Grinding wheel for circumferentially rotating about a longitudinal axis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a grinding wheel (1) for rotation in the circumferential direction (U) about the longitudinal axis (X) with at least one first grinding wheel segment (11) and at least one second grinding wheel segment (12), each of which has a radial grinding surface (16), wherein the two grinding wheel segments (11, 12) extend at least substantially in the circumferential direction (U) and wherein the two grinding wheel segments (11, 12) overlap section by section along the longitudinal axis (X) by means of at least one pair of corresponding axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a grinding wheel for rotation in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis.

[0002] Grinding is one of the most well-known machining processes for finely finishing workpieces. This process involves removing excess material in the form of chips and creating a fine burr. Grinding can be performed manually or on grinding machines.

[0003] The edges of the microscopically small, hard, mineral crystals in the grinding tool act as cutting edges. Today, grinding tools are generally manufactured industrially by bonding bulk mineral material such as corundum with a binder to form grinding wheels, stones, or belts.

[0004] Grinding wheels with a tungsten carbide coating are particularly well-known and have been in use for many years. Of all abrasives, this coating offers the highest stock removal rate. Applications include grinding rollers, drive belts, and conveyor belts made of plastic and rubber, tire retreading, tile manufacturing, and the wood industry. The coating is created using a sintering process and then brazed onto a grinding wheel base body using brazing alloy.

[0005] However, the disadvantage of grinding wheels in general is that only grinding wheel widths of up to 200 mm can be produced this way. Wider grinding wheels greater than 1000 mm are not feasible due to manufacturing constraints. Therefore, products of greater width cannot currently be machined using grinding wheels. This limits the width at which such products can be manufactured.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to increase the range of products that can be ground using grinding wheels. This should be possible, in particular, for grinding wheels with a tungsten carbide coating.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a grinding wheel and grinding wheel segments having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] Thus, the present invention relates to a grinding wheel for rotation in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis with at least one first grinding wheel segment and at least one second grinding wheel segment, each having a radial grinding surface, wherein the two grinding wheel segments extend at least substantially in the circumferential direction and wherein the two grinding wheel segments overlap in sections along the longitudinal axis by means of at least one pair of corresponding axial recesses and axial projections.

[0009] In other words, according to the invention, a known grinding wheel can be assembled and formed from at least two grinding wheel segments along the longitudinal axis, so that a larger resulting overall width of the grinding wheel can be achieved in the width or along the longitudinal axis than can be achieved with previously known one-piece, i.e., integrally formed grinding wheels. For this purpose, at least two such grinding wheel segments or even more than two grinding wheel segments can be used.

[0010] In any case, the resulting overall width can be influenced by the design and selection of the grinding wheel segments used together and adapted to the respective application.

[0011] The present invention is based on the finding that two known grinding wheels arranged side by side along the longitudinal axis cannot be used together to increase the resulting overall width because then a gap forms at the joint between the two known grinding wheels in the resulting radial grinding surface between the two radial grinding surfaces of the individual known grinding wheels, which gap is optically visible in the generated grinding pattern on the machined surface of the workpiece and usually makes the ground workpiece unusable.

[0012] According to the invention, the two grinding wheel segments are therefore each designed such that, at least on one side along the longitudinal axis, the two grinding wheel segments do not have a circular edge continuous in the circumferential direction, as previously known. Instead, at least one of the edges of the two grinding wheel segments is designed to protrude or recess from the remaining edge in sections along the longitudinal axis. Due to this offset of the sections of the respective edge of the two grinding wheel segments along the longitudinal axis, these sections or the remaining edge can also be referred to as axial recesses and axial projections.The designations as axial recesses and axial projections can also be understood relative to each other, so to speak relative to an imaginary edge running continuously in the circumferential direction, to which the axial recesses and axial projections are offset in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis.

[0013] In any case, the axial recesses and the axial projections can engage with each other like a toothing along the longitudinal axis, thus avoiding a continuous joint along the circumferential direction. Instead, at least two joints can be created between the two grinding wheel segments, which are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis and thus ground by one of the two radial grinding surfaces. This prevents the two joints from being visible on the ground workpiece. At least, this can be reduced to a sufficiently small degree so as not to impair the visual appearance of the ground workpiece.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the two grinding wheel segments are formed continuously along the longitudinal axis, facing away from each other in the circumferential direction. In other words, the two grinding wheel segments have only one side or edge along the longitudinal axis with axial recesses and axial projections, i.e., the opposite side or edge along the longitudinal axis is formed continuously in an arcuate or circular manner. Thus, a grinding wheel comprising the two grinding wheel segments is formed outwardly on both sides along the longitudinal axis like a previously known one-piece, i.e., integrally formed, grinding wheel.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, the grinding wheel further comprises at least one third grinding wheel segment which has a radial grinding surface and extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction, wherein the third grinding wheel segment is arranged along the longitudinal axis between the first grinding wheel segment and the second grinding wheel segment, and wherein the three grinding wheel segments each overlap in sections along the longitudinal axis by means of at least one pair of corresponding axial recesses and axial projections.

[0016] Thus, according to the invention, the segmented grinding wheel can be further widened along the longitudinal axis by arranging at least a third grinding wheel segment, which has axial recesses and axial projections on both sides along the longitudinal axis, between the first and second grinding wheel segments. This can increase the resulting width of the grinding wheel according to the invention and the flexibility to achieve the desired width.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pairs of corresponding axial recesses and axial projections are arranged offset by 180° from each other in the circumferential direction. This can ensure that the joints between the grinding wheel segments are of equal length, thus minimizing them.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first grinding wheel segment and the second grinding wheel segment, preferably the third grinding wheel segment, have a plurality of pairs of corresponding axial recesses and axial projections offset from one another in the circumferential direction. In other words, a plurality of axial projections extend along the longitudinal axis into corresponding axial recesses. This can reduce the length of the joints along the circumferential direction. It can also increase the stability of the resulting assembled grinding wheel.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, the overlapping, corresponding axial recesses and axial projections form a substantially continuous radial grinding surface in the circumferential direction. This can promote the formation of a surface finish that is as uniform and continuous as possible on the workpiece to be ground.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, the axial recesses and axial projections are configured to extend precisely along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the joining edges between the axial recesses and axial projections extend precisely along the longitudinal axis and, moreover, precisely in the circumferential direction. This can simplify the design.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first grinding wheel segment and the second grinding wheel segment, preferably the third grinding wheel segment, are designed to be continuously closed in the circumferential direction. This can simplify implementation and avoid interruptions in the grinding pattern along the circumferential direction.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first grinding wheel segment and the second grinding wheel segment, preferably the third grinding wheel segment, are formed in a ring shape in the circumferential direction around a carrier roller holder. This can represent a possibility for connecting the grinding wheel segments to a carrier roller. The carrier roller has pins on both sides along the longitudinal axis, each of which can be rotatably mounted on a carrier roller holder.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, the radial grinding surfaces have a tungsten carbide coating. This allows the properties and advantages of tungsten carbide coatings to be utilized in a segmented grinding wheel according to the invention.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first grinding wheel segment and the second grinding wheel segment are of identical design and arranged mirror-symmetrically to each other. In other words, an edge-side grinding wheel segment can be used twice to form a two-part grinding wheel or to close off the edges of a three-part or more-part grinding wheel. This can minimize design effort.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a first grinding wheel segment for use in a grinding wheel as described above, wherein the first grinding wheel segment has a radial grinding surface, wherein the first grinding wheel segment extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction and wherein the first grinding wheel segment has, in sections along the longitudinal axis, at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections which are designed to overlap, in sections along the longitudinal axis, with at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections of a second grinding wheel segment or a third grinding wheel segment.

[0026] In this way, a first grinding wheel segment can be provided in order to create a grinding wheel as described above and to utilize its properties and advantages.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the first grinding wheel segment is formed continuously along the longitudinal axis, facing away from the second grinding wheel segment or the third grinding wheel segment, in the circumferential direction. This can enable the implementation of the previously described properties and advantages.

[0028] The present invention further relates to a second grinding wheel segment for use in a grinding wheel as described above, wherein the second grinding wheel segment has a radial grinding surface, wherein the second grinding wheel segment extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction and wherein the second grinding wheel segment has, in sections along the longitudinal axis, at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections which are designed to overlap, in sections along the longitudinal axis, with at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections of a first grinding wheel segment or a third grinding wheel segment.

[0029] This allows a second grinding wheel segment to be provided to create a grinding wheel as previously described and to utilize its properties and advantages.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the second grinding wheel segment is designed to be continuous along the longitudinal axis of the first second grinding wheel segment or the third grinding wheel segment in the circumferential direction. This can enable the implementation of the previously described properties and advantages.

[0031] The present invention further relates to a third grinding wheel segment for use in a grinding wheel as described above, wherein the third grinding wheel segment has a radial grinding surface, wherein the third grinding wheel segment extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction and wherein the third grinding wheel segment has, in sections along the longitudinal axis, at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections which are designed to overlap, in sections along the longitudinal axis, with at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections of a first grinding wheel segment, and wherein the third grinding wheel segment has, in sections along the longitudinal axis, at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections which are designedto overlap in sections along the longitudinal axis with at least one pair of axial recesses and axial projections of a second grinding wheel segment.,

[0032] This allows a third grinding wheel segment to be provided to create a grinding wheel as previously described and to utilize its properties and advantages.

[0033] Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in conjunction with the following figures. Fig. 1 a perspective schematic representation of a third grinding wheel segment; Fig. 2 a side plan view of the third grinding wheel segment; Fig. 3 a side plan view of a first grinding wheel segment; Fig. 4 a side plan view of a second grinding wheel segment; Fig. 5 a side plan view of a grinding wheel consisting of all three grinding wheel segments; Fig. 6 a side plan view of a grinding wheel consisting of the first two grinding wheel segments; and Fig. 7 a perspective representation of the two-part grinding wheel of the Fig. 5 in a grinding machine.

[0034] The description of the above figures is given in cylindrical coordinates with a longitudinal axis X, a radial direction R perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and a circumferential direction U circulating around the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal axis X, the radial direction R and the circumferential direction U can also be referred to together as spatial directions X, R, U or as cylindrical spatial directions X, R, U.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a perspective schematic representation of a third grinding wheel segment 13. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the third grinding wheel segment 13.

[0036] The third grinding wheel segment 13 is formed in the circumferential direction Z around a carrier roller holder 10 and has a radial grinding surface 16 pointing radially outward. Along the longitudinal axis X, an axial projection 15, which can also be referred to as an axial elevation 15, protrudes from an axial recess 14, which can also be referred to as an axial pocket 14. The axial projection 15 and the radial recess 14 each merge into one another at a right angle.

[0037] Fig. 3shows a side view of a first grinding wheel segment 11. The first grinding wheel segment 11 corresponds to the third grinding wheel segment 13 with regard to the axial projections 15 and the radial recesses 14, so that these can be joined together along the longitudinal axis X. However, a joint that forms along the circumferential direction U only extends by 180°, so that the formation of a corresponding unground annular gap in the grinding pattern on the surface of the ground workpiece can be avoided.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a second grinding wheel segment 12. The second grinding wheel segment 12 corresponds to the first grinding wheel segment 11.

[0039] Fig. 5shows a side view of a grinding wheel 1 consisting of all three grinding wheel segments 11, 12, 13. These are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis X on a carrier roller (not shown) in such a way that the continuous edges (not labeled), which have no axial projections 15 and radial recesses 14, close off the resulting grinding wheel 1 to the outside along the longitudinal axis X. The third grinding wheel segment 13 is arranged centrally between them. Accordingly, the first grinding wheel segment 11 can also be referred to as the left grinding wheel segment 11, the second grinding wheel segment 12 can also be referred to as the right grinding wheel segment 12, and the third grinding wheel segment 13 can also be referred to as the middle grinding wheel segment 13.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a side view of a grinding wheel 1 consisting of the first two grinding wheel segments 11, 12. Fig. 7shows a perspective view of the two-part grinding wheel 1 of the Fig. 5 in a grinding machine 2.

[0041] The carrier roller, which carries the two joined grinding wheel segments 11, 12, is mounted on a carrier roller holder 20 by means of pins, rotatable on both sides along the longitudinal axis X. The resulting grinding wheel 1 is covered at the top by a grinding wheel cover 21 for protection. List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0042] Rradial direction Ucircumferential direction XLongitudinal axis 1Grinding wheel 10Carrier roller holder 11First, left grinding wheel segment 12Second, right grinding wheel segment 13Third, middle grinding wheel segment 14Axial recesses; axial pockets 15Axial projections; axial elevations 16Radial grinding surfaces 2Grinding machine 20Carrier roller holder 21Grinding wheel cover

Claims

1. Grinding wheel (1) for rotation in the circumferential direction (U) about the longitudinal axis (X) with at least one first grinding wheel segment (11) and at least one second grinding wheel segment (12), which each have a radial grinding surface (16), wherein the two grinding wheel segments (11, 12) extend at least substantially in the circumferential direction (U) and wherein the two grinding wheel segments (11, 12) overlap in sections along the longitudinal axis (X) by means of at least one pair of corresponding axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15).

2. Grinding wheel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two grinding wheel segments (11, 12) are formed continuously along the longitudinal axis (X) facing away from each other in the circumferential direction (U).

3. Grinding wheel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one third grinding wheel segment (13) which has a radial grinding surface (16) and extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction (U), wherein the third grinding wheel segment (13) is arranged along the longitudinal axis (X) between the first grinding wheel segment (11) and the second grinding wheel segment (12) and wherein the three grinding wheel segments (11, 12, 13) each overlap in sections along the longitudinal axis (X) by means of at least one pair of corresponding axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15).

4. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pairs of corresponding axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) are arranged offset from one another by 180° in the circumferential direction (U).

5. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) and the second grinding wheel segment (12), preferably and the third grinding wheel segment (13), have a plurality of pairs of corresponding axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) offset from one another in the circumferential direction (U).

6. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overlapping corresponding axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) form a radial grinding surface (16) which is substantially continuous in the circumferential direction (U).

7. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) are formed extending exactly along the longitudinal axis (X).

8. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) and the second grinding wheel segment (12), preferably and the third grinding wheel segment (13), are formed endlessly closed in the circumferential direction (U).

9. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) and the second grinding wheel segment (12), preferably and the third grinding wheel segment (13), are formed in the circumferential direction (U) in a ring shape around a carrier roller holder (10).

10. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial grinding surfaces (16) have a tungsten carbide coating.

11. Grinding wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) and the second grinding wheel segment (12) are of identical design and are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another.

12. First grinding wheel segment (11) for use in a grinding wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) has a radial grinding surface (16), wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction (U) and wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) has, in sections along the longitudinal axis (X), at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15), which are designed to overlap, in sections along the longitudinal axis (X), with at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) of a second grinding wheel segment (12) or a third grinding wheel segment (13).

13. First grinding wheel segment (11) according to claim 12, wherein the first grinding wheel segment (11) is formed continuously along the longitudinal axis (X) facing away from the second grinding wheel segment (12) or the third grinding wheel segment (12) in the circumferential direction (U).

14. Second grinding wheel segment (12) for use in a grinding wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second grinding wheel segment (12) has a radial grinding surface (16), wherein the second grinding wheel segment (12) extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction (U) and wherein the second grinding wheel segment (12) has, in sections along the longitudinal axis (X), at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15), which are designed to overlap, in sections along the longitudinal axis (X), with at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) of a first grinding wheel segment (11) or of a third grinding wheel segment (13), wherein the second grinding wheel segment (12) is preferably designed to be continuous in the circumferential direction (U) facing away from the first second grinding wheel segment (11) or the third grinding wheel segment (12) along the longitudinal axis (X).

15. Third grinding wheel segment (13) for use in a grinding wheel (1) according to one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the third grinding wheel segment (13) has a radial grinding surface (16), wherein the third grinding wheel segment (13) extends at least substantially in the circumferential direction (U), and wherein the third grinding wheel segment (13) has, along the longitudinal axis (X), in sections, at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15), which are designed to overlap, along the longitudinal axis (X), in sections, with at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) of a first grinding wheel segment (11), and wherein the third grinding wheel segment (13) has, along the longitudinal axis (X), in sections, at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15), which are designed,to overlap in sections along the longitudinal axis (X) with at least one pair of axial recesses (14) and axial projections (15) of a second grinding wheel segment (12).

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