AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION DEVICE FOR BALANCING MACHINES AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a novel automatic calibration device for static or dynamic balancing machines, according to the appended claim 1, as well as a method for automatic initial calibration and for spontaneous or cyclically performed automatic calibration control of balancing machines, according to the appended claim 10, without the need to continue to use master or reference rotors.

[0002] The invention particularly relates to horizontal or vertical single- or two-plane balancing machines for balancing rigid rotors, which can be equipped with such automatic calibration devices. BACKGROUND AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Rotating machine parts are found in almost all mechanical systems. The faster they rotate, the more accurately they must be balanced due to the resulting centrifugal forces and the resulting vibrations. Poorly balanced rotors cause periodic excitation forces that can adversely affect the bearings and their service life, the noise and vibration behavior, and the process of a system. Balancing therefore serves to ensure the quality of the machine part in question as well as the process capability and safety of the system, and is therefore essential.

[0004] Balancing machines must be calibrated or recalibrated upon initial commissioning or after any maintenance or modifications. Depending on the application, it may also be advisable to perform calibration checks at certain recurring intervals.

[0005] During calibration, a precisely defined input or reference value is compared with the measurement result of the measuring system under test. The reference value must be significantly more accurate than the measuring device under test.

[0006] In the case of a balancing machine, calibration means teaching the machine the physical measurement of "unbalance," which refers to a known mass with a known radius of a reference rotor.

[0007] The conventional way of initial calibration and subsequent calibration checks of balancing machines is carried out according to the state of the art by means of so-called

[0008] Master rotors and calibration weights (Gasch et al., 2014, Rotordynamik, Springer Verlag; Schneider et al., 2007, Auswuchttechnik, Springer-Verlag). Master rotors are precisely manufactured, rotationally symmetrical components that are manufactured either according to a specific standard (e.g., ISO 21940-21 or SAE ARP4162) or according to the specifications of a series part. Devices and methods for automated unbalance measurement are generally known in the prior art. For example, EP 2 280 264 A1 and JP 2011080894 A, both by the same applicant, disclose a reference vibrator mounted on an unbalance measuring device for a rotating product with a rotor inside, which applies vibrations to the unbalance measuring device for repeatability testing.US 2003 / 005763 A1 describes a self-calibrating workpiece balancing machine capable of automatically determining and correcting the imbalance of rotating parts using one or more automatic load or force injection units. US 2019 / 271609 A1 relates to a method for calibrating a balancing machine in a balancing run, in which a rotor to be balanced is rotatably mounted in bearings and accelerated by a drive unit. At least one sensor determines an initial vibration of the rotor before an unbalance correction and transmits this value to an evaluation device, which stores the measured value as an oscillation vector.

[0009] A key factor in calibrating a balancing machine is a defined screw-on radius on the master rotor for the calibration weights. The mass and center of gravity of the calibration weights must be known. The balancing machine is therefore calibrated using the known calibration radius, which is the distance between the center of gravity of the screwed-on calibration weight and the rotational axis of the master rotor. The product of the calibration radius (unit: millimeters or [mm]) and the mass of the calibration weight (unit: grams or [g]) forms the calibration imbalance (unit: grams x millimeters or [g x mm]).

[0010] In general, a distinction is made between single-level and two-level balancing machines. Fig. 1schematically shows the designs of a single-plane (A) and a two-plane (B) master rotor of the state-of-the-art. Depending on the design, each rotor has a vertical or horizontal rotation axis (a1) and a mounting radius (a2) for the calibration weight (a3). The calibration radius (a4) is determined by the distance of the calibration weight's center of mass from the rotation axis. In the axial direction, one or two calibration planes (a5) are specified, depending on the number.

[0011] According to the state of the art, a calibration process for a single-plane balancing machine is carried out in at least two steps as follows: 1. Carrying out a zero run with the master rotor (without calibration weight, only the residual imbalance of the rotor affects the measuring system) 2. Carrying out a calibration run with the master rotor and attached calibration weight in the specified (first) balancing plane

[0012] During the calibration process of a two-plane balancing machine, a third step takes place, which can also be carried out together with the second step in one process if necessary: 3. Carrying out a calibration run with the master rotor and attached calibration weight in the second balancing plane.

[0013] From a physical point of view, the balancing machine is taught by measuring the amplitude of the unbalance in relation to a measured electrical voltage, which is generated by an unbalance sensor (e.g. force or vibration sensor) due to the occurring vibrations caused by the unbalance. This is done by Fig. 2clarifies: The unbalance vibration is recorded using a rotor with a defined unbalance (master rotor). The measured sensor voltage (y-axis) is assigned to a calibrated, defined unbalance (x-axis) using linear interpolation. The calibration factor K is determined as the ratio ΔS / ΔU. During a calibration process, the angular position of the set calibration mass is also recorded by the measuring electronics by comparing the measured time of the zero crossing of the harmonic vibration response (force signal) with the zero signal of the rotor.

[0014] From the above, it is clear that every state-of-the-art calibration process requires, on the one hand, equipment in the form of a high-precision master rotor and a weighed calibration weight. On the other hand, the machine must be converted to the master rotor to perform the calibration, thus interrupting the ongoing series production of a balancing process. After performing a so-called zero run, the calibration weights must be manually screwed on at the respective level. Therefore, both during setup and during the execution of this manual calibration, there is operator influence, which may be subject to errors.

[0015] Since balancing processes on an industrial scale must be carried out routinely in large numbers and wherever possible, according to the described state of the art, frequent, longer, more complex and possibly error-prone calibration processes have a negative impact on the economic efficiency and safety of the underlying processes.

[0016] The task was therefore to simplify the calibration of balancing machines and, in particular, to automate it in order to enable routine balancing of all types of rotating machine parts more quickly and precisely, while minimizing the use of operating personnel and any associated sources of error. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] This object was achieved by a novel automatic calibration device as an integral component of new or known, static or dynamic balancing machines, as well as by a simplified method for the automatic calibration of these balancing machines, as described and characterized in more detail below and in the claims.

[0018] The subject of the invention is therefore a novel calibration device (1) as described in Fig. 3shown by way of example, which is provided as an integral component of a known balancing machine and can calibrate it automatically without the usual measures. The calibration device is a component, preferably in a housing (1.6), in the form of an electric motor-driven, mechanical unbalance exciter (1) comprising an electric drive (1.1) controllable by an electronic control unit (1.5) and a rotating calibration disk (1.2) driven by the drive, which functions as an unbalance disk.

[0019] This rotating disk (1.2) therefore has one or more defined calibration weights (1.3), preferably a single calibration weight, at a selectable but defined radius. This results in a defined amount of unbalance [g x mm].

[0020] The calibration device according to the invention further comprises an internal pulse generator (1.4) for contactless speed detection of the rotating unbalance disc (1.2), which is mounted such that a defined calibration angle (1.7) is formed between the pulse generator and the at least one calibration weight (1.3). The calibration angle, which forms the angle between the pulse generator position and the attachment point of the calibration weight on the rotating disc (1.2) around the rotational axis, is initially freely selectable and is ultimately determined by the installation position in the balancing machine.

[0021] The calibration device (1) according to the invention has, as a component, a disk-shaped, compact geometry that is as flat as possible and thus ensures a largely torque-free or at least low-torque force excitation in the balancing machine.

[0022] The invention further relates to a manually or automatically operated balancing machine as in Fig. 4 and 5 shown as an example, for the static or dynamic balancing of rotationally symmetrical machine parts or rotors, which essentially comprises: (i) a translationally and / or rotationally movable vibration base plate (2.1), (ii) elastic spring elements (2.2), (iii) at least one vibration sensor (2.3) which registers the movements of the vibration base plate (2.1), wherein in one embodiment of the invention this is preferably attached to the vibration base plate (2.1) and its measuring direction corresponds to the direction of movement of the vibration base plate (2.1), (iv) an electric motor drive with speed sensor (2.4), (v) a vertical or horizontal bearing (2.5) for receiving a rotationally symmetrical machine part or rotor (2.6) to be balanced, (vi) a measuring / control / electronic regulation unit (2.9), and (vii) at least one calibration device (2.8) (1) according to the invention as described above, which is mounted and aligned in the region of the vibration base plate (2.1) such that at least one vector component of the centrifugally rotating harmonic

[0023] Excitation force of the rotating calibration disc (1.2) of the calibration device (1) in the direction of movement of the vibration base plate (2.1), as shown in the Fig. 4 and 5 shown.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention (e.g. Fig. 4 ) the balancing machine according to the invention is a single-plane balancing machine which is intended for balancing rotationally symmetrical machine parts or rotors in a single defined balancing plane (2.7) and has a calibration device (2.8)(1) according to the invention.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention (e.g. Fig. 5 ) The balancing machine according to the invention is operated as a two-plane balancing machine and has at least two calibration devices (2.8)(1) according to the invention. Such a balancing machine is intended for balancing rotationally symmetrical machine parts in two defined balancing planes (2.7).

[0026] The invention further relates to an automatic calibration method for static and dynamic balancing machines using the automatic calibration device (1)(2.8) according to the invention described above and below as an integral part of the balancing machine.

[0027] This makes it possible, in contrast to the state of the art, to perform only a single calibration run for each intended balancing plane of the machine part or rotor to be balanced, without having to apply calibration weights depending on the position of the rotational axis. For a single-plane balancing machine, only a single calibration run is necessary, and for a two-plane balancing machine, only two calibration runs are required.

[0028] If an initial basic calibration of the balancing machine has already been carried out, it is still possible to carry out any routine calibration run without inserting a master rotor into the balancing machine and without manually attaching additional calibration weights.

[0029] Furthermore, due to its simplicity and rapid implementation, the calibration method according to the invention can be used before each balancing process, at periodic intervals or during desired or necessary calibration checks.

[0030] According to the invention, the described automatic calibration method can also be carried out during or after a basic calibration, e.g., during the initial commissioning of the balancing machine or during a subsequent modification, repair, or maintenance.

[0031] According to the invention, basic calibration refers to the one-time training process for the balancing machine's calibration device. An example of a basic calibration using the calibration device according to the invention is described in the "Details of the Invention" section.

[0032] In summary, the devices and methods according to the invention presented here have the following advantages: The calibration device according to the invention enables automatic calibration and automatic calibration control of single-plane and double-plane balancing machines, regardless of the orientation of the rotation axis (horizontal or vertical) and the type of unbalance measurement system (displacement or force measurement). Automatic calibration and automatic calibration control of the balancing machine can be performed while the system is in operation. No interruption of production, no retooling of the system, and no insertion of master rotors and the screwing on of calibration weights are required. The calibration device according to the invention is scalable as required within the limits of technical possibilities in terms of unbalance capacity and calibration speed. The calibration device according to the invention and the automatic calibration method can be retrofitted to existing balancing machines as well as used in new balancing machines.An automatic calibration check of the balancing machine is possible at cyclical intervals. This allows any balancing-relevant changes to the machine to be detected and prompt action, such as initiating maintenance, to be taken. The automatic calibration process eliminates any operator influence during calibration. This increases process and production reliability. The simple and robust mechanical design of the calibration device enables high operational safety and reliability during calibration.

[0033] The device design and method described here can also be used for calibrating and testing high-speed balancing systems (HS systems) for flexible rotors. Furthermore, it is conceivable to use the calibration device according to the invention as a mobile version for the operational balancing of large systems, e.g., large fans, pump systems, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SIZES USED: Designs (schematic): 1-level / 2-level master rotor

[0034] (a1) vertical / horizontal axis of rotation (a2) Radius of the rotor (a3) Calibration weight (a4) Calibration radius (distance between calibration mass and rotation axis) (a5) Calibration level (1) Automatic calibration device (1.1) Disc rotor / electric drive (1.2) Unbalanced disc / rotor, driven by (1.1) (1.3) Calibration weight, attached to (1.2) (1.4) Unbalance exciter: pulse generator and magnet arranged between (1.1) and (1.2) (1.5) Electronic control unit (1.6) Housing (1.7) Calibration angle formed between (1.4) and position of (1.3) (2) Balancing machine (2.1) oscillating base plate (2.2) elastic spring elements (2.3) Unbalance vibration sensor (force or displacement measuring) (2.3.1) Sensor 1 (2.3.2) Sensor 2 (2.4) electric drive (2.5) horizontal / vertical bearing / rotary axis / shaft (2.6) Rotor / disc-shaped component to be balanced / master rotor (2.7) Balancing plane(s) perpendicular to (2.5) (2.8) Calibration device (1) (2.9) Measuring / control / and electrical control unit (2.10) Signal line speed (2.4) (2.11) Engine control signal line (2.4) (2.12) Signal line unbalance vibration sensor (2.3) (2.13) Signal line calibration device (2.8) SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS:

[0035] Fig. 1 : shows a schematic representation of two typical master parts according to the state of the art: (A) 1-level master rotor with vertical axis of rotation and (B) 2-level master rotor with horizontal axis of rotation Fig. 2 :shows the graphical relationship between unbalance U [gx mm] and sensor voltage S [V] when teaching a state-of-the-art balancing machine. Fig. 3 : shows a schematic diagram of an automatic calibration device according to the invention in a side view (A) and top view (B): The device comprises an electric drive (1.1), a calibration disc (1.2) with an unbalance weight (1.3), and a pulse generator (1.4) for speed and angle detection in a housing (1.6). The freely selectable calibration angle is represented by α. Fig. 4 : shows the basic structure of a measuring system for a 1-plane balancing machine with a vertically arranged rotor shaft and an automatic calibration device according to the invention (2.8). Fig. 5 :shows the basic structure of a measuring system for a 2-plane balancing machine with a horizontally arranged rotor shaft and two automatic calibration devices according to the invention (2.8). Fig. 6 : shows in principle the measuring system structure of a balancing machine according to Figure 4 , but here expanded by the measuring / control unit (2.9). This is connected to the balancing machine via corresponding signal lines (2.10 - 2.13). Fig. 7 : shows the graphical relationship between unbalance U [gx mm] and sensor voltage S [V] when teaching a balancing machine using an automatic calibration device according to the invention in analogy to Figure 2 . Further details are described in the example. DETAILS OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The calibration device (1)(2.8) according to the invention represents an electric motor-driven, mechanical unbalance exciter which is provided with an associated control and regulation unit (1.5) which controls the calibration device and the interface to the higher-level measuring computer.

[0037] The calibration device according to the invention (see Fig. 3) has a compact design in the form of an electric drive with a flat construction, e.g. in a disc rotor design (1.1) and a directly attached unbalance disc (1.2), which in turn accommodates a defined calibration weight of mass m (1.3) on a selectable, defined radius [r]. As already mentioned, the small form factor of the calibration device according to the invention, which works as an unbalance exciter, i.e. its flat construction, is important because only a quasi-disc-shaped geometry can achieve force excitation in the balancing machine that is as torque-free as possible. The ratio of disc diameter D to length L in the axial direction should therefore be greater than D / L > 5, preferably > 8.

[0038] Likewise, the unbalance disc should have a sufficiently high axial runout to the rotation axis (target value: < 0.04 mm, preferably < 0.02 mm).

[0039] The device also has an internal pulse generator for speed measurement (1.4). The angle between the pulse generator and the position of the calibration mass or unbalance mass (1.2) forms the calibration angle during subsequent calibration (1.7). It can assume values between 0 and 360° and is determined once by design. Fig. 3 (B) A design for an angular offset of 180° is shown. However, any other angle can also be selected, for example, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, or 180°.

[0040] The electronic control unit (1.5) of the automatic calibration device according to the invention is equipped with a motor speed controller and a motor driver, e.g., a pulse-width-controlled motor driver, so that a target speed of the drive can be set with a defined high speed stability, preferably less than + / - 1 [rpm]. The electronic control unit can be housed in the housing (1.6) of the calibration device or separately outside it. This speed constancy is particularly relevant for enabling steady and reproducible conditions during the calibration run.

[0041] The calibration device (1), as described and in Fig. 3 outlined, is now installed in a balancing machine with an oscillating base plate (2.1), which is connected to the stationary part of the machine by elastic spring elements (2.2).

[0042] This can be a state-of-the-art balancing machine.

[0043] It must be ensured that the calibration device is mounted and aligned in the area of the vibration base plate (2.1) in such a way that at least one vector of the centrifugally rotating excitation force of the rotating calibration disc (1.2) of the calibration device (1)(2.8) points in the direction of movement of the vibration base plate (2.1) of the balancing machine.

[0044] In a single-plane balancing machine, installation is advantageously carried out in the direction, for example, in extension of the rotational axis of the rotor to be balanced. The calibration device (2.8) (1) according to the invention is positioned here relative to the vibration base plate (2.1), which is limited to translational movements. Fig. 4shows a possible design of such a single-plane balancing machine with a calibration device (2.8) according to the invention, which is mounted below the drive (2,4) as an extension of the vertically arranged bearing (2.5) on the base plate (2.1). The vibrations of the base plate (2.1) triggered by imbalance are registered by an imbalance vibration sensor (2.3) also mounted in this area. As already mentioned, the calibration process with the automatic calibration device on the single-plane balancing machine is carried out with only a single calibration run.

[0045] Fig. 5shows a possible arrangement of two of the calibration devices (2.8) according to the invention in a two-plane balancing machine, whereby one calibration device according to the invention is required for each plane (2.7). In the embodiment shown, a long rotor with a short radial diameter is mounted horizontally. The two calibration devices (2.8) are offset in the direction of the horizontal bearing (2.5) and are connected to the vibration base plate (2.1), which is capable of translational and rotational movements. The latter has at least two vibration sensors (2.3.1) (2.3.2) at offset positions to measure the vibration events generated by imbalance in both planes (static component and moment component).

[0046] The calibration method according to the invention is essentially based on providing a calibration device (2.8)(1) suitable for the respective balancing machine and its intended use, with a predefined calibration unbalance amount [g x mm] and a predefined calibration angle (1.7) of the unbalance disc (1.2). With the calibration device switched on, a voltage signal can be measured at the vibration sensor (2.3)(2.3.1)(2.3.2) while the base plate (2.1) is vibrating. This voltage signal corresponds to a specific calibration unbalance of the balancing machine due to the mathematically linear relationship between the generated unbalance amplitude and the measured voltage. This value is recorded and evaluated by the electronic measuring and control unit (2.9), with the automatically determined calibration unbalance serving as a reference for subsequent balancing processes.

[0047] Due to the linear relationship between the unbalance amplitude and the voltage signal at the unbalance sensor (2.3), it is sufficient to determine a single measuring point in addition to the condition that the characteristic curve should intersect the zero point. Fig. 7 shows this connection for a concrete example described in more detail below.

[0048] With the rotating rotor inserted, the calibration process is preferably controlled such that the speed of the rotor to be balanced during the calibration run is at least 15-20% below or 15-20% above the calibration speed of the calibration device (1)(2.8), i.e. the unbalance disc (1.2). This means that both the calibration device and the rotor are allowed to rotate simultaneously. During the calibration process, the measuring electronics filters out the speed-frequency components relevant for the calibration. This does not influence the calibration result in any way. In the latter case, it must be taken into account that the zero pulse in the measuring electronics must be switched from the rotor to the calibration device in order to be able to evaluate the correct vibration signals for the calibration process.

[0049] The details of the mechanical design and measurement principles will not be discussed further here. Reference is made to relevant literature, such as Gasch et al., 2014, Rotordynamik, Springer Verlag; Schneider et al., 2007, Auswuchttechnik, Springer Verlag.

[0050] The 2-plane balancing machine requires a calibration device for each balancing plane. To calibrate the balancing machine, the calibration devices are switched on one after the other.

[0051] As with the single-plane calibration, no master part needs to be inserted or calibration weights screwed on during calibration. It is sufficient to place a standard or customer-specified part in the balancing machine.

[0052] It is also possible to perform any calibration run while the balancing system is in operation, i.e. without shutting down and restarting the system, and even when a rotor or machine part to be balanced is already inserted into the balancing machine and rotating.

[0053] As already mentioned, a basic calibration of the balancing machine must be carried out when the balancing machine is first put into operation and during each subsequent modification, maintenance or repair. In accordance with the classic standard procedure, a master rotor and calibration weights must also be used first.

[0054] A basic calibration of a balancing machine using a calibration device according to the invention or a balancing machine according to the invention thus essentially comprises the following steps: (i) one-time calibration of the balancing machine with a standardized or certified reference or master rotor with defined or standardized unbalance using standardized or certified calibration weights, (ii) determination / measurement of the unbalance amounts and calibration angles of the inventive, switched-on automatic calibration device (1)(2.8) with the reference / master rotor inserted individually and successively for each intended balancing plane (2.7), (iii) storage of the unbalance amounts and calibration angles determined in (ii) in a program of the measuring / control / electronic regulation unit (2.9), (iv) carrying out a calibration run with the inventive calibration device as described in principle for the inventive calibration method, and (v) checking the calibration by attaching a calibration weight to the reference / master rotor after prior zeroing of the measuring system.

[0055] The automatic calibration process is considered successful if the displayed measured values of point (v) correspond to the expected calibrated measured values of point (i). EXAMPLE:

[0056] Carrying out the calibration of a single-plane balancing machine for brake discs Fig. 6 shows a classic 1-plane balancing machine with a vertical rotary axis for detecting static imbalances. The machine design has already been demonstrated using Fig. 4 described. The structure is now supplemented by a control cabinet with the measuring, control, and regulation units and a visualization (2.9), which control the drive of the balancing machine and the automatic calibration device (2.8). Signal lines for the speed of the balancing machine (2.10), the motor control line (2.11), the unbalance signal (2.12), and the control of the automatic calibration device (2.13) are provided between the balancing machine and the measuring / control unit.

[0057] The design of the automatic calibration device is based on the balancing tolerance of the rotor to be measured. Let T be the permissible balancing tolerance of the rotor, the magnitude of the unbalance U generated by the calibration device is: U = 10 ... 20 * T.

[0058] For an exemplary brake disc, the permissible balancing tolerance is T = 300 [g x mm]. In this case, the unbalance of the calibration device should be between 3000 and 6000 [g x mm] according to the previous equation.

[0059] The imbalance of the calibration device can be described by the following equation: U = m * r, where m represents the mass unbalance of the calibration device (2.8) and r represents the distance (radius) of the mass unbalance from the rotational axis of the calibration device. For the brake disc example, a calibration unbalance of 3000 [g x mm] is desired. If a radius of r = 50 mm is used or selected, the calibration weight (1.3) must have a mass of 60 g.

[0060] The calibration curve ( Fig. 7 )For this single-plane balancing machine with automatic calibration device, the calibration is performed in a single calibration run as follows: The first reference or measuring point of the linear characteristic curve is determined directly with the calibration device switched off (zero point). The second reference or measuring point is determined by switching on the calibration device, whereby a defined amount of unbalance, in this example 3,000 [g x mm], and a defined unbalance angle are applied to the unbalance measuring system. This results in a specific sensor voltage, which in turn is assigned to the calibration unbalance to be determined. The balancing machine is now calibrated and ready for use.

Claims

1. Device for the automatic calibration of a balancing machine in the form of an electric-motor-driven, mechanical unbalance exciter, substantially comprising an electric drive (1.1) controllable by an electronic closed-loop control unit (1.5) and a calibration disk (1.2) driven by said electric drive and rotating about a rotational axis, which disk has at least one defined calibration weight (1.3) on a defined radius, from which a defined unbalance amount results, (i) the calibration disk (1.2) having an internal pulse generator (1.4) for contactless speed detection, which is mounted on the calibration disk (1.2) in such a way that a defined calibration angle (1.7) is formed between it and the at least one calibration weight (1.3) mounted on the calibration disk, and (ii) the electronic closed-loop control unit (1.5) being equipped with a motor speed controller and a motor driver, which allow a target speed of the drive with a defined speed stability, characterized in that (iii) the device has a flat disk-shaped compact geometry which is selected such that the ratio D / L of diameter (D) to length in the axial direction (L) of the unbalance disk (1.2) is > 5, thereby allowing torque-free or largely torque-free force excitation in the balancing machine.

2. Automatic calibration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio D / L of diameter (D) to length in the axial direction (L) of the unbalance disk (1.2) is > 8.

3. Automatic calibration device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axial runout of the rotating unbalance disk (1.2) relative to the plane of rotation is < 0.04 mm, preferably < 0.02 mm.

4. Automatic calibration device according to any of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the target speed of the drive has a speed stability of less than + / -1 rpm.

5. Automatic calibration device according to any of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the electronic closed-loop control unit (1.5) is housed within a housing (1.6) of the device or separately outside the device.

6. Automatic or manual, static or dynamic balancing machine for balancing rotationally symmetrical machine parts or rotors, substantially comprising a translationally and / or rotationally movable vibration base plate (2.1) having resilient spring elements (2.2), one or more vibration sensors (2.3)(2.3.1)(2.3.2) which register the translational and / or rotational movements of the vibration base plate (2.1), an electric motor drive having a speed sensor (2.4), a vertical or horizontal bearing (2.5) for receiving a rotationally symmetrical machine part or rotor (2.6) to be balanced, and a measuring / open-loop control / electronic closed-loop control unit (2.9), characterized in that it has at least one calibration device (2.8) (1) according to any of claims 1 - 5, which is mounted and aligned in the region of the vibration base plate (2.1) of the balancing machine such that at least one vector of the centrifugally rotating excitation force of the rotating calibration disk (1.2) of the calibration device (1) points in the direction of movement of the vibration base plate (2.1).

7. Single-plane balancing machine according to claim 6 for balancing rotationally symmetrical machine parts or rotors in a defined balancing plane (2.7), characterized in that it comprises a correspondingly positioned calibration device (2.8) (1) according to any of claims 1 - 5, a vibration base plate (2.1) limited to translational movements, and a vibration sensor (2.3).

8. Two-plane balancing machine according to claim 6 for balancing rotationally symmetrical machine parts in two defined balancing planes (2.7), characterized in that two correspondingly positioned calibration devices (2.8) (1) according to any of claims 1 - 5, a translationally and rotationally movable vibration base plate (2.1), on which two vibration sensors (2.3) are arranged at offset positions.

9. Automatic balancing machine according to any of claims 6 - 8, characterized in that the at least one vibration sensor (2.3) is attached to the vibration base plate (2.1), and its measuring direction corresponds to the direction of movement of the vibration base plate (2.1).

10. Method for automatic calibration or automatic calibration control of a balancing machine, characterized in that a balancing machine according to any of claims 6 - 9 is used.

11. Automatic calibration method according to claim 10, characterized in that for each intended balancing plane of a machine part or rotor to be balanced, only a single calibration run is carried out without the use of calibration weights on the calibration disk (1.2) of the calibration device (1) (2.8) and regardless of the position of its axis of rotation.

12. Automatic calibration method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a calibration run is carried out without inserting a master rotor and / or without attaching additional calibration weights.

13. Automatic calibration method according to any of claims 10 - 12 characterized in that a calibration run is carried out during operation of the balancing machine with an inserted and rotating rotor or machine part to be balanced, the speed of the rotor or machine part during the calibration run being at least 15-20% below or above the calibration speed of the calibration device (1) (2.8).

14. Automatic calibration method according to any of claims 10 - 13 characterized in that the following steps are carried out: (i) providing a defined calibration unbalance amount [g x mm] and a defined calibration angle (1.7) with the calibration device (1)(2.8) switched on, (ii) providing a voltage signal [V] to the vibration sensor (2.3)(2.3.1)(2.3.2) of the vibrating base plate (2.1), (iii) creating a calibration characteristic curve, which results from the linear relationship between the generated unbalance amplitude and the measured voltage at a specific calibration unbalance of the balancing machine and passes through the zero point, and (iv) assigning the point of the provided voltage signal determined from the calibration characteristic curve to the corresponding calibration unbalance and using this value as a reference for the subsequent balancing process using the measuring and closed-loop control unit (2.9).

15. Automatic calibration method according to any of claims 10 - 14, characterized in that it is carried out before each balancing process, at cyclical intervals or as part of a calibration check.

16. Method for the basic calibration of a balancing machine during initial commissioning or during subsequent modification, repair or maintenance, characterized in that in the course of the method or following the method, a method according to any of claims 10 to 15 is carried out.

17. Calibration method according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (i) one-time calibration of the balancing machine with a standardized or certified reference or master rotor with defined or standardized unbalance (ii) determining / measuring the particular calibration unbalance amount [g x mm] and the calibration angle (1.7) of the switched-on automatic calibration device (2.8)(1) with the reference / master rotor inserted individually and successively for each intended balancing plane (2.7), (iii) storing the measurement results from (ii) in a measuring / open-loop control / electronic closed-loop control unit (2.9), (iv) carrying out a calibration run with the calibration device (1)(2.8) according to the invention and (v) checking the calibration by attaching a calibration weight to the reference / master rotor after zeroing the measuring system.