Control system to finish large optical surface - uses sensors to measure momentary work and tool coordinates to control tool pressures and dwell times

摘要

The control system is intended for finish-shaping of an optical surface (of 2) by moving (12, 20, 21, 13) a tool (16), whose diameter is substantially smaller than that of the workpiece (2), relative to its surface. It comprises a work position sensor (6), a tool position sensor (9), a tool pressure sensor (15), and an electronic computer (8) receiving signals from the sensors. A first circuit connected with sensors (9 and 6) determines the momentary coordinates of the work and the tool centre. Another circuit computes the tool pressure for given momentary coordinates withint he surface (2). A further circuit, in series with the first circuit, produces tool pressure control commands. The dwell time of the tool in areas of the surface is controlled (14, 18) via the sensor (9) and the tool position drive (12).