Grinding machine
By sharing a linear guide between the grinding unit and the camera unit, and utilizing a telescopic connection device and a push rod mechanism, the problems of dust accumulation and parallelism were solved, enabling high-precision acquisition of grinding wheel images and detection of processing status.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DEYI PRECISION ELECTRONIC IND CO LTD PANYU
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
In existing machine vision inspection solutions, the synchronous lifting of industrial cameras and grinding wheels can easily accumulate dust and debris, or independent lifting requires strict parallelism, which leads to a decrease in image acquisition accuracy.
The grinding unit and camera unit share a linear guide and are connected by an extension plate and a mounting panel. They maintain parallel lifting using a telescopic connecting device, lift independently to avoid dust and debris, and move the camera unit independently for image acquisition via a push rod mechanism.
It improves image acquisition accuracy, reduces costs, enhances system reliability, and can accurately measure the processing status of grinding units and workpieces.
Smart Images
Figure CN117961731B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to a grinding machine, and more particularly to a grinding machine capable of performing machine vision inspection on grinding wheels. [Background Technology]
[0002] In a typical vertical grinding machine, the grinding wheel can be raised and lowered relative to the workpiece for machining. To facilitate online inspection of the grinding wheel, machine vision inspection can be performed on the grinding machine. An industrial camera acquires images of the grinding wheel, and image analysis algorithms are used to determine whether the workpiece has been machined to the required level. However, in existing machine vision inspection solutions, either the industrial camera and the grinding wheel rise and fall completely synchronously, which can easily lead to the accumulation of dust and debris generated during machining on the industrial camera; or the industrial camera and the grinding wheel are completely independent, with the industrial camera and the grinding wheel rising and falling along their respective linear tracks. In the latter case, it is essential to ensure that the linear track of the industrial camera is sufficiently parallel to the linear track of the grinding wheel. Otherwise, non-parallelism may prevent the industrial camera from accurately focusing on the grinding wheel at certain heights, reducing the accuracy of image acquisition of the grinding wheel. [Summary of the Invention]
[0003] In view of the prior art, the grinding unit and camera unit of the grinding machine of the present invention share a linear guide, so that the grinding unit and the camera unit maintain sufficient parallelism during relatively independent lifting and lowering. The distance between the detected part of the grinding unit and the camera unit is always the focal length of the camera unit. As long as the detected part of the grinding unit and the camera unit are at the same height, the camera unit can perform image acquisition without the need for a variable zoom lens and corresponding algorithm, which saves costs and improves reliability.
[0004] The above-mentioned technical means have the following technical effects: the grinding unit and the camera unit are connected to the same linear rail through the extension plate and the mounting panel, respectively, to ensure that the grinding unit and the camera unit rise and fall in parallel. The extension plate and the mounting panel are connected to a telescopic connecting device, so that they can be driven by the connecting device to move closer or further apart, so that the grinding unit and the camera unit can also move closer or further apart. When the grinding unit is processing the workpiece, the push rod mechanism causes the mounting panel to rise relative to the extension plate, so that the camera unit can move away from the grinding unit to avoid dust and debris. When the grinding unit finishes processing, the push rod mechanism causes the mounting panel to fall relative to the extension plate, so that the camera unit can fall to the height of the grinding unit and the workpiece respectively, and measure the wear of the grinding unit and the size of the workpiece respectively to determine whether the workpiece has been processed to the required level. If it has not been processed to the required level, the stroke of the grinding unit and the position of the workpiece are adjusted according to the wear of the grinding unit, and the workpiece is processed again. This invention can also be used to detect whether the grinding unit has been properly dressed. When the grinding unit is being dressed, the camera unit can move away from the grinding unit. After the dressing is completed, the camera unit can move to the height of the grinding unit to detect whether the grinding unit has been properly dressed. [Attached Image Description]
[0005] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the grinding machine assembly used in the first embodiment of the grinding machine of the present invention;
[0006] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the grinding unit and mounting panel connected to the same linear guide.
[0007] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the grinding unit and camera unit both in their initial positions and far from the workpiece (shown by dashed lines, the same below);
[0008] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the grinding unit and camera unit descending synchronously along the same linear track for tool setting;
[0009] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the mounting panel moving the camera unit away from the workpiece before the grinding unit processes the workpiece;
[0010] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the grinding unit returning to the tool setting position after machining is completed, and the mounting panel moving the camera unit closer to the workpiece.
[0011] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment.
[0012] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0013] Column 1, Grinding Unit 2, Grinding Wheel 21
[0014] 22 Motor 23 Housing 24 Extension plate
[0015] First power source 3 linear guide 4 mounting panel 5
[0016] Side panel 51, top panel 52, bottom panel 53
[0017] Fixed plate 54 Reinforcing plate 55
[0018] Connecting device 6, housing 61, push rod mechanism 62
[0019] Second power source 63, camera unit 7, camera body 71
[0020] Camera bracket 72, Light source unit 8, Light source body 81
[0021] Light source bracket 82, slider S, workpiece P
[0022] Platform T 【Detailed Implementation Methods】
[0023] To facilitate a better understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and effects of this invention, the invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0024] Figures 1 to 5 The diagram shows a grinding machine assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, including a column 1, a grinding unit 2, and a first power source 3 for driving the grinding unit 2 to move up and down. The column 1 is provided with a vertically extending linear guide 4, and the grinding unit 2 is slidably connected to the linear guide 4. The assembly also includes a mounting panel 5 slidably connected to the same linear guide 4, a connecting device 6 connecting the mounting panel 5 and the grinding unit 2, and a camera unit 7 and a light source unit 8 fixed to the mounting panel 5. The grinding machine assembly can be combined with components such as a stage T and a conventional base (not shown) to form a complete grinding machine. The grinding unit 2 is used to process a workpiece P. The camera unit 7 and the light source unit 8 are used for visual measurement of the grinding unit 2 and the workpiece P.
[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the center of the column 1 is hollowed out along the front-to-back direction to accommodate the grinding unit 2. The first power source 3, in this embodiment, is a motor located at the top of the column 1. The first power source 3 is connected to the grinding unit 2 via a screw extending vertically, causing the grinding unit 2 to move up and down along the screw. There are two linear guides 4, installed on the front side of the column 1, and the two linear guides 4 are parallel to each other. The grinding unit 2 passes between the two linear guides 4.
[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the grinding unit 2 includes a grinding wheel 21 located at the front end, a motor 22 driving the grinding wheel 21 to rotate, a pivot (not shown) connecting the grinding wheel 21 and the motor 22, a housing 23 surrounding the pivot, and an extension plate 24 extending integrally from the housing 23 to two linear guides 4. The pivot passes between the two linear guides 4 in a front-rear direction. The extension plate 24 is located behind the grinding wheel 21 and is slidably connected to the two linear guides 4 by multiple sliders S. In this embodiment, the extension plate 24 is located in front of the linear guides 4. The extension plate 24 extends from the left and right sides of the housing 23 to the two linear guides 4, and also extends from the top and bottom sides of the housing 23, thereby increasing the coverage area of the extension plate 24 on the linear guides 4. Multiple sliders S are then mounted to slidably connect each linear guide 4 to multiple sliders S, increasing the stability of the grinding unit 2 as it moves up and down along the two linear guides 4. In this embodiment, the extension plate 24 is integrally connected to the housing 23.
[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the mounting panel 5 and the grinding unit 2 are separately arranged. In this embodiment, the mounting panel 5 is located in front of the column 1, and is quadrilateral in shape, surrounding the grinding unit 2. The mounting panel 5 includes side panels 51 located on the left and right sides of the extension plate 24, an upper panel 52 located above the extension plate 24, and a lower panel 53 located below the extension plate 24. The two side panels 51 are respectively connected to the camera unit 7 and the light source unit 8. The upper panel 52 is integrally connected to the two side panels 51, and the upper panel 52 is slidably connected to the two linear guides 4 via two sliders S. The lower panel 53 is integrally connected to the two side panels 51, and the lower panel 53 is slidably connected to the two linear guides 4 via two sliders S. In this embodiment, the front surface of the entire mounting panel 5 is coplanar with the front surface of the extension plate 24. The side panels 51 are located on the left and right sides of the extension plate 24. The upper panel 52 is located directly above the extension plate 24 and is spaced apart from it. The lower panel 53 is located directly below the extension plate 24 and is spaced apart from it. The distance between the upper panel 52 and the lower panel 53 is greater than the vertical height of the extension plate 24 itself. If the mounting panel 5 and the extension plate 24 are not coplanar, the distance between the upper panel 52 and the lower panel 53 is greater than the vertical height of the outer casing 23 itself. In this embodiment, a fixing plate 54 is integrally connected to the bottom surface of the upper panel 52. The fixing plate 54 protrudes rearward relative to the upper panel 52, and the distance between the fixing plate 54 and the two side panels 51 is equal. The housing 61 of the connecting device 6 is mounted on the fixing plate 54. The mounting panel 5 includes two reinforcing plates 55 located on and connected to the fixing plate 54. The reinforcing plates 55 are integrally connected to the rear surface of the upper panel 52. In other embodiments, the fixing plate 54 may be connected to the top surface of the lower panel.
[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, camera unit 7 includes a camera body 71 and a camera bracket 72, with the camera bracket 72 connecting the camera body 71 and the side panel 51. Light source unit 8 includes a light source body 81 and a light source bracket 82, with the light source bracket 82 connecting the light source body 81 and the side panel 51. Camera unit 7 acquires images of grinding wheel 21 and / or workpiece P, and an analysis and control unit (e.g., a chip or microcomputer) built into or external to the grinding machine performs visual inspection based on the aforementioned image acquisition information.
[0029] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the connecting device 6 includes a housing 61, a push rod mechanism 62, and a second power source 63. The second power source 63 can drive the push rod mechanism 62 to extend and retract vertically relative to the housing 61. The housing 61 is fixed to one of the grinding unit 2 and the mounting panel 5, and the push rod mechanism 62 is fixed to the other of the grinding unit 2 and the mounting panel 5. The connecting device 6 can be an electric cylinder, and the second power source 63 is a servo motor. In this embodiment, for ease of installation, the connecting device 6 is located above the housing 23, the second power source 63 is located in front of the housing 61, the housing 61 is fixed to the top of the fixing plate 54 with screws and is located between two reinforcing plates 55, the push rod mechanism 62 passes through the fixing plate 54, and the lower end of the push rod mechanism 62 is fixed to the extension plate 24 above the housing 23 and is located behind the extension plate 24.
[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the second power source 63 is not operating, the push rod mechanism 62 remains stationary relative to the housing 61. The entire connecting device 6 acts as a static connecting mechanism, simultaneously connecting the grinding unit 2 and the mounting panel 5. The grinding unit 2 can then drive the mounting panel 5 and the camera unit 7 fixed to the mounting panel 5 to move up and down synchronously via the connecting device 6. The grinding unit 2 and the camera unit 7... Figure 3 The position in the middle is the initial position far away from the workpiece P. Grinding unit 2 and camera unit 7 are in Figure 4 The position of the grinding unit 2 is close to the workpiece P, where the camera unit 7 acquires images of the grinding wheel 21, the workpiece P, and necessary tool setting references. Moving from the initial position to the tool setting position generally requires a large stroke. Therefore, by moving the grinding unit 2 and the mounting panel 5 (with the camera unit 7) together, they can share the same grating ruler. In this embodiment, when the push rod mechanism 62 remains stationary relative to the housing 61, the distance between the lower panel 53 and the grinding unit 2 is greater than the extension stroke of the push rod mechanism 62, and the distance between the upper panel 52 and the grinding unit 2 is greater than the retraction stroke of the push rod mechanism 62. This arrangement prevents the mounting panel 5 from touching the grinding unit 2 during its movement relative to the grinding unit 2, driven by the connecting device 6.
[0031] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, after tool setting is completed, grinding unit 2 needs to process workpiece P, while camera unit 7 needs to be moved away from grinding unit 2 to avoid dust and debris generated during processing. Therefore, grinding unit 2 and mounting panel 5 with camera unit 7 installed need to be moved separately. Figure 5As shown, the grinding unit 2 descends from the tool-setting position to process workpiece P. Before processing, the mounting panel 5 drives the camera unit 7 to rise from the tool-setting position to temporarily move away from workpiece P. When the second power source 63 drives the push rod mechanism 62 to extend and retract relative to the housing 61, in this embodiment, the mounting panel 5 is driven by the reaction force generated by the extension and retraction of the push rod mechanism 62 to rise and fall relative to the grinding unit 2, and drives the camera unit 7 to rise and fall independently relative to the grinding unit 2. More specifically, regarding the relative lifting and lowering, when the second power source 63 drives the push rod mechanism 62 to extend downward relative to the housing 61, if the grinding unit 2 connected to the push rod mechanism 62 is forcibly braked or the mass of the grinding unit 2 is relatively larger, the push rod mechanism 62 cannot push the grinding unit 2 to descend, and the reaction force causes the housing 61 and the mounting panel 5 to rise; when the second power source 63 drives the push rod mechanism 62 to retract upward relative to the housing 61, the push rod mechanism 62 similarly cannot pull the grinding unit 2 to rise, and the reaction force causes the housing 61 and the mounting panel 5 to descend.
[0032] After processing is completed, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The grinding unit 2 returns to the tool setting position, and the mounting panel 5 drives the camera unit 7 to descend to the height where the grinding wheel 21 and the workpiece P are located, so that the camera unit 7 can acquire images of the finished workpiece P and the used grinding wheel 21, thereby realizing visual measurement.
[0033] In other embodiments, the connecting device 6 can be installed in other ways. For example, the housing 61 and the push rod mechanism 62 can be inverted, i.e., the housing 61 is fixed to the extension plate 24 or the outer shell 23, and the upper end of the push rod mechanism 62 can be fixed to the midpoint of the upper panel 52. As another example, the connecting device 6 can be integrally disposed below the outer shell 23, with the housing 61 fixed to the fixing plate 54 connected to the lower panel 53, and the upper end of the push rod mechanism 62 fixed to the extension plate 24 below the outer shell 23. Figure 7 In the second embodiment shown, the housing 61 of the connecting device 6 can be installed in front of the mounting panel 5. The fixing plate 54 is integrally connected to the bottom surface of the upper panel 52 and protrudes forward relative to the upper panel 52. The reinforcing plate 55 is integrally connected to the front surface of the upper panel 52. The housing 61 is installed on the fixing plate 54 and located between the two reinforcing plates 55. The push rod mechanism 62 is fixed to the front surface of the extension plate 24 and does not extend forward beyond the grinding wheel 21. The design of the connecting device 6 being located between the mounting panel 5 and the column 1 facilitates manual maintenance.
[0034] In other embodiments, for example, when the connecting device 6 is inverted above the grinding unit 2, the housing 61 is fixed to the grinding unit 2, and the upper end of the push rod is connected to the mounting panel 5, then the extension and retraction force of the push rod mechanism 62 relative to the housing 61 can directly push and pull the mounting panel 5 to rise or fall.
[0035] The grinding machine of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0036] (1) The grinding unit 2 and the camera unit 7 are connected to the same linear rail 4 through the extension plate 24 and the mounting panel 5, respectively, to ensure that the lifting strokes of the grinding unit 2 and the camera unit 7 remain parallel. The extension plate 24 and the mounting panel 5 are connected to the telescopic connecting device 6, so that they can be driven by the connecting device 6 to move closer or further away from each other, so that the grinding unit 2 and the camera unit 7 can also move closer or further away from each other. When the grinding unit 2 is processing the workpiece P, in the above embodiment, the push rod mechanism 62 extends, causing the mounting panel 5 to rise relative to the extension plate 24, so that the camera unit 7 can move away from the grinding unit 2 to avoid dust and debris. When the grinding unit 2 finishes processing, in the above embodiment, the push rod mechanism 62 retracts, causing the mounting panel 5 to fall relative to the extension plate 24, so that the camera unit 7 can fall to the height of the grinding unit 2 and the workpiece P respectively, measure the wear of the grinding unit 2 and the size of the workpiece P respectively, and determine whether the workpiece P has been processed to the required level. If it has not been processed to the required level, the stroke of the grinding unit 2 and the position of the workpiece P are adjusted in combination with the wear of the grinding unit 2, and the workpiece P is processed a second time. The present invention can also be used to detect whether the grinding unit 2 has been properly adjusted. When the grinding unit 2 is being adjusted, the camera unit 7 can move away from the grinding unit 2. After the adjustment is completed, the camera unit 7 can move to the height of the grinding unit 2 to detect whether the grinding unit 2 has been properly adjusted.
[0037] Furthermore, the camera unit 7 can be independently raised and lowered relative to the grinding wheel 21, and its field of view can cover the bottom of the grinding wheel 21 and the top of the stage T through independent displacement. This allows the camera unit 7 to directly aim at the processing position or the grinding wheel 21, thereby acquiring images of the grinding wheel 21 and the workpiece P. This enables online measurement of the dimensions of the workpiece P and the wear of the grinding wheel 21. Even if the radial reduction of the grinding wheel 21 prevents the camera's field of view from simultaneously covering both the grinding wheel 21 and the workpiece P, the camera unit 7 can still independently raise and lower to acquire images of the grinding wheel 21 and the workpiece P separately. It can still calculate the radial reduction of the grinding wheel 21, thus accurately processing the workpiece P and avoiding rework.
[0038] (2) The housing 61 of the connecting device 6 is fixed on the fixing plate 54, and the fixing plate 54 is integrally connected to the upper panel 52 and the distance between it and the two side panels 51 is equal, which can prevent the upper panel 52 from being unbalanced and facilitate the stable lifting and lowering of the installation panel 5 along the two rails 4.
[0039] (3) The mounting panel 5 includes an upper panel 52 and a lower panel 53, and both the upper panel 52 and the lower panel 53 are slidably connected to the two linear rails 4 via sliders S, which helps the entire mounting panel 5 to rise and fall smoothly along the two linear rails 4.
[0040] (4) The distance between the upper panel 52 and the lower panel 53 is greater than the vertical height of the outer shell 23 or the extension plate 24 itself. The distance between the lower panel 53 and the grinding unit 2 is greater than the extension stroke of the push rod mechanism 62. The distance between the upper panel 52 and the grinding unit 2 is greater than the retraction stroke of the push rod mechanism 62. This arrangement can prevent the mounting panel 5 from touching the grinding unit 2 during the process of being driven by the connecting device 6 to rise and fall relative to the grinding unit 2.
[0041] (5) In other embodiments, for the convenience of maintaining the connecting device 6, the housing 61 can be fixed to the front surface of the mounting panel 5, and the push rod mechanism 62 can be fixed to the front surface of the extension plate 24 and not extend forward beyond the grinding wheel 21.
[0042] (6) The extension plate 24 extends upward and downward relative to the outer shell 23 and is fixed with multiple sliders S. Each linear rail 4 connects multiple sliders S of the extension plate 24, which helps the grinding unit 2 to rise and fall smoothly along the two linear rails 4.
[0043] The above detailed description is only an illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the description and illustrations of the present invention are included within the patent scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A grinding machine, comprising a column, a grinding unit, and a first power source for driving the grinding unit to move up and down, wherein the column is provided with a vertically extending linear guide, and the grinding unit is slidably connected to the linear guide, characterized in that: It also includes a mounting panel that slides along the same linear rail, a connecting device that connects the mounting panel and the grinding unit, and a camera unit and a light source unit fixed to the mounting panel. The mounting panel and the grinding unit are separate, and the mounting panel is located in front of the column. The connecting device includes a housing, a push rod mechanism, and a second power source. The second power source can drive the push rod mechanism to extend and retract relative to the housing. The housing is fixed to one of the grinding unit and the mounting panel, and the push rod mechanism is fixed to the other of the grinding unit and the mounting panel. When the push rod mechanism remains stationary relative to the housing, the grinding unit drives the mounting panel and the camera unit connected to the mounting panel to rise and fall synchronously through the connecting device. When the second power source drives the push rod mechanism to extend and retract relative to the housing, the mounting panel is driven by the action or reaction force generated by the extension and retraction of the push rod mechanism to rise and fall relative to the grinding unit, and drives the camera unit to rise and fall independently relative to the grinding unit.
2. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The column includes two parallel linear guides. The grinding unit includes a grinding wheel, a motor that drives the grinding wheel to rotate, a pivot that connects the grinding wheel and the motor, a housing surrounding the pivot, and an extension plate that extends integrally from the housing to the linear guides. The extension plate is located behind the grinding wheel. The pivot passes between the two linear guides in the front-back direction. The extension plate and the mounting panel are slidably connected to the two linear guides by multiple sliders.
3. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting panel includes side panels located on the left and right sides of the extension plate and a top panel located above the extension plate. The two side panels are connected to the camera unit and the light source unit respectively. The top panel is integrally connected to the two side panels and is slidably connected to two linear rails by two sliders.
4. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The mounting panel includes a fixed plate connected to either the bottom surface of the upper panel or the top surface of the lower panel. The housing is fixed to the fixed plate, and the push rod mechanism is fixed to the extension plate of the grinding unit.
5. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting panel includes two reinforcing plates located on and connected to the fixing plate. The reinforcing plates are connected to the front surface of the upper panel. The housing is located on the front side of the mounting panel and between the two reinforcing plates. The push rod mechanism is fixed to the front surface of the extension plate and does not extend forward beyond the grinding wheel. The second power source is located behind the housing and above the mounting panel.
6. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The housing is located behind the mounting panel, the push rod mechanism is fixed to the rear surface of the extension plate, and the second power source is located in front of the housing and above the mounting panel.
7. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting panel includes two reinforcing plates located on and connected to the mounting plate. The reinforcing plates are connected to the rear surface of the upper panel, and the housing is located between the two reinforcing plates.
8. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The mounting panel also includes a lower panel located below the extension plate. The lower panel is integrally connected to the two side panels. The lower panel is connected to two linear rails via two sliders. The front surfaces of the upper panel and the lower panel are coplanar with the front surface of the extension plate. The distance between the upper panel and the lower panel is greater than the vertical height of the extension plate itself.
9. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The front surface of the side panel is coplanar with the front surface of the extension plate, and the distance between the fixing plate and the two side panels is equal.
10. The grinding machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The extension plate protrudes from the outer shell upwards, downwards, leftwards, and rightwards respectively. Multiple sliders are fixed to the extension plate, and each linear guide connects to multiple sliders of the extension plate.