Centerless Grinding Loading Frame for Faster Workpiece Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plunge-cut grinding machines for centerless external cylindrical grinding face challenges in efficiently producing a large number of workpieces due to lengthy workpiece changeover times and the need for multiple handling tools.
Innovation Solution
A loading device with a receiving frame and displacement actuator that axially displaces to convey finished workpieces out and insert new ones simultaneously, utilizing a conveyor stop and positioning stop to manage workpiece positioning and movement within the grinding gap, allowing for quick and efficient workpiece exchange without additional handling tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single handling tool is used to convey out end workpieces and insert new ones sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but workpiece changeover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of conveying out end workpieces and inserting new raw workpieces into a single integrated receiving frame. The receiving frame performs both operations in one axial movement cycle, eliminating the need for separate handling tools and sequential operations, thus reducing both device complexity and workpiece changeover time simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving frame is designed to carry a new raw workpiece in advance during its return movement to the grinding gap. This preliminary positioning of the next workpiece allows immediate insertion after the previous workpiece is conveyed out, overlapping the preparation phase with the machining phase and minimizing idle time
2Loss of time
If multiple handling tools are used to convey out end workpieces and insert new ones simultaneously, then workpiece changeover time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving frame is designed as a universal handling device that performs multiple functions: it conveys out end workpieces using a conveyor stop, inserts new raw workpieces using a positioning stop, and prepares the next workpiece in advance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized handling tools while achieving simultaneous conveyance and insertion operations
3Productivity
If the receiving frame moves quickly to reduce changeover time, then productivity increases, but workpiece positioning precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving frame incorporates self-positioning features including a positioning stop that automatically locates the raw workpiece in the correct axial position, and a conveyor stop that automatically conveys the end workpiece out. These self-service mechanisms ensure consistent positioning precision without requiring slow, controlled movements, allowing rapid cycling while maintaining accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces workpiece changeover time, enabling a higher production volume by allowing simultaneous conveyance and insertion of workpieces, thus optimizing the use of a single handling tool and minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement actuator acting on the receiving frame for axially displacing the mounting frame relative to the support body in a grinding gap of the plunge-cut grinding machine
Implementation Method 2
a support body for forming a support base for the raw workpiece received in the receiving frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a loading device (10) for a plunge cut grinding machine for centreless cylindrical grinding, comprising a receiving frame (14) for receiving a blank workpiece (16) to be machined, wherein the receiving frame (14) is open in the direction of gravity, and comprising a support body (12) for forming a supporting base (18) for the blank workpiece (16) received in the receiving frame (14), and comprising a displacement actuator (20) acting on the receiving frame (14) to axially displace the receiving frame (14) relative to the support body (12) into a grinding gap (22) of the plunge cut grinding machine where the receiving frame (14) is positioned offset to the support body (14), wherein the receiving frame (14) has a feed stop (32) on an end face, facing in the axial direction, to axially remove a machined workpiece (24) arranged in the grinding gap (22). Because the receiving frame (14) is designed to both remove the machined workpiece (24) and insert the blank workpiece (16), the workpiece changeover time can be considerably reduced, enabling a high piece number of workpieces to be produced by means of a plunge cut grinding machine.