GB1214910A - Improvements in or relating to machine-tool - Google Patents

Abstract

1,214,910. 910. Programme control of machine tools. G.E. OFFENSTADT. March 27, 1968 [April 6, 1967], No.14787/68. Heading G3N. [Also in Division B3] A machine tool has an operating unit cyclically movable, relative to a support for a workpiece, between an inoperative and an operative position, which carries a means for detecting the position of a tool member supported on the workpiece connected to a programme control means for controlling a means for moving the operating unit. As shown, Fig.1, a stationary punching table 1 supports a die 4 on which rests a workpiece 3 and a punch 5 which is driven vertically by a pressing plate 2, sequenced to move forwardly until above the punch and then downwardly to effect a punching operation. The plate 2 bears a light source 6 and a photo-cell, between which passes a light beam which is interrupted by the front edge 5a of the punch 5 and remains interrupted until the beam passes the rear edge. In a control system, Fig.4, signals, indicative of the position of the punch with respect to the light beam between the source 6 and the photo-cell 8, are fed to a programme device and remote control panel 9 and to a memory device 10. The device 9 controls the supply to a motor 11 driving a pump 12 for the hydraulic system of the press and the supply to the light source 6; relays 13a, 13b provide for remote control of the machine by an operator. When the plate is moved horizontally the time during which the beam between source 6 and photo-cell 8 is cut off is recorded by a memory 10 and the plate 2 is stopped, with or without a time delay, when, by continued movement of plate 2, the light beam is again received by the photocell 8. The information stored in the memory 10 is utilized to control, through the panel 9, the return motion of the plate 2. It is stated that the light source and cell are vertically movable relative to the plate 2, to avoid damage during the vertical movement of the plate.