Automatically adjustable protection device for a grinding wheel

Abstract

A protection device for a grinding wheel includes a containment structure having an operating opening for a grinding wheel, wherein the containment structure includes a fixed portion and a movable portion which can be moved with respect to the fixed portion by means of a motor and which can be blocked with respect to the first fixed portion by means of a magnetic blocking unit. The device further includes a sensor adapted to automatically detect the position of the movable portion, and a control means of the entire device.

1 . A protection device for a grinding wheel, comprising:
 a containment structure having an operating opening ( 22 ) for a grinding wheel ( 16 ), wherein said containment structure comprises,   a fixed portion ( 11 ),   a movable portion ( 12 ) configured to be moved with respect to the fixed portion ( 11 ) by a motor ( 17 ) and to be blocked with respect to the first fixed portion ( 11 ) by a magnetic blocking unit ( 19 ),   a first sensor ( 26 ), which identifies a correct operational starting position based on a diameter of the grinding wheel ( 16 ), and   a control unit for the protection device ( 27 ).   
     
     
         2 . The protection device according to  claim 1 , wherein said motor comprises a pneumatic cylinder ( 17 ). 
     
     
         3 . The protection device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of low-friction scraping guides ( 13 ) assembled between said fixed portion ( 11 ) and said movable portion ( 12 ). 
     
     
         4 . The protection device according to  claim 1 , wherein said fixed portion ( 11 ) comprises a covering element ( 15 ), constrained to said fixed portion with hinges ( 14 ), said covering element being configured to be overturned to open the containment structure ( 11 ,  12 ) to allow the a positioning of the grinding wheel ( 16 ). 
     
     
         5 . The protection device according to  claim 1 , wherein a mechanical reference point ( 24 ) is positioned, externally with respect to said movable portion ( 12 ), in proximity of the operating opening ( 22 ), said mechanical reference point collaborating with a second sensor ( 25 ) that establishes the diameter of the grinding wheel ( 16 ) and that is positioned externally with respect to the containment structure ( 11 ,  12 ), but firmly fixed with respect to the fixed portion ( 11 ) together with a diamond or grooving unit ( 29 ) of the grinding wheel ( 16 ). 
     
     
         6 . The protection device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a nozzle ( 23 ) disposed inside said movable portion ( 12 ), in proximity of an area in which the operating opening ( 22 ) for the grinding wheel ( 16 ) is positioned, said nozzle ( 23 ) providing cooling oil onto the grinding wheel ( 16 ). 
     
     
         7 . The protection device according to  claim 1 , wherein said control unit of the protection device comprises a CNC system ( 27 ) which controls the diameter of the grinding wheel ( 16 ) when a maximum tolerated wear level is reached, and a warning/alarm visualized on a display ( 28 ).