Patent · US Expired

Datum reference for tool touch probe system

US4554495A · kind A · utility

22Cited by
4References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 29, 1984
Grant dateNov 19, 1985
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 29, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23Q17/2241
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A reference post assembly (50) directly mounted on a numerically controlled machining system such as a lathe obviates the need for a datum ring including reference datum surfaces (42,44) and being conventionally provided on the external cylindrical surface and face of a chuck (36) which holds the workpiece (41) being machined. The reference post assembly (50) is comprised of an elongated reference post member (52) of selected cross section, i.e., square or round, which is resiliently mounted on the lathe in a known calibrated position with respect to the workpiece (41). The post (52) is ultrasonically vibrated in a longitudinal mode by one or more piezoelectric elements (54) coupled to an electrical signal oscillator (56). A frequency matched vibration sensor (72) in the form of an accelerometer is mounted on a machine tool carrying turret (26) and is adapted to sense the vibration imparted to the reference post when a machine tool (32) utilized as a touch probe is brought into contact with the reference post. The signal output of the accelerometer ( 72) is fed from the turret (26) by a rotating coupler (74) where it is conditioned and thereafter fed to a numerical control unit (46…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.