Method and apparatus for confining and collecting dust and particles produced by machine tools
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorKevin J. Colligan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for collecting dust and particles produced in machining a workpiece. The method and apparatus uses a shroud formed by a pair of frusta-conical walls spaced apart from each other to define an annular air passage therebetween. The shroud is mounted so that the machine tool extends through a central opening formed in the shroud. The annular air passage has an upper air inlet intersecting the air passage with a cylindrical component and a lower air outlet facing inwardly toward the machine tool. Pressurized air flows into the air passage and is thus directed from the air outlet toward the machine tool in a swirling manner. At the same time, a vacuum withdraws air from within the shroud to collect dust and chips produced by the machine tool.
Claims4
In a device having a machine tool for machining a workpiece, an apparatus for collecting dust and chips generated by said machine tool during the machining of said workpiece, said apparatus comprising:
- a shroud having an annular inner wall surrounding a central opening, and an outer wall surrounding and spaced apart from said inner wall to define an annular air passage therebetween, said shroud being mounted so that said machine tool extends through said central opening and is surrounded by said inner wall;
- a vacuum source;
- a pressurized air source;
- a first air duct extending from said vacuum source to the central opening of said inner wall so that said vacuum source draws air from said central opening;
- and
- a second air duct extending from said pressurized air source to the annular air passage of said shroud so that said pressurized air source supplies air to said annular air passage whereby air flowing from said annular air passage arrests the outward movement of dust and chips from said machine tool and air flowing from said central passage toward said vacuum source carries said dust and chips from said central passage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.