Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B23D59/00—Accessories specially designed for sawing machines or sawing devices
  • B23D59/001—Measuring or control devices, e.g. for automatic control of work feed pressure on band saw blade
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T83/00—Cutting
  • Y10T83/141—With means to monitor and control operation [e.g., self-regulating means]
  • Y10T83/159—Including means to compensate tool speed for work-feed variations
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T83/00—Cutting
  • Y10T83/707—By endless band or chain knife
  • Y10T83/7076—With programming means

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to machine tool monitoring systems and, in particular, to an improved machine tool monitoring system comprising at least one position sensor linked to a controller, the system being particularly suitable for data acquisition, performance analysis, and productivity optimization in cutting applications utilizing band saw machines.
• a typical band saw machine of the type to which the invention pertains includes a tool carriage for supporting a saw blade which is driven about a pair of band wheels, and a support bed which supports a workpiece to be cut by the saw.
• the carriage is moveable toward and away from the support bed to advance the saw blade through the workpiece in a cutting operation and to withdraw the blade from the workpiece when the cutting operation is complete.
• Monitoring systems for determining and displaying the feed rate of a band saw blade through a workpiece are known in the art .
• One such system employs at least two microswitches or limit switches which indicate the beginning and end of the cutting operation.
• One microswitch is located at a distance from the support bed which corresponds to the carriage position just prior to the point where the saw blade enters the workpiece.
• a second microswitch is located at the carriage position where the saw blade has cut through the work piece and contacts the support bed.
• An associated timing device measures the time duration of the cutting operation, and the system calculates the average feed rate of the blade through the workpiece based on the distance between the two switch locations and the measured time duration of the cutting operation.
• the system does not provide a real time indication of the feed rate of the saw blade throughout the workpiece. Rather, the operator must wait until the entire cutting operation is complete before the calculated feed rate can be obtained.
• the system calculates only an average feed rate over the entire cutting operation. Thus, there is no indication of how the feed rate might vary during different portions of the cutting operation in the case, for example, where the workpiece does not present a consistent cross section.
• the switch location indicating the start of the cutting operation must be continuously moved as workpieces having different profiles are cut by the band saw. This is the case since the distance between the support bed and the point where the saw blade initially engages the workpiece will likely change as the profiles of the workpieces change .
• a retractable wire spool is mounted on the tool carriage with the wire extending between the carriage and the support bed.
• the spool is linked to a quadrature encoder, and as the carriage moves toward the support bed during a cutting operation and the wire spool retracts, the encoder translates the movement of the carriage as displacement of the wire.
• Data signals representing the relative position of the carriage with respect to the workbed are fed to an associated rate meter which determines the feed rate of the saw blade through the workpiece based on the data provided by the encoder.
• the rate meter provides a visual display of the feed rate to a machine operator. This system does not record the feed rate, but simply displays the feed rate as the cutting operation proceeds.
• the operator in order to determine the feed rate the operator must continuously observe the output of the rate meter throughout the actual cutting operation.
• the operator can adjust the operation of the machine based on the rate that is observed, but any adjustments are the result of completely manual feedback by the operator. No data is recorded and, therefore, no continuous real-time summary of the cutting operations performed by the band saw are provided. Thus, the operator cannot analyze the overall performance of the saw over a series of cutting operations to optimize productivity.
• an improved band saw monitoring system would provide the following capabilities .
• the monitoring system would continuously calculate the relative position of the cutting blade with respect to the workpiece during the cutting operation and the direction of movement of the blade within, toward or away from the workpiece. Based on this data, the system would continuously determine the feed rate of the blade throughout the cutting operation. The system would also accurately determine the time duration of each cutting operation and provide an average feed rate for the entire cutting operation. The system would also determine the running speed of the cutting blade, i.e., the rate at which the saw blade is advanced around the band wheels. To optimize productivity and reduce premature blade failure, the system would provide a real-time display of the measured parameters to a machine operator for comparison with optimum values. The system would also preserve the measured data for future analysis.
• the present invention provides a monitoring system for a band saw of the type having a support bed for supporting a workpiece and a tool carriage which supports a band saw blade driven in a direction transverse to the workpiece, the tool carriage and support bed being movable relative to one another during a cutting operation.
• the system may be employed in conjunction with vertical, horizontal or pivot type band saw machines, and with band saw machines of various feed types, including pressure feed band saws, constant traverse feed saws and band saws employing a combination of these feed types.
• the monitoring system comprises at least one position sensor, a controller, and a computer including a data storage device and a display unit, such as a PC, linked with the controller.
• the controller utilizes output signals from the position sensor to continuously calculate both the velocity of the saw blade with respect to the workpiece as the tool carriage and the support bed move relative to one another and the direction of that velocity either toward or away from the workpiece. Based on this data, the controller continuously calculates the feed rate of the saw blade through the workpiece during the period the saw blade is in cutting engagement with the workpiece.
• the feed rate calculated by the controller is forwarded to the computer and is continuously provided as a real-time display to the machine operator as the cutting operation proceeds.
• the computer calculates the average feed rate over the entire cutting operation.
• the calculated average feed rate is stored by the computer and is displayed to the machine operator for comparison with a predetermined optimum value based on the particular workpiece being cut, the model of band saw, performing the cutting operation, and the particular type of saw blade being used.
• the machine operator compares the calculated average feed rate with the optimum feed rate to control the operation of the band saw and optimize the cutting operation.
• the position sensor comprises a retractable spool of wire and an associated quadrature encoder having A and B channels which provide square wave outputs.
• the wave outputs are 90° out of phase with each other, and the phase relationship indicates the direction the wire spool is turning and, accordingly, the direction the carriage is moving with respect to the support bed.
• the sensor is mounted on either the tool carriage or the support bed with the wire extending between these structures .
• the monitoring system further includes a proximity sensor which provides data signals to the controller representing the band speed, i.e., the speed at which the blade is being driven in a direction transverse to the workpiece. The controller sums the data signals received from the sensor per unit time and forwards this information to the computer.
• the computer calculates the actual band speed.
• the calculated value is stored by the computer and is provided as a real-time display to the machine operator for comparison with a predetermined optimum band speed.
• the system displays the average feed rate and the predetermined optimum feed rate, as well as the calculated band speed and the optimum band speed for immediate comparison by the machine operator.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pivot-type band saw machine with the pivot arm of the saw in the raised position.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the band saw of Fig. 1 with the pivot arm in the lowered position.
• Fig. 3 is a partially cut away side view of the band saw of Fig. 1 with the pivot arm of the saw in the raised position and including a monitoring system embodying the invention.
• Fig. 4 is a partially cut away side view of the band saw of Fig. 1 with the pivot arm of the saw in the lowered position.
• Fig. 5 is a real-time screen display generated by the monitoring system illustrated in Fig. 3 indicating operating parameters of the cutting operation performed by the band saw.
• the band saw machine includes a work table 12 defining a support bed 14 for supporting a workpiece, such as the illustrated round metal bar 16.
• the band saw further includes a pivot arm or tool carriage 18 pivotally mounted on the work table 12 for movement relative to the support bed 14 during a cutting operation between a raised position (shown in Figs. 1 and 3) and a lowered position (shown in Figs. 2 and 4) .
• a drive motor 20 is mounted on the pivot arm and is coupled by an output shaft 21 to a driven band wheel 22 which also forms a part of the drive assembly.
• An endless band saw blade 24 is looped around the driven band wheel 22 and an associated idler band wheel 25 which is also mounted on the pivot arm.
• the drive motor 20 advances the saw blade 24 around the band wheels 22 and 25 in a direction transverse to the workpiece (indicated by arrow A) under the automatic control of a machine operator .
• the saw blade 24 when the pivot arm is in the raised position, the saw blade 24 is disposed immediately adjacent to the top of the work piece 16. Accordingly, the raised position corresponds to the position of the pivot arm 18 and the saw blade 24 at the start of a particular cutting operation. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, when the pivot arm is in the lowered position, the saw blade
• the monitoring system comprises a position sensor 26 which is mounted on the pivot arm 18.
• the sensor provides signals representing the changing position of the saw blade 24 as the carriage is moved between the raised and lowered positions, and the direction of movement of the saw blade either toward or away from the support bed.
• the position sensor 26 comprises a spool of wire 28 mounted on a shaft 30 within a housing 32.
• the free end 33 of the wire is releasably attached to the support bed 14 by a suitable coupling 34.
• a band spring 36 connecting the spool to the shaft 30 causes the spool to retract.
• the spool of wire 28 unwinds and retracts in accordance with the movement of the pivot arm 18 between the raised and lowered positions .
• the sensor 26 further includes a quadrature encoder 38 which is linked directly to the shaft 30, as shown in Fig. 3.
• the encoder provides output signals based on the rotational position of the shaft 30 as the spool unwinds and retracts. Thus, the encoder translates the arcuate movement of the pivot arm 18 as displacement of the wire 28.
• the output signals of the encoder are of the quadrature type having A and B channels which provide square wave outputs. The wave outputs are 90° out of phase with each other, and the phase relationship indicates the direction the wire spool is turning and, accordingly, the direction the carriage is moving with respect to the support bed.
• these signals represent not only the relative position of the band saw blade 24 as the pivot arm 18 is moved between the raised and lowered positions, but also represent the direction of movement of the saw blade toward or away from the bed.
• the encoder need not be linked directly to the shaft 30. Instead, the encoder may be linked to a pulley over which the wire 28 extends. As the wire unwinds and retracts in response to the movement of the pivot arm 18 the pulley is rotated accordingly, and the encoder generates output signals based on the rotational position of the pulley. Output signals from the encoder 38 are continuously fed to a controller 40 which is also mounted within the housing 32.
• the controller sums the output signals from the encoder and continuously calculates the velocity of the saw blade 24 with respect to the support bed 14 as the pivot arm 18 moves between the raised and lowered positions.
• the wire 28 is coupled to the support bed in alignment with the center of the workpiece 16 as shown in Figs 1-4.
• the controller also continuously tracks the direction the blade is moving either toward or away from the workpiece based on the phase relationship between the output channels A and B of the encoder. A phase reversal in the outputs of the channels provides a precise and instantaneous indication that the direction of the velocity of the saw blade with respect to the workpiece has changed.
• a change in direction occurs when the saw blade 24 has cut through the workpiece 16 and the pivot arm 18 begins moving from the lowered position to the raised position.
• a change in direction also occurs at the start of the cutting operation when the pivot arm 18 begins moving from the raised position to the lowered position.
• the system continuously monitors the feed rate throughout the entire cutting operation.
• the controller 40 is linked to a computer, such as PC 43, which includes a monitor 44, a data storage device 46 and a keyboard 48 through which the machine operator interacts with the system. As each cutting operation proceeds, the feed rate calculated by the central processor 40 is continuously displayed on the monitor 44.
• the average feed rate over the entire cutting operation is calculated by the computer and is displayed on the monitor and also stored in the data storage device 46. It should therefore be apparent that the encoder outputs serve the same purpose as the microswitches used in prior art monitoring systems. Substituting the quadrature encoder for the microswitches obviates the need to reposition the switches each time a workpiece having a different profile is cut by the band saw. As noted previously, this is one of the primary disadvantages of the prior system.
• the monitoring systems further comprises a proximity sensor 42 linked to a moving component of the band saw machine that represents band speed.
• the proximity sensor 42 is shown linked to the output shaft 21 of the drive motor 20.
• the sensor 42 continuously provides data signals to the controller 40 based on the rotational position of the motor shaft 21.
• the controller sums the data signals per unit time, typically the data signals provided by the sensor 42 per second, and forwards the summed value to the PC.
• the PC multiplies the number of data signals received per unit time by a scale factor.
• the scale factor is calculated during the initial set up of the monitoring system by operating the band saw machine at maximum band speed and relating the number of data signals per unit time at maximum band speed to the number of data signals obtained from the controller.
• the scaling operation is based on the particular configuration of the band saw machine's drive components and the position of the proximity sensor 42.
• sensor 42 is shown connected to motor shaft 21 and the shaft is shown directly connected to band wheel 22.
• the motor shaft is typically connected to band wheel 22 through a gear train or pulley which controls the rotational speed of the band wheel 22 with respect to the rotational speed of the motor shaft.
• the position of the proximity sensor can vary depending on the particular band saw machine model and type with which the monitoring system is used.
• the band speed is displayed real-time on the monitor 44 and is typically captured at a predetermined time after the cutting operation has begun and recorded in the data storage device 46. Accordingly, the machine operator can compare both the calculated average feed rate and the calculated band speed with predetermined optimum values for these parameters.
• the optimum values are provided by known software programs which specify feed rate, band speed and blade type based on the size, shape and material composition of the workpiece and the particular model of band saw machine performing the cutting operation.
• One such program is available from American Saw and Mfg. Co. under the trademark SAWCALC ® .
• the machine operator can immediately determine if the cutting operation is proceeding at optimum efficiency and, if not, the band speed and feed rate should be adjusted to insure maximum productivity and blade life. Moreover, the machine operator can utilize the continuous real-time display of the feed rate and band speed to adjust these parameters while a particular cutting operation is proceeding. This is a particular advantage when cutting workpieces which do not present a consistent cross-section, such as the metal bar 16.
• a typical screen display provided on the monitor 44 is shown in Fig. 5.
• a display header provides general information including the current date and time, the name of the machine operator, and information regarding the particular saw blade being used, including the blade identification number and the tooth pitch (T.P.I.) of the blade.
• the header also indicates the total square inches of material (Total Squares) cut by the identified saw blade as calculated by summing the area of material cut in each individual cutting operation.
• Operating information for each cut made in the workpiece is displayed in a separate row below the header. As shown in Fig. 5, each row includes a series of fields arranged in columns indicating the cut number, the date the cut was actually made and whether blade failure occurred on that particular cut.
• failure message will appear in this column for the cut following the cut on which the actual failure occurred.
• Separate fields are provided for the work order number, the grade and size of the workpiece and the cross-sectional area of the workpiece. It should also be noted that with respect to the size of the workpiece, if no entry is made in field W then the part has a round cross section.
• the band speed is displayed real-time on the monitor 44 and is typically captured at a predetermined time after the cutting operation has begun and recorded in the data storage device 46.
• the display further provides the start and stop time of each cut, the time duration of each cut and the average square inches cut per minute.
• the monitor 44 provides a real-time display of an entire series of cutting operations so that the machine operator can continuously analyze the performance of the band saw and adjust the cutting parameters to maximize production.
• the operator performs the analysis by comparing the calculated band speed and average feed rate values with the predetermined optimum values which may be retrieved from data storage or which may be displayed in a separate field on the monitor.
• Another advantage provided by the invention is that existing models of band saw machines can be easily retrofitted with the monitoring system.
• the housing 32 including the spool of wire 28, the quadrature encoder 38, and the controller 40 can be mechanically attached or even magnetically attached to any band saw machine.
• the coupling 34 is then simply mounted to the support bed and the wire extended from the spool to the coupling.
• the cable connections are made to the encoder 38 and to a suitable PC, such as the PC 43.
• the proximity sensor 42 is mounted in the machine and linked to the controller. As noted previously, the position of the sensor 42 is machine independent.
• the system is universally adaptable to any, new or existing band saw model.
• a real-time display of the feed rate is preferably provided by the controller as well as the display monitor.
• the proximity sensor could be linked to the driven band wheel instead of the motor shaft, or the spool of wire could be mounted on the support bed and the free end of the wire coupled to the pivot arm.
• the system determines and records the start and stop time for each cutting operation, the non-cutting time between cutting operations can also be quantified and recorded. Accordingly, the detailed description of the embodiments set forth above must be taken in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Sawing (AREA)

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• 1998
  • 1998-07-14 US US09/114,837 patent/US6167324A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 1999
  • 1999-07-12 CA CA 2337215 patent/CA2337215C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1999-07-12 WO PCT/US1999/015658 patent/WO2000004455A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 1999-07-12 EP EP19990933886 patent/EP1095339A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1999-07-12 AU AU49842/99A patent/AU4984299A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1999-07-12 JP JP2000560511A patent/JP2004500246A/ja active Pending

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