A grinding machine automated tip

Abstract

This invention provides an automated grinding center, comprising a body and an outer spindle, as well as a clamping mechanism and a drive mechanism. The first end of the body is connected to the grinding machine spindle, and the second end of the body is mounted inside the outer spindle. The drive mechanism is mounted inside the outer spindle, and the clamping mechanism is mounted on the outside of the outer spindle. The clamping mechanism has a clamping space for fixing the workpiece. The drive mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to shrink or expand the clamping space. When the clamping space shrinks, the clamping mechanism fixes the workpiece; when the clamping space expands, the clamping mechanism releases the workpiece. This automated center can be directly mounted on the grinding machine spindle head, completing the automated modification of the spindle head without replacing it with a new one. This significantly reduces the cost and difficulty of modification, provides stable and highly reliable operation, and simplifies replacement. Furthermore, the drive mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to clamp the workpiece, resulting in a simple structure and convenient clamping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of grinding machine technology, and more particularly to an automated grinding machine tip. Background Technology

[0002] With societal development and a decrease in the number of workers involved in machining, labor costs in machining have increased further, leading to reduced profits for businesses. More and more companies are upgrading their equipment to automation. However, many companies, limited by their size and resources, cannot afford to purchase advanced, new, and expensive automated equipment and can only retrofit their existing, conventional equipment with CNC automation.

[0003] At present, there is a great demand for the transformation of ordinary cylindrical grinding machines into CNC and automation machines. However, due to the simple structure of the spindle head of ordinary cylindrical grinding machines, they cannot meet the requirements of CNC and automation. Often, the entire spindle head needs to be replaced, which greatly increases the cost and difficulty of the transformation.

[0004] In view of this, a new technical solution is needed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automated grinding center with a simple structure and further enhance the connection strength between the intermediate connecting pipe and the cast aluminum body of the rack.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automated grinding center, comprising a body and an outer spindle, and further comprising a clamping mechanism and a driving mechanism. A first end of the body is connected to the grinding machine spindle, a second end of the body is mounted in the outer spindle, the driving mechanism is mounted in the outer spindle, and the clamping mechanism is mounted on the outside of the outer spindle.

[0007] The clamping mechanism is provided with a clamping space for fixing the workpiece. The driving mechanism is used to drive the clamping mechanism to shrink or expand the clamping space. When the clamping space shrinks, the clamping mechanism fixes the workpiece. When the clamping space expands, the clamping mechanism releases the workpiece.

[0008] A further technical solution also includes a transmission mechanism, which is disposed between the driving mechanism and the clamping mechanism. The input end of the transmission mechanism is connected to the driving mechanism, and the output end of the transmission mechanism is connected to the clamping mechanism. The transmission mechanism is used to push the clamping space to shrink.

[0009] In a further technical solution, the transmission mechanism includes a push pin and a fixed seat, the first end of the push pin is mounted on the fixed seat, and the second end of the push pin extends out of the outer shaft and abuts against the clamping mechanism.

[0010] In a further technical solution, the transmission mechanism further includes an elastic plunger, the fixed seat includes a top plate and an ejector pin cover plate, the top plate is screwed to the ejector pin cover plate, the first end of the elastic plunger is installed on the outer shaft, and the second end of the elastic plunger abuts against the ejector pin cover plate.

[0011] In a further technical solution, the first end of the ejector pin passes through the ejector pin cover plate and is installed on the top plate, and a spring plate is provided between the top plate and the ejector pin.

[0012] In a further technical solution, the clamping mechanism includes a mounting base, a clamping member, and an elastic member. The mounting base is mounted on the outer shaft. The first end of the clamping member is rotatably mounted on the mounting base. The first end of the elastic member is mounted on the mounting base. The second end of the elastic member is connected to the second end of the clamping member. The clamping space is provided on the inner side of the clamping member. The output end of the transmission mechanism abuts against the outer side of the clamping member.

[0013] In a further technical solution, the second end of the ejector pin is tapered, a groove is formed on the outer side of the clamping member, the ejector pin abuts against the groove, and the shape of the groove matches the tapered surface of the top of the tapered ejector pin.

[0014] In a further technical solution, the main body is fitted with a first bearing, a second bearing, and a third bearing. The first bearing is installed between the drive mechanism and the transmission mechanism. The second bearing and the third bearing are respectively fitted between the transmission mechanism and the clamping mechanism. A pad is provided between the inner sides of the second bearing and the third bearing. A retaining ring is provided on the outer sides of both the second bearing and the third bearing.

[0015] In a further technical solution, a fixing plate is provided between the clamping mechanism and the outer shaft body, the fixing plate is sleeved on the body body, a skeleton oil seal is provided between the fixing plate and the body body, a center head is installed on the body body, and the output end of the center head extends out of the outer shaft body.

[0016] In a further technical solution, the main body has an air intake channel, the drive mechanism is a cylinder, the air intake channel is connected to the input end of the cylinder, the output end of the cylinder abuts against the transmission mechanism, and the outer shaft is also provided with a stop for connecting the grinding machine spindle head.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, this invention offers the following technical advantages: An automated grinding center of this invention can be directly mounted on the grinding machine spindle head, enabling automated modification of the spindle head without the need for replacement. This significantly reduces the cost and difficulty of modification, ensuring stable and highly reliable operation, and simplifying and facilitating replacement. Furthermore, the workpiece is clamped via a drive mechanism that drives the clamping mechanism, resulting in a simple structure and convenient clamping. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated grinding center according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an automated grinding machine tip according to the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0022] 1. Body; 11. First bearing; 12. Second bearing; 13. Third bearing; 14. Pad; 15. Snap ring; 16. Fixing plate; 17. Frame oil seal; 18. Center head; 19. Intake passage;

[0023] 2. Outer shaft; 21. Stop block;

[0024] 3. Clamping mechanism; 31. Clamping space; 32. Mounting base; 33. Clamping component; 331. Groove; 34. Elastic component;

[0025] 4. Drive mechanism;

[0026] 5. Transmission mechanism; 51. Ejector pin; 52. Fixed base; 521. Top plate; 522. Ejector pin cover plate; 53. Elastic plunger; 54. Spring plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] See Figure 1-2As shown, an automated grinding center includes a body 1 and an outer spindle 2, as well as a clamping mechanism 3 and a driving mechanism 4. The first end of the body 1 is connected to the grinding machine spindle, and the second end of the body 1 is installed inside the outer spindle 2. The driving mechanism 4 is installed inside the outer spindle 2, and the clamping mechanism 3 is installed on the outside of the outer spindle 2. The clamping mechanism 3 is provided with a clamping space 31 for fixing the workpiece. The driving mechanism 4 is used to drive the clamping mechanism 3 to shrink or expand the clamping space 31. When the clamping space 31 shrinks, the clamping mechanism 3 fixes the workpiece; when the clamping space 31 expands, the clamping mechanism 3 releases the workpiece.

[0034] This invention provides an automated grinding head that can be directly mounted on the grinding machine spindle head, enabling automated modification of the spindle head without the need for replacement. This significantly reduces the cost and difficulty of modification, ensuring stable and highly reliable operation, and simplifying replacement processes. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 4 drives the clamping mechanism 3 to clamp the workpiece. The structure is simple and clamping is convenient.

[0035] In a further specific embodiment, a transmission mechanism 5 is also included. The transmission mechanism 5 is disposed between the driving mechanism 4 and the clamping mechanism 3. The input end of the transmission mechanism 5 is connected to the driving mechanism 4, and the output end of the transmission mechanism 5 is connected to the clamping mechanism 3. The transmission mechanism 5 is used to push the clamping space 31 to shrink. In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 4 drives the clamping mechanism 3 to shrink the clamping space 31 through the transmission mechanism 5, thereby fixing the workpiece in the clamping space 31 for processing, which has a simple structure.

[0036] In a further specific embodiment, the transmission mechanism 5 includes a push pin 51 and a fixed seat 52. The first end of the push pin 51 is mounted on the fixed seat 52, and the second end of the push pin 51 extends out of the outer shaft 2 and abuts against the clamping mechanism 3. In this embodiment, the fixed seat 52 is moved by the drive mechanism 4. During the movement, the push pin 51 gradually approaches the clamping mechanism 3 until the clamping mechanism 3 clamps and fixes the workpiece. After the processing is completed, the drive mechanism 4 then drives the push pin 51 to gradually move away from the clamping mechanism 3 through the fixed seat 52. The clamping mechanism 3 releases the workpiece, and the operator can remove the workpiece and replace it with the workpiece to be processed.

[0037] In a further specific embodiment, the transmission mechanism 5 further includes an elastic plunger 53, the fixed seat 52 includes a top plate 521 and a pin cover plate 522, the top plate 521 is screwed to the pin cover plate 522, the first end of the elastic plunger 53 is installed on the outer shaft 2, and the second end of the elastic plunger 53 abuts against the pin cover plate 522.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 4 of this embodiment is a cylinder. When the cylinder pushes the ejector pin 51 close to the clamping mechanism 3 to clamp the workpiece, the elastic plunger 53 is forced to contract. After the processing is completed, the cylinder stops supplying air, the elastic plunger 53 gradually extends and pushes the fixed seat 52 back to the origin. The ejector pin 51 also returns to the origin under the drive of the fixed seat 52. The clamping mechanism 3 releases the processed workpiece, and the operator can then remove it to replace the workpiece to be processed.

[0039] In a further specific embodiment, the first end of the ejector pin 51 passes through the ejector pin cover plate 522 and is installed on the top plate 521. A spring plate 54 is provided between the top plate 521 and the ejector pin 51. The spring plate 54 provides a buffering force when the ejector pin 51 contacts the clamping mechanism 3, preventing the ejector pin 51 from directly impacting the clamping mechanism 3 and causing damage.

[0040] In a further specific embodiment, the clamping mechanism 3 includes a mounting base 32, a clamping member 33, and an elastic member 34. The mounting base 32 is mounted on the outer shaft 2. The first end of the clamping member 33 is rotatably mounted on the mounting base 32. The first end of the elastic member 34 is mounted on the mounting base 32. The second end of the elastic member 34 is connected to the second end of the clamping member 33. The clamping space 31 is provided on the inner side of the clamping member 33. The output end of the transmission mechanism 5 abuts against the outer side of the clamping member 33.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment, the clamping member 33 in this embodiment is a three-lobed conical soft claw. In other specific embodiments, it can also be customized according to different usage conditions without changing the overall structure. It should be noted that the number of clamping members 33 in this embodiment is the same as the number of ejector pins 51. In other specific embodiments, it can also be a one-lobed, two-lobed, or four-lobed conical soft claw. When it is a one-lobed conical soft claw, a fixing part can be provided to fix one side of the workpiece, and the other side is fixed by the ejector pin 51 pushing the conical soft claw closer to the workpiece. When it is a two-lobed conical soft claw, the two ejector pins 51 can push the two conical soft claws closer to each other to fix the workpiece.

[0042] This embodiment also uses an elastic element 34 to limit the position of the conical soft claw. When the ejector pin 51 pushes the conical soft claw to reduce the clamping space 31, the elastic element 34 contracts or stretches according to its length. When the ejector pin 51 moves away from the conical soft claw, the force of the elastic element 34 pushes the conical soft claw back to its original position. It should be noted that the elastic element 34 in this embodiment is a spring.

[0043] In a further specific embodiment, the second end of the ejector pin 51 is tapered, and a groove 331 is formed on the outer side of the clamping member 33. The ejector pin 51 abuts against the groove 331, and the shape of the groove 331 matches the tapered surface of the top of the tapered ejector pin 51. Through the groove 331 matching the tapered surface of the tapered ejector pin 51, the tapered ejector pin 51 can fit more closely to the clamping member 33 when it approaches the clamping member 33. The closer the tapered ejector pin 51 is to the clamping member 33, the greater the clamping force of the clamping member 33.

[0044] In a further specific embodiment, the body 1 is fitted with a first bearing 11, a second bearing 12, and a third bearing 13. The first bearing 11 is installed between the drive mechanism 4 and the transmission mechanism 5. It should be noted that the first bearing 11 is a crossed roller bearing. The second bearing 12 and the third bearing 13 are respectively fitted between the transmission mechanism 5 and the clamping mechanism 3. A pad 14 is provided between the inner sides of the second bearing 12 and the third bearing 13, and a retaining ring 15 is provided on the outer sides of both the second bearing 12 and the third bearing 13. A fixing plate 16 is provided between the clamping mechanism 3 and the outer shaft 2. The fixing plate 16 is fitted onto the body 1, and a skeleton oil seal 17 is provided between the fixing plate 16 and the body 1. A center head 18 is installed on the body 1, and the output end of the center head 18 extends out of the outer shaft 2. A stop 21 for connecting the grinding machine spindle head is also provided on the outer shaft 2. It should be noted that a rotating lever is provided on the grinding machine spindle head, and the rotating lever is connected to the stop 21. By using three bearings, the grinding machine spindle head drives the outer spindle body 2, the clamping mechanism 3, and the workpiece to rotate together, while the center head 18 located in the center does not rotate, which can better maintain grinding accuracy.

[0045] In a further specific embodiment, the body 1 has an air intake channel 19, the drive mechanism 4 is a cylinder, the air intake channel 19 is connected to the input end of the cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder abuts against the transmission mechanism 5. Through the cylinder, the CNC system of the grinding machine sends an air intake command signal, causing the cylinder to push the transmission mechanism 5 closer to the ejector pin 51 and closer to the clamping mechanism 3 to clamp the workpiece. After processing is completed, the CNC system of the grinding machine sends an air release command signal, and the elastic plunger 53 pushes the cylinder and the fixed seat 52 backwards respectively through elastic force, causing the ejector pin 51 to move away from the clamping member 33, and the elastic member 34 also drives the clamping member 33 back to its original position, releasing the workpiece.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments, as long as they meet the purpose of the present invention, and all such changes should be within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. For example, different combinations of specific embodiments and different combinations of distinguishing technical features.

Claims

1. An automated grinding center, comprising a body and an outer spindle, characterized in that: It also includes a clamping mechanism and a driving mechanism. The first end of the main body is connected to the grinding machine spindle, the second end of the main body is installed in the outer spindle body, the driving mechanism is installed in the outer spindle body, the clamping mechanism is installed on the outside of the outer spindle body, and the outer spindle body is also provided with a stop for connecting the grinding machine spindle head. The clamping mechanism is provided with a clamping space for fixing the workpiece. The driving mechanism is used to drive the clamping mechanism to shrink or expand the clamping space. When the clamping space shrinks, the clamping mechanism fixes the workpiece. When the clamping space expands, the clamping mechanism releases the workpiece. It also includes a transmission mechanism, which is disposed between the driving mechanism and the clamping mechanism. The input end of the transmission mechanism is connected to the driving mechanism, and the output end of the transmission mechanism is connected to the clamping mechanism. The transmission mechanism is used to push the clamping space to shrink. The transmission mechanism includes a push pin and a fixed seat. The first end of the push pin is mounted on the fixed seat, and the second end of the push pin extends out of the outer shaft and abuts against the clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes a mounting base, a clamping member, and an elastic member. The mounting base is mounted on the outer shaft. The first end of the clamping member is rotatably mounted on the mounting base. The first end of the elastic member is mounted on the mounting base. The second end of the elastic member is connected to the second end of the clamping member. The clamping space is provided on the inner side of the clamping member. The output end of the transmission mechanism abuts against the outer side of the clamping member.

2. The automated grinding center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism further includes an elastic plunger, and the fixed seat includes a top plate and an ejector pin cover plate. The top plate is screwed to the ejector pin cover plate, the first end of the elastic plunger is mounted on the outer shaft, and the second end of the elastic plunger abuts against the ejector pin cover plate.

3. The automated grinding center according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first end of the ejector pin passes through the ejector pin cover plate and is installed on the top plate. A spring plate is provided between the top plate and the ejector pin.

4. The automated grinding center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end of the ejector pin is tapered, and a groove is formed on the outer side of the clamping member. The ejector pin abuts against the groove, and the shape of the groove matches the tapered surface of the second end of the ejector pin.

5. The automated grinding center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body is fitted with a first bearing, a second bearing, and a third bearing. The first bearing is installed between the drive mechanism and the transmission mechanism. The second bearing and the third bearing are respectively fitted between the transmission mechanism and the clamping mechanism. A pad is provided between the inner sides of the second bearing and the third bearing. A retaining ring is provided on the outer sides of both the second bearing and the third bearing.

6. The automated grinding center according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fixing plate is provided between the clamping mechanism and the outer shaft body. The fixing plate is sleeved on the body body. A skeleton oil seal is provided between the fixing plate and the body body. A center head is installed on the body body. The output end of the center head extends out of the outer shaft body.

7. The automated grinding center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body has an air intake channel, the drive mechanism is a cylinder, the air intake channel is connected to the input end of the cylinder, and the output end of the cylinder abuts against the transmission mechanism.

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