Fixture and Method for Mounting Angled Machine Head on a Machine Tool
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsLoren Strahm, Randolph B. Hancock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fixture is used to mount an angled machine head on a machine tool. The fixture includes a base adapted to be mounted on the machine tool, and a collar for holding the angled machine head. The collar is mounted for rotation on the base and allows the angled machine head to be rotated to any of a plurality of rotational positions. The collar may be selectively locked to the base to fix the position of the angled machine head.
Claims25
A fixture for mounting an angled machine head on a machine tool, comprising:
- a base adapted to be mounted on the machine tool;
- a collar for holding the angled machine head, the collar being mounted for rotation on the base about a reference axis and allowing the angled machine head to be rotated to any of a plurality of rotational positions about the reference axis;
- and,
- means for selectively locking the collar against rotation on the base.
A fixture for mounting an angled machine head on a machine tool having a spindle rotating about a reference axis, comprising:
- a base;
- first mounting means for mounting the base on the machine tool in the area of the spindle;
- and
- second mounting means for rotatably mounting the angled machine head on the base and overlying the spindle, including means for locking the angled machine head in any of a plurality of rotational positions respectively representing differing working orientations of the angled machine head.
Machining apparatus adapted to be mounted on a machine tool of the type producing relative movement between a tool head and a workpiece, comprising:
- an angled machine head adapted to have a tool mounted thereon for machining the workpiece;
- a mounting assembly for rotatably mounting the angled machine head on the tool head, including means for locking the angled machine head in a desired rotational position on the tool head;
- and
- a power system independent of the machine tool for powering the angled machine head.
A method of mounting an angled machine head on a machine tool, comprises:
- fixing an angled machine head in a collar;
- mounting the collar for rotation on a base;
- mounting the base on the spindle head;
- rotating the collar until the angled machine head is positioned in a desired working orientation;
- and
- locking the collar against rotation when the angled machine head has been positioned in the desired working orientation.
A method of mounting a right angle machine head on a machine tool having a spindle that may not be locked against rotation:
- removably mounting a base on the machine tool over the spindle;
- mounting a collar on the base;
- installing the right angle machine head in the collar;
- placing shims between the collar and the right angle machine head;
- moving the right angle machine head into a desired orientation by rotating the collar relative to the base;
- locking the collar to the base after the right angle head has been moved into the desired orientation;
- powering the right angle head with a fluid drive system independent of the machine tool;
- and
- using the machine tool to produce relative movement between the right angle machine head and a workpiece to be machined.
A fixture for mounting a right angle machine head on a machine tool having a spindle rotating within a spindle housing, comprising:
- a base removably mounted on the spindle housing;
- a collar for holding the right angle machine head, the collar being rotatable on the base about a reference axis generally aligned with the rotational axis of the spindle and allowing the right angle machine head to be rotated to any of a plurality of rotational positions about the reference axis;
- shims between the right angle machine head and the collar for fitting the right angle machine head to the collar;
- a circular flange on an end of the collar, the flange overlying and engaging the base, the flange including a plurality of arcuate slots therein extending around the collar;
- a plurality of fasteners respectively passing through the slots into the base for releasably locking the flange to the base;
- and
- a fluid power system independent of the machine tool for powering the right angle head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.