U.S. patent number 3,597,881 [Application Number 04/775,468] was granted by the patent office on 1971-08-10 for grinder for grinding the faces of edge-supported workpieces.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Murray-Way Corporation, Norton Company. Invention is credited to Dirck J. Olton, Witold C. Przygocki.
United States Patent |
3,597,881 |
Olton , et al. |
August 10, 1971 |
GRINDER FOR GRINDING THE FACES OF EDGE-SUPPORTED WORKPIECES
Abstract
An apparatus for grinding the faces of edge-supported workpieces
such as metal slabs, billets, coil, strip and the like by means of
a vertically disposed grinding head which can include an abrasive
belt, with the apparatus including guide apparatus whereby the
workpiece can be presented to the abrasive belt, and if desired,
can be presented a plurality of times in reverse directions to the
abrasive belt surface whereby several cuts can be made on the same
surface, with the guide apparatus including a turntable whereby the
workpiece can be turned 180.degree. for grinding both sides.
Inventors: |
Olton; Dirck J. (Loudonville,
NY), Przygocki; Witold C. (Southfield, MI) |
Assignee: |
Murray-Way Corporation (Troy,
NY)
Norton Company (Troy, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
25104527 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/775,468 |
Filed: |
November 13, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/299; 451/131;
451/172; 451/188; 451/332; 451/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B24B
7/12 (20130101); B24B 41/005 (20130101); B24B
21/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B24B
7/00 (20060101); B24B 21/04 (20060101); B24B
21/12 (20060101); B24B 41/00 (20060101); B24B
7/12 (20060101); B24b 021/04 (); B24b 047/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;51/135,139,66,78,74,215,118,87,39 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Simpson; Othell M.
Claims
What we claim is:
1. Apparatus for grinding generally flat surfaced workpieces
comprising: feed means for vertically supporting and feeding said
workpieces to a grinding section, grinding means at said grinding
section for grinding at least one face of the workpiece as it is
moved therethrough, said grinding means including abrading means
for removing material from a vertical face of said workpiece and
support means adjacent said abrading means for supporting the
workpiece at at least two horizontally spaced points on one side of
the workpiece and a third point located intermediate each of said
two at least horizontally spaced points and on the opposite side of
the workpiece, said support means each being selectively movable
toward and away from the workpiece to a position for gripping the
workpiece and locating it relative to said abrading means whereby
the depth of cut is determined, said horizontally spaced support
means each including actuating means for rapidly applying a force
against the workpiece for rapidly moving the workpiece away from
the abrading means in the event of a predetermined occurrence, said
intermediate support means including release means for providing
for rapid movement of the intermediate support means from the
workpiece in the event of said predetermined occurrence.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said feed means supports
the workpiece on an edge.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means supports the
workpiece at only two horizontally spaced points on one side of the
workpiece and at a third point located intermediate said two points
and on the opposite side.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 with said support means comprising
three roll members located at said three points and said abrading
means including an abrasive belt supported on a contact roll being
located between said two points and generally opposite said one
point with the one of said roll members at said one point being a
billy roll.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 with said billy roll being power
driven.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 with said release means and said
actuating means each comprising a piston movable rapidly from a
first fixed position to a second fixed position whereby in the
event of replacement of the belt after breakage each said piston
can be actuated to its original first fixed position whereby the
original depth of cut can be quickly reobtained.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 with said intermediate support means
including pivot means for supporting said billy roll for pivotal
movement about a longitudinal, horizontal axis.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 with said pivot means including pivot
actuating means for biasing said billy roll in a substantially
vertical position.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 with said pivot-actuating means
comprising at least one fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly
located at one vertical side of said axis.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 with said feed means including
workpiece feed means located on opposite sides of said grinding
means for selectively feeding the workpiece in said grinding means
from opposite directions.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said feed means
comprises a first feed means and a second feed means associated
therewith, said second feed means being disposed adjacent to, and
feeding the workpiece into said grinding section.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 with said first feed means including
guide means associated therewith for guiding the workpiece into the
associated second workpiece feed means.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 including rotatable means for
supporting one of said guide means and for rotating said one of
said guide means to a position at which the workpiece can be guided
into the associated one of said second feed means whereby the
opposite side of the workpiece can be ground.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 with said first feed means comprising
a plurality of support rolls supported to rotate on transverse,
horizontal axes and means selectively actuable for varying the
vertical position of said support rolls.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 with said guide means comprising a
plurality of pairs of guide rolls supported to rotate on vertical
axes and located on opposite sides of the workpiece for guiding the
workpiece and moving means for independently moving each of said
pairs of guide rolls towards each other to grip the workpiece or
away from each other to release the workpiece.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the guide rolls are pivotally
supported.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 including means for maintaining said
guide rolls in a generally vertical position.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 in which said moving means supports
one roll of said pair of guide rolls for movement in response to
variations in thickness of the workpiece.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 including drive means selectively
actuable for driving said support rolls whereby the workpiece can
be moved longitudinally.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 with each of said second workpiece
feed means comprising a pair of pinch rolls supported for selective
simultaneous movement relative to the workpiece and for selective
movement relative to each other.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 with each of said pinch rolls being
supported for pivotal movement about a longitudinally extending
horizontal axis to fixed positions angulated relative to the
vertical.
22. The apparatus of claim 18 including means supporting said guide
rolls for pivotal movement about a horizontal, longitudinal
axis.
23. Apparatus for grinding generally flat workpieces comprising:
conveying means for supporting the workpiece on an edge, grinding
means for grinding a vertical face on the workpiece as it is moved
therethrough, and feed means for feeding the workpiece into said
grinding means, said grinding means including abrading means for
removing material from said face, said conveying means and said
feed means including workpiece feed means located on opposite sides
of said grinding means for selectively feeding the workpiece in
said grinding means from opposite directions, said conveying means
including guide means associated with said workpiece feed means for
guiding the workpiece into the associated one of said feed means
and rotatable means for supporting one of said guide means and for
rotating said one of said guide means to a position at which the
workpiece can be guided into the associated one of said feed means
whereby the opposite side of the workpiece can be ground.
24. Apparatus for grinding generally flat workpieces comprising:
conveying means for supporting the workpiece on an edge, grinding
means for grinding a vertical face on the workpiece as it is moved
therethrough, feed means for feeding the workpiece into said
grinding means, said grinding means including abrading means for
removing material from the vertical face, said conveying means
including guide means associated with said feed means for guiding
the workpiece into said feed means, said guide means comprising a
plurality of pairs of guide rolls supported to rotate on vertical
axes and located on opposite sides of the workpiece for guiding the
workpiece and moving means for independently moving each of said
pairs of guide rolls toward each other to grip the workpiece and
away from each other to release the workpiece.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 including means supporting said guide
rolls for pivotal movement about a horizontal, longitudinal
axis.
26. Apparatus for grinding generally flat workpieces comprising:
conveying means for supporting the workpiece on an edge, grinding
means for grinding a vertical face on the workpiece as it is moved
therethrough, feed means for feeding the workpiece into said
grinding means, said grinding means including abrading means for
removing material from the vertical face, said feed means
comprising a pair of rolls located on opposite sides of the stock,
support means selectively actuable in one condition for moving said
pair of rolls together and in another condition for independently
moving one of said rolls relative to the other.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 with said support means being
actuable to pivot said rolls to selected positions about a
horizontal, longitudinal axis.
28. Apparatus for grinding generally flat surfaced workpieces
comprising: first feed means for vertically supporting the
workpiece, grinding means for grinding a vertical face on the
workpiece as it is moved therethrough, second feed means for
feeding the workpiece into said grinding means, said grinding means
including abrading means for removing material from the vertical
face and support means adjacent said abrading means for supporting
the workpiece on opposite sides of the workpiece, said support
means comprising a billy roll located generally opposite said
grinding means and a control roll located adjacent said grinding
means, said abrading means including an abrasive belt supported on
a contact roll, first support means for supporting said billy roll
for selective movement toward and away from the stock, second
support means for supporting said control rolls for selective
movement toward and away from the stock, said first and second
support means including actuating means for rapidly moving said
billy roll and said control rolls to positions moving the workpiece
away from said contact roll in response to the occurrence of a
preselected event.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 with said preselected event being
belt breakage.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 with said actuating means comprising
a piston movable rapidly from a first fixed position to a second
fixed position whereby in the event of replacement of the belt
after breakage said piston can be actuated to its original first
fixed position whereby the original depth of cut can be quickly
reobtained.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 with said actuating means being
associated with said first support means and with said first
support means including pivot means for supporting said billy roll
for pivotal movement about a longitudinal, horizontal axis, said
actuating means rapidly moving said billy roll away from the stock.
Description
SUMMARY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
grinding relatively flat-surfaced workpieces such as slab, sheet,
billet, and coil material. Thus, merely by way of example, material
having a thickness of from about 0.05 inch to 8 inches, a face
width of from about 10 inches to 52 inches, and a length of up to
25 feet and more, can be processed according to the invention.
While the present invention is specifically shown and described for
use in grinding of metal slabs, it should be understood that
features of the present invention can be utilized in other grinding
applications on, for example, metal coil and sheet, as well as on
nonmetal sheets and structures.
In many applications work materials, e.g., coil, plate, etc. are
formed from large metal slabs. However, it is necessary in order to
produce top quality, hence salable material, particularly high
alloy stainless steel, that the metal slabs have substantially
clean surfaces, i.e., be free of surface imperfections, seams,
scale, oxides, etc. It is the practice to first process the metal
slabs to remove the scale, etc. In the removal process, however, it
is important that the surfaces be cleaned and, in the case of
costly steel alloys, it is important that there be a minimum of
stock removal and that a good surface be developed. In the past it
has been common practice to grind the face of metal slabs, while
supported horizontally, by abrasive wheels of limited width, e.g.,
about 3 inches in width; hence, multiple passes, longitudinally,
with the grinding wheel were required in order to complete one
grinding operation across the face of the slab. Such grinding
procedure is not only time consuming, but most disadvantageously
results in surface gouging, thus producing a scalloped surface
which requires additional finishing. Moreover, slab grinding, using
abrasive wheels, results in a relatively coarse finish and residual
grinding lines show up that require further conditioning in, e.g.,
the production of coil by abrasive belt grinding. With the advent
of new Steelmaking processes, slab quality is improved with respect
to the amount of scale, etc. While such results in less
conditioning of the slab, it requires that what conditioning is
done results in a high quality surface with the minimum of stock
removal. In the present invention, an abrasive member extending the
complete width of the face of the slab to be ground is utilized,
i.e., such as a wide, coated abrasive belt, a cylinder having an
abrasive beltlike surface, wide abrasive wheels, or the like, hence
simplifying the grinding operation.
In addition, in the method and apparatus of the present invention
the slabs are supported on an edge with the surface to be ground
extending vertically; this facilitates the grinding of opposite
faces on the slab. Thus, in the present invention a face of the
slab can be ground and the slab can be conveniently turned end for
end by means of a turntable whereby the opposite side can be
presented to the abrasive belt and ground. In another aspect, both
faces of the slab can be ground in one pass through the apparatus
by providing grinding means on both sides of the slab. Such
vertical grinding as above mentioned is of great advantage in
virtually eliminating the swarf problem. Swarf, in the process
according to the invention, tends to drop off, thus aiding in the
grinding process and, in the case of some metals, in the prevention
of swarf rewelding. With horizontal slab grinding, particularly
with heavy stock removal, a relatively large flood of oil is needed
to remove the grinding swarf.
In the handling of metal slabs in many instances the surfaces to be
ground, which from a distance appear to be flat are, on closer
examination, in fact, found to be warped, curved, undulating and
the like. A workpiece may even be found to be, more or less,
tapered from one edge to the other. The apparatus of the present
invention is particularly suited to handle such generally flat
surfaced workpieces while still permitting effective and accurate
grinding of the surface with a minimum of stock removal. Hence, in
comparison to past processes or apparatus, with the present
invention grinding is facilitated while resulting in the generation
of a better and more highly polished surface, better controlled
material removal, and with the removal of less slab material.
Moreover, the inspection of slabs for further processing is
improved by belt finishing, as compared with wheel finishing,
because surface imperfections are more readily observable.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
novel method and apparatus for grinding generally flat
workpieces.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for grinding generally flat workpieces in which the
workpieces can be revolved 180.degree. whereby opposite surfaces
can be ground.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for grinding metal slabs having warped and curved
surfaces.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the subsequent description and the
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a generally top elevational view depicting the grinding
apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view to enlarged scale taken
substantially along the lines 3-3 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view to enlarged scale taken substantially
along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a plan view to enlarged scale taken in the direction of
arrow 5 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 taken in
the direction of the arrow 6;
FIG. 7 is an elevational view to enlarged scale taken substantially
along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a plan view to enlarged scale taken in the direction of
the arrow 8 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along the lines 9-9 in
FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an elevational view to enlarged scale taken generally
along the lines 10-10 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view depicting the control rolls, billy roll
and contact roll in working relationship with a slab to be
ground;
FIG. 12 is a plan view to enlarged scale taken in the direction of
the arrow 12 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the control roll taken generally
along the lines 13-13 in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a view to enlarged scale of the apparatus in the
dot-dash lines of FIG. 12 indicated by the arrow 14;
FIG. 15 is an elevational view to increased scale taken in the
direction of the arrows 15-15 in FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a sectional view to increased scale taken generally
along the lines 16-16 in FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the billy roll taken in the
direction of arrow 17-17 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 18 is a plan view taken in the direction of the arrow 18 in
FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is an elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow
19 in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is an elevational view of a part of the turntable;
FIG. 21 is an elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 20 taken
generally in the direction of the arrows 21- 21; and
FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 taken
generally along the lines 22-22.
Looking now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of a grinding
apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated by the
numeral 10 and includes a grinding section 12, a pair of identical
feed sections 14 and 16 located on opposite sides of the grinding
section 12 and a pair of guide sections 18 and 20 which are
oppositely disposed in the grinder assembly 10 and located adjacent
feed sections 14 and 16, respectively. The guide sections 18 and 20
are similar except that guide section 18 is stationarily mounted
while the guide section 20 is mounted for rotatable movement
whereby the opposite side of a workpiece can be presented to the
grind section 12.
The guide section 18 includes a plurality of identical,
horizontally extending vertical support roll assemblies 22a through
22e. Each of the vertical support roll assemblies 22a--22e includes
a roll 24a--24e, respectively, which is supported for rotation by
means of a gearbox assembly 26a through 26e, respectively. The
gearboxes 26a--26e are interconnected by drive shafts 28 which are
connected to be driven from a common source 29. The rolls 24a to
24e can be selectively power driven in either direction such that a
workpiece can be fed either toward or away from the grinding
section 12. The vertical height of the rolls 24a to 24e can be
adjusted whereby workpieces having faces of different widths can be
accommodated. Thus the workpiece W is supported on one edge on the
rolls 24a through 24e and can be power driven away or towards the
guide section 12.
While the rolls 24a--24e vertically support and locate the
workpiece W, a plurality of vertical guide roll assemblies 30a
through 30c are provided to horizontally locate and guide the
workpiece W such as to properly align that surface of the workpiece
W to be ground relative to the feed section 14 and grinding section
12. Each of the guide roll assemblies 30a--30c includes master roll
subassemblies 32a--32c located on one side of workpiece W and slave
roll subassemblies 34a--34c located on the opposite side of
workpiece W. Each of the subassemblies 32a--32c includes a
vertically supported guide roll 36a--36c, respectively, while each
of the subassemblies 34a--34c includes a vertically supported guide
roll 38a--38c, respectively. The subassemblies 32a--32c are master
assemblies and are selectively actuable so that the rolls 36a--36c
can be moved in a horizontal plane to a position engaging the
surface of the workpiece W to be ground and locating that surface
in a preselected position for entrance into the feed section 14.
The subassemblies 34a--34c are slave subassemblies and the rolls
38a--38c associated therewith are moved horizontally relative to
the associated rolls 36a--36c of the master subassemblies 32a
through 32c. In operation, first the master rolls 36a--36c are
moved to selected positions engaging the one surface of the
workpiece W; next the slave rolls 38a through 38c are actuated to
move toward the associated master rolls to engage the opposite side
of workpiece W. Note that the master rolls t36a--36c are separately
movable; thus the rolls 36a--36c can be individually operated to
maneuver the workpiece W such that its leading edge will be along
the pass line so that it can be properly fed into the feed section
14. Thus the workpiece W can be selectively engaged via the rolls
36a--36c such as to position the workpiece W to be properly fed or
guided into the feed section 14. The rolls 36a--36c and 38a--38c
are not powered but are supported to roll freely and the workpiece
W will be moved by the vertical support rolls 24a--24e. The details
of the guide section 18 will be discussed later at which time the
details of the other sections will also be discussed.
Next, the workpiece W is introduced into the feed section 14. The
feed section 14 comprises a pair of outer vertically extending
pinch rolls 40a and 40b located on one side of the workpiece W and
a pair of inner pinch rolls 42a and 42b which are located on the
opposite side. The rolls 40a, 40b and 42a, 42b are normally located
apart as the workpiece W is introduced therebetween. Next these
rolls, which are power driven, are actuated to grip the workpiece W
and to move it into the grinding section 12. After the workpiece W
has been gripped by the pinch rolls in the feed section 14, the
operator can release the guide roll assemblies 30a through 30c,
since their primary function is to guide the workpiece W as it is
fed into the feed section 14. If desired, however, the operator can
maintain a grip on the workpiece W with the guide roll assemblies,
or any of them, in order to maintain pass line, particularly with
respect to workpieces, having a high degree of curvature, warp, or
the like. At the same time the support roll assemblies 22a through
22e can be disconnected from power and permitted to roll freely
such that the workpiece W is moved solely by the pinch or feed
rolls 40a, 40b and 42a, 42b. If desired or required the operator
can maintain power to the vertical support rolls 22a through 22e.
The feed rolls 40a, 40b and 42a, 42b are mounted for selected
pivotal movement such that they can accommodate the twist or
warpage of the surface of the workpiece W. The feed sections 14 and
16 include vertical support roll assemblies 23a and 23b which are
similar to assemblies 22a--22e and which are connected therewith
for powered rotation via drive shafts 25. The workpiece W is now
ready to be fed into the grinding section 12.
The grinding section 12 includes a vertically supported contact
roll 44 which is driven by means of an electric motor 46 via wheels
48 and 52 and belts 50 and 56. In a preferred form of the invention
an endless coated abrasive belt 58 is utilized for grinding and is
supported to extend over the contact roll 44 and over an idler roll
60. The position of the contact roll 44 and hence grinding belt 58
is generally fixed and hence the workpiece W is manipulated
relative to the roll 44 whereby the depth of cut is selected. The
depth of cut is set by a backup or billy roll 64 which is
selectively moved into a predetermined position to engage the
opposite surface of the workpiece W. This position is determined by
ascertaining, from inspection of the workpiece, the desired
thickness of material to be removed therefrom, by means of a
micrometer caliper, or the like, and then setting the position of
the billy roll at the predetermined position in accordance with a
position indicator. The billy roll 64 is mounted for pivotal
movement in a vertical plane to accommodate for warpage and
variations in the contour of the surface of the workpiece W
opposite to the surface being ground. A control roll 62, which is
vertically supported and can be selectively moved in a horizontal
plane relative to the axis of the contact roller 44, engages the
side of workpiece W to be ground and applies a force against the
workpiece W through a mechanical system that permits the control
roll 62 to slave the movements of the billy roll 64. This force is
restrained by the backup or billy roll 64. Since the billy roll 64
is free to pivot in a vertical plane, this control roll holds the
surface of workpiece W being ground parallel to the axis of contact
roller 44. While the control roll 62 is not powered but rotates
freely the billy roll 64 is power driven to assist in moving
workpiece W. The position of the billy roll 64 determines the
amount of metal to be removed. Note that because of the irregular
contour of the workpiece W the apparatus of the present invention
is constructed such that the workpiece W is gripped adjacent to
that part being ground with the remainder of the workpiece W being
free to vary in position whereby these irregularities in contour
are accommodated while a minimum of material is removed. However,
in order to assure that the workpiece W is securely held, a second
control roll 66 located on the opposite side of the contact roll 44
is positioned in line with the contact roll 44 so that it will
engage the ground surface of workpiece W after it has passed the
belt 58. Thus workpiece W is firmly gripped by a three point
contact as defined by control rolls 62 and 66 and billy roll 64 all
of which are located proximate the area of grinding. As the
workpiece W is fed through the grinding section 12, the one surface
is ground. The second control roll 66 is identical in function and
operation to control roll 62 is set to apply a force or pressure to
the workpiece W when such is moved through the grinding section 12
in an opposite direction while roll 62 at that time is set to apply
a force corresponding to the prior support position of roll 66
whereby again the workpiece W will be firmly gripped by a three
point contact.
As the workpiece is moved through the grinding section 12 its
leading end is moved into the feed section 16, which is similar to
the feed section 14, and the workpiece W is gripped and moved by
the pinch or drive rolls 40c, 40d and 42c, 42d, which are similar
in function and operation to the rolls 40a, 40b and 42a, 42b,
respectively. The workpiece W is then driven by the combined effect
of the feed sections 14 and 16 through grinding section 12 and into
the guide section 20. The guide section 20 is similar to the guide
section 18 and includes vertical support roll assemblies 22f--22j
(similar to roll assemblies 22a to 22e) which vertically support
the workpiece W along its edge. The workpiece W, as it is moved
into the guide section 20, is also moved through guide roll
assemblies 30d--30g (similar to guide roll assemblies 30a--30c). As
the workpiece W is passed into the guide section 20, the rolls
associated with the support roll assemblies 22f--22j are free
rolling and the rolls associated with the guide roll assemblies
30d--30g are separated. Upon the completion of the grinding pass by
the workpiece W and with workpiece W in guide section 20 the
operator can then actuate the support roll assemblies 22f--22j and
the guide roll assemblies 30d--30g to reverse the travel of
workpiece W to move it through the grinding section 12 in the
opposite direction. In this reverse direction the direction of
rotation of the contact roll 44 is reversed and the depth of cut is
determined by billy roll 64. The feed section 16 performs the same
function as initially performed by the feed section 14, and vice
versa, and the workpiece W is transmitted to guide section 18.
If it is desired to grind the opposite side of the workpiece W,
then with the workpiece W located in the guide section 20 the
entire guide section can be rotated 180.degree. such that the
opposite surface of the workpiece W will then be presented to the
grinding section 12 and the sequence of operations previously noted
can be repeated. The guide section 18 is supported on a fixed
platform 71. In contrast guide section 20 is supported upon a
turntable 70 which has a plurality of wheel assemblies 72 which are
located upon a circular track 74 with a motor 75 providing power to
rotate the turntable 70. Thus, the guide section 20 can be rotated
180.degree. in the direction of the arrow 76 to reverse the surface
of the workpiece W to be ground and it can be rotated 180.degree.
in the direction of the arrow 78 back to its original position to
again reverse the direction of the workpiece.
In the discussion that follows a detailed description of the
various sections is given; note that in the drawings like
components serving similar functions have been given the same
number with a different letter suffix.
GUIDE SECTION
Since each of the support roll assemblies 22a to 22e is
substantially identical, the description of only one is deemed
sufficient to be shown and described in detail.
Looking now to FIGS. 3 and 22, the support roll assembly 22a has
its roll 24a supported at opposite ends on slides 80 which are
slidably supported in grooves 81 in support assemblies 82 and are
movable vertically to selected positions by hydraulically actuated
screwjacks 83, which can be selectively actuated by the operator.
All of the support rolls can be similarly actuated whereby the
support height of the workpiece W can be altered. In this way,
workpieces W having various face widths can be located such as to
be generally centrally positioned relative to the grinding section
12.
As previously noted, the roll 24a is driven via the gearbox 26a
from the common hydraulic motor 29. The source 29 can be actuated
whereby the workpiece W will be driven or can be deactuated such
that roll 24a will be free to roll without power. The assemblies
22f--22j of guide section 20 are similar to assemblies 22a--22e of
guide section 18.
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show the details of the guide roll assembly 30a.
The guide roll assembly 30a includes the master roll assembly 32a
and the slave roll assembly 34a. The master assembly 32a includes a
frame assembly 84a which is fixed to the platform 71 and which
supports a slide assembly 88a for slidable movement towards and
away from the workpiece W on guide rods 89a supported in guides
91a. The guide roll 36a is rotatably supported upon a support
assembly 90a which is pivotably supported at the forward end of the
slide assembly 88a via a pivot structure 92a. Hence, the roll 36a
is free to roll to thereby guide the workpiece W and is also free
to pivot so as to follow the contour of the workpiece W. The roll
support assembly 90a is held in position by balance spring
assemblies 94a and 96a which include threaded shafts 98 a and 100a,
which are pivotally fixed to the upper end of the roller support
assembly 90a. Balance springs 102a and 104a associated with rod 98a
and balance springs 106a and 108a associated with rod 100a
generally maintain roll 36a in a vertical position. However, the
balance spring assemblies 94a and 96a operate in the manner known
in the art to permit pivotal movement of the support 90a, and hence
roll 36a, about the pivot assembly 92a with the balance spring
assemblies 94a and 96a resiliently urging roll 36a to its original,
upright position. The transverse position of the slide assembly
88a, and hence roll 36a, can be selectively varied by selective
actuation of a hydraulically actuated piston 110a which is
connected between the frame assembly 84a and the slide assembly
88a. Thus by actuation of the piston 110a the roll 36a can be moved
transversely towards and away from the workpiece W.
The slave assembly 34a is of a construction similar to the master
assembly 32a and like components have been given the same number
with the addition of 100, i.e., the equivalent of piston 110a for
assembly 34a has number 210a, etc. The pistons 110a and 210a will
generally maintain the rolls 36a and 38a in fixed positions. The
piston 210a however is connected with a pressure relief mechanism
211a, of a type known in the art, such that when a preselected
relative force is applied to roll 38a by workpiece W, the piston
210a will retract while still exerting the selected force. Thus
piston 210a will permit roll 38a to accommodate variations in
thickness of the workpiece W while the roll 36a is maintained
fixed. In this way roll 36a can be fixed to determine the pass line
of the workpiece W and the roll 38a can be moved whereby workpiece
W will be securely gripped between rolls 36a and 38a with roll 38a
being movable under preselected load conditions whereby variations
in material thickness along the length of the slab W can be
accommodated. In operation, individual ones or more of the
assemblies 30a--30c (or 30d--30g in guide section 20) can be
actuated to properly orient the workpiece W relative to the feed
section 14 (or feed section 16). Guide projections 101a and 201a
are provided at the upper ends of frame assemblies 84a and 184a to
protect rolls 36a and 38a if the workpiece W is introduced
vertically downwardly into the guide section 18. The assemblies
30d--30g are similar to assemblies 30a--30c except that no
projections corresponding to projections 101a and 201a are provided
since the workpiece W is initially introduced into section 18 and
not into section 20.
FEED SECTION
The feed sections 14 and 16 are similar and hence only the feed
section 14 will be described in detail. The pinch rolls 40a and 40b
are located on the side of the workpiece W to be ground in a frame
assembly 300. The frame assembly 300 includes transversely
extending upper guides 302a, 304a and 306a and corresponding lower
transversely extending guides 302b, 304b and 306b. A main slide
308a is slidably supported between guides 302a and one side of
guide 304a and a second main slide 310a is supported for slidable
movement between the other side of the guide 304a and the guide
306a. Similar lower main slides such as 308b, 310 b are slidably
supported relative to guides 302b, 304b and 306b. Pistons 312 a and
314 a are connected between the frame 300 and main slides 308a and
310a. In a similar manner pistons such as 312b (not shown in the
drawing), 314b are connected with the lower main slides. By
selected actuation of the pistons 312a, b and 314 a, b the position
of the pinch rolls 40a, 40b can be selectively varied such as to be
along the pass line in a position to engage the workpiece W. The
rolls 42a and 42b are also movable with the upper main slides 308a,
310a and lower main slides, i.e., 310b. The pinch rolls 42a and
42b, however, are also supported upon secondary slides whereby
these rolls can be moved separately on the main slides, i.e., 308a,
310 a, 310b, etc. Thus, pinch roll 42a is supported at its upper
end on secondary slide 320a and at its lower end by slide 320b.
Slide 320a is actuable by a piston 322a, while slide 320b is
actuable by piston 322b. The pistons 322a and 322b are connected
between the corresponding main slides 310a and 310b and the
secondary slides 320a and 320b. In a similar manner, the pinch roll
42b is supported on upper secondary slide 316a and a similar lower
secondary slide which secondary slides are movable by pistons 318a
and 318b relative to the associated main slides. The main slides
are generally channel shaped to thereby slidably accommodate the
associated secondary slides. Hence, in operation the pinch rolls
40a, 40b and 42a, 42b are first positioned (via the main slides) to
bring the pinch rolls 40a and 40b generally in line with the pass
line of the workpiece W by actuation of pistons 312a, 312b and
314a, 314 b. The workpiece W is then moved in line with rolls 40a
and 40b. Next, the secondary pinch rolls 42a and 42b are moved
relative to the pinch rolls 40a and 40b by actuation of the
secondary pistons to securely grip the workpiece W. With workpiece
W gripped the rolls 40a, 40b, 42a and 41b can be provided to drive
the workpiece W. With this construction it is possible to lock the
pinch rolls in this position in engagement with the workpiece W. By
the provision of suitable apparatus (not shown) the pinch rolls can
be permitted to float together with relief valves acting on the
main pistons 312a, 312b and 314a, 314b. In addition, the relief
valves can be provided for the pistons 318a, 318b and 322a, 322b to
permit relative movement of the secondary pinch rolls 42a, 42b to
accommodate variations in thickness of the workpiece W. In
addition, with the arrangements as shown by selective actuation of
selected ones only of the pistons the pinch rolls can be
selectively pivoted.
The pinch rolls are driven by means of drive shaft and universal
joint assemblies 321 which in turn are driven by a hydraulic motor
324 acting through a gearbox 326. Thus, in operation, the workpiece
W is introduced into the feed section 14 where the surface of the
workpiece W to be ground is moved into a selected position along
the pass line. In this position, the workpiece W is gripped by the
guide rolls. Next, the primary pinch rolls 40a and 40b are moved
into engagement with the surface of the workpiece W to be ground by
actuation of the main pistons 312a, 312b, etc.; next, the secondary
pinch rolls 42a and 42b are moved into engagement with the opposite
side of the workpiece by actuation of the secondary pistons 318a,
318b, etc. Next, the operator can release the guide rolls and by
actuating the fluid motor 324 can begin the movement of the
workpiece W into the grinding section 12. Note that the feed
section 16 is substantially similar to the feed section 14 and
hence a detailed description thereof has been omitted for purposes
of simplicity.
GRINDING SECTION
The control roll 62 (see FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16) is secured for
rotation in a vertically extending support bracket 400 which is
fixed to a slide assembly 402 which is slidably mounted in a holder
frame 404. The bracket 400 is slidable relative to the frame 404 by
a screwjack assembly 406 which can be hydraulically driven by a
fluid motor 405 whereby the frame 400 can be moved transversely
towards or away from the pass line of the workpiece W. Intermediate
the screwjack 406 and the frame 400 is a hydraulically actuated
cylinder 408 which serves a purpose to be described. In operation,
the roll 62 is moved generally to the pass line and is then in a
position which is transversely offset from the grinding abrasive
belt 58. This can be set by actuation of the screwjack 406. The
hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly 408 can be of a conventional
construction and normally has its piston in a retracted position
prior to grinding. During the grinding operation, however, the
piston is pressurized to cause it to extend. Nevertheless, this
force is opposed by workpiece W and billy roll 64 and no movement
of the piston occurs. In the event of breakage of the belt 58, this
occurrence is sensed, by means known in the art, and a signal is
transmitted whereby fluid pressure will be supplied to piston 518
causing it to be actuated moving the billy roll 64 in the retracted
position. Because piston 408 is pressurized the retraction of
piston 518 results in the movement of control roll 62 and workpiece
W away from the contact roll 44 whereby damage thereto will be
prevented. Control roll 66 is similarly constructed and is operable
in a similar manner and hence the details of its actuation need not
be described.
On the opposite side of the workpiece, the backup or billy roll 64
is rotatably journaled to a frame 500 and is adapted to be power
rotated by means of a hydraulically actuated low speed motor 502
through a gearbox 504. A second hydraulic high speed motor 506 can
be connected to the gearbox 504 and can be alternatively actuated.
Hence motors 502 and 506 provide for substantial range of speeds
over which the billy roll 64 can be driven. The frame 500 is
pivotally secured at supports 501 for pivotal movement in a
transverse direction by means of a bifurcated support assembly 508
which straddles the frame 500 proximate its center. Support
assembly 508 has an end plate 509 connected at opposite ends to
rods 510 which are slidably connected to a frame 512 whereby the
assembly 508 and hence the billy roll 64 can be moved transversely
towards and away from the workpiece W. A hydraulically driven
screwjack assembly 514 is centrally located and connected between
the frame 512 and the support assembly 508 via plate 509. The jack
assembly 514 is selectively driven by a fluid motor 516 whereby the
position of the assembly 508 and hence of the billy roll 64 can be
selectively adjusted by the operator to be in a position to engage
the opposite side of the workpiece W. A hydraulically actuated
piston member 518 is interposed between jack assembly 514 and plate
509 and is normally held actuated to its maximum outward position
and hence does not normally vary the position of the billy roll 64.
However, in the event of detection of breakage of the abrasive belt
58, the piston 518 is actuated to release pressure whereby the
billy roll 64 can be quickly retracted. Note that both pistons 518
and 408 are normally in extreme positions and hence upon
replacement of the grinding belt 58, the original positions of the
control roll 62 and billy roll 64 can be readily reestablished
merely by actuating the piston 408 to move back to its retracted
position and by pressurizing the piston 518 to move the billy roll
64 to its outermost position.
As previously noted, the billy roll 64 is pivotally secured by
means of the bifurcated mounting assembly 508. The plate 509
extends in opposite vertical directions from the assembly 508 and
has an upper piston assembly 522 and a lower piston assembly 524
attached at opposite ends. The piston assemblies 522 and 524 can be
actuated by the operator such as to bias the billy roll 64
substantially in a vertical position as shown. They can be
interconnected by appropriate relief valves such that the billy
roll 64 will be able to pivot on the pivot support 508 in response
to a force tending to move one or the other of the piston
assemblies 522, 524 whereby the billy roll 64 can follow the
contour of the workpiece W.
The depth of cut is determined by the combined action of the
control rolls 62 and 66 and billy roll 64. Thus now looking to FIG.
11 it can be seen that the position of the billy roll 64 is
selected relative to the position of the feed-in control roll 62
and the contact roll 44 to determine the depth of cut on the
workpiece W. The position of the other control roll 66 is located
to be in line with the contact roll 44. With this arrangement, the
workpiece W is firmly gripped and held in position by the three
point contact as provided by the control rolls 62 and 66 and the
billy roll 64. Note that when feeding the workpiece W through the
grinder section 12 in the opposite direction, the positions of the
control rolls 62 and 66 would be reversed.
Looking now to FIGS. 10 and 12, as previously noted, the contact
roll 44 is driven by means of the electrical motor 46 via the
wheels 48, 52 and by the belts 50 and 56. The abrasive belt 58 is
supported to extend over the contact roll 44 and over the idler
roll 60. The contact roll 44 and idler roll 60 are held in support
assembly 600 which includes hydraulic cylinder 602 whereby the
idler roll 60 and contact roll 44 can be held a selected distance
apart maintaining tension on the abrasive belt 58. An oscillating
assembly 605 includes means whereby the idler roll 60 will be
pivoted in a vertical plane whereby the belt 58 can be made to move
in selective directions axially relative to the contact roll 44 and
whereby the belt 58 will be kept on the contact roll 44. Since such
belt oscillating apparatus is well known in the art and since the
specific details do not constitute a part of the present invention,
the details have been omitted for the purpose of simplicity. Note
that the motor 46 is reversible such that the grinding belt 58 can
be rotated in either direction and hence as the workpiece W is
reversed in its direction to the grinding section 12, the direction
of rotation of the belt 58 can be reversed, if necessary.
As the workpiece W is fed through the grind section 12 into the
feed section 16, the feed section 16 (similar to the feed section
14), can be actuated to grip the workpiece W and assist in driving
it through the grind section 12. At this time the workpiece W is
received upon the vertical support roll assemblies 22f to 22j, with
the guide roll assemblies 30d to 30g being maintained apart.
When the workpiece W is received into the guide section 20 the
section can be actuated to reverse the direction of the workpiece W
whereby another grinding operation will be performed upon the
surface previously ground. As noted, in this situation the control
rolls 66 and 62 will be switched in position.
It is important that both sides of the workpiece W be finished to
remove scale, etc. To accomplish this, the guide section 20 can be
revolved 180.degree.. Looking now to the FIGS. 20 and 21, the guide
section 20 is generally supported upon a support plate 70 which in
turn is supported by roll assemblies 72 which are adapted to ride
upon the circular track 74. The support plate 70 is connected to a
hydraulic motor and gear assembly 75 at its center whereby upon
actuation of the motor and gear assembly 75 the entire plate 70 and
guide section 20 will be rotated 180.degree. whereby the opposite
surface of the workpiece W can be ground. A locating and locking
assembly 701 is operative with a locating button 703 to accurately
position the support plate 70 and hence the guide section 20.
While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the
invention disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above
stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to
modification, variation and change without departing from the
proper scope or fair meaning of the invention.
* * * * *