U.S. patent application number 10/844207 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for barrel polishing device.
Invention is credited to Kawasaki, Shuji, Otani, Naomichi, Yamaguchi, Kazuo, Yokoyama, Akira.
Application Number | 20050255797 10/844207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35206928 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050255797 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kawasaki, Shuji ; et
al. |
November 17, 2005 |
BARREL POLISHING DEVICE
Abstract
A barrel polishing device for polishing a workpiece having a
relatively complicated shape such as a vehicle wheel. The barrel
polishing device comprises a polishing medium storage tank for
storing polishing media, a base, a workpiece supporting shaft
mounted on the base, and a workpiece detachably mounted on a tip
part of the workpiece supporting shaft, the polishing media stored
in the polishing medium storage tank being flowed by an appropriate
means, and the workpiece supporting shaft being disposed so that a
front side of the workpiece opposes the flow of the polishing
media, the workpiece supporting shaft being rotated about an axis
thereof, and a baffle member being placed in the vicinity of a back
side of the workpiece.
Inventors: |
Kawasaki, Shuji;
(Hamamatsu-shi, JP) ; Otani, Naomichi;
(Tomakomai-shi, JP) ; Yamaguchi, Kazuo;
(Tomakomai-shi, JP) ; Yokoyama, Akira;
(Tomakomai-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MURAMATSU & ASSOCIATES
Suite 310
114 Pacifica
Irvine
CA
92618
US
|
Family ID: |
35206928 |
Appl. No.: |
10/844207 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B 31/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/113 |
International
Class: |
B24B 019/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A barrel polishing device according to claim 3, wherein said
workpiece has a window.
3. A barrel polishing device, comprising: a polishing media storage
tank for storing polishing media, said polishing media being flowed
by rotation of the polishing medium storage tank; a base; a
workpiece supporting shaft mounted on said base and being rotated
about an axis thereof; a workpiece detachably mounted on a tip part
of said workpiece supporting shaft; and a baffle member which is
placed in the vicinity of a back side of said workpiece; wherein
said workpiece supporting shaft being disposed so that a front side
of said workpiece opposes to the flow of said polishing media; and
wherein said baffle member is capable of advancing and retracting
with respect to the back side of said workpiece.
4. A barrel polishing device according to claim 3, wherein said
baffle member is formed of an elastic material.
5. A barrel polishing device according to claim 4, wherein said
baffle member is formed in the shape of a tongue.
6. A barrel polishing device according to claim 4, wherein an outer
configuration of said baffle member is generally coincident with a
configuration of the back side of said workpiece.
7. A barrel polishing device, comprising: a polishing media storage
tank for storing polishing media, said polishing media being flowed
by rotation of the polishing medium storage tank; a base; a
workpiece supporting shaft mounted on said base and being rotated
about an axis thereof; a workpiece detachably mounted on a tip part
of said workpiece supporting shaft; and a baffle member which is
placed in the vicinity of a back side of said workpiece; wherein
said workpiece supporting shaft being disposed so that a front side
of said workpiece opposes to the flow of said polishing media; and
wherein said baffle member is placed in the vicinity of a lower
part of the back side of said workpiece.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a barrel polishing device which is
used for barrel polishing, for example, a vehicle wheel.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, when a vehicle wheel is to be barrel
polished, it was an ordinary practice that the front side of the
vehicle wheel is arranged in such a manner as to oppose to the flow
of polishing media in the state slanted forward, and the side of
the vehicle wheel is polished by flowing the polishing media along
the front side of the vehicle wheel while rotating the vehicle
wheel (about the axis).
[0003] The polishing media, which have polished the front side, are
turned from the perimeter of the vehicle wheel and stored in the
back.
[0004] In this conventional barrel polishing method, however, the
back of the vehicle wheel is difficult to polish because the
polishing media stored in the back side of the vehicle wheel are
flown away backward while turning by the turning force of the
vehicle wheel.
[0005] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
overcome the above-mentioned inconvenience.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0006] In order to overcome the above-mentioned inconvenience, the
inventor of the present invention made extensive search and
development and accomplished this invention.
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a
barrel polishing device comprising a polishing medium storage tank
for storing polishing media, a base, a workpiece supporting shaft
mounted on the base, and a workpiece detachably mounted on a tip
part of the workpiece supporting shaft, the polishing media stored
in the polishing medium storage tank being flowed by an appropriate
means, and the workpiece supporting shaft being disposed so that a
front side of the workpiece opposes the flow of the polishing
media, the workpiece supporting shaft being rotated about an axis
thereof, and a baffle member being placed in the vicinity of a back
side of the workpiece. Accordingly, the flow of the polishing media
stored in the back side of the workpiece is interfered with the
baffle. Consequently, the surface pressure of the polishing media
with respect to the back side of the workpiece can be
increased.
[0008] Thus, if this barrel polishing device, since both the front
and back sides of the workpiece can be polished simultaneously, the
polishing efficiency of the barrel polishing for the workpiece can
easily be enhanced.
[0009] Moreover, since the entire workpiece is simultaneously
polished, the surface of the workpiece is activated. As a result,
the coating adhesion, which is to be taken place in the succeeding
process, is enhanced. In addition, since the surface hardening of
the workpiece is caused by the polishing media, the workpiece is
enhanced in strength.
[0010] If the workpiece is provided with a window, the corner parts
of the back side of this window can be simultaneously polished in
the shape of an R, the coating thickness in the succeeding process
can be uniformed. As a result, generation of rust can be prevented
and strength can be enhanced by preventing concentration of
stress.
[0011] If the baffle member is capable of advancing and retracting
with respect to the back side of the workpiece, the spacing between
the back side of the workpiece and the baffle member is adjustable
and therefore, the surface pressure of the polishing media with
respect to the back side of the workpiece can be adjusted. Thus,
the application range can be expanded.
[0012] If the baffle member is formed of an elastic material, since
the baffle member is swung, the endurance of the baffle member can
be maintained even if the flow pressure of the baffle member (at
the back side of the workpiece), which is turned and flowed
together with the workpiece, is changed.
[0013] If the baffle member is formed in the shape of a tongue,
since the swinging can be made more easily, the endurance of the
baffle member can be maintained over a longer period of time.
[0014] If an outer configuration of the baffle member is generally
coincident with a configuration of the back side of the workpiece,
since the surface pressure of the polishing media with respect to
the back side of the workpiece can be maintained generally at a
constant level, uniformed polishing can be carried out.
[0015] If the baffle member is placed in the vicinity of a lower
part of the back side of the workpiece, the flow of the polishing
media stored in a lower side of the back side of the workpiece is
interfered with the baffle. As a result, the surface pressure of
the polishing media with respect to the back side at the lower part
of the workpiece can be increased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a barrel polishing device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a view when viewed in a direction as indicated by
an arrow II of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a view when viewed in a direction as indicated by
an arrow III of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line IV-IV of FIG.
3.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 1 but showing another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 1 but showing a further
embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0022] In the embodiments to be described hereinafter, a "vehicle
wheel" will be employed as one example of a workpiece.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a barrel polishing device
according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a
view when viewed in a direction as indicated by an arrow II of FIG.
1, FIG. 3 is a view when viewed in a direction as indicated by an
arrow III of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line IV-IV
of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 1 but showing another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference symbol B denotes a barrel
polishing device and 10 denotes its base. Reference numeral 20
denotes a polishing media storage tank which is mounted on the base
10. This polishing media storage tank 20 is in the shape of a
circular cylinder. The polishing media storage tank 20 is turnable
in a peripheral direction about an axis O by an appropriate turning
means (see an arrow of FIG. 1, indicating the turning direction
about the axis O). Reference numeral 21, 21, . . . denote polishing
media which are stored in this polishing media storage tank 20. In
accordance with the turn of the polishing media storage tank 20 in
the peripheral direction, the polishing media 21, 21, . . . are
flown in the same direction. As the polishing media 21, 21, . . . ,
those normally used, such as ceramics, may be used. The polishing
method may be either wet or dry type polishing.
[0025] Reference numeral 22 denotes an upper end opening of the
polishing media storage vessel 20. Through this upper end opening
22, an aluminum-made vehicle wheel (corresponding to the
"workpiece" of the present invention) W as later described is
dipped into the polishing media 21, 21, . . . .
[0026] Reference numeral 11 denotes a supporting frame which is
raised from the base 10. This supporting frame 11 extends generally
to the upper end of the polishing media storage vessel 20.
[0027] Reference numeral 30 denotes a reversible plate which is
mounted on the supporting frame 11 through a rotation shaft 31.
This reversible plate 30 is reciprocally reversible in the range of
approximately 180 degrees in accordance with the rotation of the
rotation shaft 31. The rotation shaft 31 is driven for rotation by
an appropriate rotation driving means such as a motor.
[0028] Reference numeral 41 denotes a supporting plate which is
installed at the end edge part of the reversible plate 30. This
supporting plate 41 extends upward. Reference numeral 40 denotes a
supporting bed which is fixed to a forward end part of the
supporting plate 41. This supporting bed 40 is arranged in its
perpendicular posture.
[0029] Reference numeral 51 denotes a first driving motor which is
mounted on the supporting bed 40. The turning force of this first
driving motor 51 is transmitted through a driving sprocket 52.
Reference numeral 60 denotes a workpiece supporting shaft which is
turnably mounted on the supporting bed 40 through bearings 61, 61.
This workpiece supporting shaft 60 projects in a direction of the
polishing media storage vessel 20 (see FIG. 1). Reference numeral
62 denotes a driven sprocket which is mounted on a rear end part of
the workpiece supporting shaft 60. A chain 53 is wound around this
driven sprocket 62 and the driving sprocket (of the first driving
motor 51) 52, so that the turning force of the first driving motor
51 is transmitted thereto at a reduced speed.
[0030] The aluminum-made vehicle wheel W is removably attached to
the forward end of this workpiece supporting shaft 60 through an
actuator (not shown) and dipped in the polishing media 21, 21, . .
. of the polishing media storage vessel 20. Thus, in accordance
with the revolution of the first driving motor 51, the workpiece
supporting shaft 60 is turnable about its axis.
[0031] At that time, the aluminum-made vehicle wheel W is held in
the state in which its front part is slanted toward the flow of the
polishing media 21, 21, . . . (see the state of FIG. 1). The
workpiece supporting shaft 60 can intermittently turn normally and
reversely.
[0032] The vehicle wheel W is of the type in which a rim part 72 is
integrally formed around a disc part 71. Windows 73, 73, . . . are
formed at this disc part 72.
[0033] Reference numeral 80 denotes an advance and retreat rod
which is advanceably and retreatably (along the axis) mounted on
the supporting bed 40 through bearings 81, 81. This advance and
retreat rod 80 is arranged at a lower part of the workpiece
supporting shaft 60 in a generally parallel relation. Reference
numeral 82 is a basal part. In the advance and retreat rod 80, the
basal part 82 is fixed between the bearings 81, 81. Nut members 83,
83 are fixed to this basal part 82.
[0034] On the other hand, reference numeral 84 denotes a second
driving motor which is mounted on the supporting bed 40. This
second driving motor 84 is provided with a reduction mechanism.
Reference numeral 85 denotes a bolt pin which is turnably installed
on the supporting bed 40 through bearings 86, 86. This bolt pin 85
is turned about the axis by the second driving motor 84. The bolt
pin 85 is threadingly engaged with the nut members 83, 83. Owing to
this arrangement, when the bolt pin 85 is turned, the nut members
83, 83, and thus the advance and retreat rod 80, are advanced and
retracted.
[0035] Reference numeral 90 denotes a baffle member which is
removably mounted on the forward end of the advance and retreat rod
80. This baffle member 90 is placed in the vicinity of a lower part
on the back side of the vehicle wheel W. The baffle member 90 is
formed in the shape of a tongue from elastic material such as
synthetic resin. Owing to this feature, since the baffle member 90
can easily swing, the endurance of the baffle member 90 can be
maintained even if the flow pressure of the polishing media 21, 21,
. . . is changed. Moreover, if the baffle member 90 is formed in
the shape of a tongue, it can more easily swing and therefore, the
endurance of the baffle member 90 can be maintained over a longer
period of time. Moreover, since the outer configuration of the
peripheral edge of the baffle member 90 is made generally
coincident with the configuration of the back side of the vehicle
wheel W (see FIG. 1), the surface pressures of the polishing media
21, 21, . . . can be maintained at a generally constant level and
therefore, uniformed polishing can be achieved.
[0036] Operation of the barrel polishing device B will now be
described briefly.
[0037] In this barrel polishing device B, the aluminum-made vehicle
wheel W is fixed to the forward end of the workpiece supporting
shaft 60 and while rotating the same, the vehicle wheel W is sunk
in the polishing media 21, 21, . . . of the polishing media storage
vessel 20. Then, the polishing media 21, 21, . . . , which have
passed through the windows 73, 73 of the vehicle wheel W, are
mostly stored on the back side of the vehicle wheel W. Then, while
rotating and flowing (see the direction as indicated by an arrow of
FIG. 4) in accordance with the rotation of the vehicle wheel W, the
polishing media 21, 21, . . . flow backward. At that time, as shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the advance and retreat rod 80 is brought to
the vicinity of the back side of the disc part 71, the flow of the
polishing media 21, 21, . . . is urged against the disc part 71 by
the peripheral edge of the baffle member 90 so that this part is
polished. Especially, since the corner parts at the back side of a
spoke part constituting the window 73 can be simultaneously
polished in the shape of R, the coating thickness in the succeeding
process can be uniformed. As a result, generation of rust can be
prevented and strength can be enhanced by preventing concentration
of stress. Moreover, since the baffle member 90 is made advanceable
and retractable with respect to the back side of the vehicle wheel
W, the surface pressure of the polishing media 21, 21, . . . with
respect to the back side of the vehicle wheel W is adjustable.
[0038] As the polishing media in this polishing device B, a
granular body, a lump or the like of a soft material such as, for
example, sponge, rubber, soft plastics and the like can be used. By
using selected one of those materials, the finish polishing can be
conducted in an efficient manner. It is also accepted that a soft
material is coated on the surface of a hard grain, a hard lump or
the like, so as to be used as the polishing media.
[0039] After the barrel polishing is carried out, a surface
treatment such as coating, plating and anodizing is conducted.
Those surface treatments include all of the normally available
treatments.
[0040] Although a vehicle wheel is employed as a workpiece in this
embodiment, the present invention is not limited to it. Needless to
say, all objects to be polished can be included therein.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment, the workpiece supporting shaft 60 is arranged
perpendicular to the flowing direction of the polishing media 21.
In this embodiment, the polishing media 21 flow along the front and
back surfaces of the vehicle wheel W. The polishing media 21
flowing along the back surface of the vehicle wheel W are urged
against the disc part 7i by the peripheral edge of the baffle
member 90, so as to polish this part.
[0042] When the vehicle wheel W enters the polishing media
downward, the polishing media 21 flow from the front surface to the
back surface and therefore, the same effect as in the
above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the workpiece supporting shaft 60 is arranged
horizontal to the flowing direction of the polishing media 21. The
polishing media 21 are collided with the front surface of the
vehicle wheel W and mostly stored on the back side of the vehicle
wheel W after passing through the windows 73, 73, . . . . At this
time, as shown in FIG. 6, when the advance and retreat rod 80 is
brought to the vicinity of the back side of the disc part 71, the
flow of the polishing media 21, 21, . . . is urged against the disc
part 71 by the peripheral edge of the baffle member 90, so as to
polish this part. As a means for turning the workpiece supporting
shaft 60, the conventionally available drive transmitting means
(rotation transmitting means in the perpendicular direction) such
as a bevel gear is used. Similarly, as a means for advancing and
retreating the advance and retreat rod 80, a conventionally
available drive transmitting means (means for converting a rotating
motion into an advancing and retreating motion) such as a rack and
a pinion is used.
[0044] Industrial Applicability
[0045] As mentioned above, since a barrel polishing device
according to the present invention is effectively used for a member
which needs a polishing effect on the back side such as a vehicle
wheel because it is excellent in polishing effect at the back side
of a rotating workpiece.
* * * * *