QUICK RETURN MECHANISM IN PLANING MACHINE

Mainly of 3 types
Using open and crossed belt drive mechanism Using a reversible motor Using hydraulic systems

WHAT IS A PLANING MACHINE ?

 A machine for planing is any machine which produces plane surfaces. The piece of work to be planed shall move to and fro, but not the cutting-tool. The piece is thus moved by means of a moving table, to which the article is fastened with screwbolts and plates. The tool horizontal feed is given during return or backward stroke of the worktable.

PLANING MACHINE

OPEN SIDE PLANER

DOUBLE HOUSING PLANER

QUICK RETURN MECHANISM ???

BASIC WHITWORTH QUICK RETURN MECHANISM

 A mechanism which converts rotary motion into reciprocating motion. Characterized by slow cutting motion and a quick return. Essentially a four-bar chain. In planer, the quick return mechanism is implemented through Open and cross belt drive Reversible motor

OPEN AND CROSS BELTDRIVE MECHANISM

OPEN DRIVE MECHANISM WITH RACK AND SPUR GEARS

A - Crossed Belt B - Crossed Belt C - Rack

D - Table E - Bull Gear F - 2 ND Intermediate

G - 1 ST Intermediate H - Drive Pinion

CROSS BELT DRIVE MECHANISM WITH RACK AND SPUR GEARS

A - Counter Shaft B - Crossed Belt C - Open Belt D - Belt Shifter

E - Table F - Rack G - Drive pinion and Tight pulley Shaft H - Bull Gear

I - 2 ND Intermediate J - 1 ST Intermediate K - Tight pulleys L - Loose Pulleys

OPEN AND CROSS BELT DRIVE MECHANISM

Open and crossed belt drive

In open and cross belt drive, the belts are alternatively used as drivers to reciprocate the table. The cross belt with a greater arc of contact on the larger pulley is used to drive the table on the cutting stroke or forward stroke. Two belts, one open and one crossed operate on loose and tight pulleys. Crossed belt is used for forward or cutting stroke and the open belt for return motion. The open and Crossed belt making a greater arc of contact on the pulley is considered better for driving the table on the cutting stroke.

 crossed belt drive mechanism permits operation of the gear train in such a manner that the table will travel slowly on the cutting stroke and travel faster on the return stroke. Pulleys keyed to the drive pinion shaft are called tight pulleys and those which turn freely on the shaft are called loose pulleys. The larger tight pulley is used for the slower forward speed or cutting stroke drive and the smaller tight pulley is used for the quicker return stroke.

 During cutting stroke the crossed belt is on the tight pulley, the open belt is on the loose pulley and the position is reverse during the return stroke. Belt shifter reverse lever and the trip dogs*: are responsible for relative shifting of belt automatically at the end of each stroke without stopping the machine. *Trip dogs are provided, one each at both ends of the planer table. At the end of each stroke, the trip dog meets against the reverse lever, actuates the belt shifter and thus the table movement is reversed.

REVERSIBLE MOTOR

A - Driving Motor B - Flexible Coupling C - Worm D - Column

E - Worm shaft entering machine bed at an angle F - Table G - Table Rack

I - Worm

J - Bed of Machine K - Worm wheel

H - Shaft supported L - Box shown in bearing both broken to expose sides of worm drive

PLANER REVERSIBLE MECHANISM WITH RACK AND WORM

Planers are driven direct by a coupled motor in place of the old method of open and crossed belt drive. The reciprocating motion of the planer table is obtained by driving through a worm on to a rack attached to the length of the underside of the table. The reversal of the drive for cutting and return strokes is obtained in most cases, by reversing the motor itself either by field or phase changing.

 The main driving motor may be fed with a variable voltage ,direct current of reversible polarity from a special motor-generator set which forms part of the equipment of the planer. Special types of motors and control gear are incorporated to ensure a rapid but controlled reversal, as well as a steady acceleration which is necessary in order to avoid a sudden impact upon the tools as they commence their cut. A control unit is present which is responsible for the automatic reversal.

TWO TYPES OF CONTROL MECHANISM

 The trip cams are carried on the table itself and are set to actuate the switch gear through a rocking lever. Trips are mounted on one side of the planer table with a gap between them equal to the stroke length. The trip cams are carried on the table itself and are set to actuate the switch gear through a rocking lever.

Trips are mounted on one side of the planer table with a gap between them equal to the stroke length.

 The other control mechanism employs the principle of attaching the trips to a circular flange whose revolving movement synchronises with the longitudinal motion of the table.

ADVANTAGES OF REVERSIBLE MOTOR MECHANISM

Large number of cutting and return speeds can be obtained. Higher return speeds are possible. The control is quick accurate and more responsive.