Adaptive control system for machine tool or the like
AssigneeKearney & Trecker Corporation
InventorsRichard Johnstone, Edward E. Kirkham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An adaptive control system for a machine tool or the like includes two pairs of thrust sensors for measuring radial and axial spindle deflection and a temperature sensor for measuring spindle bearing temperature. Data processing apparatus, typically comprised of a microcomputer, is coupled to the thrust and temperature sensors and regulates the spindle bearing preload and spindle axis feed rate in accordance with the radial and axial spindle thrust. The microcomputer simultaneously regulates the percentage of oil in the oil/air mixture lubrication mist sprayed on bearing contact surfaces in accordance with bearing temperature, thereby assuring optimum machine tool performance.
Claims8
An apparatus for rotatably supporting a member journaled in a frame by anti-friction bearings which comprises:
- sensing means in position to sense the thrust imposed upon said rotatable member and produce a signal representing the sensed thrust;
- pressure means disposed to apply a pressure to said bearings for preloading the bearings;
- pressure adjusting means connected to regulate said pressure for varying the preloading of said bearings;
- a control connected to receive the signal from said sensing means representing the thrust on a rotatable member;
- and
- means connecting said control to said adjusting means for regulating the operation of said adjusting means in accordance with the signal received from said sensing means so that the preload pressure applied to said bearings is continually adjusted to suit the prevailing conditions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.