Patent Publication Number: US-2003221526-A1

Title: Boring bar holder for CNCand related devices

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates generally to computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools such as a CNC lathe. More particularly, the present invention relates to a boring bar holder, and associated methods.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Machine tools such as a CNC lathe include at least one cutting tool, at least one rotatable holder for a blank, and at least one CNC device for controlling the cutting of the blank according to selected specification. The CNC machine tool may include a multi-axis, linear (X, Y axis) holder instead of a rotatable holder. In either case, a cutting tool moves relative to the blank or work piece under the control of a programmable controller, including a computer program.  
       [0003] The holding of the cutting tool or bar is a problem. The CNC machines hold the cutting tool or bar with a sleeve-type device. The cutting tool or bar is removably secured in the sleeve-type device by screws with countersunk heads or the like. Using these methods of securing the cutting tool or bar causes many problems. For example, during use the cutting tool or bar causes chatter. Also, the use of the cutting tool or bar causes vibration which is very undesirable for accurate reproduction of the desired part.  
       [0004] Further, the typical holding of the cutting tool or bar causes cantilevering. Also, such prior art devices are very difficult to align the cutting tool or bar in the sleeve-type holder. It is difficult to accurately align the cutting tool or bar in the sleeve-type holder. Thus, to achieve proper alignment takes much time and effort.  
       [0005] Still further, not having a sufficiently secured cutting tool or bar reduces the surface feed for the machine. Surface feed is the amount of metal taken off per unit time. Also, not having a sufficiently secured cutting tool or bar reduces production time.  
       [0006] There exists a need for an improved boring bar holder. There exists a need for a boring bar holder that reduces chatter. Further, there exists a need for a boring bar holder that eliminates or reduces vibration. Also, there exists a need for a boring bar holder that more accurately reproduces the desired part. Still further, there exists a need for a boring bar holder that prevents cantilevering. Still further, there exists a need for a boring bar holder that enhances the alignment of the cutting tool or bar. Yet still further, there exists a need for a boring bar holder that increases the surface feed for any machine. And still further, there exists a need for a boring bar holder that decreases production time.  
       [0007] It is, therefore, a feature of the present invention to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that increases the efficiency of the CNC machine.  
       [0008] A feature of the present invention is to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that reduces chatter.  
       [0009] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that eliminates or reduces vibration.  
       [0010] Yet still another feature of the present invention is to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that more accurately reproduces the desired part.  
       [0011] Yet further, an additional feature of the present invention is to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that prevents cantilevering.  
       [0012] Yet still further, an additional feature of the present invention is to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that enhances the alignment of the cutting tool or bar.  
       [0013] Yet still further, an additional feature of the present invention is to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that increases the surface feed for any machine.  
       [0014] Yet still further, an additional feature of the present invention is to provide a boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine or the like that decreases production time.  
       [0015] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized by means of the combinations and steps particularly pointed out in the appended claims.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016] To achieve the foregoing objects, features, and advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a boring bar holder is provided. The boring bar holder is for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine. The boring bar holder has a base block assembly, the base block assembly has a first end and a second end, and between the ends, a semibore transverses one side of the base block assembly, a top or second block assembly, the top or second block assembly has a first end and a second end, and between the ends, a semibore transverses one side of the top or second block assembly, and at least one securing member disposed on each side of the semibores in each block assembly for securing the base block assembly to the top or second block assembly and the block assembly to the CNC machine, such that a bar engaged between the blocks in the bore is engaged with a precise, constant pressure and compression for securing the bar in the boring bar holder.  
       [0017] In another embodiment, the boring bar holder for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine comprising (a) a base block assembly, the base block assembly has a first end and a second end, and between the ends, a semibore transverses one side of the base block assembly, (b) a top or second block assembly, the top or second block assembly has a first end and a second end, and between the ends, a semibore transverses one side of the top or second block assembly, (c) at least one securing member disposed on each side of the semibore in each block assembly for securing the base block assembly to the top or second block assembly and the block assembly to the CNC machine, such that a bar engaged between the blocks in the semibores is engaged with a precise, constant pressure and compression for securing the bar in the boring bar holder, and (d) a center gage block having a box portion with a flat top and a protrusion extending from the boxed portion such that the protrusion also has a flat top such that the protrusion is sized to be accepted into and secured by the notch in the boring bar holder with the center gage block providing for the alignment of a flat portion of a bar-member which is secured by the boring bar holder and after the bar or tool is aligned, the center gage block can be removed from the notch in the boring block holder, thus, providing for accurate and faster alignment of all bar-members by the boring bar holder of the present invention.  
       [0018] In yet another embodiment, a center gage block is provided for use with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine having a boring bar holder with a notch under the tool or bar to be held. The center gage block comprises a box portion having a flat top, a protrusion extending from the boxed portion such that the protrusion also has a flat top, such that the protrusion is sized to be accepted into and secured by the notch in the boring bar holder with the center gage block providing for the alignment of a flat portion of a bar-member which is secured by the boring bar holder and after the bar or tool is aligned, the center gage block can be removed from the notch in the boring block holder, thus, providing for accurate and speeding alignment of all bar-members by the boring bar holder of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0019] The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
     [0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the boring bar holder of the present invention.  
     [0021]FIG. 2. is a perspective view of the base block assembly of the boring bar holder of the present invention.  
     [0022]FIG. 3 is an end view of the base block assembly of illustrate in third view of the boring bar holder of the present invention.  
     [0023]FIG. 4 is an end view of the base block assembly of the boring bar holder of the present invention.  
     [0024]FIG. 5 is a plan view/bottom view of the base block assembly of the boring bar holder of the present invention showing the semibores.  
     [0025]FIG. 6 is a figure illustrating the appropriate sizing characteristics for the boring bar holder of the present invention. 
    
    
     [0026] Table 1 lists specifications for the sizing of the boring bar holder of present invention.  
     [0027] The above general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative of the generic invention, and additional modes, advantages, and particulars of this invention will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention as described in the accompanying drawings.  
     [0029]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the boring bar holder  100  of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the base block assembly  200  engaged with the top or second block assembly  300 . The base and top or second block assemblies  200 ,  300  are removeably engaged with each other using one or more securing members  400 . The securing members  400  are shown having a first end  402  with a threaded portion  404 . Also, the securing members or studs  400  have a second end  406  with a threaded portion  408 . A washer  409  is disposed between the top or second block assembly  300  and a tightening member or flange hex nut  410 . The center gage block  500  engages the base block assembly  200  for aligning a flat portion of a bar that is secured by the boring bar holder  100 .  
     [0030] The center gage block  500  comprises a boxed portion  502  with a flat top  504 . The centered gage block  500  also has a protrusion  506  extending from the side of the boxed portion  502 . The protrusion  506  is sized to be accepted into and secured by the notch  216  in the base block assembly  200  of the boring block holder  100 .  
     [0031]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base block assembly  200  of the boring bar holder  100  of the present invention. The base block assembly  200  has a first end  202  and a second end  204 . Between the ends  202 ,  204 , a semibore  206  transverses one side of the base block assembly  200 . The semibore  206  comprises or has the shape of a half cylinder. The base block assembly  200  has at least one aperture  208  disposed on both sides of the semibore  206 . Also, the base block assembly  200  has at least one water channel  210  traversing a portion of the base block assembly  200  as seen in FIG. 1.  
     [0032]FIG. 3 is and end view of the base block assembly  200  as illustrated in FIG. 2. The second end  204  of the base block assembly  200  is illustrated with the semibore  206  illustrated by a concaved member.  
     [0033]FIGS. 4 and 5 are an end view of the base block assembly  200  of the boring bar holder  100  of the present invention illustrating the first end  202  and a plan view/bottom view of the base block assembly  202  of the boring bar holder  100  of the present invention showing the semibores, respectively. The first end  202  is illustrated having two apertures  212 A,  214 A. The first aperture  212 A is the entry point for an L-shaped water channel  212 . The L-shaped water channel  212  has the aperture  212 A on the first end  202  and an aperture  212 B on the second end  204  as well as an angle portion  212 C. The other water channel  210  comprises a straight water channel  214 . The straight water channel  214  has apertures  214 A in the first end  202  and an aperture  214 B in the second end  204  of the base block assembly  200 .  
     [0034] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the notch  216  is disposed between the apertures  214 A,  212 A of the water channels  212 ,  214  and at the center of the curvature of the half cylinder of the semibore  206 . The use and efficacy of the notch  216  will be discussed in detail herein.  
     [0035] The top or second block assembly  300  has a first end  302  and a second end  304 . Disposed between the first and second ends  302 ,  304  is a semibore  306 . The semibore  306  provides a half cylinder shaped into the body of the top or second block assembly  300 . The top or second block assembly  300  has at least one aperture  308  disposed on both sides of the semibore  306  of the top or second block assembly  300 .  
     [0036] The securing members or studs  400  have a first end  402  with a threaded portion  404 , and a second end  406  with a threaded portion  408 . A tightening member or flange hex nut  410  provides for securing the studs  400  to the boring bar holder  100 . A washer  409  is disposed between tightening member or flange hex nut  410  and the top or second block assembly  300 . The securing members or studs  400  provide for precision securing of the base block assembly  200  with the top or second block assembly  300  such that a precise pressure can be placed against any tool placed in the boring bar holder  100  of the present invention. The precise and constant pressure against the gripped tool provides for enhanced securement of the tool in the boring bar holder  100  of the present invention.  
     [0037] The center gage block  500  comprises a box portion  502 . The box portion  502  has a flat top  504 . Also, the center gage block  500  has a protrusion  506  extending from the boxed portion  502 . The protrusion  506  also has a flat top. The protrusion  506  is sized to be accepted into and secured by the notch  216  in the base block assembly  200 . The centered gage block  500  provides for aligning the flat portion of a bar-member or tool which is secured by the boring bar holder  100 . After the bar or tool is aligned, the center gage block  500  can be removed from the notch  216  and the base block assembly  200 . Thus, providing for accurate and speeding alignment of all bars by the boring bar holder  100  of the present invention.  
     [0038] Additional advantages and modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and the illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, departures may be made from the details without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed general inventive concept.