Patent ID: 9186763
Filing Date: 2015-11-17
Classification: B23C,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A modular machine-tool system, comprising: a plurality of rigid bed sections configured to be coupled operatively and selectively together to define a linear machine-tool bed having a longitudinal bed axis, wherein the rigid bed sections are configured to define a straight track, wherein the plurality of rigid bed sections each have a longitudinal section axis, wherein the plurality of rigid bed sections include at least two bed sections configured to be operatively and selectively coupled together coaxially with respect to their longitudinal section axes, and wherein the rigid bed sections are configured to be coupled operatively and selectively together to define two adjacent bed portions laterally relative to the respective longitudinal section axes and parallel to the longitudinal bed axis; a ram-carriage configured to be coupled operatively to the linear machine-tool bed for selective translation along the longitudinal bed axis; a ram-carriage drive mechanism configured to be coupled operatively between the linear machine-tool bed and the ram-carriage for selectively translating the ram-carriage along the linear machine-tool bed along the longitudinal bed axis; and at least one ram configured to be coupled operatively to the ram-carriage and to carry an associated tool for working a work piece; wherein the rigid bed sections are configured to be coupled operatively together to selectively define the linear machine-tool bed in the form of (i) a single bed for use with the at least one ram in a cantilever configuration and (ii) two spaced-apart beds for use with the at least one ram in a gantry configuration; wherein the ram-carriage includes two corresponding receivers configured to mate with the two adjacent bed portions for selective translation therealong; and wherein the ram-carriage is configured to be separated selectively into two ram-carriage portions with each ram-carriage portion being configured to mate with the respective bed sections of the two spaced-apart beds for use with the at least one ram in the gantry configuration, and with the two ram-carriage portions being further configured to be coupled operatively and selectively together into a single ram-carriage portion configured to mate with the respective bed sections of the single bed for use with the at least one ram in the cantilever configuration.