Method and apparatus for thread testing by distance measurement
Apparatus for thread testing, comprising at least one plug gauge ( 6 ) for testing a thread ( 8 ), the plug gauge being adapted for connecting with a machine axis ( 2 ) of a machine tool ( 1 ) and a displacement sensor ( 12 ) connectable with the at least one plug gauge ( 6 ) and the machine axis ( 2 ) for determining a maximum path ( 23 ) which the plug gauge ( 6 ) may be screwed into thread ( 8 ).
1. An apparatus for thread testing, comprising:
a. at least one plug gauge for testing a thread, the plug gauge being configured for connecting with a machine axis of a machine tool;
b. a displacement sensor connectable with the at least one plug gauge and the machine axis for determining a maximum path which the plug gauge may be screwed into thread.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement sensor is configured for detecting a relative movement between the plug gauge and the machine axis after the plug gauge has been screwed in.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the relative movement detected by the displacement sensor is parallel or coaxial to the plug gauge.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement sensor comprises a potentiometric displacement transducer.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is placed in a measuring support that is suited for mounting into a tool magazine of the machine tool.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further being configured for measuring and storing a reference value before the first thread testing.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the reference value is determined by the distance between the end of the plug gauge that faces the thread in a starting position and the opening of the thread facing the plug gauge.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an evaluation unit to which the measured values may be transmitted wirelessly.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the evaluation unit detects a flawed thread by comparing at least one measured value to at least one nominal value.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the at least one nominal value relates to the profile and/or length of thread.
11. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using a plug gauge and a displacement sensor according to claim 1 .
12. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 2 .
13. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 3 .
14. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 4 .
15. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 5 .
16. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 6 .
17. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 7 .
18. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 8 .
19. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 9 .
20. A method for thread testing, comprising the step of testing the thread and the thread depth using the apparatus according to claim 10 .