A method to prevent incorrect tool type installation on machine tools without tool magazines

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for preventing incorrect tool selection on machine tools without a tool magazine. The method includes processing the tool holder of each tool into detection planes of varying depths to distinguish tool models; installing sensors near the machine tool spindle to detect the distance to the tool holder detection planes; electrically connecting the sensors, computer, and PLC to run a tool number detection command; and defining a table mapping tool numbers to distances. This invention solves the problem that existing machine tools without a tool magazine are prone to incorrect tool selection, relying solely on the operator's experience and skills to reduce the occurrence rate, which is highly unreliable. Furthermore, existing technical solutions are not applicable to machine tools without a tool magazine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of machining equipment technology, specifically relating to a method for preventing the incorrect installation of tool types on machine tools without a tool magazine. Background Technology

[0002] Cutting tools are tools used for cutting processes in mechanical manufacturing. In modern workpiece machining, using machine tools effectively improves machining accuracy and ensures machining efficiency. When machining workpieces on machine tools, various types of cutting tools are used in conjunction to achieve the desired machining results.

[0003] Chinese Patent Application No. CN202210818604.1 discloses a quick tool changing device for CNC machine tools, including a base, a bracket, a rotating frame, a rotary motor, a support frame, a placement frame, a tool, a rotating mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The base has brackets symmetrically connected to its top left and right sides, and a rotating frame is positioned between the four brackets. A rotary motor is installed inside the base, and its output shaft is connected to the rotating frame. A support frame is connected to the top of the rotating frame. Placement frames are symmetrically connected to the top left and right sides of the support frame, and a tool is slidably placed inside the support frame. A rotating mechanism is installed on the top of the support frame to assist tool movement. A clamping mechanism is installed on the placement frame to hold the tool.

[0004] Modern automated machine tools, such as machining centers, are equipped with tool magazines that allow for quick and accurate tool changes. In contrast, traditional machine tools lack dedicated tool changing systems. When these machines require tool changes, the traditional method involves manually removing the old tool and replacing it with a new one. For machine tools without tool magazines, there is a risk of incorrect tool changes, and the operator's experience and skills are crucial to minimizing this risk, making it highly unreliable. Existing technical solutions are not applicable to machine tools without tool magazines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A method for preventing incorrect tool type installation on machine tools without a tool magazine includes processing the tool holder of each tool into a detection plane of different depths to distinguish the tool type;

[0007] A sensor is installed near the machine tool spindle to detect the distance to the tool holder detection plane;

[0008] Electrically connect the sensor, computer, and PLC to run the command to detect the tool number;

[0009] A table mapping custom tool numbers to distances;

[0010] In PCL, a macro variable X is defined, which corresponds to the tool number;

[0011] The computer commands the sensor to measure the distance to the tool holder detection plane and returns the measurement value to the computer. The measurement value is compared with the corresponding table to determine the specific number of the tool.

[0012] The computer obtains the tool number required by the machining program and performs a logical comparison with the tool number determined above.

[0013] The value of the macro variable X is assigned a corresponding value based on the above logical comparison results and fed back to the computer to obtain the tool changing result;

[0014] In the PLC program, the judgment statement corresponds to the newly assigned macro variable X, and the replacement result prompt is displayed.

[0015] Furthermore, if the value of the macro variable X is 1, the tool model is correct, and the computer instructs the PCL to continue running the machining program.

[0016] Furthermore, when the value of the macro variable X is 2, the machining program stops running and an alarm is triggered indicating that the tool is not properly installed.

[0017] Furthermore, when the value of the macro variable X is 3, the machining program stops running and an alarm is triggered indicating that the tool is installed incorrectly.

[0018] Furthermore, when the value of the macro variable X is 0, the computer indicates that the tool is not installed correctly.

[0019] Furthermore, the sensor is a laser distance sensor.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] This invention uses a laser displacement sensor to detect the distance value of the tool holder and a custom tool number and distance correspondence table to identify the specific tool number installed on the machine tool. The identification information is fed back to the computer and compared with the tool required for processing by the PLC program to determine whether the tool being changed is normal and to provide the operator with corresponding alarm prompts. This solves the problem of tool misinstallation in machine tools without a tool magazine, and ensures the quality of the processed workpiece. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the laser displacement sensor and the tool mounting position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the data connection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include:

[0026] 1. Laser displacement sensor; 2. Tool holder; 3. Detection plane. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and represent schematic diagrams, not actual physical objects. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing positional relationships in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Example:

[0030] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a method for preventing incorrect tool type installation on a machine tool without a tool magazine according to the present invention includes processing the tool holder 2 of each tool into a detection plane 3 of different depths to distinguish the tool type;

[0031] A laser displacement sensor 1 is installed near the machine tool spindle to detect the distance between the tool holder 2 and the detection plane 3.

[0032] By connecting the laser distance sensor 1, computer, and machine tool PLC, along with dedicated computer processing software and PLC processing programs, a complete error prevention system is formed. This error prevention system requires little investment, has good results, and yields significant benefits.

[0033] Specifically, in the PLC, a macro variable X is selected as a dedicated macro variable for tool numbering. It is agreed that when the value of macro variable X is 0, it means that the tool has not been checked and whether there is an error; when the value of macro variable X is 1, it means that the tool is correct; when the value of macro variable X is 2, it means that the tool may not be installed properly; and when the value of macro variable X is 3, it means that the tool is installed incorrectly.

[0034] After the operator loads the tool, the machining program is run. The program resets the value of the dedicated macro variable for the tool number to 0, and then notifies the PLC to send a command to the computer to detect the tool number. At the same time, the program pauses and waits for the computer to send back information.

[0035] After receiving the information, the computer commands the laser displacement sensor 1 to measure the distance to the detection plane 3 of the tool holder 2, and returns the measurement value to the computer.

[0036] Based on the returned distance value, the computer uses a custom "Tool Number to Distance Correspondence Table" to determine the tool type on the machine tool. For example, if the measured value is 48.8, the computer determines the tool number on the machine tool to be 2. The correspondence table is as follows:

[0037] Tool number Measuring distance (mm) 1 49.00±0.1 2 48.8±0.1 3 48.6±0.1

[0038] The computer reads the tool compensation number currently used in the PLC to obtain the tool number required by the current program, and performs a logical comparison with the tool number on the machine tool determined in the previous step. If they match, the tool is determined to be correct; otherwise, the tool is determined to be incorrect.

[0039] When the tool is determined to be correct, the computer plots and compares the historical measurement length of the tool. If the length does not exceed the control line, it means that there is no problem with the tool. At the same time, the value of the dedicated macro variable for the tool number is changed to 1, and the measurement value is stored according to the tool number.

[0040] When the control line is exceeded, it means that the tool may not be installed properly. The computer will change the value of the dedicated macro variable for the tool number to 2 and will not store the data separately.

[0041] When the tool is determined to be incorrect, the computer changes the value of the dedicated macro variable for the tool number to 3 and stores the measurement data without categorizing it.

[0042] The computer instructs the PLC to continue running the machining program. The PLC machining program contains judgment statements. When the value of the dedicated macro variable for the tool number is 1, machining proceeds normally; when it is 2, a stop alarm is triggered, indicating that the tool may not be installed correctly; when it is 3, a stop alarm is triggered, indicating that the tool is installed incorrectly. This invention uses a laser displacement sensor to detect the distance value of the tool holder and compares it with a custom tool number and distance correspondence table to identify the specific tool number installed on the machine tool. The identification information is fed back to the computer and compared with the tool required for machining by the PLC program to determine whether the replaced tool is normal and to provide the operator with corresponding alarm prompts. This solves the problem of tool misinstallation in machine tools without a tool magazine, and the quality of the machined workpiece is guaranteed.

[0043] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention. Commonly known structures and characteristics are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are aware of all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, based on the guidance provided in this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent.

Claims

1. A method of preventing incorrect tool model loading in a machine tool without a tool magazine, characterized in that, The application relates to a tool number detection device for a machine tool, which comprises the following parts: The shank part of each tool is processed into a detection plane with different depths, which is used for distinguishing the tool type; A sensor is installed near the main shaft of the machine tool, which is used for detecting the distance to the shank detection plane; The sensor, a computer and a PLC are electrically connected, and a tool number detection instruction is run; A corresponding table of tool numbers and distances is defined; A macro variable X is defined in the PLC, and the macro variable X corresponds to the tool number; The computer commands the sensor to measure the distance to the shank detection plane, and returns the measurement value to the computer; the measurement value is compared with the corresponding table to determine the specific number of the tool; The computer obtains the tool number required by a machining program, and logically compares the tool number with the tool number determined above; The macro variable X is valued according to the logical comparison result, and the value is fed back to the computer to obtain a tool replacement result; The judgment statement in the PLC program corresponds to the newly valued macro variable X to make a replacement result prompt.

2. A method of preventing incorrect tool model loading in a machine tool without a tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the macro variable X is 1, the tool type is correct, the computer informs the PLC to continue running the machining program.

3. A method of preventing incorrect tool model loading in a machine tool without a tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the macro variable X is 2, the machining program stops running, and an alarm is given to prompt that the tool is not installed.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: When the macro variable X is 3, the machining program stops running, and an alarm is given to prompt that the tool is installed incorrectly.

5. A method of preventing incorrect tool model loading in a machine tool without a tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the macro variable X is 0, the computer prompts that the tool is not installed in place.

6. A method of preventing incorrect tool model loading in a machine tool without a tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor is a laser distance sensor.

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