Apparatus and method for centering a workpiece on a machine tool
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsKenneth Edward Mascarenas, James Henry Madge
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for centering a workpiece on a machine tool that includes first and second guide plates having respective first and second aligned bores therein for supporting a centering pin mounted therein for axial movement between a retracted position and a use position. The centering pin cooperates with a workpiece such as a fan rotor blade of a turbine engine for positioning the workpiece in a predetermined position relative to a metal shaping operation to be carried out by the machine on the workpiece. At least one spring cooperates with the centering pin for exerting a predetermined axial bias for urging the centering pin into the use position. A lock locks the centering pin in the use position.
Claims6
Apparatus for centering a workpiece on a machine tool, comprising:
- (a) first and second guide plates having respective first and second aligned bores therein supporting a centering pin mounted therein for axial movement between a retracted position and a use position, wherein the centering pin is adapted to cooperate with a workpiece for positioning the workpiece in a predetermined position relative to a metal shaping operation to be carried out by the machine tool on the workpiece;
- (b) at least one spring cooperating with the centering pin and exerting a predetermined axial bias urging the centering pin into the use position;
- and
- (c) a lock adapted to selectively lock the centering pin in the use position and prevent axial motion thereof during the metal shaping operation, wherein the lock comprises a locking strap extended over the top of the centering pin from one radial side to the other and moveable between a release position allowing axial movement of the centering pin and a lock position for locking the centering pin in the use position.
Apparatus for centering a workpiece on a machine tool, comprising:
- (a) first and second guide plates having respective first and second aligned bores therein supporting a centering pin mounted therein for axial movement between a retracted position and a use position, wherein the centering pin is adapted to cooperate with a workpiece for positioning the workpiece in a predetermined position relative to a metal shaping operation to be carried out by the machine tool on the workpiece;
- (b) at least one spring cooperating with the centering pin, wherein the spring comprises a triple beam spring having a centrally-disposed beam biased against a rear end of the centering pin for urging the centering pin into the use position;
- and
- (c) a lock adapted to selectively lock the centering pin in the use position and prevent axial motion thereof during the metal shaping operation.
Apparatus for centering a workpiece on a machine tool, comprising:
- (a) first and second guide plates having respective first and second aligned bores therein supporting a centering pin mounted therein for axial movement between a retracted position and a use position, wherein the centering pin is adapted to cooperate with a workpiece for positioning the workpiece in a predetermined position relative to a metal shaping operation to be carried out by the machine tool on the workpiece;
- (b) at least one spring cooperating with the centering pin and exerting a predetermined axial bias urging the centering pin into the use position;
- and
- (c) a lock adapted to selectively lock the centering pin in the use position and prevent axial motion thereof during the metal shaping operation;
- and
- (b) a tip mounting block having an angled inset matching a taper on a front end of the centering pin and adapted to be received onto the taper of the centering pin, and a blade-receiving slot adapted to be positioned on an end of a turbine engine airfoil to be supported in a fixed position during milling.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.