Tool setting or analysis device with backup or repeated trigger signal for detecting a tool
US8530823B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/94104
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tool setting or tool analysis device for a machine tool comprises a light source for producing a light beam. A light receiver receives the light beam and produces a signal indicative of the amount of light received. This is analyzed by a main analysis circuit to generate a trigger signal to a machine controller when the beam is at least partially occluded. To provide fail-safe operation should the main circuit not recognize the tool, a back-up trigger signal is produced after a delay by a delay circuit. In one preferred form, the back-up trigger signal may oscillate, providing repeated edges which can ensure fail-safe operation even if the machine controller suffers from a blind window and therefore misses the initial trigger signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.