GB1439452A - Machine for machining spherical objects - Google Patents

Abstract

1439452 Grinding balls NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORP 28 June 1973 [29 April 1972] 50446/71 Heading B3D A machine for producing spherical objects comprises a pair of working plates mounted in the machine and relatively rotatable about an axis, and means for applying pressure to the objects between the plates during working by the faces of the plates, the reaction between the faces during working placing an axially located means under tension. In one embodiment, a rotatable central plate 46 having a toothed rim 36 carries, on each side, a member 48, each member having a grinding plate 22, 24 formed with concentric continuous grooves 67 which face part-circular grooves 68 on grinding plates 30, 32 carried by non- rotatable supports 26, 28. The central plate 46 is axially located in the machine by adjustable rollers 60 bearing against the side surfaces of the toothed rim 36, and is radially located by adjustable rollers bearing against the radially outer surfaces of flanges 52 of the plate. The plate is rotated by a gear drive which engages the toothed rim 36 and is driven from one or other of a pair of motors. The non-rotatable supports 26, 28 have cut-outs (69, Fig. 3, not shown) for the feeding to, and ejection from, of the objects to be ground. Each support is connected to a vertical beam 77 having a swivel connection 77 with rollers 75 guided for movement along a track 74. Each support also has brackets having blocks slidable along guide rails 76. The means for applying pressure between the working faces of the grinding plates 22, 30 and 24, 32 consists of an hydraulic cylinder 42 and piston 44 connected by rods 86 and plates 92 to respective supports 26, 28 for the grinding plates 30, 32, the rods 86 being supported by journals 88; when pressure is applied, the rods 86 are placed under tension. In another embodiment, only one pair of grinding plates are provided, the second pair of plates being replaced by a thrust bearing. A pneumatic cylinder or magnet may replace the hydraulic cylinder and the drive to the central plate may be by a belt and pulley.