WORKPIECE PROCESSING APPARATUS BLAST GUN PLATE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Aspects of the present application include a configurable blast gun plate assembly, which allows the workpiece processing apparatus to accommodate workpieces of different shapes and sizes. In an embodiment, a blast gun assembly for processing workpieces includes a platform, a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, a blasting gun held onto the platform via the collar and the blast gun support structure. The platform is substantially horizontal, and the blast gun support structure is configured to releasably hold the collar in a predetermined position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/310,385, entitled “PARTS PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH BLAST ASSEMBLY,” filed Feb. 15, 2022, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally pertains to processing workpieces, and more particularly to apparatuses for applying a treatment to a workpiece by blasting.

BACKGROUND

Peening refers to a process that involves striking the surface of a workpiece (e.g., a metal object) with a medium (e.g., small metal balls or shot) to produce a compressive residual stress layer and to improve the fatigue strength of the workpiece. Accordingly, media blasting a workpiece improves the durability of a workpiece. An example of peening is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,897, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other exemplary methods of media blasting and finishing are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,453,305 and 10,773,358, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Peening can be performed using a workpiece processing apparatus, such as a peening machine or a shot peening machine, which blasts peening media onto the surface of the workpiece under high pressure. The machine may include one or more components, such as a blasting gun, for blasting the workpiece with a high velocity stream of material in a blasting chamber.

However, a challenge arises in processing workpieces of varying shapes and sizes. One such challenge is adaptability. The apparatus must be capable of accommodating different shapes and sizes of parts. This may require the use of adjustable or interchangeable nozzles, as well as other apparatus components that can be adjusted to accommodate the specific requirements of each part. Another challenge is cost. The peening apparatus can be expensive, and having separate machines for different part sizes may not be cost-effective.

To address these challenges, aspects of the present application include a configurable blast gun plate assembly, which allows the workpiece processing apparatus to accommodate workpieces of different shapes and sizes.

Other aims, objects, advantages and features of the disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a blast gun assembly for processing workpieces includes a platform, a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, a blasting gun held onto the platform via a collar and the blast gun support structure. The platform is substantially horizontal, and the blast gun support structure is configured to releasably hold the collar in a predetermined position.

In another embodiment, a blast gun assembly for processing workpieces includes an assembly support structure, a platform connected to the assembly support structure, a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, and a blasting gun held onto the platform via a collar and the blast gun support structure. The platform is substantially horizontal, and the blasting gun comprises a nozzle and is removably attached to a hose for receiving a blasting medium. The blast gun support structure is configured to releasably hold a collar in a predetermined position and configured to alternate between an open position for accepting the collar and a closed position for holding the collar; and

In yet another embodiment, A workpiece processing apparatus includes a turn table, a workpiece holder disposed on the turn table, and a blast gun assembly for processing workpieces. The blast gun assembly for processing workpieces includes a platform, a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, a blasting gun held onto the platform via the collar and the blast gun support structure. The platform is substantially horizontal, and the blast gun support structure is configured to releasably hold the collar in a predetermined position.

The foregoing summary provides examples of certain aspects of the innovation, and should not be read to limit anything in the disclosure or claims of this or any related application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as a non-limiting example only, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a blast gun plate assembly for a workpiece processing apparatus, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts a workpiece holder with workpieces that can be blasted using the blast gun plate assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged view of the blast gun plate assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts another enlarged view of the blast gun plate assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts a top-down view of the blast gun plate assembly including an assembly support structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the blast gun plate assembly including the assembly support structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of the blast gun plate assembly including the assembly support structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the blast gun plate assembly including the assembly support structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the blast gun plate assembly blasting workpieces, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

The embodiments set out herein are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner. Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments for carrying out aspects of the disclosure as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced using one or more other embodiments of the subject technology. In one or more embodiments of the subject technology, structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the disclosure. However, other alternative structures, functions, and configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the present disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term “or” is to be considered inclusive.

In an automatic workpiece processing apparatus, the blasting gun or nozzle and workpiece holder are used to fully automate the processing of workpieces. The apparatus may use methods such as shot peening, which, for example, involves blasting the surface of the workpiece with small, high velocity shot particles to create a compressive residual stress layer on the surface. This process can improve the fatigue resistance and durability of the workpiece.

One example of an automatic workpiece processing apparatus is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,897. In this apparatus, a shaft and spindle assembly may be used to hold the workpiece in place during processing. A workpiece-hold down assembly may also be used to apply pressure to the workpiece, maintaining it in a fixed position on the shaft while the blasting process is occurring. Multiple blasting guns or nozzles may be used to blast the workpiece with material, providing a uniform and efficient processing solution.

Overall, the use of a blasting gun or nozzle in combination with a workpiece holder in an automatic workpiece processing apparatus can provide an efficient and effective solution for processing workpieces by methods such as shot peening. The apparatus allows for fully automated processing, which can improve processing speed and consistency, while also reducing the risk of human error.

A problem exists, however, in that workpieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each workpiece may require a different blasting configuration to be processed effectively. This can include changes to the size of the nozzles and hoses used in the blasting process, which can be a time-consuming and complex task. To address this problem, it is desirable to have a blasting assembly that is easily reconfigurable, allowing for changes to be made quickly and efficiently depending on the specific requirements of each blasting operation. The assembly would be reconfigurable depending on the circumstances of a blasting operation, including factors such as the material being processed, the number of nozzles and hoses required, the location of the nozzles and hoses, the size of the workpieces, and other relevant factors. This ability to adapt to different circumstances would improve the efficiency, speed, and versatility of the workpiece processing operation.

Referring to FIG. 1, a blasting assembly 10 is shown. The blasting assembly 10 could be used in a workpiece processing apparatus similar to that as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,897, incorporated by reference herein. In the blasting assembly 10, the hoses 12 serve as a conduit for the blasting medium, which can be made of various materials such as metal, glass, or ceramic granular material. The plurality of hoses 12 may be removably connected to a plurality of blasting nozzles 14 (e.g., via a sleeve 28).

Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of nozzles 14 are shown. The blasting nozzles 14 are responsible for directing the blasting medium at the workpiece 50, which may be held in place by a workpiece holder 42. The blasting nozzles 14 are utilized to bombard, at a high velocity, workpieces 50 by directing a blasting material at the workpieces 50. The workpieces 50 may be engaged with workpiece holders 42 on a turntable 44, providing ease of access and facilitating efficient processing. The blasting process may take place within a blasting chamber, where the workpiece 50 is exposed to the impact of the blasting medium, which can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the workpiece.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the position of the blasting nozzles 14 is facilitated through the blast gun plate assembly 20. The blast gun plate assembly 20 comprises a platform 22 that supports one or more blast gun support structures 24. These support structures, in one example, are metallic blocks that are affixed to the platform 22 through methods such as welding or the use of connectors such as screws or rivets. In some embodiments, the platform 22 features an arcuate shape, allowing for an arcuate spray pattern to be achieved through the proper positioning of the support structures 24 and nozzles 14.

In some embodiments, the blast gun support structures 24 may be cast integrally with the platform 22, providing a durable and reliable foundation for the positioning of the nozzles 14. This configuration provides for versatility and ease of use, allowing for the nozzles 14 to be repositioned as necessary to accommodate the varying needs of different processing operations.

Referring further to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the hoses 12 and nozzles 14 may be connected to the blast gun support structures 24 through the use of collars 26. A hose 12 may be equipped with a sleeve 28, and a collar 26 and the sleeve 28 may be designed with aligned holes that accommodate fasteners 29, such as screws, to connect the collar 26 and the sleeve 28. The collar 26 may include a male member 31, which can be inserted into a female receptacle 33 on the blast gun support structures 24 and secured to the female receptacle 33 via a screw, a pin, a press fitting (ball connector), or any other suitable interlocking mechanism. The interlocking male member 31 and female receptacle 33 allow the collars 26 to be firmly attached to the blast gun support structures 24 and the platform 22. In some embodiments, the male member 31 joined with the female receptacle 33 may be configured so as to allow the male member 31, and thus the nozzle 14, to rotate around a vertical axis thereby controlling the direction of the blasting medium.

Accordingly, reconfiguring hoses 12 and nozzles 14 may include removing the collars 26 from blast gun support structures 24. In one example, new hoses 12 and nozzles 14 can then be attached. In another example, a new platform 22 could be inserted in assembly 20. In another example, blast gun support structures 24 could be added, removed, and/or replaced.

FIGS. 5-9 depict the blast gun plate assembly 20 and the assembly support structure 100 at various angles and various positions relative to the turntable 44. The depicted blast gun plate assembly 20 and assembly support structure 100 are intended to be examples and may be embodied in other forms that may also allow for configurability in the blast gun plate assembly 20 to accommodate for a variety of workpieces.

FIG. 5 depicts a top-down view of the blast gun plate assembly 20 including an assembly support structure 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The blast gun plate assembly 20 supports the various components (e.g., hoses 12, nozzles 14, blast gun support structures 24, and the like) used for blasting workpieces 50 with a blasting material 15. It should be understood that the hoses 12 are not depicted in order to simplify the figure.

The assembly support structure 100 supports the blast gun plate assembly 20 and may hold the blast gun plate assembly 20 in a fixed position.

In some embodiments, the assembly support structure 100 may support multiple blast gun plate assemblies (e.g., blast gun plate assembly 20a and blast gun plate assembly 20b). the assembly support structure 100 may hold the blast gun plate assemblies 20a, 20b at a configurable angle to customize the direction of the blasting material 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the blast gun plate assemblies 20a, 20b are held at an obtuse angle to form an arc and thereby an arcuate spray with the blast gun plate assemblies 20a, 20b. In some embodiments, the angle may be automatically configured such that a predetermined number of nozzles 14 are aimed at each part. For example, the assembly support structure 100 may include one or more sensors (e.g., cameras or pressure sensors) for determining the direction of one or more nozzles 14 and may capture data for determining whether and/or how to configure the angle of the blast gun plate assemblies 20a, 20b.

In some embodiments, the assembly support structure 100 may include one or more joints 51 to articulate and allow for movement of the blast gun plate assembly 20 for varying the direction of the blasting (e.g., oscillation by tilting the blast gun plate assembly 20). The joints 51a, 51b may be releasably, slidably, or otherwise connected to shafts 57 and may move along the shafts 57 to control the distance between each other. For example, the distance between the joint 51a and joint 51b may be 7.25 inches, and the distance between the joint 51a and joint 51b may be increased to widen the arc formed by the platform 22 or decreased to narrow the arc formed by the platform 22. The distance may be varied to fractions or multiples of the 7.25 inches indicated as an example.

In some embodiments, the assembly support structure 100 the one or more shafts 57 may be used to reconfigure the proximity of the blast gun plate assembly 20 to the turntable 44 and the workpieces 50. The shafts 57 may be releasably, slidably, or otherwise connected to shaft 59 and may move toward or away from the turntable 44 to control the distance between the blast gun plate assembly 20 and the turntable 44. For example, the distance between the blast gun plate assembly 20 and the turntable 44 may be 6.5 inches, and the distance between the blast gun plate assembly 20 and the turntable 44 may be increased or decreased by moving the shafts 57 toward or away, respectively, from the turntable 44. The distance may be varied to fractions or multiples of the 6 inches indicated as an example.

In some embodiments, the distance between the blast gun plate assembly 20 and the turntable 44 may be automatically configured such that the blasting material 15 from a nozzle 14 covers a predetermined surface area of a workpiece 50. For example, the assembly support structure 100 may include one or more sensors (e.g., cameras or pressure sensors) for determining the distance of one or more nozzles 14 to a workpiece 50 and may capture data for determining whether and/or how to reposition the blast gun plate assembly 20 to increase or decrease the surface area of a workpiece 50 that the blasting material 15 covers.

The workpiece processing apparatus, in which the blasting assembly 10 is included, is fully automatic and may pick up a workpiece 50 from a supply bin or other part storage facility (not shown), place the workpiece 50 in a position on a workpiece holder 42 for peening, and remove the workpiece 50 from the workpiece holder 42 after peening. The workpiece processing apparatus may include one or more sensors to monitor, for example, the direction of the blasting material 15 from one or more nozzles 14, the surface area of one or more workpieces 50 that the blasting material 15 contacts the one or more workpieces, and the like. The operation of the workpiece processing apparatus may be monitored and controlled by a suitable control device, such as an appropriate computer and the like, prior to and/or during the peening process. Based on the data from the one or more sensors, the control device may reconfigure the blasting assembly 10 (including the blast gun plate assembly 20 and/or the assembly support structure 100) to control the peening process. Reconfiguration may occur in one or more embodiments such as described above with respect to FIG. 5. With this automatic reconfiguration, the workpiece processing apparatus is capable of fully automatic operation.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the blast gun plate assembly 20 including the assembly support structure 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in the figure, the assembly support structure 100 may include one or more support beams 53 for holding upright the assembly support structure 100. The one or more support beams 53 may be connected to another frame or structure, such as the workpiece processing apparatus. In some embodiments, the assembly support structure 100 may be positioned underneath the blast gun plate assembly 20 to hold the assembly support structure 100. It should be understood that the hoses 12 and the workpiece processing apparatus are not depicted in order to simplify the figure.

FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of the blast gun plate assembly 20 including the assembly support structure 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The workpiece holders 42 may include one or more drive means (e.g., motors, belts, pulleys, etc.) for rotating the workpiece holders 42 and/or their corresponding workpieces 50. A workpiece holder 42 may include one or more spindles 45, which, for example, may be underneath the turntable 44. In some embodiments, the spindles 45 may be rotated directly by a drive motor (not shown). In some embodiments, the spindles 45 may be in contact with a drive belt (not shown) driven by an appropriate motor. The rotation of a spindle 45 may cause the rotation of a workpiece holder 42 and its corresponding workpiece 50. The rotation may be predetermined such that the workpiece 50 may be sufficiently blasted (e.g., around the circumference of the workpiece 50). For example, the spindle 45 may rotate on the order of thirty to forty rotations per minute. It should be understood that the hoses 12 and the workpiece processing apparatus are not depicted in order to simplify the figure.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the blast gun plate assembly 20 including the assembly support structure 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The blast gun plate assembly 20 may have an active and an inactive position. For example, an active position may include positioning the nozzles 14 toward a workpiece 50 at a height of the workpiece 50. The assembly support structure 100 is depicted as holding the blast gun plate assembly 20 above the turntable 44 in an active position. In an active position, the blast gun plate assembly 20 may be positioned such that the blasting material 15 is aimed at a predefined height 19, which may be defined based on the workpiece 50 to be processed. In an inactive position, the blast gun plate assembly 20 may be raised, lowered, or otherwise positioned by the assembly support structure 100. It should be understood that the hoses 12 and the workpiece processing apparatus are not depicted in order to simplify the figure.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the blast gun plate assembly 20 blasting workpieces 50, in accordance with one or more embodiments. A workpiece 50 may be held in place by a workpiece holder 42. The blast gun plate assembly 20 may be adjustably connected to the assembly support structure 100 via one or more beams 55 to reposition the nozzles 14 relative to the workpiece 50. For example, a joint 51 may include one or more fasteners that may be temporarily released to allow for the beam 55 to raise or lower the blast gun plate assembly 20 according to the height of the workpiece 50. It should be understood that the hoses 12 and the workpiece processing apparatus are not depicted in order to simplify the figure. It is to be understood that the subject technology is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The subject technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Furthermore, the subject technology is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Instead, the subject technology encompasses all of the various modifications, substitutions, and alterations that may be made without departing from the scope of the subject technology as defined by the claims. The description is to be taken as illustrative rather than limiting and is intended to include all variations, equivalents, and alternatives that would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts. The subject technology should not be limited to the examples set forth herein but should be considered in light of the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A blast gun assembly for processing workpieces, comprising:

a platform, wherein the platform is substantially horizontal;

a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, the blast gun support structure configured to releasably hold a collar in a predetermined position; and

a blasting gun held onto the platform via the collar and the blast gun support structure.

2. The blast gun assembly of claim 1, wherein the blast gun support structure is further configured to alternate between an open position for accepting the collar and a closed position for holding the collar.

3. The blast gun assembly of claim 1, further comprising an assembly support structure connected to the platform.

4. The blast gun assembly of claim 3, wherein the assembly support structure is configured to replace the platform for another platform, wherein the other platform comprises another blast gun support structure disposed on the other platform and another blasting gun.

5. The blast gun assembly of claim 3, wherein the assembly support structure is configured to oscillate the blast gun assembly.

6. The blast gun assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hose removably attached to the blasting gun for conveying a blasting medium to the blasting gun.

7. The blast gun assembly of claim 6, wherein the hose is removably attached to the blasting gun via a sleeve.

8. The blast gun assembly of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is inserted through the collar.

9. The blast gun assembly of claim 8, wherein the sleeve is affixed to the collar via a fastener.

10. The blast gun assembly of claim 1, wherein the platform has an arc shape for providing an arcuate spray pattern.

11. A blast gun assembly for processing workpieces, comprising:

an assembly support structure;

a platform connected to the assembly support structure, wherein the platform is substantially horizontal;

a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, the blast gun support structure configured to releasably hold a collar in a predetermined position and configured to alternate between an open position for accepting the collar and a closed position for holding the collar; and

a blasting gun held onto the platform via the collar and the blast gun support structure, wherein the blasting gun comprises a nozzle and is removably attached to a hose for receiving a blasting medium.

12. The blast gun assembly of claim 11, wherein the assembly support structure is configured to replace the platform for another platform, wherein the other platform comprises another blast gun support structure disposed on the other platform and another blasting gun.

13. The blast gun assembly of claim 11, wherein the blast gun comprises a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is configured to receive a nozzle and a hose.

14. The blast gun assembly of claim 13, wherein the sleeve is inserted through the collar and the sleeve is affixed to the collar via a fastener.

15. The blast gun assembly of claim 11, wherein the platform has an arc shape for providing an arcuate spray pattern.

16. A workpiece processing apparatus, comprising:

a turn table;

a workpiece holder disposed on the turn table;

a blast gun assembly for processing workpieces, comprising: a platform, wherein the platform is substantially horizontal; a blast gun support structure disposed on the platform, the blast gun support structure configured to releasably hold a collar in a predetermined position; and a blasting gun held onto the platform via the collar and the blast gun support structure; and

an assembly support structure connected to the blast gun assembly and configured to position the blast gun assembly.

17. The workpiece processing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the assembly support structure is configured to position the blast gun assembly toward the workpiece holder.

18. The workpiece processing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the assembly support structure comprises an oscillating means for oscillating the blast gun assembly.

19. The workpiece processing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the workpiece holder comprises a drive means to rotate the workpiece holder.

20. The workpiece processing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the platform has an arc shape for providing an arcuate spray pattern.