Integrated machining module for processing workpieces and a method of assembling the same
First Claim
1. An integrated system for machining workpieces and separating the chips generated from machining the workpieces comprising;
- a plurality of workstations arranged along a processing path for machining the workpieces, a coolant and filtration device extending through said plurality of workstations and adaptable for separating the chips from the workpieces, a mist collection device cooperable with said plurality of workstations and said coolant and filtration device for removing mist generated by said plurality of workstations, and said plurality of workstations interconnected with said mist collection device and said coolant and filtration device thereby forming a single machining module for processing the workpieces.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for machining workpieces (12) and separating the chips from the workpieces (12) includes a plurality of workstations (14) detachably interconnected by a housing (16) and arranged along a processing path (A). A coolant and filtration device (56) extends through the workstations (14) and is adaptable for separating the chips from the workpieces (12). A mist collection device (54) is cooperable with the workstations (14) and the coolant and filtration device (56) for removing mist generated by the workstations (14) while machining the workpieces (12). The workstations (14) are interconnected with the mist collection device (54) and the coolant and filtration device (56) to form a single machining module (10) of various dimensions and configurations to be adaptable for various manufacturing environments.
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Citations
61 Claims
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1. An integrated system for machining workpieces and separating the chips generated from machining the workpieces comprising;
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a plurality of workstations arranged along a processing path for machining the workpieces, a coolant and filtration device extending through said plurality of workstations and adaptable for separating the chips from the workpieces, a mist collection device cooperable with said plurality of workstations and said coolant and filtration device for removing mist generated by said plurality of workstations, and said plurality of workstations interconnected with said mist collection device and said coolant and filtration device thereby forming a single machining module for processing the workpieces. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An integrated system for machining workpieces and separating the chips generated from machining the workpieces comprising;
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a plurality of workstations interconnected along a processing path to form a cooperable machining system, a processing system extending through said plurality of workstations adaptable for separating the chips from the workpieces and removing mist generated by said plurality of workstations, and a manipulator cooperable with said cooperable machining system and movable along said processing path thereby transferring the workpieces relative to said workstations for selectively processing the workpieces at each of said workstations. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An integrated system for machining workpieces and separating the chips generated from machining the workpieces comprising;
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a housing, a first workstation and a second workstation interconnected by said housing along a processing path to form a machining module, an operational interface defined by each of said first workstation and said second workstation, and an interface connection disposed in said housing to interchangeably receive said operational interfaces of said first workstation and said second workstation. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. An integrated system for machining workpieces having a pair of workstations interconnected along a processing path and a manipulator cooperable with the workstations providing access the workstations to process the workpieces at each of the workstations, said integrated system comprising:
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a housing having interconnected side walls exposed to an open top for engaging the workstations, said housing presenting at least one door to allow an access into said housing;
a panel partially enclosing said open top; and
a locking mechanism interconnected with said housing and said panel to slidably move said panel relative to said housing at said open top for preventing the manipulator from accessing the workstation as the workstation is accessible through said at least one door being opened. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37)
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38. An integrated system for machining workpieces comprising:
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a pair of workstations interconnected along a processing path;
a manipulator cooperable with said workstations and adaptable to access said workstations;
a housing having interconnected side walls exposed to an open top for engaging the workstations, said housing presenting at least one door to allow an access into said housing;
a panel partially enclosing said open top; and
a locking mechanism interconnected with said housing and said panel to slidably move said panel relative to said housing at said open top thereby preventing said manipulator from accessing said workstations when said door is opened. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42)
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43. A method of forming a machining module for manufacturing workpieces comprising;
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engaging a plurality of workstations to define a processing path to machine the workpieces, cooperably assembling a processing system with the plurality of workstations to form the machining module to circulate the chips from the workpieces and to remove mist generated by the plurality of workstations, connecting a manipulator to the machining module to move the workpieces along the processing path to process the workpieces at each of the workstations, and moving the machining module to a remote location. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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53. A method of forming a machining module for manufacturing workpieces comprising;
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engaging a plurality of workstations to define a processing path to machine the workpieces, cooperably assembling a coolant and filtration device with the plurality of workstations to form the machining module to separate the chips generated from machining the workpieces from a coolant and to remove mist generated by the plurality of workstations, connecting a pressurized pump to the coolant and filtration device to circulate the coolant separated from the chips and supplying the coolant to the plurality of workstations, connecting a manipulator to the machining module to move the workpieces along the processing path to process the workpieces at each of the workstations, and moving the single machining module to a remote location. - View Dependent Claims (54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61)
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Specification