Tool force sensor and method of making same
US4741231A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1986 |
| Grant date | May 3, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T82/2549
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tool force sensor assembly (20) generates an electrical signal which is related to the change in force applied by a tool (24) to a workpiece (28) and is indicative of the wear condition or failure of the tool (24). The sensor assembly (20) is mounted in force transmitting relationship between a movable tool support (30, 36) and a nut member (44, 45) which is driven by screw shaft (40, 41). The sensor assembly (20) comprises a plurality of ring-shaped piezoelectric transducers (48) which are held in preselected, circumferentially spaced relationship to each other around the screw shaft (40, 41) by a retainer ring (56, 58) which is sandwiched between a pair of load distribution plates (52, 54). Fasteners (46) extend through each of the transducers (48) and mount the sensor assembly (20) between the nut member (44, 45) and the tool support (30, 36). An alternate form of the retainer ring (80) is formed by molding the transducers (48 ) within a layer of flexible molding material which allows the transducers (48) to seat properly against the load distribution plates (52, 54). A pair of the sensor assemblies (20) may be respectively mounted on the slide (30) and carriage (36) of a mach…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.