Grinding Spindle Unit Coupling for Fast Belted Arm Changeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding machines require time-consuming and expertise-dependent assembly processes for changing grinding spindle units, particularly grinding arms, which increases downtime and introduces errors due to manual belt tensioning and complex mechanical connections.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a zero-point clamping system with spaced clamping spigots and recesses on the grinding spindle unit and base unit, along with an elastically displaceable deflection wheel, allows for quick and precise coupling and decoupling, eliminating the need for manual belt threading and tensioning, and ensuring consistent belt tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional belt drive system is used with manual assembly, then the grinding spindle unit can be attached to the base unit, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires special expertise for belt threading and tensioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The belt is pre-installed on the deflection wheel and grinding wheel in the grinding spindle unit before attachment to the base unit. The drive wheel is designed with a specific geometry that automatically engages the belt at the correct tension when the grinding spindle unit is mounted on the base unit, eliminating the need for manual belt threading and tensioning during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The drive wheel's specific geometry enables automatic belt tensioning through the elastic displacement of the deflection wheel. When the grinding spindle unit is attached to the base unit, the contact surfaces engage and the drive wheel automatically contacts the belt with the correct force, creating the required tension without manual intervention. The system self-regulates the belt tension through the elastic deflection wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual belt tensioning is performed during assembly, then the belt can be installed, but the process requires special expertise and increases the risk of assembly errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive wheel's specific geometry and the elastic deflection wheel work together to automatically establish the correct belt tension when the grinding spindle unit is mounted on the base unit. The system self-regulates the tension through the elastic displacement of the deflection wheel, eliminating human error and the need for specialized expertise in belt tensioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic deflection wheel changes its displacement parameter automatically based on the engagement of contact surfaces between the grinding spindle unit and base unit. This parameter change (elastic displacement) directly controls the belt tension, ensuring consistent and accurate tensioning without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the grinding spindle unit is designed with detachable mounting, then the grinding arm can be changed quickly, but precise positioning and consistent belt tension become difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechangeover speedVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The belt is pre-installed on the deflection wheel and grinding wheel with specific geometric relationships established during manufacturing. The drive wheel is designed with a specific geometry that ensures automatic engagement at the correct position and tension when the grinding spindle unit is attached to the base unit, ensuring repeatable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic deflection wheel provides automatic compensation for positioning variations through its elastic displacement. When the grinding spindle unit is attached to the base unit, the contact surfaces engage at a defined position, and the elastic deflection wheel adjusts its displacement to maintain consistent belt tension, ensuring repeatable positioning and tensioning across multiple attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration significantly reduces setup time, minimizes errors, and ensures repeatable, precise positioning of the grinding spindle unit, enhancing operator comfort and machine efficiency by automating belt tension and simplifying the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

the other of the two deflection wheels (9) is mounted elastically displaceable in the grinding spindle unit (4) in the direction perpendicular to its axis of rotation (4L). a displacement limiter (11) is provided for the displacement of the elastically displaceable deflection wheel (9). The limitation of the displacement path for the elastically displaceable deflection wheel (9) is preferably chosen such that when the grinding spindle unit (4) is installed on the base unit (3), there is a predetermined tension in the belt (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the drive wheel (7), the drive wheel (2) and the two deflection wheels (8, 9) are preferably designed as toothed belt wheels. When the grinding spindle unit (4) is installed on the base unit (3), the drive wheel (2) contacts the belt (10) between the first deflection wheel (8) and the second deflection wheel (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3398717B1Grinding machine
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 KAPP WERKZEUGMASCH
  • EP3398717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3398717B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a grinding machine comprising an electric drive (1) with a drive wheel (2), wherein the drive (1) is arranged on a base unit (3) of the grinding machine, a grinding spindle unit (4) detachably arranged on the base unit (3) of the grinding machine, comprising a grinding tool (5), and a gear element (6) that transmits the rotary motion of the drive wheel (2) to the grinding tool (5).To simplify the changing of the grinding arm, the invention provides that the gear element (6) comprises: a drive wheel (7) mounted in the grinding spindle unit (4), which is in direct or indirect rotary connection with the grinding tool (5), two deflection wheels (8, 9) mounted in the grinding spindle unit (4), and a belt (10) guided around the drive wheel (7) and the deflection wheels (8, 9), wherein, in the mounted state of the grinding spindle unit (4) on the base unit (3), the drive wheel (2) between the two deflection wheels (8, 9) contacts the belt (10) and thereby drives it.