The present invention is generally directed toward vibratory finishing machines and more particularly, toward a new and improved finishing machine of the type adapted to be used with steel finishing media.
One of the objectionable characteristics of utilizing steel finishing media in vibratory finishing machines is the difficulty in obtaining the desired "flow" of the media. One of the significant reasons for such difficulty resides in the need for utilizing certain chemical compound additives in the finishing operation which have been found to severely hinder or preclude media flow, which in turn results in precluding effective workpiece finishing. Although satisfactory media flow has been obtainable in the past through the use of large counterweights, such an approach has not been feasible with steel media because of the high magnitude of media-workpiece impact which prevents obtaining the fine finish desired for the type of parts that are traditionally processed with steel finishing media.
The present invention provides a new and improved vibratory finishing machine which has been found to provide highly improved media flow at low magnitudes of media-workpiece impact, thereby obviating the various objectionable characteristics of the prior art machines. The finishing machine of the present invention utilizes a unique combination of features, including the provision of support springs for the finishing tub at a position adjacent the peripheral rim or edge of the tub, the use of an asymmetrically located weighted vibratory shaft and the additional use of an asymmetrically located tub weight that is preferably located on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis of the tub from the vibratory shaft, as will hereinafter be described in detail.
It is accordingly a general object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vibratory finishing machine.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vibratory finishing machine that is particularly, although not necessarily, adapted for use with steel finishing media and is intended to provide improved finishing action, as compared to prior known finishing machines.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved finishing machine of the above described type which incorporates a plurality of suspension or support springs that are located above the center of gravity of the finishing tub, and specifically are located directly beneath the peripheral flange or rim of the tub.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved finishing machine that is provided with an asymmetrically located weighted vibratory shaft.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vibratory finishing machine that may be provided with an asymmetrically located tub weight which is preferably located on the laterally opposite side of the longitudinal tub axis from the weighted vibratory shaft.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vibratory finishing machine wherein improved media flow is achieved in the range of low media impact with the media workpieces, whereby to improve the operational performance of the machine of the present invention.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.