JP7083232B2 - Automatic grinding equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic grinding device, and more particularly to an automatic grinding device that automates a process from setting a work to starting grinding.

Conventionally, there is an automatic grinding device that automatically grinds a work by moving a wheel or a work by numerical control. This type of automatic grinding device is equipped with an operation panel for an operator to input an instruction regarding machining. Then, before starting grinding, the operator inputs and sets various machining conditions such as the size and position of the work, the position of the grindstone, and the range in which the grindstone and the work are relatively moved from the operation panel.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that in an NC grinding device that grinds a work on a table, an operator performs a so-called teaching operation in which a dress point, a right inverted end, a left inverted end, and a left end are set. .. The NC grinding apparatus of the same document has a table operation panel and left and right manual pulse handles. In setting the table position, the operator turns the left and right manual pulse handles to move the table and stops the table at the position to be set. Then, while the operator holds down the data set input button on the table operation panel, the current table position is NC-ground by pressing any of the dress point button, the right flip end button, the left flip end button, or the left end button. Input to the device.

Further, the NC grinding apparatus of the same document has a grindstone shaft up / down manual feed manual pulse handle and a grindstone shaft up / down manual feed manual pulse handle magnification changeover switch. The operator sets the movement amount of one pulse by the grindstone shaft up / down manual feed manual pulse handle magnification changeover switch, and moves the grindstone shaft up / down by the grindstone shaft up / down manual feed manual pulse handle to align the grindstone.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-326445

However, the method in which the operator operates the table operation panel and the left and right manual pulse handles to set the position of the table as in the above-mentioned conventional technique has a problem that the teaching work is complicated and the work takes time. rice field. Therefore, it has been required to facilitate the teaching work, shorten the work time by the worker, and improve the production efficiency.

In addition, the work of aligning the position of the toe requires skill. Therefore, if an unfamiliar worker performs the work of setting the position of the wheel, it takes a long time for the work, and there is a possibility that an error may occur in the position setting. Further, in the case of an inexperienced worker, the wheel may collide with the work or the like, and the work or the like may be scraped to an irreparable degree, or the wheel may be damaged.

Further, the automatic grinding device of the prior art is provided with a large number of operation buttons and the like on the operation panel, and it is not easy to operate the automatic grinding device. Therefore, in the case of an unfamiliar worker, there is a risk of erroneous operation. Therefore, there has been a demand for an automatic grinding device that is easy to operate during grinding.

Further, in the automatic grinding device of the prior art, a display unit or the like for displaying the conditions and states of grinding is provided only on the main body of the automatic grinding device or an operation panel or the like adjacent to the main body. Therefore, the worker could not confirm the state of the grinding process or the like at a place away from the automatic grinding device, and could not leave the automatic grinding device during the grinding process.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable an automatic grinding process to be automatically started by a simple operation without a worker performing teaching work or the like. The purpose is to provide a grinding device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic grinding apparatus capable of performing operations necessary for grinding and monitoring of machining information from a distant position.

The automatic grinding device of the present invention includes a grindstone for grinding a work, a support means for supporting the work, and a feed device for moving the grindstone or the support means to change the relative position between the grindstone and the work. A control device that numerically controls the feed device, a first detecting means for detecting the position of the work in the cutting direction by the wheel, and a first detecting means for detecting the position of the work in the feed direction perpendicular to the cutting direction. No. 2 detection means and a third detection provided next to the support means to blow air toward the wheel and detect the pressure of the air to detect the position of the outer peripheral surface of the wheel in the cutting direction. The control device has means, and the control device has the work and the work detected by the first detecting means, the second detecting means, and the third detecting means before starting the processing by the wheel. Based on the position information of the wheel, the range for relative movement of the wheel and the support means is calculated, and the feeding device is controlled to move the wheel or the support means to automatically process the wheel. It is characterized by starting.

According to the automatic grinding device of the present invention, a grindstone for grinding a work, a support means for supporting the work, and a feed for moving the wheel or the support means to change the relative position between the wheel and the work. A device, a control device that numerically controls the feeding device, a first detecting means for detecting the position of the work in the cutting direction by the wheel, and a detection of the position of the work in the feeding direction perpendicular to the cutting direction. The control device has the second detecting means, and the third detecting means for detecting the position of the grindstone, and the control device has the first detecting means, the said, before starting the machining by the grindstone. Based on the position information of the work and the wheel detected by the second detection means and the third detection means, the range for relatively moving the wheel and the support means is calculated, and the feeding device is controlled. The wheel or the support means is moved to automatically start machining with the wheel. This eliminates the need for the worker to perform teaching work for setting a range for relative movement of the grindstone and the work. Therefore, the burden on the worker is reduced and the work efficiency is improved. Further, by automatically setting the machining conditions and grinding, it is possible to perform high-precision and high-quality grinding regardless of the skill level of the operator.

Further, according to the automatic grinding device of the present invention, there may be an operating means connected to the control device to input an instruction for automatically starting machining with the wheel. As a result, the operator can start the grinding process only by a simple operation of inputting a start instruction by the operating means.

Further, according to the automatic grinding device of the present invention, an instruction for automatically starting the machining with the grindstone connected to the control device and an instruction for restarting the machining with the suspended grindstone are input. The first operating means to be connected to the control device and the second operating means to input an instruction for suspending the machining by the grindstone, and the second operating means connected to the control device to perform the machining by the grindstone. It may have a third operating means for inputting an instruction for stopping all. As a result, the operator can start the grinding process only by a simple operation of inputting a start instruction by the first operating means. In addition, the operator can temporarily stop the grinding process by a simple operation by the second operating means and check the processing status, etc., and then operate the first operating means to perform the grinding process. Can be resumed. Further, in an emergency or the like, the worker can immediately stop the machining operation by inputting the instruction of total stop by the third operating means. Then, the possibility of erroneous operation in those operations can be reduced.

Further, according to the automatic grinding device of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide an operation panel for inputting an instruction regarding machining to the control device. As a result, it is possible to completely eliminate erroneous operations due to an operator or the like unintentionally touching an operation button or the like.

Further, according to the automatic grinding device of the present invention, the control device has a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving processing information to and from an external device, and is a portable information communication terminal that communicates with the control device via the communication unit. It may be possible to input the processing information from. By operating the mobile information communication terminal, machining information such as machining conditions and instructions for starting or stopping machining can be input to the control device, and the operator can operate the automatic grinding device from a remote position.

Further, the processing information may be output from the mobile information communication terminal that communicates with the control device via the communication unit. As a result, the worker can know the machining information such as the machining conditions and the grinding state of the workpiece via the mobile information communication terminal, and can confirm the status of the automatic grinding device from a distant position. With such a function, the operator can operate or monitor a plurality of automatic grinding devices in parallel, so that the productivity of the grinding process is enhanced.

It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the vicinity of the wheel and the table of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram which shows the outline of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the detection by the work thickness detection sensor of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the detection by the work size detection sensor of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the detection by the wheel diameter detection sensor of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation until the grinding start of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the operation which detects the size of the work in the feed direction of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the operation which detects the size of the work in (A) X direction, (B) Z direction of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is (A) front view and (B) plan view which shows the operation which detects the size of the work in the cutting direction of the automatic grinding apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, the automatic grinding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of an automatic grinding device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic grinding device 1 is a grinding device in which the process from the setting of the work W to the start of the grinding process is automated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic grinding device 1 has a wheel 10 for grinding the work W and a table 12 as a support means for supporting the work W, and the upper surface of the work W is substantially flat by the wheel 10. It is an NC surface grinding device that grinds in a shape.

The table 12 is configured to reciprocate horizontally in the left-right direction (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "X direction") when viewed from the front. The grindstone 10 is supported by a grindstone shaft head 15 that can reciprocate in the vertical direction (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “Y direction”). Further, the wheel shaft head 15 that supports the wheel 10 is supported by a column 13 that is configured to reciprocate horizontally in the front-rear direction (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “Z direction”). The wheel head 15 and the table 12 that support the wheel 10 are numerically controlled by a control device 30 (see FIG. 3) described later, and move back and forth in the above-mentioned directions.

The ground area where the wheel 10 and the table 12 are arranged is covered by the housing 14. The substantially central front surface and the upper surface of the housing 14 are opened so that the operator can set the work W or remove the work W after processing, and the opening is provided with a door 38 that can be opened and closed. ..

On the front surface of the housing 14, a start button 42 as a first operating means, a pause button 46 as a second operating means, an emergency stop button 43 as a third operating means, and a display unit 41 are arranged. The start button 42 is an operating means for the operator to input an instruction to start the grinding process. The automatic grinding device 1 automatically detects the work W set on the table 12 and automatically starts the grinding process by simply pressing the start button 42 and inputting a start instruction. It is characterized by doing. Details will be described later.

The pause button 46 is an operation means for the operator to input an instruction for temporarily stopping the detection operation of the work W and the grinding process. When the pause button 46 is pressed by the operator, the automatic grinding device 1 temporarily stops the detection operation of the work W and the grinding process. Specifically, when the pause button 46 is pressed, the table feed device 34 (see FIG. 3), the grindstone forward / backward feed device 35 (see FIG. 3) and the grindstone vertical feed device 36 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, are pressed. The movement of the table 12 and / or the wheel head 15 by the wheel is temporarily stopped. This allows the operator to check the status of the grinding process and the like. After that, when the operator presses the start button 42, the temporarily stopped movement of the table 12 and the wheel head 15 is restarted, and the position detection operation and the grinding process are restarted.

The emergency stop button 43 is an operation means for the operator to input an instruction for detecting the work W and completely stopping the grinding process in an emergency or the like. When the emergency stop button 43 is pressed by the operator, the automatic grinding device 1 completely stops the detection operation of the work W and the grinding process. As a result, the operator can immediately stop the machining or the like by the automatic grinding device 1 in an emergency or the like.

The automatic grinding device 1 does not have an operation panel for inputting an instruction regarding machining. That is, only the start button 42, the pause button 46, and the emergency stop button 43 are provided as operating means that are always connected to the main body 2 of the automatic grinding device 1 or its vicinity. The automatic grinding device 1 is not provided with an operation button for performing teaching work, a manual pulse handle for adjusting the position of a table 12 or the like, or the like, unlike the automatic grinding device of the prior art. As a result, it is possible to completely eliminate erroneous operations due to an operator or the like unintentionally touching an operation button, a manual pulse handle, or the like.

The display unit 41 is, for example, a display or the like. On the display unit 41, for example, the allowance for the work W, the setting of the finished surface, the estimated time required for the completion of grinding, and the like are displayed. Further, the display unit 41 may display, for example, the shape of the detected work W, the current position of the wheel 10, the process currently being performed, and the like. As a result, the operator can confirm the state of grinding and the like on the display unit 41.

Further, for example, the display unit 41 may be composed of a touch panel or the like, and the start button 42 and the pause button 46 as the operation means may be displayed on the display unit 41 as icons or the like that can be touch-input. As a result, the start button 42 and the pause button 46 can be integrated with the display unit 41 to be compactly integrated.

Further, when the display unit 41 is a touch panel or the like, the display unit 41 allows the operator to touch and operate the display unit 41 to display a take-off allowance, a set value of the finished surface, and the like displayed on the display unit 41. It may be configured to be changeable. This makes it possible to set basic machining conditions and the like with a simple operation.

A separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 for an operator to make various grinding settings is detachably connected to the main body 2 of the automatic grinding device 1. The separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 is, for example, a portable dedicated operation machine or a personal computer formed so as to be portable by an operator. By operating the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51, the operator can input various set values and the like related to the machining of the work W into the automatic grinding apparatus 1.

As described above, the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 is removable from the automatic grinding device 1. Specifically, the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 is wiredly connected to the main body 2 of the automatic grinding device 1 via a detachable connector or the like. With such a configuration, the operator connects the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 to the automatic grinding device 1 only when inputting information such as grinding conditions. The separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 will be removed when the preparations for processing are completed. The automatic grinding device 1 can automatically perform grinding by the control device 30 even when the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 is removed and communication with the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 is not performed at all. can.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the wheel 10 and the table 12 of the automatic grinding device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic grinding device 1 includes a grindstone shaft head 15 having a grindstone shaft (not shown) extending in the Z direction, and a grindstone 10 is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the grindstone shaft. ..

The grindstone 10 is formed in a substantially disk shape. When the wheel 10 comes into contact with the work W while rotating, the upper surface of the work W is ground. Further, the grindstone 10 is covered with a grindstone cover 16 which opens downward. As described above, the wheel 10 is supported by the wheel head 15 that moves in the Y direction and the Z direction. Therefore, the grindstone 10 moves relative to the table 12 in the Y direction and the Z direction in conjunction with the grindstone shaft head 15.

Below the wheel 10, a table 12 serving as a supporting means for placing the work W is provided. The table 12 is, for example, an electromagnetic chuck or the like having an electromagnet or the like inside, and can support the mounted work W so as not to move by magnetic force.

Further, as described above, the table 12 is formed so as to be movable in the X direction, which is the feed direction, whereby the work W is moved to adjust the relative positions of the wheel 10 and the work W in the X direction. be able to. By moving the table 12 and the wheel head 15 respectively in this way, the relative positions of the wheel 10 and the work W in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction can be changed, respectively.

The wheel shaft head 15 is provided with a work thickness detection sensor 21 via a cover 16 or a bracket (not shown). The work thickness detection sensor 21 is a first detection means for detecting the position of the work W in the cutting direction, that is, the Y direction by the grindstone 10. Although the details will be described later, the work thickness detection sensor 21 is a contact type sensor having a probe 23 protruding downward and a contactor 22 provided at the tip thereof.

As described above, since the work thickness detection sensor 21 is attached to the grindstone shaft head 15, it moves in the Y direction and the Z direction together with the grindstone shaft head 15. It is desirable that the work thickness detection sensor 21 is attached to the outside of the wheel cover 16 at a position slightly distant from the wheel 10 in the X direction or the Z direction. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as the work thickness detection sensor 21 coming into contact with the work W or the like during grinding. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the position where the work thickness detection sensor 21 is attached may be the front surface of the grindstone cover 16 or the side surface of the grindstone cover 16.

A work size detection sensor 24 is provided on the wheel shaft head 15 in the vicinity of the wheel 10 via a bracket or the like (not shown). The work size detection sensor 24 is a second detection means for detecting the size of the work W in the feed direction, that is, the X direction and the Z direction. Although the details will be described later, the work size detection sensor 24 is a non-contact type sensor, and detects the presence or absence of the work W by, for example, a laser beam or the like. Since the work size detection sensor 24 is attached to the wheel head 15, it moves in the Y direction and the Z direction together with the wheel head 15.

Further, on the side of the table 12, an air injection nozzle 26 and a reference block 45, which are detection units of the wheel diameter detection sensor 25, are provided. The wheel diameter detection sensor 25 is a third detection means and detects the position of the wheel 10. The details will be described later, but the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 is, for example, a non-contact type sensor such as an air sensor. The air injection nozzle 26 of the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 is formed on the upper surface of the wheel diameter detection block 48 arranged next to the table 12, and moves in the X direction together with the table 12.

In the present embodiment, the grindstone diameter detection sensor 25 is given as an example of the third detection means, but the third detection means is not limited to this. As the third detection means, for example, a contact type sensor such as the work thickness detection sensor 21 may be used. Further, as the third detection means, for example, an AE sensor (Acoustic Emission Sensor) having a piezoelectric element or the like for detecting vibration may be adopted. As the third detection means, various other sensors may be adopted .

The reference block 45 is a block that serves as a reference when measuring the height and the like of the work W with the work thickness detection sensor 21. The work thickness detection sensor 21 detects the position of the upper surface of the reference block 45, and obtains the position of the upper surface of the work W and the position of the upper surface of the table 12 with reference to the position.

Reference plates 44a and 44b, which serve as a reference when the work W is placed, are provided in the vicinity of the corners of the table 12, specifically, in the vicinity of the corners at the back of the side surface opposite to the reference block 45. The reference plate 44a serves as a reference position in the Z direction when the work W is placed, and the reference plate 44b serves as a reference position in the X direction. When the work W is placed, the operator sets the work W so that the end portions of the work W are in contact with both the reference plates 44a and 44b. By providing the reference plates 44a and 44b in this way, the operator can easily set the work W at a predetermined position.

The automatic grinding device 1 has a grinding fluid supply device 11 for supplying the grinding fluid to the wheel 10. The grinding fluid supply device 11 includes a tube 18 and a nozzle 17 for supplying the grinding fluid to a predetermined position near the grinding portion of the wheel 10, a pump (not shown) for feeding the grinding fluid, and the like. By supplying the grinding fluid to the vicinity of the grinding portion by the grinding fluid supply device 11, the wheel 10 and the work W are cooled, a good grinding surface is obtained, and grinding debris and the like are removed.

A dresser block 47 for dressing the grindstone 10 is provided in the vicinity of the table 12. The dresser block 47 includes, for example, a diamond dresser or the like. As a result, the grindstone 10 can be kept in a suitable state, and the accuracy and quality of grinding can be maintained. The device for dressing the Toshi 10 is not limited to the desktop type, but may be a numerically controlled upper dresser device, a rotary dresser device, a swing dresser device, or the like.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of the automatic grinding device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic grinding device 1 has a control device 30 that numerically controls the grinding process. The control device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage unit 31 for storing processing condition setting values, calculation results, and the like, a separate auxiliary operation terminal 51, or a portable device. It has a communication unit 32 and the like that communicate with the information communication terminal 54.
The control device 30 may be provided inside the main body 2 (see FIG. 1) of the automatic grinding device 1, or may be provided inside a housing or the like separately provided adjacent to the main body 2.

As described above, the start button 42, the pause button 46, and the emergency stop button 43 are operation means for the operator to input operation instructions, and are connected to the control device 30 so that signals can be input. When the operator presses any of the start button 42, the pause button 46, and the emergency stop button 43, a signal is input to the control device 30. The control device 30 controls the start or stop of the grinding process based on the signal.

The work thickness detection sensor 21, the work size detection sensor 24, and the tongue diameter detection sensor 25 are connected to the control device 30 so that signals can be input, and the result detected by each is sent to the control device 30. The control device 30 executes a predetermined calculation based on the detection results of the work thickness detection sensor 21, the work size detection sensor 24, and the wheel diameter detection sensor 25, and obtains various condition values for grinding. Then, based on the calculation result, the control device 30 includes a table feed device 34, a wheel forward / backward feed device 35, a wheel vertical feed device 36, a wheel drive device 37, and a grinding fluid supply device, which will be described later, connected to the control device 30. It controls 11 and so on.

The table feed device 34 is a device that moves the table 12 shown in FIG. 2 in the X direction by numerical control, and has, for example, a ball screw mechanism, a servomotor, and the like. The table feeding device 34 drives the servomotor or the like based on the signal from the control device 30, and moves the table 12 by a predetermined amount.

The wheel screw forward / backward feed device 35 is a device that moves the wheel shaft head 15 in the Z direction by numerical control as shown in FIG. 2, and has, for example, a ball screw mechanism, a servomotor, and the like. The wheel front / rear feed device 35 drives the servomotor or the like based on a signal from the control device 30, and moves the wheel shaft head 15 by a predetermined amount.

The wheel vertical feed device 36 is a feed device that moves the wheel shaft head 15 in the Y direction, and has a ball screw mechanism, a servomotor, and the like. The wheel up / down feed device 36 drives the servomotor or the like based on the input from the control device 30 to move the wheel shaft head 15 by a predetermined amount.
The drive method of the table feed device 34, the front-rear feed device 35, and the vertical feed device 36 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and other known methods such as a servo valve hydraulic cylinder and a linear motor are used. Can be adopted.

The wheel drive device 37 is a device for rotating the wheel 10 and has a motor and the like. The wheel drive device 37 rotates the wheel 10 at a predetermined rotation speed based on the signal from the control device 30. The control device 30 determines the rotation speed of the wheel driving device 37 based on the information such as the finished surface input in advance.
Further, the display unit 41 is connected to the control device 30. As described above, the display unit 41 can display various information related to the grinding process under the control of the control device 30.

The communication unit 32 of the control device 30 has a function of transmitting and receiving processing information and the like to and from an external device. It has a transmission / reception device for communication. By operating the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51, the operator can input the machining information of the work W to be ground into the control device 30. The machining information input from the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 includes, for example, reference position information and correction values of the table feed device 34, the wheel forward / backward feed device 35, and the wheel vertical feed device 36, and the work W to be ground. Processing conditions such as the allowance and the finished surface of grinding.

As the processing conditions, for example, information on whether or not the shape of the workpiece W to be ground is a rectangular parallelepiped may be input. As a result, the control device 30 can know the shape of the work W to be ground before it is measured by the work size detection sensor 24, the work thickness detection sensor 21, or the like, so that the work size can be detected according to the shape of the work W. The moving range of the sensor 24 and the work thickness detection sensor 21 can be appropriately obtained, and the work W can be measured efficiently.

The mobile information communication terminal 54 is, for example, a terminal having a wireless communication function such as a smartphone. When the operator operates the mobile information communication terminal 54, processing information is input to the control device 30 via the communication unit 32. As the machining information, for example, information equivalent to that of the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51 may be input, or grinding of the work W may be started or started as input from the start button 42, the pause button 46, and the emergency stop button 43. Instructions such as stopping grinding may be input. That is, the mobile information terminal also has a function as an operating means. As a result, the operator can operate the automatic grinding device 1 even at a position away from the automatic grinding device 1 by operating the mobile information communication terminal 54.

Further, the mobile information communication terminal 54 communicates with the control device 30 via the communication unit 32 to provide various machining information such as set values of machining conditions, the status of the workpiece W being ground, and the progress status of the machining process. Can be output. As a result, the operator can confirm the status of the automatic grinding device 1 from a distant position via the mobile information communication terminal 54. Therefore, the operator can operate or monitor a plurality of automatic grinding devices 1 in parallel, and the productivity of the grinding process is enhanced. As the output form of the processed information, various methods such as display on the display of the mobile information communication terminal 54, voice output from the speaker, vibration by a vibrator or the like can be adopted. This makes it possible to suitably convey processing information to the operator.

Next, the work thickness detection sensor 21, the work size detection sensor 24, and the grindstone diameter detection sensor 25 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing detection by the work thickness detection sensor 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the work thickness detection sensor 21 is a contact type sensor and has a probe 23 protruding downward. A substantially spherical contact 22 is provided at the lower end of the probe 23, and the position of the contact 22 is detected by contacting the contact 22 with the work W or the table 12.

Specifically, the wheel vertical feed device 36 (see FIG. 3) is controlled by the control device 30 (see FIG. 3), and the work thickness detection sensor 21 provided on the wheel shaft head 15 (see FIG. 2) is used. By moving in the Y direction, the contactor 22 is brought into contact with the work W and the upper surface of the table 12. Then, the control device 30 reads and stores the coordinate values in the Y direction where the contactor 22 comes into contact with the work W or the like, that is, the height of the work W or the like. As described above, by using the contact type sensor as the work thickness detection sensor 21, the height of the work W can be obtained with high accuracy.

The contact 22 of the work thickness detection sensor 21 is provided below the lower end of the wheel 10 (see FIG. 2). This makes it possible to prevent the wheel 10 from coming into contact with the table 12, the work W, or the like when the position is detected by the work thickness detection sensor 21.

Further, for example, after replacing the wheel 10 or when the type of the work W to be ground changes, after cleaning the table 12, etc., as a preliminary preparation before the grinding process is executed, the work thickness such as setting a reference point is set. The detection sensor 21 is set up.

In the setup of the work thickness detection sensor 21, the contact 22 of the work thickness detection sensor 21 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the reference block 45, so that the Y -direction coordinate value, that is, the height of the upper surface of the reference block 45 is obtained as a reference point. Be done. Then, by moving the table 12 in the X direction and bringing the contactor 22 of the work thickness detection sensor 21 into contact with the upper surface of the table 12, the Y -direction coordinate value of the upper surface of the table 12 is detected. As a result, the height of the upper surface of the table 12 with respect to the upper surface of the reference block 45 can be obtained.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing detection by the work size detection sensor 24. The alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 5 indicates the laser beam emitted from the work size detection sensor 24.
As shown in FIG. 5, the work size detection sensor 24 is a non-contact type sensor using a laser beam, and includes a light projecting element that emits a laser beam and a light receiving element that detects the laser beam. The work size detection sensor 24 irradiates the laser beam downward from the light projecting element, and detects the laser beam reflected from the work W or the table 12 by the light receiving element, so that the work W is within the irradiation range. Detects whether or not. The control device 30 (see FIG. 3) moves the table 12 in the X direction and the column 13 (see FIG. 1) in the Z direction, and changes the relative positions of the work W and the work size detection sensor 24 in the feed direction while changing the work W. By detecting, the size of the work W in the X direction and the Z direction can be obtained.

As a preliminary preparation for grinding, the work size detection sensor 24 is set up. In the setup of the work size detection sensor 24, the work size detection sensor 24 is moved under the control of the control device 30, and the height H1 from the table 12 to the work size detection sensor 24 matches the detection range of the work size detection sensor 24. Adjust to the desired reference value. Then, the laser beam is irradiated from the lower part of the work size detection sensor 24, and zero set tuning of the work size detection sensor 24 or the like is executed at the height H1 to the upper surface of the table 12.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing detection by the grindstone diameter detection sensor 25. As shown in FIG. 6, the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 is, for example, a non-contact type air sensor or the like. The head diameter detection sensor 25 includes an air injection nozzle 26 that serves as a detection unit, and an air pressure sensor 27 that supplies air to the air injection nozzle 26 and detects the pressure of the air. As described above, the air injection nozzle 26 is a detection unit of the wheel diameter detection sensor 25, and is formed on the wheel diameter detection block 48. The air pressure sensor 27 is connected to the air injection nozzle 26 by a tube or the like.

When the position of the wheel 10 is detected by the wheel diameter detection sensor 25, the control device 30 (see FIG. 3) moves relative to the upper side of the air injection nozzle 26 of the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 through the wheel 10. .. Then, air is blown from the air injection nozzle 26 of the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 toward the wheel 10. The coordinate value in the Y direction where the air pressure sensor 27 detects the set back pressure at the height H2 from the upper end of the air injection nozzle 26 to the lower end of the outer periphery of the wheel 10 of the air injected from the air injection nozzle 26 is controlled. The device 30 reads and stores it.

Based on the position of the wheel 10 detected as described above, the feed in the cutting direction of the wheel 10 when grinding the work W, that is, the Y direction is numerically controlled, so that the outer circumference of the wheel 10 is controlled. It can be brought into contact with the work W accurately.

As a preliminary preparation for grinding, the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 is set up, and the back pressure at the height H2 is set in advance as the reference position of the wheel 10 to detect the position of the wheel 10. Further, in the setup of the wheel diameter detection sensor 25, the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 may be calibrated or the like in accordance with the above reference value. Further, in the setup of the wheel diameter detection sensor 25, the difference between the Y-direction coordinate value of the outer peripheral lower end portion of the wheel 10 at the reference position and the Y-direction coordinate value of the diamond dresser of the dresser block 47 (see FIG. 2), etc. May be set and entered.

Here, since the center position of the wheel 10 is grasped by the numerical control of the control device 30, the distance from the center position of the wheel 10 to the outer circumference of the wheel 10, that is, the radius of the wheel 10 is obtained. be able to. Thereby, the wear state of the grindstone 10 can be detected by the grindstone diameter detection sensor 25, and it can be determined whether or not dressing or replacement of the grindstone 10 is necessary.

Further, the grindstone diameter detection sensor 25 is a non-contact type sensor as described above, and can detect the position of the grindstone 10 while rotating the grindstone 10. That is, in the contact type sensor, after the wheel 10 is stopped, the position of the wheel 10 is detected, and after the detection, the rotation is started again to set the predetermined rotation speed, but the non-contact type wheel diameter is detected. With the sensor 25, it is not necessary to stop the rotation of the wheel 10. Therefore, the time required to detect the position of the grindstone 10 is short, and the productivity is improved.

The above-mentioned setup of the work thickness detection sensor 21, the setup of the work size detection sensor 24, the setup of the grindstone diameter detection sensor 25, other preparations, etc. are performed on the automatic grinding device 1 with the separate auxiliary operation terminal shown in FIG. It may be done by an operator by connecting 51. That is, by operating the separate auxiliary operation terminal 51, the operator can set the reference position information and correction value of the table feed device 34, the wheel forward / backward feed device 35, and the wheel vertical feed device 36, and the allowance for the work W. Input various machining information such as machining conditions such as the finished surface of grinding. Various set values input, detected, calculated, and the like by the preliminary preparation are recorded in the storage unit 31 (see FIG. 3) of the control device 30 and used for numerical control and the like at the time of grinding.

It should be noted that the preliminary preparations such as the above setups are executed as necessary, and are not executed every time when the normal grinding process is performed. As described above, the automatic grinding device 1 automatically detects the work W set on the table 12 and grinds it by simply pressing the start button 42 without the operator performing complicated operations. Is characterized by starting automatically.

Hereinafter, a normal grinding operation in which the grinding process is automatically executed after the preliminary preparation is performed will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control operation until the start of grinding of the automatic grinding device 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an operation of detecting the size of the work W in the feed direction of the automatic grinding device 1. FIG. 9A is a plan view showing an operation of detecting the size of the work W in the X direction of the automatic grinding device 1, and FIG. 9B is an operation of detecting the size of the work W in the Z direction. It is a plan view which shows. FIG. 10A is a front view showing an operation of detecting the size of the work in the cutting direction of the automatic grinding device, and FIG. 10B is a plan view of the same.

The alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 8 indicates the laser beam emitted from the work size detection sensor 24, and the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 9 indicates the passing position of the laser beam emitted from the work size detection sensor 24. ing.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, the operator places the work W to be ground in a predetermined position on the table 12 (step S10). At that time, the work W is arranged so that its end portion abuts on the reference plate 44a and the reference plate 44b shown in FIG.
Then, after setting the work W on the table 12, the operator presses the start button 42 (step S20). As a result, an operation signal instructing the start of machining is transmitted to the control device 30 (see FIG. 3), and the operation of the automatic grinding device 1 starts.

When the start button 42 is pressed by the operator, the automatic grinding device 1 measures the horizontal size of the work W by the work size detection sensor 24 (see FIG. 8) (step S30). As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 30 relatively moves the work size detection sensor 24 in the X direction or the Z direction with the vicinity of the reference plate 44a (see FIG. 9) and the reference plate 44b as the reference for starting measurement. , Detects work W. The position of the work size detection sensor 24 in the Y direction corresponds to a preset reference height (height H1 shown in FIG. 5) from the table 12.

Specifically, the control device 30 moves the table 12 in the X direction while irradiating the work size detection sensor 24 with a laser beam to change the relative position between the work W and the work size detection sensor 24. Then, the control device 30 records the coordinate value at the position where the work W is detected and the coordinate value at the position where the work W is no longer detected. As a result, the position and size of the work W in the X direction at the position in the Z direction in which the work size detection sensor 24 is relatively moved are detected. Also in the Z direction, the same detection operation is performed by moving the column 13 (see FIG. 1) in the Z direction.

When the shape of the work W is set to be a rectangular parallelepiped in the preliminary preparation, the position and size of the work W can be grasped by one detection operation in each of the X direction and the Z direction. .. Therefore, it is not necessary to reciprocate the table 12 in the X direction and the column 13 in the Z direction a plurality of times, and the time required for measurement can be shortened.

Further, when the shape of the work W is set to be a rectangular parallelepiped, the side surface of the work W is arranged so as to be aligned with the reference plate 44a and the reference plate 44b set in advance at the reference position, so that the reference plate 44a is arranged. And the position detection of the work W on the reference plate 44b side can be omitted. As a result, the distance for moving the table 12 and the column 13 can be shortened, and the position detection can be made more efficient.

As shown in FIG. 9A, when the shape of the work W is other than a rectangular parallelepiped, the detection operation may be performed a plurality of times in each of the X direction and the Z direction. Specifically, the control device 30 moves the table 12 in the X direction at predetermined Z direction coordinates while irradiating the work size detection sensor 24 (see FIG. 8) with a laser beam, and moves the work W and the work size. The relative position in the X direction with the detection sensor 24 is changed.

Then, the control device 30 records the coordinate value at the position where the work W is detected and the coordinate value at the position where the work W is no longer detected. As a result, the position and size of the work W in the X direction at the position in the Z direction in which the work size detection sensor 24 is relatively moved are detected.

Next, the control device 30 moves the column 13 (see FIG. 1) in the Z direction, and moves the table 12 in the same direction as described above in the X direction while changing the Z direction coordinates of the work size detection sensor 24. Is repeated multiple times. As a result, the positions and shapes of both ends of the work W in the X direction can be detected.

Similarly, in the Z direction, the table 12 is moved in the X direction to change the X direction coordinates, and the column 13 is reciprocated a plurality of times in the Z direction to move the work W and the work size detection sensor 24 in the Z direction. By executing the detection operation of changing the relative position of, the positions and shapes of both ends in the Z direction are detected. In this way, the position and shape of the work W are detected.

Then, the control device 30 calculates the grinding range in the feed direction based on the position information of the work W detected by the work size detection sensor 24. That is, in the grinding process, the control device 30 calculates a range in which the work W is reciprocated, specifically, a position where the movement of the table 12 is reversed in the X direction, a position where the movement of the column 13 is reversed in the Z direction, and the like. And set. As a result, the shape of the work W is accurately detected by the automatic control of the control device 30 without the operator performing teaching work, and the grinding range in the feed direction is suitable according to the detected shape of the work W. Is set to.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, after the size of the work W in the feeding direction is detected (step S30), the control device 30 determines the height of the work W by the work thickness detection sensor 21 (see FIG. 10). Measure (step S40). As shown in FIG. 10A, the control device 30 relatively moves the work thickness detection sensor 21 to a predetermined position, and contacts the contactor 22 of the work thickness detection sensor 21 to a predetermined position on the upper surface of the work W. Let me. Then, the control device 30 records the coordinates of the position where the contactor 22 comes into contact with the upper surface of the work W.

The detection by the work thickness detection sensor 21 is performed with reference to the upper surface position of the reference block 45 (see FIG. 4). That is, the height from the upper surface of the reference block 45 to the upper surface of the work W and the height from the upper surface of the reference block 45 to the upper surface of the table 12 are obtained, and thereby the height of the work W is obtained. As a result, the height of the work W at a predetermined position can be accurately measured, and the height of the grindstone 10 (see FIG. 2) can be accurately adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 10B, for example, the predetermined position where the height is measured by the work thickness detection sensor 21 is a distance L1 in the X direction with reference to the corner of the table 12 near the reference plates 44a and 44b. , The position P at a distance L2 in the Z direction may be used. The distance L1 and the distance L2 may be preset values by preparation.

Further, the distance L1 and the distance L2 may be calculated and set by the control device 30 based on the detected position of the work W in the feed direction. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, measuring a portion without a work W. Further, the position P for measuring the height of the work W is not limited to one place, and for example, the heights of a plurality of places may be detected according to the size of the work W. In that case, the control device 30 may set the position P for measuring the height by calculation based on the position information of the work W detected by the work size detection sensor 24.

Then, the control device 30 is set by the position information of the work W detected by the work thickness detection sensor 21, the position information of the wheel 10 detected by the wheel diameter detection sensor 25 (see FIG. 6), and the preparation in advance. Based on the information such as the allowance for the work W and the finished surface, the feed rate in the cutting direction of the wheel 10 and the rotation speed of the wheel 10 are set by calculation.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, after the detection of the work W is completed, the automatic grinding device 1 starts grinding the work W with respect to the grinding range set by the control device 30 (see FIG. 3) based on the detection result. (Step S50). Then, after the grinding is completed, the worker performs work such as taking out the work W from the automatic grinding device 1.

As described above, in the automatic grinding device 1, after the worker sets the work W, the work set on the table 12 is set by a simple operation of pressing the start button 42 and inputting a start instruction. W is automatically detected and grinding is automatically started.

By using the automatic grinding device 1, the operator does not need to perform teaching work for setting a range or the like for relative movement of the wheel 10 and the work W. Therefore, the burden on the worker is reduced and the work efficiency is improved. Further, by automatically setting the machining conditions and performing the grinding process by the automatic grinding device 1, it is possible to perform high-precision and high-quality grinding process regardless of the skill level of the operator.

As a control operation until the start of grinding, it is assumed that the height of the work W is detected in step S40 after the size of the work W in the feed direction is detected in step S30. It may be replaced and executed. That is, the control device 30 may detect the size of the work W in the feeding direction after detecting the height of the work W.

In the above description, as an example of the embodiment of the present invention, an automatic grinding apparatus 1 having no operation panel for an operator to input an instruction regarding machining has been mentioned. However, the automatic grinding device 1 has an operation panel having an operation button for an operator to input various instructions, a display device for displaying machining information, and the like as an operation means always connected to the main body 2 or its vicinity. May be equipped. Further, the automatic grinding device 1 may be provided with a manual pulse handle or the like for the operator to adjust the position of the table 12 or the like.

As a result, in addition to the operation of automatically starting the grinding process by simply setting the work W and pressing the start button 42 as described above, the operator manually teaches as necessary. You will be able to set work and other detailed machining conditions.
When the automatic grinding device 1 is provided with an operation panel as described above, the start button 42, the pause button 46, the emergency stop button 43, and the display unit 41 may be provided on the operation panel. Further, the start button 42, the pause button 46, and the display unit 41 may be displayed on a part of a display provided on the operation panel for displaying other processing information and the like.

Further, in the above example, as the automatic grinding device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a so-called column type NC surface grinding device in which the column 13 moves in the Z direction has been described, but the automatic grinding device according to the present invention has been described. Is not limited to this. For example, the automatic grinding device according to the present invention may be a so-called saddle type NC surface grinding device in which the table is moved in the Z direction by a saddle configured to be movable in the Z direction.

Further, in the above example, as the automatic grinding device 1, the NC surface grinding device that grinds the main surface of the substantially plate-shaped work W into a substantially flat surface has been described, but the model of the automatic grinding device according to the present invention is the same. Not limited. For example, the automatic grinding device according to the present invention includes a cylindrical grinding device that grinds the outer peripheral surface of a substantially cylindrical work W, an inner surface grinding device that grinds an inner peripheral surface and an end surface of a substantially cylindrical work W, or the like. , It may be a composite type automatic grinding apparatus or the like in which they are combined.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Automatic grindstone 10 Wheel 11 Grinding liquid supply device 12 Table 15 Wheel head 21 Work thickness detection sensor 24 Work size detection sensor 25 Wheel diameter detection sensor 30 Control device 31 Storage unit 32 Communication unit 34 Table feed device 35 Forward / backward feed device 36 Wheel vertical feed device 37 Wheel drive device 41 Display unit 42 Start button 43 Emergency stop buttons 44a, 44b Reference plate 45 Reference block 46 Temporary stop button 48 Wheel diameter detection block 51 Separate type auxiliary operation terminal 54 Mobile information communication terminal

Claims (5)

When grinding the work,
A support means for supporting the work and
A feeding device that moves the wheel or the support means to change the relative position between the wheel and the work.
A control device that numerically controls the feeder and
A first detecting means for detecting the position of the work in the cutting direction by the grindstone, and
A second detecting means for detecting the position of the work in the feeding direction perpendicular to the cutting direction, and
It has a third detecting means provided next to the supporting means, which blows air toward the wheel and detects the pressure of the air to detect the position of the outer peripheral surface of the wheel in the cutting direction. ,
The control device is based on the position information of the work and the wheel detected by the first detecting means, the second detecting means and the third detecting means before starting the machining by the wheel. The range for relative movement of the wheel and the support means is calculated, and the feeding device is controlled to move the wheel or the support means to automatically start machining with the wheel. Automatic grindstone. The automatic grinding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operating means connected to the control device and inputting an instruction for automatically starting machining with the wheel. A first operating means connected to the control device for inputting an instruction for automatically starting machining with the grindstone and an instruction for resuming machining with the suspended grindstone.
A second operating means connected to the control device and inputting an instruction for suspending machining by the grindstone,
The automatic grinding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third operating means connected to the control device and inputting an instruction for completely stopping the machining by the grindstone. The automatic grinding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device is not provided with an operation panel for inputting an instruction regarding machining. The control device has a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving processing information to an external device.
The automatic grinding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing information can be input or output from a mobile information communication terminal that communicates with the control device via the communication unit. ..

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