Grinding machine

Abstract

A grinding machine is provided. The grinding machine includes a side slide and a lower slide as a workpiece support device, a side measuring device that measures a horizontal position of each of an axial one end and an axial other end of a workpiece, with respect to a rotation axis of the workpiece, on an opposite side to the side slide, and a control device that controls a side conveying device based on a measurement value of the side measuring device to perform positioning control of the axial one end and the other end of the workpiece in a horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to grinding machines. Background Technology

[0002] Grinding machines that use rollers as workpieces for grinding are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-267151 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-34502.

[0003] The roller, which is a workpiece, has a roller body located at the axial center, and a first journal and a second journal located at both ends of the roller body.

[0004] The grinding machine described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-267151 includes a sliding shoe that supports the outer peripheral surfaces of a first journal and a second journal. In this grinding machine, the workpiece is supported by the sliding shoe so that it can rotate, and the rotational driving force of the spindle is transmitted to the workpiece through a connecting member, and the workpiece is ground by the grinding wheel.

[0005] The grinding machine described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-34502 grinds a workpiece by means of a grinding wheel, with the two ends of a roller serving as a workpiece supported by a center member and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second journals pressed by a sliding shoe. The sliding shoe serves to improve the support rigidity.

[0006] In workpieces where the outer circumferential surface of a cylinder is the grinding area, the direction of the workpiece's axis of rotation is a crucial factor. In transverse grinding, where the grinding wheel moves along the workpiece's axial direction, the outer circumferential surface becomes conical when the workpiece's axis of rotation is tilted relative to the transverse direction of the grinding wheel. Therefore, the workpiece must be positioned so that its axis of rotation is parallel to the transverse direction of the grinding wheel.

[0007] As a method of supporting a workpiece, there are methods such as supporting the two end faces of the workpiece by means of a center component and a chuck component, supporting the outer peripheral surfaces near the two end faces of the workpiece by means of a sliding shoe, and supporting the workpiece by means of a center component and a sliding shoe.

[0008] In a workpiece with journals at both ends, grinding the outer peripheral surfaces of the journals at both ends, with the journals supported by a slide, allows the workpiece to be ground into a shape based on the journals. This grinding method, where the outer peripheral surfaces of the journals are supported by a slide, is useful for workpieces intended to be shaped based on the journals. However, when the outer peripheral surfaces of the journals are supported by a slide, determining the position of the slide to position the workpiece in the desired orientation is not easy. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a grinding machine that can control the position of the slide in order to position the workpiece in a desired posture when grinding is performed with the slide supporting the outer peripheral surface of the journal.

[0010] 1. First grinding machine

[0011] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a grinding machine includes: a workpiece support device that supports a workpiece having a first journal and a second journal at both axial ends so that it can rotate; a grinding wheel that moves relative to the workpiece in a horizontal direction, thereby grinding the workpiece; a measuring device for positioning the workpiece by the workpiece support device; and a control device that controls the workpiece support device based on a measured value measured by the measuring device to perform workpiece positioning control.

[0012] The aforementioned workpiece support device comprises: a first lower slide and a first side slide that support a first journal bearing to rotate and position the workpiece; a second lower slide and a second side slide that support a second journal bearing to rotate and position the workpiece; a first lower conveying device and a second lower conveying device that move the first lower slide and the second lower slide radially toward the workpiece, respectively; and a first side conveying device and a second side conveying device that move the first side slide and the second side slide radially toward the workpiece, respectively.

[0013] The aforementioned measuring device includes: a side measuring device, which, with the workpiece's rotation axis as a reference, is located on the side opposite to the first and second side slides, and measures the horizontal position of one axial end and the other axial end of the workpiece. A control device, based on the measured value of the workpiece's axial end obtained by the side measuring device, controls the first side conveying device to perform horizontal positioning control of the workpiece's axial end; and based on the measured value of the workpiece's other axial end obtained by the side measuring device, controls the second side conveying device to perform horizontal positioning control of the workpiece's other axial end.

[0014] According to the first embodiment described above, the control device controls the workpiece support device to perform workpiece positioning control based on the measured values ​​obtained by the measuring device. Therefore, workpiece positioning can be performed automatically. Specifically, the control device controls the first side conveying device to perform horizontal positioning control of the axial end of the workpiece based on the measured values ​​obtained by the side measuring device at one axial end of the workpiece. Furthermore, the control device controls the second side conveying device to perform horizontal positioning control of the other axial end of the workpiece based on the measured values ​​obtained by the side measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece.

[0015] That is, the position of the first side slide and the position of the second side slide can be automatically determined using the measurement values ​​of the side measuring device, and the workpiece posture can be set to the desired posture. Therefore, in the support method using slides, workpieces of the desired shape can be ground with high precision.

[0016] 2. Second grinding machine

[0017] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a grinding machine includes: a workpiece support device that supports a workpiece having a first journal and a second journal at both axial ends so that it can rotate; a grinding wheel that moves relative to the workpiece in a horizontal direction, thereby grinding the workpiece; a measuring device for positioning the workpiece by the workpiece support device; and a control device that controls the workpiece support device based on a measured value measured by the measuring device to perform workpiece positioning control.

[0018] The aforementioned workpiece support device includes: a first lower slide and a first side slide that support a first journal bearing to rotate and position a workpiece; a second lower slide and a second side slide that support a second journal bearing to rotate and position a workpiece; a first lower conveying device and a second lower conveying device that move the first lower slide and the second lower slide radially toward the workpiece, respectively; and a first side conveying device and a second side conveying device that move the first side slide and the second side slide radially toward the workpiece, respectively.

[0019] The aforementioned measuring device comprises: an upper measuring device, which, with the workpiece's rotation axis as a reference, is located on the side opposite to the first and second lower sliding shoes, and measures the vertical position of one axial end and the other axial end of the workpiece. A control device, based on the measured value of the workpiece's axial end obtained by the upper measuring device, controls the first lower conveying device to perform vertical positioning control of the workpiece's axial end; and based on the measured value of the workpiece's other axial end obtained by the upper measuring device, controls the second lower conveying device to perform vertical positioning control of the workpiece's other axial end.

[0020] According to the second embodiment described above, the control device controls the workpiece support device to perform workpiece positioning control based on the measured value obtained by the measuring device. Therefore, workpiece positioning can be performed automatically. Specifically, the control device controls the first lower conveying device based on the measured value obtained by the upper measuring device at one axial end of the workpiece, thereby performing vertical positioning control of that axial end. Furthermore, the control device controls the second lower conveying device based on the measured value obtained by the upper measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece, thereby performing vertical positioning control of that other axial end.

[0021] That is, the positions of the first and second lower slides can be automatically determined using the measurements from the upper measuring device, allowing the workpiece to be positioned as desired. Therefore, in a slide-supported method, workpieces of the desired shape can be ground with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1This is a top view of the grinding machine.

[0023] Figure 2 It is an enlarged sectional view of the workpiece support device including the sliding track.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram of a grinding machine, including the internal structure of the measuring device.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a grinding machine that measures the movement of a workpiece using a side measuring device that constitutes the measuring apparatus.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a grinding machine used to measure a workpiece using a side measuring device that constitutes the measuring apparatus.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram of a grinding machine used to measure a workpiece using an upper measuring device that constitutes the measuring apparatus.

[0028] Figure 7A This is a diagram showing the initial steps of a grinding method.

[0029] Figure 7B This is a diagram representing the first initial positioning step in a grinding method.

[0030] Figure 7C This is a diagram representing the second initial positioning step of the grinding method.

[0031] Figure 7D This is a diagram showing the initial positioning and final steps of a grinding method.

[0032] Figure 7E This is a diagram representing one grinding step in a grinding method.

[0033] Figure 7F This is a diagram illustrating the process of measuring the outer diameter after one grinding operation in a grinding method.

[0034] Figure 7G This is a diagram illustrating the high-precision positioning process in a grinding method.

[0035] Figure 7H This is a diagram representing the secondary grinding process in a grinding method.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the initial positioning method for the first example.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the initial positioning method for the second example. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 1. The workpiece W of the object

[0039] Reference Figure 1Let's describe the workpiece W. Workpiece W is, for example, a roller. Workpiece W, as a roller, is used for, for example, to convey or stretch sheets. The material of the sheet is paper, cloth, metal, resin, etc.

[0040] Workpiece W comprises a main body Wa located at the center of the axial direction, a first journal Wb located at each end of the axial direction, and a second journal Wc located at each end of the axial direction. The main body Wa has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The diameters of the first journal Wb and the second journal Wc are smaller than the diameter of the main body Wa and are coaxial with the main body Wa. The first journal Wb and the second journal Wc have cylindrical outer circumferential surfaces and are configured to be coaxial. The first journal Wb and the second journal Wc can have the same diameter or different diameters.

[0041] Furthermore, the workpiece W is not limited to a roller, as long as it has at least a first journal Wb and a second journal Wc, and the shape of the main body Wa is not limited to the outer circumference of a cylinder. For example, the main body Wa can also be cam-shaped, or it can be a shape with portions having different diameters in the axial direction.

[0042] 2. Structure of Grinding Machine 1

[0043] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the grinding machine 1 will now be described. While the workpiece W is rotating about its axis of rotation, the grinding machine 1 rotates the grinding wheel 70 and brings it closer to and separates it from the workpiece W, thereby grinding the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W. The grinding area of ​​the workpiece W may be only the main body Wa, or it may include the first journal Wb and the second journal Wc in addition to the main body Wa.

[0044] Grinding machine 1 can be a table-type grinding machine, a grinding machine with a wheel head type that is horizontal, etc. Additionally, grinding machine 1 can be a cylindrical grinding machine, a cam grinding machine, etc. Furthermore, in this example, grinding machine 1 is a table-type cylindrical grinding machine.

[0045] The grinding machine 1 includes a base 10, a worktable 20, a spindle assembly 30, a tailstock assembly 40, a workpiece support assembly 50, a grinding wheel holder 60, a grinding wheel 70, a measuring device 80, and a control device 90. The base 10 is mounted on the mounting surface.

[0046] The base 10 has a longer left-right width (Z-axis length) near its front side in the X-axis direction and a shorter left-right width near its inner side in the X-axis direction. The base 10 includes a Z-axis guide rail 11 extending along the Z-axis direction on its upper surface near the front side in the X-axis direction. A ball screw 12 parallel to the Z-axis guide rail 11 is provided on the base 10, and a motor 13 is provided to drive the ball screw 12 to rotate. Additionally, the base 10 includes an X-axis guide rail 14 extending along the X-axis direction on its upper surface near its inner side in the X-axis direction. A ball screw 15 parallel to the X-axis guide rail 14 is provided on the base 10, and a motor 16 is provided to drive the ball screw 15 to rotate.

[0047] Here, the ball screw 12 and motor 13 function as NC drive devices that move the worktable 20 (described later) in the Z-axis direction relative to the base 10. Additionally, the ball screw 15 and motor 16 function as NC drive devices that move the grinding wheel holder 60, grinding wheel 70, and measuring device 80 (described later) in the X-axis direction relative to the base 10.

[0048] The worktable 20 is elongated and supported to move along the Z-axis (horizontal direction) on the Z-axis guide rail 11. Furthermore, the worktable 20 is fixed to a ball screw nut that engages with the ball screw 12 and moves along the Z-axis via the rotation of the motor 13.

[0049] The spindle assembly 30 drives the workpiece W to rotate. The spindle assembly 30 is positioned at one end of the worktable 20 in the Z-axis direction. The spindle assembly 30 includes: a spindle table 31 fixed to the worktable 20; a motor 32; a rotation transmission member 33 that rotates in response to the rotation of the motor 32; and a locking member 34 fixed to the first journal section Wb of the workpiece W and engaging with the rotation transmission member 33. The locking member 34 is, for example, a chuck. Furthermore, the spindle assembly 30 includes a center member 35. The center member 35 can be mounted on the spindle table 31 in a non-rotatable manner or in a rotatable manner. The center member 35 supports the end face of one axial end of the workpiece W.

[0050] The tailstock assembly 40 is disposed on the other end of the worktable 20 in the Z-axis direction. The tailstock assembly 40 includes a center member 41. The center member 41 may be configured to be non-rotatable or rotatable. The center member 41 supports the end face of the other end of the workpiece W in the axial direction.

[0051] The workpiece support device 50 radially supports the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W, enabling the workpiece W to rotate. The workpiece support device 50 includes a first support device 51 that radially supports a first journal Wb of the workpiece W from its outer peripheral surface, and a second support device 52 that radially supports a second journal Wc from its outer peripheral surface. The first support device 51 and the second support device 52 are used when grinding the workpiece W. In this example, the center members 35 and 41 are not used for supporting the workpiece W during grinding, but are used for tasks such as workpiece W handover and positioning, so that the workpiece support device 50 can support the workpiece W. That is, the workpiece support device 50 and the center members 35 and 41 are not used simultaneously for grinding the workpiece W.

[0052] The grinding wheel holder 60 is rectangular in shape and is supported so that it can move along the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) on the X-axis guide rail 14. Furthermore, the grinding wheel holder 60 is fixed to a ball screw nut that engages with the ball screw 15 and is moved along the X-axis direction by the rotation of the motor 16. The grinding wheel holder 60 includes a measuring device support platform 61 that supports the measuring device 80 (described later) on its upper surface.

[0053] The grinding wheel 70 is formed in a disc shape and is supported by the grinding wheel holder 60 so that it can rotate about an axis parallel to the Z-axis. Therefore, the grinding wheel 70 moves relative to the workpiece W in the horizontal direction, thereby grinding the workpiece W. In this example, the grinding wheel 70 and the workpiece W are moved relative to each other in the Z-axis direction, thereby performing transverse grinding on the main body Wa of the workpiece W by the grinding wheel 70.

[0054] A measuring device 80 is disposed on the grinding wheel holder 60 for positioning the workpiece W by the workpiece support device 50. The measuring device 80 is disposed on the grinding wheel holder 60, thereby moving together with the grinding wheel holder 60 in the X-axis direction. In this example, the measuring device 80 is supported by the measuring device support 61 of the grinding wheel holder 60 so that it can move in the X-axis direction. That is, when the grinding wheel holder 60 moves in the X-axis direction, the measuring device 80 moves relative to the base 10 in the X-axis direction; furthermore, the measuring device 80 itself moves relative to the measuring device support 61 in the X-axis direction, thereby moving relative to the base 10 in the X-axis direction.

[0055] The control device 90 controls the positions of the worktable 20, the spindle assembly 30, and the grinding wheel holder 60. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the rotation of the spindle assembly 30 and the grinding wheel 70. Additionally, the control device 90 controls the measuring device 80 and, based on the measured values ​​obtained by the measuring device 80, controls the workpiece support device 50, thereby controlling the positioning of the workpiece W.

[0056] 3. Structure of workpiece support device 50

[0057] Reference Figure 2The structure of the workpiece support devices 50 (51, 52) will be described below. The first support device 51 and the second support device 52 constituting the workpiece support device 50 have the same structure. In the following description, when distinguishing the structural elements of the first support device 51 and the second support device 52, the subscript a representing the structural element of the first support device 51 will be marked with "first" before its name, and the subscript b representing the structural element of the second support device 52 will be marked with "second" before its name.

[0058] The first support device 51 and the second support device 52 include: support bodies 101a and 101b; side slides 102a and 102b; lower slides 103a and 103b; side conveying devices 104a and 104b; and lower conveying devices 105a and 105b.

[0059] Support bodies 101a and 101b are fixed to the worktable 20. Side slides 102a and 102b are supported by support bodies 101a and 101b and are able to move in a generally horizontal direction. That is, the direction of movement of the side slides 102a and 102b relative to the support bodies 101a and 101b can have only a horizontal component, or it can have a predominantly horizontal component with a slight vertical component.

[0060] The first side slide 102a supports the first journal Wb, which is rotatable, while in contact with the side of the first journal Wb of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the first side slide 102a moves relative to the first support body 101a, thereby allowing the first side slide 102a to change the axial direction of one end of the workpiece W. Figure 1 The horizontal position of the left end of the workpiece W. That is, the first side slide 102a has the function of positioning one end of the workpiece W in the axial direction.

[0061] The second side slide 102b supports the second journal Wc, allowing it to rotate, while in contact with the side of the second journal Wc of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the second side slide 102b moves relative to the second support body 101b, thereby enabling the second side slide 102b to change the axial direction of the other end of the workpiece W. Figure 1 The horizontal position of the right end of the workpiece W. That is, the second side slide 102b has the function of positioning the other end of the workpiece W in the axial direction.

[0062] The lower sliding shoes 103a and 103b are supported by the support bodies 101a and 101b so that they can move in a generally vertical direction. That is, the direction of movement of the lower sliding shoes 103a and 103b relative to the support bodies 101a and 101b can have only a vertical component, or it can have a horizontal component as the main component of the vertical direction.

[0063] With the first lower slide 103a in contact with the lower part of the first journal Wb of the workpiece W, the first lower slide 103a supports the first journal Wb so that it can rotate. Furthermore, the first lower slide 103a moves relative to the first support body 101a, thereby allowing the first lower slide 103a to change the axial position of one end of the workpiece W. Figure 1 The position of the left end of the workpiece W in the vertical direction. That is, the first lower slide 103a and the first side slide 102a together have the function of positioning one end of the workpiece W in the axial direction.

[0064] With the second lower slide 103b in contact with the lower part of the second journal Wc of the workpiece W, the second lower slide 103b supports the second journal Wc so that it can rotate. Furthermore, the second lower slide 103b moves relative to the second support body 101b, thereby allowing the second side slide 102b to change the axial direction of the other end of the workpiece W. Figure 1 The position of the right end of the workpiece W in the vertical direction. That is, the second lower slide 103b and the second side slide 102b together have the function of positioning the other end of the workpiece W in the axial direction.

[0065] Here, the center angle of the workpiece W between the contact positions of the side slides 102a and 102b and the contact positions of the lower slides 103a and 103b and the workpiece W is set to be greater than 90°. This is so that the workpiece W can be positioned by the side slides 102a and 102b and the lower slides 103a and 103b.

[0066] The side conveying devices 104a and 104b move the side slides 102a and 102b relative to the support bodies 101a and 101b in a direction primarily composed of the horizontal direction. Specifically, the first side conveying device 104a moves the first side slide 102a radially toward the first journal section Wb of the workpiece W, primarily in the horizontal direction. The second side conveying device 104b moves the second side slide 102b radially toward the second journal section Wc of the workpiece W, primarily in the horizontal direction.

[0067] The side conveying devices 104a and 104b, for example, include a motor and a power conversion mechanism to move the side slides 102a and 102b. For example, the side conveying devices 104a and 104b include: a motor and worm gears 111a and 111b; worm wheels 112a and 112b; and sliding screws 113a and 113b coaxial with the worm wheels 112a and 112b. The sliding screws 113a and 113b are screwed into the side slides 102a and 102b. Therefore, driven by the rotation of the motor, the side slides 102a and 102b can be moved linearly in a direction primarily horizontal.

[0068] The lower conveying devices 105a and 105b move the lower sliding shoes 103a and 103b relative to the supporting bodies 101a and 101b in a direction primarily composed of the vertical direction. Specifically, the first lower conveying device 105a moves the first lower sliding shoe 103a radially toward the first journal neck Wb of the workpiece W, in a direction primarily composed of the vertical direction. The second lower conveying device 105b moves the second lower sliding shoe 103b radially toward the second journal neck Wc of the workpiece W, in a direction primarily composed of the vertical direction.

[0069] The lower conveying devices 105a and 105b, for example, include a motor and a power conversion mechanism to move the lower sliding shoes 103a and 103b. For example, the lower conveying devices 105a and 105b include: a motor and worm gears 121a and 121b; worm wheels 122a and 122b; sliding screws 123a and 123b coaxial with the worm wheels 122a and 122b; fixed tilting platforms 124a and 124b integrated with the support bodies 101a and 101b; and movable tilting components 125a and 125b.

[0070] Sliding screws 123a and 123b engage with movable tilting components 125a and 125b. The movable tilting components 125a and 125b slide on the inclined upper surfaces of the fixed tilting platforms 124a and 124b, and slidably support the lower surfaces of the lower slides 103a and 103b. The moving directions of the movable tilting components 125a and 125b are offset from the moving directions of the lower slides 103a and 103b by an angle of 90°. Therefore, the lower slides 103a and 103b can be moved linearly in a direction primarily vertical by the rotation of a motor.

[0071] Furthermore, the aforementioned side conveying devices 104a and 104b and lower conveying devices 105a and 105b are just one example. Various structures can be adopted if the side slides 102a and 102b and the lower slides 103a and 103b can be moved in the desired direction.

[0072] 4. Structure of the measuring device support platform 61 and the measuring device 80

[0073] Reference Figure 3 The structure of the measuring device support 61 and the measuring device 80 will be described below. The measuring device support 61 is located on the upper surface of the grinding wheel holder 60, offset from the Z-axis of the grinding wheel 70. The measuring device support 61 has a guide rail 61a extending along the X-axis and a ball screw 61b on its side. Furthermore, the measuring device support 61 has a motor 61c that drives the ball screw 61b to rotate. Although the structure of the measuring device support 61 with a ball screw 61b and a motor 61c is illustrated, a cylinder device or similar device may also be used.

[0074] The measuring device 80 is supported by the measuring device support platform 61 and is driven to rotate by the motor 61c, moving relative to the grinding wheel seat 60 in the X-axis direction. The measuring device 80 includes: a movable main body 81 supported by the measuring device support platform 61, a side measuring device 82, a cylinder device 83, a side rapid advance sensor 84, an upper measuring device 85, an NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device, and an upper rapid advance sensor 87.

[0075] The side measuring device 82 is a sensor that measures the horizontal position of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W. For example, the side measuring device 82 is a non-contact distance sensor. However, a contact distance sensor can also be used in the side measuring device 82.

[0076] Specifically, the side measuring device 82, with the rotation axis of the workpiece W as a reference, is located on the side opposite to the first side slide 102a, and measures the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W. Here, the axial end of the workpiece W means the end including the first journal Wb of the workpiece W and the end of the main body Wa of the workpiece W on the side of the first journal Wb. Additionally, the side measuring device 82, with the rotation axis of the workpiece W as a reference, is located on the side opposite to the second side slide 102b, and measures the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W. Here, the other axial end of the workpiece W means the end including the second journal Wc of the workpiece W and the end of the main body Wa of the workpiece W on the side of the second journal Wc.

[0077] A cylinder assembly 83 is disposed on the main body 81 of the measuring device 80, causing the side measuring device 82 to move vertically between a measuring position and a retracted position. The measuring position of the side measuring device 82 is located in a region lower than the main body 81, and the retracted position is located in a region housed inside the main body 81. The side measuring device 82 is disposed near the lower end of the moving part of the rod fixed to the cylinder assembly 83. Furthermore, in this example, the cylinder assembly 83 is a simplified structure capable of being positioned only in the two positions of the measuring position and the retracted position.

[0078] The side rapid traverse sensor 84 is located near the lower end of the moving part of the rod fixed to the cylinder assembly 83. That is, the side rapid traverse sensor 84 is configured to move integrally with the side measuring device 82. The side rapid traverse sensor 84 is arranged side-by-side with respect to the side measuring device 82 in the Z-axis direction, for example. That is, the side rapid traverse sensor 84 and the side measuring device 82 are located at the same Y-axis position (vertical direction) and the same X-axis position (horizontal direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the workpiece W). However, in… Figure 3 In the diagram, the lateral rapid advance sensor 84 and the lateral measuring device 82 are shown to be slightly offset.

[0079] Furthermore, the side rapid traverse sensor 84 has a longer detectable distance than the side measuring device 82. The side rapid traverse sensor 84 is used during the initial positioning of the side measuring device 82 relative to the workpiece W. Therefore, by using the side rapid traverse sensor 84 during the initial positioning of the side measuring device 82, rapid traverse movement is possible.

[0080] The upper measuring device 85 is a sensor that measures the vertical position of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W. For example, the upper measuring device 85 is a non-contact distance sensor. However, a contact distance sensor can also be used in the upper measuring device 85.

[0081] In detail, the upper measuring device 85, with the rotation axis of the workpiece W as a reference, is located on the side opposite to the first lower slide 103a, and measures the vertical position of one end of the workpiece W along its axial direction. Additionally, with the rotation axis of the workpiece W as a reference, the upper measuring device 85, located on the side opposite to the second lower slide 103b, measures the vertical position of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction.

[0082] An NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device is disposed on the main body 81 of the measuring device 80, causing the upper measuring device 85 to move between a measuring position and a retracting position in the vertical direction. The measuring position of the upper measuring device 85 is located in a region lower than the main body 81, and the retracting position is located in a region housed inside the main body 81. Furthermore, compared to the cylinder device 83, the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device is located near the front side in the X-axis direction, i.e., on the workpiece W side.

[0083] The upper measuring device NC drive 86 consists of a motor, a ball screw, a ball screw nut, etc. The upper measuring device 85 is located near the lower end of the moving part of the ball screw nut, which is fixed to the upper measuring device NC drive 86.

[0084] The upper rapid traverse sensor 87 is located near the lower end of the moving part of the ball screw nut fixed to the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device. That is, the upper rapid traverse sensor 87 is configured to move integrally with the upper measuring device 85. The upper rapid traverse sensor 87 is arranged, for example, side-by-side with respect to the upper measuring device 85 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the upper rapid traverse sensor 87 and the upper measuring device 85 are located in the same X-axis direction (horizontal direction in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the workpiece W) and the same Y-axis direction (vertical direction). However, in… Figure 3 In the diagram, the upper fast-forward sensor 87 and the upper measuring device 85 are shown to be slightly offset.

[0085] Furthermore, the upper rapid-traverse sensor 87 has a longer detectable distance than the upper measuring device 85. The upper rapid-traverse sensor 87 is used during the initial positioning of the upper measuring device 85 relative to the workpiece W. Therefore, by using the upper rapid-traverse sensor 87 during the initial positioning of the upper measuring device 85, rapid-traverse movement is possible.

[0086] The side measuring device 82 requires high-precision horizontal positioning relative to the workpiece W. The side measuring device 82 uses an NC drive mechanism that moves the grinding wheel holder 60 relative to the base 10 in the X-axis direction, thereby enabling horizontal positioning relative to the workpiece W. On the other hand, the side measuring device 82 moves vertically between a measuring position and a retracted position. That is, the direction of high-precision positioning relative to the workpiece and the direction of movement between the measuring position and the retracted position are different for the side measuring device 82. Therefore, the device for moving the side measuring device 82 vertically between the measuring position and the retracted position is not an NC mechanism but a cylinder mechanism 83. This reduces costs.

[0087] The upper measuring device 85 needs to be positioned with high precision in the vertical direction relative to the workpiece W. Furthermore, the upper measuring device 85 moves between a measuring position and a retracting position in the vertical direction. That is, the direction in which the upper measuring device 85 is positioned with high precision relative to the workpiece W is the same as the direction in which it moves between the measuring position and the retracting position. Therefore, the device that moves the upper measuring device 85 between the measuring position and the retracting position in the vertical direction is an NC (Computer Numerical Control) device.

[0088] 5. Operation of measuring device 80

[0089] Reference Figures 3-6 The operation of the measuring device 80 will be explained below. The side measuring device 82 measures the horizontal position of the side of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W. That is, the side measuring device 82 is a component that measures the horizontal position of the rotation axis of the workpiece W.

[0090] First, such as Figure 3 As shown, via control device 90 ( Figure 1 The rotary drive motor 16 (as shown) positions the grinding wheel holder 60 relative to the base 10 such that the grinding wheel 70 is positioned sufficiently away from the workpiece W in the X-axis direction. For example, the grinding wheel holder 60 is positioned at the rear end in the X-axis direction.

[0091] Next, as Figure 4As shown, the control device 90 rotates the drive motor 61c, thereby moving the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 towards the front in the X-axis direction relative to the measuring device support 61. At this time, the side measuring device 82 and the upper measuring device 85 remain housed within the main body 81 of the measuring device 80. If the mechanism driving the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 is an NC drive device, the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 can be positioned at any set position. On the other hand, if it is a cylinder device or the like, the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 is positioned at a predetermined position.

[0092] Next, as Figure 4 As shown, the control device 90 drives the cylinder device 83, thereby moving the side measuring device 82 from the upper retracted position to the lower measuring position. Therefore, the side measuring device 82 is positioned opposite the inner side of the workpiece W in the X-axis direction. That is, the side measuring device 82 is located on the side opposite to the side slides 102a and 102b, with the rotation axis of the workpiece W as the reference.

[0093] Next, as Figure 5 As shown, the control device 90 rotates the drive motor 16, thereby moving the grinding wheel holder 60 relative to the base 10 towards the front in the X-axis direction, i.e., towards the side of the measuring device 80 approaching the workpiece W. At this time, the control device 90 moves the grinding wheel holder 60 rapidly based on the measurement value of the side rapid-traverse sensor 84 to initially position the side measuring device 82 relative to the workpiece W. If the side rapid-traverse sensor 84 is used, detection can be performed at a position away from the workpiece W, so even with rapid-traverse movement, the side rapid-traverse sensor 84 can avoid colliding with the workpiece W. As a result, the positioning of the side measuring device 82 can be performed in a short time.

[0094] Next, in Figure 5 In the indicated state, when the side measuring device 82 is non-contact, the horizontal distance between the side measuring device 82 and the side of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W is measured. When the side measuring device 82 is in contact, the horizontal position of the side of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W is measured by the side measuring device 82.

[0095] Furthermore, the control device 90 calculates the outer periphery position of the workpiece W from the center of the tips 35 and 41 based on the measured value of the side measuring device 82, the X-direction position of the main body 81, and the X-direction position of the grinding wheel seat 60. It then controls the side conveying devices 104a and 104b to change the horizontal position of the side slides 102a and 102b by bringing the center of the workpiece W to the center of the tips 35 and 41. Specifically, when the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the side measuring device 82, the first side conveying device 104a is controlled based on the measured value of the side measuring device 82 to change the horizontal position of the first side slide 102a. This achieves horizontal positioning control of one axial end of the workpiece W. Furthermore, when the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the side measuring device 82, the second side conveying device 104b is controlled based on the measured value of the side measuring device 82 to change the horizontal position of the second side slide 102b. In this way, the horizontal positioning control of the other end of the workpiece W is performed.

[0096] Next, the control device 90 drives the cylinder device 83, thereby moving the side measuring device 82 to the retracted position, that is, to the storage position of the main body 81 of the measuring device 80. Here, before moving the side measuring device 82 to the retracted position, the grinding wheel seat 60 may also be moved slightly inward in the X-axis direction relative to the base 10.

[0097] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, the control device 90 drives the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device, thereby moving the upper measuring device 85 from the upper retracted position to the lower measuring position. That is, the upper measuring device 85 moves in a direction approaching the upper part of the workpiece W. At this time, based on the measurement value of the upper rapid traverse sensor 87, the control device 90 causes the moving part of the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device to move rapidly for initial positioning of the upper measuring device 85 relative to the workpiece W. If the upper rapid traverse sensor 87 is used, detection can be performed at a position away from the workpiece W, so even with rapid traverse movement, the upper rapid traverse sensor 87 can avoid colliding with the workpiece W. As a result, the positioning of the upper measuring device 87 can be performed in a short time.

[0098] Next, in Figure 6 In the indicated state, when the upper measuring device 85 is in a non-contact mode, the vertical distance between the upper measuring device 85 and the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W is measured. When the upper measuring device 85 is in a contact mode, the vertical position of the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W is measured using the upper measuring device 85.

[0099] Furthermore, the control device 90 calculates the position of the outer periphery of the workpiece W from the center of the top points 35 and 41 based on the measured value of the upper measuring device 85 and the Z-direction position of the upper measuring device 85 moved by the upper measuring device 86 using the NC drive device 86. It controls the upper conveying devices 105a and 105b in such a way that the center of the workpiece W comes to the center of the top points 35 and 41, thereby changing the vertical position of the lower sliding shoes 103a and 103b.

[0100] In detail, when the upper measuring device 85 measures the vertical position of one axial end of the workpiece W, the first lower conveying device 105a is controlled to change the vertical position of the first lower slide 103a based on the measured value of the upper measuring device 85. This achieves vertical positioning control of one axial end of the workpiece W. Furthermore, when the upper measuring device 85 measures the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W, the second lower conveying device 105b is controlled to change the vertical position of the second lower slide 103b based on the measured value of the upper measuring device 85. This achieves vertical positioning control of the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0101] Next, the control device 90 drives the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device, thereby moving the upper measuring device 85 to a retracted position, that is, to a storage position towards the main body 81 of the measuring device 80. Furthermore, the control device 90 rotates the drive motor 61c, thereby moving the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 inwards in the X-axis direction relative to the measuring device support platform 61, becoming... Figure 3 The state shown.

[0102] 6. Grinding methods

[0103] Reference Figures 7A-7H This describes a method for grinding workpiece W using a grinding machine 1. Figures 7A-7H Only a portion of the periphery of the workpiece W is shown in the diagram. In this example, the main body Wa of the workpiece W is laterally ground into a cylindrical shape.

[0104] First, such as Figure 7A As shown, this is set to the initial state (initial process). The initial state is set to the state where the two ends of the workpiece W are supported by the top components 35 and 41, the first side slide 102a and the first lower slide 103a are in contact with the first journal Wb, and the second side slide 102b and the second lower slide 103b are in contact with the second journal Wc.

[0105] An example of the initial state is that the workpiece W is brought in from the outside, temporarily supported by the top members 35 and 41, and the side slides 102a and 102b and the lower slides 103a and 103b are in contact with the workpiece W. Another example of the initial state is that the workpiece W is supported only by the side slides 102a and 102b and the lower slides 103a and 103b, and then the workpiece W is rough ground by the grinding wheel 70, and then the top members 35 and 41 additionally support the two end faces of the workpiece W.

[0106] Next, as Figure 7B As shown, the first initial positioning process is performed. First, the position of the worktable 20 in the Z-axis direction is controlled by the control device 90, thereby positioning the side measuring device 82 in a position capable of measuring the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W. Figure 7B In this case, the side measuring device 82 is positioned in the horizontal direction near the first journal Wb of the main body Wa of the workpiece W.

[0107] In this state, the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the side measuring device 82, and the first side conveying device 104a is controlled by the control device 90. That is, the control device 90 controls the horizontal position of the first side slide 102a based on the measured value of the side measuring device 82. By processing in this way, the control device 90 determines the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 positions the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W by stopping the movement of the first side slide 102a when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing the first side slide 102a against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value.

[0108] Furthermore, the upper measuring device 85 measures the vertical position of one axial end of the workpiece W, and the control device 90 controls the first lower conveying device 105a. That is, the control device 90 controls the vertical position of the first lower slide 103a based on the measured value from the upper measuring device 85. Through this process, the control device 90 determines the vertical position of one axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 positions the vertical position of one axial end of the workpiece W by stopping the movement of the first lower slide 103a when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing it against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value.

[0109] Next, as Figure 7C As shown, the second initial positioning process is performed. The position of the worktable 20 in the Z-axis direction is controlled by the control device 90, thereby positioning the side measuring device 82 in a position capable of measuring the horizontal position of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction. Figure 7CIn this case, the side measuring device 82 is positioned in the horizontal direction near the second journal Wc of the main body Wa of the workpiece W.

[0110] In this state, the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the side measuring device 82, and the second side conveying device 104b is controlled by the control device 90. That is, the control device 90 controls the horizontal position of the second side slide 102b based on the measured value of the side measuring device 82. By processing in this way, the control device 90 determines the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 positions the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W by stopping the movement of the second side slide 102b when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing the second side slide 102b against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value.

[0111] Furthermore, the upper measuring device 85 measures the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W, and the control device 90 controls the second lower conveying device 105b. That is, the control device 90 controls the vertical position of the second lower slide 103b based on the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85. In this way, the control device 90 determines the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 positions the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W by stopping the movement of the second lower slide 103b when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing the second lower slide 103b against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value.

[0112] Next, as Figure 7D As shown, the top components 35 and 41 are moved away from the workpiece W, thus achieving the initial positioning completion state (initial positioning completion process). That is, the workpiece W is in a state where it is supported only by the side slides 102a and 102b and the lower slides 103a and 103b.

[0113] Next, as Figure 7E As shown, the spindle assembly 30 is controlled by the control device 90, thereby rotating the workpiece W and moving the grinding wheel 70 axially relative to the workpiece W to perform one grinding operation (one grinding process). In this example, the main body Wa of the workpiece W is ground laterally by the grinding wheel 70.

[0114] Next, as Figure 7FAs shown, the outer diameter of workpiece W is measured after one grinding operation (outer diameter measurement process). The outer diameter measurement can be performed by the operator inputting the measurement value, or it can be performed using an automatic measuring device (not shown). The areas for outer diameter measurement must include at least the vicinity of both ends of workpiece W. Of course, more than three areas can be measured. The outer diameter measurement here mainly determines whether the grinding area of ​​workpiece W is tapered, and if it is tapered, the size of the tapered shape (equivalent to the cone angle). That is, it measures the direction of the rotation axis of workpiece W after one grinding operation.

[0115] Next, as Figure 7G As shown, to correct the tapered shape, the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece W is adjusted for high-precision positioning (high-precision positioning process). The position of the worktable 20 in the Z-axis direction is controlled by the control device 90, thereby positioning the side measuring device 82 at a position capable of measuring the horizontal position of the other end of the axial direction of the workpiece W. Figure 7D In this case, the side measuring device 82 is positioned in the horizontal direction near the second journal Wc of the main body Wa of the workpiece W.

[0116] In this state, the horizontal position of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is measured by the side measuring device 82, and the second side conveying device 104b is controlled by the control device 90. That is, the control device 90 controls the horizontal position of the second side slide 102b based on the measured value of the side measuring device 82. In this way, the control device 90 determines the horizontal position of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction. For example, based on the measured size of the cone, especially the horizontal component of the cone angle, the control device 90 moves the second side slide 102b horizontally. Then, adjustments are made so that the horizontal component of the cone angle of the workpiece W's axis of rotation becomes zero.

[0117] Furthermore, the upper measuring device 85 measures the vertical position of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction, and the control device 90 controls the second lower conveying device 105b. That is, the control device 90 controls the vertical position of the second lower slide 103b based on the measured value from the upper measuring device 85. Through this process, the control device 90 determines the vertical position of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction. For example, based on the measured size of the cone, particularly the vertical component of the cone angle, the control device 90 moves the second lower slide 103b vertically. Then, adjustments are made so that the vertical component of the cone angle along the rotation axis of the workpiece W becomes zero.

[0118] In this way, the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece W can be changed by adjusting the horizontal and vertical positions of the other end of the workpiece W, and it can be set to a state in which the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece W is consistent with the transverse direction of the grinding wheel 70.

[0119] Furthermore, in the example described above for high-precision positioning, adjustment is performed while measuring the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction. Alternatively, adjustment can be performed while measuring one end of the workpiece W along its axial direction. In this case, the control device 90 adjusts the positions of the first side slide 102a and the first lower slide 103a.

[0120] Specifically, the control device 90 controls the first side conveying device 104a based on the measurement value of the side measuring device 82 at one axial end of the workpiece W to perform horizontal positioning control of the axial end of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the first lower conveying device 105a based on the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85 at one axial end of the workpiece W to perform vertical positioning control of the axial end of the workpiece W.

[0121] Next, as Figure 7H As shown, the spindle assembly 30 is controlled by the control device 90, which rotates the workpiece W while moving the grinding wheel 70 axially relative to the workpiece W, thereby performing secondary grinding (secondary grinding process). In this example, the main body Wa of the workpiece W is ground laterally by the grinding wheel 70. Since the axis of rotation of the workpiece W is aligned with the transverse direction of the grinding wheel 70, the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W can be ground into a high-precision cylindrical shape.

[0122] 7. Effects of grinding methods

[0123] As described above, the control device 90 controls the workpiece support device 50 to perform positioning control of the workpiece W based on the measured values ​​measured by the measuring device 80. Therefore, the positioning of the workpiece W can be performed automatically. Specifically, the control device 90 controls the first side conveying device 104a to perform horizontal positioning control of the axial end of the workpiece W based on the measured values ​​measured by the side measuring device 82 at one axial end of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the second side conveying device 104b to perform horizontal positioning control of the other axial end of the workpiece W based on the measured values ​​measured by the side measuring device 82 at the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0124] That is, the position of the first side slide 102a and the position of the second side slide 102b can be automatically determined using the measurement value of the side measuring device 82, and the posture of the workpiece W can be set to the desired posture. Therefore, in the support method using slides, workpieces of the desired shape can be ground with high precision.

[0125] Furthermore, the vertical positioning of workpiece W is also controlled in the same way. Specifically, the control device 90 controls the first lower conveyor 105a based on the measured value obtained from the upper measuring device 85 at one axial end of workpiece W, thereby controlling the vertical positioning of one axial end of workpiece W. Similarly, the control device 90 controls the second lower conveyor 105b based on the measured value obtained from the upper measuring device 85 at the other axial end of workpiece W, thereby controlling the vertical positioning of the other axial end of workpiece W.

[0126] That is, the position of the first lower slide 103a and the position of the second lower slide 103b can be automatically determined using the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85, and the posture of the workpiece W can be set to the desired posture. Therefore, in the support method using slides, workpieces of the desired shape can be ground with high precision.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above grinding method, after grinding at the initial position controlled by initial positioning, the outer diameter is measured. Based on the measured outer diameter value, high-precision positioning is performed, and a second grinding is performed at the high-precision position controlled by high-precision positioning. Although a certain degree of high-precision cylindrical shape can be achieved in a single grinding operation, performing a second grinding after high-precision positioning enables grinding of an even higher-precision cylindrical shape.

[0128] 8. Examples of initial positioning methods

[0129] In the above grinding methods, if using Figure 7B as well as Figure 7C As explained, the initial positioning of workpiece W was performed. Either of the following two examples can also be used as this initial positioning method.

[0130] 8-1. Initial positioning method of the first example

[0131] Reference Figure 8 Let's illustrate the initial positioning method for the first example. First, the horizontal positioning of one end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S1). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first side slide 102a based on the measurement value of the side measuring device 82. Next, the vertical positioning of one end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S2). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first lower slide 103a based on the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85.

[0132] Next, the horizontal positioning of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S3). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second side slide 102b based on the measurement value of the side measuring device 82. Next, the vertical positioning of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S4). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second lower slide 103b based on the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85. Then, the initial positioning is completed.

[0133] That is, for one end of the workpiece W, horizontal and vertical positioning is performed, and then for the other end of the workpiece W, horizontal and vertical positioning is performed. Performing this action reduces the movement of the worktable 20 and enables initial positioning in a short time.

[0134] Furthermore, at each of the axial ends of the workpiece W, horizontal positioning is performed followed by vertical positioning. During grinding, the grinding wheel 70 moves horizontally relative to the workpiece W. Therefore, the horizontal component of the workpiece W's rotation axis has a greater impact on the cylindrical accuracy of the workpiece W compared to the vertical component. Thus, horizontal positioning is performed before vertical positioning to achieve high-precision grinding.

[0135] 8-2. Initial positioning method for the second example

[0136] Reference Figure 9 Let's illustrate the initial positioning method for the second example. First, the horizontal positioning of one end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S11). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first side slide 102a based on the measurement value of the side measuring device 82. Next, the horizontal positioning of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S12). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second side slide 102b based on the measurement value of the side measuring device 82.

[0137] Next, the vertical positioning of one end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S13). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first lower slide 103a based on the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85. Next, the vertical positioning of the other end of the workpiece W along its axial direction is performed (step S14). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second lower slide 103b based on the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85. Then, the initial positioning is completed.

[0138] That is, horizontal positioning is first performed at one end and the other end of the workpiece W, and then vertical positioning is performed at one end and the other end of the workpiece W. By performing this action, the worktable 20 moves more and the time required for initial positioning is longer.

[0139] However, as explained in the initial positioning method of the first example above, the horizontal position of the workpiece W has a significant impact on its shape accuracy. Therefore, the horizontal positioning of both ends of the workpiece W is performed first to enable grinding with higher precision.

[0140] 9. Other

[0141] In the above, adjusting the side slides 102a and 102b and the lower slides 103a and 103b automatically adjusts the horizontal and vertical directions of both ends of the workpiece W. However, depending on the needs, only the horizontal direction or only the vertical direction can be used.

[0142] In addition, if the position of the side measuring device 82 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the position of the side measuring device 82 at the other end of the workpiece W, the horizontal position of the second side slide 102b can be controlled in such a way that the measured value of the side measuring device 82 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the measured value of the side measuring device 82 at the other end of the workpiece W.

[0143] In addition, if the position of the upper measuring device 85 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the position of the upper measuring device 85 at the other end of the workpiece W, the vertical position of the lower slide 103b can be controlled in such a way that the measured value of the upper measuring device 85 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the measured value of the upper measuring device 85 at the other end of the workpiece W.

Claims

1. A grinding machine comprising: a workpiece support device that supports a workpiece having a first journal portion and a second journal portion at both axial ends thereof so as to be rotatable; a grinding wheel that relatively moves in a horizontal direction with respect to the workpiece, thereby grinding the workpiece; a measuring device for positioning the workpiece by the workpiece support device; and a control device that controls the workpiece support device based on a measurement value measured by the measuring device, thereby performing positioning control of the workpiece, characterized in that the workpiece support device comprises: a first lower slide and a first side slide that support the first journal portion so as to be rotatable and position the workpiece; a second lower slide and a second side slide that support the second journal portion so as to be rotatable and position the workpiece; a first lower conveyance device and a second lower conveyance device that move the first lower slide and the second lower slide, respectively, in a radial direction of the workpiece; and a first side conveyance device and a second side conveyance device that move the first side slide and the second side slide, respectively, in the radial direction of the workpiece, the measuring device comprises: a side measuring device that measures a horizontal position of each of an axial one end portion and an axial other end portion of the workpiece, with respect to a rotational axis of the workpiece, on a side opposite to the first side slide and the second side slide, the control device controls the first side conveyance device based on a measurement value of the axial one end portion of the workpiece measured by the side measuring device, thereby performing positioning control of the axial one end portion of the workpiece in the horizontal direction, the control device controls the second side conveyance device based on a measurement value of the axial other end portion of the workpiece measured by the side measuring device, thereby performing positioning control of the axial other end portion of the workpiece in the horizontal direction, the measuring device further comprises: an upper measuring device that measures an up-down position of each of the axial one end portion and the axial other end portion of the workpiece, with respect to the rotational axis of the workpiece, on the side opposite to the first lower slide and the second lower slide, the control device further controls the first lower conveyance device based on a measurement value of the axial one end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measuring device, thereby performing positioning control of the axial one end portion of the workpiece in the up-down direction, the control device further controls the second lower conveyance device based on a measurement value of the axial other end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measuring device, thereby performing positioning control of the axial other end portion of the workpiece in the up-down direction, and the grinding machine further comprises an NC drive device that relatively moves the grinding wheel in a direction of approaching or separating from the workpiece support device, the measuring device comprises: a cylinder device that moves the side measuring device in the up-down direction between a measurement position and a retreat position; and an upper measuring device NC drive device that moves the upper measuring device in the up-down direction between the measurement position and the retreat position.

2. The grinding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the control device controls the first side conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial one end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measurement device, and performs positioning control in the vertical direction of the axial one end portion of the workpiece, the control device controls the first lower conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial one end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measurement device, and performs positioning control in the vertical direction of the axial one end portion of the workpiece, the control device controls the second side conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial other end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measurement device, and performs positioning control in the vertical direction of the axial other end portion of the workpiece, the control device controls the second lower conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial other end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measurement device, and performs positioning control in the vertical direction of the axial other end portion of the workpiece.

3. The grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the first side conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial one end portion of the workpiece measured by the side measurement device, and performs positioning control in the horizontal direction of the axial one end portion of the workpiece, the control device controls the second side conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial other end portion of the workpiece measured by the side measurement device, and performs positioning control in the horizontal direction of the axial other end portion of the workpiece, the control device controls the second lower conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial other end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measurement device, and performs positioning control in the vertical direction of the axial other end portion of the workpiece, and the control device controls the first lower conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial one end portion of the workpiece measured by the upper measurement device, and performs positioning control in the vertical direction of the axial one end portion of the workpiece.

4. The grinding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a case where the workpiece is a tapered workpiece, the control device changes the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece by at least one of controlling the first side conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial one end portion of the workpiece measured by the side measurement device and performing positioning control in the horizontal direction of the axial one end portion of the workpiece, and controlling the second side conveyance device based on the measurement value of the axial other end portion of the workpiece measured by the side measurement device and performing positioning control in the horizontal direction of the axial other end portion of the workpiece, and sets the workpiece in a state where the workpiece can be ground into a cylindrical shape.

5. The grinding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein In the case where the workpiece is a tapered workpiece, the control device changes the direction of the rotational axis of the workpiece to a state in which the workpiece can be ground into a cylindrical shape by at least one of: controlling the first lower conveyance device based on a measurement value of the one axial end of the workpiece measured by the upper measurer to perform positioning control in the up-down direction of the one axial end of the workpiece, and controlling the second lower conveyance device based on a measurement value of the other axial end of the workpiece measured by the upper measurer to perform positioning control in the up-down direction of the other axial end of the workpiece.

6. The grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein The measurement device further includes: a side fast-forward sensor configured to be movable integrally with the side measurer and having a longer detectable distance than the side measurer; and an upper fast-forward sensor configured to be movable integrally with the upper measurer and having a longer detectable distance than the upper measurer, The control device moves the side measurer based on a measurement value of the side fast-forward sensor for initial positioning of the side measurer with respect to the workpiece, and moves the upper measurer based on a measurement value of the upper fast-forward sensor for initial positioning of the upper measurer with respect to the workpiece.

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