TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates to manufacturing technology. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fixture for holding workpieces for machining. Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a radial milling fixture for holding the workpieces on a computer numerical controlled machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Traditionally machines including lathes, drilling machines, milling machines are installed in manufacturing plants for machining a workpiece to required dimensions and design. Machining of the workpiece may involve processes including drilling, facing, turning, counter-sinking, counter-boring and the like. The machines may include one or more fixtures or other handling equipment for securing the workpiece on the machine during machining operation. Such fixtures or handling equipment generally allows repeatable, accurate and firm placement of the workpiece during machining process.
Generally, fixtures including vice, chuck and the like are used for securing the workpiece in the machines. These fixtures are provided with clamps which are designed to allow and secure workpieces of variable sizes and specifications. However, these fixtures may not be suitable for securing workpieces of complex specifications, as there may be additional clamps or support needed for firm placement of workpiece in the fixture. This configuration in the fixture may interrupt the machining operation or may direct the pressure or motion of machining operation [also known as feed] to the fixture itself. This configuration, therefore not only may hamper the machining operation in the plant, but also may cause potential damage to infrastructure, components, machines and even operators.
Considering the above, specially-designed fixtures are developed and used in the art. The specially-designed fixtures may be configured for and used for a particular specification of the workpiece. The specially-designed fixtures ensure geometrical stability of the workpiece after mounting, so that the workpiece rests in correct position and orientation during machining process. The specifically-design fixtures also ensure that adequate support is provided to the workpiece by means of support components such as positive stops. The support components ensure accurate feed travel to the workpiece during machining process, therefore reduce the production time for a workpiece, without damaging the fixtures.

One such configuration of fixtures is provided for finish milling a rocker arm in a horizontal milling machine. Generally, rocker arms are casted and a finishing operation is performed by machining, for use in an automobile engine. Each of the rocker arms may be secured to the fixture of the horizontal milling machine for finish milling. The finish milling process performed on the rocker arm may be a two-step process, which is a rough milling followed by a finish milling. Generally, in this configuration, only one rocker arm may be mounted for finish milling process. After completion of the finish milling operation, a subsequent rocker arm may be mounted in the fixture for finish milling. Thus, the finishing process consumes considerable time for machining a batch of rocker arms in the horizontal milling machine, by using the specially-designed fixture. Thus, the problem of production time for machining a rocker arm persists, even with the provision of a specially-designed fixture.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.
The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of an assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a radial milling fixture for securing a workpiece on a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine is disclosed. The radial milling fixture comprises a base member and a plurality of first clamping members configured on the base member. Each of the plurality of first clamping members are configured to hold a body of the workpiece. At least one second clamping member is configured adjacent to each of the plurality of first clamping members. The at least one second clamping member is configured to secure a working portion of the corresponding the workpiece. An inner region of the at least one second clamping member is configured adjacent to each of the plurality of fist clamping members to form a working region for a cutting tool.

In an embodiment, the plurality of first clamping members are configured on an outer periphery of the base member.
In an embodiment, the at least one second clamping member are configured adjacent to each of the plurality of fist clamping members are configured on an inner periphery of the base member.
In an embodiment, one or more securing clamps are provided on each of the plurality of first clamp members, wherein the one or more securing clamps secures the body of the workpiece on the base member.
In an embodiment, the base member is connectable to a spindle of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine.
In an embodiment, the cutting tool is mounted to a tool post of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine.
In an embodiment, a focal point is provided for the cutting tool, at a central location on the base member.
In an embodiment, the workpiece is a rocker arm.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for milling a workpiece in a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine is disclosed. The method comprises mounting the workpiece on a radial milling fixture, securing the workpiece on the radial milling fixture and mounting a cutting tool on a tool post of the computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine. The cutting tool is aligned within a working portion of the radial milling fixture. The workpiece is milled by the cutting tool on the radial milling fixture.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a radial milling fixture in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic front view of the radial milling fixture of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates pictorial view of the radial milling fixture of Figure 1, loaded with a workpiece in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates perspective view radial milling fixture assembled with a plurality of workpieces and attached to a spindle of the CNC machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates rocker arm after machining process, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure a radial milling fixture for a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, which may vary based on configuration of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a radial milling fixture for securing a workpiece on a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine. The present disclosure, discloses use of the CNC machine for performing a finish milling operation on a rocker arm. The CNC machine may be configured to machine multiple rocker arms in a single operation unlike conventional horizontal milling. The radial milling fixture of the present disclosure, comprises a base member connectable to a spindle of the computer numerical controlled machine and a plurality of first clamping members are configured on the base member. Each of the plurality of first clamping members are configured to hold a body of the workpiece. In an embodiment, one or more securing clamps are provided on the plurality of first clamp members to secure the body of the workpiece on the base member. At least one second clamping member is provided adjacent to each of the plurality of first clamping members and is configured to secure a working portion of the corresponding the workpiece. Further, an inner region of the at least one second clamping member is configured adjacent to each of the plurality of first clamping members to form a working region for a cutting tool. Upon operating the cutting tool provided in the CNC machine, the workpiece secured to the radial milling machine is machined, to obtain finished product.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the Figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
Figures 1 and 2 are an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with illustrates a perspective view and top view of a radial milling fixture (100) for securing workpieces on a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine (102). The radial milling fixture (100), broadly comprises a base member (1), a plurality of first clamping members (2) and at least one second clamping member (3).
The base member (1) acts as a support member for receiving components of the radial milling fixture (100). The base member (1) is connectable to a spindle (6) of the CNC machine (102), thereby enable mounting of the radial milling fixture (100) with the CNC machine (102). In an embodiment, a coupling may be provided on a rear face of the base member (1), to facilitate connection of the radial milling fixture (100) with the CNC machine (102). The coupling may be may be a key, keyway or any other coupling/fastening means, which facilitate connection of base member (1) to the spindle (6) of the CNC machine (102). The base member (1) may also be configured with a plurality of first provisions (1a) for receiving the plurality of first clamping members (2). The plurality of first provisions (1a) includes holes, nuts and the like, and the like, which are located based on design of each of the plurality of first clamping members (2).
The plurality of first clamping members (2) are fixed to the base member (1) by means of permanent joining techniques including welding and brazing or a temporary joining technique like fastening. In an embodiment, the plurality of first clamping members (2) are fastened to the base member (1). Each of the plurality of first clamping members (2) are configured with clamping means (4) for securing the workpiece. The clamping means (4) includes a shank portion (4a), configured to receive a body (101a) of the workpiece (101). The shank portion (4a) allows the body (101a) to slide on, to attain a snug fit. In an embodiment, the shank portion (4a) may be configured based on the shape of the body (101a). For example, if the shape of the body (101a) of the workpiece (101) is circular, then the shank portion (4a) may be configured in a circular shape. This configuration of the shank portion (4a) enables seating of the workpiece (101) on the base member (1). Further, the shank portion (4a) is provided with a fastener (4b), for securing the body (101a) on the shank portion (4a). A cover plate (4c) may be provided and fastened by the fastener (4b), for securing the body (101a). The cover plate

(4c) may act as a securing member or a washer for securing the workpiece (101). In an exemplary embodiment, a cutout (4d) may be provided in the cover plate (4c), to slidably insert the cover plate (4c) on the shank portion (4a). The fastener (4b), thereafter fastens the cover plate (4c) on the shank portion (4a). In an embodiment, the cutout (4d) provided in the cover plate (4c) is a C-shaped cutout extending from the centre of the cover plate (4c) to the outer diameter of the cover plate (4c).
Further, the base member (1) may include a plurality of second provisions (1b), provisioned adjacent to the plurality of first provisions (1a), for receiving the at least one second clamping member (3). Thus, the plurality of first clamping members (2) and the at least one second clamping member (3) are adjacent to each other. The plurality of second provisions (1b) includes holes, nuts and the like, which are located based on design of each of at least one second clamping member (3).
The at least one second clamping member (3) is fixed to the base member (1) by means of permanent joining techniques including welding and brazing or a temporary joining technique like fastening. In an embodiment, the at least one second clamping member (3) are fastened to the base member (1). Each of the at least one second clamping members (3) are configured for receiving and securing a working portion (101b) of the workpiece (101). The at least one second clamping member (3) is configured to lock rotation of the workpiece (101) with respect to the shank portion (4a) of the plurality of first clamping members (2) during machining. As shown in Figure.1, each of the at least one second locking member (3) comprises a base portion (11), and a protrusion (10) extending from the base for receiving and securing the working portion (101b) of the work piece. In an embodiment, the protrusion (10) may be configured based on the shape of the body (101a). For example, if the shape of the working portion (101b) is circular, the protrusion (10) is circular.
Referring to figure 2, the plurality of first clamping members (2) are configured at an outer periphery (a) of the base member (1) and the at least one second clamping member (3) is configured at an inner periphery (b) of the plurality of first clamping members (2). The plurality of first clamping members (2) and the at least one second clamping member (3) are located on the base member (1) such that, for each of the plurality of first clamping members (2) a corresponding at least one second clamping member (3) is provided. Also, the orientation of the plurality of first clamping members (2) and the at least one second clamping member (3) are such that, the body (101a) and the working portion (101b) does not restrict machining

operation of the CNC machine (102). In an embodiment, the plurality of first clamping members (2) and the at least one second clamping member (3) are oriented based on the design of the workpiece (101). Further, the arrangement of the plurality of first clamping members (2) and the at least one second clamping member (3) is such that, a working region (9) is formed. The working region (9), is the working space for the CNC machine (102), for machining the workpiece (101). In an embodiment, the working region (9) may be formed in an inner circumference of the base member (1), based on design and configuration of the workpiece (101) and the CNC machine (102).
Figures 3 and 4 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating application of radial milling fixture (100), assembled on the CNC machine (102) for machining the workpiece (101). In an embodiment, the workpiece (101) is a rocker-arm. The rocker arm (101) is a component used in IC engines for operating intake and exhaust valves. The rocker arm (101) comprises a central bore, and two arms (101b and 101c) extending from the central bore forming a substantial L shape [shown in figure 5]. One arm (101b) extending from the central bore will have a cam end, wherein at least one of cam or adjuster mechanism is provided, and the other arm (101c) may be configured to be a valve end, having adjuster mechanism. The basic shape of the rocker arm (101) may be formed by casting process, and a milling operation may be performed to at cam end (101b) of the rocker arm (101) to accommodate the cam follower.
Referring to Figure 3, the rocker-arm (101) may be aligned with one of the plurality of first clamping members (2) and with at least one of the second clamping members (3), such that the body (101a) is aligned with the shank portion (4a) and the working portion (101b) is aligned with the protrusion (10) for machining. In this orientation, the rocker-arm (101) is inserted on the radial milling fixture (100). The cover plate (4c) is then inserted over the shank portion (4a), and thereafter fastened by the fastener (4b), thereby securing the rocker-arm (101) on the radial milling fixture (100). Subsequently, another rocker-arm (101) may be secured to the radial milling fixture (100). The process continues, till a required number of rocker-arms (101) are mounted to the radial milling fixture (100) [as shown in figure 4]. In an embodiment, the rocker-arm (101) may be secured prior to mounting of the radial milling fixture (100) to the CNC machine (102).
On securing the rocker-arm (101) on the radial milling fixture (100), a cutting tool (5) provided to a tool post (7) of the CNC machine (102), is aligned corresponding to the working portion

(9). The alignment is carried out by reference of a focal point (8) provided on the base member (1). In an embodiment, the rocker-arm (101) secured to the radial milling fixture (100) may be a semi-finished rocker arm, and initial milling may be performed on a horizontal milling machine. The cutting tool (5) for machining the rocker-arm (101) is selected based on the machining operation to be carried out. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting tool (5) is selected for milling operation. The number of cutting tool (5) provided to the tool post (7) is selected based on requirement. In another embodiment, cutting tool (5) for different machining operation can be stationed in the tool post (7), based on requirement. For example, cutting tools (5) for milling, drilling, facing and boring operations can be provided at predetermined locations on the tool post (7), for simultaneously machining the rocker-arm (101).
The cutting tool (5) may be operated to approach the radial milling machine (100) for machining process. In an embodiment, the radial milling tool (100) is operated to position the cutting tool (5) in the working region (9) of the radial milling fixture (100) for machining. After positioning the cutting tool (5) in the working region (9) either the radial milling fixture or the tool may be rotated for carrying out the milling operation, such that a batch of rocker arms (101) may be subjected to the finish milling in one operation. Thus, when the tool post (7) is operated, the cutting tool (5) rotates about the working region (9), thereby machining the rocker-arm (101) to required dimensions. In an embodiment, the radial milling fixture (100) is operated to rotate about the cutting tool (5) for machining operation. The rocker-arm (101) after the machining process [shown in figure 5], is removed from the radial milling fixture (100) for further processing.
Advantages
The present disclosure provides a radial milling fixture, which can accommodate a batch or number of workpieces for simultaneous machining operations. Thereby, reduces production time of the workpiece.
The present disclosure provides a radial milling fixture, which reduces machine operation time, operator fatigue and operation cycle time.
The present disclosure provides a radial milling fixture, which reduces tool wear, consequently improving cutting tool life.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C

together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A radial milling fixture (100) for securing a workpiece (101) on a computer numerical
controlled (CNC) machine (102), comprising:
a base member (1);
a plurality of first clamping members (2) configured on the base member (1), wherein, each of the plurality of first clamping members (2) are configured to hold a body (101a) of the workpiece (101);
at least one second clamping member (3) configured adjacent to each of the plurality of first clamping members (2), the at least one second clamping member (3) is configured to secure a working portion (101b) of the corresponding workpiece (101), wherein, an inner region of the at least one second clamping member (3) configured adjacent to each of the plurality of first clamping members (2) forms a working region (9) for a cutting tool (5).
2. The milling fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first clamping members (2) are configured on an outer periphery (a) of the base member (1).
3. The milling fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second clamping member (3) configured adjacent to each of the plurality of fist clamping members (2) are configured on an inner periphery (b) of the base member (1).
4. The milling fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a clamping member (4) provided on the plurality of first clamp members (2), wherein the clamping member (4) secures the body (101a) of the workpiece (101) on the base member (1).
5. The milling fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the base member (1) is connectable to a spindle (6) of the computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine (102).
6. The milling fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting tool (5) is mounted to a tool post (7) of the computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine (102).
7. The milling fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a focal point (8) for the cutting tool (5), at a central location on the base member (1).

8. The milling fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the workpiece( 101) is a rocker arm.
9. A method for milling a workpiece (101) in a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine (102), comprising:
mounting the workpiece (101) on a radial milling fixture (100);
securing the workpiece (101) on the radial milling fixture (100);
mounting a cutting tool (5) on a tool post (7) of the computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine (102);
aligning the cutting tool (5) within a working portion (101b) of the radial milling fixture (100);
milling the workpiece (101) by the cutting tool (5) on the radial milling fixture (100).
10. A radial milling fixture (100) configurable on a computer numerical controlled (CNC)
machine (102) as claimed in claim 1.