A system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool

Abstract

Invention relates to a system used in a machine tool, which provides for the fixation of a workpiece (30) to be processed by applying a vacuum from below to the machine tool, and enables the fixation of sensitive workpieces (30) with a central hole to the machine tool.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR FIXING WORKPIECES WITH A CENTRAL HOLE TO A MACHINE TOOL

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a system for fixing workpieces with a central hole that can be used on machine tools to the machine tool.

[0004] More specifically, the invention relates to a system that provides for the fixation of a workpiece to be processed by applying a vacuum from below to a machine tool, and which enables the fixation of sensitive workpieces with a central hole 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 machines is a highly effective method for securing a workpiece to be machined. However, if the workpiece has a central hole, a cavity, or is open in the middle, holding it with a vacuum method becomes difficult. In such workpieces, the pressure created by the vacuum escapes through the central hole or cavity. This prevents the workpiece from being held tightly to the machine tool and creates a risk of slipping during the machining process. Consequently, the vacuum system does not operate at full efficiency, and the workpiece cannot be securely fixed.

[0008] 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] EP4285765A2 discloses a vacuum table for clothes. The document describes a system that provides a vacuum suction function so that clothes can be fixed to a tabletop during the manufacturing and ironing of clothes, controls a footplate to maintain the vacuum state without being pushed one-by- one by an operator, thereby increasing the operator's convenience, and allows the tabletop height to be adjusted to suit the operator's body. The mentioned document does not contain an approach for workpieces with a central hole.

[0012] As a result, considering the prior art and the mentioned disadvantages, there is a need for a configuration for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool.

[0013] Object and Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] An object of the invention is to provide a system for fixing workpieces with a central hole that can be used on machine tools to the machine tool.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to enable the fixation of sensitive workpieces with a central hole to be processed in a machine tool, to the machine tool without using any mechanical apparatuses (CNC vise, etc.).

[0016] Another object of the invention is to enable the fixation of a sensitive workpiece with a central hole, which is to be processed in a machine tool, to the machine tool by a system containing a clamping apparatus and a piston-spring system that is placed inside the workpiece.

[0017] A system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool, which can be used on the table of a machine tool and provides for the fixation of a workpiece to be processed by applying a vacuum from below to the machine tool, having at least one main vacuum table that is placed on top of the machine tool and transfers the vacuumed air to an upper table, to provide for the fixation of workpieces (30) to the machine tool, and it comprises:

[0018] - at least one upper table, which is placed on top of the main vacuum table, is configured to receive the workpiece and has at least one recess where the workpiece is placed; containing at least one spring placed in the recess; transferring the air received from the main vacuum table to the workpiece placed in the recess to enable the vacuum fixation of the workpiece,

[0019] - at least one clamping apparatus, which is placed inside the workpiece to form an opening with a conical geometry that is at a reverse angle to a piston, and applies pressure to the inner surface of the workpiece with the movement of the piston,

[0020] - at least one piston, which passes through the opening and the inside of the workpiece to connect to the spring, and applies pressure to the clamping apparatus from a first part to enable the fixation of the workpiece.

[0021] Our invention relates to a configuration that is used in a machine tool, and which provides for the fixation of a workpiece with a central hole to be processed by applying a vacuum from below to machine tool.

[0022] Brief Description of the Figures

[0023] Figure 1 A front, angled, perspective, exploded view of the elements belonging to the vacuum table system and the workpiece is given.

[0024] Figure 2 A side, angled, perspective view of the piston is given.

[0025] Figure 3 A side view of the piston is given.

[0026] Figure 4 A front, angled, perspective view of the spring is given.

[0027] Figure 5 A top, angled, perspective view of the workpiece is given.

[0028] Figure 6 A bottom, angled, perspective view of the workpiece is given.

[0029] Figure 7 A top, angled, perspective view of the clamping apparatus is given.

[0030] Figure 8 A top, angled, perspective view of the conical opening formed by the clamping apparatuses is given.

[0031] Reference Numerals

[0032] 10 Main vacuum table

[0033] 20 Upper table

[0034] 21 Recess

[0035] 22 Spring

[0036] 30 Workpiece

[0037] 40 Clamping apparatus

[0038] 41 Opening

[0039] 50 Piston

[0040] 51 First part 52 Second part

[0041] 53 Spring seat

[0042] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0043] The invention relates to a system that is used in a machine tool, provides for the fixation of a workpiece (30) to be processed by applying a vacuum from below to the machine tool, and enables the fixation of workpieces (30) with a central hole and sensitive workpieces (30) to the machine tool.

[0044] Fixation of workpieces (30) to a machine tool with mechanical equipment (such as a CNC vise, etc.) 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 (30) onto the table by reducing air pressure. Control valves and sensors assist in monitoring and adjusting the vacuum level. In machine tools using vacuum systems, a homogeneous vacuuming process cannot be performed when trying to fix workpieces (30) with a central hole / cavity to the machine tool. Our invention, particularly for workpieces (30) that are sensitive and have a central hole, provides for the fixation of the part to the machine tool by vacuuming it from below with air using a vacuuming system created under the table, through a piston (50)-spring (22) arrangement and apparatuses placed inside the workpiece (30), instead of using mechanical apparatuses such as a CNC vise.

[0045] Our invention is essentially composed of at least one main vacuum table (10), at least one upper table (20), at least one spring (22), at least one clamping apparatus (40), and at least one piston (50) structure. The upper table (20) has at least one recess (21) structure. The piston (50) has at least one first part (51), at least one second part (52), and at least one spring seat (53) structure.

[0046] 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 (steel, aluminum, iron, etc.). The main vacuum table (10) is preferably configured in the geometry of a rectangular prism. The main vacuum table (10) is the part where the vacuumed air created in the vacuum system first enters the table system, and it transfers the received vacuumed air to the upper table (20) above it. The main vacuum table (10) can be configured in different geometries to better transfer the vacuumed air to an upper plate (upper table (20)), and in the invention, it is preferably configured in a rectangular geometry. The upper table (20) refers to the part (plate) placed on the main vacuum table (10). The upper table

[0047] (20) is positioned lengthwise on top of the main vacuum table (10). The upper table (20) is preferably made of metal material (steel, aluminum, iron, etc.). The upper table (20) is preferably configured in the geometry of a rectangular prism. The rectangular prism preferably has recess (21) structures at its side parts and central parts. The recess (21) is preferably configured in the geometry of the workpiece (30). The recess (21) is preferably configured in a quadrilateral (square, etc.) geometry. The recess (21) receives the vacuumed air from the main vacuum table (10) and transfers the 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 , quadrilateral recesses (21) configured in almost the same dimensions as the workpiece (30) are shown for a workpiece (30) with a rectangular geometry. The important part here is that the upper table (20) includes a recess (21) structure suitable for the workpiece (30), and the recesses (21) are configured in the desired workpiece (30) geometry. The recess (21) structures shown in the figure ensure that the workpiece (30) to be processed is fixed more securely and firmly to the machine tool (to the plates on the machine tool). The number, shape, and size of the recesses (21) can be changed according to the number, shape, and size of the workpiece (30). There are spring (22) structures preferably positioned in the central part of the recess

[0048] (21). The spring (22) corresponds to the piston (50) structure and, by combining with piston (50), ensures that the clamping apparatuses (40) apply pressure to the inner surface of the workpiece (30). More specifically, the upper table (20) is placed on top of the main vacuum table (10). It is configured to receive the workpiece (30) and has at least one recess (21) where the workpiece (30) is placed. It contains at least one spring (22) placed in the recess (21). It transfers the air received from the main vacuum table (10) to the workpiece (30) placed in the recess (21) to enable the vacuum fixation of the workpiece (30)

[0049] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the workpiece (30) refers to a monolithic, quadrilateral, hollow frame-shaped part with some indentations and protrusions on its internal parts. More specifically, the workpiece (30) is a sensitive workpiece with a central hole (Figures 5, 6). The workpiece (30) is securely and non-deformably clamped and / or fixed between the clamping apparatuses (40) and the upper table (20) as the piston (50) advances, thanks to the reverse-angled (relative to the first part (51)) conical shape of the clamping apparatus (40) that corresponds to the conical first part (51) of the piston (50).

[0050] The clamping apparatus (40) refers to the part that is placed inside the workpiece (30). The clamping apparatus (40) preferably has a quadrilateral shape with one round corner (a reverse-angled conical form relative to the first part (51)). In other words, the clamping apparatus (30) includes a reverseangled surface at one corner that corresponds to the conical first part (51) of the piston (50). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, four clamping apparatuses (40) are used, and when the clamping apparatuses (40) are placed with their rounded corners facing each other, they form a quadrilateral and a circular-shaped opening (41) in the middle of the quadrilateral (Figure 8). In other words, the four clamping apparatuses (40) form a reverse-angled conical opening (41) by the meeting of the reverse-angled surfaces. The opening (41) has a reverse conical angle corresponding to the conical surface of the piston (50). In this way, when the piston (50) is passed through the opening (41), it fits perfectly into the clamping apparatus (40) with the conical angle, and the workpiece (30) is fixed to the machine tool without being damaged. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of the clamping apparatus (40) that correspond to the inner surface of the workpiece (30) have some special forms (indentations, protrusions, etc.) to fit better to the workpiece (30) and to avoid damaging it. In other embodiments of the invention, different special forms can be configured for different workpieces (30). The clamping apparatus (40) is placed inside the workpiece (30) to form an opening (41) with a conical geometry that is at a reverse angle to the piston (50), applies pressure to the inner surface of the workpiece (30) with the movement of the piston (50), and ensures the fixation of the workpiece (30).

[0051] The piston (50) corresponds to the spring (22) and, by combining with the spring (22), ensures the fixation of the workpiece (30) to the upper table (20). The piston (50) is preferably configured in a geometry that starts conically and then continues as a cylinder from a certain point. The piston (50) has the structures of a first part (51), a second part (52), and a spring seat (53). The first part (51) is configured in a structure that starts as a cylinder and continues to the second part (52) with a conical geometry where the diameter decreases after a certain distance. The second part (52) is configured in a structure that starts from the lower part of the first part (51) and continues cylindrically for a certain distance before ending. The second part (52) has a spring seat (53) structure with a circular indentation, which allows the spring (22) to pass through and thus be connected to the piston (50). The piston (50) passes through an opening (41) formed by the clamping apparatuses (40), in other words, through the center of the clamping apparatuses (40) and the inside of the workpiece (30), to connect to the spring (22) and applies pressure to the clamping apparatus (40) from the first part (51) to ensure the fixation of the workpiece (30).

[0052] In order to fix the workpiece (30) to the machine tool, first, the workpiece (30) is placed in the recess (21) of the upper table (20). Then, the clamping apparatuses (40) are placed on the inner surface of the workpiece (30) so that their rounded corners (a reverse-angled conical form relative to the first part (51)) face each other, forming a circular opening (41) through which the piston (50) can pass. Finally, the piston (50) is passed through the opening (41) and the inside of the workpiece (30) so that its second part (52) connects to the spring (22). Then, the spring (22) is placed in the spring seat (53) to ensure the connection of the piston (50) to the spring (22). The conical first part (51) of the piston (50) fits into the reverse-angled conical opening (41) and, in this way, pushes the clamping apparatuses (40) against the inner surface of the workpiece (30). When the spring (22)-piston (50) structure is stretched or compressed during this process, the firmness of the workpiece's (30) fixation to the machine tool also changes. In other words, as the spring (22) is stretched / com pressed, the workpiece (30) is fixed more firmly to the machine tool. The surfaces of the clamping apparatuses (40) that correspond to the inner surface of the workpiece (30) fit into the indentations and protrusions according to the forms on the inner surface of the workpiece (30). Thus, the sensitive workpiece (30) with a central hole / cavity is fixed to the machine tool. In another embodiment of the invention, the workpiece (30) does not contain indentations and protrusions.

[0053] 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 system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool, which can be used on the table of a machine tool and provides for the fixation of a workpiece (30) to be processed by applying a vacuum from below to the machine tool, having at least one main vacuum table (10) that is placed on top of the machine tool and transfers the vacuumed air to an upper table (20), to provide for the fixation of workpieces (30) to the machine tool, characterized in that it comprises:- at least one upper table (20), which is placed on top of the main vacuum table (10), is configured to receive the workpiece (30) and has at least one recess (21) where the workpiece (30) is placed; containing at least one spring (22) placed in the recess (21); transferring the air received from the main vacuum table (10) to the workpiece (30) placed in the recess (21) to enable the vacuum fixation of the workpiece (30),- at least one clamping apparatus (40), which is placed inside the workpiece (30) to form an opening (41) with a conical geometry that is at a reverse angle to a piston (50), and applies pressure to the inner surface of the workpiece (30) with the movement of the piston (50),- at least one piston (50), which passes through the opening (41) and the inside of the workpiece (30) to connect to the spring (22), and applies pressure to the clamping apparatus (40) from a first part (51) to enable the fixation of the workpiece (30).

2. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the machine tool is a CNC machine tool.

3. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a sensitive workpiece (30) with a central hole.

4. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one piston (50) that passes through the center of the clamping apparatuses (40).

5. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to Claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the piston (50) comprises at least one first part (51) that startscylindrically and continues to a second part (52) with a conical geometry where the diameter decreases after a certain distance.

6. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston (50) comprises at least one second part (52) that starts from the lower part of the first part (51) and continues cylindrically for a certain distance before ending.

7. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the second part (52) comprises at least one spring seat (53) with a circular indentation, which allows the spring (22) to pass through and thus be connected to the piston (50).

8. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one clamping apparatus (30) that includes a reverse-angled surface at one corner that corresponds to the conical first part (51) of the piston (50).

9. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least four clamping apparatuses (40) that form a reverse-angled conical opening (41) by the meeting of the reverse-angled surfaces.

10. The system for fixing workpieces with a central hole to a machine tool according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one workpiece (30) that can be fixed to the machine tool by being securely and non-deformably clamped between the clamping apparatuses (40) and the upper table (20) as the piston (50) advances, thanks to the reverse-angled conical shape of the clamping apparatus (40) that corresponds to the conical first part (51) of the piston (50).

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