Debris collecting attachment for machine tool
An apparatus for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool includes a base member configured to be removably attachable to the machine tool, a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member, a debris channel formed in the base member, and a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel. A suction fitting may be attached to the base member and operatively connected to a suction device that is configured to draw the dust and debris through the debris channel and towards the suction device. The base member may also be integrally formed with the machine tool.
This application claims the benefit and filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/606,120, filed Sep. 1, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the field of machine tools and machine tool attachments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConventional power-driven machine tools are used for shaping, cutting, drilling, grinding, or polishing workpieces. These machine tools generally include rotary bits with abrasive ends that, when applied to a workpiece, produce debris and/or dust particles. When such tools are used to shape workpieces formed of synthetic materials, such as acrylic or polyester resins or graphite fibers embedded within a resin matrix, the produced dust can be problematic. Thus, over the years various collection systems and attachments have been developed in an attempt to collect the dust and debris generated by machine tools when shaping a workpiece. According to one conventional approach, a suction hose connected to a suction device is provided near the rotary bit of the machine tool in hopes of drawing the generated dust and debris away from the bit and towards a suitable disposal point.
However, because the bits of industrial machine tools must rotate at extremely high speeds in order to successfully machine a workpiece (a typical industrial router bit, for example, travels at speeds ranging from 8,000 RPM to over 24,000 RPM), the debris and dust particles generated by these bits are generally propelled away from the workpiece at extreme velocities. Therefore, even when a hose connected to a high-powered suction device is brought into close proximity to the bit of a machine tool, a significant portion of the propelled dust and debris generated by the machine tool may escape the draw of the suction device and disperse into the worksite.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus and method for collecting the dust and debris generated by industrial machine tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn certain embodiments, an apparatus for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool comprises a base member configured to be removably attachable to the machine tool, a rotatable member rotatably retained within the base member, a debris channel formed in the base member, and a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel. A debris aperture may be formed in the rotatable member, which may be annularly shaped, and configured to be in continuous operative connection with the debris channel in the base member throughout the entire range of rotation of the rotatable member. In many embodiments, a suction fitting for receiving a suction hose connected to a suction device is attached to the base member and configured to be operatively connected to the debris channel.
According to at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an annular recess formed in the base member, a plurality of vertically extending posts provided within the annular recess, and a retaining member mounted to the plurality of vertically extending posts. The retaining member may be configured to rotatably retain the rotatable member within the annular recess. The apparatus may also further comprise a recessed shelf formed along the circumference of the annular recess in the base member, with the rotatable member being configured to rest upon the recessed shelf.
According to certain embodiments, the retaining member is configured to be substantially annular in shape, with at least a portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member configured to have a larger diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member, and the remaining portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member configured to have a slightly smaller diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member.
The apparatus may also further comprise a central aperture defined in the center of the base member and configured to receive a machine tool bit. The machine tool may be a router or a handheld rotary tool and the machine tool bit may be a routing bit, a sanding bit, or a polishing bit. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the base member is greater than or equal to 9/16 of an inch. The debris-directing structure may also be configured to have a concave surface.
In at least one embodiment, the rotatable member is formed of steel. This rotatable member may also be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The base member and retaining member may be formed of synthetic resin. The vertically extending posts may be configured to be substantially cylindrical and the debris aperture and the debris channel may be configured to have rounded edges.
In certain embodiments, a machine tool comprises a rotary bit, a base member configured to surround the rotary bit, a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member and around the rotary bit, a debris channel formed in the base member, and a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel. The machine tool may also further comprise a suction device in operative connection with the debris channel and configured to draw debris generated by the rotary bit through the debris channel and towards the suction device. In at least one embodiment, the base member is integrally formed with the machine tool.
According to at least one embodiment, a method for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool comprises removably attaching a base member to the machine tool, providing a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member, defining a debris channel in the base member, attaching a debris-directing structure to the rotatable member, and directing debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel via the debris-directing structure. This method may also further comprise operatively connecting a suction device to the debris channel and drawing dust and debris generated by the machine tool through the debris channel and towards the suction device.
Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the present invention. These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present invention.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In addition, while base member 20 may be formed of any number or combination of synthetic or naturally occurring materials, in certain embodiments base member 20 is formed of a synthetic thermosetting resin, such as phenolic resin. Similar to conventional dust collection attachments, base member 20 may be formed to have a thickness of between ¼ of an inch to ½ of an inch. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment base member 20 is formed to have a thickness of between 9/16 of an inch to 1 inch in order to provide sufficient support for its external and internal structure.
According to certain embodiments, a plurality of apertures 22 provided along the upper surface of base member 20 are configured to retain fasteners for securely, yet removably, attaching machine tool attachment 10 to a machine tool. However, machine tool attachment 10 may also be removably attached to the base of a machine tool using any number of alternative structures or configurations; including, for example, by clamping, snap fitting, or otherwise removably attaching machine tool attachment 10 to the base of a machine tool. Machine tool attachment 10 may also be integrally formed with, instead of removably attached to, the base of a machine tool. In other words, machine tool attachment 10 may be formed as an integral part of a machine tool during the manufacturing process, instead of being retrofitted or attached thereto.
As illustrated in
According to at least one embodiment, a channel 34 is provided in suction fitting 30 and is configured to receive a suction hose 80 (illustrated in
As seen in
As seen in
In certain embodiments, the diameter of outer circumference 42 (
In certain embodiments, rotatable member 40 is rotatably retained within base member 20 by a retaining member 50. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In many embodiments, the heights of posts 58 are chosen such that, even after retaining member 50 has been firmly attached to posts 58, a small gap G (
Although retaining member 50 is illustrated as being substantially cylindrical in shape, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that retaining member 50 may be formed of any number of shapes, sizes or configurations capable of retaining rotatable member 40 within base member 20. For example, table 54 of retaining member 50 may be formed in the shape of a square, rectangle, oval, or other appropriate shape. Further, the inner diameter of retaining member 50 may be varied as necessary to accommodate rotary bits of differing sizes and shapes. In addition, while retaining member 50 may be formed of any number or combination of synthetic or naturally occurring materials, in at least one embodiment retaining member 50 is formed of a synthetic thermosetting resin, such as phenolic resin.
As illustrated in
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
Although debris-directing structure 60 may be mounted to rotatable member 40 in any numbers of ways and configurations, in at least one exemplary embodiment fasteners inserted through holes in debris-directing structure 60 are threaded into mounting apertures 48 provided in rotatable member 40. Mounting apertures 48 may be positioned in close proximity to debris aperture 46 such that, when debris-directing structure 60 is mounted to rotatable member 40, debris-directing structure 60 at least partially surrounds debris aperture 46.
As illustrated in
According to certain embodiments, as detailed above, a suction hose 80 operably connected to suction device 100 may be inserted into suction fitting 30 of machine tool attachment 10, which is mounted to, or integrally formed with, machine tool 70. As will be appreciated, suction device 100 may be used to create a high-powered vacuum to draw dust and debris generated by rotary bit 72 as it works a workpiece 90 towards an appropriate disposal point. More specifically, the high-powered vacuum created by suction device 100 may draw at least a portion of the generated dust and debris into debris aperture 46 and/or central aperture 24 operably connected to annular recess 29, through debris passageway 28, and out channel 34 into suction hose 80 (see
In order to reduce potential sources of friction encountered by the dust and debris traveling through machine tool attachment 10, the edges of each element in machine tool attachment 10 may be rounded and smoothed. For example, the edges of central aperture 24, debris aperture 46, annular recess 29, posts 58, internal debris passageway 28, opening 26, and/or channel 34 may be rounded and smoothed to allow the debris and dust traveling therethrough to pass with the least amount of resistance. The surfaces of one or more of these elements may also be coated with a material having an extremely low coefficient of friction, such as the polymer compound polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
As will be appreciated, the exemplary configuration illustrated in
For example, as illustrated in
Advantageously, by substantially surrounding or enclosing the face of workpiece 90 being machined, a substantial majority of the debris and dust particles generated by rotary bit 72 may be directed by debris-directing structure 60 into debris aperture 46 and central aperture 24, which are operably connected to suction device 100 via suction hose 80. Thus, even though the debris and dust particles generated by rotary bit 72 may be propelled away from workpiece 90 at extreme velocities, debris-directing structure 60 serves to deflect and direct this fast-moving dust and debris towards central aperture 24 and debris aperture 46 to be suctioned away by suction device 100.
Accordingly, by directing this fast-moving dust and debris towards debris aperture 46 and central aperture 24, machine tool attachment 10 enables suction device 100 to draw away and collect significantly more dust and debris than has been conventionally possible. In particular, by mounting debris-directing structure 60 on a rotatable member 40 housed within base member 20, a user may adjustably position debris-directing structure 60 to substantially surround rotary bit 72 and the face of workpiece 90 to more effectively draw away the generated dust and debris into debris aperture 46 and central aperture 24. In many cases, use of machine tool attachment 10 has resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of dust and debris dispersed into the worksite. Further, the position of debris-directing structure 60 may be rotatably adjusted as needed by a user to avoid interfering with the path of machine tool 70 as it travels along a workpiece 90.
The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and aspects and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool, the apparatus comprising:
- a base member configured to be removably attachable to the machine tool;
- a rotatable member rotatably retained within the base member;
- a debris channel formed in the base member;
- a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a debris aperture formed in the rotatable member;
- wherein the debris aperture is configured to be in continuous operative connection with the debris channel throughout the entire range of rotation of the rotatable member.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a suction fitting attached to the base member;
- wherein the suction fitting is operatively connected to the debris channel and is configured to receive a suction hose attached to a suction device.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
- an annular recess formed in the base member;
- a plurality of vertically extending posts provided within the annular recess;
- a retaining member mounted to the plurality of vertically extending posts;
- wherein the rotatable member is configured to be substantially annular in shape and the retaining member is configured to rotatably retain the rotatable member within the annular recess.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:
- a recessed shelf formed along the circumference of the annular recess in the base member;
- wherein the rotatable member is configured to rest upon the recessed shelf;
- the retaining member is configured to be substantially annular in shape;
- at least a portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member is configured to have a larger diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member;
- the remaining portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member is configured to have a slightly smaller diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool is a router or a handheld rotary tool.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a central aperture defined in the center of the base member and configured to receive a machine tool bit.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the machine tool bit is a routing bit, a sanding bit, or a polishing bit.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the base member is greater than or equal to 9/16 of an inch.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the debris-directing structure is configured to have a concave surface.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is formed of steel.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the rotatable member is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
13. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the vertically extending posts are configured to be substantially cylindrical.
14. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the debris aperture and the debris channel are configured to have rounded edges.
15. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base member and retaining member are formed of synthetic resin.
16. A machine tool, comprising:
- a rotary bit;
- a base member configured to surround the rotary bit;
- a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member and around the rotary bit;
- a debris channel formed in the base member;
- a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel.
17. The machine tool according to claim 16, wherein the base member is integrally formed with the machine tool.
18. The machine tool according to claim 16, further comprising a suction device in operative connection with the debris channel and configured to draw the dust and debris through the debris channel and towards the suction device.
19. A method for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool, comprising:
- removably attaching a base member to the machine tool;
- providing a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member;
- defining a debris channel in the base member;
- attaching a debris-directing structure to the rotatable member;
- directing dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel via the debris-directing structure.
20. The method according to claim 20, further comprising:
- operatively connecting a suction device to the debris channel;
- drawing the dust and debris generated by the machine tool and directed by the debris-directing structure through the debris channel and towards the suction device.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 31, 2005
Publication Date: Mar 2, 2006
Inventor: Kevin Andreas (Warwick, NY)
Application Number: 11/216,236
International Classification: B24B 55/04 (20060101);