Automatic transmission brush and segment brush

Abstract

To provide an automatic transmission brush and a segment brush that facilitate adjustment.SOLUTION: An automatic transmission brush 100 includes: a brush part 10 rotating about a first central axis C1 to polish an object to be polished 1; a first guide 20 for guiding the brush part 10 in a direction along the first central axis C1; and a first position adjustment mechanism 30 for displacing the brush part 10 in a direction of approaching the object to be polished 1 along the first guide 20 with the rotation of the brush part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to automatic delivery brushes and segmented brushes. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, polishing devices have been used that polish products using brushes. The brush for a polishing machine described in Patent Document 1 is pressed against the object to be polished while rotating (spinning) around a central axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-50967 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The polishing brush described in Patent Document 1 may have its tip worn away by contact with the workpiece, which requires manual adjustment of the protruding dimension of the brush, which is time-consuming.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an automatic delivery brush and segmented brush that is easy to adjust. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] An automatic brush comprising: a brush unit that rotates around a first central axis to polish an object to be polished; a first guide that guides the brush unit in a direction along the first central axis; and a first position adjustment mechanism that displaces the brush unit along the first guide in a direction approaching the object to be polished as the brush unit rotates.

[0007] With the automatic brush, the brush head moves toward the workpiece, preventing a decrease in the contact pressure of the brush head with the workpiece. This allows for stable polishing of the workpiece. The automatic brush is easy to adjust because it eliminates the need to adjust the height of the brush head in response to wear.

[0008] [2] The first position adjustment mechanism has a gear that converts rotational force around the first central axis into a force in a direction toward the workpiece. [1] An automatic feed brush as described in [1].

[0009] According to the automatic feed brush, the displacement speed of the brush part can be adjusted by setting the reduction ratio of the gear.

[0010] [3] The first position adjustment mechanism of the automatic feed brush described in [1] has a brush side screw formed on the brush portion and a guide side screw formed on the inner surface of the first guide and threadedly engaging with the brush side screw.

[0011] According to the automatic feed brush, the displacement speed of the brush part can be adjusted by setting the pitch of the screw or the like.

[0012] [4] An automatic feed brush described in any one of [1] to [3], comprising: a second guide provided on the outer periphery of the first guide to guide the first guide in a direction along the first central axis; and a second position adjustment mechanism that displaces the first guide along the second guide in a direction approaching the workpiece as the brush section rotates.

[0013] As the brush section scrapes away the surface area of ​​the workpiece, the surface position of the workpiece may become lower. In contrast, with the automatic feed brush, the second position adjustment mechanism displaces the first guide in a direction approaching the workpiece, so the amount of protrusion (protrusion length) of the brush section from the tip of the first guide can be kept constant. This allows for stable polishing of the workpiece.

[0014] [5] An automatic feed brush described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the first position adjustment mechanism displaces the brush part in a direction approaching the workpiece only when the brush part rotates in one direction.

[0015] The automatic feed brush can prevent deterioration of polishing performance caused by the brush portion being displaced in a direction away from the workpiece.

[0016] [6] A segment brush incorporating multiple automatic delivery brushes described in any one of [1] to [5].

[0017] The segment brush has a plurality of automatically fed brushes, and therefore can improve polishing performance.

[0018] [7] The plurality of automatic feed brushes include an inner peripheral portion having the automatic feed brushes within a predetermined distance from the second central axis, and an outer peripheral portion having the automatic feed brushes outside the range, and the speed at which the brush portion in the outer peripheral portion displaces in the direction approaching the workpiece is higher than the speed at which the brush portion in the inner peripheral portion displaces in the direction approaching the workpiece. [6] A segment brush as described above.

[0019] With the segment brush, the displacement speed of the brush part in the outer periphery is faster than that in the inner periphery, so even if the brush part in the outer periphery wears out faster, the deterioration of polishing performance in the outer periphery can be suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automatic delivery brush and a segmented brush that are easy to adjust can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the automatic feed brush according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the automatic feed brush according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first ratchet mechanism. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the automatic feed brush according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the automatic feed brush according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the automatic feed brush according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a segment brush according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a segment brush according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] [Automatic delivery brush] (first embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the automatic feed brush 100.

[0024] The posture of the automatic delivery brush 100 will be provisionally defined based on Figure 1. In Figure 1, the brush unit 10 is oriented with its tip pointing downward. The central axis C1 of the brush unit 10 is parallel to the vertical direction. The posture of the automatic delivery brush 100 defined here does not limit the posture of the automatic delivery brush 100 during use. The direction along the central axis C1 of the brush unit 10 is the "axial direction." The direction passing through the central axis C1 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis C1 is the "radial direction."

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic feed brush 100 includes a brush unit 10, a first guide 20, a first position adjustment mechanism 30, a rotation drive unit 40, and a housing 50.

[0026] The brush part 10 includes a large number of filamentary bodies 11 and a holder 12. The filamentary bodies 11 are formed from, for example, resin, metal, plant-based material, or animal-based material. Nylon or the like can be used as the resin. Phosphor bronze, brass, or the like can be used as the metal. Packing or the like can be used as the plant-based material. Horsehair, pig hair, or the like can be used as the animal-based material. The collection of the large number of filamentary bodies 11 forms a circular shape when viewed in a direction parallel to the central axis C1.

[0027] Holder 12 is formed in a disk or columnar shape having a central axis C1. Holder 12 is formed of, for example, resin, metal, wood, or the like. Holder 12 holds the base end (upper end) of linear body 11. Linear body 11 extends downward from the lower surface of holder 12.

[0028] The brush unit 10 rotates around the central axis C1 to polish the object 1. The central axis C1 (first central axis) is the central axis of the brush unit 10. The brush unit 10 is movable up and down relative to the first guide 20.

[0029] The first guide 20 is, for example, cylindrical. The central axis of the first guide 20 coincides with the central axis C1 of the brush head 10. The inner diameter of the first guide 20 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the brush head 10. The first guide 20 is made of resin, metal, or the like. The first guide 20 houses the brush head 10.

[0030] A first slit 21 and a second slit 22 are formed in the first guide 20. The first slit 21 and the second slit 22 are formed along the length direction of the first guide 20. The first slit 21 and the second slit 22 are positioned to be rotationally symmetric (180° symmetric) with respect to the central axis of the first guide 20. The first slit 21 and the second slit 22 may be referred to as "slits 21, 22."

[0031] The slits 21 and 22 may be holes formed in the first guide 20 from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface. The slits 21 and 22 may be grooves formed in the inner circumferential surface of the first guide 20.

[0032] A first running path 23 is formed on the inner surface of the first slit 21. A second running path 24 is formed on the inner surface of the second slit 22. The first guide 20 guides the brush head in the axial direction (the direction along the central axis C1 of the brush head ).

[0033] The rotation drive unit 40 includes a drive source 41 and a drive shaft 42. The drive source 41 is, for example, a motor. The drive shaft 42 extends downward from the drive source 41. The drive shaft 42 is a rotation shaft that extends in the up-down direction. The lower end of the drive shaft 42 is connected to the holder 12. The drive source 41 rotates the brush unit 10 around the central axis C1 via the drive shaft 42.

[0034] The housing 50 includes a housing main portion 51, a first support portion 52, and a second support portion 53. The main housing part 51 holds the drive source 41. The first support part 52 and the second support part 53 protrude downward from the lower surface of the main housing part 51. The first support part 52 and the second support part 53 are formed to be spaced apart in the radial direction. The first support part 52 and the second support part 53 are positioned to be rotationally symmetric (180° symmetric) with respect to the central axis C1. In this embodiment, the housing 50 has two support parts 52 and 53, but the number of support parts is not particularly limited and may be three or more.

[0035] An insertion hole 52a is formed in the first support portion 52 along the radial direction. The first shaft 62 of the first transmission gear member 32 is inserted into the insertion hole 52a. The first support portion 52 holds the first transmission gear member 32 rotatably. An insertion hole 53a is formed in the second support portion 53 along the radial direction. The second shaft 65 of the second transmission gear member 33 is inserted into the insertion hole 53a. The second support portion 53 holds the second transmission gear member 33 rotatably.

[0036] The first position adjustment mechanism 30 includes a drive gear member 31 , a first transmission gear member 32 , and a second transmission gear member 33 . The drive gear member 31 is provided on a drive shaft 42. The drive gear member 31 has a drive gear 34.

[0037] The first transmission gear member 32 includes a first bevel gear 61 , a first shaft 62 , and a first travelling wheel 63 . The first bevel gear 61 is provided at the radially inner end of the first shaft 62. The first bevel gear 61 meshes with the drive gear 34. The first shaft 62 extends in the radial direction.

[0038] The first running wheel 63 is provided at the radially outer end of the first shaft 62. The first running wheel 63 is capable of running on the first running path 23 of the first guide 20. For example, a so-called rack and pinion structure can be adopted for the first running wheel 63 and the first running path 23. The first running wheel 63 is a gear. The first running wheel 63 runs downward on the first running path 23 by meshing with rack teeth (not shown) formed on the first running path 23. The rack teeth are formed, for example, on one of the inner surfaces of the first slits 21.

[0039] The second transmission gear member 33 includes a second bevel gear 64 , a second shaft 65 , and a second travelling wheel 66 . The second bevel gear 64 is provided at the radially inner end of the second shaft 65. The second bevel gear 64 meshes with the drive gear 34. The second shaft 65 extends in the radial direction.

[0040] The second running wheel 66 is provided at the radially outer end of the second shaft 65. The second running wheel 66 is capable of running on the second running path 24 of the first guide 20. For example, a so-called rack and pinion structure can be adopted for the second running wheel 66 and the second running path 24. The second running wheel 66 is a gear. The second running wheel 66 runs downward on the second running path 24 by meshing with rack teeth (not shown) formed on the second running path 24. The rack teeth are formed, for example, on the inner surface of one of the second slits 22.

[0041] The drive gear 34, the first bevel gear 61, and the second bevel gear 64 are examples of "gears." The drive gear 34, the first bevel gear 61, and the second bevel gear 64 convert the rotational force around the central axis C1 into a force in a direction toward the workpiece 1. In this embodiment, the first position adjustment mechanism 30 includes two transmission gear members 32 and 33, but the number of transmission gear members is not particularly limited. The number of transmission gear members may be three or more.

[0042] [How to use the automatic brush] 2(A), the brush part 10 is disposed at a height position where the tip of the linear body 11 comes into contact with the surface 1a of the object to be polished 1. The object to be polished 1 is, for example, a lens. The drive source 41 rotates the drive shaft 42, which rotates the brush unit 10 around the central axis C1 via the drive shaft 42. The linear body 11 scrapes off the surface area of ​​the object 1 by moving with its tip in contact with the surface 1a of the object 1. In this way, the brush unit 10 polishes the surface 1a of the object 1.

[0043] When linear body 11 polishes surface 1a of object 1 to be polished, a portion including the tip of linear body 11 is worn away. Therefore, linear body 11 may become shorter as polishing progresses.

[0044] When the drive shaft 42 is rotated by the drive source 41, the drive gear member 31 rotates. When the drive gear 34 rotates due to the rotation of the drive gear member 31, the first transmission gear member 32 having the first bevel gear 61 rotates. The second transmission gear member 33 having the second bevel gear 64 also rotates.

[0045] 2(B), when the first transmission gear member 32 rotates, the first traveling vehicle 63 travels downward on the first traveling path 23. When the second transmission gear member 33 rotates, the second traveling vehicle 66 travels downward on the second traveling path 24. As a result, the first transmission gear member 32 and the second transmission gear member 33 move downward.

[0046] As the first transmission gear member 32 and the second transmission gear member 33 move downward, the housing 50, the rotation drive unit 40, and the brush unit 10 also move downward. In this way, the first position adjustment mechanism 30 displaces the brush unit 10 along the first guide 20 in a direction approaching the workpiece 1 (downward) as the brush unit 10 rotates.

[0047] [Effects of the automatic delivery brush of the embodiment] The automatic feed brush 100 includes a first position adjustment mechanism 30. The first position adjustment mechanism 30 displaces the brush head 10 along the first guide 20 in a direction approaching the workpiece 1 as the brush head 10 rotates. The linear body 11 of the brush unit 10 may become shorter due to wear as polishing progresses. However, because the brush unit 10 displaces in the direction approaching the workpiece 1, a decrease in the contact pressure of the linear body 11 with the workpiece 1 can be suppressed. This allows stable polishing of the workpiece 1. In this way, the automatic feed brush 100 is easy to adjust because it eliminates the need to adjust the height position of the brush unit 10 in response to wear.

[0048] The first position adjustment mechanism 30 has gears (drive gear 34 and bevel gears 61, 64) that convert the rotational force around the central axis C1 into a force in a direction toward the workpiece 1. In the first position adjustment mechanism 30, the displacement speed (speed of downward movement) of the brush part 10 can be adjusted by setting the reduction ratio of the gears.

[0049] [Automatic delivery brush] (Second embodiment) 3 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush 200 according to a second embodiment. The same components as those in the automatic feed brush 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic feed brush 200 differs from the automatic feed brush 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that it includes a first position adjustment mechanism 130 instead of the first position adjustment mechanism 30.

[0051] The first position adjustment mechanism 130 includes a drive gear member 31, a first transmission gear member 32, a second transmission gear member 33, a first adjustment gear member 135, and a second adjustment gear member 136. The first position adjustment mechanism 130 differs from the first position adjustment mechanism 30 (see FIG. 1) in that it includes the first adjustment gear member 135 and the second adjustment gear member 136.

[0052] The first adjusting gear member 135 is a first adjusting mechanism that adjusts the rotation of the first transmission gear member 32. For example, the first adjusting gear member 135 is a first reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation of the first transmission gear member 32. The first adjusting gear member 135 is interposed between the first transmission gear member 32 and the first running path 23.

[0053] The first adjustment gear member 135 includes a first transmission wheel 137 and a first running wheel 139. The first transmission wheel 137 meshes with the first running wheel 63 of the first transmission gear member 32. The first running wheel 139 can travel downward along the first running path 23 of the first guide 20. The first running wheel 139 and the first transmission wheel 137 have different outer diameters. For example, the outer diameter of the first running wheel 139 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first transmission wheel 137. Therefore, the number of teeth of the first running wheel 139 is smaller than the number of teeth of the first transmission wheel 137.

[0054] The second adjusting gear member 136 is a second adjusting mechanism that adjusts the rotation of the second transmission gear member 33. For example, the second adjusting gear member 136 is a second reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation of the second transmission gear member 33. The second adjusting gear member 136 is interposed between the second transmission gear member 33 and the second running path 24.

[0055] The second adjustment gear member 136 includes a second transmission wheel 141 and a second running wheel 143. The second transmission wheel 141 meshes with the second running wheel 66 of the second transmission gear member 33. The second running wheel 143 can travel downward along the second running path 24 of the first guide 20. The second running wheel 143 and the second transmission wheel 141 have different outer diameters. For example, the outer diameter of the second running wheel 143 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second transmission wheel 141. The number of teeth of the second running wheel 143 is smaller than the number of teeth of the second transmission wheel 141.

[0056] In the automatic feed brush 200, when the drive gear 34 rotates due to the rotation of the drive gear member 31, the first transmission gear member 32 and the second transmission gear member 33 rotate, and as a result, the first adjustment gear member 135 and the second adjustment gear member 136 also rotate. The first traveling vehicle 139 travels downward on the first traveling path 23. The second traveling vehicle 143 travels downward on the second traveling path 24. This causes the brush unit 10 to move downward.

[0057] In this embodiment, the adjustment gear members 135, 136 are provided inside the first guide 20, but the adjustment gear members may be installed inside or outside the first guide (for example, see adjustment gear members 542, 543 in FIG. 11). Part of the adjustment gear members 135, 136 may be provided inside the housing 50.

[0058] [Effects of the automatic delivery brush of the embodiment] The automatic feed brush 200 is equipped with the first position adjustment mechanism 130, and thus can stably polish the workpiece 1, similar to the automatic feed brush 100 according to the first embodiment. This eliminates the need to adjust the height position of the brush part 10 in response to wear, making adjustment easy.

[0059] In the automatic feed brush 200, the first position adjustment mechanism 130 includes adjustment gear members 135 and 136. The speed of downward movement of the brush head 10 can be adjusted by setting the gear reduction ratio between the first traveling wheel 139 and the first transmission wheel 137 and the gear reduction ratio between the second traveling wheel 143 and the second transmission wheel 141.

[0060] [Automatic delivery brush] (third embodiment) Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush 300 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the automatic feed brush 300. Components common to the automatic feed brushes according to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the automatic feed brush 300 includes a brush unit 10, a first guide 20, a second guide 220, a first position adjustment mechanism 30, a second position adjustment mechanism 230, a rotation drive unit 40, and a housing 50. The automatic feed brush 300 differs from the automatic feed brush 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that it includes a second guide 220 and a second position adjustment mechanism 230.

[0062] The second guide 220 is, for example, cylindrical. The central axis of the second guide 220 coincides with the central axis C1 of the brush unit 10. The inner diameter of the second guide 220 is larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first guide 20. The second guide 220 is formed of resin, metal, or the like. The second guide 220 houses the first guide 20 so that it can move up and down. The second guide 220 is provided on the outer periphery of the first guide 20.

[0063] A first slit 221 and a second slit 222 are formed in the second guide 220. The first slit 221 and the second slit 222 are formed along the length direction of the second guide 220. The first slit 221 and the second slit 222 are positioned to be rotationally symmetric (180° symmetric) with respect to the central axis of the second guide 220. The first slit 221 and the second slit 222 may be referred to as "slits 221, 222."

[0064] The slits 221 and 222 may be holes formed from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface of the second guide 220. The slits 221 and 222 may be grooves formed in the inner circumferential surface of the second guide 220.

[0065] A first running path 223 is formed on the inner surface of the first slit 221. A second running path 224 is formed on the inner surface of the second slit 222. The second guide 220 guides the first guide 20 in the axial direction.

[0066] The second position adjustment mechanism 230 includes a first transmission mechanism 232 and a second transmission mechanism 233 . The first transmission mechanism 232 includes a first shaft 262 and a first running wheel 263. The first shaft 262 extends radially outward from the first transmission gear member 32. The first running wheel 263 is provided at the radially outer end of the first shaft 262. The first running wheel 263 is capable of running on the first running path 223 of the second guide 220. The outer diameter ratio between the first running wheel 263 and the first running wheel 63 (i.e., the gear reduction ratio between the first running wheel 263 and the first running wheel 63) can be determined depending on the polishing rate of the brush unit 10 and the workpiece 1.

[0067] The first transmission mechanism 232 is formed integrally with the first transmission gear member 32. The first transmission mechanism 232 rotates integrally with the first transmission gear member 32.

[0068] The second transmission mechanism 233 includes a second shaft 265 and a second running wheel 266. The second shaft 265 extends radially outward from the second transmission gear member 33. The second running wheel 266 is provided at the radially outer end of the second shaft 265. The second running wheel 266 is capable of running on the second running path 224 of the second guide 220. The outer diameter ratio between the second running wheel 266 and the second running wheel 66 (i.e., the gear reduction ratio between the second running wheel 266 and the second running wheel 66) can be determined depending on the polishing rate of the brush unit 10 and the workpiece 1.

[0069] The second transmission mechanism 233 is formed integrally with the second transmission gear member 33. The second transmission mechanism 233 rotates integrally with the second transmission gear member 33.

[0070] [How to use the automatic brush] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the drive shaft 42 is rotated by the drive source 41, and the brush part 10 is rotated around the central axis C1, thereby polishing the surface 1a of the object 1 to be polished.

[0071] When the drive shaft 42 is rotated by the drive source 41, the drive gear member 31 rotates. When the drive gear 34 rotates due to the rotation of the drive gear member 31, the transmission gear members 32 and 33 and the transmission mechanisms 232 and 233 rotate.

[0072] 5(B), rotation of the first transmission gear member 32 causes the first traveling vehicle 63 to travel downward on the first traveling path 23 of the first guide 20. Rotation of the second transmission gear member 33 causes the second traveling vehicle 66 to travel downward on the second traveling path 24 of the first guide 20. Therefore, the brush unit 10 rotates around the central axis C1 and moves downward relative to the first guide 20.

[0073] The rotation of the first transmission mechanism 232 causes the first traveling vehicle 263 to travel downward on the first traveling path 223 of the second guide 220. The rotation of the second transmission mechanism 233 causes the second traveling vehicle 266 to travel downward on the second traveling path 224 of the second guide 220. Therefore, the first guide 20 moves downward relative to the second guide 220. In this way, the second position adjustment mechanism 230 displaces the first guide 20 along the second guide 220 in a direction approaching the workpiece 1 (downward) as the brush unit 10 rotates. The displacement speed of the first guide 20 is, for example, slower than the displacement speed of the brush unit 10.

[0074] The displacement speed of the first guide 20 and the displacement speed of the brush unit 10 can be adjusted so that the protrusion amount (protrusion length) of the linear body 11 from the tip of the first guide 20 is constant, depending on the wear of the brush unit 10 and the progress of polishing of the workpiece 1. For example, if the wear of the brush unit 10 progresses faster than the polishing of the workpiece 1, the displacement speed of the brush unit 10 may be faster than the displacement speed of the first guide 20. Conversely, if the polishing of the workpiece 1 progresses faster than the wear of the brush unit 10, the displacement speed of the first guide 20 may be faster than the displacement speed of the brush unit 10.

[0075] [Effects of the automatic delivery brush of the embodiment] The automatic feed brush 300, like the automatic feed brush 100 according to the first embodiment, can stably polish the workpiece 1. This eliminates the need to adjust the height of the brush part 10 in response to wear, making adjustment easy.

[0076] As the brush unit 10 scrapes away the surface area of ​​the workpiece 1, the position of the surface 1a may become lower. In contrast, in the automatic feed brush 300, the second position adjustment mechanism 230 moves the first guide 20 downward, so that the amount of protrusion (protrusion length) of the linear body 11 from the tip of the first guide 20 can be maintained within a predetermined range. For example, the amount of protrusion of the linear body 11 from the tip of the first guide 20 can be maintained constant. Therefore, the workpiece 1 can be stably polished.

[0077] The automatic feed brush 300 can adjust the displacement speed of the brush head 10 and the first guide 20 by setting the reduction ratio of the gears in the first position adjustment mechanism 30 and the second position adjustment mechanism 230.

[0078] [Automatic delivery brush] (fourth embodiment) Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush 400 according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first ratchet mechanism 335. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the automatic feed brush 400. Components common to the automatic feed brushes according to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 6, the automatic feed brush 400 includes a brush unit 10, a first guide 20, a first position adjustment mechanism 330, a rotation drive unit 40, and a housing 50. The automatic feed brush 400 differs from the automatic feed brush 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that the automatic feed brush 400 includes a first position adjustment mechanism 330 instead of the first position adjustment mechanism 30.

[0080] The first position adjustment mechanism 330 includes a drive gear member 31 , a first transmission gear member 332 , and a second transmission gear member 333 . The first transmission gear member 332 includes a first bevel gear 61 , a first shaft 362 , a first traveling wheel 63 , and a first ratchet mechanism 335 . The first travelling vehicle 63 is a separate body from the first shaft 362 .

[0081] As shown in FIG. 7(A), the first ratchet mechanism 335 has a support portion 334, a gear 336, and a stop portion 337. Ratchet teeth 338 are formed on the outer periphery of the gear 336. The ratchet teeth 338 have an inclined surface 338a and an end face 338b. The gear 336 is provided at the radially outer end of the first shaft 362 (see FIG. 6). The support portion 334 rotatably supports the stop portion 337. A locking pawl 339 is formed at the tip of the stop portion 337. The locking pawl 339 can be locked to the end face 338b of the ratchet teeth 338.

[0082] When the gear 336 rotates in one direction (a first direction, for example, a clockwise direction), the locking pawl 339 of the stopper 337 engages with the end face 338b of the ratchet tooth 338. Therefore, the clockwise rotational force of the gear 336 is transmitted to the stopper 337. The rotational force transmitted to the stopper 337 is transmitted to the first travelling wheel 63 via the support 334 (see FIG. 6).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 7(B), when the gear 336 rotates in the other direction (second direction, for example, counterclockwise), the locking pawl 339 is lifted by the inclined surface 338a of the ratchet tooth 338. Therefore, the force with which the stopper 337 restricts the rotation of the gear 336 in this direction is small. Therefore, the gear 336 can rotate counterclockwise relative to the stopper 337. In other words, the gear 336 rotates freely relative to the stopper 337. Therefore, the rotational force is not transmitted to the first travelling wheel 63 (see FIG. 6). The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0084] The second transmission gear member 333 includes a second bevel gear 64, a second shaft 365, a second traveling wheel 66, and a second ratchet mechanism 340. The second traveling wheel 66 is separate from the second shaft 365. The second transmission gear member 333 has the same configuration as the first transmission gear member 332, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6, the first position adjustment mechanism 330 rotates the first traveling wheel 63 and the second traveling wheel 66 only when the drive source 41 and the brush unit 10 rotate in one direction.

[0086] [How to use the automatic brush] (First step: Rotation in the first direction) As shown in Fig. 8(A), the drive source 41 rotates the drive shaft 42 in one direction, causing the brush unit 10 to rotate, thereby polishing the surface 1a of the workpiece 1. The rotation of the drive shaft 42 causes the drive gear 34 to rotate. The bevel gears 61 and 64 and the shafts 62 and 65 rotate in a first direction.

[0087] 8(B), due to the rotation of the transmission gear members 332, 333, the traveling cars 63, 66 travel downward along the traveling paths 23, 24 of the first guide 20. As a result, the brush unit 10 rotates around the central axis C1 and moves downward relative to the first guide 20.

[0088] (Second step: Rotation in the second direction) As shown in Figure 8(C), the drive source 41 rotates the drive shaft 42 in the other direction, causing the brush unit 10 to rotate, thereby polishing the surface 1a of the workpiece 1. The rotation of the drive shaft 42 causes the drive gear 34 to rotate. The bevel gears 61 and 64 and the shafts 62 and 65 rotate in the second direction.

[0089] Since the automatic feed brush 400 is equipped with the first position adjustment mechanism 330, in the second step, the rotational force of the shafts 62, 65 is not transmitted to the traveling cars 63, 66. Therefore, the brush unit 10 does not rise. The height position of the brush unit 10 does not change.

[0090] The automatic feed brush 400 can alternately repeat a first step in which the drive source 41 is rotated in one direction and a second step in which the drive source 41 is rotated in the other direction.

[0091] [Effects of the automatic delivery brush of the embodiment] The automatic feed brush 400, like the automatic feed brush 100 according to the first embodiment, can stably polish the workpiece 1. This eliminates the need to adjust the height of the brush part 10 in response to wear, making adjustment easy.

[0092] The automatic feed brush 400 includes the first position adjustment mechanism 330, which rotates the traveling wheels 63, 66 only when the drive source 41 rotates in one direction. This prevents the brush part 10 from being displaced away from the workpiece 1, thereby preventing a decrease in polishing performance.

[0093] [Automatic delivery brush] (fifth embodiment) Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush 500 according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the automatic feed brush 500. Components common to the automatic feed brushes according to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0094] 9, automatic feed brush 500 includes brush unit 410, first guide 420, first position adjustment mechanism 430, rotation drive unit 40, and housing 550. Housing 550 holds drive source 41. The automatic feed brush 500 differs from the automatic feed brush 100 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in that the automatic feed brush 500 includes a first position adjustment mechanism 430 instead of the first position adjustment mechanism 30.

[0095] The first position adjustment mechanism 430 includes a brush-side screw 431 and a guide-side screw 432 . The brush-side screw 431 is a male screw formed on the outer circumferential surface of the holder 12 of the brush part 410 . The guide-side screw 432 is a female screw formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first guide 420. The guide-side screw 432 is screwed into the brush-side screw 431.

[0096] The brush unit 410 is housed in the first guide 420. A brush-side screw 431 of the brush unit 410 is fitted into a guide-side screw 432 of the first guide 420.

[0097] [How to use the automatic brush] As shown in FIG. 10(A), a drive shaft 42 is rotated by a drive source 41, and the brush part 410 is rotated, whereby the surface 1a of the object 1 to be polished is polished. As shown in FIG. 10(B), as the brush part 410 rotates, the brush part 410 moves downward along the guide side screw 432.

[0098] [Effects of the automatic delivery brush of the embodiment] The automatic feed brush 500 can stably polish the workpiece 1. This eliminates the need to adjust the height of the brush part 10 in response to wear, making adjustment easy.

[0099] The automatic feed brush 500 includes a first position adjustment mechanism 430 including a brush-side screw 431 and a guide-side screw 432. The first position adjustment mechanism 430 can adjust the displacement speed of the brush unit 10 by setting the pitch of the screws 431 and 432, etc.

[0100] [Automatic delivery brush] (sixth embodiment) Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an automatic feed brush 600 according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the automatic feed brush 600. Components common to the automatic feed brushes according to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 11, the automatic feed brush 600 includes a brush unit 10, a first guide 20, a second guide 220, a first position adjustment mechanism 530, a second position adjustment mechanism 540, a rotation drive unit 40, and a housing 50.

[0102] The first position adjustment mechanism 530 includes a drive gear member 31 , a first transmission gear member 32 , a second transmission gear member 33 , a first adjustment gear member 532 , and a second adjustment gear member 533 .

[0103] The first adjustment gear member 532 includes a first front-stage transmission wheel 534, a first running wheel 535, and a first rear-stage transmission wheel 536. The first front-stage transmission wheel 534 meshes with the first running wheel 63 (first transmission wheel) of the first transmission gear member 32. The first running wheel 535 is capable of traveling downward on the first running path 23 of the first guide 20.

[0104] The second adjustment gear member 533 includes a second front-stage transmission wheel 537, a second running wheel 538, and a second rear-stage transmission wheel 539. The second front-stage transmission wheel 537 meshes with the second running wheel 66 (second transmission wheel) of the second transmission gear member 33. The second running wheel 538 is capable of traveling downward on the second running path 24 of the first guide 20.

[0105] The second position adjustment mechanism 540 includes a third adjustment gear member 542 and a fourth adjustment gear member 543. The third adjustment gear member 542 includes a first transmission wheel 544 and a first running wheel 545. The first transmission wheel 544 meshes with the first rear-stage transmission wheel 536. The first running wheel 545 is capable of running on the first running path 223 of the second guide 220. The fourth adjustment gear member 543 includes a second transmission wheel 546 and a second running wheel 547. The second transmission wheel 546 meshes with the second rear-stage transmission wheel 539. The second running wheel 547 is capable of running on the second running path 224 of the second guide 220.

[0106] As shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), when the drive gear 34 rotates due to the rotation of the drive gear member 31, the first adjustment gear member 532 and the second adjustment gear member 533 also rotate as the first transmission gear member 32 and the second transmission gear member 33 rotate. The first traveling vehicle 535 travels downward on the first traveling path 23. The second traveling vehicle 538 travels downward on the second traveling path 24. As a result, the brush unit 10 moves downward.

[0107] Rotation of the first adjustment gear member 532 causes the first traveling vehicle 545 to travel downward on the first traveling path 223 of the second guide 220. Rotation of the second adjustment gear member 533 causes the second traveling vehicle 547 to travel downward on the second traveling path 224 of the second guide 220. Therefore, the first guide 20 moves downward relative to the second guide 220. In this way, the second position adjustment mechanism 540 displaces the first guide 20 along the second guide 220 in a direction approaching the workpiece 1 (downward).

[0108] [Effects of the automatic delivery brush of the embodiment] The automatic feed brush 600, like the automatic feed brush 100 according to the first embodiment, can stably polish the workpiece 1. This eliminates the need to adjust the height of the brush part 10 in response to wear, making adjustment easy.

[0109] In automatic feed brush 600, first guide 20 is moved downward by second position adjustment mechanism 540, so that the amount of protrusion (protrusion length) of linear body 11 from the tip of first guide 20 can be kept constant. Therefore, workpiece 1 can be polished stably.

[0110] In the automatic feed brush 600, the speed of downward movement of the brush part 10 and the first guide 20 can be adjusted by setting the gear reduction ratio between the running wheels 63, 66 and the front-stage transmission wheels 534, 537, and the gear reduction ratio between the rear-stage transmission wheels 536, 539 and the transmission wheels 544, 546.

[0111] The gear reduction ratio between the traveling wheels 63, 66 and the front-stage transmission wheels 534, 537 and the gear reduction ratio between the rear-stage transmission wheels 536, 539 and the transmission wheels 544, 546 can be determined according to the polishing rate of the brush unit 10 and the workpiece 1 to be polished. In this embodiment, assuming that the brush part 10 will have a large amount of wear, the outer diameters of the transmission wheels 544 and 546 are made larger than the outer diameters of the subsequent transmission wheels 536 and 539. This allows the displacement speed of the first guide 20 to be relatively large.

[0112] [Segment Brush] Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a segment brush 700 according to an embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the segment brush 700. Fig. 14 shows cross section II of Fig. 13. The same reference numerals are used for the components already mentioned, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0113] 13 and 14, the segment brush 700 includes a substrate portion 701 and a plurality of automatic feed brushes 100 (see FIG. 1). The segment brush 700 has a plurality of automatic feed brushes 100 built in.

[0114] The substrate portion 701 is formed in a disk or columnar shape having a central axis C2 (second central axis) parallel to the central axis C1. 14, a plurality of automatic feed brushes 100 are provided on the lower surface of a base plate portion 701. The automatic feed brushes 100 are oriented with the tip of the brush portion 10 pointing downward.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of automatic delivery brushes 100 have an inner periphery 710 and an outer periphery 720 . The inner periphery 710 includes one or more automatic delivery brushes 100. In this embodiment, the inner periphery 710 is an automatic delivery brush group including multiple automatic delivery brushes 100. The periphery 720 includes one or more automatic delivery brushes 100. In this embodiment, the periphery 720 is an automatic delivery brush group including multiple automatic delivery brushes 100.

[0116] The inner circumferential portion 710 has the automatic delivery brushes 100 within a range R1 of a distance L1 from the central axis C2. Specifically, the inner circumferential portion 710 is made up of four automatic delivery brushes 100 within the range R1.

[0117] The outer periphery 720 has automatic delivery brushes 100 that are outside the range R1. Specifically, the outer periphery 720 is made up of eight automatic delivery brushes 100 that are outside the range R1.

[0118] 14, the speed at which the brush part 10 at the outer circumferential portion 720 moves toward the workpiece 1 is higher than the speed at which the brush part 10 at the inner circumferential portion 710 moves toward the workpiece 1. In other words, the speed at which the brush part 10 at the outer circumferential portion 720 moves downward is higher than the speed at which the brush part 10 at the inner circumferential portion 710 moves downward.

[0119] The speed of the downward movement of the brush part 10 can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the rotation speed of the drive source 41. More specifically, if the rotation speed of the drive source 41 in the outer circumferential part 720 is made faster than the rotation speed of the drive source 41 in the inner circumferential part 710, the speed of the downward movement of the brush part 10 in the outer circumferential part 720 can be made faster than the speed of the downward movement of the brush part 10 in the inner circumferential part 710.

[0120] [How to use the segment brush] The brush part 10 is rotated to polish the surface 1a of the object 1. At this time, the segment brush 700 is rotated around the central axis C2.

[0121] [Effects of the segment brush of the embodiment] The segment brush 700 has an automatically feeding brush 100, so it can stably polish the workpiece 1. This eliminates the need to adjust the height position of the brush part 10 in response to wear, making adjustment easy.

[0122] The segment brush 700 includes multiple automatic feed brushes 100, thereby improving polishing performance.

[0123] The segment brush 700 rotates around the central axis C2. The automatic feed brush 100 constituting the outer peripheral portion 720 has a longer movement distance than the automatic feed brush 100 constituting the inner peripheral portion 710, and therefore the linear body 11 of the brush portion 10 is more likely to wear out. In this embodiment, the speed of downward movement of the brush part 10 in the outer peripheral portion 720 is faster than the speed of downward movement of the brush part 10 in the inner peripheral portion 710. Therefore, even if wear of the linear body 11 progresses quickly in the outer peripheral portion 720, deterioration of the polishing performance in the outer peripheral portion 720 can be suppressed.

[0124] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment described with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope. For example, in FIG. 1 and other figures, the first guide 20 is cylindrical, but the shape of the first guide is not particularly limited. The first guide may have a structure that can guide the brush part in a direction approaching the workpiece. The first guide may be in the shape of a long plate. The first guide may also be a structure made up of a combination of multiple long plates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1...workpiece, 10,410...brush portion, 20,420...first guide, 30,130,330,430...first position adjustment mechanism, 34...drive gear (gear), 61...first bevel gear (gear), 64...second bevel gear (gear), 100,200,300,400,500,600...automatic feed brush, 220...second guide, 230...second position adjustment mechanism, 431...brush side screw, 432...guide side screw, 700...segment brush, 710...inner peripheral portion, 720...outer peripheral portion, C1...central axis (first central axis), C2...central axis (second central axis), R1...range

Claims

1. a brush unit that rotates around a first central axis to polish an object to be polished; a first guide that guides the brush portion in a direction along the first central axis; a first position adjustment mechanism that displaces the brush unit along the first guide in a direction approaching the workpiece as the brush unit rotates; An automatic brush.

2. the first position adjustment mechanism has a gear that converts a rotational force around the first central axis into a force in a direction toward the workpiece; 2. The automatic delivery brush of claim 1.

3. The first position adjustment mechanism includes: a brush side screw formed in the brush portion; a guide-side screw formed on an inner circumferential surface of the first guide and threadedly engaging with the brush-side screw; 2. The automatic delivery brush of claim 1.

4. a second guide provided on an outer peripheral side of the first guide to guide the first guide in a direction along the first central axis; a second position adjustment mechanism that displaces the first guide along the second guide in a direction approaching the workpiece as the brush unit rotates; Equipped with 2. The automatic delivery brush of claim 1.

5. the first position adjustment mechanism displaces the brush part in a direction approaching the workpiece only when the brush part rotates in one direction; 2. The automatic delivery brush of claim 1.

6. A plurality of the automatic feed brushes according to claim 1 are incorporated. Segment brush.

7. The plurality of automatic brushes include an inner circumferential portion having the automatic brushes within a predetermined distance from the second central axis, and an outer circumferential portion having the automatic brushes outside the predetermined distance, a speed at which the brush portion at the outer circumferential portion is displaced in a direction approaching the workpiece is higher than a speed at which the brush portion at the inner circumferential portion is displaced in a direction approaching the workpiece; The segment brush according to claim 6.

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