Curve forming machine and grinding method

Abstract

The curve forming machine includes: two cup-shaped grinding wheels with different roughness; a holding mechanism that holds the workpiece being machined by the grinding wheels; a measuring mechanism that measures the shape of the grinding wheel at the point where the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece; and a driving mechanism that moves the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism to a position opposite one of the two grinding wheels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a curve forming machine and a grinding method. Background Art

[0002] When using a cup-shaped grinding wheel to machine the spherical surface of a workpiece (e.g., an optical element such as a lens), if the tip of the grinding wheel wears, the desired shape cannot be achieved. Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for pre-measuring the shape data of the grinding wheel and transmitting this measurement data to a grinding device, thereby achieving high-precision machining. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for online measurement of the grinding wheel shape using a grinding wheel shape sensor and controlling machining conditions based on this measurement data, thereby achieving high-precision machining.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-13998

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-19948 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the technology proposed in Patent Document 1, the shape data of the grinding wheel is measured and the grinding is performed using different devices. Therefore, the grinding wheel whose shape data has been measured needs to be replaced in the grinding device, which may cause errors in the grinding position due to the replacement of the grinding wheel.

[0009] Furthermore, in the technique proposed in Patent Document 2, for example, when grinding with a cup-shaped grinding wheel, the machined surface (the portion where the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece) is not exposed, making it impossible to measure shape data during grinding. Therefore, in the technique proposed in Patent Document 2, when a cup-shaped grinding wheel is used, it is impossible to control machining conditions based on the shape data, making it impossible to perform high-precision machining.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a curve forming machine and a grinding method capable of stably performing high-precision machining in machining using a cup-shaped grinding wheel.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, the curve forming machine of the present invention comprises: two cup-shaped grinding wheels with different roughness; a holding mechanism that holds the workpiece to be processed using the grinding wheels; a measuring mechanism that measures the shape of the grinding wheel at the point where the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece; and a driving mechanism that moves the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism to a position relative to either of the two grinding wheels.

[0013] In addition, regarding the curve forming machine of the present invention, on the basis of the above invention, the rotation axes of the two grinding wheels are arranged on a first plane, the rotation axis of one of the two grinding wheels can swing on a second plane different from the first plane, and the rotation axis of the other of the two grinding wheels can swing on a third plane different from the first plane and parallel to the second plane, and the rotation axis of the holding mechanism can be positioned to a position on either the second plane or the third plane.

[0014] Furthermore, in the curve forming machine of the present invention, in addition to the above invention, the driving mechanism moves the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism along the swing axis of the rotation axes of the two grinding wheels.

[0015] Furthermore, the curve forming machine of the present invention is based on the above invention, and is provided with two measuring mechanisms corresponding to the two grinding wheels.

[0016] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a curve forming machine comprising: two cup-shaped grinding wheels having different roughness; a holding mechanism for holding a workpiece to be machined by the grinding wheels; a measuring mechanism for measuring the shape of the grinding wheels at a portion where the grinding wheels contact the workpiece; a driving mechanism for moving the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism to a position facing one of the two grinding wheels; a control device for controlling the grinding wheels, the holding mechanism, the measuring mechanism, and the driving mechanism; and a display device for displaying predetermined information. The control device determines a deterioration state of the grinding wheel based on shape data of the grinding wheel measured by the measuring mechanism, and displays on the display whether machining of the workpiece is possible. If machining of the workpiece is possible, the control device generates machining conditions based on the grinding wheel shape data. The control device operates the grinding wheel and the holding mechanism in accordance with the generated machining conditions, thereby machining the workpiece.

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, in the grinding method of the present invention, a measuring mechanism is used to measure the shape of a first grinding wheel, processing conditions are generated based on the shape data of the first grinding wheel measured by the measuring mechanism, and a workpiece is ground using the first grinding wheel according to the generated processing conditions. The measuring mechanism is used to measure the shape of a second grinding wheel having a roughness different from that of the first grinding wheel, processing conditions are generated based on the shape data of the second grinding wheel measured by the measuring mechanism, and the workpiece is ground using the second grinding wheel according to the generated processing conditions.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] In the curve forming machine and grinding method of the present invention, grinding wheels of varying roughness are pre-installed in the device, eliminating the need for wheel replacement. This reduces errors in the grinding position during wheel installation, allowing for stable machining of the workpiece. Furthermore, in the curve forming machine and grinding method of the present invention, since the measuring mechanism and the workpiece can be moved relative to the multiple cup-shaped grinding wheels, the complex curved surface shape of the grinding wheel before machining can be accurately measured. Based on these measurement results, machining conditions such as the grinding wheel's position, oscillation, and rotational speed can be controlled, enabling stable, high-precision machining. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a curve forming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the swing axis of the grinding wheel and the second plane in the curve forming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 1 A diagram showing a curve forming machine in which the positions of the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism are swapped.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a curve forming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a state in which a workpiece is machined by the second grinding wheel and the shape of the first grinding wheel is measured by the measuring mechanism 18 in the curve forming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the curve forming machine and grinding method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments also include components that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art or substantially the same components.

[0026] (Implementation 1)

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The structure of a curve forming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This curve forming machine is used to process a workpiece using two cup-shaped grinding wheels with different roughnesses. The curve forming machine rotates the grinding wheels and the workpiece separately, and moves and oscillates them relative to each other, thereby processing the workpiece's curved surface (spherical or aspherical).

[0028] In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, only the structures required for the description of the present invention are shown, and other structures (such as the air blast nozzle for spraying air to the workpiece during machining, the grinding fluid nozzle for spraying grinding fluid to the workpiece during machining, etc.) are omitted. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In, omitted Figure 1 21, a control device 22, a display device 23, etc.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the curve forming machine 1 includes a first grinding wheel 11, a second grinding wheel 13, a holding mechanism 16, a measuring mechanism 17, a drive mechanism 21, a control device 22, and a display device 23. As shown in the figure, the curve forming machine 1 includes the mechanism for processing the workpiece W (the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13) and the measuring mechanism 17 for measuring the shapes of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13, which are arranged in the same device. Furthermore, while the curve forming machine 1 includes two grinding wheels (the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13), it may also include three or more grinding wheels.

[0030] Here, in Figure 1 In the figure, the direction of the rotation axis Ax1 of the first grinding wheel 11 and the rotation axis Ax2 of the second grinding wheel 13 is defined as the Z direction, the direction of the swing axis Ax3 of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the paper is defined as the Y direction.

[0031] The first grinding wheel 11 is used to grind the workpiece W. The first grinding wheel 11 is a cup-shaped grinding wheel, for example, for rough grinding, having a different roughness than the second grinding wheel 13. Furthermore, the first grinding wheel 11 is mounted on a mounting frame 12. The mounting frame 12 is configured to allow the first grinding wheel 11 to be attached and detached from one end. Furthermore, the mounting frame 12 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis Ax1 of the first grinding wheel 11 when the first grinding wheel 11 is mounted. Furthermore, the mounting frame 12 is mounted on a base 15 together with a mounting frame 14, to which the second grinding wheel 13 is mounted.

[0032] The second grinding wheel 13 is used to grind the workpiece W. The second grinding wheel 13 is a cup-shaped grinding wheel, for example, for fine grinding, having a different roughness than the first grinding wheel 11. Furthermore, the second grinding wheel 13 is mounted on a mounting frame 14. The mounting frame 14 is configured to allow the second grinding wheel 13 to be attached and detached from one end. Furthermore, the mounting frame 14 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis Ax2 of the second grinding wheel 13 when the second grinding wheel 13 is mounted. Furthermore, the mounting frame 14 is provided on a base 15 together with the mounting frame 12 to which the first grinding wheel 11 is mounted.

[0033] Here, if Figure 1 As shown, the rotation axis Ax1 of the first grinding wheel 11 and the rotation axis Ax2 of the second grinding wheel 13 are arranged on a first plane Pl 1. The first plane Pl 1 is a plane parallel to the XZ plane in the figure.

[0034] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the rotation axis Ax1 of the first grinding wheel 11 is configured to be able to swing on a second plane P12 that is different from the first plane P11. This second plane P12 is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the first plane P11 and parallel to the YZ plane in the figure. Specifically, the first grinding wheel 11 swings along with the second grinding wheel 13 as a whole with the base 15, centered around the swing axis Ax3.

[0035] Although not shown in the figure, the rotation axis Ax2 of the second grinding wheel 13 is configured to be able to swing on a third plane different from the first plane Pl1. The third plane is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the first plane Pl1 and parallel to the first plane Pl1. Figure 2 The third plane is parallel to the second plane P12 shown in the figure and is located on the inner side of the second plane P12 in the X direction. Specifically, the second grinding wheel 13 oscillates along the entire base 15 along with the first grinding wheel 11 about the oscillation axis Ax3.

[0036] The holding mechanism 16 is used to hold the workpiece W. The holding mechanism 16 is configured to be able to Figure 1That is, the holding mechanism 16 is configured to be positioned on the second plane Pl2 (refer to FIG. 1 ) where the first grinding wheel 11 is swung, with the workpiece W mounted on one end. Figure 2 ), and a position on either side of the third plane in which the second grinding wheel 13 oscillates. Furthermore, the holding mechanism 16 is configured so that, with a workpiece W attached to one end, it can be moved to a position facing either the first grinding wheel 11 or the second grinding wheel 13. Furthermore, the holding mechanism 16 is configured so that, with a workpiece W attached to one end, it can be rotated.

[0037] The measuring mechanism 17 is used to measure the shapes of the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13. Specifically, the measuring mechanism 17 measures the shapes of the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13 at the locations where they contact the workpiece W. While contact (mechanical) sensors, non-contact optical sensors, capacitive sensors, and the like can be used as the measuring mechanism 17, it is preferable to use an optical sensor capable of three-dimensional measurement. Optical sensors can measure the entire range instead of rotating the grinding wheel to measure a cross-section at a predetermined angle. Therefore, they can also detect local defects such as defects or damage to the grinding wheel.

[0038] The driving mechanism 21 is used to drive the holding mechanism 16 and the measuring mechanism 17. Specifically, the driving mechanism 21 drives the holding mechanism 16 and the measuring mechanism 17 to move in a certain direction. Figure 1 That is, when the drive mechanism 21 grinds the workpiece W using the first grinding wheel 11, the drive mechanism 21 moves the holding mechanism 16 along the swing axis Ax3 to the second plane Pl2 (refer to Figure 2 ) on the third plane, and then moves to a position opposite to the first grinding wheel 11. In addition, when grinding the workpiece W using the second grinding wheel 13, the driving mechanism 21 moves the holding mechanism 16 along the swing axis Ax3 to a position on the third plane, and then moves to a position opposite to the second grinding wheel 13.

[0039] In addition, after the driving mechanism 21 performs rough grinding with the first grinding wheel 11, the positions of the holding mechanism 16 and the measuring mechanism 17 are exchanged, and the fine grinding is performed with the second grinding wheel 13. Figure 1 As shown, the drive mechanism 21 performs rough grinding of the workpiece W using the first grinding wheel 11, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the positions of the holding mechanism 16 and the measuring mechanism 17 are exchanged. In this way, the finish grinding of the workpiece W by the second grinding wheel 13 is performed.

[0040] The control device 22 controls the operation of the first grinding wheel 11, the second grinding wheel 13, the holding mechanism 16, the measuring mechanism 17, and the driving mechanism 21. Specifically, the control device 22 determines the degradation state of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 based on the shape data of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 measured by the measuring mechanism 17. The control device 22 then displays information on the display device 23 regarding whether the workpiece W can be machined using the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13.

[0041] Furthermore, if the control device 22 determines that the workpiece W can be machined using the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13, it generates machining conditions based on the shape data of the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13. Specifically, the control device 22 calculates the coordinates of the contact points between the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13 and the workpiece W based on the shape data of the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13 and pre-prepared target machining shape data for the workpiece W. Next, the control device 22 generates machining conditions such as the position, oscillation, and rotational speed of the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13 based on the calculated contact point coordinates. The control device 22 then operates the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13, and the holding mechanism 16 according to the generated machining conditions, thereby machining the workpiece W.

[0042] The display device 23 is used to display predetermined information related to the machining of the workpiece W. The display device 23 displays, for example, the shape data of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 measured by the measuring mechanism 17, and information related to whether the workpiece W can be machined using the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13.

[0043] In the curve forming machine 1 having the above-described structure, a grinding method including a first measuring step, a first determining step, a first processing condition generating step, a first processing step, a second measuring step, a second determining step, a second processing condition generating step, and a second processing step is implemented.

[0044] In the first measurement step, the shape of the first grinding wheel 11 is measured using the measuring mechanism 17. Next, in the first determination step, the degradation state of the first grinding wheel 11 and the feasibility of machining are determined based on the shape data of the first grinding wheel 11. If machining is determined to be possible using the first grinding wheel 11 in the first determination step, the process proceeds to the first machining condition generation step, where machining conditions are generated based on the shape data of the first grinding wheel 11. Next, in the first machining step, the workpiece W is ground using the first grinding wheel 11 according to the generated machining conditions.

[0045] In the second measurement step, after the drive mechanism 21 repositions the holding mechanism 16 and the measuring mechanism 17, the measuring mechanism 17 measures the shape of the second grinding wheel 13. Next, in the second determination step, the degradation state of the second grinding wheel 13 and the feasibility of machining are determined based on the shape data of the second grinding wheel 13. If the second determination step determines that machining is possible using the second grinding wheel 13, the process proceeds to the second machining condition generation step, where machining conditions are generated based on the shape data of the second grinding wheel 13. Next, in the second machining step, the workpiece W is ground using the second grinding wheel 13 according to the generated machining conditions. In this way, by performing grinding without the steps of attaching and detaching the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13, high-precision grinding can be achieved regardless of wear of the first and second grinding wheels 11, 13. Furthermore, the timing of grinding wheel replacement can be determined, thereby preventing machining defects.

[0046] In the curve forming machine 1 of the first embodiment and the grinding method using the curve forming machine 1 as described above, the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 having different roughness are pre-installed in the device, so that there is no need to replace the grinding wheels. Therefore, the error in the grinding position when the grinding wheels are installed can be suppressed, and the workpiece W can be stably processed.

[0047] Furthermore, in the curve forming machine 1 and the grinding method of the first embodiment, the measuring mechanism 17 and the workpiece W can be moved to a position facing the cup-shaped first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13. Therefore, the complex curved surface shapes of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 before machining can be accurately measured. Based on the measurement results, machining conditions such as the position, swing, and rotation speed of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 can be controlled, thereby enabling stable and high-precision machining.

[0048] Furthermore, in the curve forming machine 1 and the grinding method of the first embodiment, for example, the change in the absolute amount of wear of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 can also be grasped by repeatedly measuring using the measuring mechanism 17. Therefore, the change in the wear of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 during machining can be predicted, and more appropriate machining conditions can be generated and controlled, thereby achieving high-precision machining.

[0049] Furthermore, in the curve forming machine 1 and the grinding method of the first embodiment, even when the workpiece W is small (eg, φ2 mm or less), machining can be performed stably and with high precision, thereby shortening the production cycle time and achieving cost reduction.

[0050] Furthermore, in the curve forming machine 1 and the grinding method of the first embodiment, the distal end shapes of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 can be measured while the wheels are mounted. This allows for high-precision grinding of the workpiece W based on the measured shape data. In particular, the rotation axis of the workpiece W, the rotation axis Ax1 of the first grinding wheel 11, the rotation axis Ax2 of the second grinding wheel 13, and the slope of the measuring mechanism 17 can be precisely aligned. This allows, for example, the workpiece W to be attached and detached even while the measuring mechanism 17 is measuring.

[0051] Furthermore, in the curve forming machine 1 and the grinding method of the first embodiment, the rotation axis Ax1 of the first grinding wheel 11 and the rotation axis Ax2 of the second grinding wheel 13 are aligned and arranged on the same plane (the second plane P12 or the third plane) as the rotation axis of the holding mechanism 16. This facilitates position control of the holding mechanism 16 and the measuring mechanism 17. As a result, the first grinding wheel 11, the second grinding wheel 13, the holding mechanism 16, and the measuring mechanism 17 can be positioned with higher precision and good reproducibility. Consequently, the measurement accuracy of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13, the relative positional accuracy of the holding mechanism 16 and the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13, and the machining accuracy of the workpiece W can be improved.

[0052] Furthermore, in the curve forming machine 1 and the grinding method of the first embodiment, the holding mechanism 16 and the measuring mechanism 17 are moved along the swing axis Ax3 by the drive mechanism 21. This allows for more accurate and reproducible positioning of the first grinding wheel 11, the second grinding wheel 13, the holding mechanism 16, and the measuring mechanism 17. Consequently, the measurement accuracy of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13, the relative positional accuracy of the holding mechanism 16 and the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13, and the machining accuracy of the workpiece W can be improved.

[0053] (Implementation Method 2)

[0054] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of the curve forming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same structure as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the curve forming machine 1A includes a first grinding wheel 11, a second grinding wheel 13, a holding mechanism 16, measuring mechanisms 17 and 18, and a partition plate 19. The curve forming machine 1A has the same structure as the curve forming machine 1 except that it also includes the measuring mechanism 18 and the partition plate 19. Figure 4 and Figure 5Although not shown in the figure, the curve forming machine 1A includes a driving mechanism 21 , a control device 22 , and a display device 23 similarly to the curve forming machine 1 .

[0056] The curve forming machine 1A is equipped with two measuring mechanisms 17 and 18, corresponding to the two grinding wheels (the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13). The measuring mechanism 17 is used to measure the shape of the second grinding wheel 13. Furthermore, the measuring mechanism 18 is used to measure the shape of the first grinding wheel 11. A partition plate 19 prevents the grinding fluid from adhering to the measuring mechanisms 17 and 18 while the first and second grinding wheels 11 and 13 are grinding the workpiece W.

[0057] In the curve forming machine 1A, for example, Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , while the workpiece W is being ground (roughly ground) by the first grinding wheel 11, the shape of the second grinding wheel 13 is measured by the measuring mechanism 17. Then, when the rough grinding and the measurement of the second grinding wheel 13 are completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the holding mechanism 16, the measuring mechanism 17, 18 are moved in the X direction (swing axis Ax3 (refer to Figure 2 Next, while the workpiece W is ground (finished) by the second grinding wheel 13, the shape of the first grinding wheel 11 is measured by the measuring mechanism 18.

[0058] In the curve forming machine 1A of the second embodiment and the grinding method using the curve forming machine 1A described above, in addition to the effects of the curve forming machine 1, the measuring mechanisms 18 and 17 for the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13 are independently provided, and the workpiece W and the measuring mechanisms 17 and 18 are driven by reciprocating motion, thereby further improving the mechanical accuracy during the machining of the workpiece W and the measurement of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13.

[0059] In the curve forming machine 1A and the grinding method of the second embodiment, dedicated measuring mechanisms 17 and 18 are provided for the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13. This allows for independent calibration, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13. Furthermore, while grinding is being performed using one of the first grinding wheel 11 and the second grinding wheel 13, the shape of the other can be measured, enabling high-precision and continuous rough grinding and finish grinding.

[0060] While the curve forming machine and grinding method of the present invention have been specifically described above based on the embodiments for carrying out the invention, the gist of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description and should be interpreted broadly based on the claims. Furthermore, various modifications and variations based on the foregoing description are naturally also encompassed within the gist of the present invention.

[0061] Description of labels

[0062] 1. 1A: Curve forming machine;

[0063] 11: First grinding wheel;

[0064] 12, 14: mounting frame;

[0065] 13: second grinding wheel;

[0066] 15: base;

[0067] 16: Holding mechanism;

[0068] 17, 18: measuring mechanism;

[0069] 19: separator;

[0070] 21: driving mechanism;

[0071] 22: control device;

[0072] 23: display device;

[0073] Ax1, Ax2: rotation axis;

[0074] Ax3: swing axis;

[0075] Pl1: first plane;

[0076] Pl2: second plane;

[0077] W: workpiece.

Claims

1. A curve forming machine, characterized in that: It has: Two cup-shaped grinding wheels with different roughness; a holding mechanism for holding a workpiece being machined by the grinding wheel; a measuring mechanism for measuring a shape of the grinding wheel at a portion where the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece; as well as a driving mechanism that moves the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism to a position facing one of the two grinding wheels; The rotation axes of the two grinding wheels are arranged on a first plane, The rotation axis of one of the two grinding wheels can swing on a second plane different from the first plane. The rotation axis of the other of the two grinding wheels can swing on a third plane that is different from the first plane and parallel to the second plane. The rotation axis of the holding mechanism can be positioned on either the second plane or the third plane.

2. The curve forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism moves the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism along the swing axis of the rotation axes of the two grinding wheels.

3. The curve forming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Two measuring mechanisms are provided corresponding to the two grinding wheels.

4. A curve forming machine, characterized in that: It has: Two cup-shaped grinding wheels with different roughness; a holding mechanism for holding a workpiece being machined by the grinding wheel; a measuring mechanism for measuring a shape of the grinding wheel at a portion where the grinding wheel contacts the workpiece; a driving mechanism that moves the holding mechanism and the measuring mechanism to a position facing either one of the two grinding wheels; a control device for controlling the grinding wheel, the holding mechanism, the measuring mechanism, and the driving mechanism; and a display device that displays prescribed information, The control device determines the deterioration state of the grinding wheel based on the shape data of the grinding wheel measured by the measuring mechanism, and displays whether the workpiece can be machined on the display device. When the workpiece can be machined, the control device generates machining conditions based on the shape data of the grinding wheel. The control device operates the grinding wheel and the holding mechanism according to the generated machining conditions, thereby machining the workpiece. The rotation axes of the two grinding wheels are arranged on a first plane, The rotation axis of one of the two grinding wheels can swing on a second plane different from the first plane. The rotation axis of the other of the two grinding wheels can swing on a third plane that is different from the first plane and parallel to the second plane. The rotation axis of the holding mechanism can be positioned on either the second plane or the third plane.

5. A grinding method, which is performed using the curve forming machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: Use the measuring mechanism to measure the shape of the first grinding wheel, generating machining conditions based on the shape data of the first grinding wheel measured by the measuring mechanism, According to the generated processing conditions, the workpiece is ground using the first grinding wheel, The measuring mechanism is used to measure the shape of a second grinding wheel having a roughness different from that of the first grinding wheel. generating machining conditions based on the shape data of the second grinding wheel measured by the measuring mechanism, The workpiece is ground using the second grinding wheel according to the generated machining conditions.

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