Devices and methods for detecting a processing electrode of a machine tool
AssigneeAgie SA
InventorsErnst Bühler, Juri Cugini, Karl Tobler, Walter Dal Bò
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Abstract
Devices and methods are disclosed for the contactless detection of a bar-shaped or wire-shaped processing electrode of a machine tool such as a spark erosion machine. The detection is based on measuring an impedance change in the measuring area, which is caused by the processing electrode moving through the measuring area. The impedance change is measured by one or more measuring electrodes disposed in the measuring area.
Claims30
A device for detecting a processing electrode of a machine tool, the device comprising:
- a measuring area through which the processing electrode can be moved, the measuring area being filled with a transport fluid having an electrical conductivity that differs from an electrical conductivity of the processing electrode;
- at least one measuring electrode disposed in the measuring area;
- and
- a detecting circuit in communication with the at least one measuring electrode to detect an impedance change in the measuring area caused by the processing electrode passing through the transport fluid in the measuring area.
A wire spark erosion machine comprising:
- a processing electrode feeding system;
- and
- a detection device for monitoring movement of the processing electrode through the machine, the device comprising:
- a measuring area through which the processing electrode can be moved, the measuring area being filled with a transport fluid having an electrical conductivity that differs from an electrical conductivity of the processing electrode;
- at least one measuring electrode disposed in the measuring area;
- and
- a detecting circuit in communication with the at least one measuring electrode to detect an impedance change in the measuring area caused by the processing electrode passing through the transport fluid in the measuring area.
A method for detecting a processing electrode of a machine tool, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a first measuring area through which the processing electrode can be moved, the measuring area being filled with a transport fluid having an electrical conductivity that differs from an electrical conductivity of the processing electrode;
- monitoring an impedance in the first measuring area with at least one measuring electrode;
- and
- determining whether the processing electrode passing through the transport fluid in the first measuring area based on a change in the monitored impedance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.