Device for sharpening and method for operating the device

Abstract

A device for sharpening edges of knives or other cutting tools with preferably a non-linear course has a mount for fixing the knife, at least one measuring device and at least one grinder. In a method of operating this device, a knife is clamped in a mount and initially the course of the edge by comparison with a predetermined cam disc is determined and then a difference from the predetermined cam disc profile is calculated on that basis and the sharpening process correspondingly regulated.

1 : A device for sharpening edges of knives or other cutting tools with preferably a non-linear course, wherein a mount for fixing the knife, at least one measuring device and at least one grinder is provided. 
     
     
         2 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one drive for radial and/or transversal movement of the knife and/or the measuring device and/or the grinder is provided. 
     
     
         3 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the drives are configured as servo-drives, pneumatic motors, hydraulic motors or the like. 
     
     
         4 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a cam disc is provided for controlling the grinding process. 
     
     
         5 : The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the cam disc is provided in virtual form. 
     
     
         6 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a cleaning device is provided. 
     
     
         7 : The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the cleaning device is configured for use of compressed air and/or cleaning liquid. 
     
     
         8 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a presser device is provided for the grinder. 
     
     
         9 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a control device is provided. 
     
     
         10 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the measuring device is configured as an optical scanning device, particularly according to the principle of a light section. 
     
     
         11 : The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a cover and/or a protective housing for the measuring device is or are provided. 
     
     
         12 : A method of operating the device according to  claim 1 , wherein a knife is clamped in a mount and initially the course of the edge by comparison with a predetermined cam disc is determined and then a difference from the predetermined cam disc profile is calculated on that basis and the sharpening process correspondingly regulated. 
     
     
         13 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein determination of the course of the edge is carried out by a measuring device, wherein in that case an optical measuring device which operates in particular according to the principle of a light section can be used. 
     
     
         14 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the difference from the predetermined guide disc is determined by computer and these comparison values form the basis for control of the sharpening process by grinding. 
     
     
         15 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the measuring device undertakes the measurements at discrete predetermined points. 
     
     
         16 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the measuring device determines the edge angle, the edge chamfer length, the edge flank angle and/or the edge chamfer length. 
     
     
         17 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the wear state of the knife relative to the predetermined edge course is measured by the measuring device. 
     
     
         18 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the knife is measured again after the grinding process and a target/actual value comparison is performed. 
     
     
         19 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the control controls and monitors the relevant parameters of the grinding process primarily with respect to pressing force, grind angle, grinding disc rotational speed and speed of movement of the knife. 
     
     
         20 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the control uses mechanisms of fuzzy logic and/or artificial intelligence and thus optimises optimizes the sharpening process. 
     
     
         21 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the measuring device is covered by a protective housing during the grinding process and an actuator which places the protective housing on the measuring device before the start of the grinding process and removes i-t the protective housing again afterwards can be provided for that purpose. 
     
     
         22 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the knife is freed of grinding residues by a cleaning device after the grinding process, wherein a compressed air nozzle and/or a washing device with cleaning liquid can be provided for that purpose. 
     
     
         23 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the knife is cleaned by one or more brushes after the grinding process, wherein the brushes can be fixed and/or driven. 
     
     
         24 : The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the brushes can be equipped with plastics material bristles and/or textile bristles. 
     
     
         25 : The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the method is used for sharpening sickle knives.