Grinding Machine

Abstract

To provide a grinder configured so that a position of a shoe can be controlled in order to position a work-piece in a desired attitude, in grinding the work-piece while making the shoe support an outer peripheral surface of a journal part.SOLUTION: A grinder 1 comprises: a work-piece support device 50 constituted of side part shoes 102a and 102b and lower shoes 103a and 103b; a side part measuring instrument 82 that is positioned at the opposite side of the side part shoes 102a and 102b with a rotational axis line of the work-piece W as a reference, and measures a position in a horizontal direction in each of one end part in an axial direction and the other end part in the axial direction of the work-piece W; and a control device that controls a side part feeding device on the basis of a measured value by the side part measuring instrument 82 and controls positioning in the horizontal direction for the one end part in the axial direction and the other end part of the work-piece W.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a grinding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Grinding machines for grinding a roll as a workpiece are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. The roll as the workpiece includes a roll body located at the center in the axial direction, and a first journal portion and a second journal portion located at both ends of the roll body.

[0003] The grinding machine described in Patent Document 1 includes shoes that support the outer peripheral surfaces of the first journal portion and the second journal portion. That is, in this grinding machine, a workpiece is rotatably supported by the shoes, the rotational driving force of the main shaft is transmitted to the workpiece via a connecting member, and the workpiece is ground by the grinding wheel.

[0004] The grinding machine described in Patent Document 2 grinds the workpiece with a grinding wheel while supporting both ends of the roll, which is the workpiece, with the center members and pressing the outer circumferential surfaces of the first journal portion and the second journal portion with shoes. The shoes function to increase the support rigidity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-267151 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-34502 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Here, the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece is a very important factor for the grinding part of the cylindrical outer periphery of the workpiece. In traverse grinding, in which the grinding wheel moves along the axial direction of the workpiece, if the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece is inclined with respect to the traverse direction of the grinding wheel, the outer periphery of the workpiece will be tapered. Therefore, it is necessary to position the workpiece so that the rotation axis of the workpiece is parallel to the traverse direction of the grinding wheel.

[0007] Methods of supporting a workpiece include supporting both end faces of the workpiece with a center member or a chuck member, supporting the outer circumferential surface near both ends of the workpiece with shoes, and supporting with a center member and a shoe.

[0008] In a workpiece having journals at both ends, the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece can be ground into a shape based on the journals by supporting the outer circumferential surfaces of the journals at both ends with shoes and grinding the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece. For a workpiece to be formed into a shape based on the journals, a grinding method in which the outer circumferential surface of the journals is supported by a shoe is useful. However, when the outer circumferential surface of the journals is supported by a shoe, it is not easy to determine the position of the shoe in order to position the workpiece in the desired orientation.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a grinding machine that can control the position of the shoe to position the workpiece in a desired orientation when grinding while the outer surface of the journal portion is supported by the shoe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] It is one aspect of the present invention. The grinding machine includes a workpiece support device that rotatably supports a workpiece having a first journal portion and a second journal portion at both axial ends thereof, a grinding wheel that grinds the workpiece by moving relatively in a horizontal direction to the workpiece, a measuring device used to position the workpiece using the workpiece support device, and a control device that controls the workpiece support device based on measurements taken by the measuring device to control the position of the workpiece. an NC drive device that moves the grinding wheel relatively in a direction toward and away from the workpiece support device; Equipped with.

[0011] The workpiece support device includes a first lower shoe and a first side shoe which rotatably support the first journal portion and position the workpiece, a second lower shoe and a second side shoe which rotatably support the second journal portion and position the workpiece, a first lower feed device and a second lower feed device which move the first lower shoe and the second lower shoe, respectively, in the radial direction of the workpiece, and a first side feed device and a second side feed device which move the first side shoe and the second side shoe, respectively, in the radial direction of the workpiece.

[0012] The measuring device is a side measuring device located on the opposite side of the first side shoe and the second side shoe with respect to the rotation axis of the workpiece, and measures the horizontal positions of one axial end and the other axial end of the workpiece. an upper measuring device located on the opposite side of the first lower shoe and the second lower shoe with respect to the rotation axis of the workpiece, for measuring the vertical positions of one axial end portion and the other axial end portion of the workpiece; a cylinder device for moving the side measuring device between a measurement position and a withdrawal position in the vertical direction; and an NC drive device for the upper measuring device for moving the upper measuring device between the measurement position and the withdrawal position in the vertical direction. Equipped with. The control device controls a first side feed device based on a measurement value by the side measuring device at one axial end of the workpiece to control a horizontal positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece, and controls a second side feed device based on a measurement value by the side measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece to control a horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece. The first lower feed device is controlled based on a measurement value taken by the upper measuring device at one axial end of the workpiece to control a vertical positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece, and the second lower feed device is controlled based on a measurement value taken by the upper measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece to control a vertical positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece. do.

[0013] The control device controls the workpiece support device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the measuring device to control the positioning position of the workpiece. Therefore, automatic positioning of the workpiece is possible. In particular, the control device controls the first side feed device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the side measuring device at one axial end of the workpiece to control the horizontal positioning position of one axial end of the workpiece. Furthermore, the control device controls the second side feed device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the side measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece to control the horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece.

[0014] In other words, the positions of the first and second side shoes can be automatically determined using the measurements taken by the side measuring devices, and the position of the workpiece can be set to a desired position. Therefore, in the support method using shoes, a workpiece of a desired shape can be ground with high accuracy.

[0018] The control device controls the workpiece support device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the measuring device to control the positioning position of the workpiece. Therefore, automatic positioning of the workpiece is possible. In particular, the control device controls the first lower feed device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the upper measuring device at one axial end of the workpiece to control the vertical positioning position of one axial end of the workpiece. Furthermore, the control device controls the second lower feed device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the upper measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece to control the vertical positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece.

[0019] In other words, the positions of the first and second lower shoes can be automatically determined using the measurements taken by the upper measuring device, and the position of the workpiece can be set to a desired position. Therefore, in the support method using shoes, a workpiece of a desired shape can be ground with high precision. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a workpiece support device including a shoe. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a grinding machine including the internal structure of a measuring device. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram of a grinding machine showing the process of measuring a workpiece using a side measuring device that constitutes a measuring device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a grinding machine when a workpiece is measured by a side measuring device constituting a measuring device. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram of a grinding machine when a workpiece is measured by an upper measuring device constituting a measuring device. [Figure 7A]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an initial step in a grinding method. [Figure 7B] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a first initial positioning step in the grinding method. [Figure 7C] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a second initial positioning step in the grinding method. [Figure 7D] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an initial positioning completion step in the grinding method. [Figure 7E] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a primary grinding step in the grinding method. [Figure 7F] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outer diameter measuring step after primary grinding in the grinding method. [Figure 7G] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a high-precision positioning step in the grinding method. [Figure 7H] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a secondary grinding step in the grinding method. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of an initial positioning method. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of an initial positioning method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] (1. Target workpiece W) The target workpiece W will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The target workpiece W is, for example, a roll. The workpiece W, which is a roll, is used, for example, to transport or stretch a sheet. The material of the sheet is paper, cloth, metal, resin, etc.

[0022] The workpiece W includes a main body portion Wa located at the axial center, and a first journal portion Wb and a second journal portion Wc located at both axial ends. The main body portion Wa has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface, and the first journal portion Wb and the second journal portion Wc have a smaller diameter than the main body portion Wa and are located coaxially. The first journal portion Wb and the second journal portion Wc have a cylindrical outer peripheral surface and are located coaxially. The first journal portion Wb and the second journal portion Wc may have the same diameter or different diameters.

[0023] The workpiece W is not limited to a roll, but may have at least the first journal portion Wb and the second journal portion Wc, and the shape of the main body portion Wa is not limited to a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. For example, the main body portion Wa may be cam-shaped, or may have a shape having portions with different diameters in the axial direction.

[0024] (2. Configuration of Grinding Machine 1) The configuration of the grinding machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The grinding machine 1 grinds the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W by rotating the grinding wheel 70 while moving it relatively close to and away from the workpiece W while rotating the workpiece W around its rotation axis. The part of the workpiece W to be ground may be only the main body portion Wa, or may be the main body portion Wa as well as the first journal portion Wb and the second journal portion Wc.

[0025] The grinding machine 1 can be a table traverse type grinding machine, a wheel head traverse type grinding machine, etc. Also, the grinding machine 1 can be a cylindrical grinding machine, a cam grinding machine, etc. In this example, the grinding machine 1 is a table traverse type cylindrical grinding machine.

[0026] The grinding machine 1 includes a bed 10, a table 20, a spindle device 30, a tailstock device 40, a workpiece support device 50, a grinding wheel head 60, a grinding wheel 70, a measuring device 80, and a control device 90. The bed 10 is placed on a mounting surface.

[0027] The bed 10 is formed such that the left-right width (Z-axis length) on the front side in the X-axis direction is long, and the left-right width on the rear side in the X-axis direction is short. The bed 10 is provided with a Z-axis rail 11 extending in the Z-axis direction on the top surface on the front side in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the bed 10 is provided with a ball screw 12 parallel to the Z-axis rail 11, and a motor 13 that rotates and drives the ball screw 12. Furthermore, the bed 10 is provided with an X-axis rail 14 extending in the X-axis direction on the top surface on the rear side in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the bed 10 is provided with a ball screw 15 parallel to the X-axis rail 14, and a motor 16 that rotates and drives the ball screw 15.

[0028] Here, the ball screw 12 and the motor 13 function as an NC drive device that moves a table 20, which will be described later, in the Z-axis direction relative to the bed 10. Also, the ball screw 15 and the motor 16 function as an NC drive device that moves a grinding wheel head 60, a grinding wheel 70, and a measuring device 80, which will be described later, in the X-axis direction relative to the bed 10.

[0029] The table 20 is formed in an elongated shape, and is supported on the Z-axis rail 11 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction). The table 20 is also fixed to a ball screw nut that is screwed into the ball screw 12, and is moved in the Z-axis direction by the rotational drive of the motor 13.

[0030] The spindle unit 30 drives and rotates the workpiece W. The spindle unit 30 is disposed on one end side of the table 20 in the Z-axis direction. The spindle unit 30 includes a headstock 31 fixed on the table 20, a motor 32, a rotation transmission member 33 that rotates in association with the rotation drive of the motor 32, and an engagement member 34 that is fixed to the first journal portion Wb of the workpiece W and engages with the rotation transmission member 33. The engagement member 34 is, for example, a kere. The spindle unit 30 further includes a center member 35. The center member 35 may be provided on the headstock 31 in a non-rotatable manner or may be provided rotatably. The center member 35 supports an end face of one axial end of the workpiece W.

[0031] The tailstock device 40 is disposed on the other end side in the Z-axis direction on the table 20. The tailstock device 40 includes a center member 41. The center member 41 may be provided so as to be non-rotatable or so as to be rotatable. The center member 41 supports an end face of the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0032] The workpiece support device 50 radially supports the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W and rotatably supports the workpiece W. The workpiece support device 50 includes a first support device 51 that radially supports the first journal portion Wb of the workpiece W from the outer peripheral surface, and a second support device 52 that radially supports the second journal portion Wc from the outer peripheral surface. When grinding the workpiece W, the first support device 51 and the second support device 52 are used. In this example, the center members 35 and 41 are not used to support the workpiece W during grinding, but are used for transferring the workpiece W and positioning the workpiece W so that the workpiece support device 50 can support the workpiece W. In other words, the workpiece support device 50 and the center members 35 and 41 are not used simultaneously when grinding the workpiece W.

[0033] The wheel head 60 is formed in a rectangular shape, and is supported on the X-axis rail 14 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). The wheel head 60 is also fixed to a ball screw nut that is screwed into the ball screw 15, and moves in the X-axis direction by the rotational drive of the motor 16. The wheel head 60 has a measuring device support base 61 on its upper surface side that supports a measuring device 80, which will be described later.

[0034] The grinding wheel 70 is formed in a disk shape, and is supported on the wheel head 60 so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the Z axis. Therefore, the grinding wheel 70 grinds the workpiece W by moving relatively in the horizontal direction with respect to the workpiece W. In this example, the grinding wheel 70 traverse-grinds the main body Wa of the workpiece W by moving the grinding wheel 70 and the workpiece W relatively in the Z axis direction.

[0035] The measuring device 80 is provided on the wheel head 60, and is used for positioning the workpiece W by the workpiece support device 50. By being provided on the wheel head 60, the measuring device 80 moves together with the wheel head 60 in the X-axis direction. In this example, the measuring device 80 is supported on the measuring device support base 61 of the wheel head 60 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. In other words, the measuring device 80 moves in the X-axis direction relative to the bed 10 as the wheel head 60 moves in the X-axis direction, and in addition, the measuring device 80 itself moves in the X-axis direction relative to the measuring device support base 61, and thus the measuring device 80 moves in the X-axis direction relative to the bed 10.

[0036] The control device 90 controls the positions of the table 20, the spindle device 30, and the grinding wheel head 60. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the rotation of the spindle device 30 and the grinding wheel 70. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the measuring device 80, and also controls the workpiece support device 50 based on measurements taken by the measuring device 80, thereby controlling the positioning of the workpiece W.

[0037] (3. Configuration of the workpiece support device 50) The configuration of the workpiece support device 50 (51, 52) will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The first support device 51 and the second support device 52 constituting the workpiece support device 50 have the same configuration. In the following description, when distinguishing between the components of the first support device 51 and the second support device 52, the subscript a representing the components of the first support device 51 will be added and "first" will be added to the beginning of the name, and the subscript b representing the components of the second support device 52 will be added and "second" will be added to the beginning of the name.

[0038] The first support device 51 and the second support device 52 each include support bodies 101a, 101b, side shoes 102a, 102b, lower shoes 103a, 103b, side feed devices 104a, 104b, and lower feed devices 105a, 105b.

[0039] The support bodies 101a, 101b are fixed onto the table 20. The side shoes 102a, 102b are supported by the support bodies 101a, 101b so as to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the direction of movement of the side shoes 102a, 102b relative to the support bodies 101a, 101b may have only a horizontal component, or may have a small vertical component as well as a horizontal component as the main component.

[0040] The first side shoe 102a rotatably supports the first journal portion Wb while contacting a side portion of the first journal portion Wb of the workpiece W. The first side shoe 102a moves relative to the first support body 101a, whereby the first side shoe 102a can change the horizontal position of one axial end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 1) of the workpiece W. In other words, the first side shoe 102a has a role of positioning one axial end portion of the workpiece W.

[0041] The second side shoe 102b rotatably supports the second journal portion Wc while contacting the side portion of the second journal portion Wc of the workpiece W. The second side shoe 102b moves relative to the second support body 101b, whereby the second side shoe 102b can change the horizontal position of the other axial end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 1) of the workpiece W. In other words, the second side shoe 102b has a role of positioning the other axial end portion of the workpiece W.

[0042] The lower shoes 103a, 103b are supported by the support bodies 101a, 101b so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction. In other words, the movement direction of the lower shoes 103a, 103b relative to the support bodies 101a, 101b may have only a vertical component, or may have a small horizontal component with a vertical component as the main component.

[0043] The first lower shoe 103a rotatably supports the first journal portion Wb in contact with a lower portion of the first journal portion Wb of the workpiece W. The first lower shoe 103a moves relative to the first support body 101a, thereby allowing the first lower shoe 103a to change the vertical position of one axial end portion (the left end in FIG. 1) of the workpiece W. In other words, the first lower shoe 103a, together with the first side shoe 102a, plays a role in positioning one axial end portion of the workpiece W.

[0044] The second lower shoe 103b rotatably supports the second journal portion Wc in a state of contacting a lower portion of the second journal portion Wc of the workpiece W. The second lower shoe 103b moves relative to the second support body 101b, whereby the second side shoe 102b can change the up-down position of the other axial end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 1) of the workpiece W. In other words, the second lower shoe 103b, together with the second side shoe 102b, plays a role in positioning the other axial end portion of the workpiece W.

[0045] Here, the central angle of the workpiece W between the contact position of the workpiece W with the side shoes 102a, 102b and the contact position of the workpiece W with the lower shoes 103a, 103b is set to be an angle larger than 90°. This is to enable the workpiece W to be positioned by the side shoes 102a, 102b and the lower shoes 103a, 103b.

[0046] The side feed devices 104a, 104b move the side shoes 102a, 102b in a direction mainly composed of a horizontal component relative to the support bodies 101a, 101b. That is, the first side feed device 104a moves the first side shoe 102a in a direction mainly composed of a horizontal direction, i.e., in a radial direction of the first journal portion Wb of the workpiece W. The second side feed device 104b moves the second side shoe 102b in a direction mainly composed of a horizontal direction, i.e., in a radial direction of the second journal portion Wc of the workpiece W.

[0047] The side feed devices 104a, 104b are provided with, for example, a motor and a power conversion mechanism, and move the side shoes 102a, 102b. For example, the side feed devices 104a, 104b are provided with a motor, worms 111a, 111b, worm wheels 112a, 112b, and sliding screws 113a, 113b coaxial with the worm wheels 112a, 112b. The sliding screws 113a, 113b are screwed into the side shoes 102a, 102b. Therefore, the side shoes 102a, 102b can be linearly moved mainly in the horizontal direction by the rotational drive of the motor.

[0048] The lower feed devices 105a, 105b move the lower shoes 103a, 103b in a direction mainly including a vertical component relative to the support bodies 101a, 101b. That is, the first lower feed device 105a moves the first lower shoe 103a in a direction mainly including a vertical direction, i.e., in a radial direction of the first journal portion Wb of the workpiece W. The second lower feed device 105b moves the second lower shoe 103b in a direction mainly including a vertical direction, i.e., in a radial direction of the second journal portion Wc of the workpiece W.

[0049] The lower feed devices 105a, 105b are provided with, for example, a motor and a power conversion mechanism, and move the lower shoes 103a, 103b. For example, the lower feed devices 105a, 105b are provided with a motor and worms 121a, 121b, worm wheels 122a, 122b, slide screws 123a, 123b coaxial with the worm wheels 122a, 122b, fixed tilt bases 124a, 124b integral with the support bodies 101a, 101b, and movable tilt members 125a, 125b.

[0050] The sliding screws 123a, 123b are screwed into the movable inclined members 125a, 125b. The movable inclined members 125a, 125b slide on the inclined upper surfaces of the fixed inclined bases 124a, 124b, and further slidably support the lower surfaces of the lower shoes 103a, 103b. The moving directions of the movable inclined members 125a, 125b and the moving directions of the lower shoes 103a, 103b are at an angle different from 90°. Therefore, the lower shoes 103a, 103b can be linearly moved mainly in the vertical direction by the rotational drive of the motor.

[0051] The side feed devices 104a, 104b and lower feed devices 105a, 105b described above are merely examples, and various configurations can be employed as long as the side shoes 102a, 102b and lower shoes 103a, 103b can be moved in the desired direction.

[0052] (4. Configuration of Measuring Apparatus Support Base 61 and Measuring Apparatus 80) The configurations of the measuring device support base 61 and the measuring device 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The measuring device support base 61 is located on the upper surface side of the grinding wheel head 60, and is positioned offset in the Z-axis direction of the grinding wheel 70. The measuring device support base 61 is provided with a rail 61a and a ball screw 61b extending in the X-axis direction on its side. Furthermore, the measuring device support base 61 is provided with a motor 61c that rotates and drives the ball screw 61b. Note that, although the measuring device support base 61 has been exemplified as being provided with the ball screw 61b and the motor 61c, for example, a cylinder device or the like can also be applied.

[0053] The measuring device 80 is supported by the measuring device support base 61, and is rotated by the motor 61c to move in the X-axis direction relative to the wheel head 60. The measuring device 80 includes a main body 81 movably supported by the measuring device support base 61, a side measuring device 82, a cylinder device 83, a side fast-forward sensor 84, an upper measuring device 85, an NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device, and an upper fast-forward sensor 87.

[0054] The side measuring instrument 82 is a sensor that measures the horizontal position on the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W. For example, the side measuring instrument 82 is a non-contact distance sensor. However, the side measuring instrument 82 may also be a contact distance sensor.

[0055] In detail, the side measuring device 82 is located on the opposite side to the first side shoe 102a with respect to the rotation axis of the workpiece W, and measures the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W. Here, the one axial end of the workpiece W means to include the first journal portion Wb of the workpiece W and the end of the main body portion Wa of the workpiece W on the side of the first journal portion Wb. In addition, the side measuring device 82 is located on the opposite side to the second side shoe 102b with respect to the rotation axis of the workpiece W, and measures the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W. Here, the other axial end of the workpiece W means to include the second journal portion Wc of the workpiece W and the end of the main body portion Wa of the workpiece W on the side of the second journal portion Wc.

[0056] The cylinder device 83 is provided in the main body 81 of the measuring device 80, and moves the side measuring device 82 in the up-down direction between a measurement position and a retracted position. The measurement position of the side measuring device 82 is located in an area below the main body 81, and the retracted position is located in an area housed inside the main body 81. The side measuring device 82 is provided near the lower end of a moving member fixed to the rod of the cylinder device 83. In this example, the cylinder device 83 has a simple configuration that can be positioned at only two positions, the measurement position and the retracted position.

[0057] The side fast-feed sensor 84 is provided near the lower end of a movable member fixed to the rod of the cylinder device 83. In other words, the side fast-feed sensor 84 is provided so as to be movable integrally with the side measuring instrument 82. The side fast-feed sensor 84 is disposed, for example, in parallel with the side measuring instrument 82 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the side fast-feed sensor 84 and the side measuring instrument 82 are located at the same Y-axis (vertical) position and at the same X-axis (horizontal direction among directions perpendicular to the rotation axis of the workpiece W) position. However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of illustration, the side fast-feed sensor 84 and the side measuring instrument 82 are shown slightly offset from each other.

[0058] Moreover, the side rapid-feed sensor 84 has a detectable distance longer than the detectable distance of the side measuring instrument 82. The side rapid-feed sensor 84 is used when performing initial positioning of the side measuring instrument 82 with respect to the workpiece W. Therefore, by using the side rapid-feed sensor 84 in the initial positioning of the side measuring instrument 82, rapid-feed movement is possible.

[0059] The upper measuring instrument 85 is a sensor that measures the vertical position on the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W. For example, the upper measuring instrument 85 is a non-contact distance sensor. However, the upper measuring instrument 85 may also be a contact distance sensor.

[0060] In detail, the upper measuring device 85 is located on the opposite side of the first lower shoe 103a with respect to the rotation axis of the workpiece W, and measures the vertical position of one axial end of the workpiece W. In addition, the upper measuring device 85 is located on the opposite side of the second lower shoe 103b with respect to the rotation axis of the workpiece W, and measures the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0061] The NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device is provided in the main body 81 of the measuring device 80, and moves the upper measuring device 85 in the up-down direction between a measurement position and a retracted position. The measurement position of the upper measuring device 85 is located in an area below the main body 81, and the retracted position is located in an area accommodated inside the main body 81. Furthermore, the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device is located on the near side in the X-axis direction, i.e., on the workpiece W side, relative to the cylinder device 83.

[0062] The NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device is composed of a motor, a ball screw, a ball screw nut, etc. The upper measuring device 85 is provided near the lower end of a moving member fixed to the ball screw nut of the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device.

[0063] The upper fast-forward sensor 87 is provided near the lower end of a moving member fixed to a ball screw nut of the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device. In other words, the upper fast-forward sensor 87 is provided so as to be movable integrally with the upper measuring device 85. The upper fast-forward sensor 87 is arranged, for example, in parallel with the upper measuring device 85 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the upper fast-forward sensor 87 and the upper measuring device 85 are located at the same position in the X-axis direction (the horizontal direction among the directions perpendicular to the rotation axis of the workpiece W) and at the same position in the Y-axis direction (the vertical direction). However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of illustration, the upper fast-forward sensor 87 and the upper measuring device 85 are shown slightly shifted from each other.

[0064] Moreover, the upper fast-forward sensor 87 has a detectable distance longer than the detectable distance of the upper measuring instrument 85. The upper fast-forward sensor 87 is used when performing initial positioning of the upper measuring instrument 85 with respect to the workpiece W. Therefore, by using the upper fast-forward sensor 87 in the initial positioning of the upper measuring instrument 85, fast-forward movement is possible.

[0065] The side measuring instrument 82 needs to be positioned with high accuracy in the horizontal direction relative to the workpiece W. The side measuring instrument 82 can be positioned with high accuracy in the horizontal direction relative to the workpiece W by using an NC drive device that moves the grinding wheel head 60 in the X-axis direction relative to the bed 10. Meanwhile, the side measuring instrument 82 is moved vertically between a measurement position and a retreat position. That is, the direction in which the side measuring instrument 82 is positioned with high accuracy relative to the workpiece is different from the direction in which the side measuring instrument 82 moves between the measurement position and the retreat position. Therefore, the device that moves the side measuring instrument 82 vertically between the measurement position and the retreat position is a cylinder device 83, not an NC device. This can reduce costs.

[0066] The upper measuring instrument 85 needs to be positioned with high accuracy in the vertical direction relative to the workpiece W. Furthermore, the upper measuring instrument 85 moves in the vertical direction between a measurement position and a retracted position. In other words, the direction in which the upper measuring instrument 85 is positioned with high accuracy relative to the workpiece W coincides with the direction in which the upper measuring instrument 85 moves between the measurement position and the retracted position. Therefore, the device that moves the upper measuring instrument 85 in the vertical direction between the measurement position and the retracted position is an NC device.

[0067] (5. Operation of Measuring Device 80) The operation of the measuring device 80 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. The side measuring device 82 measures the horizontal position of the side of the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W. In other words, the side measuring device 82 is equivalent to measuring the horizontal position of the rotation axis of the workpiece W.

[0068] First, as shown in Fig. 3, the motor 16 is rotationally driven by the control device 90 (shown in Fig. 1) to position the wheel head 60 relative to the bed 10 so that the grinding wheel 70 is located at a position sufficiently far back in the X-axis direction from the workpiece W. For example, the wheel head 60 is positioned at the rear end in the X-axis direction.

[0069] 4, the motor 61c is driven to rotate by the control device 90, thereby moving the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 toward the front in the X-axis direction relative to the measuring device support base 61. At this time, the side measuring device 82 and the upper measuring device 85 maintain a state in which they are housed in the main body 81 of the measuring device 80. If the mechanism for driving the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 is an NC driving device, the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 can be positioned at any set position. On the other hand, if it is a cylinder device or the like, the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 will be positioned at a preset position.

[0070] 4, the control device 90 drives the cylinder device 83 to move the side measuring device 82 from the upper retracted position to the lower measurement position. Therefore, the side measuring device 82 faces the rear side in the X-axis direction of the workpiece W. In other words, the side measuring device 82 is located on the opposite side to the side shoes 102a, 102b with respect to the rotation axis of the workpiece W.

[0071] 5, the motor 16 is driven to rotate by the control device 90 to move the wheel head 60 toward the front side in the X-axis direction relative to the bed 10, i.e., in the direction in which the measuring device 80 approaches the side of the workpiece W. At this time, the control device 90 fast-forwards the wheel head 60 to perform initial positioning of the side measuring device 82 relative to the workpiece W based on the measurement value by the side fast-forward sensor 84. By using the side fast-forward sensor 84, the workpiece W can be detected at a distant position, so that the side fast-forward sensor 84 and the workpiece W can be prevented from colliding with each other even when the side fast-forward sensor 84 is moved fast. As a result, the positioning of the side measuring device 82 can be performed in a short time.

[0072] 5, if the side measuring instrument 82 is of a non-contact type, it measures the horizontal distance between the side measuring instrument 82 and the side of the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W. If the side measuring instrument 82 is of a contact type, it measures the horizontal position of the side of the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W.

[0073] Then, the control device 90 calculates the position of the outer periphery of the workpiece W from the center of the centers 35, 41 based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82, the position of the main body 81 in the X direction, and the position of the wheel head 60 in the X direction, and controls the side feed devices 104a, 104b to change the horizontal positions of the side shoes 102a, 102b so that the center of the workpiece W is located at the center of the centers 35, 41. In detail, when the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the side measuring device 82, the first side feed device 104a is controlled based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82 to change the horizontal position of the first side shoe 102a. In this way, the horizontal positioning position of one axial end of the workpiece W is controlled. Furthermore, when the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the side measuring device 82, the second side feed device 104b is controlled based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82 to change the horizontal position of the second side shoe 102b. In this manner, the horizontal positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece W is controlled.

[0074] Next, the control device 90 drives the cylinder device 83 to move the side measuring device 82 to the retracted position, that is, to the position accommodated in the main body 81 of the measuring device 80. Before moving the side measuring device 82 to the retracted position, the wheel head 60 may be slightly moved toward the rear in the X-axis direction relative to the bed 10.

[0075] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, the control device 90 drives the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device to move the upper measuring device 85 from the upper retracted position to the lower measuring position. In other words, the upper measuring device 85 is moved in a direction approaching the upper part of the workpiece W. At this time, the control device 90 fast-forwards the moving member of the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device to perform initial positioning of the upper measuring device 85 with respect to the workpiece W based on the measurement value by the upper fast-forward sensor 87. By using the upper fast-forward sensor 87, the workpiece W can be detected at a distant position, so that the upper fast-forward sensor 87 and the workpiece W can be prevented from colliding with each other even when the sensor is fast-forwarded. As a result, the positioning of the upper measuring device 87 can be performed in a short time.

[0076] 6, if the upper measuring device 85 is a non-contact type, it measures the vertical distance between the upper measuring device 85 and the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W. If the upper measuring device 85 is a contact type, it measures the vertical position of the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W.

[0077] Then, the control device 90 calculates the position of the outer periphery of the workpiece W from the center of the centers 35, 41 based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85 and the Z-direction position of the upper measuring device 85 by the NC driving device 86 for the upper measuring device, and controls the upper feed devices 105a, 105b to change the vertical positions of the lower shoes 103a, 103b so that the center of the workpiece W is located at the center of the centers 35, 41.

[0078] In detail, when the up-down position of one axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the upper measuring instrument 85, the first lower feeding device 105a is controlled based on the measurement value by the upper measuring instrument 85 to change the up-down position of the first lower shoe 103a. In this manner, the up-down positioning of one axial end of the workpiece W is controlled. Furthermore, when the up-down position of the other axial end of the workpiece W is measured by the upper measuring instrument 85, the second lower feeding device 105b is controlled based on the measurement value by the upper measuring instrument 85 to change the up-down position of the second lower shoe 103b. In this manner, the up-down positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece W is controlled.

[0079] Next, the control device 90 drives the NC drive device 86 for the upper measuring device to move the upper measuring device 85 to the retracted position, i.e., the position accommodated in the main body 81 of the measuring device 80. Furthermore, the control device 90 drives and rotates the motor 61c to move the main body 81 of the measuring device 80 to the rear side in the X-axis direction relative to the measuring device support base 61, resulting in the state shown in FIG.

[0080] (6. Grinding Method) A method for grinding a workpiece W using the grinding machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7A to Fig. 7H. Fig. 7A to Fig. 7H show only some of the components around the workpiece W. In this example, a case where a main body Wa of the workpiece W is traverse ground into a cylindrical shape will be taken as an example.

[0081] First, as shown in Fig. 7A, an initial state (initial step) is established. In the initial state, both end surfaces of the workpiece W are supported by the center members 35 and 41, the first side shoe 102a and the first lower shoe 103a are in contact with the first journal portion Wb, and the second side shoe 102b and the second lower shoe 103b are in contact with the second journal portion Wc.

[0082] An example of the initial state is a state in which the workpiece W is brought in from outside and brought into contact with the side shoes 102a, 102b and the lower shoes 103a, 103b while being temporarily supported by the center members 35, 41. Another example of the initial state is a state in which the workpiece W is supported only by the side shoes 102a, 102b and the lower shoes 103a, 103b, and then the workpiece W is roughly ground by the grinding wheel 70, and then the center members 35, 41 are additionally supported on both end surfaces of the workpiece W.

[0083] Next, a first initial positioning step is performed as shown in Fig. 7B. First, the control device 90 controls the position of the table 20 in the Z-axis direction to position the side measuring device 82 at a position where the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W can be measured. In Fig. 7B, the side measuring device 82 is positioned at a position horizontally facing the vicinity of the first journal portion Wb of the main body portion Wa of the workpiece W.

[0084] In this state, the control device 90 controls the first side feed device 104a while measuring the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W by the side measuring device 82. That is, the control device 90 controls the horizontal position of the first side shoe 102a based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82. In this manner, the control device 90 determines the horizontal positioning of one axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 stops the movement of the first side shoe 102a when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing the first side shoe 102a against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value, thereby determining the horizontal position of one axial end of the workpiece W.

[0085] Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the first lower feed device 105a while measuring the vertical position of one axial end of the workpiece W with the upper measuring device 85. That is, the control device 90 controls the vertical position of the first lower shoe 103a based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85. In this manner, the control device 90 determines the vertical positioning of one axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 stops the movement of the first lower shoe 103a when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing the first lower shoe 103a against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value, thereby determining the vertical position of one axial end of the workpiece W.

[0086] Next, a second initial positioning step is performed as shown in Fig. 7C. The control device 90 controls the position of the table 20 in the Z-axis direction to position the side measuring device 82 at a position where the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W can be measured. In Fig. 7C, the side measuring device 82 is positioned at a position horizontally facing the vicinity of the second journal portion Wc of the main body portion Wa of the workpiece W.

[0087] In this state, the control device 90 controls the second side feed device 104b while measuring the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W by the side measuring device 82. That is, the control device 90 controls the horizontal position of the second side shoe 102b based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82. In this manner, the control device 90 determines the horizontal positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 stops the movement of the second side shoe 102b when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing the second side shoe 102b against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value, thereby determining the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0088] Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the second lower feed device 105b while measuring the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W by the upper measuring device 85. That is, the control device 90 controls the vertical position of the second lower shoe 103b based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85. In this manner, the control device 90 determines the vertical positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 stops the movement of the second lower shoe 103b when the amount of movement of the workpiece W caused by pressing the second lower shoe 103b against the workpiece W reaches a predetermined value, thereby determining the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0089] 7D, the center members 35, 41 are moved away from the workpiece W, thereby completing the initial positioning (initial positioning completion step). In other words, the workpiece W is supported only by the side shoes 102a, 102b and the lower shoes 103a, 103b.

[0090] 7E, the control device 90 controls the spindle device 30 to rotate the workpiece W while moving the grinding wheel 70 in the axial direction of the workpiece W relative to the workpiece W, thereby performing primary grinding (primary grinding step). In this example, the main body portion Wa of the workpiece W is traverse ground by the grinding wheel 70.

[0091] Next, as shown in FIG. 7F, the outer diameter of the workpiece W after the primary grinding is measured (outer diameter measurement process). The outer diameter measurement may be performed by an operator and the measured value may be input, or may be performed using an automatic measuring device (not shown). The portion where the outer diameter is measured includes at least the vicinity of both ends of the workpiece W. Of course, the portion where the outer diameter is measured may be three or more. The outer diameter measurement here is mainly performed to determine whether the ground portion of the workpiece W is tapered, and if it is tapered, to measure the size of the taper (corresponding to the taper angle). In other words, the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece W when the primary grinding is performed is measured.

[0092] Next, as shown in Fig. 7G, in order to correct the taper, the orientation of the rotation axis of the workpiece W is adjusted to perform high-precision positioning (high-precision positioning step). By controlling the position of the table 20 in the Z-axis direction with the control device 90, the side measuring device 82 is positioned at a position where the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W can be measured. In Fig. 7D, the side measuring device 82 is positioned at a position horizontally facing the vicinity of the second journal portion Wc of the main body portion Wa of the workpiece W.

[0093] In this state, the control device 90 controls the second side feed device 104b while measuring the horizontal position of the other axial end of the workpiece W by the side measuring device 82. That is, the control device 90 controls the horizontal position of the second side shoe 102b based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82. In this way, the control device 90 determines the horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 moves the second side shoe 102b in the horizontal direction based on the measured taper size, particularly the horizontal component of the taper angle. Then, the control device 90 adjusts so that the horizontal component of the taper angle of the rotation axis of the workpiece W becomes zero.

[0094] Furthermore, while the upper measuring device 85 measures the vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W, the control device 90 controls the second lower feed device 105b. That is, the control device 90 controls the vertical position of the second lower shoe 103b based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85. In this way, the control device 90 determines the vertical positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece W. For example, the control device 90 moves the second lower shoe 103b in the vertical direction based on the measured taper size, particularly the vertical component of the taper angle. Then, the control device 90 adjusts so that the vertical component of the taper angle of the rotation axis of the workpiece W becomes zero.

[0095] In this way, by adjusting the horizontal position and vertical position of the other axial end of the workpiece W, the orientation of the rotational axis of the workpiece W can be changed, and the orientation of the rotational axis of the workpiece W can be made to coincide with the traverse direction of the grinding wheel 70.

[0096] In the above example of high-precision positioning, the adjustment is performed while measuring the other axial end of the workpiece W. It is also possible to adjust while measuring one axial end of the workpiece W. In this case, the control device 90 adjusts the positions of the first side shoe 102a and the first lower shoe 103a.

[0097] Specifically, the control device 90 controls the first side feed device 104a based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82 at one axial end of the workpiece W to control the horizontal positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the first lower feed device 105a based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85 at one axial end of the workpiece W to control the up-down positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece W.

[0098] 7H, the spindle device 30 is controlled by the control device 90 to rotate the workpiece W while moving the grinding wheel 70 in the axial direction of the workpiece W relative to the workpiece W, thereby performing secondary grinding (secondary grinding step). In this example, the main body Wa of the workpiece W is traverse ground by the grinding wheel 70. Since the rotation axis of the workpiece W coincides with the traverse direction of the grinding wheel 70, the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W can be ground into a highly accurate cylindrical shape.

[0099] (7. Effects of Grinding Method) As described above, the control device 90 controls the workpiece support device 50 based on the measurement values ​​measured by the measuring device 80 to control the positioning position of the workpiece W. Therefore, the positioning of the workpiece W can be automatically performed. In particular, the control device 90 controls the horizontal positioning position of one axial end of the workpiece W by controlling the first side feed device 104a based on the measurement values ​​measured by the side measuring device 82 at one axial end of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece W by controlling the second side feed device 104b based on the measurement values ​​measured by the side measuring device 82 at the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0100] In other words, the positions of the first side shoe 102a and the second side shoe 102b can be automatically determined using the measurements taken by the side measuring device 82, and the posture of the workpiece W can be set to a desired posture. Therefore, in the support method using shoes, a workpiece having a desired shape can be ground with high precision.

[0101] The same is true for the vertical positioning of the workpiece W. That is, the control device 90 controls the vertical positioning of one axial end of the workpiece W by controlling the first lower feed device 105a based on the measurement value measured by the upper measuring device 85 at one axial end of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the control device 90 controls the vertical positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece W by controlling the second lower feed device 105b based on the measurement value measured by the upper measuring device 85 at the other axial end of the workpiece W.

[0102] In other words, the positions of the first lower shoe 103a and the second lower shoe 103b can be automatically determined using the measurements taken by the upper measuring device 85, and the posture of the workpiece W can be set to a desired posture. Therefore, in the support method using shoes, a workpiece having a desired shape can be ground with high precision.

[0103] In the above grinding method, after performing primary grinding at an initial position, the outer diameter is measured, high-precision positioning is performed based on the outer diameter measurement value, and secondary grinding is performed at the high-precision positioning position. Although primary grinding can grind a cylindrical shape with a certain degree of precision, performing secondary grinding after high-precision positioning enables grinding a cylindrical shape with even higher precision.

[0104] (8. Example of initial positioning method) In the above-mentioned grinding method, the workpiece W is initially positioned as described with reference to Figures 7B and 7C. As the initial positioning method, it is preferable to apply one of the following two examples.

[0105] (8-1. First Example of Initial Positioning Method) A first example of the initial positioning method will be described with reference to Fig. 8. First, one axial end of the workpiece W is positioned in the horizontal direction (step S1). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first side shoe 102a based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82. Next, one axial end of the workpiece W is positioned in the vertical direction (step S2). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first lower shoe 103a based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85.

[0106] Next, the other axial end of the workpiece W is positioned in the horizontal direction (step S3). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second side shoe 102b based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82. Next, the other axial end of the workpiece W is positioned in the vertical direction (step S4). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second lower shoe 103b based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85. Then, the initial positioning is completed.

[0107] That is, one end of the workpiece W is positioned in the horizontal and vertical directions, and then the other end of the workpiece W is positioned in the horizontal and vertical directions. By performing such an operation, the movement of the table 20 can be reduced, and initial positioning can be achieved in a short time.

[0108] Moreover, at each of one axial end and the other axial end of the workpiece W, positioning in the horizontal direction is performed first, and then positioning in the vertical direction. In grinding, the grinding wheel 70 moves in the horizontal direction relative to the workpiece W, so the orientation of the horizontal component of the rotation axis of the workpiece W has a greater effect on the cylindrical accuracy of the workpiece W than the orientation of the vertical component. Therefore, by performing positioning in the horizontal direction before positioning in the vertical direction, high-precision grinding is possible.

[0109] (8-2. Second Example of Initial Positioning Method) The second example of the initial positioning method will be described with reference to Fig. 9. First, one axial end of the workpiece W is positioned horizontally (step S11). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first side shoe 102a based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82. Next, the other axial end of the workpiece W is positioned horizontally (step S12). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second side shoe 102b based on the measurement value by the side measuring device 82.

[0110] Next, one axial end of the workpiece W is positioned in the up-down direction (step S13). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the first lower shoe 103a based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85. Next, the other axial end of the workpiece W is positioned in the up-down direction (step S14). At this time, the control device 90 controls the position of the second lower shoe 103b based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device 85. Then, the initial positioning is completed.

[0111] That is, first, horizontal positioning is performed at one end and the other end of the workpiece W, and then vertical positioning is performed at one end and the other end of the workpiece W. By performing such an operation, the table 20 moves more, and the time required for initial positioning becomes longer.

[0112] However, as explained in the first example of the initial positioning method, the horizontal position of the workpiece W significantly affects the shape accuracy of the workpiece W. Therefore, by first performing horizontal positioning at both ends of the workpiece W, more accurate grinding can be achieved.

[0113] (9. Others) In the above, the side shoes 102a, 102b and the lower shoes 103a, 103b are adjusted to automatically adjust the horizontal and vertical directions at both ends of the workpiece W. However, only the horizontal direction or only the vertical direction may be adopted as necessary.

[0114] Furthermore, if the position of the side measuring device 82 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the position of the side measuring device 82 at the other end of the workpiece W, the horizontal position of the second side shoe 102b may be controlled so that the measurement value of the side measuring device 82 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the measurement value of the side measuring device 82 at the other end of the workpiece W.

[0115] Furthermore, if the position of the upper measuring device 85 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the position of the upper measuring device 85 at the other end of the workpiece W, the vertical position of the lower shoe 103b may be controlled so that the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85 at one end of the workpiece W is the same as the measurement value of the upper measuring device 85 at the other end of the workpiece W. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: grinding machine, 10: bed, 20: table, 30: spindle device, 31: spindle stock, 35: center member, 40: tailstock device, 41: center member, 50: workpiece support device, 51: first support device, 52: second support device, 60: grinding wheel head, 61: measuring device support base, 70: grinding wheel, 80: measuring device, 82: side measuring device, 83: cylinder device, 84: side rapid-forward sensor, 85: upper measuring device, 86: NC drive device for upper measuring device, 87: upper rapid-forward sensor, 90: control device, 101a: first support body, 101b: second support body, 102a: first side shoe, 102b: second side shoe, 103a: first lower shoe, 103b: second lower shoe, 104a: first side feeder, 104b: second side feeder, 105a: first lower feeder, 105b: second lower feeder, W: workpiece, Wa: main body, Wb: first journal, Wc: second journal

Claims

1. a workpiece support device that rotatably supports a workpiece having a first journal portion and a second journal portion at both axial ends; a grinding wheel that grinds the workpiece by moving relatively in a horizontal direction with respect to the workpiece; a measuring device used for positioning the workpiece by the workpiece support device; a control device that controls the workpiece support device based on the measurement values ​​measured by the measuring device to control the positioning position of the workpiece; and an NC drive device that moves the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece support device in a direction toward and away from the workpiece support device, The workpiece support device includes: a first lower shoe and a first side shoe that rotatably support the first journal portion and position the workpiece; a second lower shoe and a second side shoe that rotatably support the second journal portion and position the workpiece; a first lower feed device and a second lower feed device which move the first lower shoe and the second lower shoe, respectively, in a radial direction of the workpiece; a first side feed device and a second side feed device which move the first side shoe and the second side shoe, respectively, in a radial direction of the workpiece; The measuring device is a side measuring device located on the opposite side of the first side shoe and the second side shoe with respect to a rotation axis of the workpiece, the side measuring device measuring the horizontal position of each of the one axial end portion and the other axial end portion of the workpiece; an upper measuring device located on the opposite side of the first lower shoe and the second lower shoe with respect to a rotation axis of the workpiece, the upper measuring device measuring the vertical positions of each of the one axial end and the other axial end of the workpiece; a cylinder device for vertically moving the side measuring device between a measurement position and a retreat position; an NC drive device for the upper measuring device that moves the upper measuring device between a measurement position and a retreat position in the vertical direction; The control device includes: Based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the one axial end of the workpiece, the first side feed device is controlled to control a horizontal positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece; Based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece, the second side feed device is controlled to control a horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece; controlling the first lower feed device based on the measurement value of the one axial end portion of the workpiece by the upper measuring device to control a vertical positioning position of the one axial end portion of the workpiece; A grinding machine that controls the second lower feed device based on the measurement value taken by the upper measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece, thereby controlling the up-down positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece.

2. The control device includes: Based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the one axial end of the workpiece, the first side feed device is controlled to control a horizontal positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece, and then controlling the first lower feed device based on the measurement value of the one axial end portion of the workpiece by the upper measuring device to control a vertical positioning position of the one axial end portion of the workpiece; Based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece, the second side feed device is controlled to control the horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece, and then 2. The grinding machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a second lower feed device that controls the vertical positioning of the other axial end of the workpiece based on the measurement value measured by the upper measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece.

3. The control device includes: Based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the one axial end of the workpiece, the first side feed device is controlled to control a horizontal positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece; After controlling the horizontal positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece, the second side feed device is controlled based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece to control the horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece; After controlling the horizontal positioning of the other end of the axial direction of the workpiece, the second lower feed device is controlled based on the measurement value of the other end of the axial direction of the workpiece by the upper measuring device to control the vertical positioning of the other end of the axial direction of the workpiece; 2. The grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein after controlling the vertical positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece, the first lower feed device is controlled based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device at one axial end of the workpiece to control the vertical positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece.

4. The control device includes: When the workpiece is tapered, Controlling the first side feed device based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the one axial end of the workpiece to control a horizontal positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece; and and at least one of controlling the second side feed device based on the measurement value by the side measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece to control a horizontal positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece.

4. The grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece is changed so that the workpiece can be ground into a cylindrical shape.

5. The control device includes: When the workpiece is tapered, Controlling the first lower feed device based on the measurement value by the upper measuring device at the one axial end of the workpiece to control a vertical positioning position of the one axial end of the workpiece; and and at least one of controlling the second lower feed device based on a measurement value by the upper measuring device at the other axial end of the workpiece to control a vertical positioning position of the other axial end of the workpiece, 4. The grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece is changed so that the workpiece can be ground into a cylindrical shape.

6. The measuring device further comprises: a side fast-forward sensor provided so as to be movable integrally with the side measuring device and having a detectable distance longer than a detectable distance of the side measuring device; an upper fast-forward sensor that is provided so as to be movable integrally with the upper measuring device and has a detectable distance longer than a detectable distance of the upper measuring device; Equipped with The control device includes: moving the side measuring device to perform an initial positioning relative to the workpiece based on the measurement value by the side rapid feed sensor; 6. The grinding machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper measuring device is moved to perform initial positioning relative to the workpiece based on a measurement value by the upper rapid-forward sensor.

Images