft hydraulics are not used, permitting old' tooling to be utilised until worn out and redundant.

Preferably, a reservoir is disposed on the male member. Preferably, the reservoir is substantially cylindrical. Preferably, an axis of the reservoir is coaxial with, or preferably parallel to, the axis of the male member. Preferably, the reservoir is connected to the one or more receptacles by one or more passageways. Preferably, the passageways extend radially about the axis of the male member.

The reservoir may include a pressure adjusting means.

Optionally, the pressure adjusting means includes a plunger. Optionally, the plunger is operable to be actuated by means of an actuator. Preferably, the actuator is a screw. Preferably, the actuator is positioned at a second end of the male member.

Preferably, the actuator is operably actuated by a force acting on the male member.

Preferably, the plunger is biased towards the second end of the male member by means of a first biasing member. Preferably, a second biasing member is disposed between the plunger and the actuator.

Advantageously, preferably the second biasing member minimises the pressure from the actuator being applied to the plunger.

Preferably, the pressure adjusting means includes an inlet. Preferably, the inlet is a nipple suitable for fluid inflow. Preferably the pressure adjusting means includes an outlet. In a most preferred arrangement, the outlet is a pressure relief valve, suitable for fluid outflow.

Preferably, the male member includes one or more locating means suitable to locate a female member, preferably a tool bit, on the male member. Preferably, the or each locating means is located parallel to, or preferably coaxial with, the axis of the male member.

Most preferably, the arrangement comprises at least one spacer, preferably a tolerance spacer, most preferably a H7 tolerance spacer.

When required, H7 tolerance spacers are used to completely cover exposed areas of the cover member prior to the application of pressure.

Preferably one of the: reservoir; receptacles; passageways, includes a pressure relief valve. Preferably one of the: reservoir; receptacles; passageways, includes a pressure gauge. Preferably, one of the: reservoir; receptacles; passageways, includes an outlet. Preferably the outlet is suitable for transferring fluid in to the one of the: reservoir; receptacles; passageways or preferably, to atmosphere.

Most preferably, a linear pressure gauge is provided on an actuator. Most preferably, an HP grease gun preferably includes a pressure gauge.

Preferably, one or more of the outlet; pressure gauge; pressure relief valve is located at a second end of the male member. Advantageously, in service, a user can gain ready access the said pads.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a coupling assembly for a work-piece machining apparatus, the coupling assembly comprising a male member adapted to receive a female member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and a means operable to cause the fluid to move in the housing such that the male member moves between a first position in which said member is remote from the female member, to a second position in which said member is in communication with the female member, wherein said receptacle is located on the male member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of pads, the kit of pads comprising: a work-piece machining apparatus; a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising a male member adapted to receive a female member; a female member adapted to engage with the male member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and a means operable to cause the fluid to move from the housing such that the male member is in communication with the female member, wherein said receptacle is located on the male member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a work-piece machining apparatus, including a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising a male member adapted to receive a female member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and means operable to cause the fluid to move from the housing such that the male member is in communication with the female member, wherein said receptacle is located on the male member.

Preferably, the work-piece machining apparatus is a milling, planning and moulding machine. Preferably, the female member is a tool bit, preferably a cutter-block suitable for milling.

Preferably, a cover member is located on said assembly, preferably located between the male and female members. Preferably, when spacers, preferably H7 tol spacers, are provided, the cover member is located therebetween.

A work-piece machining apparatus including a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising: a body connectable to the work-piece machining apparatus and/or a tool bit; at least one receptacle for holding a fluid, disposed proximate an exterior surface of the body; a cover member adapted to cover at least a pait of the or each receptacle; a seal member disposed between the cover member and the or each receptacle; whereby, in use, the cover member is operable to move between a first position in which the cover member is adjacent the receptacle, to a second position in which the cover member is remote from the receptacle.

Preferably, said cover member is operable to move between said positions in response to a fluid pressure, preferably in the one or more receptacles.

Preferably, in the second position, the cover member is operable to engage with at least a portion of said apparatus.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of a known coupling device; Figure 2 shows a schematic enlarged side sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of a coupling device according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a coupling device according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic side sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a schematic side sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3; Figure 7 shows a schematic side sectional view of the coupling device according to the invention; Figure 8 shows a schematic front sectional view of a coupling device according to the invention; Figures 9A to 9D show schematic front sectional views of alternative embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 shows a schematic side sectional view of a coupling device according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention and; Figure 11 shows a schematic side sectional view of a coupling device according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3 to 8 show a coupling device 100 for a work-piece machining apparatus (not shown). The coupling device 100, as shown in Figure 3, includes a receptacle 200 for holding a fluid and a cover member or receptacle housing 400. A body 102 of the coupling 100 is mounted to a male member or spindle 500 of the work-piece machining apparatus. The receptacle housing 400 is operable to move between a first disengaged position 450 and a second engaged position 460 in response to a fluid pressure in the receptacle 200. In the second engaged position 460 the receptacle housing 400 is arrangeable to engage a bit 600, all of which will be discussed in more detail below.

Here the work-piece machining apparatus 300 comprises a milling machine. In another example the work-piece machining apparatus 300 comprises a lathe or drill 01 the like. Referring back to figure 3, the spindle 500 comprises a first end 502 and a second end 504 with a plurality of substantially cylindrical sections positioned therebetween and arranged about a spindle axis 506, which are discussed in more detail below. The first end 502 of the spindle comprises an attachment 508 which is operable to provide a substantially rigid connection to a bit (not shown) of the work-piece machining apparatus 300. In this way! the bit of the work-piece machining apparatus 300 is operable to transfer torque and axial force to the spindle 500.

With reference to Figure 3 and 5, the receptacle 200 is positioned at a connection region 510 of the spindle 500. The connection region 510 is defined as the portion of the spindle 500 which receives the bit 600 (as shown in Figure 4). Here the receptacle comprises a fluid holding region positioned proximate an exterior surface 512 of the spindle 500. Preferably, the receptacle 200 is formed by casting or machining into the connecting region 510. Here there are two receptacles 200A, 200B (as shown in Figure 6) which are diametrically opposed about the spindle axis 506.

In further embodiments of the invention there may be one or more receptacles! as shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9A, one receptacle 200 is present which extends around the circumference of the spindle 500. In the instances of Figure 9B -0 there are two or more receptacles 200, whereby the receptacles 200 are symmetrically arranged about the spindle axis 506. In this way the receptacles 200 are arranged to be rotationally balanced about the spindle axis 506. Accordingly, the spindle 500 can be used at high speed with minimized vibration.

Referring back to the embodiment of Figure 3 -8, the receptacles 200 extend from the exterior surface 512 to a radial depth of approximately 5% of the diameter of the connecting region 510. In the embodiments shown, the depth is 1.6mm and the width is 2mm. Heie the receptacles 200 aie iectangular in shape with rounded ends. In another example the receptacles are one or a combination of the following shapes: oval; square; rectangular; circular; polygon. The shape of the receptacles is varied to suit specific torque requirements. Notably, the larger the area of the receptacle 200, the more torque can be transferred as discussed in more detail later on.

Referring to the example shown in Figure 3 the cover member or receptacle housing 400 is separate from the spindle 500 and is connected to the housing by means of a seal member 440 (as described in more detail below). In another example (not shown) the ieceptacle housing is formed integral to the spindle 500, accordingly there is no seal member 440. Referring back to the example shown, the receptacle housing 400 is elongate and is arranged to cover the receptacle 200.

Here the seal member 440 is disposed between the receptacle 200 and receptacle housing 400. The seal member 440 comprises an 0-ring! gasket or the like. The seal member 440 is located by means of a groove 442. Here the groove 442 is positioned on the connecting region 510 of the spindle 500. In anothei example (not shown) the groove is positioned on the receptacle housing 400. Referring back to the example in which the groove is positioned on the spindle 500, the seal member 400 protrudes outwaid from exterioi surface of the connecting legion 510 to define the depth and shape of the receptacle 400. Advantageously, the receptacle 400 is simple to form on the spindle 500 via machining or casting of the groove 442.

It will be appieciated by the skilled reader, that the gioove 442 could be located on the inside face of the cover member 400.

Referring to Figures 3, 5, and 6, the receptacle housing 400 in more detail comprises a sleeve 402, which is substantially tubular. Generally, the receptacle housing 400 may be ieferied to as a cuff-spring. The sleeve 402 is configured to envelope the receptacles 200A, 200B and the connecting region 510 of the spindle 500. The connecting region 510 includes a first flange 509 and second flange 511. The first and second flanges are opeiable to receive a first end 403 and second end 405 of the sleeve 402 in the connection region 510 of the spindle 500. In this way and axial position of the sleeve 402 is securable.

Referring to Figure 3 and 5, the sleeve 402 includes an aperture 404, which comprises an axially arranged slot. The aperture 404 is engageable with a key 406 which protrudes outwardly from a keyway 408 that is positioned on the exterior surface 512 of the connecting region 510. The key 406 is retained in the keyway 408 by means of a bolt 407. It would be understood that the key may alternatively be loose, not fixed. The aperture 404 when engaged with the key 406 prevents rotation of the sleeve 402 about the spindle axis 506. The key 406 may also be engageable with a second keyway 601 (as shown on figure 4) on the bit 600. Advantageously, in this way the coupling device 100 can use keyed drive to provide high torque when required.

Referring to Figure 5, the spindle 500 further includes a reservoir 700. Here the reservoir is substantially cylindrical, and extends from a first end 702 to a second end 704, and is disposed about the spindle axis 506. Advantageously, the reservoir 700 may be formed by drilling into the spindle 500. The reservoir 700 is in fluid communication with the receptacle 200 by means of passageways 800 (as shown in Figure 6). In the example shown one passageway 800 connects the reservoir 700 to each receptacle 200. In another example (not shown) more than one passageway 800 connects the reservoir 700 to each receptacle 200. Referring back to the example shown, the passageways 800 are arranged to extend radially outwards from the reservoir 700 to the receptacle 200. Here the passageways 800 are substantially cylindrical. Advantageously, they may be formed by drilling into the spindle 500.

Referring back to Figure 5, the reservoir 700 includes a pressure adjusting means 706. The pressure adjusting means 706 comprises a plunger 708. The axial position of the plunger 708 is varied to adjust the pressure in the reservoir 700. The plunger 708 is positioned at the first end 702 of the reservoir 700 and includes sealing means 710 suitable for sealing the first end 702 of the reservoir 700. The plunger 706 is actuated by means of a screw 712. The screw 712 is arranged to engage a thread 714 that is positioned axially and proximate the second end 504 of the spindle 500.

The screw 712 extends from the proximate the plunger 706, to the exterior of the second end 504. Advantageously, the plunger 706 is actuated external the spindle 500 to adjust the pressure in the reservoir 700.

Proximate the second end 504 of the spindle 500, there is positioned a first restraining means 530 and a second restraining means 532. The first and second restraining means include screw threads 534, 536 and aie axially disposed about the screw 712.

The plunger 708 is biased towards the second end 504 of the spindle 500 by means of a biasing member 716. Here the biasing member 716 comprises a spring.

Advantageously, the biasing member 716 presses the plunger 708 towards the screw 712, such that when the screw 712 is moved towards the second end 504, the plunger 708 moves with the screw 712 to reduce the pressure in the reservoir 700.

Furthermore, the pressing of the biasing member 716 aids axial alignment of the plunger 708. A second basing member 718 is disposed between the sciew 712 and plunger 708.

A pressure gauge 720 is connected to the plunger 708, and extends through an axial hole in the second biasing member 718 and screw 712. The pressuie gauge 720 includes an indicator surface 722 which is visible external the spindle 500, at the second end 504 of the spindle 500. The position of the indicator surface 722 varies according to the pressure in the reservoir 700. Advantageously, the pressure in the leseivoil 700 is measurable, such that a user can tighten the sciew 712 to apply the correct pressure. A pressure relieve valve 724 is located on the reservoir. The reservoir 700 further includes a grease nipple 726 or inlet valve.

The hydraulic fluid 300 comprises mineral oil, vegetable oil or any other fluid capable of hydraulic application. The hydraulic fluid is contained in the reservoir 700, passageways 800 and receptacles 700.

With reference to Figures 4 and 6, at a first end 514 and second end 516 of the connecting region 510 there is provided a first locating means 518 and second locating means 520. Here the locating means 518, 520 comprise a screw thread 522 disposed on the spindle 500, about which a bolt 524 is disposed.

With reference to Figure 8, and 7 the bit 600 includes an interior surface 604. When the receptacle housing 400 is in the second engaged position 460 the receptacle housing 400 is displaced undei hydraulic pressuie to contact the inteiior suiface 602 of the bit 600. Referiing back to Figuie 3, the ieceptacles 200 cover a substantial portion of the surface area connecting region 510. Furthermore, the receptacle housing 400 is resilient. Accordingly, the receptacle housing 400 extends substantially evenly such that it engages the interior surface 602 substantially throughout its axial length, as shown in Figure 7. In this manner the bit 600 is securely supported, thereby enabling high torque to be transferred from the spindle 500 to the bit 600.

Referring to Figure 8, the bit 600 further includes an exterior surface 604. In this example the bit is a cutter-block and the exterior surface 604 includes a plurality of cutting members 606. The bit further includes a location aperture 608 which is axially arranged, and is suitable for locating the bit 600 on the connecting region 510 of the spindle 500.

Advantageously, by forming the coupling device 100 with the spindle 500, a coupling device 100 is not required for each bit 600, which would otherwise increase cost.

Furthermore, existing work piece machining apparatus 300 can be converted to include the coupling device 100 by inserting the spindle 500 in to the a bit (not shown) of the work piece machining apparatus 300.

A diameter of the spindle 500 is suited to fit a range of bit sizes of the work piece machining apparatus 300. For instance, these may be 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 1-13/16 inch or other size. The aftachment 508 of the spindle 500 may be designed for H7 plain bores. A length of the spindle 500 is suited for a range of work piece machining apparatus 300. For instance, this may be 40mm -120mm or other size.

A user operates the coupling device 100 by attaching the spindle 500 to the bit of the work piece machining apparatus 300. Thereafter, the connecting region 510 of the spindle 500 is inserted though the location aperture 608 of the bit 600. Optionally, for high torque applications, the key 406 of the spindle 500 may be inserted into a keyway 610 of the bit 600, as shown in figure 8. The locating means 518, 516 are axially adjusted to engage the bit 600 in a clamping action. The screw 712 is tightened to increase the pressure in the reservoir 700, and corresponding passageway 800 and receptacle 200. The user can ensure the correct working pressure is applied by using the pressure gauge 726. The screw may also be locking in position using the restraining means 530, 532. Accordingly, the increased pressure causes the receptacle housing 400 to move from the first disengaged position 450 to the second engaged position 460, wherein the bit 600 is secured to the spindle 500. In this position a user can use the bit 600 for cutting.

To remove the bit 600 from the spindle 500, the user un-tightens the screw 712 to reduce the pressure in the reservoir 700, and corresponding passageway 800 and receptacle/s 200. Accordingly, the reduced pressure causes the cover or receptacle housing 400 to move from the second engaged position 450 to the first disengaged position 460, wherein the bit 600 is not rigidly fixed to the spindle 500. The locating means 518 are axially adjusted to disengage the bit 600. In this position a user can remove the bit 600.

Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Here the reservoir 800 has an alternate pressure adjusting means 900, which includes a grease nipple 910 and a pressure relief valve 920. In this example the reservoir 800 extends from a first end 802 to a second end 804, wherein the first end 802 is disposed at the second end 504 of the spindle 500.

The first end 802 of the reservoir 800 includes the grease nipple 910 and the pressure relief valve 920. Accordingly, to increase a hydraulic pressure in the reservoir 800, and associated passageway 800 and receptacles 400, hydraulic fluid is injected into the grease nipple 910. In this way the increased pressure causes receptacle housing 400 to move from the first disengaged position 450 to the second disengaged position 460, wherein a bit 600 (not shown) is engaged by the receptacle housing 400. To return the receptacle housing 400 to the first disengaged position 450, wherein the bit 600 can be released, the hydraulic pressure is relieved by releasing hydraulic fluid from the pressure relief valve 820. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the alternate pressure adjusting means 900 facilitates fast changing of the bit 600. The remaining components in this embodiment are as described under the first embodiment.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Here a coupling device 1000 is mounted to a bit 1600. In this example the bit 1600 is a cutter-block.

The coupling device 1000 is arranged to couple to a spindle 1500 of workpiece machining apparatus 1300 (not shown). Here the workpiece machining apparatus 1300 is a milling machine.

In this embodiment one or more receptacles 1200 are arranged about an interior surface 1002 of the coupling 1000. A receptacle housing 1400, which comprises a sleeve 1402, as discussed in the above embodiments, is disposes between the spindle 1500 and receptacle 1200. A seal member 1440 is disposed between the receptacle housing 1400 and receptacle 1200.

The receptacles 1200 are interconnected to a passageway 1800. The passageway 1800 includes a pressure adjusting means 1900 in accordance with the above embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the pressure in the receptacles 1200 is adjusted, using the pressure adjusting means 1900, to thereby move the receptacle housing 1400 from a first disengaged position, wherein the receptacle housing 1400 is disengaged with the spindle 1500, to a seconded engaged position, wherein the receptacle housing 1400 is engaged with the spindle 1500 in the manner describe in the above embodiments.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coupling assembly for a work-piece machining apparatus, the coupling assembly comprising at least one male member adapted to receive at least one female member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and a means operable to cause the fluid to move from the housing such that the at least one male member communicates with the at least one female member, wherein said receptacle is located on said male member.
2. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the male member comprises a longitudinal axis and the at least one receptacle is located substantially about the axis of the male member.
3. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft is a cylindrical shaft.
4. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first and a second receptacle are provided on the male member.
5. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and the second receptacle are arranged symmetrically about said axis.
6. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the first receptacle is diametrically opposed to the second receptacle.
7. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one ot the preceding claims, wherein the or each receptacle extends along the male member, in a direction parallel to said axis.
8. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one cover member is provided on the coupling assembly.
9. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one cover member is resiliently deformable.
10. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein said cover member is located adjacent the or each receptacle.
11. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said cover member is adapted to lay adjacent substantially all of the or each receptacle.
12. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said cover member is operable to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, said cover member is substantially remote from the female member.
13. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the second position, said cover member is adjacent the female member.
14. A coupling assembly as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein in the second position, the cover member is operable to cause the communication between the male and female members.
15. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein in the second position, the male and female members are in an engaged configuration.
16. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the cover member is located between the male and the female members.
17. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the cover member includes an aperture.
18. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the female member is a tool bit.
19. A coupling assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling assembly includes a seal member.
20. A coupling assembly for a work-piece machining apparatus, the coupling assembly comprising a male member adapted to receive a female member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and a means operable to cause the fluid to move in the housing such that the male member moves between a first position in which said member is remote from the female member, to a second position in which said member is in communication with the female member, wherein said receptacle is located on the male member.
21. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts, the kit of pads comprising: a work-piece machining apparatus; a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising a male member adapted to receive a female member; the female member adapted to engage with the male member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and a means operable to cause the fluid to move from the housing such that the male member is in communication with the female member, wherein said receptacle is located on the male member.
22. A work-piece machining apparatus, including a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising a male member adapted to receive a female member; at least one receptacle for housing a fluid; and means operable to cause the fluid to move from the housing such that the male member is in communication with the female member, wherein said receptacle is located on the male member.
23. A work-piece machining apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein a cover member is located between the male and female members.
24. A work-piece machining apparatus including a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising: a body connectable to the work-piece machining apparatus and/or a tool bit; at least one receptacle for holding a fluid, disposed proximate an exterior surface of the body; a cover member adapted to cover at least a part of the or each receptacle; a seal member disposed between the cover member and the or each receptacle; whereby, in use, the cover member is operable to move between a first position in which the cover member is adjacent the receptacle, to a second position in which the cover member is remote from the receptacle.
25. A coupling assembly or a work-piece machining apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.