Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
DESCRIPTION
of the patent for an Industrial Invention having the title:
"CLAMPING SYSTEM FOR CLAMPING GRINDING WHEELS"
In the name of FICA! GIOVANNI residing in 43038 SALA BAGANZA (PR).
* * * * *
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to clamping grinding wheels, in particular de-
pressed centre wheels.
More particularly, the invention relates to a clamping device configured to
clamp a
grinding wheel, preferably a depressed centre grinding wheel (still more
prefera-
bly of the "Type 27" (in 115, 125, 150, 180 and 230 mm diameters, which are
the
most widespread), according to the ISO 603-14:1999 standard) on the driving
spindle of a working tool and the working tool provided with such clamping de-
vice.
PRIOR ART
As known, the problem of damping vibrations of grinding wheels of different
shapes, that are employed in deburring, cutting and grinding operations has ex-
isted for over a century.
Deburring abrasive grindstones, abrasive cutting discs and some type of flap
discs are manufactured in various sizes and shapes, however they have in com-
mon the same system to be clamped to the portable working tool, commonly
called "angular deburring machine".
Such system provides that the grinding wheel is mounted on the shaft (or
spindle)
of the working tool and is sandwiched between two clamping flanges. The tool
shaft is made up of a threaded end (or distal) portion, a cylindrical frustum
and fi-
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
nally a shoulder on which one of the two flanges, i.e., the rear or proximal
flange,
rests.
In some tools a prismatic connection is provided between the shoulder of the
spindle and the rear flange, such to transmit the driving torque to the tool.
The rear flange is disc-shaped and provides a front face adapted to contact
the
grinding wheel, from which a central centering shank rises, which is
configured to
be fitted into the central hole of the grinding wheel determining the
centering
thereof with respect to the tool shaft.
The front flange is also disc-shaped and provides a rear face adapted to
contact
the grinding wheel, from which a further central centering shank rises. The
central
hole of the front flange is threaded with a thread corresponding to that of
the tool
shaft, normally with M14 thread size (for European tools) or with 5/8" thread
size
(for Anglo-Saxon tools).
The front flange can thus be screwed on the tool shaft, with a screwing
direction
.. opposite to the shaft rotation direction, thereby when the grinding wheel
starts ro-
tating for grinding or cutting operations, such rotation tends to further
clamp the
flanges.
The front flange is further provided with a disassembling device, defined by
two or
four holes or by a prismatic facing, adapted to be engaged by specific
wrenches
to allow unscrewing and/or screwing the flange itself.
Such assembly system, despite providing several advantages, such as the relia-
bility, universality and strength of the flanges, generally made of steel, has
how-
ever a functional limitation, in that the rigid assembly transmits all the
vibrations
generated by the grinding action from the grinding wheel to the tool shaft
and, by
the tool, to the hands and upper limbs of the operator.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
Such vibrations may be due to the grinding action, however they are often due
to
the fact that the grinding wheels are displaced to a certain extent or have a
differ-
ence of parallelism between the grinding wheel face which is in contact with
the
material being processed and the planes of the clamping flanges and/or density
differences.
Such displacements/unbalances and shape defects, while remaining within the
limits established by the standards (e.g., EN and OSA - Organisation for the
Safety of Abrasives) may anyway be accepted, however they result in annoying
and hazardous vibrations, which can alter the peripheral blood circulation (ac-
cording to the so called "white finger disease") of the operator.
In this regard, the standards are more and more restrictive and oriented to
safe-
guard the protection, safety and health of operators.
It is thus perceived the need to adopt measures adapted to improve the comfort
of use of such working tools, which aim at reducing efficiently the
transmission of
vibrations to operators' hands and arms and at reducing acoustic pollution.
For this purpose, they are known systems having clamping flanges provided with
a coating made of an at least partially elastic material, such as rubber.
However, the presently known systems have not efficiently solved the problem.
It has in fact been observed that the presently known systems have some tech-
nical limitations, in that the maximum diameter of at least one of the known
clamping flanges must be small (smaller than 44 mm), so as to couple with the
concavities of the (depressed centre) grinding wheels and this involves a
greater
limitation for the contact area between the flanges and the grinding wheel
which
is generally always smaller than 2200 mm2 (for the two flanges when they have
the same diameter).
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
Provided that the outer diameters of the most widespread depressed centre
grinding wheels are 115, 125, 150, 180 and 230 mm (corresponding to 4.5, 5, 6,
7 and 9 inches), the larger the outer diameter of the grinding wheel the
greater
the power of the motor and torque required. This means that as the driving
torque
imposed by the motor increases, even the clamping torque to be provided to the
clamping flanges must increase in order to transmit efficiently the motion of
the
tool shaft to the grinding wheel.
It was observed, however, that as the clamping torque increases, even the flat-
tening of the elastic layers interposed between flanges and grinding wheel con-
sequently increases, with a consequent lower efficacy in damping the
vibrations
exerted by such elastic layers.
Therefore, in order to efficiently transmit the driving torque of the motor to
the
grinding wheel, the known elastic layers have necessarily a high hardness, for
in-
stance greater than 80 Shore A, and an obvious lower capacity of absorbing vi-
brations (and noise emissions) produced by the grinding wheel.
An object of the present invention is to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of
the
prior art, within the context of a simple and rational solution and at a
contained
cost.
Such objects are achieved by the characteristics of the invention given in the
in-
dependent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly ad-
vantageous aspects of the invention.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The invention, in particular, makes available a clamping device for clamping
grinding wheels on a driving spindle of a working tool, which comprises:
- a rear flange intended to be fitted on the driving spindle in a position
prox-
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
imal to the working tool, wherein the rear flange is provided with a front
face with which a first damping element is associated;
- a front flange intended to be fitted on the driving spindle and provided
with
a rear face, facing the front face of the rear flange, with which a second
damping element is associated;
wherein the front face of the rear flange has a larger width than the rear
face
of the front flange and the first damping element has a lower hardness than a
hardness of the second damping element.
It has been observed that, thanks to this solution, the vibrations produced by
the
grinding wheel are efficiently damped, as the grinding wheel remains
efficiently
floating between the first damping element and the second damping element,
even when high clamping torques are required.
Furthermore, thanks to the aforesaid solution, it is possible and comfortable
to
use very hard grinding wheels, i.e., more efficient and long-lasting, which
would
otherwise be particularly unconformable for the operator.
In fact, it has been observed that soft grinding wheels are generally
preferred by
the market, as they are more comfortable, though less performing and
efficient.
Thanks to the relevant vibration adsorption carried out by the present
invention,
however, it is possible and comfortable to use harder and therefore more per-
forming grinding wheels, with obvious advantages for the user who will be able
to
perform the same grinding operations with fewer grinding wheels and therefore,
with an overall cost reduction.
Furthermore, thanks to such solution, it is possible to wear grinding (or
deburring)
wheels more evenly, as the floating connection of the grinding wheel on the
tool
shaft, allowed by the first damping element and second damping element of the
5
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
present invention, allows to efficiently compensate unbalance density
variation,
displacement and planarity differences which are more or less present in the
grinding wheel, thus reducing the working edge bouncing of the grinding wheels
on the workpiece causing the irregular wear of such edge and, sometimes, also
fractures or detachment of peripheral splinters of the grinding wheel.
Still, thanks to this solution, a reduction in the noise of the grinding wheel
has
been observed, such as a dampening substantially between 2 dB and 5 dB.
Advantageously, the front face of the rear flange is concave.
Thanks to this solution it is possible to efficiently enclose a wide extrados
area of
the disc-shaped cap of the grinding wheels.
Preferably, the front face of the rear flange may have an outer diameter
larger
than 70 mm, preferably between 70 mm and 80 mm and the maximum diameter
of the front flange may be smaller than or equal to 44 mm.
Advantageously, the first damping element may comprise a layer of a yielding
material, preferably elastically, which extends throughout the front face of
the rear
flange.
Furthermore, the thickness of the first damping element may be substantially
comprised between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably equal to 3 mm.
Still, the first damping element may have a hardness lower than or equal to 50
Shore A, preferably comprised between 10 Shore A and 45 Shore A, e.g., equal
to 45 or 10 or 15 (or 20) Shore A.
For instance, the second damping element may have a hardness higher than (or
equal to) 40 Shore A, preferably comprised between 46 Shore A and 90 Shore A,
e.g., equal to 50 Shore A.
According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the first damping
element
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
may be removably associated to the front face of the rear flange, preferably
by
snap-fitting, but it may also be associated otherwise.
Thanks to this solution, it is possible to replace the first damping element
when it
is worn out.
Advantageously, at least one the front flange and rear flange may comprise a
centering shank on which the grinding wheel may be fitted, wherein the distal
end
of the centering shank has a beveled or rounded annular edge.
Preferably, at least an annular edge may be hardened by a surface quenching or
concrete-covering process but hardening can be extended also throughout the
front and/ rear flange.
Furthermore, at least one of the front flange and rear flange may be made of a
metal material, preferably selected from the group consisting in steel,
aluminium,
zamak, bronze o other metallic alloys, or made of a plastic material.
Still, at least one of the first damping element and second damping element
may
have an active surface, adapted to be put in contact with the grinding wheel
dur-
ing use, wherein the active surface has a smooth or structured surface with a
structure selected from the group consisting in cylindrical cusp-shaped
reliefs,
pyramid frustum-shaped reliefs, truncated-cone-shaped reliefs, raised radial
ridges and concentrical circumferential ridges.
For the same above-mentioned purposes, a further aspect of the invention makes
available a working tool comprising:
- a driving unit;
- a driving spindle connected to the driving unit: and
- a clamping device, as above-described, for clamping a grinding wheel on
the driving spindle.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clear from
reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example,
with
the aid of the figures illustrated in the accompanying tables.
Figure 1 is a side exploded view of a working tool, according to the
invention.
Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1 in a configuration of use.
Figure 3 is a side exploded view of a clamping device according to the
invention.
Figure 4 is a chart relative to the Type 27 grinding wheels according to the
stand-
ard ISO 603-14:1999.
BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
Referring in particular to such figures, 10 denotes as a whole a working
tool, preferably a portable (manual) working tool of the angular deburring
machine
type, which can be used in deburring and cutting operations.
The working tool comprises a body provided with one or more handpieces, within
which an electric motor is enclosed that is powered by an electric power
source
(such as a battery or an electric wire connectable to an electric power supply
grid).
The electric motor is configured to start rotating a driving spindle 11 which,
for in-
stance, protrudes laterally (i.e., radially) with respect to the longitudinal
axis of the
body of the working tool 10.
The driving spindle 11 comprises, for instance, a portion of a threaded free
(or
distal) end 110, a central frustum 111 which can be threaded or not threaded
(e.g., cylindrical), and a shoulder 112, defining a portion of engaged (or
proximal)
end, which enlarges radially relative to the central frustum 111 and/or end
portion
110.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
On the shoulder 112 prismatic reliefs and/or prismatic seats may be present.
The working tool 10, i.e., the driving spindle 11 thereof, is configured to
start rotating an abrasive wheel, preferably a grinding wheel, generally
denoted
by number 20.
The grinding wheel 20 is preferably a depressed centre wheel, for instance of
the
"Type 27" as classified according to the ISO 603-14:1999 standard.
The grinding wheel 20 comprises a disc-shaped body which can be associated,
substantially coaxially, on the driving spindle 11.
The grinding wheel 20 further comprises a first convex face 21 and defining as
a
whole the (rear) back of the grinding wheel 20 and an opposite concave second
face 22.
Furthermore, the grinding wheel 20 comprises a central through hole 23, for in-
stance circular, which can be axially fitted, with a radial clearance, on the
driving
spindle 11.
In particular, the disc-shaped body of the grinding wheel 20 is made of at
least a
layer of an abrasive mixture which is made compact and stably bonded by a
bonding resin.
In practice, the disc-shaped body of the grinding wheel 20 is obtained by
pressing
a mixture of a bulk powder of abrasive material, for instance abrasive
material
such as natural corundum, artificial corundum also recycled or the like,
silicon
carbide, sol-gel or sintered ceramic abrasives, zirconium corundum, or other,
and
mixed with a suitable binder, for instance based on binding resins, such as
phenolic resins, liquid and/or powdered and possibly modified with epoxy
phenoxy resins and/or the like, modified with organic and/or vegetable or
synthetic compounds, and other types of polyimide resins and so one, and/or
with
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
additives and fillers.
The grinding wheel 20 may be characterised by using ceramic abrasive material
(very hard and tough) often associated to layers of a more conventional
material
(such as corundum).
The abrasive mixture has a particle size substantially comprised between 120
and 12 in mesh (however it is not excluded the use of abrasive mixtures with a
larger or smaller particle size than the reported range, according to require-
ments).
The layer of abrasive mixture may have a thickness smaller than or of about 3
mm, not excluding that it may be larger or smaller than 3 mm according to re-
quirements, for instance between 2.5 mm and 10 mm.
Furthermore, the grinding wheel 20 is preferably of the reinforced type, i.e.,
the
disc-shaped body thereof is provided with one or more reinforcing meshes, such
as glass fibre, embedded in the layer/s of abrasive mixture.
The disc-shaped body of the grinding wheel 20 consists of an outer peripheral
circular ring 24 and an inner disc-shaped cap 25 coaxial to the through hole
23.
In practice, the disc-shaped cap 25, which comprises the central hole 23,
projects
radially outwardly of the circular ring 24.
The circular ring 24 substantially lies on a plane orthogonal to the central
(and ro-
tation) axis of the grinding wheel (coincident with the axis of the central
hole 23).
The circular ring 24 is the active portion of the grinding wheel 20, i.e., the
portion
thereof which is generally used for the grinding and/or deburring operations
it is
intended for (rubbing against the workpiece).
The circular ring 24 has an outer diameter De, variable while being used,
which
defines the outer diameter of the grinding wheel 20.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
Such outer diameter De, generally standardised, is equal to 115, 125, 150, 180
or
230 mm (corresponding to 4.5, 5, 6, 7 or 9 inches).
The circular ring 24 has an inner diameter Di, substantially fixed, which
defines
the outer diameter of the disc-shaped cap 25, which is substantially equal to
70
mm (the extrados).
The disc-shaped cap 25 has an outer diameter De substantially equal to the
inner
diameter Di of the circular ring 24 and an inner diameter substantially equal
to the
diameter of the central hole 23 (such as equal to 22.23 mm).
The intrados portion of the disc-shaped cap 25, which defines a portion of the
second face 22 of the grinding wheel 20, has a central planar zone which
extends
from the central hole 23 towards the periphery along a diameter at least equal
to
45 mm.
Preferably, the disc-shaped cap 25 has a tract joining the circular ring 24
and the
intrados portion of the disc-shaped cap 25, which defines a rounded inner
surface
(having a rounding inner radius substantially equal to 8 mm) and a rounded
outer
surface (having a rounding outer radius substantially equal to 8 mm).
Preferably, number 30 designates as a whole a clamping device, config-
ured to clamp a grinding wheel 20 on the driving spindle 11 of the working
tool
10.
The clamping device 30 comprises a clamping rear flange 31, which is
configured
to be fitted on the driving spindle 11 in a position proximal to the working
tool 10,
i.e., proximal to the shoulder 112 thereof.
The rear flange 31 comprises a disc-shaped body, substantially rigid (i.e.,
non-
deformable under the ordinary stresses it is usually submitted to for the use
it is
intended for).
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
The rear flange 31, i.e., the disc-shaped body thereof, has a central hole 310
(with a circular section), which can be fitted (and/or screwable) on the
driving
spindle 11. The central hole 310 of the rear flange 31, for instance, has an
inner
thread (corresponding to the one of the driving spindle 11).
The rear flange 31 has a rear flange 311, i.e., facing the working tool 10,
and an
opposite front face 312.
The central hole 310 and/or the rear face 311 has an anti-rotational coupling
ele-
ment, configured to be connected to prismatic reliefs and/or prismatic seats
pro-
vided on the shoulder 112 of the driving spindle 11.
For instance, the anti-rotational coupling element comprises prismatic seats
and/or prismatic reliefs complimentary to the prismatic reliefs and/or the
prismatic
seats provided on the shoulder 112 defined in the inner periphery of the
central
hole 310.
Preferably, the front face 312 of the rear flange 31 (or the entire rear
flange 31)
has an outer diameter larger than 70 mm, preferably larger than or equal to
the
outer disc-shaped cap 25 of the grinding wheel 20, for instance comprised be-
tween 70 mm and 80 mm, preferably equal to 78 mm.
The front face 312 of the rear flange 31 is preferably concave, for instance
shaped as complimentary to the shape of the first convex face 21 (of the disc-
shaped cap 25) of the grinding wheel 20.
Furthermore, the rear flange 31 has a centering shank 313 (substantially
cylindri-
cal) that rises from the front face 312 thereof, which has an inner diameter
larger
than or equal to the diameter of the driving spindle 11 (so that the driving
spindle
can fit substantially axially thereon) and an outer diameter smaller than the
inner
diameter of the central hole 23 of the grinding wheel 20 (so as to fit axially
into
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
the central hole 23 of the grinding wheel itself).
Advantageously, the centering shank 313 has a free distal end, which has a bev-
eled or rounded outer annular edge 314, preferably beveled (defining a
truncated-
cone surface).
For example, the free distal end of the centering shank 313 lies on a plane or-
thogonal to the central axis of the rear flange 31 on which also the outer
periph-
ery of the front face lies 312.
The rear flange 31 may further provide anchoring bores 315, for instance
conical
(with a conicity converging from the rear face to the front face), whose
function
will be made clear in the following.
Preferably, the front face 312 of the rear flange 31 has a width (i.e., a
surface ar-
ea) substantially comprised between 4000 mm2 and 6000 mm2, preferably be-
tween 4300 mm2 and 5000 mm2, for instance equal to 4650 mm2.
Such width is the area of the concave circular ring from the outer periphery
of the
(front face 312 of the) rear flange 31 to at least one of the inner edge of
the cen-
tral hole 310 and the base of the centering shank 313 (preferably the base of
the
centering shank, where required).
The rear flange 31 may be made of a metal material, for instance selected from
the group consisting of steel, aluminium, zamak, bronze or other metal alloys.
If the rear flange 31 is made of steel, the annular edge 314 may be hardened
by
a surface quenching or concrete-covering process; it is not excluded that the
rear
flange 31 may also be completely hardened by one of such processes.
In alternative, it is possible to provide that the rear flange 31 may be made
of a
plastic material (such as a highly strong resin), for instance obtained by
injection
moulding.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
The clamping device 30 comprises, in addition, a clamping front flange 32 (or
clamping nut), which is configured to be fitted on the driving spindle 11 in a
distal
position from the working tool 10.
The front flange 32 is in practice adapted to clamp the grinding wheel 20
between
the rear flange 31 and the front flange 32, so that the grinding wheel 20 is
made
rotate by the driving spindle 11.
The front flange 32 comprises a disc-shaped body, substantially rigid (i.e.,
non-
deformable under the ordinary stresses it is usually submitted to for the use
it is
intended for).
The front flange 32, i.e., the disc-shaped body thereof, has a central hole
320
(with a circular section), which is provided with an inner thread that can be
screwed on the end portion 110 of the driving spindle 11.
The front flange 32 has a front face 321, i.e., facing the opposite part of
the work-
ing tool 10, and an opposite rear face 322 facing the working tool 10 (i.e.,
facing
at least a portion of the front face 312 of the rear flange 31).
Preferably, the front flange 32 has a maximum outer diameter that is smaller
than
or equal to the diameter of the central planar zone of the intrados portion of
the
disc-shaped cap 25 of the grinding wheel 20.
In practice, the front flange 32 is configured to be axially fitted inside the
concavi-
ty of the grinding wheel 20 innerly defined by the disc-shaped cap 25.
The rear face 322 of the front flange 32 is preferably or mainly planar (and
or-
thogonal to the central axis of the second damping element 32).
Furthermore, the front flange 32 has a centering shank 323 (substantially
cylindri-
cal) which rises from the rear face 322 thereof, within which the inner thread
de-
velops, which has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the
central
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
hole 23 of the grinding wheel 20 (so as to fit axially into the central hole
23 of the
grinding wheel).
Advantageously, the centering shank 323 has a free distal end, which has a bev-
eled or rounded outer annular edge 324, preferably rounded.
Furthermore, the front flange 32 further has a raised annular relief 326
(substan-
tially cylindrical), which rises from the rear face 322 thereof, whose outer
diame-
ter is the outer diameter of the front flange 32.
The portion of rear flange 322 interposed between the centering shank 323 and
the annular relief 326 is substantially planar and lying on a plane orthogonal
to
the central axis of the central hole 320 of the front flange 32.
The front flange 32 further provides a driving element configured to screw
and/or
unscrew the front flange 32 on the driving spindle 11.
The driving element comprises, for instance, one or more pairs of eccentric
holes
326, rising at the front face 321 of the front flange 32, which can be engaged
by a
specific toothed wrench for screwing/unscrewing the front flange 32.
It is not excluded that the driving element may comprise, in alternative or in
addi-
tion, a prismatic pin (for instance with an hexagonal base) coaxial with the
central
hole 320, which rises at the front of the front face 321 of the front flange
32, so as
to be engaged by a specific spanner (such as a wrench) for screwing/unscrewing
the front flange 32.
Preferably, the rear face 322 of the front flange 32 has a width (i.e., a
surface ar-
ea) substantially comprised between 800 mm2 and 1200 mm2, for example equal
to 1100 mm2.
Such width is the area of the concave circular ring from the outer periphery
of the
(rear face 322 of the) front flange 32 or from the inner base of the annular
relief
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
326 (where provided) to at least one of the inner edge of the central hole 320
and
the base of the centering shank 323 (preferably the base of the centering
shank,
where provided).
Preferably, therefore, the front face 312 of the rear flange 31 has a width
larger
than the rear face 322 of the front flange 32, for instance in a ratio greater
than
4:1.
The front flange 32 may be made of a metal material, for instance of steel.
In such a case, the annular edge 324 (of the centering shank 323) may be hard-
ened by a surface quenching or concrete-covering process, it is not excluded
however that the whole front flange 32 may be hardened by one of said process-
es.
The clamping device 30 further comprises one first clamping element 33, which
is
interposed in use between the rear flange 31 and the extrados of the (disc-
shaped cap 25 of the) grinding wheel 20.
The first damping element 33 is configured to absorb and damp vibrations
and/or
noise generated by the use of the grinding wheel 20 on the workpiece.
The first damping element 33 is associated, as better described hereinafter,
to
the front face 312 of the rear flange 31.
For example, the first damping element 33 comprises (or consists of) a layer
of a
yielding material, for instance elastically yielding.
Preferably, the layer of yielding material is made of rubber.
The first damping element 33, i.e., the layer of yielding material, is in the
form of a
disc-shaped body, for instance circular, provided with a central hole 330,
which is
configured to be fitted (precisely) on the centering shank 313 (where
provided).
The first damping element 33, i.e., the layer of yielding material, has a
thickness
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
preferably constant throughout the (circumferential and radial) extension
thereof.
For instance, the thickness of the first damping element 33, i.e., of the
layer of
yielding material, varies from a maximum thickness (wherein the first damping
el-
ement 33 is not deformed, i.e., is not submitted to axial crushing forces) to
a min-
imum thickness (wherein the first damping element 33 is deformed, i.e.,
crushed
by axial crushing forces acting thereon).
The maximum thickness is, for instance, substantially comprised between 2 mm
and 4 mm, for instance substantially equal to 3 mm.
Preferably, the centering shank 313 rises from the front face 312 of the rear
flange 311 along an axial height substantially greater than the maximum thick-
ness of the first damping element 33, so as to project axially with respect to
the
first damping element 33 for a height comprised between 1 mm and 2 mm, pref-
erably equal to 1.5 mm.
The first damping element 33 comprises a fixing surface 331 (or rear face),
which
is configured to contact the (whole) front face 312 of the rear flange 31, and
a
free (axially) opposite active surface 332 (or front face), which is
configured to
contact at least a portion (of the back or extrados) of the (disc-shaped cap
25 of
the) grinding wheel 20.
Preferably, the first damping element 33, i.e., its fixing surface 331 and/or
its ac-
tive surface 332, extends throughout the entire width of the front face 312 of
the
rear flange 31, i.e., it has a width that is substantially equal to the width
of the
front face 312 of the rear flange 31.
The first damping element 33 coat/cover the whole front face 312 of the rear
flange 31(for instance, in such a way that the active surface 332 defines the
only
resting/contact surface for the second face 22 of the grinding wheel 20).
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
The first damping element 33 may be freely associated to the (front face 312
of
the) rear flange 31, i.e., simply lying thereon, or may be preferably fixed to
the
(front face 312 of the) rear flange 31, for instance removably or permanently.
Preferably, the first damping element 33 is removably fixed to the (front face
312
of the) rear flange 31, so as to be replaced if worn out.
For instance, the fixing surface 331 may have one or more anchoring pins 333,
each of which is configured to be (snap)-fitted into an anchoring hole 315
provid-
ed in the rear flange 31.
It is not however excluded that the first damping element 33 may be fixed
perma-
nently to the (front face 312 of the) rear flange 31, for instance adherent
thereto,
by means of bonding or obtained as a coating (co-moulded with it).
Preferably, the first damping element 33 has a shape which follows the shape
of
the front face 312 of the rear flange 31.
For instance, the first damping element 33 may be pre-formed with a (final)
con-
cave shape, wherein the fixing surface 331 and/or the active surface 332 sub-
stantially follows (and is similar to) the shape of the front face 312 of the
rear
flange 31.
It is not excluded, however, that the first damping element 33 may have a
plane
non-deformed form, which is configured to be deformed (by flection) so as to
.. adapt to the shape of the front face 312 of the rear flange 31, for
instance under
the action of an axial pressure directed against the front face 312 of the
rear
flange 31.
Preferably, the active surface 332 may have a surface smooth finish.
In alternative, it is possible to provide that the active surface 332 may have
a sur-
face structured finish, for instance with a structure selected from the group
con-
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
sisting in cylindrical-cusp shaped reliefs, pyramid-frustum-shaped reliefs,
truncat-
ed-cone-shaped reliefs, raised radial ridges and concentric circumferential
ridges.
Globally, the first damping element 33, i.e., the layer of yielding material
it is
made with, has a thickness smaller than or equal to 50 Shore A, preferably com-
prised between 10 Shore A and 45 Shore A, for instance substantially equal to
45
Shore A (or equal to 10 or 20 Shore A).
The clamping device 30 further comprises one second clamping element 34,
which is interposed in use between the front flange 32 and the extrados of the
(disc-shaped cap 25 of the) grinding wheel 20.
The second damping element 34 is configured to (at least partially) absorb and
damp vibrations and/or noise generated by the use of the grinding wheel 20 on
the workpiece.
The second damping element 34 is associated, as better described hereinafter,
to
the rear face 322 of the front flange 32.
For example, the second damping element 34 comprises (or consists of) a layer
of a yielding material, for instance elastically yielding.
Preferably, the layer of yielding material is made of rubber.
The second damping element 34, i.e., the layer of yielding material, is in the
form
of a disc-shaped body, for instance circular, provided with a central hole
340,
which is configured to be fitted (precisely) on the centering shank 323 (where
provided).
The second damping element 34, i.e., the layer of yielding material, has a
thick-
ness preferably constant throughout the (circumferential and radial) extension
thereof.
For instance, the thickness of the second damping element 34, i.e., of the
layer of
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
yielding material, varies from a maximum thickness (wherein the second damping
element 34 is not deformed, i.e., is not submitted to axial crushing forces)
to a
minimum thickness (wherein the second damping element 34 is deformed, i.e.,
crushed by axial crushing forces acting thereon).
The maximum thickness of the second damping element 34 is for example sub-
stantially comprised between 2 mm and 4 mm, for instance substantially equal
to
3 mm.
Preferably, the centering shank 323 rises from the rear face 322 along an
axial
height substantially greater than the maximum thickness of the second damping
element 34, so as to project axially with respect to the first damping element
34
for a height comprised between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably equal to 1.5 mm.
The second damping element 34 comprises a fixing surface 341 (or front face)
which is configured to contact the rear face 322 of the front flange 32, and a
free
(axially) opposite active surface 342 (or rear face), which is configured to
contact
at least a portion (of intrados) of the (disc-shaped cap 25 of the) grinding
wheel
20, i.e., the central planar zone thereof.
The second damping element 34, i.e., its fixing surface 341 and/or its active
sur-
face 342, has an extension smaller than the extension of the first damping ele-
ment 33, in particular its active surface 342 has an extension/surface area
small-
.. er than the active surface 332 of the first damping element 33 (and its
fixing sur-
face 341 has an extension/surface area smaller than the fixing surface 331 of
the
first damping element 33), for instance in a ratio greater than 4:1.
Preferably, the second damping element 34, i.e., its fixing surface 341 and/or
its
active surface 342, extends throughout the entire width of the rear face 322
of the
.. front flange 32, i.e., it has a width that is substantially equal to the
width of the
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
rear face 322 of the front flange 32.
The second damping element 34 coat/cover the whole rear face 322 of the front
flange 32 (for instance, in such a way the active surface 342 defines the only
rest-
ing/contact surface for the first face 21 of the grinding wheel 20).
The second damping element 34 is for example radially contained between the
centering shank 323 and the annular relief 326.
The thickness of the second damping element 34, furthermore, is greater (for
in-
stance of 0.5 mm) than the axial height of the annular relief 326.
The second damping element 34 may be freely associated to the (rear face 322
of the) front flange 32, i.e., simply lying thereon, or may be preferably
fixed to the
(rear face 322 of the) front flange 32, for instance removably or permanently.
Preferably, the second damping element 34 is removably fixed to the (rear face
322 of the) front flange 32, so as to be replaced in case of wear, for example
by
snap-fitting (between the centering shank 313 and the annular edge 314).
It is not however excluded that the second damping element 34 may be fixed
permanently to the (rear face 322 of the) front flange 32, for instance
adherent
thereto, by means of bonding or obtained as a coating (co-moulded with it).
Preferably, the second damping element 34 has the fixing surface 341 substan-
tially planar and parallel to the active surface 342 substantially (globally).
In prac-
tice, the fixing surface 341 and the active surface 342 are orthogonal to the
cen-
tral axis of the second damping element.
Preferably, the active surface 342 may have a surface smooth finish.
In alternative, it is possible to provide that the active surface 342 may have
a sur-
face structured finish, for instance with a structure selected from the group
con-
sisting in cylindrical-cusp shaped reliefs, pyramid-frustum-shaped reliefs,
truncat-
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
ed-cone-shaped reliefs, raised radial ridges and concentric circumferential
ridges.
Globally, the second damping element 34, i.e., the layer of yielding material
it is
made with, has a thickness larger than or equal to 40 Shore A, preferably com-
prised between 46 Shore A and 90 Shore A, for instance substantially equal to
50
Shore A.
In general, the first damping element 33 is less hard than the second damping
el-
ement 34, preferably in a mutual ratio 1:4.
In light of the above, the operation of the working tool 10 is as follows.
To start grinding and/or deburring operations, it is sufficient to firstly
insert on the
driving spindle lithe rear flange 31, so that its concavity is directed
towards the
free end of the driving spindle 11.
Together with the rear flange 31, also the first damping element 33 (for
instance
pre-assembled to the rear flange 31) is fitted on the driving spindle 11.
When the rear flange 31 is in position (and the anti-rotational coupling
element
thereof is connected to prismatic reliefs and/or to the prismatic seats of the
shoulder 112 of the driving spindle 11), it is possible to make the grinding
wheel
fit on the driving spindle 11.
In practice, the central hole 23 of the grinding wheel 20 is fitted on the
centering
shank 313 of the rear flange 31 and the portion of the rear face 311 of the
(disc-
20 shaped cap 25 of the) grinding wheel 20 is contacted with the active
surface 332
of the first damping element 33.
Thereafter, it is sufficient to screw on the driving spindle lithe front
flange 32,
which is pre-assembled to the second damping element 34, until the active sur-
face 342 of the second damping element 34 is in forced contact with the
(intrados
.. central planar zone of the) grinding wheel 20.
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
The front flange 32 is clamped with a clamping torque such to press at least
par-
tially (though not totally) the first damping element 33, which in any case
has in its
deformed configuration a minimum thickness not smaller than 1/4 of the maximum
thickness, preferably not smaller than 1/2 of the maximum thickness.
In practice, it was observed that the entire area concerned by the clamping of
the
grinding wheel 20 between the active surface 332 of the first damping element
33
and the active surface 342 of the second damping element 34 is of about 5750
mm2, i.e., the sum of the width of the active surface 332 of the first damping
ele-
ment 33 (substantially equal to 4650 mm2) and the width of the active surface
342
of the second damping element 34 (substantially equal to 1100 mm2).
Such overall area is indeed greater than the known solutions, which is substan-
tially equal to 2200 mm2.
As the rotational torque required to make the grinding wheel 20 rotate is
propor-
tional to the overall clamping area, the friction coefficient and the specific
ores-
sure exerted by the rear flange 31 and front flange 32 on the first damping
ele-
ment 33 and second damping element 34 (and follows an almost linear trend), it
derives that, the rotational torque being equal, it is possible to apply with
the
above-described clamping device 30 (wherein the overall area is increased) a
lower specific pressure, for instance 1/4 than the known systems (wherein both
clamping flanges have a maximum outer diameter of 44 mm).
Reducing the specific pressure allows to reduce, as described above, the hard-
ness of the first damping element 33 (if compared to the known systems,
wherein
the hardness of both damping elements is higher than 80 Shore A).
Therefore, one first damping element 33, that is, so to speak, soft (hardness
sub-
stantially equal to 45 or 10 or 20 Shore A) and with a significant thickness
(sub-
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
stantially equal to 3 mm), allows the grinding wheel 20 clamped between the
clamping device 30 to keep a wide swinging flexibility as damped by the
intrinsic
characteristics of the first damping element 33 and second damping element 34,
consequently remarkably reducing the vibrations transmitted to the working
tool
10 (and from it to the operator) and acoustic emissions.
Furthermore, thanks to the aforesaid solution, it was observed that the use of
very hard grinding wheels 20 (i.e., those ranked with letter "T" and/or "S" or
"R" by
producers) is easier and hence convenient and tolerated, with obvious economic
advantages and in terms of working performance and wear of the grinding wheel.
Furthermore, it was observed that the clamping device 30, as it is, also
improves
how grinding wheels 20 wear out.
In fact, as said, density differences, displacements, planarity differences
between
the faces of the grinding wheels 20 (which are to some extent present in the
grinding wheels) often determine, especially in the very hard grinding wheels,
a
non-uniform wear of the leading edge of the grinding wheels.
It must be noted, in this respect, that a difference of wear is often
generated ¨ in
use ¨ in the width of the grinding wheel outer ring, often highlighted by a
different
angle of the wear edge along the periphery of the grinding wheel itself.
This happens as the above noted differences determine an irregular wear of the
leading edge of the grinding wheel and a prominent bouncing of the grinding
wheel on the workpiece.
The clamping device 30 is configured to keep a floating and "non-rigid"
clamping
on the grinding wheel 20, which, therefore allows to strongly and efficiently
soften
the bouncing of the grinding wheel 20 on the workpiece, keeping a more
constant
contact between the leading edge of the grinding wheel 20 and the workpiece,
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
remarkably improving the tightness and wear regularity of the leading edge.
In practice, the clamping device 30, as it is conformed, acts on the grinding
wheel
in the same way as dampers of the vehicle wheel suspensions, which brake and
soften the oscillating movements of the wheels caused by the road irregular
con-
ditions.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and varia-
tions, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.
Moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent ele-
ments.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes,
can
be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing
from
the scope of protection of the following claims.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-01-28
