Patent ID: 8661950
Filing Date: 2014-03-04
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a machining apparatus having: a frame defining a first transfer station and a first machining station thereabove; a first spindle having a workpiece grab and vertically displaceable on the frame between an upper position with the grab in the machining station and a lower position with the grab in the transfer station; a tool holder horizontally displaceable on the frame toward and away from the machining station; and a workpiece conveyor extending through the transfer station, the method comprising the steps of sequentially: a) after shifting a deflector underneath the machining station into a side position out from underneath the grab, lowering the grab, picking an at least partially unmachined workpiece in the transfer station off the conveyor with the grab, and raising the grab and workpiece into the machining station; b) shifting the deflector into a use position over the transfer station and under the machining station; c) engaging a tool held in the tool holder with the workpiece in the machining station and machining the workpiece such that chips fall from the workpiece while maintaining the deflector in the use position and deflecting the falling chips with the deflector away from the transfer station; d) stopping machining of the workpiece, shifting the deflector into the side position, and lowering the grab with the machined workpiece onto the conveyor in the transfer station; and e) transporting the machined workpiece out of the transfer station and transporting a fresh at least partially unmachined workpiece into the transfer station.