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US 5,230,685 AGranted
Machine tool for machining printed circuit boards
AssigneePosalux S.A.
InventorsErich Christen, Pierre-Andre Lautenschlager
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A machine tool has a work table movable in a first direction on a frame. Operating units such as drills fitted with rotating tools are mounted on the frame in a manner movable in a direction perpendicular to the said first direction. Means are provided to ensure individual mobility of the operating units namely individual motors incorporated within their casings. The invention is useful in the machining of printed circuits especially by drilling and shaping.
Claims13
A machine tool in particular for machining printed circuit boards by drilling, milling, shaping and the like, comprising:
- a frame;
- a work table so as to be movable in at least a first direction on the said frame;
- first motor means adapted to move the work table;
- at least two operating units adapted to receive tools selectively so as to carry out said machining operations;
- guide means affixed to said frame for guiding said operating units in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction;
- sliding means cooperating with said guide means and supporting said operating units to enable them to move in said second direction;
- and
- second motor means coupled to said sliding means for controlling the movements of said operating units;
- said sliding means comprising independent sliding units associated with each operating unit;
- and
- said second motor means including a separate motor unit and motor unit control means for each operating unit for independently moving each of said operating units in said second direction, said second motor means including a fixed endless screw extending in said second direction at least along the entire length of the operating areas of the machine tool in said second direction and wherein the motor unit of each operating unit engages said endless screw so as to transmit its drive force to move the operating unit in said second direction independently of the movements of the other operating units.
8 more elements
A machine tool for machining printed circuit boards and the like, comprising:
- a frame;
- a work table mounted for movement in a first direction in the said frame;
- first motor means for moving said work table;
- a plurality of gantries mounted on said frame spanning said work table and parallel to a second direction perpendicular to said first direction for movement in said first direction;
- a plurality of operating units on each of said gantries for selectively receiving tools for carrying out machining operations on objects carried by said work table;
- each of said operating units further including sliding means cooperating with said gantries for supporting said operating units for movement in said second direction;
- and
- a separate motor unit and motor unit control means for each of said operating units for independently moving each of said operating units in said second direction.
5 more elements
A machine tool in particular for machining printed circuit boards by drilling, milling, shaping and the like, comprising:
- a frame;
- a work table mounted so as to be movable in at least a first direction on the said frame;
- first motor means adapted to move the work table;
- at least two operating units adapted to receive tools selectively so as to carry out said machining operations;
- guide means affixed to said frame for guiding said operating units in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction;
- sliding means cooperating with said guide means and supporting said operating units to enable them to move in said second direction;
- second motor means coupled to said sliding means for controlling the movements of said operating units;
- said sliding means comprising independent sliding units associated with each operating units;
- and
- said second motor means including a separate motor unit and motor unit control means for each operating unit for independently moving each of said operating units in said second direction, and
- an automatic tool changing system which comprises, a tool holder magazine associated with each operating unit, a tool transfer means affixed to said table, and a support scale extending in said second direction and mounted on said frame for adjustment in said second direction, said magazines being mounted on said support scale.
8 more elements
A machine tool in particular for machining printed circuit boards by drilling, milling, shaping and the like, comprising:
- a frame;
- a work table mounted so as to be movable in at least a first direction on the said frame;
- first motor means adapted to move the work table;
- at least two operating units adapted to receive tools selectively so as to carry out said machining operations;
- guide means affixed to said frame for guiding said operating units in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction;
- sliding means cooperating with said guide means and supporting said operating units to enable them to move in said second direction;
- second motor means coupled to said sliding means for controlling the movements of said operating units;
- said sliding means comprising independent sliding units associated with each operating units;
- and
- said second motor means including a fixed reaction member and a separate motor unit and motor unit control means for each operating unit for independently moving each of said operating units in said second direction, each of said motor units including an electric motor, the rotor of which engages with the reaction member and the stator of which is fixed in the operating unit.
7 more elements
A machine tool in particular for machining printed circuit boards by drilling, milling, shaping and the like, comprising:
- a frame;
- a work table mounted so as to be movable in at least a first direction on the said frame;
- first motor means adapted to move the work table;
- at least two operating units adapted to receive tools selectively so as to carry out said machining operations;
- guide means affixed to said frame for guiding said operating units in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction;
- sliding means cooperating with said guide means and supporting said operating units to enable them to move in said second direction;
- second motor means coupled to said sliding means for controlling the movements of said operating units;
- said sliding means comprising independent sliding units associated with each operating units;
- and
- said second motor means including a separate motor unit and motor unit control means for each operating unit for independently moving each of said operating units in said second direction, wherein each operating unit includes a housing, said sliding units including sliding members extending laterally from the housing of each operating unit along said second direction, said sliding members resting on said guide means, and wherein said housing has clearances at sites corresponding to the sliding members in such a manner that, when two operating units are brought together, the sliding members overlap in the corresponding clearance of the neighboring unit.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.