Quick change tool locking and alignment system
OwnerMarc H. Boisvertinventor
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Abstract
The present invention comprises a quick-change tool system for a collet in alignment with a spindle of a milling machine. The collet comprises an elongated member having a first end of generally conical configuration with a bore arranged longitudinally therein. The collet has a second end for securement to a spindle in the machine. The quick charge tool system comprises a tightenable securement coupling for securing a tool in the collet and also for aligning the collet and a tool within the spindle. Subsequent requirement for re-adjustment of the "Z" axis coordinates of the tool within the collet and with respect to the spindle is eliminated.
Claims10
A quick change tool system for a collet in alignment with a spindle of a milling machine, said collet comprising an elongated member having a first end of generally conical configuration with a bore arranged longitudinally therein, said collet having a second end for securement to a spindle in said machine, said quick charge tool system comprising:
- a tightenable securement coupling for securing a tool in said collet and also for aligning said collet and said a tool within said spindle.
A method of providing a rapid, properly aligned series of successive tools for use in a spindle of a vertical milling machine, without the requirement of re-adjusting the "Z" axis of each successive tool with respect to a work piece, comprising the steps of:
- placing a tapered sleeve over an upper end of a first collet;
- sliding said tapered sleeve to a lower end of said first collet;
- threading a collar onto said tapered sleeve at said lower end of said sleeve;
- inserting a first tool into a bore in said first collet through an opening in said collar;
- tightening said collar onto said tapered sleeve, so as to tighten said first tool in said first collet;
- inserting said upper end of said first collet into said spindle so said tapered surface of said sleeve mates with a tapered bore in said spindle in proper alignment therwith;
- adjusting the proper first "Z" coordinates of said first collet and tool therewith;
- and
- replacing said first collet and first tool with a second collet and second tool with adjusted second "Z" coordinates, in said spindle;
- replacing said first collet and tool with the same first "Z" coordinates in said spindle without re-adjustment of said "Z" coordinates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.