Grinding Machine Tailstock Hollow Quill for Single-Setup Contouring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding methods for workpieces with both external and internal contours require multiple clamping states, leading to complexity and reduced accuracy due to reference changes during different grinding processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and grinding machine that allow for simultaneous clamping of workpieces along their longitudinal axis, using a tailstock hollow quill to access internal recesses while maintaining centered clamping, enabling both external and internal grinding without changing the reference axis, thus minimizing concentricity errors and reducing cycle time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple clamping states are used to grind internal and external contours separately, then grinding capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding capabilityVSAvoidgrinding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines external grinding and internal grinding operations into a single clamping state. The workpiece is clamped between a headstock with a center point and a tailstock with a hollow quill, allowing both grinding operations to be performed without changing clamping configuration. This merging eliminates reference changes and maintains consistent centering throughout the entire grinding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tailstock hollow quill serves multiple functions: it provides centering support for the workpiece during external grinding, allows the inner grinding wheel to access the internal recess, and maintains the workpiece in a fixed position during internal grinding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate clamping states and steady rest support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If steady rest support is used for internal grinding, then grinding capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal grinding capabilityVSAvoidclamping configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailstock hollow quill serves as a multi-functional component that replaces both the steady rest and the centering mechanism. It provides structural support during external grinding, enables inner grinding wheel access, and maintains workpiece position during internal grinding, thereby eliminating the need for separate steady rest support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of steady rest support and inner grinding wheel access into a single tailstock hollow quill structure. This integration allows internal grinding to be performed without adding separate steady rest components, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If sequential grinding operations are performed, then grinding capability is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding operationVSAvoidcycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous grinding operations by maintaining the workpiece in a fixed clamping state throughout both external and internal grinding. The inner grinding wheel can be introduced through the hollow quill without releasing or re-clamping the workpiece, allowing operations to continue seamlessly and reducing idle time between grinding steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The tailstock hollow quill is pre-configured with a hollow center that allows the inner grinding wheel to be introduced before external grinding is completed. This preliminary preparation enables the inner grinding wheel to be positioned and engaged without interrupting the external grinding operation or requiring workpiece repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3310530B1Method and grinding machine for grinding external and internal contours of workpieces in one set-up
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 ERWIN JUNKER MASHINENFABRIK GMBH
  • EP3310530B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3310530B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3310530B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

What is described is a method and a grinding machine for implementing the method, in which a machine component (2) to be machined which is clamped at its two ends (3, 5) and has an internal recess (6) to be ground is ground in a single set-up. The internal recess (6) is ground by an internal grinding disc (8), wherein the machine component (2) is held so as to be rotationally driven in its set-up between a workpiece headstock (9) and a tailstock (10) and is additionally ground on its external contour (17) by means of a grinding disc (16). The machine component (2) is held in a centring manner on the tailstock (10) by a tailstock hollow sleeve (15) with a hollow centre (20) at the end region of the internal recess (6), wherein the internal grinding disc (8) engages through the tailstock hollow sleeve (15) and the hollow centre (20) during the grinding of the internal recess (6). In the case of the grinding machine according to the invention, a separate grinding headstock is preferably provided in the region of the tailstock (10) and bears the internal grinding disc (8), which in turn can be advanced to the circumferential surface of the internal recess (6) by engaging through the tailstock hollow sleeve (15) and the hollow centre (20).