GB784080A - Improvements in automatic machine tools - Google Patents

Abstract

784,080. Copy-milling; copy-turning. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd. Oct. 19, 1955 [July 19, 1954], No. 21027/54. Class 83 (3). [Also in Group XXIII] A copying-machine-tool comprises a master pattern 9, Fig. 1 (Prov.), on a work-carrying arbor 1, the pattern and work 10 being engaged by a follower 12 and a tool 11 supported on a common base 6 movable on a bed 4, the arbor and base being relatively movable axially of the arbor at a constant rate, and the base being mounted for transverse movement relatively to the arbor under the control of actuating means responsive to movement of the follower relatively to the bed. Each of three milling cutters 11, which may be replaced by grinding or turning tools, alternately engages three blanks 10, and the follower 12 alternately engages three corresponding patterns 9. Movement of the follower relatively to its head 8 produces a signal which, through electronic means, actuates a motor 13 to rotate a pinion engaging a rack 15 to move the base 6 transversely of a saddle 5. In a modification, the base 27, Fig. 1 (Comp.), is traversed by a screw 26 rotated by a motor 25, or by a motor 24 which also rotates the arbor 23. Each cutter is adjustable on a saddle 30 and is driven by a motor 31 through variable-speed gearing. The follower 29 may be biased towards the pattern and may be associated with a bridge circuit and valves to control a reversible motor; or, as shown, the follow actuates an hydraulic valve through electronic means to control hydraulic means 32 to move the base 27 transversely. A safety limit switch prevents overrun towards the arbor. In a further modification, the table 27 is mounted to swing on a single pivot parallel to the arbor or on a parallel motion linkage. In a final modification, the arbor is moved axially and the base moves only transversely of the bed.