Tool changing method, device and machining center

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a tool changing method, device and machining center, wherein the tool changing method applied to the machining center includes: obtaining a tool changing instruction, the tool changing instruction is used to request to replace the current tool installed on the spindle with the target tool in the tool magazine; in response to the tool changing instruction, determining the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool, the tool type includes a large diameter tool and a small diameter tool; if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet the one-time tool changing condition, then determining the small diameter tool stored in the large diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine, the tool type of the current tool is a large diameter tool; performing tool replacement between the current tool and the determined small diameter tool, and performing tool replacement between the determined small diameter tool and the target tool. The embodiment of the present application solves the problem that the random arrangement of tools in the tool magazine in the related art may cause adjacent large diameter tools to collide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of CNC machine tools, and more specifically, to a tool changing method, device and machining center. Background Art

[0002] In the existing processing technology, due to different materials or different graphics to be processed, it is often necessary to change tools to use different tools to complete the processing.

[0003] At present, machining centers usually include a spindle for installing tools and a tool magazine for storing tools in tool sleeves. The workpiece is processed by exchanging the tool installed on the spindle with the tool in the tool magazine. Due to the randomness of tool change, the arrangement of tools in the tool magazine is also random. For example, two large-diameter tools may be encountered during the processing of a workpiece. When arranging tools, the two large-diameter tools may be stored in adjacent tool sleeves in the tool magazine, which may easily cause the two large-diameter tools to break, thereby damaging the tools and causing economic losses.

[0004] From the above, it can be seen that the problem of random arrangement of tools in the tool magazine may cause adjacent large-diameter tools to hit each other and needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a tool changing method, device and machining center, which can solve the problem that the random arrangement of tools in the tool magazine in the related art may cause adjacent large-diameter tools to collide. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a tool changing method is provided, and a tool changing method is applied to a machining center, wherein the machining center includes a spindle for installing a tool and a tool magazine for storing the tool in a tool sleeve, and the method includes: obtaining a tool changing instruction, the tool changing instruction is used to request that a current tool installed on the spindle be replaced with a target tool in the tool magazine; in response to the tool changing instruction, determining a tool type of the current tool and a tool type of the target tool, the tool types including large-diameter tools and small-diameter tools; if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet a one-time tool changing condition, determining a small-diameter tool stored in a large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine, and the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool; performing a tool change between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, and performing a tool change between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, before obtaining the tool change instruction, the method further includes: detecting whether the large-diameter tool change function is turned on; if so, when the tool change instruction is obtained, determining the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool in response to the tool change instruction.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: if it is detected that the tool change function of the large-diameter tool is turned off, then when a tool change instruction is obtained, performing a tool change between the current tool and the target tool.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, in response to a tool change instruction, after determining the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool, the method further includes: if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool meet a one-time tool change condition, performing a tool change between the current tool and the target tool.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool that meet the one-time tool change condition include at least one of the following: the tool type of the current tool is a small-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a small-diameter tool; the tool type of the current tool is a small-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a large-diameter tool; the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a large-diameter tool.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, tool replacement includes: setting the current tool as the tool to be stored, and the determined small-diameter tool as the tool to be installed; replacing the tool to be installed to the spindle, and storing the tool to be stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, tool replacement includes: setting the current tool or the determined small-diameter tool as the tool to be stored, and the target tool as the tool to be installed; determining whether the tool to be stored is the tool to be installed; if not, replacing the tool to be installed to the spindle, and storing the tool to be stored in the tool holder corresponding to the tool to be installed.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the tool magazine is a disc-type tool magazine; storing the tool to be stored in a tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed includes: determining the position of the tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed in the tool magazine; based on the determined position, determining the rotation information of the tool magazine; according to the rotation information of the tool magazine, controlling the tool magazine to rotate from the current position to the determined position, and placing the tool to be stored at the determined position.

[0014] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a tool changing device is applied to a machining center, the machining center includes a spindle for installing a tool and a tool magazine for storing the tool in a tool sleeve, the device includes: an instruction acquisition module, used to obtain a tool change instruction, the tool change instruction is used to request to replace the current tool installed on the spindle with a target tool in the tool magazine; a type determination module, used to determine the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool in response to the tool change instruction, the tool types include large-diameter tools and small-diameter tools; a tool determination module, used to determine the small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet the one-time tool change condition, and the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool; a tool replacement module, used to perform tool replacement between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, and between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool.

[0015] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a machining center includes a spindle for mounting a tool and a tool magazine for storing the tool in a tool sleeve, and a current tool mounted on the spindle is replaced with a target tool in the tool magazine by the tool changing method as described above.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this application are:

[0017] In the above technical scheme, based on the replacement of the current tool installed on the spindle and the target tool in the tool magazine indicated in the tool change instruction, it is determined whether the tool type of the current tool and the target tool meet the one-time tool change conditions. If not, the small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine is determined, so as to perform tool replacement between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, and between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool. That is to say, under the premise that multiple large-diameter tool sleeves are arranged at intervals in the tool magazine, even if two large-diameter tools are encountered during the processing of the workpiece, the tool change process cannot store the two large-diameter tools in adjacent tool sleeves in the tool magazine, but will store them in large-diameter tool sleeves arranged at intervals, thereby avoiding the collision of the two large-diameter tools, thereby effectively solving the problem of adjacent large-diameter tools being caused by random tool arrangement in the tool magazine in the related technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in describing the embodiments of the present application are briefly introduced below.

[0019] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a machining center according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a disc tool magazine according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a tool changing method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for tool replacement according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a specific implementation of a tool changing method in an application scenario;

[0024] Figure 6 It is a structural block diagram of a tool changing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] The above-mentioned drawings have shown clear embodiments of the present invention, which will be described in more detail hereinafter. These drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be interpreted as limiting the present application.

[0027] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless expressly stated, the singular forms "one", "said", and "the" used herein may also include plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the specification of the present application refers to the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we refer to an element as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. In addition, the "connection" or "coupling" used herein may include wireless connection or wireless coupling. The term "and / or" used herein includes all or any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0028] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a machining center shown in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, a machining center 100 includes a spindle 110 for mounting a tool and a tool magazine 130 for storing the tool in a tool pocket.

[0030] In one embodiment, the tool magazine is a disc-type tool magazine. Figure 2 FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a disc tool magazine in one embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the disc tool magazine has 24 tool pockets for storing tools. Through the rotation of the disc tool magazine, the tools stored in any tool pocket in the tool magazine can be exchanged with the tools installed on the spindle.

[0031] In one embodiment, the tool sleeve is identified by a tool sleeve number, which can also be understood as the tool sleeve number indicating the position of the tool sleeve in the tool magazine. In one embodiment, the tool is identified by a tool number.

[0032] In one embodiment, the tools stored in the tool sleeve in the tool magazine include large-diameter tools and small-diameter tools. It can also be understood that the tool types include large-diameter tools and small-diameter tools. Among them, large-diameter tools refer to tools with a diameter range of [16mm to 250mm], and small-diameter tools refer to tools with a diameter range of [0.8mm to 25mm]. It is worth mentioning that the diameter range of the tool is not the only criterion for distinguishing large-diameter tools from small-diameter tools. In other embodiments, large-diameter tools and small-diameter tools can also be distinguished according to the tool sleeve number or tool number, which does not constitute a specific limitation here. Accordingly, the tool sleeve includes a large-diameter tool sleeve and a small-diameter tool sleeve. The large-diameter tool sleeve is used to store large-diameter tools or small-diameter tools, and the small-diameter tool sleeve is used to store small-diameter tools. In other words, small-diameter tools can be stored in large-diameter tool sleeves, while large-diameter tools cannot be stored in small-diameter tool sleeves.

[0033] In one embodiment, a plurality of large diameter tool sleeves are arranged in the tool magazine at intervals. Figure 2 As shown, the disc tool magazine has three large-diameter tool sleeves, and the corresponding tool sleeve numbers are 19, 21, and 23, respectively, indicating that the three large-diameter tool sleeves are located at the positions marked by 201, 202, and 203 in the tool magazine.

[0034] Based on this, workpiece processing can be achieved by exchanging the tool installed on the spindle with the tool in the tool magazine.

[0035] Now, in combination with the above-mentioned machining center, the tool changing method applied to the machining center is explained in detail.

[0036] See also Figure 3 , the present application embodiment provides a tool changing method, the method is suitable for Figure 2 A machining center 100 is shown.

[0037] In the following method embodiments, for the convenience of description, the execution subject of each step is described as a machining center, but this does not constitute a specific limitation.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the tool changing method may include the following steps:

[0039] Step 310, obtaining a tool change instruction.

[0040] The tool change command is used to request to replace the current tool installed on the spindle with a target tool in the tool magazine.

[0041] As the machining center is powered on, the machining center initializes the tool magazine and reads the machining file to generate a tool change instruction based on the relevant information about the workpiece machining in the machining file. Correspondingly, the machining center can obtain the tool change instruction to exchange the current tool installed on the spindle with the target tool in the tool magazine based on the instruction of the tool change instruction to realize the workpiece machining. It is worth mentioning that the tool magazine initialization involves initializing the tool number of the tool stored in the tool sleeve in the tool magazine, while the tool sleeve number is relatively fixed and not initialized. Take the one-to-one correspondence between the tool number and the tool sleeve number as an example. Before the tool change, the tool sleeve with the tool sleeve number of 19 stores a large-diameter tool, and the tool number of the large-diameter tool is 19. After the tool change, the tool sleeve with the tool sleeve number of 19 stores a small-diameter tool. At this time, the tool number of the small-diameter tool is 19. In other words, the tool sleeve number is related to the position of the tool sleeve in the tool magazine. If the position of the tool sleeve in the tool magazine remains unchanged, the tool sleeve number is fixed, and the tool number may change during the tool change process.

[0042] In one embodiment, before obtaining the tool changing instruction, the tool changing method further includes the following steps: detecting whether the tool changing function of the large diameter tool is turned on. Among them, the tool changing function of the large diameter tool refers to the presence of a large diameter tool during the tool changing process. For example, when the large diameter tool installed on the spindle is replaced with the small diameter tool in the tool magazine, it is considered that the tool changing function of the large diameter tool is turned on. Specifically, detecting whether the tool changing function of the large diameter tool is turned on is achieved by detecting whether the tool changing parameter is a set value. For example, when the tool changing parameter is 1, it indicates that the tool changing function of the large diameter tool is turned on. Conversely, when the tool changing parameter is 0, it indicates that the tool changing function of the large diameter tool is turned off. Of course, in other embodiments, the tool changing parameter can also be identified by other numbers, letters or character strings, which does not constitute a specific limitation here.

[0043] As mentioned earlier, small-diameter tools can be stored in large-diameter tool holders, but large-diameter tools cannot be stored in small-diameter tool holders. Therefore, if there is a large-diameter tool during the tool change process, directly replacing the current tool and the target tool can also be understood as a one-time tool change, and the large-diameter tool may be stored in a small-diameter tool holder.

[0044] Based on this, if it is detected that the tool change function of the large-diameter tool is turned off, the tool change is performed between the current tool and the target tool when the tool change instruction is obtained. In other words, if there is no large-diameter tool during the tool change process, and it is impossible for the large-diameter tool to be stored in the small-diameter tool sleeve during a one-time tool change, step 330 can be skipped, that is, there is no need to determine the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool, and the current tool and the target tool can be directly replaced.

[0045] In one embodiment, the direct replacement may include the following steps: replacing the target tool to the spindle, and storing the current tool in a tool pocket corresponding to the target tool.

[0046] On the contrary, if it is detected that the large-diameter tool changing function is turned on, it means that there is a large-diameter tool during the tool changing process, and a one-time tool change may result in the large-diameter tool being stored in a small-diameter tool holder. When the tool changing instruction is obtained, step 330 is executed, that is, in response to the tool changing instruction, the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool are determined.

[0047] Step 330 , in response to the tool change instruction, determining the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool.

[0048] Among them, tool types include large-diameter tools and small-diameter tools.

[0049] As mentioned above, due to the presence of large-diameter tools during the tool change process, a one-time tool change may result in the large-diameter tool being stored in a small-diameter tool holder. Of course, it is also possible that the large-diameter tool will not be stored in a small-diameter tool holder.

[0050] Based on this, before changing the tool between the current tool and the target tool, it is necessary to determine the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool to further determine whether a one-time tool change will result in the storage of a large-diameter tool in a small-diameter tool holder.

[0051] If a one-time tool change does not result in the storage of a large-diameter tool into a small-diameter tool pocket, a tool change is performed between the current tool and the target tool.

[0052] On the contrary, if a one-time tool change results in a phenomenon in which a large-diameter tool is stored in a small-diameter tool sleeve, step 350 is executed, i.e., the small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine is determined.

[0053] Step 350: If the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not satisfy the one-time tool change condition, a small-diameter tool stored in a large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine is determined.

[0054] First, the one-time tool change condition is used to indicate the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool that can be changed at one time. Among them, the one-time tool change refers to the tool change between the current tool and the target tool, which can also be considered as directly changing the current tool and the target tool.

[0055] In one embodiment, the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool that meet the one-time tool change condition include at least one of the following: the tool type of the current tool is a small-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a small-diameter tool; the tool type of the current tool is a small-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a large-diameter tool; the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a large-diameter tool.

[0056] In one embodiment, the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool that do not meet the one-time tool change condition include at least one of the following: the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a small-diameter tool.

[0057] From the above, it can be seen that if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool meet the one-time tool change conditions, the one-time tool change will not result in the phenomenon of storing the large-diameter tool in the small-diameter tool holder, but the phenomenon of storing the small-diameter tool in the small-diameter tool holder or the large-diameter tool holder, or the large-diameter tool in the large-diameter tool holder. In this case, the tool is replaced between the current tool and the target tool, that is, a one-time tool change.

[0058] On the contrary, if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet the one-time tool change conditions, the one-time tool change will result in the large-diameter tool being stored in the small-diameter tool holder, and the one-time tool change will not be possible.

[0059] Secondly, please refer to Figure 2 Initially, three large-diameter tools are stored in three large-diameter tool pockets, and the corresponding tool pocket numbers are 19, 21, and 23. During the tool change process, due to the randomness of tool change, small-diameter tools may be stored in large-diameter large pockets. For example, the tool type of the current tool is a small-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a large-diameter tool, and its corresponding tool pocket is a large-diameter tool pocket. Since the one-time tool change condition is met, the small-diameter tool will be stored in the large-diameter tool pocket. Then, in the subsequent tool change process, since the large-diameter tool pocket is occupied by the small-diameter tool, the large-diameter tool pocket will be occupied and cannot be used. If the other two large-diameter tool pockets are occupied by large-diameter tools, the one-time tool change will result in the large-diameter tool being stored in the small-diameter tool pocket.

[0060] Based on this, before changing the tool, it is necessary to determine the small diameter tool stored in the large diameter tool sleeve. It can also be understood that it is necessary to determine the small diameter tool occupying the large diameter tool sleeve so as to release the large diameter tool sleeve for use by the large diameter tool, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of storing the large diameter tool in the small diameter tool sleeve.

[0061] Of course, in other embodiments, there may not be a small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve, indicating that no large-diameter tool sleeve is occupied by a small-diameter tool. In this case, the large-diameter tool can be directly stored in the idle large-diameter tool sleeve. For example, the current tool is a large-diameter tool, and its corresponding tool sleeve is a large-diameter tool sleeve. The target tool is a small-diameter tool, and its corresponding tool sleeve is a small-diameter tool sleeve. If there is no small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve, an idle large-diameter tool sleeve is determined, and the current tool is stored in the idle large-diameter tool sleeve, and the target tool is replaced with the spindle. It is explained here that before the tool change, since the current tool is installed on the spindle, the tool sleeve corresponding to the current tool can be regarded as an idle large-diameter tool sleeve. Then, after the tool change, the idle large-diameter tool sleeve determined is actually the tool sleeve corresponding to the current tool. In other words, in the case where there is no small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve, the current tool is actually placed in its initial position in the tool magazine.

[0062] Step 370 , performing tool exchange between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, and performing tool exchange between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool.

[0063] That is to say, if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet the one-time tool change condition, multiple tool changes are performed: the first time the current tool is replaced with the determined small-diameter tool, and the second time the determined small-diameter tool is replaced with the target tool.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first replacement may include the following steps: replacing the determined small-diameter tool to the spindle, and storing the current tool in the large-diameter tool holder corresponding to the determined small-diameter tool; the second replacement may include the following steps: replacing the target tool to the spindle, and storing the determined small-diameter tool in the tool holder corresponding to the target tool (i.e., the small-diameter tool holder).

[0065] Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, assuming that the tool to be replaced to the spindle is a tool to be installed, and the tool to be stored in the tool sleeve is a tool to be stored, then storing the tool to be stored in the tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed may include the following steps: Step 410, determining the position of the tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed in the tool magazine; Step 430, determining the rotation information of the tool magazine based on the determined position; Step 450, controlling the tool magazine to rotate from the current position to the determined position according to the rotation information of the tool magazine, and placing the tool to be stored in the determined position. The rotation information of the tool magazine is used to indicate the rotation direction and number of rotation steps of the tool magazine.

[0066] Since the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool, the determined small-diameter tool is stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve, that is, the tool sleeve corresponding to the determined small-diameter tool is a large-diameter tool sleeve, so the first replacement is to store the large-diameter tool in the large-diameter tool sleeve corresponding to the determined small-diameter tool. The tool type of the target tool is a small-diameter tool, and its corresponding tool sleeve is a small-diameter tool sleeve, so the second replacement is to store the determined small-diameter tool in the small-diameter tool sleeve corresponding to the target tool. Thus, through multiple tool changes, even if there is a large-diameter tool during the tool change process, the phenomenon of storing the large-diameter tool in the small-diameter tool sleeve can be avoided.

[0067] Through the mutual cooperation of the above-mentioned embodiments, under the premise that multiple large-diameter tool sleeves are arranged at intervals in the tool magazine, even if two large-diameter tools are encountered during the processing of the workpiece, the tool changing process cannot store the two large-diameter tools in the adjacent tool sleeves in the tool magazine, but will store them in the large-diameter tool sleeves arranged at intervals, thereby avoiding the two large-diameter tools from colliding with each other, and effectively solving the problem of random tool arrangement in the tool magazine in the related technology that may cause adjacent large-diameter tools to collide with each other.

[0068] In addition, during the tool changing process, by turning on the detection of the large-diameter tool changing function and the one-time tool changing condition satisfaction detection, not only can the current tool and the target tool be replaced directly, effectively saving the tool changing process and improving the tool changing efficiency, but also it can avoid storing large-diameter tools as small-diameter tools and avoid tool changing failures, which is beneficial to improving the tool changing success rate, thereby fully ensuring the stability of the tool changing process of the machining center.

[0069] Figure 5 The specific implementation diagram of a tool changing method in an application scenario is shown. Figure 5 , the tool changing process of the machining center in this application scenario is explained as follows:

[0070] In this application scenario, the machining center includes a spindle for installing tools and a tool magazine for storing tools in tool sleeves. The tool magazine is a disc-type tool magazine, and the tool sleeves include small-diameter tool sleeves and large-diameter tool sleeves arranged between the small-diameter tool sleeves. Correspondingly, the tools stored in the tool sleeves include small-diameter tools and large-diameter tools.

[0071] When the machining center is powered on, the machining center initializes the tool magazine, specifically, initializes the tool numbers of the tools in the tool magazine, that is, executes step 401 .

[0072] By executing step 402, it is detected whether the large diameter tool change function is turned on. If it is turned on, the first tool change process is executed, otherwise, if it is turned off, the second tool change process is executed. The first tool change process includes a one-time tool change process and a multiple tool change process, and the second tool change process includes a one-time tool change process.

[0073] After determining the tool change process (the first tool change process or the second tool change process) executed by the machining center, a tool change instruction is generated based on the relevant information about the workpiece machining in the read machining file. Specifically, if the rising edge of the TF signal is detected, the tool change instruction is obtained, that is, step 403 is executed. The tool change instruction is used to request to replace the current tool installed on the spindle with the target tool in the tool magazine.

[0074] In response to the tool change instruction, if the machining center enters the first tool change process, steps 404 to 412 are executed; otherwise, if the machining center enters the second tool change process, steps 406 to 412 are executed. Among them, steps 406 to 412 belong to the one-time tool change process common to the two tool change processes, and steps 404 to 405 belong to the multiple tool change process in the first tool change process.

[0075] The following takes the first tool change process as an example to illustrate the tool change process of the machining center:

[0076] After the machining center enters the first tool change process, the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool are determined by executing step 404. If the current tool is a small-diameter tool and the target tool is a small-diameter tool, or the current tool is a large-diameter tool and the target tool is a large-diameter tool, or the current tool is a small-diameter tool and the target tool is a large-diameter tool, and the one-time tool change condition is met, the one-time tool change process is entered, that is, steps 406 to 411 are executed.

[0077] On the contrary, if the current tool is a large-diameter tool and the target tool is a small-diameter tool, the one-time tool change condition is not met, and the multiple tool change process is entered. In the multiple tool change process, by executing step 405, the small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool holder is determined, and then the first replacement is performed between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, that is, executing steps 407 to 410; the second replacement is performed between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool, that is, executing steps 406 to 411.

[0078] Specifically, by executing step 406 , it is determined whether the tool to be stored is consistent with the tool to be installed. If they are consistent, no replacement is required, and the process jumps to step 411 . Otherwise, if they are inconsistent and replacement is required, the process executes step 407 .

[0079] The position of the tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed in the tool magazine is determined by executing step 407. Specifically, based on the correspondence between the tools and the tool sleeve numbers in the tool magazine indicated by the data table in the processing file, the tool sleeve number corresponding to the tool to be installed is determined, and the tool sleeve number is used to indicate the position of the tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed in the tool magazine.

[0080] By executing step 408 , based on the determined position, the rotation information of the tool magazine is determined, where the rotation information is used to indicate the rotation direction and the number of rotation steps of the tool magazine.

[0081] By executing step 409 , the tool magazine is controlled to rotate from the current position to the position determined in step 407 according to the rotation information of the tool magazine.

[0082] By executing step 410 , after the tool magazine has finished rotating, the robot arm of the machining center is controlled to place the tool to be stored at the determined position, thereby completing the replacement of the tool to be stored with the tool to be installed.

[0083] By executing step 411, the data table of the machining center is updated based on the tools currently stored in the tool holder in the tool magazine, and the TF signal is kept at a low level to facilitate subsequent TF signal rising edge detection to obtain a tool change instruction.

[0084] Thus, the first tool changing process is completed, that is, the tool changing is ended (step 412).

[0085] In this application scenario, on the one hand, by turning on the detection of the large-diameter tool changing function, different tool changing processes can be controlled, which can effectively improve the tool changing efficiency; on the other hand, under the premise of setting the large-diameter tool sleeve interval, by detecting the small-diameter tool occupying the large-diameter tool sleeve, it is possible to not only avoid storing large-diameter tools into small-diameter tools, but also avoid the collision of adjacent large-diameter tools, thereby effectively solving the problem of random tool arrangement in the tool magazine that may cause the collision of adjacent large-diameter tools in related technologies, and at the same time improve the stability of the tool changing process of the machining center.

[0086] The following is an embodiment of the device of the present application, which can be used to execute the tool changing method involved in the present application. For details not disclosed in the embodiment of the device of the present application, please refer to the method embodiment of the tool changing method involved in the present application.

[0087] See also Figure 6 In an embodiment of the present application, a tool changing device 600 is provided. The tool changing device 600 is applied to a machining center. The machining center includes a spindle for installing a tool and a tool magazine for storing the tool in a tool sleeve.

[0088] The tool changing device 600 includes but is not limited to: an instruction acquisition module 610 , a type determination module 630 , a tool determination module 650 , and a tool replacement module 670 .

[0089] The instruction acquisition module 610 is used to acquire a tool change instruction, and the tool change instruction is used to request to replace the current tool installed on the spindle with a target tool in the tool magazine.

[0090] The type determination module 630 is used to determine the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool in response to the tool change instruction. The tool types include large-diameter tools and small-diameter tools.

[0091] The tool determination module 650 is used to determine the small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet the one-time tool change condition, and the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool.

[0092] The tool replacement module 670 is used to perform tool replacement between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, and to perform tool replacement between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool.

[0093] It should be noted that the tool changing device provided in the above embodiment only uses the division of the above functional modules as an example when changing tools. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the tool changing device will be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0094] In addition, the tool changing device and the tool changing method provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, wherein the specific manner in which each module performs the operation has been described in detail in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0095] Compared with the related art, under the premise that multiple large-diameter tool pockets are arranged at intervals in the tool magazine, even if two large-diameter tools are encountered during the processing of the workpiece, the tool changing process cannot store the two large-diameter tools in adjacent tool pockets in the tool magazine, but will store them in large-diameter tool pockets arranged at intervals, thereby avoiding the two large-diameter tools from colliding with each other, and effectively solving the problem of random tool arrangement in the tool magazine in the related art that may cause adjacent large-diameter tools to collide with each other.

[0096] In addition, during the tool changing process, by turning on the detection of the large-diameter tool changing function and the one-time tool changing condition satisfaction detection, not only can the current tool and the target tool be replaced directly, effectively saving the tool changing process and improving the tool changing efficiency, but also it can avoid storing large-diameter tools as small-diameter tools and avoid tool changing failures, which is beneficial to improving the tool changing success rate, thereby fully ensuring the stability of the tool changing process of the machining center.

[0097] It should be understood that, although the steps in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings are displayed in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in sequence in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a part of the steps in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages, and these sub-steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a part of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0098] The above description is only a partial implementation method of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A tool changing method, applied to a machining center, wherein the machining center comprises a spindle for mounting a tool and a tool magazine for storing the tool in a tool sleeve, characterized in that: The tool magazine is a disc-type tool magazine, the tool sleeve includes a small-diameter tool sleeve and a large-diameter tool sleeve arranged between the small-diameter tool sleeves, and the method includes: Detect whether the tool change function of the large-diameter tool is turned on; if it is detected that the tool change function of the large-diameter tool is turned off, obtain a tool change instruction and execute a second tool change process, wherein the second tool change process includes a one-time tool change process, and the one-time tool change process includes: changing the tool between the current tool and the target tool; If it is detected that the tool change function of the large-diameter tool is turned on, a tool change instruction is obtained to execute a first tool change process, wherein the tool change instruction is used to request that the current tool installed on the spindle be replaced with a target tool in the tool magazine; the first tool change process includes a one-time tool change process and a multiple tool change process; In response to the tool change instruction, determining a tool type of the current tool and a tool type of the target tool, wherein the tool type includes a large-diameter tool and a small-diameter tool; A one-time tool change condition is detected based on the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool. If the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet the one-time tool change condition, multiple tool change processes in the first tool change process are executed, and the multiple tool change processes include: determining the small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine, the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool, performing tool replacement between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, and performing tool replacement between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool; if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool meet the one-time tool change condition, a one-time tool change process in the first tool change process is executed, and the one-time tool change process includes: performing tool replacement between the current tool and the target tool, so as to store two large-diameter tools in the large-diameter tool sleeve set at intervals during the tool change process, wherein a large-diameter tool refers to a tool with a diameter range of 16mm to 250mm, and a small-diameter tool refers to a tool with a diameter range of 0.8mm to 25mm.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool that meet the one-time tool change condition include at least one of the following: The tool type of the current tool is a small-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a small-diameter tool; The tool type of the current tool is a small-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a large-diameter tool; The tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool, and the tool type of the target tool is a large-diameter tool.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The tool replacement includes: The current tool is set as the tool to be stored, and the determined small-diameter tool is set as the tool to be installed; The tool to be installed is replaced to the spindle, and the tool to be stored is stored in a large-diameter tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The tool replacement includes: The current tool or the determined small-diameter tool is set as the tool to be stored, and the target tool is set as the tool to be installed; Determining whether the tool to be stored is the tool to be installed; If not, the tool to be installed is replaced to the spindle, and the tool to be stored is stored in the tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The step of storing the tool to be stored in a tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed includes: Determine the position of the tool sleeve corresponding to the tool to be installed in the tool magazine; Based on the determined position, determining rotation information of the tool magazine; According to the rotation information of the tool magazine, the tool magazine is controlled to rotate from a current position to a determined position, and the tool to be stored is placed at the determined position.

6. A tool changing device, applied to a machining center, the machining center comprising a spindle for mounting a tool and a tool magazine for storing the tool in a tool sleeve, characterized in that: The tool magazine is a disc-type tool magazine, the tool sleeve includes a small-diameter tool sleeve and a large-diameter tool sleeve arranged between the small-diameter tool sleeves, and the device includes: The instruction acquisition module is used to detect whether the tool change function of the large-diameter tool is turned on; if it is detected that the tool change function of the large-diameter tool is turned off, the tool change instruction is acquired to execute the second tool change process, the second tool change process includes a one-time tool change process, and the one-time tool change process includes: tool change between the current tool and the target tool; A first tool changing module is used for obtaining a tool changing instruction to execute a first tool changing process if it is detected that the tool changing function of the large-diameter tool is turned on, wherein the tool changing instruction is used to request to replace the current tool installed on the spindle with a target tool in the tool magazine; the first tool changing process includes a one-time tool changing process and a multiple tool changing process; A type determination module, configured to determine the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool in response to the tool change instruction, wherein the tool type includes a large-diameter tool and a small-diameter tool; A tool determination module is used to detect whether a one-time tool change condition is met based on the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool. If the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool do not meet the one-time tool change condition, multiple tool change processes in the first tool change process are executed; the multiple tool change processes include: determining the small-diameter tool stored in the large-diameter tool sleeve in the tool magazine, the tool type of the current tool is a large-diameter tool, performing tool replacement between the current tool and the determined small-diameter tool, and performing tool replacement between the determined small-diameter tool and the target tool; if the tool type of the current tool and the tool type of the target tool meet the one-time tool change condition, a one-time tool change process in the first tool change process is executed, the one-time tool change process includes: performing tool replacement between the current tool and the target tool, so as to store two large-diameter tools in the large-diameter tool sleeve set at an interval during the tool change process, wherein the large-diameter tool refers to a tool with a diameter range of 16mm to 250mm, and the small-diameter tool refers to a tool with a diameter range of 0.8mm to 25mm.

7. A machining center, comprising a spindle for mounting a tool and a tool magazine for storing the tool in a tool sleeve, characterized in that: The current tool installed on the spindle and the target tool in the tool magazine are replaced by the tool changing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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