Grinding tools

Abstract

To provide a grinding tool that prevents or at least limits the risk of overheating during use and extends its service life. [Solution] The grinding tool comprises an elongated tool body (2) having a first end (20) and a second end (21) equipped with a grinding head (3) having an abrasive plating (4), and at least one coolant supply pipe at the second end (21) that enables the injection of fluid introduced into an axial channel (5), wherein the grinding head (3) has at least one groove (6a, 6d) extending radially from the axial channel (5) to the peripheral outer surface (31), which is closed along its length by the abrasive plating (4) to form the at least one coolant supply pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grinding tool, and more specifically, to a grinding tool having a first end portion, referred to as a grinding end portion, which includes a grinding head having a circular cross-section and an outer surface covered with abrasive plating, and an elongated tool body having a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion.

[0002] The grinding tool according to the present invention is designed, in particular, for forming grooves, recesses, or slots in a workpiece, for precision grinding, and for grinding hard materials such as ceramics, hardened steel, etc., or areas that are difficult to access, but is not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0003] Grinding tools used for making grooves, recesses, or slots in workpieces made of hard materials, for precision grinding, and especially for grinding hard materials or areas that are difficult to access are generally T-shaped diamond-coated grinding tools.

[0004] Conventionally, diamond-coated grinding tools are provided with a polishing portion manufactured by mixing diamond particles with a binder and bonding the mixture of the diamond particles and the binder to the corresponding surface of the grinding tool by adhesion, brazing, or soldering to form a diamond-coated ring. The problem with grinding tools manufactured in this way is the risk that the diamond-coated ring will peel off from the tool body when the grinding tool overheats during use. In fact, diamond-coated grinding tools may be used in areas where access is restricted, and in such cases, proper lubrication of the tool and the grinding target area is not guaranteed.

[0005] Another common technique for manufacturing diamond-coated grinding tools is electrolytic deposition of abrasive particles. This technique involves depositing diamond particles onto the surface of the tool and immersing the tool in an electrolytic bath, typically nickel. After the application of an electric current, nickel deposits around the diamond particles and on the tool surface, fixing the diamond particles, which are encapsulated in the die, to the tool surface. This method improves the bonding of the diamond particles to the tool and minimizes the problem of diamond ring detachment that occurs with the aforementioned diamond-coated grinding tools, but it does not help solve the problem of overheating of the grinding tool during use, which affects the tool's lifespan and the surface condition of the workpiece being processed. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems associated with grinding tools by providing a grinding tool that prevents, or at least limits, the risk of overheating of the tool during use, regardless of accessibility to the area in which the grinding tool operates, and extends the service life of the grinding tool.

[0007] The present invention also aims to provide a grinding tool that enables precise and high-quality grinding while maintaining both the surface condition of the workpiece being processed and the grinding tool itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a grinding tool comprising an elongated tool body having a first end called a grinding end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the grinding end comprises a grinding head having a circular cross-section and an outer surface covered with an abrasive plating.

[0009] A notable feature of this grinding tool is the arrangement of channels, comprising an axial channel extending through the tool body from a second end over a predetermined length of the tool body, and at least one coolant supply pipe positioned with the axial channel, enabling the grinding head to spray a cooling fluid and / or lubricating fluid introduced into the axial channel at the second end, wherein the grinding head has a terminal outer surface bounded by a peripheral outer surface, the terminal outer surface having at least one groove extending radially from the axial channel to the peripheral outer surface, the groove being closed along its length by abrasive plating to form the at least one coolant supply pipe.

[0010] This channel configuration ensures lubrication of the interface between the tool and the workpiece, thereby reducing the risk of grinding head overheating. This not only extends the service life of the grinding tool but also improves the grinding process by limiting the risk of deterioration of the workpiece surface. By forming radial channels near the outer end surface, it becomes possible to equip any grinding head, regardless of size, especially those with a disc-shaped plate form factor, with coolant supply channels. Furthermore, the radial orientation of the channels allows for targeted cleaning of the grinding head, thereby enabling better control of the grinding motion.

[0011] Another advantage of this channel configuration is that it enables robust and rigid tool designs, providing excellent resistance to mechanical stress.

[0012] Advantageously, the grinding head features multiple radial grooves evenly distributed on its terminal outer surface. Such groove arrangement has the advantage of providing a coolant supply channel that ensures uniform cleaning at the exit of the peripheral surface of the grinding wheel head.

[0013] Advantageously, the grinding head is provided with a central orifice communicating with an axial channel, and the central orifice is closed by an element that forms a bush.

[0014] Advantageously, abrasive plating contains diamond particles.

[0015] Advantageously, the grinding head has the shape of a disc-shaped plate.

[0016] Advantageously, the tool body and grinding head are manufactured as a single unit.

[0017] Advantageously, the grinding tool is T-shaped. The advantage of such an external shape is that it enables precise grinding operations. Furthermore, this type of external shape allows for work in workpiece areas with limited access. By positioning the coolant supply pipe at the height of the end surface of the grinding head, grinding control is improved and overheating of the grinding tool is reduced.

[0018] Advantageously, grinding tools are zinc-plated tools. By creating grinding tools, or more specifically by applying an abrasive plating to the grinding head using zinc plating, it becomes possible to quickly manufacture sharp and highly durable grinding tools.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the above-described grinding tool, wherein the method is: - A step of machining a raw metal blank to form the tool body and grinding head into the desired shape and dimensions, - A step of machining at least one radial groove on the terminal outer surface of a grinding head by wire electrical discharge machining, wherein the radial groove is made to extend from an axial channel created during machining of the blank to the peripheral outer surface of the grinding head, and - A step of forming an abrasive plating on the grinding head by immersion in a galvanic bath, - The step of forming the at least one coolant supply pipe by sealing the at least one groove by covering the terminal outer surface with an abrasive plating formed during the immersion operation in a galvanic bath. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which is provided by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grinding tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the grinding tool of FIG. 1 before zinc plating. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the zinc-plated grinding tool taken along axis III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic partial side view of the grinding head of the grinding tool of FIG. 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grinding tool 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the grinding tool 1 generally has a "T" shape. The grinding tool 1 includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical tool body 2. This tool body 2 includes a first end 20 referred to as a grinding end 20 and a second end 21 located on the opposite side of the first end 20. The grinding end 20 includes a grinding head 3 having a circular cross-section, and its outer surface is covered with an abrasive plating 4. More specifically, the grinding head 3 preferably has a flat terminal outer surface 30 delimited by a peripheral outer surface 31, and each outer surface is plated with abrasive particles. The abrasive plating 4 preferably comprises diamond abrasive particles. According to a modified embodiment, an abrasive plating comprising cubic boron nitride particles, or a mixture of diamond particles and cubic boron nitride particles, is envisaged. Needless to say, the abrasive particles are harder than the workpiece to be machined.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the grinding head 3 is in the shape of a disc-shaped plate. The illustrated grinding head 3 enables the machining of materials, particularly grooves, notches, recesses, or slots in a workpiece. Of course, this is an illustrative embodiment, and the grinding head 3 can have different dimensions and shapes depending on the application of the grinding tool. Preferably, the grinding head 3 is manufactured integrally with the tool body 2. Thus, the grinding head 3 and the tool body 2 form a single part.

[0025] The grinding tool 1 features an arrangement of channels 5, 6 that allow for the injection of cooling fluid and / or lubricating fluid at the outlet of the grinding head 3. The primary purpose of the fluid injection is to limit the risk of the grinding head 3 overheating during grinding operations on a workpiece. This channel arrangement is also used as a secondary method for removing chips and other materials during grinding operations on a workpiece.

[0026] More specifically, the channel arrangements 5 and 6 include an axial channel 5 that extends over a predetermined length of the tool body 2 and penetrates the tool body 2 from the second end 21.

[0027] In the described example, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the axial channel 5 penetrates the tool body 2 axially from the second end 21 to the grinding end 20, and the axial channel 5 opens at each end of the tool body 2. The axial channel opening 5 formed at the second end 21 of the tool body 2 consists of an inlet opening 51 into which cooling fluid and / or lubricating fluid is injected.

[0028] Channel arrangements 5 and 6 further include a plurality of coolant supply pipes 6 positioned at the height of the grinding head 3. These coolant supply pipes 6 are positioned together with the axial channel 5, allowing the fluid introduced into the axial channel 5 to be injected onto the peripheral outer surface 31.

[0029] According to the present invention, the coolant supply pipe 6 consists of grooves 6a to 6f formed on the outer terminal surface 30 of the grinding head 3, and each longitudinal opening that opens on the outer terminal surface 30 is closed by abrasive plating 4.

[0030] More specifically, each groove 6a to 6f extends radially from the axial channel 5 and opens to the peripheral outer surface 31 of the grinding head 3. In the illustrated example, it is preferable that the six grooves 6a to 6f are evenly distributed on the terminal outer surface 30. Of course, this is just one example of a configuration, and different numbers of supply grooves can be provided on the terminal outer surface 30, either equally spaced or unevenly spaced. The grooves 6a to 6f are closed along their entire length by the abrasive plating 4 covering the terminal surface 30. When the grooves 6a to 6f are closed in this manner, they form radial channels opening to the peripheral outer surface at the height of the terminal outer surface, together with a portion of the abrasive plating that closes the longitudinal opening of the corresponding groove, and these channels form the coolant supply pipes 6.

[0031] As illustrated in Figure 2, the grinding head 3 includes a central orifice 32 that communicates with an axial channel 5. In the illustrated example, the central orifice 32 is closed by elements that form a bush 7.

[0032] In the example provided, the grinding tool 1 is T-shaped. Of course, this is an exemplary embodiment, and any other shape can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] The grinding tool 1 is manufactured as follows. First, the grinding head 3 and the tool body 2 are manufactured by machining a blank, preferably made of metal. This mainly consists of a workpiece made of heavy metal, cemented carbide, or high-speed steel. The machining is carried out according to the desired opening shape and dimensions of the grinding tool 1. In this example, the workpiece is given a T-shaped outline, with one part forming a substantially cylindrical tool body 2 and the other part forming the grinding head 3. A coaxial conduit is also made that penetrates the workpiece. This conduit constitutes the axial channel 5 of the grinding tool 1.

[0034] Next, the outer terminal surface 30 of the grinding head 3 is machined to form radial grooves 6a to 6f. The grooves 6a to 6f extend from the axial channel 5 created during the machining of the blank to the outer peripheral surface 31 of the grinding head 3. The radial grooves 6a to 6f are created by wire electrical discharge machining. Alternatively, the grooves 6a to 6f can be created by any suitable method, such as a laser.

[0035] Next, the grinding head 3 is immersed in a galvanic bath to bond abrasive particles to it. During this immersion process, the abrasive particles bond to the grinding head 3, covering at least the terminal outer surface 30 and the peripheral outer surface 31, while simultaneously closing the "surface" grooves 6a to 6f. "Surface" means that the material has not penetrated and filled the grooves 6a to 6f themselves. Figure 4 illustrates the "surface" closing of the groove (groove 6d) by the abrasive plating 4. As illustrated, the groove is closed by the accumulation of abrasive particles, and the diffusion of abrasive particles is limited to the passage by the narrow opening created when the wire penetrates to create the groove. In other words, a bush composed of particles is formed where the wire extended during galvanic growth. The present invention advantageously utilizes the point effect phenomenon, which allows abrasive particles to accumulate at the acute angles or angles with small radii of curvature of the grinding head 3.

[0036] Next, the grinding tool 1 is removed from the galvanic bath. After rinsing and cooling, if necessary, the peripheral outer surface 31 of the grinding head 3 is machined to remove any deposits of abrasive particles that may have formed in the grooves 6a-6f during the galvanic immersion process and could clog the grooves.

[0037] By attaching temporary masks or bushings to the end openings of each groove 6a to 6f, it is also possible to prevent the ends from becoming clogged with abrasive particles. Such bushings are removed after the grinding tool 1 is removed from the galvanic bath.

[0038] The above description of the present invention is provided as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that different modifications of the present invention can be conceived without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. Grinding Tools 2 Tool body 3 Grinding head 4. Abrasive plating 5 Axial Channels 6 Water supply pipe 7 Bush-forming elements 6a~6f Groove 20 First end / grinding end 21 Second end 30 Terminating outer surface 31 Peripheral outer surface 32 Central Orifice 51 Inlet opening

Claims

1. A grinding tool (1) comprises an elongated tool body (2) having a first end (20) called a grinding end (20) and a second end (21) opposite to the first end (20), the grinding end (20) having a grinding head (3) having a circular cross-section with an outer surface covered with abrasive plating (4), the tool having an axial channel (5) that penetrates the tool body (2) from the second end (21) over a predetermined length of the tool body, and a cooling fluid and / or lubricant that is disposed together with the axial channel (5) and introduced into the axial channel (5) at the second end (21). A grinding tool (1) comprising an arrangement of channels (5, 6) including at least one coolant supply tube (6) that enables the injection of a fluid by the grinding head (3), wherein the grinding head (3) has a terminal outer surface (30) bounded by a peripheral outer surface (31), the terminal outer surface (30) has at least one groove (6a to 6f) extending radially from the axial channel (5) to the peripheral outer surface (31), the groove being closed along its length by the abrasive plating (4) to form the at least one coolant supply tube (6).

2. The grinding tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the grinding head (3) comprises a plurality of radial grooves (6a to 6f) evenly distributed on the terminal outer surface (30).

3. The grinding tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the grinding head (3) comprises a central orifice (32) that communicates with the axial channel (5), and the central orifice is closed by an element that forms a bush (7).

4. The grinding tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the abrasive plating (4) comprises diamond particles.

5. The grinding tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the grinding head (3) has the shape of a disc-shaped plate.

6. The grinding tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool body (2) and the grinding head (3) are manufactured as a single unit.

7. A grinding tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized by being T-shaped.

8. The grinding tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the grinding tool (1) is a zinc-plated tool.

9. A method for manufacturing the grinding tool (1) described in claim 8, - A step of machining a raw metal blank to form the tool body (2) and the grinding head (3) into the desired shape and dimensions, - A step of machining at least one radial groove (6a to 6f) on the terminal outer surface (30) of the grinding head (3) by wire electrical discharge machining, wherein the radial groove is made to extend from the axial channel (5) created during machining of the raw metal blank to the peripheral outer surface (31) of the grinding head (3), - A step of forming an abrasive plating (4) on the grinding head (3) by immersion in a galvanic bath, A method characterized by comprising the step of forming the at least one coolant supply pipe (6) by sealing the at least one groove (6a to 6f) by covering the terminal outer surface (30) with the abrasive plating formed during the immersion operation in the galvanic bath.

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