Title of Invention

RE-CONFIGURABLE MACHINING CENTER

Abstract

A re-configurable machining center, with intemal arrangement, having custom built flexibility, comprising of customized machine base supporting the Z axis module, X axis module and Y axis module mounted one over the other, all one side, on the rear of the machine base, wherein, the Y axis module is mounted on the base, through a support bracket which make this module separabte, wherein, in simitar way X axis module is connected to Y axis module using X and Y bracket, making them separable, wherein, the Z axis module is mounted on Z and X axis bracket which connects this module to other two modules (X and Y), wherein, the spindle module is separate which is mounted on Z axis through a spindle module mounting bracket and hence separable, wherein, the Automatic Tools Changer is again a module, mounted independently using separate Automatic Tool Changer support bracket, wherein, the rotary table module which is meant for job transfer, is mounted on the machine base in the front.

Full Text

Field of Invention : This invention in general relates to Metal Cutting machines, widely used in auto component manufacturing industry. Among metal cutting machines. Machining Centers are commonly used and a standard machining center is basically a 3 axis CNC machine, used for performing machining operations like, drilling, milling, tapping etc. This invention particularly relates to Re-configurable Machining Center, which has unique configuration compared to standard machining center. Background / Prior Art: It is to be noted that the prior art description gives in detail information of the technology, method, process and system known in the art. It explain the deficiency in the related art and the object of the invention being to overcome or surmount the problem associated with the prior art. This forms the essential feature and the object of the invention. In manufacturing industry, there is need for machines, which are adaptable to ever changing functional and capacity requirements. The machines being capital intensive, the manufacturers want to re-use the machines beyond their economic life, by re-configuring them to meet the changing market needs. Obviously they prefer to have machines which are open for technological upgrades / re-use, thus eliminating their obsolescence. This means that it is necessary for the machines to have customized, fabrication flexibility in their construction, which is required for changing the machine incrementally in terms of functionality and capacity as and when required. Using such machines is cost effective as they do not call for sudden huge investments and thus will be encouraging to the industry. The configuration as shown Fig-1 and Fig-2 , shows an isometric view of a standard machining center and the internal construction of the machine with identified sub-parts respectively. This configuration comprises of machine bed (14) on which Y-axis assembly (53) and X-axis assembly (54) are mounted one over the other, in the front. Here the Y-axis guide-ways (15) are mounted directly on the bed and X-axis guide-ways (16) are mounted on Y-axis assembly (53). Thus the guide-ways of X and Y-axis are built into one another and are not separable. The Z-axis assembly (55) is mounted on vertical column (17), which is fixed on the machine base (14) on the rear side. The Z-axis guide-ways (18) are directly mounted on vertical column (17) and spindle assembly (19) is fixed to Z-axis assembly (55) is built integrally. The Automatic Tool Changer (56) is mounted on the vertical column (17) itself. Deficiencies in Standard Machining Centers: The main deficiency in the standard machining centers presently available is that they have fixed configuration. These machines are not modular in construction and the assemblies are not separable. Hence the standard machining centers do not have fabrication flexibility. The machines are not open for continuous upgrades, additions, or removal of modules, thus prone to become obsolete. The rapid functional and capacity adjustments are not possible. Thus they are not re-configurable and hence not re-usable. Summary of Invention The inventors have made great effort to provide a device which meet the requirement of the industry and overcome the problem associated in the prior art. To achieve the above object according to first aspect and feature of the present invention there is provided a Re-configurable Machining Center to obviate the problems associated with the prior art. According to second aspect and feature of the invention in addition to the first feature, the invention provides for rearranging the modules. This arrangement comprises of single spindle and single axis machine which can be used for any single function i.e. drilling or milling or tapping. Further objects of the invention will be clear from the ensuing description. At the outset of the description which follows it is to be understood that ensuring description only illustrate a particular form of this invention. However, such particular form is only an exemplary embodiment without intending to imply any limitation on the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the description is to be understood as an exemplary embodiment and reading of the invention is not intended to be taken restrictively. The above and other objects, features and advantages will be clear from the following description of preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings. The foregoing description is outlined rather broadly preferred and alternative feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing and modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should realize such equivalent conception do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. A re-configurable machining center, with internal arrangement, having custom built flexibility, comprising of customized machine base supporting the Z axis module, X axis module and Y axis module mounted one over the other, all one side, on the rear of the machine base, the Y axis module is mounted on the base, through a support bracket which make this module separable, where in, in similar way X axis module is connected to Y axis module using X and Y bracket, making them separable, where in, the Z axis module is mounted on Z and X axis bracket which connects this module to other two modules (X and Y), the spindle module is separate which is mounted on Z axis through a spindle module mounting bracket and hence separable, the Automatic Tools Changer is again a module, mounted independently using separate automatic tool changer support bracket , the rotary table module which is meant for job transfer, is mounted on the machine base in the front. Brief description of drawings The accompanying drawings are intended to provide further understanding of invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of invention. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of invention and together with the description illustrate principle of invention. The drawings should not be taken as implying any necessary limitation on the essential scope of invention. The drawings are given by way of non-limitative example to explain the nature of the invention. Referring now to drawings, where like numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the referred views. Fig 1 shows the overall isometric view of a standard machining center Fig 2 shows the internal construction of the machine with identified subparts. Fig 3 shows the overall isometric view of re-configurable machining center according to our invention. Fig 4 shows the internal construction of this machine with identified subparts. Fig 5 shows a basic configuration, derived from the total arrangement shown in fig 4, by re-arranging the modules. Fig 6 shows first incremental configuration, where in X axis module is added to above configuration shown in fig 5. Fig 7 shows the second incremental configuration, where in, X and Y braclcet and Y-axis module is added to configuration shown in Fig 6. Fig 8 shows third incremental configuration Fig 9 shows fourth configuration Fig 10 shows the fifth configuration Fig 11 shows the "Z" axis module Fig 12 shows the 'X" axis module Fig 13 shows the "Y" axis module Description of preferred embodiment of invention: For a more complete understanding of the instant invention reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings. The various feature of novelty which characterise the invention are pointed out specifically in the claims which is a part of description. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantage, specific objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings and descriptive matter is which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of invention. Working of the invention: - Fig-3 and 4 shows the overall isometric view of reconfigurable machining center according to the present invention and the internal construction of this machine with identified sub-parts respectively. The configuration of this machine, comprises of customized machine base (20) supporting the Z-axis module (25), X axis module (23) and Y axis module (21) mounted one over the other, all one side, on the rear of the machine base (20). The Y-axis module is mounted on the base, through a support bracket (22), which make this module separable. Similarly X axis module (23) is connected to Y-axis module using X and Y bracket (24), thus they are made separable. The Z-axis module is mounted on Z and X-axis bracket (26), which connects this module to other two modules (X and Y). The spindle module (27) is separate which is mounted on Z-axis module, through a spindle module-mounting bracket (28) and hence separable. The Automatic Tools Changer (29) is again a module, mounted independently using separate automatic tool changer support bracket (30). The rotary table module (31), which is meant for job transfer, is mounted on the machine base (20) in the front. The axis modules are self contained and modular in construction. The configuration of each of the axis modules is described below with reference to accompanying figures. The Z-axis module shown in fig 11, has support base (32), which is a single casting, housing linear motion guide-ways (33), ball screw nut assembly (34) with support bearings, on which the moving slide (35) moves. This slide has clamping arrangement (36) for Linear guide way blocks (33). The drive bracket (37) is fixed to support base (32), connecting the servo motor (38) to ball screw nut (34) through direct drive. The X-axis module shown in fig 12, has support base (39), which is a single casting, housing linear motion guide-ways (40), ball screw nut assembly (41) with support bearings, on which the moving slide (42), moves. This slide has clamping arrangement (43) for Linear motion guide blocks (40). The drive bracket (44) is fixed to support base (39), connecting the servop motor (45) to ball screw nut (41) through direct drive. The Y-axis module shown in fig 13, has support base (46), which Is a single casting, housing linear motion guide-ways (47), ball screw nut assembly (48) with support bearings, on which the moving slide (49), moves. This slide has clamping arrangement (50) for Linear motion guide blocks (48). The drive bracket (51) is fixed to support base (46), connecting the servo motor (52) to ball screw nut (48) through direct drive. All these modules are separable, extensible and re-configurable. They can be removed, added or replaced independently. This configuration as shown in fig 4 has customized flexibility i.e. the flexibility to re-configure the set of modules (21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31), by changeable structures (20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30). Now the various configurations possible as per our Innovation will be described with reference to accompanying figures. Fig-5 shows a basic configuration derived from the total arrangement shown in fig-4 by rearranging the modules. This arrangement is comprising of spindle module (27), connected to Z axis module (25), using spindle module-mounting bracket (28), which in turn is mounted on Z and X bracket (26). All these assemblies are mounted on a machine base (20). This arrangement makes a single spindle, single axis machine which can be used for any single function i.e. drilling or milling or tapping functions. Fig-6 shows the first incremental configuration, according to the invention, wherein X axis module (23) is added to the configuration shown in fig-5. This arrangement makes a single spindle, two axis machine, with increased functionality compared to single spindle, single axis machine. With two axis, the machine can perform multiple drilling or milling or tapping functions in a row. Fig-7 shows the second incremental configuration, according to the invention, where in, X and Y bracket (24) and Y-axis module (21), mounted on machine base (20), are added to the configuration shown in fig 6. This configuration is a single spindle, three-axis machine, with enhanced functionality. This machine can perform operations like multiple drilling or milling or tapping functions, at any point in the operating space. Fig-8 shows third incremental configuration, according to the invention, where in, an Automatic Tool Changer module (29) along with automatic tool changer bracket (30) mounted on machine base (20), are added to the configuration shown in fig 7. This configuration is a complete machining center with enhanced capacity, due to, multi-tool options available in the Automatic Tool Changer. This machine can perform all drilling, milling and tapping operations, at different points, with different tools. Fig-9 shows fourth incremental configuration, according to the invention, where In, a rotary table module (31), mounted on machine base (20) is added to the configuration shown in fig 8. This configuration is a machining center with enhanced capacity, due to, internal job transfer, which increases the productivity of the machine, by making loading / unloading of component internal to the machining cycle time. Fig-10 shows the fifth configuration, according to the invention, where in a revolving multi spindle turret (32), mounted on spindle module-mounting bracket (28), is added to the configuration shown in fig 9, by removing the spindle module (27), Automatic tool changer (29), and automatic tool changer bracket (30). This configuration results in a machining center, with fastest chip-to-chip, thus increasing the productivity and hence the capacity of the machine. All the above configurations are incremental and are achieved by adding or removing the modules and re-arranging the changeable structures. The functionality and capacity of the machine can thus be adjusted to meet the changing manufacturing requirements. Advantages of the Invention : The construction of the re-configurable machining center as explained above, is completely modular and has customized fabrication flexibility i.e. the basic set of modules can be added or removed or modified in incremental manner, based on need, using changeable structures. The advantages of such re-configurable machining center are listed below. a. The machine can be adjusted quickly, to meet changing functional and capacity requirements. b. The investment in adjusting the machine to functional and capacity changes can be incremental, avoiding huge investments, at a time. Such investment can be based on firm market needs. c. The machine modules do not become obsolete, as they are modular and open for up-gradation and replacement any time in the future. Therefore the machine will not become obsolete, which means that the capital investment is assured. d. The ramp up time is reduced as product change / introduction can be quickly adapted for manufacturing using such machines. e. Reduced cost as repeat investment is avoided. The invention has been explained in relation to specific embodiment. It is inferred that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present .invention and it is not intended that the invention be limited or restrictive thereto. Many other specific embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure. All substitution, alterations and modification of the present invention, which come within the scope of the following claims, are to which the present invention is readily susceptible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined not with reference to the above description but should be determined with reference to appended claims along with full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. We claim, 1. A re-configurable machining center, with internal arrangement, having custom built flexibility, comprising of customized machine base supporting the Z axis module, X axis module and Y axis module mounted one over the other, all one side, on the rear of the machine base, and. the Y axis module is mounted on the base through a support bracket which make this module separable, X axis module is connected to Y axis module using X and Y bracket making them separable, the Z axis module is mounted on Z and X axis bracket which connects this module to other two modules (X and Y), and the spindle module is separate which is mounted on Z axis through a spindle module mounting bracket and hence separable, and the Automatic Tools Changer is again a module mounted independently using separate automatic tool changer support bracket, and further the rotary table module which is meant for job transfer, is mounted on the machine base in the front. 2. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Z axis module, has support base which is a single casting, housing Linear motion guide-ways, ball screw nut assembly with support bearings, on which the moving slide moves, and the slide has damping arrangement for Linear guide way blocks and further the drive bracket is fixed to support base, connecting the servo motor to ball screw nut through direct drive. 3. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 1, wherein the X axis module, has support base which is a single casting, housing Linear motion guide-ways, ball screw nut assembly with support bearings, on which the moving slide moves, and the slide has clamping arrangement for Linear motion guide blocks and further the drive bracket is fixed to support base, connecting the servo motor to ball screw nut through direct drive. 4. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Y axis module, has support base which is a single casting, housing Linear motion guide-ways, ball screw nut assembly with support bearings, on which the moving slide moves, and the slide has clamping arrangement for Linear motion guide blocks and further the drive bracket is fixed to support base, connecting the servo motor to ball screw nut through direct drive. 5. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 1, wherein one basic configuration is derived from the said configuration, by re-arranging the modules, and this arrangement comprising of spindle module connected to and Z axis module, using spindle module-mounting bracket, which in turn is mounted on Z and X bracket, and all these assemblies are mounted on a machine base, and thus the said configuration is a single spindle, single axis machine which can be used for any single function i.e. drilling or milling or tapping functions. 6. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 5, wherein X axis module is added to the configuration, the said configuration is a single spindle, two axis machine, performs multiple drilling or milling or tapping functions in a row. 7. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 6, wherein X and Y bracket and Y axis module mounted on machine base, is added to the configuration, the configuration is a single spindle, three axis machine, perform operations like multiple drilling or milling or tapping functions, in the operating space. 8. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 7, to which Automatic Tool Changer module along with Automatic Tool Changer bracket mounted on machine base are added to the configuration, and thus the configuration is a complete machining center with enhanced capacity, due to, multi-tool options available in the Automatic Tool Changer, and this machine performs all drilling, milling and tapping operations, at different points, with different tools. 9. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 8, wherein a rotary table module mounted on machine base is added to the configuration, the configuration is a machining center with internal job transfer feature, such as loading / unloading of component internal to the machining cycle time. 10. A re-configurable machining center as claimed in claim 9, wherein a revolving multi spindle turret, mounted on spindle module- mounting bracket, is added to the configuration, by removing the spindle module, Automatic tool changer, and automatic tool changer bracket, the configuration is a machining center, with fastest chip to chip, thus increasing the capacity of the machine. 11. A re-configurable machining center substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Dated this 6th day of October 2004.

Documents:

1055-che-2004-abstract.pdf

1055-che-2004-claims duplicate.pdf

1055-che-2004-claims original.pdf

1055-che-2004-correspondnece-others.pdf

1055-che-2004-correspondnece-po.pdf

1055-che-2004-description(complete) duplicate.pdf

1055-che-2004-description(complete) original.pdf

1055-che-2004-drawings.pdf

1055-che-2004-form 1.pdf

1055-che-2004-form 19.pdf

1055-che-2004-form 3.pdf