Abstract:
The mobile CNC cutting machine is a mobile automated CNC cutting machine for rapid set-up on a remote job site. The machine is particularly well suited to cut metal materials, and is built on a mobile structure for easy transporting to the job site ready for use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/271,294 filed on Jul. 20, 2009 by the present inventor, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to a CNC cutting machine for cutting a material, and more particularly to a CNC cutting machine which is totally mobile and set-up for cutting metal. The mobile CNC cutting machine can cut the complex plane designs like the large gantry machines permanently installed on the shop floor. 
         [0005]    Relevant prior art includes: 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,754 July 2008 Lin 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,389 February 1999 Bartlett, et. al. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,698 January 1995 Buchholz 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,318 January 1991 Doane, et. al. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,206 October 1977 Griffin 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,754 October 2006 Morello 
         [0012]    A CNC (computer numerical control) cutting machine is a cutting machine tool that uses computer software programs to automatically execute a series of cutting operations. Many types of CNC cutting machines have been provided which include some means for the automated cutting of materials. Although some of the prior art cutting machines have met with some success, the prior art devices possess certain disadvantages. The prior art CNC cutting machines require considerable amount of set-up time which increases the project costs. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, a need exists for a CNC cutting machine that does not possess the limitations stated above. In particular, a need exists for a CNC cutting machine that allows minimal set-up time. Additionally, this CNC cutting machine should be mobile in order to quickly reach the job site. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention is a mobile CNC cutting machine which satisfies all the foregoing needs. A primary object of the present invention is to provide a mobile CNC cutting machine, which is used to cut a material, especially flat metal sheets. The machine typically uses a computer to create the shapes to be cut and control the cutting machine. The resulting shapes are smoother than would be possible with a human hand guided cutting torch, and can include intricate curves, inside cuts, and sharp corners. The machine includes two motorized axes (X and Y) that work together, going forward and backing up in perfect synchronization to produce shapes of virtually any design. The computer also controls the actuation of the torch, turning it on slightly before beginning the cut, to permit it to burn through the material first. To achieve above object, the present invention provides a CNC cutting machine specially designed for mounting on a mobile structure which is towed into the job site ready for use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is an assembled side view of the mobile CNC cutting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is another assembled side view of the mobile CNC cutting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the mobile CNC cutting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional end view of the linear guide rail mount assembly of the mobile CNC cutting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged end view of the trolley of the mobile CNC cutting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the main frame of the mobile CNC cutting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The following description includes the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. Reference is made to  FIGS. 1-6 , the mobile CNC cutting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0023]    Customarily, the CNC cutting machine is set up on the shop floor inside a building, so the customer must physically go to the shop. The result is that efficiency is less than desirable due to the labor and time spent on set up. The present invention allows the CNC cutting machine to be permanently set up on a transportable, mobile trailer which is easily transportable to the job site. This mobility is a particular advantage to the customer at the jobsite that requires a smaller number of precision parts in a short time during a plant or facility shutdown or outage. This type of trailer has not been used before because of the harsh road environments. The present invention negates the problems previously encountered and makes possible a transportable, mobile CNC cutting machine. 
         [0024]    The mobile CNC cutting machine comprises a cutting mechanism  15  mounted on a trolley  115  of a mobile CNC cutting machine  10 , wherein the trolley  115  has a motor  108  which is used to position the cutting mechanism  15  along the x-axis of the cutting area  25  and shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 . The trolley  115  is mounted on a gantry  20  of a mobile CNC cutting machine  10 , wherein the gantry  20  has a motor  133  which is used to position the cutting mechanism  15  along the y-axis of the cutting area  25  and shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 . 
         [0025]    As shown best in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the trolley  115  is mounted on a gantry  20  which has three guide roller bearings  30 . The guide roller bearings  30  allow the gantry  20  to roll atop the two linear rails  35  which run the length of the 6′×10′ cutting area  25 . Rubber stops  40  are attached to the ends of the linear rails to prevent the gantry  20  from derailing. A cable and hose carrier  55  is provided to festoon the cable and hose connections from the computer console  45 , power supply  50 , oxygen and acetylene tanks  90 , and gas control valves  85  to the gantry  20 . The control console  45  is used to display and set operational parameters for operating the cutting mechanism  15 . The control console  45  is any type of industrial computer with a processor and hard drive to include a programmable logic controller (PLC) or personal computer. The control console  45  processes the software that controls the cutting process which is typically CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) type software. The control console  45  interfaces to a typical laptop or other portable computer to receive programming instructions. The laptop or other portable computer includes a wireless card to receive programming software via a wireless network. 
         [0026]    As shown best in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  6 , the structure of a mobile CNC cutting machine  10  includes an upper frame  185  and a lower frame  190  which are connected together with horizontal braces  195  and vertical braces  200 . A typical structure is fabricated from 3″×6″×¼″ steel tubing. The steel tubing for the lower frame  190  is typically 20′ in length. The vertical braces  200  and horizontal braces  195  are typically joined at the same point to provide a rigid frame design which is built to withstand all traveling conditions including a harsh road environment. Adjusting rear retractable stabilizers  60 , front retractable stabilizers 70, 12, 500 lb. rated hitch  80 , and lift jack  75  are attached to the mobile CNC cutting machine  10  structure. The entire mobile CNC cutting machine  10  structures rests upon 5,200 lb. rated tandem axles  65 . 
         [0027]    As shown best in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the end view of a mobile CNC cutting machine  10  shows in greater detail the trolley  115  mounted on the gantry  20 . The trolley  115  is mounted to the gantry  20  with four guide roller bearings  110 . The trolley motor  108  is connected to a trolley speed reducer  114  by a belt drive speed reducer belt  105 . The trolley speed reducer  114  is attached to a geared shaft which is propelled along the gear rack  120 . The cutting mechanism  15  is attached to the trolley  115  and is positioned downwards towards the 6′×10′ cutting area  25 . The trolley  115  runs approximately the entire width of the 6′×10′ cutting area  25 . A trolley cable and hose carrier  100  festoons the cables and hoses to the trolley motor  108  and cutting mechanism  15 . Each end of the gantry  20  is provided with rubber stops  125  to cushion the trolley  115 . 
         [0028]    As shown on  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , the linear guide rail mount  160  is attached to a vertical brace  200  towards the end. Set screws  135  and hexagonal cap screws  155  are provided to adjust the linear guide rail  35 . The mounting is designed to adjust inwards and outwards, up and down, and tilt from side to side. The design allows the user to easily adjust the linear guide rail to maintain proper alignment. 
         [0029]    The x-axis trolley is designed to handle harsh road environments. The lower guide rail assembly is spring loaded into the lower guide rail. The assembly is held in place by vertical mounted cam followers in such a way that maintains proper rail alignment.  FIG. 5  shows a more detailed view of the trolley  115  which is provided with four guide roller bearings  110  that attach the trolley  115  to the gantry  20 . The guide roller bearings  110  are adjusted by set screws  175 , socket head cap screws, and coil spring  170 . Also, cam follower bearings  165  help hold the lower guide roller bearing assembly, which is spring loading the trolley  115  to the gantry  20  from the side. 
         [0030]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1-6 , in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, all elements as described above are used to commonly construct the whole cutting machine  10 . The operator typically tows the cutting machine to the jobsite with a standard vehicle that has a trailer hitch. The operator secures the cutting machine  10  in a level and stationary position by adjusting rear retractable stabilizers  60 , front retractable stabilizers  70 , and lift jack  75 . The operator secures the material to be cut; typically flat metal sheets, in the  6 x 10  cutting area  25 . The operator at the control console  45  sets operation parameters by interfacing the control console  45  with a laptop, so as to carry out a completely automatic cutting operation without manually processing, and providing precise and speedy cutting of the material. The laptop uploads the appropriate CAD/CAM software for the particular job. The operator also checks for any last minute cutting parameter changes in the job over the wireless network. The control console  45  via the CAD/CAM software controls the positioning of the gantry  20  and trolley  115 . The gantry  20  positions the cutting mechanism  15  along the y-axis of the material to be cut in the 6×10 cutting area  25 . The trolley  115  positions the cutting mechanism  15  along the x-axis of the material to be cut in the 6×10 cutting area  25 . The x-axis and y-axis motion of the cutting mechanism  15  allows precise cuts of any shape or design as set in the control console  45 . 
         [0031]    Compared with the conventional CNC cutting machines, the mobile CNC cutting machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides functions and advantages. The mobile CNC cutting machine carries out the completely automatic cutting operation without manually processing. A significant feature of the Mobile CNC Cutting Machine is that its mobility saves manpower and set-up time. While a CNC machine is in set-up, it cannot be producing any work pieces. This non-productive time can never be recovered. The reduction in set-up time reduces the manufacturing costs. The Mobile CNC Cutting Machine can be towed in and typically set-up in 15 minutes. 
         [0032]    Many variations of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Some variations include the CNC cutting machine dimensions; and the type of cutting mechanism. All such variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Although some embodiments are shown to include certain features, the applicant specifically contemplates that any feature disclosed herein may be used together or in combination with any other feature on any embodiment of the invention. It is also contemplated that any feature may be specifically excluded from any embodiment of an invention.