WO2009156095A1

WO2009156095A1 - Balancing device, balancing system, and balancing method

Info

Publication number: WO2009156095A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/004400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Willibald Koeniger
Original assignee: Dittel Messtechnik Gmbh
Priority date: 2008-06-18
Filing date: 2009-06-18
Publication date: 2009-12-30
Also published as: DE102008028891A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a balancing device, particularly a balancing head or a balancing ring for rotating units, particularly for the spindles of machine tools, having a processor device integrated into the balancing device, said processor device being adapted to carry out at least part of a balancing process involving the balancing device, wherein the processing device is further adapted to detect, process, and/or store data and/or signals and/or to carry out processes unrelated to the balancing process.

Description

WALKING DEVICE, BALANCING SYSTEM AND BALANCING METHOD

The present invention relates to a balancing device, in particular a balancing head or a balancing ring, for rotating units, in particular for spindles of machine tools.

Such balancing devices are known, for example, in the form of electromechanical balancing devices, which are characterized in that one or more adjustable weights, also referred to as balancing weights, are provided, with which a balancing vector can be set to compensate for an existing imbalance of the respective rotating overall system. Furthermore, so-called hydro-balancing systems are known in which a liquid, in particular cooling liquid, is specifically injected into a plurality of different chambers rotating together with the rotating unit.

The known balancing devices have in common that they are hardly capable of more than externally generated commands. Known electromechanical balancers with adjustable weights, for example, are designed to receive a small number of different command signals, on the basis of which certain predetermined adjustment movements of the weights are carried out, the displacement movement continuing as long as the corresponding control signal is active.

The object of the invention is to provide a balancing device with improved applications. The solution of this object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and in particular in that in the balancing device, a process device is integrated, which is adapted to perform at least a portion of the balancing device with involving balancing process, wherein the process device is additionally designed to data and / or detect, process and / or store signals and / or execute processes that do not affect the balancing process.

By thus forming the balancing device according to the invention for carrying out tasks which are outside the balancing process and thus to a certain extent constituting an "intelligent" balancing device, an infrastructure which is already present for carrying out at least part of the balancing process is advantageously used to fulfill additional tasks.

For this purpose it can be provided that the process device is designed for bidirectional communication with at least one external control device of the balancing system and / or with a higher-level machine control.

Such bidirectional communication allows the exchange of basically arbitrary data, commands, control signals and the like in both directions.

According to a further possible embodiment of the invention, the process device has a detection and processing device for signals and / or data. As a result, the process device according to the invention and thus the balancing device itself is more than a mere command receiver. Rather, due to the integrated processing device itself, the balancing device is able to carry out certain calculations on the basis of the supplied signals or data and to generate control signals or commands based thereon.

These processes may relate to the actual balancing process. By way of example, the data may be data for a measuring device provided for determining the imbalance of the rotating unit. However, a reference of these signals or data that can be detected and processed by the process device to the balancing process is not mandatory according to the invention. In principle, it may be data or signals serving any purpose.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the process device comprises a memory device for data. These data can relate to the respective rotating unit to be balanced, for example to the spindle of a machine tool. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be other data, such as certain

Characteristics of a tool attached to the spindle, which are not or only marginally needed for the actual balancing process, but nevertheless for the operation of the spindle with the tool in question are of importance.

In particular, due to the integrated memory device, the processing device integrated into the balancing device can serve as a "tachograph" or "data logger" with which, for example, certain parameters can be recorded which determine the operation and / or the state of the balancing device itself, of the rotating element to be balanced. unit (for example, a spindle) or a higher-level device (for example, a machine tool containing the spindle) relate.

Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the processing device is designed to detect, process and / or store signals and / or data relating to the operation and / or state of the unit.

As already mentioned, the balancing device may be an electromechanical balancing device which comprises at least one balancing mass, which is adjustable to compensate for an imbalance of the rotating unit, and a drive unit, in particular an electric motor, for adjusting the balancing mass. In this case, the balancing device may include a positioning device, by which a plurality of positions is predetermined, in which the balancing mass is adjustable. In particular, such a positioning device enables targeted automatic balancing. This aspect is the subject of another patent application of the Applicant, so that will not be discussed in detail.

In the case of an electromechanical balancing device, the process device can be designed, in particular automatically, to calculate a desired position for the balancing mass from a measured imbalance of the rotating unit, in which the balancing mass compensates the imbalance, and to adjust the balancing mass to the setpoint position. In this case, a very essential part of the balancing process is taken over by the processing device integrated in the balancing device and thus by the balancing device itself. The object is also achieved by a balancing system for rotating units, in particular for spindles of machine tools, with at least one integrated in a rotating unit, attached to a rotating unit and / or mounted around a rotating unit around balancing device of the type specified here and with a Measuring device for determining an imbalance of the rotating unit.

For supplying energy to the balancing device and / or for communication between an external control device and the processing device integrated into the balancing device, a contactlessly operating transmission device can be provided.

In order to perform a multi-level balancing, according to another embodiment, the balancing system may comprise a plurality of balancing means adapted to be arranged at locations spaced apart along the axis of rotation of the rotating unit. Some or all of the tasks related to the balancing process itself may be performed by one of the processing devices integrated in the balancing devices. Alternatively, it is also possible that, in particular according to a predetermined scheme, the individual tasks are distributed to the two process devices.

In addition, the object of the invention is achieved by a method for, in particular automatic, balancing of rotating units, in particular spindles of machine tools, with at least one balancing device of the type specified here, wherein in the method an imbalance of the unit is measured and by means of the balancing device integrated process device at least a part of a balancing device is involved with involving balancing process is performed. Preferably, the method is carried out at, in particular with operating or rated speed, rotating unit.

For carrying out a multi-level balancing, the method can be carried out by means of at least two balancing devices arranged at locations spaced apart from one another along the axis of rotation of the rotating unit.

The invention also relates to a rotating during operation

Unit, in particular a spindle of a machine tool, with at least one balancing device of the type specified here or with a balancing system of the type specified here.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a machine tool with at least one balancing device of the type specified here or with a balancing system of the type specified here.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 schematically shows an embodiment of a balancing system according to the invention on a rotating unit during operation,

Fig. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of a part of a

Positioning device according to the invention, and

Fig. 3a and 3b schematically two ways to perform a multi-level balancing. Fig. 1 shows schematically in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 45, a spindle 11 of a machine tool. The balancing system according to the invention, which will be discussed in more detail below, can in principle be used in conjunction with any rotating units which it is necessary to balance. Although the unit to be balanced is referred to below as the spindle 11, in practice the overall system is generally relevant, which in addition to the spindle comprises the tool fastened to the spindle, for example a grinding wheel, the spindle bearing and one or more receiving flanges. So if in the following from the

Spindle 11 is to be balanced as a unit, then it is to be understood in each case relevant in practice, to be balanced overall arrangement.

In practice, the spindle 11 is part of a machine tool, which is assigned to a higher-level machine control 29. The machine controller 29 communicates in the illustrated embodiment with an external control device 25, which is part of a balancing system according to the invention. The scope of the tasks that are taken over by the external control device 25 may vary within the scope of the invention. For example, it may be provided that required calculations are carried out by the external control device 25 for the positioning of the balancing masses, as will be explained in greater detail below. Nevertheless, it is possible for such calculations and further tasks to be carried out by a process device 21 which is integrated into the balancing device and rotates during operation. The control device 25 is an "external" component in that the control device 25 is not part of the rotating system, but is assigned to the stationary side.

The balancing system according to the invention further comprises a

Balancing device, which is integrated in the embodiment shown here in the spindle and is also referred to below as a balancing head. As already mentioned, such a design of the balancing device is not mandatory, but the invention also includes balancing devices interacting with the respective rotating unit in a different manner, for example attachable balancing devices or balancing rings which enclose the respective rotating unit or a component thereof in the middle. Such balancing rings need not be in the form of a closed ring. In principle, it is possible to provide such balancing devices in the form of ring segments which, for example, have an approximately C-shaped structure.

The power supply of the balancing device integrated here into the spindle 11 and the communication between the external control device 25 and the balancing device, in particular the process device 21 integrated in the balancing device, are effected by a noncontacting transmission device 27. As by the two, with oppositely directed arrow symbols provided lines indicated, by means of the transmission device 27, a bidirectional communication with the built-in spindle 11 balancing device is possible. This opens up a variety of applications that have not yet been realized in connection with balancing devices. The balancing device integrated here into the spindle 11 comprises the already mentioned integrated process device 21 as well as two balancing masses 13, each movable on a circular path around the axis of rotation 45, to each of which an electric motor 15 is assigned as the drive unit with a corresponding gear 47. The representation of the arrangement of these components in Fig. 1 is purely schematic. As already mentioned, for example, in connection with the balancing masses 13, the balancing masses 13 may be spaced apart in the axial direction or have the same axial position at different radial positions.

For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that, in principle, only a single adjustable balancing mass can be provided, which is adjustable not only in the circumferential direction but also in the radial direction in order to be able to set the respectively required balancing vector both in terms of direction and magnitude.

Furthermore, the balancing device comprises a positioning device 17, of which a code carrier 19 designed as a closed annular strip is shown here. The positioning device 17 will be discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG.

The code ring 19 shown here is assigned to one of the balancing masses 13 and can be rotated together with this balancing mass 13 about the axis of rotation 45. An adjustment movement of the balancing mass 13 by means of the associated electric motor 15 thus results in a movement of the code ring 19, relative to a code reader 37 (see Fig. 2), which leads to a change of the readable position code.

The other balancing mass 13 is also associated with a corresponding, not shown, code ring which, together with this balancing mass 13 is movable. The two balancing masses 13 and thus the two code rings 19 are movable independently of each other, ie the electric motors 15 are independently controllable, so that the two balancing masses 13 can be adjusted independently of each other in a respective predetermined position.

The balancing system according to the invention further comprises a measuring device 23, for example a vibration sensor, which serves to determine an existing unbalance U. The manner of embodiment of the measuring device 23 is basically arbitrary.

Furthermore, the balancing system comprises a rotary signal generator which provides a value representing the rotational speed of the rotating spindle.

1 also shows a measuring device 35, for example a temperature sensor, which is not a mandatory component of the balancing system according to the invention. This sensor 35 illustrates a special feature of the balancing device according to the invention, which consists in that the integrated process device 21 not only performs tasks relating to the balancing process, but is additionally capable of fulfilling non-balancing functions. This will be discussed in more detail below.

The vibration sensor 23, the rotary signal transmitter 49 and the sensor 35 can, as indicated by dashed lines, communicate with the external control device 25, which provides the necessary data acquisition, signal processing and signal processing to at least the substantial part of the balancing process on the basis of this information Taxes. Alternatively it can be provided that the mentioned components th are directly connected to the integrated in the balancing device processing device 21, so that a transfer of information to the external control device 25 is not required. In particular, in this case, the integrated processing device 21 is provided with a detection and processing device, with which the incoming signals and / or data can be detected and processed. In this way, the integrated here in the spindle 11 balancing device is due to their integrated process device 21 even in a position to procure the necessary as a basis for the control of the balancing process information or generate. In this respect, the balancing device is an "intelligent" balancing device which does not receive only externally generated control signals for the electric motors 15 of the balancing masses 13.

Furthermore, the process device 21 integrated in the balancing device is provided with a memory device 33 in this exemplary embodiment. As a result, the process device 21 can basically store any desired data, although this data may relate to the balancing process, but this is not absolutely necessary. The data to be stored may relate, for example, to the operation and / or the state of the spindle 11 or of the tool connected to the spindle 11, also with regard to aspects which are outside the scope of the invention. The process device 21 and thus the integrated here in the spindle 11 balancing device serve as a "tachograph" or "data logger" for basically any information.

It is also possible to store in the data memory 33, for example, the reliability or intended use of the respective tool relating to data. For example, grinding wheels have an allowable maximum speed that the grinding wheel experiences due to its operational wear over its operating life approaches, as the effective peripheral speed of the grinding wheel on the workpiece should remain as constant as possible. By informing the entire system of such safety or operationally relevant data by means of the memory device 33 of the process device 21, this information can be automatically taken into account during operation. This monitoring can then, as soon as the condition in question is fulfilled trigger a predetermined response, for example, generate a warning signal.

To carry out the balancing process, in the exemplary embodiment described here, first of all the existing imbalance U of the spindle 11 or of the entire rotating system comprising the spindle 11 and in particular the respective tool is determined. Either by means of the external control device 25 or the processing device 21 integrated in the balancing device, setpoint signals for the two balancing masses 13 are calculated from the measured unbalance U. For each position of the balancing device according to the invention, the balancing effect W of the balancing mass 13 located at this position is known. Consequently, it is known for each positioning of the two balancing masses 13 how the two partial balancing vectors W add up to a resultant balancing vector B, so that those setpoint positions for the two masses can be calculated starting from the imbalance U known from the measurement with respect to direction and magnitude that result in the desired balance vector W that compensates for the imbalance U.

The positions at which the balancing masses 13 are located both when the system is switched on and during the adjustment process are clearly identifiable on account of the positioning device 17. For these clearly identifiable actual positions of the balancing masses 13 and the previously calculated desired positions, the required adjustment paths for the balancing masses 13 can be calculated.

Fig. 2 shows an annular code carrier 19 having circumferentially magnetized segments. The binary code realized thereby can be read by means of a code reader 37, which is ring-shaped according to the code carrier 19 and comprises a plurality of Hall probes 51 arranged distributed in the circumferential direction.

During an adjustment movement of the respective balancing mass 13 (see Fig. 1), the code carrier 19 is rotated relative to the code reader 37, which are arranged in the mounted state coaxially with each other and with a small axial distance from each other. The essential feature of this positioning device is that, due to the use of this single-track Graycode principle, adjacent, i. upon a rotation of the code reader 19 relative to the code reader 37 successive, codes differ only by one bit from each other. The spatial resolution of the positioning device is determined by the number of magnetization regions of the code carrier 19 and the sensors 51 of the code reader 37.

In practice, spatial resolutions with several thousand rotational positions over an angle of 360 ° can be achieved without problems.

It should be mentioned at this point that the interaction of magnetized segments of a circular ring with a corresponding

Arrangement of Hall probes represents only one example of the use of the Graycode principle. In this regard, basically any desired configurations of the positioning device are possible. The use of the Gray code principle itself is not mandatory. Figures 3a and 3b show two possible variants for performing a multi-level balancing of a rotating unit 11, for example a relatively wide grinding wheel.

In order to be able to balance at compensation planes 43 spaced apart in the axial direction, two separate balancing devices 39 can be used as shown in FIG. 3a, which are spaced apart in the axial direction and, for example, mounted on the rotating unit 11, respectively.

Alternatively, according to FIG. 3b, a single balancing device 39 may be provided which has two axially spaced balancing regions 41, wherein at least one balancing mass is arranged at each balancing region 41. Also in this way can be balanced with a single balancing device 39 at two axially spaced balancing planes 43.

The choice between these two variants according to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b is made in particular as a function of the axial dimensions of the balancing rotating unit 11.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11 rotating unit

13 balancing mass

15 drive unit, electric motor

17 positioning device

19 code carrier

21 process device

23 measuring device, vibration sensor

25 external control device

27 transmission device

29 Machine control

31 detection and processing device

33 storage device

35 measuring device, sensor

37 code readers

39 balancing device

41 balancing area

43 level of compensation

45 reference axis

47 gearbox

49 rotary signal transmitter

51 Hall probes / sensors

U imbalance

W balancing effect

B resulting balance vector

Claims

claims

1. Balancing device, in particular balancing head or balancing ring, for rotating units (11), in particular for spindles of machine tools, with a processing device (21) integrated in the balancing device, which is designed to carry out at least part of a balancing process involving the balancing device wherein the process device (21) is additionally designed to acquire, process and / or store data and / or signals and / or execute processes that do not relate to the balancing process.

2. Balancing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the process device (21) is designed for bidirectional communication with at least one external control device (25) of the balancing system and / or a machine controller (29).

3. Balancing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process device (21) has a detection and processing device (31) for signals and / or data, in particular for data for determining the imbalance (U) of the unit (11). provided measuring device (23).

4. Balancing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process device (21) comprises a memory device (33) for

Includes data.

5. Balancing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process device (21) is designed for detecting, processing and / or storing signals and / or data relating to the operation and / or the state of the unit (11).

6. balancing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balancing device is at least one balancing mass (13) which is adjustable to compensate for an imbalance (U) of the unit (11), and a drive unit (15), in particular an electric motor, for Adjusting the balancing mass (13) includes.

7. Balancing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the balancing device comprises a positioning device (17), by which a plurality of positions is predetermined, in which the balancing mass (13) is adjustable.

8. balancing device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the processing device (21) is adapted, in particular automatically, from a measured imbalance (U) of the unit (11). to calculate a desired position for the balancing mass (13), in which the balancing mass (13) compensates for the imbalance (U), and to adjust the balancing mass (13) to the desired position.

9. Balancing device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that for carrying out a multi-level balancing the balancing device comprises at least two spaced apart along an axis of the balancing device arranged arrangements of at least one balancing mass (13).

10. balancing system for rotating units (11), in particular for spindles of machine tools, with at least one in a unit (11) integratable, attachable to a unit (11) and / or around a unit (11) mounted around balancing device according to one of the preceding Claims, and a measuring device (23) for determining an imbalance (U) of the unit (11).

11. balancing system according to claim 10, characterized in that for supplying energy to the balancing device and / or for communication between an external control device (25) and the balancing device integrated in the process device (21) a non-contact transmission device (27) is provided.

12. Balancing system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a plurality of balancing devices is provided for carrying out a multi-level balancing, which are designed to be arranged at along the axis of rotation of the unit (11) spaced apart locations.

13. During operation, rotating unit (11), in particular spindle of a machine tool, with at least one balancing device according to one of claims 1 to 9 or with a balancing system according to one of claims 10 to 12.

14. Machine tool with at least one balancing device according to one of claims 1 to 9 or with a balancing system according to one of claims 10 to 12.

15. A method for, in particular automatic, balancing of rotating units (11), in particular spindles of machine tools, by means of at least one in the unit (11) integrated, attached to the unit (11) and / or mounted around the unit (11) around Balancing device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which an imbalance (U) of the unit (11) is measured, and at least part of a balancing process involving the balancing device is carried out by means of the processing device (21) integrated in the balancing device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the method is carried out at, in particular at operating speed, rotating unit (11).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, for carrying out a multi-level balancing, the method is carried out by means of at least two balancing devices arranged at locations spaced from each other along the axis of rotation of the unit (11).