Patent ID: 6832878
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
An automated quill drive assembly for use on a milling machine, wherein the milling machine includes a frame presenting a quill head, a quill supported on the head for rotation and for relative shiftable movement along a linear axis between retracted and extended positions, a manually actuated lever supported on the head and operatively connected to the quill for moving the quill between the retracted and extended positions, and a controller, the automated quill drive assembly comprising:a housing; a motor supported on the housing; a transmission supported on the housing and being adapted for connection between the motor and the quill of the milling machine for transmitting automated movement from the motor to the quill to move the quill between the retracted and extended positions said transmission including a ball screw supported on the housing for rotation about an axis parallel to the linear axis defined by the quill, a ball nut supported on the ball screw for movement along the screw when the screw is rotated relative to the ball nut, said ball nut being removably attached to a translational member, said translational member, when detached from said ball nut, moving in concert with manual operation of said quill; and a quill drive stop assembly for limiting movement of the quill along the linear axis when the quill is being manually actuated, said stop assembly including a protrusion on said translational member which engages an adjustable travel-stopping member to axially limit quill movement.