Milling machine automatic control system - has separate passages in spindle supplying pneumatic wear and proximity sensors

摘要

The system automatically controls milling machines, using pneumatic proximity and wear sensors on the cutter, supplied with compressed air through the hollow machine spindle. The electrical signals from the sensors are conducted by wires also passing through the hollow spindle to a computer on the machine. In the hollow spindle (SP) each of the two sensors (NS, VS) has a separate passage (MV, MN) by which it is supplied with compressed air. There can be two pipes of different diameter in the spindle, one inside the other. The pressure and quality of air for each sensor is separately adjustable, there being a conventional intake (DE) from which the two passages are taken via an upper distributor head (OV) on the spindle.