Abstract An annular array of workpiece retaining frame assemblies are mounted on a rotary work carrier for advancing a multiplicity of workpieces, such as coiled compression springs, between one or more pairs of abrasive discs. The work carrier comprises a series of equal segments each of which supports a pair of arcuate workpiece retaining frame assemblies. Each assembly comprises a frame which lockingly embraces a number of work retaining elements or bushings in rows concentric to the carrier axis thereby to carry a maximum number of workpieces, of given diameter within a given annular area. Locking is accomplished by a series of spaced clamping screws in an arcuate peripheral frame wall which serve to force the total complement of bushings into tangential interlocking contact with each other and toward a rigid arcuate inner frame wall provided with locating depressions. The peripheral frame wall and the walls connecting the arcuate walls are made capable of flexure and the clamping screw force applied is such that the peripheral outer wall bows and the radial side walls of each frame are drawn toward each other when the clamping screws are tightened, and contribute to the clamping action or locking up of the workpiece retaining elements.
A workpiece carrier for a machine tool comprising at least one workpiece retaining frame including connected rear, front and side walls defining an opening therein, a pluarlity of cylindrical workpiece receiving bushings located within said opening with the axes thereof extending in a single outward direction with a predetermined number of said bushings lying proximate said front wall, and a corresponding plurality of individually, incrementally advanceable clamping means secured to said front wall and selectively located adjacent said predetermined number of bushings lying proximate said front wall, said corresponding plurality of clamping means being individually incrementally advanced into clamping engagement with said corresponding bushings with collective force sufficient to draw said side walls inwardly and to bend said front wall outwardly thereby assuring that each one of said plurality of workpiece receiving bushings located within said opening will be fixedly clamped within said frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A workpiece carrier for a machine tool comprising at least one workpiece retaining frame including connected rear, front and side walls defining an opening therein, a pluarlity of cylindrical workpiece receiving bushings located within said opening with the axes thereof extending in a single outward direction with a predetermined number of said bushings lying proximate said front wall, and a corresponding plurality of individually, incrementally advanceable clamping means secured to said front wall and selectively located adjacent said predetermined number of bushings lying proximate said front wall, said corresponding plurality of clamping means being individually incrementally advanced into clamping engagement with said corresponding bushings with collective force sufficient to draw said side walls inwardly and to bend said front wall outwardly thereby assuring that each one of said plurality of workpiece receiving bushings located within said opening will be fixedly clamped within said frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A workpiece carrier for a machine tool according to claim 1, further comprising a force transmitting member intermediate said bushings and said plurality of clamping means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A workpiece carrier for a machine tool according to claim 2, wherein said rear wall includes a plurality of depressions selectively located to receive a predetermined number of said bushings lying proximate said rear wall.