IES20030932A2

IES20030932A2 - Workpiece finishing

Info

Publication number: IES20030932A2
Application number: IE20030932A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Thomas Duffy
Original assignee: Thomas Duffy
Priority date: 2002-12-13
Filing date: 2003-12-12
Publication date: 2004-03-10
Also published as: GB0328933D0; IES20030933A2; IE20030931A1; GB2396837A; GB2396837B

Abstract

The apparatus (1) for finishing a workpiece comprises a finishing table having an upper workpiece-receiving surface (5) supported on support legs (6). The table surface (5) has a transversely extending aperture (8) therein. A plurality of finishing tools are mounted in the table. The tools may be, for example a grinding tool (10), an abrading tool (11), a polisher (12) and a buffing tool (13) which are arranged side by side below the aperture (8). Each of the tools (10,11,12,13) is independently movable through the aperture (8) from a lowered retracted position below the workpiece-receiving surface (5) to a raised operative workpiece-engaging position. The tools (10,11,12,13) are moved by raising and lowering the associated mounting plates (20), each tool having its own separate mounting device (20). Each mounting plate (20) may be supported on end rams (30) which are raised and lowered to raise and lower the mounting plate (20) and hence the tool mounted thereon. The mounting plate (20) has upwardly extending guide pins (35) which are engagable in guide sleeves (36) mounted to a stop plate (37). The stop plate (37) has a mounting bracket (38) with elongate slots (39) for adjustment of the stop plate (37) to a desired stop position defining the fully raised extent of the tool mounting plate (20). The rams (30) and tool drives are operated by controllers located in a control panel (40) mounted to the table. The apparatus may also comprise a support frame and/or workpiece guide or cradle (50) which is mounted for movement relative to the table. The cradle (50) may be in two or more parts which are jointed together by a pin. This arrangement facilitates work to be carried out on both sides of the table. <Figure 1>

Description

Workpiece Finishing” Introduction The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for finishing workpieces.

Workpieces, especially those of metal such as stainless steel must undergo a series of complex finishing steps after various forming and assembly operations. Such finishing steps are generally very time consuming and adversely effect workflow efficiency.

There is therefore a need for a method and an apparatus to address at least some of these problems.

Statement of Invention According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for finishing workpieces comprising:a finishing table; the table having an upper workpiece-receiving surface; the workpiece-receiving surface having an aperture therein; a plurality of tools mounted in the table; a tool being movable through the aperture from a recessed position below the workpiece-receiving surface to a working position at which the tool projects to engage a workpiece for performing operations on the workpiece. •Ε 0 3 fl 9 J 2 - 2 In one embodiment a tool is independently movable from the recessed position to the raised position.

Preferably a tool is mounted on a mounting device and the mounting device is movable to move the tool between the recessed and raised positions.

In one arrangement the mounting device is linearly movable by an operating means. The operating means may comprise a ram.

In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a stop to control the position of the mounting device and thereby the associated tool. The stop may be adjustable.

The stop position for the mounting devices may be common.

In one embodiment the mounting device is pivotally mounted for movement between the tool recessed and tool working positions.

The mounting device may comprise movable support and a mounting bracket extending from the support, the tool being mounted to the bracket. In one case the tool has an associated drive motor which is mounted to the mounting bracket.

In one embodiment the support is pivotally mounted adjacent one end and adjustment means are provided at an opposite end for releasably maintaining the support and hence the tool in a desired position. The adjustment means may comprise an extension piece which is releasably engaged with a fixed arm. The fixed arm may have a slot through which the extension piece extends.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes releasable fixing means for fixing the extension piece in a desired position in the slot. The fixing means may comprise a locking nut. The nut may have a gripping means. The gripping means may comprise a knurled knob. - 3 bosons; In one embodiment the fixed arm is generally arcuate to accommodate pivotal movement of the support.

In one arrangement at least some of the tools are power tools, a drive motor being associated with a driven tool. There may be a separate drive motor for each driven tool. The drive motor may be mounted on the mounting device.

In one embodiment at least some of the tools are finishing tools such as an abrader, a grinder, a buffer and a polisher.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises a workpiece support for supporting the workpiece during operation of the tool(s).

Preferably the apparatus comprises a guide for guiding a workpiece to a tool. The workpiece support may comprise the guide.

Preferably the workpiece support and/or guide is movable relative to the tools. The workpiece support and/or guide may be longitudinally movable relative to the table. Alternatively or additionally the workpiece support and/or guide is transversely movable relative to the table.

The workpiece support and/or guide may be movable vertically relative to the table. Alternatively or additionally the workpiece support and/or guide is pivotally movable relative to the table.

At least some of the tools may be finishing tools for metallic workpieces.

At least some of the tools may be tools for woodworking or the like.

IE 0 3 09 57 - 4 The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a workpiece comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a workpiece; (b) providing an apparatus of the invention; (c) extending a tool through an aperture in the working surface of the table; (d) presenting the workpiece to the tool; (e) operating the tool to perform a finishing operation on the workpiece, and (f) retracting the tool.

The method may comprise repeating steps (c) to (e) for other finishing tools.

In one embodiment the method comprisesiplacing a workpiece in a guide and/or a support; and moving the guide and/or support to present the workpiece to the tool.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof given by way of example only, in which:Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for finishing workpieces; Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting device for a tool of the apparatus; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a workpiece guide/support part of the apparatus; IE 0 3 0 9 3 2 - 5 Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a detail showing the operation of the guide/support of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an end view of the apparatus with a guide and workpiece engaged with a finishing tool; Fig. 7 is an end view of the apparatus with one of the tools in a raised operative position; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 9 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a side view of another workpiece finishing apparatus according to the invention; and Fig. 11 is an end view in the direction of the arrow XI in Fig. 10.

Detailed Description Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 7 thereof there is illustrated an apparatus 1 for finishing a workpiece 2. In this case the workpiece 2 is fabricated from metal such as stainless steel or the like.

The apparatus 1 comprises a finishing table having an upper workpiece-receiving surface 5 supported on support legs 6. The table surface 5 has a transversely ΙΕ ο 3 fl 9 j 2 - 6 extending aperture 8 therein. A plurality, in this case four finishing tools are mounted in the table. The tools may be, for example a grinding tool 10, an abrading tool 11, a polisher 12 and a buffing tool 13 which are arranged side by side below the aperture 8. The tools may comprise belts. In this case each of the tools is driven by its own drive motor 15 which is supported in the table on an mounting plate 20 of a tool mounting device 25 (Figs. 2 and 3).

Each of the tools 10, 11, 12, 13 is independently movable through the aperture 8 from a lowered retracted position below the workpiece-receiving surface to a raised operative workpiece-engaging position as illustrated particularly in Figs. 2, 6 and 7. The tools are moved by raising and lowering the associated mounting plates, each tool having its own separate mounting device. Referring in particular to Figs. 3 and 7 each mounting plate 20 is supported on end rams 30 which are raised and lowered to raise and lower the mounting plate 20 and hence the tool mounted thereon. The mounting plate 20 has upwardly extending guide pins 35 which are engagable in guide sleeves 36 mounted to a stop plate 37. The stop plate 37 has a mounting bracket 38 with elongate slots 39 for adjustment of the stop plate to a desired stop position defining the fully raised extent of the tool mounting plate 20. The rams 30 and tool drives are operated by controllers located in a control panel 40 mounted to the table.

Referring especially to Figs. 4 to 6 the apparatus also comprises a support frame and/or workpiece guide 50 which in this case is mounted for movement relative to the table. The guide 50 in this case comprises a workpiece-receiving cradle. The cradle 50 may be in two or more parts which are jointed together by a pin. This arrangement facilitates work to be carried out on both sides of the table The workstation guide cradle 50 supports the workpiece. The cradle 50 rotates 90 degrees over the polishing belt to facilitate the polishing of comers on a workpiece. To prevent the operator from over-reaching, the guide 50 can be moved to either side allowing the operator to work on both sides of the work station.

IE 030932 - 7 For operations which do not require the use of a cradle, one arm of the cradle may lay flat on the work surface while the vertical arm may be used as a workpiece guide.

The cradle has roller guides 51 of nylon or the like for ease of movement of the workpiece relative to the guide.

Referring in particular to Fig. 5 the guide 50 is in this case movable vertically, longitudinally and pivotally relative to the table. It will be noted that the guide 50 is mounted to a guide mounting plate 51 which has a pair of sleeves 52 which are slidably engaged by vertical rods 53 for vertical movement of the guide 50. The vertical rods 53 are in turn mounted to a horizontal sleeve 54 which is slidably engaged with a horizontal rod 55.

The guide 50 has a pivot stub 56 which is pivotally mounted to the guide mounting plate 51 and a ram 59 extends between the guide 50 and the guide mounting plate 51 for controlled pivotal movement of the guide 50 relative to the guide mounting plate 51. Various handles 50 may be used to lock the horizontal, vertical and pivotal position of the guide cradle 50.

In use, a workpiece 2 is manufactured by first fabricating the workpiece using various workshop techniques such as cutting, bending and welding. The workpiece 2 is then mounted in a suitable guide cradle 50 and the apparatus is configured by extending one appropriate working/finishing tool. The tool is driven and the cradle 50 is moved to advance the workpiece 2 to the tool and to hold the workpiece 2 during the operation performed by the tool, such as grinding excess weld material in the region of a joint in the workpiece. The workpiece cradle 50 is then moved away from the tool, the first tool is retracted through the aperture 8 and another tool is extended ready for use. This cycle is continued using the various tool combinations and sequences appropriate to particular finishing operations. On completion, the finished workpiece 2 is removed from the cradle 50 and another workpiece 2 is mounted to the cradle 50 for finishing.

IE UJ 09 5 2 - 8 Thus, the finishing steps can be greatly simplified, de-skilled, and efficiently performed.

Many variations will be readily apparent. For example, by appropriate tool and workpiece guide/cradle selection various types of workpieces can be worked on.

Referring in particular to Figs. 8 and 9 there is illustrated another apparatus according to the invention which has some features similar to the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 7 and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case the tool set comprises a router 71, a circular saw 72, a planing machine 73 and an abrasive belt sander 74. The workpiece guides are provided by adjustable guide plates 76. As an alternative to rams a tool mounting/support plate 79 may be raised and lowered by a scissors lift 80 which is operated manually by a hand operated wheel 81.

Referring to Figs. 10 and 11 there is illustrated another mounting system for a tool such as a polishing mop 90 which is driven by a motor 91. The tool 90 and associated motor 91 are mounted on mounting brackets 92 which in turn extend from a movable support 93. The support 93 is pivotally mounted at one end 95 to the finishing table by a pivot pin and bushing. Adjustment means are provided for releasably maintaining the support 93 and hence the tool 90 in a desired position. In this case the support 93 has an extension 96 which extends through a slot 97 in an arcuate arm 98 fixed to the table. The extension 96 has a treaded end and a locking nut with a knurled knob 99. The knob 99 is loosened to allow movement of the support 93 and hence the tool 90 relative to the aperture 8 in the work table. When the tool 90 is in the desired position the knob 99 is turned to secure the tool 90. This mounting system is particularly simple to operate and gives the operator considerable flexibility in placement of and operation of various finishing tools. Similar adjustable mounting systems may be used for other tools. The layout of the tools, the guides and/or support cradles described above may be used with this system.

IE 03 09 3 2 - 9 It will be appreciated that various lifting systems may be employed to raise and lower the tools including pneumatic/hydraulic and/or electric which may be of the variable speed type.

The possibility exists for further automation by computerising the control of the timing system for each action, the speed of each tool and/or the movement of the workpiece guide (s).

The invention provides the user with a single workbench which incorporates a variety of motor-operated tools (electrical/pneumatics), for his or her trade or DIY use. This would eliminate the need for several different types of machines in the workplace and would reduce the time and manpower involved in bringing workpieces to and from separate machines.

The workbench could incorporate several different motor-operated tools. Only the particular tool in use would protrude above the work surface. The machines not in use would be positioned under the worktable covered by a safety guard.

The workstation can be used as a basic manual machine with hand-operated devices for raising and lowering the motor tools or can be automated to include a timing system for production or batch runs etc.

The automated system would raise and lower the individual motor tools and position the work guide assembly to a pre-set programme. The number of motor tools in a workstation could vary from two upwards depending on the operator’s requirements.

A workstation with this motor tool elevating system and guide assembly would be a great advantage to the following:Metal polishing and finishing - Woodworking IE 0 3 09 J 2 - 10 - Plastics Stone grinding and polishing These and many other variations will be readily apparent and accordingly the 5 invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail.

Claims

1. Apparatus for finishing workpieces comprising:a finishing table; the table having an upper workpiece-receiving surface; the workpiece-receiving surface having an aperture therein; a plurality of tools mounted in the table; a tool being movable through the aperture from a recessed position below the workpiece-receiving surface to a working position at which the tool projects to engage a workpiece for performing operations on the workpiece.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a tool is independently movable from the recessed position to the working position.

3. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tool is mounted on a mounting device and the mounting device is movable to move the tool between the recessed and raised positions, the mounting device may be linearly movable by an operating means such as a ram or the mounting device is pivotally mounted for movement between the tool recessed and tool working positions.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a workpiece support for supporting the workpiece during operation of the tool(s), the apparatus may comprise a guide for guiding a workpiece to a tool, the workpiece support may - 12 comprise the guide and the workpiece support and/or guide is movable relative to the tools.

5. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the 5 drawings.