EP0743891B1

EP0743891B1 - Method and apparatus for correcting diametrical taper on a workpiece

Info

Publication number: EP0743891B1
Application number: EP94910107A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kenneth A. Ii Barton; Rolf O. Bochsler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-02-09
Filing date: 1994-02-09
Publication date: 1999-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2014-02-09
Also published as: DE69421722D1; EP0743891A1; CA2182953C; EP0743891A4; CA2182953A1; DE69421722T2

Description

Technical Field

This invention relates generally to a diametrical taper correction system, and specifically to a machine and machine arm assembly utilizing in-process gauging to correct diametrical taper on a workpiece journal surface.

Background Art

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for correcting diametrical taper formed on workpiece journal surfaces, which were previously ground in a large scale manufacturing grinding machine. Taper, as known in the art, is a condition in which the diameter of a bearing surface is not constant along the axial length of the surface. This condition occurs when grinding machines used to grind the workpieces are improperly maintained or when the various abrading means used to remove material from the workpiece are inadequately dressed during operation.

The prior art contains various examples of grinding processes and machines that utilize an in-process gauging system for altering or inducing modifications in a grinding process to correct taper. As it is known in the art, in-process gauging is a method of controlling a grinding or finishing operation in a machine wherein engagement of the grinding or abrading means with the workpiece is controlled in real-time by a measurement signal generated from a gauge that is likewise in contact with the workpiece surface. The grinding process can then be varied and different results achieved by modifying various controls within the grinding process in relation to the gauging signals.

Prior to this invention, in-process gauging was used to correct taper existing on a plurality of diameters on a workpiece by altering the grinding angle of the grinding wheel in relation to the workpiece during the grinding process. An example of this method is disclosed in U.S. Reissue Patent No. 28,082 to Price, reissued July 23, 1974. The Price patent discloses a multiple or wide wheel grinding machine with a means provided to vary the relative grinding angle between the surfaces of a workpiece to be ground and the grinding wheel.

In the grinding machine of the Price patent, a pair of electrical size gauges are disposed alongside the workpiece on separate axially spaced bearing surfaces. These size gauges generate electrical signals as the workpiece is being rotated about its longitudinal axis during the grinding cycle. The two signals are compared directly and a third signal is generated when the difference between the signals exceeds a predetermined value. The third signal actuates a means for deflecting the grinding wheel and varying the angle of the grinding contact point in response to the third signal, correcting the taper previously existing on the part while it is in the overall grinding process.

U.S. Patent No. 3,271,910 to Aisch discloses a method for correcting the size and angular relation between a workpiece to be ground and the grinding wheel. Again, two size gauges are axially spaced from each other on two different bearing surfaces of a workpiece such as a automotive crankshaft. The two gauge signals measure the diameters at the extreme ends of the workpiece. When differences are noted in the measured diameters and an independent master diameter, a servo motor is engaged to displace the tail stock, thereby changing the angle that the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece surfaces being ground. This displacement continues until deviations from the master diameter are compensated for (i.e. until there is no longer differences between the diameters measured and the master diameter).

As energy efficiency and fuel consumption considerations become more and more important to automotive manufacturers, bearing journal surfaces on internal combustion engine components and related machine components will continue to be machined to closer and closer tolerances. Increased bearing loads, higher operating speeds and greater durability requirements in today's internal combustion engine manufacturers also further the need for precision finishing of journal bearing surfaces. Included with the requirement for more precision finishing is the need to reduce diametrical taper existing on bearing surfaces. As disclosed in the prior art patents above, taper correction was generally utilized as part of the ongoing grinding process and not as an independent operation used to generate higher quality parts.

Prior art methods utilized a modification in angular relation between the longitudinal axis of the workpiece being ground and the longitudinal axis of the grinding tool or wheel. Taper conditions were measured by taking individual diameter readings from two different bearing surfaces spaced axially apart. As disclosed in the prior art patents, the gauge points were generally spaced apart as far as possible by placing one gauge point on the bearing surface closest to one end of the workpiece and one gauge point on the bearing surface closest to the opposite end of the workpiece.

The relative positioning of these gauges is useful in determining whether there is a difference in diameter between the two surfaces being gauged but fails to measure any of the bearing surface configurations spaced axially between the two gauged surfaces on the workpiece. As is known in the art, there are numerous variables in the grinding process such as grinding means dress intervals, grinding means dress quality and the overall general maintenance of the grinding machine. Thus, utilizing in-process gauging to determine the diameters of the bearing surfaces at two axially spaced positions does not give an accurate indication of the diametrical taper conditions that may exist on bearing surfaces spaced between the two engaging positions.

In process gauging in combination with microfinishing operations is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,095,663 to Judge et al. The Judge et al patent discloses a microfinishing device using in process gauging to measure the diameter of an internal bearing system during the microfinishing process. The microfinishing process is terminated once a predetermined diameter is achieved on the part. The Judge et al patent discloses the use of size control shoes which monitor the diameter of the journal surface using stationary probes in conjunction with air gauges.

The Judge et al patent further discloses the use of an abrasive backed tape to remove material upon the journal surface upon rotation of the workpiece. A microfinishing shoe is used for pressing the abrasive coated film against a portion of a circumference of a journal surface. The microfinishing shoe disclosed is configured as a one-piece, solid, construction capable of applying only grinding forces transferred from the scissor type action of the grinding arm the shoe is affixed to.

US-A-5 148 636, which is also assigned to Judge et al., discloses the nearest prior art and describes a microfinishing machine comprising means enabling enhanced control over journal configurations to control journal geometry deviations such as tapering.

Summary Of The Invention

The invention is defined in claims 1, 2 and 15, respectively.

In accordance with the present invention, a taper correcting microfinishing arm assembly is provided for reducing taper on selected journal surfaces of a workpiece. The assembly includes a means for applying a variable abrading pressure to a selected journal surface at predetermined locations. At least two diameter gauges are disposed along the surface during rotation of a workpiece and generate gauging signals representing the diameter of the surface at two axially spaced locations along the surface. A means for comparing the gauging signals and generating a control signal for applying a variable abrading pressure to correct the taper is included.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a taper correcting microfinishing arm assembly for reducing taper on selected journal bearing surfaces of a workpiece.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a taper correcting microfinishing arm that reduces taper on selected journal bearing surfaces of a workpiece by utilizing in-process gauging at selected bearing surfaces to be finished along the axial length of a workpiece.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for reducing taper automatically without losing contact between the grinding means on the surface of a workpiece and the bearing journal surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to utilize at least two diameter gauge points per bearing surface to be finished in the in-process gauging apparatus for arriving at a more accurate determination of the diametrical taper existing on the workpiece.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a means for comparing the diameters found on the bearing surface of the workpiece and controlling a means for applying a variable pressure to the bearing surface to reduce the defined diametrical taper.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a means for applying a variable pressure to the bearing surface contained on the workpiece with at least two independently variable back-up shoes which are utilized to reduce taper defined on the workpiece.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a taper correcting microfinishing machine for reducing taper on a selected rotatable bearing journal surface of a workpiece including a means for rotating the surface of the workpiece past a predetermined location and a means for applying a variable abrading pressure to the selected bearing journal surface at that predetermined location. The microfinishing machine includes a means for gauging the selected surface at space points during rotation generating gauging signals that represent a diameter of the selected bearing journal surface and a means for comparing the gauging signals to generate a controlling signal for applying variable pressure to correct taper.

The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

FIGURE 1 is a side view of the taper correcting microfinishing arm assembly for the machine of the present invention showing a journal diameter in cross-section;

FIGURE 2 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the variable grinding apparatus and a workpiece with an exaggerated taper and including the location of gauging points;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic view of the general control system for the present invention; and

FIGURE 4 is a side view of a plurality of microfinishing arm assemblies embodying the present invention shown in use with a crankshaft.

Best Mode For Carrying Out The Invention

Referring now to Figure 1, a microfinishing arm assembly is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 10. Microfinishing arm assembly 10 is shown in use adjacent a crankshaft 12 having a bearing journal surface 14 which requires taper correction. Taper correction fixture 16 is attached to microfinishing arm assembly 10 and is disposed directly adjacent bearing journal surface 14.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a bearing journal surface 14 in contact with taper correction fixture 16 and a greatly exaggerated depiction of diametrical taper existing on the bearing journal surface. Actual diametrical taper from the high side to the low side existing on various workpieces range anywhere from 1 (one) to 2 (two) thousandths of an inch. As discussed previously, this diametrical taper is generally induced in the prior grinding processes due to numerous variables including improperly dressed grinding materials, improperly maintained grinding machines, and material variations in different grinding processes.

Details of the mechanical components of the microfinishing arm assembly are best described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. Microfinishing back-up shoes 18 and 20 are disposed immediately adjacent each other and mounted upon first finishing arm 22. It should be understood that back-up shoe 20 is identical to back-up shoe 18 and both operate in an identical manner with identical mechanical components. Backup shoe 20 is not shown in Figure 1. Backup shoe 18 is affixed to first finishing arm 22 by mounting

members

38 and 40. Mounting

members

38 and 40 have threaded

portions

42 and 44 which fit into tapped mounting

holes

46 and 48 within backup shoe 18.

Mounting

members

38 and 40 are also positioned within finishing

arm mounting holes

50 and 52. Positioning dowels 34 and 36 are permanently affixed to backup shoe 18 and are positioned in slip fit engagement to corresponding dowel pin holes within first finishing arm 22 as shown in Figure 1. In this arrangement, backup shoe 18 is affixed to first finishing arm 22 and is capable of vertical movement subject to preestablished limits corresponding to mounting

members

38 and 40.

First finishing arm 22 has an elongated bore 26 and a corresponding reciprocating piston 28. Elongated bore 26 can be configured in various shapes and sizes depending upon the fluid compressor means utilized. Reciprocating piston 28 is positioned inside elongated bore 26 and backup shoe engaging portion 56 is in direct contact with first backup shoe 18. O-

rings

30 and 32 are disposed as shown in Figure 1 for bore sealing purposes. Fluid inlet 24 is in direct fluid communication with cylinder bore 26. Figure 1 shows abrasive inserts 58 used as an abrasive means for removing material from the bearing journal surface 14. Abrasive inserts 58 are affixed within backup shoe 18 such that compressive contact of the abrasive inserts 58 with rotating bearing surface 14 removes material from bearing surface 14. Finishing arm 22, backup shoes 18 and 20, reciprocating piston 28, fluid inlet 24 and the other mechanical components used to move backup shoes 18 and 20 vertically comprise taper correction fixture 16. A second finishing arm 22 is shown in phantom in Figure 1 located below and opposite first finishing arm 22. Second finishing arm 21 includes an abrasive means (i.e. abrasive insert or abrasive coated tape) for finishing bearing surface 14 as discussed previously with respect to the abrasive means of finishing arm 22. The second finishing arm 21 is not necessary for the preferred embodiment of the present invention but may be utilized to aid in removing material from bearing surface 14.

Electromechanical gauges

60 and 62 are partially shown and disposed diametrically opposite each other on bearing journal surface 14. A second set of electromechanical gauges are not shown but are spaced axially apart from the first set of electromechanical gauges. All four electromechanical gauges lie in a plane parallel to the central axis of rotation of said workpiece.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the principle features and method of using the present invention. Bearing journal surface 14 is rotated about a longitudinal axis "C" while a first set of gauge points 64 and 66 are disposed diametrically opposite each other adjacent the bearing journal surface 14. A second set of gauge points 68 and 70 are disposed diametrically opposite each other along bearing journal surface 14 and are also spaced apart and adjacent the first set of gauge points.

It is understood that these gauge points represent either electromechanical gauges, optical gauges, or air jet gauges. The type of gauge chosen will depend upon the number of workpieces the manufacturer intends to pass through the machine and the maintenance schedule the manufacturer intends to apply to the machine. It is known in the art that air jet gauges possess characteristics more conducive to heavy finishing or grinding operations because they require fewer cleaning intervals than other gauges. This characteristic is inherent in air gauges because of the constant flux of clean air which the gauge utilizes in operation. It is understood that electromechanical gauges and optical gauges can also be utilized in this invention depending upon the various uses the assembly is subject to.

Any gauge chosen must be capable of detecting changes in size of at least .00005 inches. Gauges located at gauge points 64, 66, 68 and 70 comprise a measuring means for gauging the bearing journal surface at spaced points upon the surface. These gauges generate a plurality of gauging signals which are transferred to a processor for calculating the diameters according to the gauging signals. This processor or means for calculating diameter is designated as reference numeral 72 in Figure 3. Commercial processors are available to process the gauging signals to generate signals representing a diameter of the bearing journal surface at two planes on the bearing journal surface shown in Figure 3 as diameters D₁ and D₂. The processor then transfers these signals representing diameters to a comparator 74. The output diameter signals are compared and used to establish whether a diametrical taper exists between the two diameter locations.

Comparator 74 is programmed with instructions for determining if a taper exists on the journal surface as shown in Figure 3. Output signals received from the processor represent diameters D₁ and D₂. If the difference between D₁ and D₂ reaches a predetermined value V_o, a correctable taper is determined to be present on the part and the comparator sends a signal to the taper correction fixture for reducing taper. Predetermined constant V_o is determined by the user and is programmable into the comparator. This predetermined constant can be as low as .0002 of an inch.

Processing apparatus for comparing the diameters is commercially available and known in the prior art as a programmable controller system capable of producing a series of control signals. The comparator sends control signals to a taper correction means that applies a variable pressure to a fluid compressor 54. The backup shoes 18 and 20 are aligned above and adjacent the bearing journal surface 14. The control of the reciprocating piston thus controls the finishing pressure applied to the backup shoes. The pressure applied to the backup shoes is in turn transferred to the abrasive means located between the backup shoes and the bearing journal surface.

The backup shoes 18 and 20 are identical and have surface configurations corresponding to the shape of the bearing journal surface. The fluid compressor reacts correspondingly to signals sent by the comparator and can apply pressures as small as 10 (ten) pounds to the backup shoes.

Fluid compressor 54, not shown in Fig. 1, induces fluid either air or liquid, into elongated bore 26 through fluid inlet 24. Thus, the variable pressure that can be induced by the fluid compressor reciprocates piston 28 vertically inside cylinder 26. Piston 28 has an engaging portion 56 which is located directly above backup shoe 18 as shown in Figure 1.

As pressure is applied from the fluid compressor through the bore and to backup shoe 18, backup shoe 18 comes in contact with an abrading means for removing material on the bearing journal surface. This abrading means can be an abrasive coated tape 60 as shown in Figure 3 or a hard abrasive insert 58 as shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 3, the conventional abrasive coated tape is disposed between shoes 18 and 20 and bearing surface 14. As those skilled in the art will recognize, any conventional abrasive coated tape feed device may be affixed to fixture 16 to feed abrasive tape between the shoes 18 and 20 and the bearing surface 14. Hard abrasive inserts can be found in various compositions such as diamond honing stones, garnet honing stones or other like materials. Different compositions remove material at different rates and produce different surface finishes.

In operation, the exaggerated taper shown in Fig. 2 is reduced by the following procedure. The control signals received from comparator 74 are sent to fluid compressor 54 which activates and brings either backup shoe 18 or 20 or both down into compressive contact with journal bearing surface 14 depending upon the amount and direction of taper existing on the workpiece. Figure 2 shows an exaggerated taper existing on the bearing journal surface with the high side of the taper below backup shoe 18 and the low side below backup shoe 20. If a taper exists on the journal bearing surface as shown in Fig. 2, backup shoe 18 and 20 are brought down simultaneously at pressures corresponding to signals received from the comparator. These signals will force backup shoes 18 and 20 down into compressive contact with an abrading means for removing material on the bearing journal surface. This variable pressure will continue until the amount of material removed from the surface brings the differences between diameters D₁ and D₂ below predetermined constant V_o.

Figure 4 shows seven taper correction microfinishing arm assemblies used in conjunction with a means for rotating a workpiece about a longitudinal axis. The means for rotating, head stock 76 and tail stock 78 is shown in Figure 4. The microfinishing machine of the present invention can be configured to accommodate as many microfinishing arm assemblies as needed for each individual journal bearing surface included on a workpiece.

Figure 4 shows a crankshaft having seven journal surfaces and seven corresponding taper correction arm assemblies. Four taper correction

microfinishing arm assemblies

82, 84, 86, 88 are disposed adjacent four main bearing journal surfaces 90, 92, 94, 96. Three taper correction

microfinishing arm assemblies

98, 100, 102 are disposed adjacent three pin bearing journal surfaces 104, 106, 108. Machine base 80 is used to mount head stock 76, tail stock 78 and microfinishing arm assemblies according to the present invention. The workpiece, in this example a crankshaft, can be rotated by various methods such as power roller or between centers as shown in Figure 4.

While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of modification, variation and change without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

A microfinishing machine including a microfinishing arm assembly (10) for reducing taper on selected bearing journal surfaces (14) of a workpiece (12) which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (C), past predetermined locations, the arm assembly (10) comprising:

a primary finishing arm (22);

a taper correction mechanism (16, 54) for applying independently variable grinding pressures to the selected journal surfaces (14) at the predetermined locations, the taper correction mechanism (16, 54) being mounted on the primary finishing arm (22);

a primary abrasive (58, 61) for finishing the journal surfaces (14), the primary abrasive (56, 61) cooperating with the taper correction mechanism (16, 54) to remove material from the selected journal surfaces (14) to reduce taper thereof;

a measuring mechanism (60, 62; 64, 66, 68,70) for gauging each of the selected bearing journal surfaces (14) at a plurality of spaced points thereon during rotation of the workpiece (12) to generate a plurality of gauging signals;

a processor (72) in electrical contact with the measuring mechanism (60, 62; 64, 66, 68, 70) for receiving the gauging signals, for calculating the diameters (D₁, D₂) of the selected journal surfaces (14) at the spaced points and for generating a plurality of output signals corresponding to the diameters (D₁, D₂) of the selected journal surfaces (14) at the spaced points; and

a comparator (74) in electrical contact with the processor (72) for comparing the output signals to determine the taper on the selected journal surfaces (14) and controlling the extent to which the taper correction mechanism (16, 54) applies variable grinding pressure to the selected surfaces (14) to correct the taper.
A microfinishing machine for reducing taper on selected bearing journal surfaces (14) of a workpiece (12), comprising:

a machine base (80);

a primary finishing arm (22) affixable to the base (80);

a rotating mechanism (76, 78) for rotating the workpiece (12) about a longitudinal axis (C) thereby causing the selected journal surfaces (14) to rotate past predetermined locations, the rotating mechanism (76, 78) being affixable to the base (80);

a taper correction mechanism (16, 54) for applying independently variable grinding pressures to the selected journal surfaces (14) at the predetermined locations, the taper correction mechanism (16, 54) being mounted on the primary finishing arm (22);

a primary abrasive (58, 61) for finishing the selected journal surfaces (14), the abrasive (58, 61) cooperating with the taper correction mechanism (16, 54) to remove material from the selected journal surfaces (14) to reduce taper thereof;

a measuring mechanism (60, 62; 64, 66, 68, 70) for gauging each of the selected bearing journal surfaces (14) at a plurality of spaced points thereon during rotation of the workpiece (12) to generate a plurality of gauging signals;

a processor (72) in electrical contact with the measuring mechanism (60, 62; 64, 66, 68, 70) for receiving the gauging signals, for calculating the diameters (D₁, D₂) of the journal surfaces (14) at the spaced points and for generating a plurality of output signals corresponding to the diameters (D₁, D₂) of the selected journal surfaces (14) at the spaced points; and

a comparator (74) in electrical contact with the processor (72) for comparing the output signals to determine the taper on the selected journal surfaces (14) and controlling the extent to which the taper correction mechanism (16, 54) applies variable grinding pressure to the selected surfaces (14) to correct the taper thereof.
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the taper correction mechanism (16, 54) comprises a plurality of backup shoes (18, 20) affixable to the finishing arm (22) and an actuator (28) for applying independent variable pressure to the backup shoes (18, 20).
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the actuator (28) comprises:

a cylindrical bore (26) located within the finishing arm (22);

a reciprocable piston (28) disposed within the cylindrical bore (26);

a fluid inlet (24) disposed within the primary finishing arm (22); and

a variable pressure source (54) adapted for use in cooperation with the primary finishing arm (22),
wherein the bore (26), piston (28) and fluid inlet (24) are each in fluid communication with the variable pressure source (54) for inducing a pressurised fluid into the fluid inlet (24) to apply a variable pressure to the backup shoes (18, 20).
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the variable pressure source (54) comprises a fluid compressor.
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the primary abrasive (58) comprises an abrasive insert affixable to the backup shoes (18).
A microfinishing machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the primary abrasive (61) comprises an abrasive coated tape.
A microfinishing machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the measuring mechanism comprises a first pair of gauges (64, 66) positioned at diametrically opposite locations adjacent the selected journal surfaces (14) and a second pair of gauges (68, 70) positioned at diametrically opposite locations adjacent the selected journal surfaces (14), the first and second pairs of gauges (64, 66; 68, 70) being selectively spaced apart from each other and disposed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (C) of rotation.
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second pairs of gauges (64, 66; 68, 70) are air jet gauges.
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second pair of gauges (64, 66; 68, 70) are optical gauges.
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second pairs of gauges (64, 66; 68, 70) are electromechanical gauges.
A microfinishing machine as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising:

a secondary finishing arm (21) including a unitary backup shoe (18) adapted to be located below and directly opposite the primary finishing arm (22); and

a secondary abrasive (58) for finishing the journal surfaces (14), the secondary abrasive (58) being mounted on the secondary finishing arm (21) and adapted for use in cooperation with the taper correction mechanism (16).
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the secondary abrasive comprises an abrasive insert (58) affixable to the unitary backup shoe (18).
A microfinishing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the secondary abrasive comprises an abrasive coated tape (61).
A method of reducing taper on selected bearing journal surfaces (14) of a workpiece (12) which is rotated about a longitudinal axis (C) past predetermined locations, comprising:

providing a finishing arm (21, 22) having abrasive means (58, 61) mounted thereon for finishing selected journal bearing surfaces (14);

providing measuring means (60, 62; 64, 66, 68, 70) mounted on the finishing arm (21, 22);

measuring the selected journal bearing surfaces (14) at a plurality of spaced points thereon during rotation of the workpiece (12);

generating a plurality of gauging signals in accordance with the journal bearing surface measurements;

analyzing the gauging signals and calculating the diameters (D₁, D₂) of the selected journal surfaces (14) at the spaced points;

generating a plurality of output signals corresponding to the diameters (D₁, D₂) of the selected journal surfaces (14) at the spaced points;

providing comparator means (74) for comparing the output signals to determine the taper on the selected journal surfaces (14) and generating corresponding control signals;

providing taper correction means (16, 54) in electrical contact with said comparator means for receiving said control signals, said taper correction means (16, 54) being mounted on the finishing arm (21, 22); and

applying variable grinding pressure to the selected journal surfaces (14) in accordance with the control signals to correct the taper.