DISPOSITIVO DE LIMPEZA POR CONTATO MECÂNICO ENTRE BLOCO DE LIMPEZA E REBOLO APLICADO À RETIFICAÇÃO E USO

Abstract

MECHANICAL CONTACT CLEANING DEVICE BETWEEN CLEANING BLOCK AND GRINDING WHEEL APPLIED TO GRINDING This invention, belonging to the field of engineering, relates to a mechanical contact cleaning device for the surface of the grinding wheel during the grinding process, which concerns the attachment of an automated cleaning system to the grinding machine near the grinding wheel. In this system, there is a cleaning block (preferably made of Polytetrafluoroethylene or Aluminum Oxide) responsible for cleaning the pores of the grinding wheel, which is fixed to an actuator by means of a fixing rod, so that the actuator is responsible for ensuring contact between the cleaning block and the grinding wheel simultaneously with machining.Its constituents apply with regard to the use of a cleaning block, fixing rod, actuator (of any type and model that meets the specifications) and fixing system (any type of fixing system that meets the device's requirements).

Description

Mechanical contact cleaning device between cleaning block and grinding wheel applied to grinding and use.

[001] The present invention, belonging to the field of engineering, comprises a device for cleaning the surface of a grinding wheel by mechanical contact during the grinding process, which relates to the attachment of an automated cleaning system to the grinding machine, positioned close to the grinding wheel. The system comprises a cleaning block, responsible for cleaning the pores of the grinding wheel, which is fixed to an actuator by means of a fixing rod, so that the actuator's function is to ensure contact between the cleaning block and the grinding wheel. Its constituents apply with respect to the use of a cleaning block, fixing rod, actuator (of any type and model that meets the required specifications) and fixing system (any type of fixing system that meets the device's requirements, ensuring its stability).

[002] The device may have a data acquisition system of any kind, whose function would be to capture machine rotation signals, power, etc., in order to computationally regulate the actuator's advance. In short, the invention consists of cleaning the grinding wheel surface by mechanical contact during the machining process, with the actuator and its actuation method being of any kind in terms of the device's functionality. STATE OF THE ART

[003] The Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) technique currently stands out as a trend among lubrication-cooling methods used in machining processes in general. This technique is responsible for bringing benefits to industries by increasing their competitiveness in the market, as well as satisfying them in ecological and economic aspects. Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 14 / 27 2 / 13 eliminating all the health hazards and cost involved with the disposal of conventional fluids. It is characterized by using a small amount of fluid, associated with compressed air and directed to the cutting zone in order to reduce friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece.

[004] However, when used in grinding, the MQL technique favors the occurrence of the clogging phenomenon, since, in addition to not removing a large part of the chips from the cutting zone, a paste is formed resulting from the mixture of chips with the oil used in MQL. Furthermore, the clogging of the grinding wheel cutting surface affects the efficiency and quality of the grinding process, due to the increase in specific energy and heat generated in the contact zone. This clogging lodges in the pores of the grinding wheel, generating an increase in the contact area between the grinding wheel and the workpiece, and, consequently, increasing the cutting power.With clogging, there is also a loss of surface quality of the workpiece with an increase in average surface roughness, since the chips lodged in the pores of the grinding wheel end up hindering the correct removal of material from the workpiece. In addition to surface quality, geometric quality is also impaired, as the circularity deviation is negatively influenced by the increase in temperature, which is a consequence of clogging the grinding wheel.

[005] Therefore, an additional cleaning system for the grinding wheel cutting surface significantly increases the performance of the MQL technique in grinding, as it contributes significantly to the removal of chips lodged in the pores of the grinding wheel, reducing the clogging phenomenon.

[006] Given the known damage caused by clogging during grinding, it is understood that it is essential to use methods that can help clean the grinding wheel surface, since this aims, among other things, to optimize the process, minimize damage caused by high grinding forces and excessive increase. Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, p. 15 / 27 3 / 13 of the temperature, and the present invention makes it possible to clean the grinding wheel surface by mechanical contact in an efficient and simple way.

[007] Research conducted in the main patent databases worldwide (such as: Orbit, PatentScope, Google Patents and INPI), revealed several patents concerning grinding wheel cleaning. Patent JP2008213114 addresses the use of a grinding wheel cleaning system in which an adhesive sheet is pressed against the grinding wheel by means of a roller and, due to the adhesive nature of the material, some of the chips adhered to the grinding wheel are removed. However, the present invention differs in the cleaning method, as it is a more thorough cleaning method, which ensures more efficient removal of the clogging on the grinding wheel. Patent CN106239375, in turn, addresses the use of a suction system to remove the material adhered to the grinding wheel. However, this patent differs from the present invention by using a different cleaning method (suction) and by not performing the cleaning simultaneously with machining.Patents GB1080006 and US3167893A clean the grinding wheel surface using a pressurized jet of the cooling fluid used for machining the workpiece, which requires the insertion of a pump and piping system in the machine tool. Therefore, the present invention differs by using a mechanical contact to clean the grinding wheel in a simplified way. Patent JP3580675B2 also uses an actuator system to clean the grinding wheel. However, the actuator's function is to bring a cleaning nozzle close to the grinding wheel, which sprays a jet of fluid onto the tool. The present invention, in turn, uses the actuator to ensure contact between the cleaning material and the grinding wheel surface. Furthermore, patent CN102703247 uses a chemical method to clean the grinding wheel. A dephosphorus-based chemical detergent agent is applied to remove material and lubricating oil adhering to the grinding wheel.However, it is a more complex process that requires... Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 16 / 27 4 / 13 Grinding wheel removal from the machine tool. Similar to the previously mentioned patent, patent CN102703913 also uses a chemical agent for grinding wheel cleaning; however, it is specifically aimed at removing lubricating oil from the grinding wheel. As presented, all patents differ from the present invention, each being applicable to a specific grinding situation. It should be noted that the present invention exhibits great versatility and simplicity. It could be applied at low cost and develop grinding wheel cleaning as efficiently as the alternatives presented by these patents, thus indicating its great technical capacity and applicability in various productive sectors. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[008] The proposed invention demonstrates several uses and important applications for users, of which the following are cited:

[009] consists of implementing a mechanical contact cleaning device for the grinding wheel surface on any grinding machine tool, by coupling it close to the grinding wheel;

[010] Furthermore, the device allows comparative testing between different materials for cleaning the grinding wheel surface, such as Polytetrafluoroethylene, Aluminum Oxide, among others, guaranteeing a wide range of possibilities for comparative studies, all within the scope of improving the efficiency of the manufacturing process, reducing the damage caused by grinding wheel clogging;

[011] guarantees comparative studies of the influence of using a grinding wheel cleaning system on the resulting forces of the grinding process, associating the reduction of clogging with the forces acting in the process. It also allows linking grinding wheel cleaning to the power consumed by the grinding machine, verifying the relationships between these factors, allowing the improvement of process costs with the reduction of machine consumption; Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 17 / 27 5 / 13

[012] allows relating the cleanliness of the grinding wheel to the surface and geometric integrity of the workpiece, in order to verify the influence of cleanliness on the final quality of the part produced;

[013] diversity of application, making it possible to clean the grinding wheel surface by mechanical contact on any grinding machine in a simple and effective way;

[014] The invention guarantees all the advantages mentioned above, with a low manufacturing cost, ease of maintenance and installation. These factors enhance the benefits of the invention, making it attractive for any grinding machine, and enabling its application in academia without significant costs and in industry without wasting time in the process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[015] In order to have a better visualization of the characteristics of the invention, descriptions of the figures are presented below.

[016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the machine tool (1) with an enlargement focusing on the workpiece (2), the grinding wheel (3) and the automated cleaning system (4).

[017] Figure 2 shows a front view of the machine tool (1) with the cutting indication, which can be seen in the left side view, where the workpiece (2), the grinding wheel (3), the cleaning block (5), the clamping rod (6) and the actuator (7) are indicated.

[018] Figure 3 shows, in detail, the automated cleaning system (4), focusing on the cleaning block (5), the fixing rod (6), the actuator (7), the flange (8), the cleaning block fixing screw (9), the support washers (10), the cleaning block fixing nut (11), the actuator fixing screw (12) and the flange fixing screw assembly (13). Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 18 / 27 6 / 13

[019] Figures 1 to 3 show the invention to be used as a mechanical contact cleaning system for the grinding wheel surface based on the application of a cleaning block in direct contact with the grinding wheel due to the action of a linear actuator, wherein the same consists of a cleaning block (5) attached to the actuator (7) by means of the fixing rod (6), and the whole system is fixed to the machine tool (1) by means of the flange (8) and the flange fixing screw assembly (13).

[020] Figure 4 shows the average values ​​of diametral wear of the grinding wheel for the conditions evaluated.

[021] Figure 5 shows the average values ​​of the final roughness of the specimens used in the tests.

[022] Figure 6 comprises the average values ​​of the tangential force for the conditions evaluated in this work. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[023] The present invention, called a mechanical contact cleaning device between a cleaning block and a grinding wheel applied to grinding, consists of at least one cleaning block (made of polytetrafluoroethylene, aluminum oxide, or any other material that can promote the cleaning of the grinding wheel's cutting surface) attached to a linear actuator (of any actuation method and any model, as long as it is compatible with the application), which is responsible for ensuring contact between the cleaning block and the grinding wheel, guaranteeing the removal of material adhered to the pores of the grinding wheel. The cleaning block is fixed to the actuator by means of a fixing rod, this connection being made through the fixing screw of the cleaning block, the support washers and the fixing nut of the cleaning block, and it is possible to use, as an alternative, any fixing system that attaches the actuator to the cleaning block.The actuator, in turn, is fixed to the flange by means of the actuator fixing screw, which acts by exerting pressure to stabilize the actuator. The flange is fixed to the machine tool. Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 19 / 27 7 / 13 near the grinding wheel, using the flange fixing screw assembly (or any other fixing method). The actuator, when activated (it is worth noting that the activation can be manual or electronic), establishes contact between the cleaning block and the grinding wheel. The cleaning block cleans the grinding wheel through mechanical contact. Several materials can be used to perform this cleaning. To characterize some, it is possible to mention Polytetrafluoroethylene and Aluminum Oxide. Polytetrafluoroethylene, due to its greater ductility, acts more gently, preserving the lifespan of the grinding wheel for longer. Aluminum Oxide, in turn, acts more aggressively, increasing the diametrical wear of the grinding wheel. However, this latter material favors more efficient cleaning of the grinding wheel, as well as a revitalization of the cutting edges of the abrasive grains.Thus, the average surface roughness and circularity deviation are improved compared to cleaning using polytetrafluoroethylene. Furthermore, due to the improved cutting ability generated in the grinding wheel with aluminum oxide cleaning, there is a reduction in the power consumed by the grinding machine. However, regardless of the advantages and disadvantages of each material, it is worth noting that mechanical contact cleaning contributes significantly to the grinding process with MQL. Both materials improve the performance of the process output variables when compared to grinding using MQL without cleaning.

[024] The device has functional characteristics with a fundamentally innovative character. This relates to the mechanical contact cleaning of the grinding wheel surface, a problem concerning machining processes characterized by a high level of wheel clogging, especially when using the MQL technique. It is known that clogging generates an increase in process forces and worsens the integrity. Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 20 / 27 8 / 13 superficial and geometric changes in the workpiece increase the power consumed by the machine, resulting in high costs and reduced final workpiece quality.

[025] Therefore, a method for efficiently cleaning the grinding wheel during the machining process contributes to better quality in the final dimensions of the parts being ground, and can thus be considered of paramount importance for better process performance, as well as for reducing costs resulting from the machine's power consumption. It is reiterated that simultaneous cleaning during machining ensures greater homogeneity of the process output variables.

[026] In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the invention, controlled laboratory tests were carried out. The analysis conditions and the results obtained are set out in the following sections. Controlled tests in cylindrical grinding

[027] The effectiveness of the present invention was evaluated in controlled grinding tests. For this purpose, a Sulmecânica brand cylindrical grinding machine equipped with a Fagor CNC was used. The workpiece employed was made in the form of a disc (56 mm outer diameter, 30 mm inner diameter, 5 mm thickness), made of AISI 4340 steel, hardened and tempered, with an average hardness of 55 HRC. The lubrication-cooling method adopted was of the MQL type, at a flow rate of 120 ml / h, using a biodegradable cutting fluid, model Accu-Lube LB 1000, manufactured by ITW Chemicals. The technical tests were carried out with cubic boron nitride grinding wheels, model SNB151Q12VR2, supplied by Nikkon Abrasivos. The cutting parameters used were: cutting speed of 32 m / s and feed rates of 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mm / min. For each test, a new grinding wheel was used, considering that the grinding wheel was broken into small parts for later analysis.The blocks used during the tests were made of aluminum oxide and Teflon, both with... Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 21 / 27 9 / 13 square profile with sides of 25 mm and a length of 50 mm, which are fixed by screws to the support specially developed in this invention. Analysis of grinding wheel wear

[028] Regarding the evaluation of grinding wheel wear, the grinding wheel surface impression technique was applied to a sample of AISI 1020 steel, with dimensions of 30 mm in diameter and 120 mm in length. Since this is a low-strength steel, grinding by means of a plunge into this material ensures comparison of the unused region of the grinding wheel with the region where grinding was performed, considering that the workpiece is 4 mm thick and the grinding wheel is 15 mm thick. The evaluation of the worn region of the grinding wheel is done using a roughness tester applied for roughness measurement. Analysis of the roughness of the test specimens.

[029] Surface roughness measurement was obtained in terms of arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) using a Taylor Hobson Surtronic 3+ roughness meter, configured with a cut-off of 0.25 mm and a sample length of 1.25 mm, in which three measurements were performed on each specimen. Analysis of the tangential grinding force

[030] The machining conditions were quantified in terms of tangential force. The power consumed during grinding was determined using an acquisition system mounted on the cylindrical grinding machine. Hall sensors fixed to the electrical wiring and an encoder fixed to the axis of rotation of the electric motor sent voltage, current, and rotation signals during machining. The acquisition system was connected to a module (Curvopower) and a board (PCI-6035EDAQ-16 bits), sending the data to LabView 7.1 software at an acquisition rate of 2 kS / s. With the data Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 22 / 27 10 / 13 referring to the peripheral speed of the grinding wheel and the power consumed, the tangential force was calculated using MatLAB 9.0 software. Results of diametral grinding wheel wear

[031] The mechanisms causing increased surface roughness and increased circularity errors also culminate in a decrease in the life of the cutting tool. When grinding specimens with continuous geometry, mechanical impacts are attenuated compared to interrupted cutting conditions. However, changes in machining parameters, such as increasing the feed rate, cause an increase in the wear rate of the grinding wheel and thus an increase in machining costs. The loss of abrasive material from the grinding wheel occurs due to the friability of the grinding wheel and also due to thermal degradation of the bond. Figure 4 shows the average values ​​for the use of MQL without cleaning and the use of MQL with the present invention. Cleaning with Teflon blocks and alumina blocks reduced wear compared to the MQL condition without cleaning, indicating similar values ​​for both conditions.However, the subtle increase in diametrical wear of the grinding wheel with the application of alumina blocks compared to the application of Teflon is caused by the greater hardness of alumina over Teflon, which, along with the removal of encrusted debris, ends up removing a greater quantity of abrasive grains. Result of the roughness analysis of the test specimens.

[032] Figure 5 shows the average roughness values ​​obtained experimentally. The use of the Teflon block for cleaning resulted in greater clogging due to the mechanical characteristics of this material. The contact of a low-hardness material with the CBN grinding wheel generated rapid wear of the block, causing the material to adhere to the contact regions and worsening the final roughness conditions of the workpiece. Despite what has been reported, the application of Teflon blocks along with MQL still provides better surface roughness compared to the use of MQL without any technique. Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 23 / 27 11 / 13 Cleaning. The MQL (Multi-Quality Lathe) assisted with an aluminum oxide block showed better cleaning conditions compared to MQL without cleaning and MQL with cleaning using a Teflon block, especially at higher feed rates. The increase in chip thickness considerably increases the thickness of the adhered layer; therefore, the application of a material with abrasive characteristics, such as the aluminum oxide block, promoted the removal of the adhered material by machining, in which the micro-cutting edges of the block were able to remove this adhered layer. The presence of a thicker layer of adhered material ensured less contact between the grinding wheel and the alumina block, since at the lowest feed rates (0.25 and 0.50 mm / min) the average roughness values ​​obtained did not show high variations in the final roughness of the workpiece.

[033] Result of the tangential force analysis during grinding

[034] Figure 6 presents the experimentally obtained tangential force values. The cleaning technique using alumina blocks showed intermediate values ​​between cleaning with compressed air and with Teflon. Firstly, cleaning with compressed air generates only contact with the grinding wheel through the compressed air jet, while the other methods presented involve mechanical contact at the grinding wheel's cutting interface. Despite the contact being controlled by the actuator, there is material removal from the blocks that contributes in part to the increase in the measured tangential grinding force, with some of this energy being consumed by the grinding of the Teflon and alumina cleaning systems. The adhesion of material from the Teflon block resulted in increased friction at the contact interface, requiring more energy for material removal.The physical characteristics of alumina prevented its adhesion and resulted in higher removal rates of the adhered layer on the cutting surface, surpassing the results obtained by cleaning with Teflon. Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 24 / 27 12 / 13

[035] However, despite the portion of energy consumed by the contact between the cleaning blocks and the grinding wheel, the MQL without cleaning cannot overcome the conditions with mechanical cleaning, thus indicating that the portion of energy consumed by the contact between the grinding wheel and the cleaning systems may be minimal compared to the portion of energy released with the severe increase in friction on a surface completely clogged with chips.

[036] Conclusion of the tests

[037] The present invention also presents itself as a great ally in reducing costs arising from the use of cutting fluids, assisting the MQL technique. The application of a minimal amount of lubricant leads to easy clogging of the grinding wheel cutting edges, given the reduced amount of cutting fluid applied. Mechanical cleaning by contact thus promotes new perspectives for the application of MQL, further increasing the applicability of this technology in various industrial sectors, such as the automotive and aeronautical industries.

[038] Thus, the device presented has differentiated characteristics, mainly with regard to the mechanical contact cleaning of the grinding wheel surface, and can contribute greatly to the process, helping to maximize production. Its constituent is due to the fact that it enables efficient cleaning of the grinding wheel surface during the machining process, helping to maintain and improve the quality of the process.

[039] With wide applicability in various manufacturing environments, the device was developed to adapt to any type of grinding machine tool. Thus, this device can be used in industries, laboratories, and various small, medium, and large companies that can utilize this technology as a way to improve the Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, pp. 25 / 27 13 / 13 yield, cleaning the grinding wheel, thus reducing damage caused by the clogging phenomenon.

[040] Finally, considering market applicability and process efficiency, all the characteristics pertinent to efficiency are present, highlighting the original and innovative nature of the invention. The cost / benefit ratio of the invention is noteworthy, as it presents low construction costs, simplicity of installation, and relative resistance, which guarantees long durability for the equipment.

[041] Therefore, still dealing with the innovative character and the cost / benefit ratio, it is asserted that it is a versatile and functional product, as it fulfills the requirements of long durability and good applicability, fully meeting the needs of users, in accordance with what will be demonstrated by the drawing that accompanies and illustrates this application. Given this, due to the technical and applicability advantages, which guarantee a gain for the entire rectification process, the present object meets the necessary conditions to obtain the privilege sought.

Claims

1 - MECHANICAL CONTACT CLEANING DEVICE BETWEEN CLEANING BLOCK AND GRINDING WHEEL APPLIED TO GRINDING, characterized by comprising the mechanical contact cleaning of the grinding wheel surface (3) through an automated cleaning system (4), which comprises a cleaning block (5) that is connected to an actuator (7) through the fixing rod (6), the cleaning block fixing screw (9), the support washers (10) and the cleaning block fixing nut (11); the actuator (7), in turn, being fixed to the flange by means of the actuator fixing screw (12) 2 - DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the system is fixed to the machine tool (1) by means of the flange (8) and the flange fixing screw assembly (13), and the actuator (7) is responsible for ensuring contact between the cleaning block (5) and the grinding wheel (3). 3 - DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning block (5) must be made of Polytetrafluoroethylene or Aluminum Oxide or other material that meets the cleaning specifications of the grinding wheel (3). 4 - DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (7) may be pneumatic, hydraulic or electric, of any model and dimensions, without any restriction as to its specifications and the material used for its manufacture. 5 - DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning block fastening system (5), composed of the cleaning block fastening screw (9), support washers (10) and cleaning block fastening nut (11), may be replaced by any equivalent fastening system that meets the device's requirements and ensures that the assembly performs the function for which it was designed. Petition 870260063752, dated 06 / 29 / 2026, page 12 / 27 2 / 2 6 - DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning block fastening system (5), composed of the cleaning block fastening screw (9), support washers (10) and cleaning block fastening nut (11), may be replaced by any equivalent fastening system that meets the device's requirements and ensures that the assembly performs the function for which it was designed. 7 - DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator fixing screw (12) and the flange fixing screw assembly (13) may be replaced by any fastening system, including welding, so that the system remains stable enough to ensure efficient cleaning of the grinding wheel (3). 8 - USE OF THE DEVICE, as described in claims 1 to 7, characterized by being for cleaning the grinding wheel surface in machine tools by mechanical contact.

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