Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for controlling peck drilling

US5349337A · kind A · utility

19Cited by
5References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 15, 1992
Grant dateSep 20, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 15, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T408/14
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Peck drilling operations using a drilling tool with a rotatable bit are controlled according to the present invention. A control computer is used to detect various drilling conditions, such as dull or broken bits, transitions between different materials in a workpiece and a breakthrough condition. The control computer continually monitors the thrust and torque applied to the drill bit. A separate feed amp and computer having a pre-programmed feed motion routine for controlling the feeding movement of the drill bit signals the control computer when the bit is in a peck cycle. The control computer is responsive to an indication that the bit is a peck cycle for ignoring the thrust and torque readings during the peck cycle. By determining when the bit is in a peck cycle, the control computer is able to differentiate between a normal peck cycle and other drilling conditions, such as a dull or broken drill bit, transition between materials or breakthrough.

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