Auto-locking safety t-nut

Abstract

To provide an auto-locking safety T-nut.SOLUTION: The present application provides a machining system for a workpiece. The machining system includes a rotary tooling plate with a T-slot, and a T-nut positioned in the T-slot. The T-nut has a horizontal base with a wedge such that the wedge includes a locked position locking the T-nut in place within the T-slot and a released position allowing the T-nut to maneuver within the T-slot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application and the resulting patent relate generally to machining systems and tools, and more particularly to a self-locking T-nut for preventing a workpiece or other object from being thrown off a rotating tool plate due to an operator not properly securing the workpiece in place. [Background technology]

[0002] Most machining operations require that a workpiece be securely fixed in place on a rotating tool plate or other type of rotating work surface. Examples of such surfaces include rotary tables, mill tables, fixtures or face plates, lathes, etc. The workpiece must be secured to the rotating tool plate to expose a selected portion of the workpiece where an operation (such as cutting or machining) is to be performed. Additionally, minor adjustments to the position or alignment of the workpiece may be required. Such adjustments can be time consuming.

[0003] Typically, a workpiece may be attached to a "T-slot" in a rotary tool plate. Such a T-slot may be a groove-like slot formed in the rotary tool plate. One method of engaging the T-slot in the rotary tool plate is to use a bolt that passes through the object and engages a T-nut located in the T-slot in the rotary tool plate. The bolt may be tightened to force the T-nut against the shape of the T-slot and clamp the workpiece to the rotary tool plate. Rotary tool plates using such T-slots and T-nuts are effective in holding the workpiece in place, but a workpiece that is not properly secured may protrude from the rotary tool plate, creating a safety hazard for operators and machinery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application and the resultant patent provide a machining system for a workpiece, the machining system including a rotary tool plate having a T-slot and a T-nut disposed in the T-slot, the T-nut having a horizontal base with a wedge including a locked position that locks the T-nut in position within the T-slot and a released position that allows the T-nut to move within the T-slot.

[0005] This application and the resultant patent further provide a method for moving a T-nut within a T-slot of a rotary tool plate, the method including the steps of attaching a wedge to a horizontal base of the T-nut with a spring-loaded bolt, compressing the spring to push the wedge away from the horizontal base, moving the T-nut within the T-slot, and allowing the spring to move the wedge closer to the horizontal base to lock the T-nut in place.

[0006] The present application and the resultant patent further provide a machining system for a workpiece, the machining system including a rotary tool plate having a T-slot and a T-nut disposed in the T-slot, the T-nut having a horizontal base with a wedge, the wedge including a spring loaded bolt, the horizontal plate and the wedge including a locked position of a first width and an released position of a second width. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resulting patent will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the several drawings and claims. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a machining system having a rotating tool plate, a machining tool, and a workpiece. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a T-nut as described herein for use with the rotary tool plate of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the T-nut of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the T-nut of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 4. FIG. 4 is a plan cross-sectional view of the T-nut of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a top view of the T-nut of FIG. 2 in a locked position. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a top view of the T-nut of FIG. 2 in a released position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Referring now to the drawings, like numerals represent like elements in the various views. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary machining system 100 as described herein. The machining system 100 may include a rotary tool plate 110. The rotary tool plate 110 may be of conventional design. The rotary tool plate 110 may rotate about at least a vertical axis and may move up and down along the vertical axis. Currently used rotary tool plates 110 may rotate by four or five axes. The rotary tool plate 110 may include several T-slots 120 formed in its surface 130. Specifically, each T-slot 120 has a vertical channel 140 extending from the surface 130 and intersecting with a horizontal channel 150. The sizes, shapes, and configurations of the T-slots 120, the vertical channels 140, and the horizontal channels 150 may vary. Any number of T-slots 120 may be used herein.

[0009] The machining system 100 may be used with one or more machining tools 160. The machining tools 160 may include lathes or other types of equipment capable of cutting, milling, drilling, etc. Any type of machining tool 160 may be used herein. A workpiece 170 may be secured to the rotating tool plate 110 and machined by the machining tool 160. Any type of workpiece 170 may be used herein. In this example, the workpiece 170 may be a turbine component. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

[0010] 2-5 show an example of a T-nut 180 described herein for use with the rotary tool plate 110. The T-nut 180 can include a horizontal base 190 and a vertical extension 200. The horizontal base 190 of the T-nut 180 can be sized and shaped to fit into the horizontal channel 150 of the T-slot 120, and the vertical extension 200 of the T-nut 180 can be sized and shaped to fit into the vertical channel 140 of the T-slot 120. The horizontal base 190 and the vertical extension 200 of the T-nut 180 can combine to form a shape 210 that is substantially like an upside-down "T". The T-nut 180 can be made of a substantially rigid material, such as stainless steel. Other materials, components, and configurations may be used herein.

[0011] The horizontal base 190 may include a wedge 220 mounted within a cutout 230. The wedge 220 may have an inclined wedge surface 240, and the cutout 230 may have a complementary inclined cutout surface 250 for slidable movement with the wedge surface 240. The wedge 220 may include a central opening 260 extending along the length of the wedge 220. A threaded bolt 270 may extend through the central opening 260 and be secured within the body of the horizontal base 190. The threaded bolt 270 may be loaded by a spring 280. The threaded bolt 270 and the spring 280 may be of conventional design. The spring 280 may bias the wedge 220 adjacent the horizontal base 190. So positioned, the first width 300 of the horizontal base 190 and wedge 220 together may be greater than the width of the horizontal base 190 alone. When the wedge 220 is pressed outward along the angled wedge surface 240, the combined second width 310 of the horizontal base 190 and the wedge 220 can be equal to the width of the horizontal base 190 alone. Other components and configurations may be used herein.

[0012] The vertical extension 200 and / or the vertical extension 200 and horizontal base 190 may have mounting openings 290 extending therethrough. The mounting openings 290 may allow a workpiece 170, fixture, or other object to be securely attached to the rotary tool plate 110 and the T-nut 180. The mounting openings 290 may be threaded. More than one mounting opening 290 may be used.

[0013] Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the T-nut 180 in use. In the locked position 320 shown in Figure 6, the wedge 220 is biased by the spring 280 into contact with the horizontal base 190. Given that the first width 300 of the horizontal base 190 and wedge 220 together is greater than the width of the horizontal base 190 alone, the T-nut 180 is locked in place within the T-slot 120 and cannot move.

[0014] In the released position 330 shown in FIG. 7, the wedge 220 is pushed outward along the angled wedge surface 240 and the angled cutout surface 250. Pushing the wedge 220 outward reduces the overall width of the horizontal base 190 and wedge 220 together to the second width 310 or the width of the horizontal base 190 alone. This narrowing allows the T-nut 180 to move freely along the T-slot 120. The wedge 220 can be pushed into this retracted or released position 330 by inserting and turning, for example, the head of a screwdriver, to push the wedge 220 along the angled wedge surface 240 and the angled cutout surface 250. A blunt object can be used that can compress the spring 280 and push the wedge 220 outward. When the screwdriver or other object is removed, the spring 280 can again expand and urge the wedge 220 back into its original, locked position 320 relative to the horizontal base 190 .

[0015] Thus, an operator must actively move the T-nut 180 to move it; otherwise, the T-nut 180 remains safely locked in place. Thus, the T-nut 180 is easy to use, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and provides increased safety to personnel and adjacent machinery. The surfaces of the T-nut 180 and / or T-slot 120 may be knotted or otherwise patterned or treated to increase friction or the like between the T-nut 180 and the T-slot 120.

[0016] It is apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of this application and any resulting patents. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by those skilled in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the following embodiments. [Embodiment 1] 1. A machining system for a workpiece, comprising: a rotary tool plate including a T-slot; and a T-nut disposed in the T-slot, the T-nut including a horizontal base having a wedge, the wedge having a locked position that locks the T-nut in position within the T-slot and a released position that allows the T-nut to move within the T-slot. [Embodiment 2] 2. The machining system of embodiment 1, wherein in the locked position, the horizontal base and the wedge together have a first width, and in the released position, the horizontal base and the wedge together have a second width. [Embodiment 3] 3. The machining system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the horizontal base has a cutout and the wedge is located in the cutout. [Embodiment 4] The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wedge includes an inclined wedge surface and the cutout includes an inclined cutout surface. [Embodiment 5] 5. The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wedge includes a central opening therethrough. [Embodiment 6] 6. The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wedge includes a bolt passing through the wedge. [Embodiment 7] The machining system according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein the bolt is fixed to the horizontal base. [Embodiment 8] 8. The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wedge includes a spring surrounding the bolt. [Embodiment 9] 9. The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the spring biases the wedge to the locked position. [Embodiment 10] 10. The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the T-nut includes a vertical extension extending from the horizontal base. [Embodiment 11] The machining system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the T-slot comprises a vertical channel and a horizontal channel. [Embodiment 12] 12. The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the horizontal base of the T-nut is sized to be received in the horizontal channel of the T-slot. [Embodiment 13] 13. The machining system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a vertical extension of the T-nut is sized to be received in a vertical channel of the T-slot. [Embodiment 14] 14. The machining system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the vertical extension includes a mounting opening. [Embodiment 15] 1. A method for moving a T-nut within a T-slot of a rotary tool plate, comprising: attaching a wedge to the horizontal base of said T-nut by a spring loaded bolt; compressing the spring to push the wedge away from the horizontal base; Moving the T-nut within the T-slot; Releasing the spring and moving the wedge closer to the horizontal base to lock the T-nut in place. A method comprising: [Embodiment 16] 1. A machining system for a workpiece, comprising: a rotary tool plate including a T-slot; and a T-nut disposed in the T-slot, the T-nut including a horizontal base having a wedge; Including, The machining system, wherein the horizontal base and the wedge include a spring loaded bolt that passes through the horizontal base and the wedge, the horizontal base and the wedge having a locked position of a first width and an released position of a second width. [Embodiment 17] 17. The machining system of embodiment 16, wherein the bolt is fixed to the horizontal base. [Embodiment 18] 18. The machining system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the horizontal base has a cutout and the wedge is located in the cutout. [Embodiment 19] 19. The machining system of any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the wedge includes an inclined wedge surface and the cutout includes an inclined cutout surface. [Embodiment 20] 20. The machining system of any one of embodiments 16-19, wherein the T-nut includes a vertical extension extending from the horizontal base. [Explanation of symbols]

[0018] 100 Machining Systems 110 Rotary tool plate 120 T-slot 130 Surface 140 vertical channels 150 horizontal channels 160 Processing tools 170 Workpiece 180 T-nut 190 horizontal base 200 Vertical extension 210 Shape 220 Wedge 230 Cutout 240 Wedge surface 250 cutout surface 260 central opening 270 Volts 280 Spring 290 Mounting opening 300 First Width 310 Second width 320 Lock position 330 Release position

Claims

1. 1. A machining system for a workpiece, comprising: a rotary tool plate including a T-slot; and A T-nut disposed in the T-slot, the T-nut including a horizontal base having a wedge. Including, The wedge includes a locked position that locks the T-nut in position within the T-slot and a released position that allows the T-nut to move within the T-slot.

2. The machining system of claim 1 , wherein in the locked position, the horizontal base and the wedge collectively have a first width, and in the released position, the horizontal base and the wedge collectively have a second width.

3. The machining system of claim 1 , wherein the horizontal base has a cutout, and the wedge is located in the cutout.

4. The machining system of claim 3 , wherein the wedge includes an angled wedge surface and the cutout includes an angled cutout surface.

5. The machining system of claim 1 , wherein the wedge includes a central opening therethrough.

6. The machining system of claim 5 , wherein the wedge includes a bolt extending through the central opening.

7. The machining system of claim 6 , wherein the bolt is fixed to the horizontal base.

8. The machining system of claim 6 , wherein the wedge includes a spring that surrounds the bolt.

9. The machining system of claim 8 , wherein the spring biases the wedge to the locked position.

10. The machining system of claim 1 , wherein the T-nut includes a vertical extension extending from the horizontal base.

11. The machining system of claim 10 , wherein the T-slot includes a vertical channel and a horizontal channel.

12. The machining system of claim 11 , wherein the horizontal base of the T-nut is sized to be received in the horizontal channel of the T-slot.

13. The machining system of claim 11 , wherein the vertical extension of the T-nut is sized to be received in the vertical channel of the T-slot.

14. The machining system of claim 10 , wherein the vertical extension includes a mounting opening.

15. 1. A method for moving a T-nut within a T-slot of a rotary tool plate, comprising: attaching a wedge to the horizontal base of said T-nut by a spring loaded bolt; compressing the spring to push the wedge away from the horizontal base; moving said T-nut within said T-slot; The spring moves the wedge closer to the horizontal base to lock the T-nut in place. A method comprising:

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