Automatic gage head positioning system
AssigneeControl Gaging, Inc.
InventorKarl J. Liskow
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automatic gage head positioning system especially adapted for CNC grinding of reciprocating engine crankshaft journals. The system incorporates an actuated four-bar linkage mechanism for accurately controlling the path of a gage device between disengaged and gaging positions. A lost motion rotational coupling is provided to enable the gage to follow the position of the crankshaft journal during machining. A counterspring assembly positioned in the gage system base partially opposes gravity to provide precise control of the actuation force between the gage and the workpiece journal.
Claims18
A gage head positioning assembly for a machining tool assembly for a workpiece which rotates relative to said machining tool assembly comprising:
- an actuator base mounted to said machining tool assembly;
- a pivot arm assembly having a pivot arm mounted for rotation to said actuator base about a first pivot axis and a tierod mounted for rotation to said actuator base about a second pivot axis displaced from said first pivot axis, said pivot arm and said tierod further being rotationally affixed to a link at third and fourth displaced pivot axes respectively, whereby said pivot arm, said tierod, said link, and said actuator base cooperate to form a four-bar linkage with relative rotational movement provided at said first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes;
- a gage mount arm mounted to said pivot arm for rotation about said third pivot axis and coupled to said link;
- a gage head mounted to said gage mount arm;
- and
- an actuator mounted to said actuator base and acting upon said pivot arm, causing said pivot arm to rotate between a retracted position in which said gage head is disengaged from said workpiece, and a gaging position in which said gage head is engaged with said workpiece.
A gage head positioning assembly for a crankshaft grinder for machining pin journals of said crankshaft as crankshaft is rotated, said pin journals having centers offset from an axis of rotation of said crankshaft, said grinder having a wheelslide assembly for linearly stoking a grinding wheel under CNC control to machine a desired diameter of said pin journals as said crankshaft is rotated, said gage head positioning assembly comprises:
- an actuator base mounted to said grinder wheelslide;
- a pivot arm assembly having a pivot arm mounted for rotation to said actuator base about a first pivot axis and a tierod mounted for rotation to said actuator base about a second pivot axis displaced from said first pivot axis, said pivot arm and said tierod further being rotationally affixed to a link at third and fourth displaced pivot axes respectively, whereby said pivot arm, said tierod, said link, and said actuator base cooperate to form a four-bar linkage with relative rotational movement provided at said first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes;
- a gage mount arm mounted to said pivot arm for rotation about said third pivot axis and coupled to said link;
- a gage head mounted to said gage mount arm;
- and
- an actuator mounted to said actuator base and acting upon said pivot arm, causing said pivot arm to rotate between a retracted position in which said gage head is disengaged from said pin journals, and a gaging position in which said gage head is engaged with said pin journals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.