Machining process monitor

• US 5,070,655 A
• Filed: 11/30/1990
• Issued: 12/10/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Trilok R. Aggarwal
• Original Assignee: Trilok R. Aggarwal
• Inventors: Aggarwal, Trilok R.
• Primary Examiner(s): RACHUBA, MAURINA T
• Application Number:
  US07/621,060
• Time in Patent Office: 375 Days
• Field of Search: 51/165.71, 51/165.72, 51/165.74, 51/165.76, 51/165.77, 51/165.87, 51/168, 364/474.15, 364/474.17, 364/474.19, 364/153, 364/184, 364/474.06
• US Class Current: 451/5
• CPC Class Codes: B24B 49/10 involving electrical means B24B49/02, B24B49/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B24B 49/16 taking regard of the load
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4063 Monitoring general control system G05B19/4062 takes precedence

Abstract

A machine tool monitor having a machine power sensor and a machine vibration sensor transmitting respective vibration and power signals to a controller which process the signals and monitors the machines operation to detect a change in the machine'"'"'s processing parameters solely as a function of the power and vibration signals. The monitor indicates whether the condition of the tool and its associated machining operation warrants scrutiny or should be stopped for service. Besides visual and audible alarm signals the machining condition monitor can be integrated with an automatic control such as an NC controller or PC.

In one embodiment a grinding machine monitor is provided with a power sensor and vibration sensor wherein the controller is adjusted to signal conditions associated with wheel sharpness, loss of coolant, and excessive vibrations.

Claims

1. A machining process monitor for monitoring a machine'"'"'s operation, said monitor comprising:

a vibration sensor for measuring mechanical vibrations of the machine during the machine'"'"'s operation,

a machine power sensor for measuring power consumption of the machining process by the machine during the machine'"'"'s operation,

a computing means for providing output signals indicative of the machines operating condition as a function of vibration directly related to power from vibration and power signals generated by said vibration and power sensors.

2. A machining process monitor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said output signals defines at least three operating zones, wherein said zones are an acceptable, a cautionary, and an unacceptable operating zones.

3. A machining process monitor as claimed in claim 2 wherein said computing means includes a calibration means for defining said zones.

4. A machining process monitor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said function is linear in nature.

5. A grinding process monitor for monitoring the operation of a grinding wheel machine having a grinding wheel, said grinding monitor comprising:

a vibration sensor for measuring mechanical vibrations of the machine during the machine'"'"'s operation,

a machine power sensor for measuring power consumption of the grinding wheel during the grinding wheel machine'"'"'s operation,

a computing means for providing output signals indicative of the machines operating condition as a function of vibration directly related to power from vibration and power signals generated by said vibration and power sensors.

6. A grinding monitor as claimed in claim 5 wherein said output signals defines at least three operating zones, wherein said zones are an acceptable, a cautionary, and an unacceptable operating zones.

7. A grinding monitor as claimed in claim 6 wherein said computing means includes a calibration means for defining said zones.