Multi-axis, processor-controlled, toolhead positioner
AssigneePrecision Spherical Corp.
InventorsWilliam Penick, Robert Fomey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-axis, computerized numerically-controlled (CNC) toolhead positioning device with six degrees of freedom of movement while utilizing only five axes of movement, comprising a rotating workpiece mount assembly (28) and a rotating gantry (64) with a mounted toolhead assembly base (80). Perpendicular rotational axes about a mounted workpiece (26) provide the capability to perform specific toolhead operations on the arcuate surface of the workpiece (26), subject to the type of mounted toolhead assembly. The computer (120) uses CNC software to integrate operator instructions, machining operations, and the sequence of operations into an automatic and coherent machining package.
Claims22
A multi-axis, processor-controlled, toolhead positioning device comprising:
- (a) a base plate;
- (b) a first rotary table mounted on said base plate;
- (c) a first rotary motor attached to said first rotary table for rotation of said first rotary table in a rotational C-axis;
- (d) a workpiece mount assembly rotatably supported on said first rotary table for rotation in the rotational C-axis;
- (e) means for elevating said workpiece mount assembly so that it moves up and down along a vertical Z-axis normal to said base plate;
- (f) means for securing a workpiece to said workpiece mount assembly;
- (g) at least one vertical support arm attached to said base plate;
- (h) a gantry pivotably supported on said vertical support arm for rotation about the workpiece in a rotational A-axis;
- (i) means for rotating said gantry so that it rotates about the workpiece in the rotational A-axis;
- (j) a toolhead assembly base slidably mounted on said gantry;
- (k) means for moving said toolhead assembly base so that it travels along linear X and Y-axes;
- and
- (l) a computer for generating and coordinating control signals sent to said multi-axis, processor-controlled, toolhead positioning device.
A method for precisely positioning a toolhead assembly, comprising the steps of:
- (a) Securing a workpiece to a workpiece support mount;
- (b) Elevating the secured workpiece vertically along a Z-axis;
- (c) Aligning a mounted toolhead to a reference point on the secured workpiece;
- and
- (d) Executing programmed machine operations, beginning upon alignment of the mounted toolhead to the workpiece reference point, for generating and coordinating control signals sent to said multi-axis, processor-controlled, toolhead positioning device, such that the mounted toolhead may be positioned and controlled in substantially a 180-degree A-axis arc, perpendicular to the movement of the workpiece rotating in a C-axis, for achieving six degrees of freedom of movement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.