A vacuum table system

Abstract

Our invention relates to a vacuum table system used in a machine tool, which provides fixation of a workpiece (30) to be processed by applying vacuum from below the table, enabling small and sensitive workpieces (30) to be fixed to the machine tool without using any mechanical fastening apparatus.

Description

[0001] A VACUUM TABLE SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a vacuum table system that can be used on machine tools.

[0004] More specifically, it relates to a system used in a machine tool, which provides fixation of a workpiece to be processed by applying vacuum from below to the mentioned tool, enabling small and sensitive workpieces to be fixed to the machine tool without using any mechanical fastening apparatus.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Vacuum systems facilitate the fixation of workpieces to machine tools. These systems employ tables that apply vacuum force to the lower surface of the workpiece, creating a strong bond between the workpiece and the table. Vacuum systems are particularly ideal for smooth-surfaced and thin parts requiring precise machining. The user places the workpiece on the table, activates the vacuum system, and can operate the machine. When vacuum is applied, the workpiece adheres tightly to the table and remains stationary during processing. Vacuum systems are widely used in CNC machine tools, milling machines, and grinding machines.

[0007] The use of vacuum systems in CNC machine tools offers various advantages over traditional mechanical fastening elements. Vacuum systems minimize the risk of deformation by holding the workpiece evenly and uniformly. These systems enable quick and easy part changes, significantly reducing processing time. While classically used mechanical fastening elements may leave marks on the surface of the part, vacuum systems preserve surface quality. Additionally, since the installation and use of vacuum systems are more practical, production efficiency is positively affected. The ability to securely hold a wide range of materials is one of the primary reasons why vacuum systems are preferred in CNC machine tools.

[0008] The application of vacuum systems for CNC machines with hollow-centered parts offers significant advantages compared to other clamping methods. Hollow-centered parts allow the vacuum to distribute more effectively on the part surface, thus achieving a stronger and more homogeneous holding force. This method provides a great advantage especially in processing parts with complex geometries. The use of hollow-centered parts reduces vibrations during processing and increases processing accuracy. As a result, vacuum systems using hollow-centered parts provide a faster, more precise, and efficient processing process. TR201804126A2 discloses a method of applying gelcoat to the machine sheet in vacuum tables is described to produce side panels with smooth surfaces by preventing the formation of marks, regional depressions, and planar errors on the visual surfaces of side panels remaining outside the vehicle.

[0009] TR200301157U discloses a system consisting of a sleeve on the front head, a spindle inside the sleeve, a mold attached to the end of this spindle, a calibrator into which the body and cap exiting the mold enter, a vacuum table on which the calibrator is mounted, a drilling apparatus that opens the mounting hole on the body exiting the calibrator and is mounted on the vacuum table, and a closing apparatus where the cap exiting the drilling apparatus is closed onto the body also exiting the drilling apparatus.

[0010] TR200301153U discloses a system that enables the production of a body and cap forming an octagonal cable channel mold and line with a single mold and a single machine.

[0011] As a result, considering the prior art and the mentioned drawbacks, there is a need for a vacuum table system that enables the fixation of workpieces to the machine tool without using any mechanical fastening apparatus.

[0012] Object and Brief Description of the Invention

[0013] An object of the invention is to provide a vacuum table system that can be used in machine tools.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to enable the attachment of the part to be processed in the machine tool to the machine tool without using any mechanical fastening means instead of mechanical apparatuses (CNC vise, etc.).

[0015] A vacuum table system for a machine tool, configured to provide fixation of a workpiece to be processed by applying vacuum from below the table, and it enables the fixation of small and sensitive workpieces to the machine tool without using any mechanical fastening apparatus by comprising: at least one main vacuum table positioned on top of the machine tool, having at least one table hole located at the center and near the short sides in alignment with each other, and including at least one recess positioned mutually opposite near the corners, configured with rounded corners, and configured to transfer air to a vacuum plate, at least one vacuum plate positioned on top of the main vacuum table, including at least one plate hole near the corners, and including at least one slot in the middle parts configured according to the geometry of the workpiece with rounded corners, wherein the slot receives the workpiece and transfers air from the main vacuum table to the workpiece to enable vacuum fixation of the workpiece.

[0016] Our invention relates to a design that secures a workpiece to be processed by applying vacuum from below the table.

[0017] Brief Description of the Figures

[0018] Figure 1 A front, angled, perspective, exploded view of the elements belonging to the vacuum table system and the workpiece is given.

[0019] Figure 2 A front, angled, perspective, exploded view of the elements belonging to the vacuum table system and another workpiece is given.

[0020] Figure 3 A front, angled, perspective, exploded view of the elements belonging to the vacuum table system and another workpiece is given.

[0021] Reference Numerals

[0022] 10 Main vacuum table

[0023] 11 Table hole

[0024] 12 Recess

[0025] 20 Vacuum plate

[0026] 21 Plate hole

[0027] 22 Slot

[0028] 30 Workpiece

[0029] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] The invention relates to a vacuum table system for use in a machine tool, configured to provide fixation of a workpiece (30) to be processed by applying vacuum from below the table, enabling small and sensitive workpieces to be fixed to the machine tool without using any mechanical fastening apparatus.

[0031] Fixation of workpieces (30) to a machine tool using mechanical equipment causes damage to the workpiece (30). Since a workpiece (30) fixed to the table with mechanical equipment is not uniformly secured, it cannot be used in operations requiring fine craftsmanship. The use of vacuum systems ensures the secure and precise fixation of workpieces (30). These systems include a vacuum pump, vacuum tables, vacuum channels, and control valves. The vacuum pump creates the vacuum force that tightly pulls the workpiece onto the table by reducing air pressure. Control valves and sensors assist in monitoring and adjusting the vacuum level. In machines using vacuum systems, when vacuum tables without hollow parts are used, a homogeneous vacuuming process cannot be achieved. Our invention particularly enables small and sensitive workpieces (30) in sheet form to be fixed by vacuuming the part from below with air using a vacuuming system created under the table, without using any mechanical fastening means such as CNC vises.

[0032] Our invention essentially comprises at least one main vacuum table (10) and at least one vacuum plate (20). The main vacuum table (10) includes at least one table hole (11) and at least one recess (12) structure. The vacuum plate (20) includes at least one plate hole (21) and at least one slot (22) structure.

[0033] The main vacuum table (10) refers to the first component placed on a machine tool. The main vacuum table (10) is positioned on top of the machine tool. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine tool is a CNC machine tool. The components of the vacuum system are connected to the lower part of the main vacuum table (10), and the air suction process begins first from this table. The main vacuum table (10) is preferably made of metal material (such as steel, aluminum, iron, etc.). The main vacuum table (10) is preferably configured in the geometry of a rectangular prism. The rectangular prism includes table holes (11) located near the short sides and at the center. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are nine table holes (11). The table holes (11) are preferably formed in the same direction. Recess (12) structures are located near the corners of the rectangular prism and are positioned mutually opposite each other. The recesses (12) refer to the point where the vacuum air created in the vacuum system first enters the table system. The recess (12) transfers the received vacuum air to the vacuum plate (20) above it. The recess (12) can be configured in different geometries to better transfer the vacuum air to the upper plate (vacuum plate (20)), and in the invention, it is preferably configured in a rectangular geometry with rounded corners. More specifically, the main vacuum table (10) is positioned lengthwise on top of the machine tool, including at least one table hole (11) located at the center and near the short sides in alignment with each other, and at least one recess (12) positioned mutually opposite near the corners, configured with rounded corners, and configured to transfer air to the vacuum plate (20).

[0034] The vacuum plate (20) refers to the component (plate) placed on the main vacuum table (10). The vacuum plate (20) is positioned lengthwise on top of the main vacuum table. The vacuum plate (20) is preferably made of metal material (such as steel, aluminum, iron, etc.). The vacuum plate (20) is preferably configured in the geometry of a rectangular prism. The rectangular prism includes plate holes (21) located near the corners. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are four plate holes (21). Slot (22) structures are located in the middle parts of the rectangular prism and are positioned mutually opposite each other. The slot (22) is preferably configured in the geometry of the workpiece (30). The slot (22) is preferably configured in a geometry with rounded corners. The slot (22) receives the vacuum air from the main vacuum table (10) and transfers said air from below to the workpiece (30) placed in its structure, thereby enabling the vacuum fixation of the workpiece (30) to the machine tool. In Figure 1 , slots (22) that are rectangular in geometry and configured almost to the dimensions of the workpiece (30) are shown for a rectangular geometry workpiece (30). The slot (22) structure used in Figure 1 can also be used for the flat and monolithic workpiece (30) in Figure 2. In Figure 3, a vacuum plate (20) preferably consisting of three parts is shown. There are a certain number of slots (22) formed near the edges where the right and left parts join the middle part, and a certain number formed near the right and left edges of the middle part. The slot (22) structures shown in Figure 3 are configured to dimensions close to (almost the same as) the dimensions of the workpiece (30) in Figure 3. In Figure 3, there are many small rectangular structured workpieces (30), and small rectangular geometry slots (22) are configured accordingly for said workpieces (30). The important aspect is that the vacuum plate (20) includes a slot (22) structure suitable for the workpiece (30), and said slots (22) are configured in the desired workpiece (30) geometry. The different slot (22) structures shown in the figures enable the workpiece (30) to be processed to be fixed more securely and firmly to the machine tool (to the plates on the machine tool). More specifically, the vacuum plate (20) is positioned on top of the main vacuum table (10), including at least one plate hole (21) near the corners and at least one slot (22) in the middle parts configured according to the geometry of the workpiece (30) with rounded corners, wherein the slot (22) receives the workpiece (30) and transfers air from the main vacuum table (10) to the workpiece (30), thereby enabling the vacuum fixation of the workpiece (30).

[0035] In this specification, the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left" are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the figures and are solely for the clarity of the technical solution and ease of description. They do not imply or indicate that the specified device or element requires a specific orientation, is constructed or operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vacuum table system for a machine tool, configured to provide fixation of a workpiece (30) to be processed by applying vacuum from below the table, characterized in that it enables the fixation of small and sensitive workpieces (30) to the machine tool without using any mechanical fastening apparatus by comprising:- at least one main vacuum table (10) positioned on top of the machine tool, having at least one table hole (11) located at the center and near the short sides in alignment with each other, and including at least one recess (12) positioned mutually opposite near the corners, configured with rounded corners, and configured to transfer air to a vacuum plate (20); and- at least one vacuum plate (20) positioned on top of the main vacuum table (10), including at least one plate hole (21) near the corners, and including at least one slot (22) in the middle parts configured according to the geometry of the workpiece (30) with rounded corners, wherein the slot (22) receives the workpiece (30) and transfers air from the main vacuum table (10) to the workpiece (30) to enable vacuum fixation of the workpiece (30).

2. The vacuum table system according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the machine tool is a CNC machine tool.

3. The vacuum table system according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the main vacuum table (10) includes at least nine table holes (11).

4. The vacuum table system according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the main vacuum table (10) includes at least four recesses (12).

5. The vacuum table system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processing vacuum plate (20) includes at least four plate holes (21).

6. The vacuum table system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processing vacuum plate (20) includes at least four slots (22).

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