Method and device for linking swashplate tool magazine with machine tool

Abstract

This invention discloses a method and apparatus for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool, relating to the field of machine tool control technology. The method includes: restricting the movement of the X, Y, A, and C axes through a PMC control program, switching the Z axis to PMC control program control, and performing directional control of the spindle; controlling the Z axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program, and releasing the movement restrictions on the X, Y, A, and C axes; controlling the Z axis to move along the Z direction to the tool change point through the PMC control program, and controlling the swashplate tool magazine to rotate to the target tool position for tool changing between the machine tool and the swashplate tool magazine; and after the tool changing process, controlling the Z axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program; and switching the Z axis to NC control program control. This invention shortens machining time by linking and positioning other feed axes during tool changing, effectively reducing wasted non-cutting time and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machine tool control technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool. Background Technology

[0002] Swashplate tool magazines are commonly used in drilling and tapping machine tools. They are fixed to the column and above the Z-axis. The tool changing process is as follows:

[0003] ① The spindle is positioned and the Z-axis is positioned to the origin;

[0004] ② Move the Z-axis rapidly in the positive direction to the tool release point, decelerate, and then move it rapidly to the highest point;

[0005] ③ Rotate the cutter head to the target tool position;

[0006] ④ Move quickly along the Z-axis in the negative direction to the tool clamping point, decelerate, and then quickly move back to the origin to complete the tool change.

[0007] Currently, many machine tool manufacturers use PLCs combined with tool change macro programs to implement tool changing actions. The Z-axis is controlled by NC, and as a single-path control CNC system, other NC programs cannot be executed during the Z-axis rise and the tool head rotation. That is, during the tool change, the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, C-axis and other positioning cannot be executed at the same time. They can only be executed after the tool change is completed, which seriously wastes machining time and reduces production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool. During tool changing, the Z-axis is switched to PMC control program control, which controls the vertical movement of the Z-axis and the rotation of the tool head. This allows for positioning of the X, Y, A, and C axes during tool changing. After tool changing, the Z-axis is switched to NC control program control to execute the subsequent machining program. By linking and positioning other feed axes during tool changing, machining time is shortened. For workpieces requiring frequent tool changes and multi-angle machining, this effectively reduces the waste of non-cutting time, thus improving production efficiency.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this invention discloses a method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool. The machine tool includes a spindle, an X-axis, a Y-axis, an A-axis, and a C-axis. The swashplate tool magazine is fixed on a column and above the Z-axis. The swashplate tool magazine can move along the Z-axis, extending / retracting along the Y-axis. The swashplate tool magazine has multiple tool positions and can be rotated to a target tool position for tool changing operations on the machine tool. The method for linking the swashplate tool magazine with the machine tool includes the following steps:

[0010] S1. Limit the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis through the PMC control program, switch the Z-axis to be controlled by the PMC control program, and perform orientation control on the main axis;

[0011] S2. Control the Z-axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program, and release the movement restrictions of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis;

[0012] S3. Control the Z-axis to move along the Z direction to the tool change point through the PMC control program, and control the swashplate tool magazine to rotate to the target tool position so that the machine tool and the swashplate tool magazine can perform the tool change process, and after the tool change process is completed, control the Z-axis to move back to the origin through the PMC control program;

[0013] S4. Switch the Z-axis to NC control program control to complete the tool change.

[0014] Preferably, during the tool change process, the Z-axis coordinate value of the tool change point is greater than the Z-axis coordinate value of the origin.

[0015] Preferably, the swashplate tool magazine can be rotated to the target tool position by the PMC control program.

[0016] Preferably, in step S3, the Z-axis movement controlled by the PMC program and the swashplate tool magazine being able to rotate to the target tool position can be simultaneously controlled by the NC control program to position the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis.

[0017] Preferably, in step S1, restricting the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis through the PMC control program specifically includes:

[0018] The PMC control program controls the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis to activate their respective interlock signals, thereby restricting the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis.

[0019] Preferably, in step S2, releasing the movement restrictions on the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis specifically includes:

[0020] The PMC control program controls the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis to disconnect the interlock signals of their respective axes, thereby releasing the movement restrictions on the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis.

[0021] Preferably, the tool change point is a preset highest point where the origin moves upward along the Z direction.

[0022] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps before step S1:

[0023] Monitor the tool change signal, and upon receiving the tool change signal, execute steps S1 to S4 sequentially.

[0024] Preferably, after step S4, the method further includes:

[0025] Control the rotation of the spindle.

[0026] Accordingly, the present invention also discloses a swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage device. The machine tool includes a spindle, an X-axis, a Y-axis, an A-axis, and a C-axis. The swashplate tool magazine is fixed on a column and above the Z-axis. The swashplate tool magazine can move along the Z-axis, extending / retracting in the Y-axis direction. The swashplate tool magazine has multiple tool positions and can be rotated to a target tool position for the machine tool to perform a tool changing operation. The swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage device includes:

[0027] The first execution module is configured to restrict the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis through the PMC control program, switch the Z-axis to be controlled by the PMC control program, and perform orientation control on the main axis;

[0028] The second execution module is configured to control the Z-axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program, and to release the movement restrictions of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis;

[0029] The third execution module is configured to control the Z-axis to move along the Z direction to the tool change point through the PMC control program, and to control the swashplate tool magazine to rotate to the target tool position so that the machine tool and the swashplate tool magazine can perform a tool change operation, and after the tool change operation is completed, to control the Z-axis to move back to the origin through the PMC control program;

[0030] The fourth execution module is configured to switch the Z-axis to NC control program control in order to complete the tool change.

[0031] Compared with existing technologies, this invention switches the Z-axis to PMC control during tool changing, controlling the vertical movement of the Z-axis and the rotation of the tool turret entirely through the PMC control program. This allows for positioning of the X, Y, A, and C axes during tool changing. After tool changing, the Z-axis switches to NC control to execute the subsequent machining program. By linking the positioning of other feed axes during tool changing, machining time is shortened. For workpieces requiring frequent tool changes and multi-angle machining, this effectively reduces wasted non-cutting time, thus improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage method of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of the swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To illustrate the technical content, structural features, objectives, and effects of the present invention in detail, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment, the swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage method includes a spindle, an X-axis, a Y-axis, an A-axis, and a C-axis. The swashplate tool magazine is fixed on a column and above the Z-axis. The swashplate tool magazine can move along the Z-axis, extending / retracting in the Y-axis direction. The swashplate tool magazine has multiple tool positions and can be rotated to a target tool position for the machine tool to perform a tool changing operation. The swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage method includes the following steps:

[0036] S1. Limit the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis through the PMC control program, switch the Z-axis to be controlled by the PMC control program, and perform orientation control on the main axis;

[0037] S2. Control the Z-axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program, and release the movement restrictions of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis;

[0038] S3. Control the Z-axis to move along the Z direction to the tool change point through the PMC control program, and control the swashplate tool magazine to rotate to the target tool position so that the machine tool and the swashplate tool magazine can perform the tool change process, and after the tool change process is completed, control the Z-axis to move back to the origin through the PMC control program;

[0039] S4. Switch the Z-axis to NC control program control to complete the tool change.

[0040] Preferably, during the tool change process, the Z-axis coordinate value of the tool change point is greater than the Z-axis coordinate value of the origin.

[0041] Preferably, the swashplate tool magazine can be rotated to the target tool position by the PMC control program.

[0042] Preferably, in step S1, restricting the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis through the PMC control program specifically includes:

[0043] The PMC control program controls the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis to activate their respective interlock signals, thereby restricting the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis.

[0044] Preferably, in step S2, releasing the movement restrictions on the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis specifically includes:

[0045] The PMC control program controls the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis to disconnect the interlock signals of their respective axes, thereby releasing the movement restrictions on the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis.

[0046] Preferably, the tool change point is a preset highest point where the origin moves upward along the Z direction.

[0047] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps before step S1:

[0048] Monitor the tool change signal, and upon receiving the tool change signal, execute steps S1 to S4 sequentially.

[0049] Preferably, after step S4, the method further includes:

[0050] Control the rotation of the spindle.

[0051] In other preferred embodiments, in step S3, the Z-axis movement and the rotation of the swashplate tool magazine to the target tool position are controlled by the NC control program. Compared with the Z-axis movement and the rotation of the swashplate tool magazine to the target tool position are controlled by the PMC program, the tool change time is basically the same. However, it cannot be controlled simultaneously with the positioning of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis by the NC control program, resulting in a disadvantage of wasting overall non-cutting machining time.

[0052] The following is a comparison and explanation of the implementation code of this embodiment and the implementation code of the traditional tool-changing method:

[0053] 1. The tool changing action in this application is entirely controlled by PMC:

[0054] The machining procedure during tool change in this application is as follows:

[0055] M06TxxG54G00X0.0Y0.0A90.0C0.0;

[0056] M03S1000; (Spindle rotation)

[0057] When the first statement is executed, M06Txx will run in the PMC program to control the entire tool change action. The Z-axis will switch to the PMC axis and be completely controlled by the PMC program. Meanwhile, G54G00X0.0Y0.0A90.0C0.0 will be executed in the NC running path. The two do not interfere with each other until the statement is completed. Then the NC will automatically execute the next statement.

[0058] Traditional tool changing methods typically involve the following machining procedure during tool change:

[0059] M06Txx; (Tool change command, where xx in Txx can be any tool number value)

[0060] G54G00X0.0Y0.0A90.0C0.0; (Locate to machining start point)

[0061] M03S1000; (Spindle rotation)

[0062] If the machining program is changed during a traditional tool changer:

[0063] M06TxxG54G00X0.0Y0.0A90.0C0.0;

[0064] M03S1000; (Spindle rotation)

[0065] When the first statement is executed, G54G00X0.0Y0.0A90.0C0.0 in the first statement will be executed first to position the feed axis. Then M06 will be executed. According to the system parameter settings, M06 in the main program will call the tool change macro program O9001. The CNC system will execute the steps of the tool change macro program step by step until the tool change action is completed.

[0066] 2. Traditional tool changing method:

[0067] The programs used by customers to process products are all NC programs, and the tool changer macro programs used by machine tool manufacturers are also NC programs, such as the swashplate tool magazine tool changer macro program O9001.

[0068] O9001(TOOL CHANGE PROGRAM P6071=6)

[0069] G4.1 (Prevent Read-Ahead)

[0070] IF[#1000EQ1]GOTO999(If the instruction tool number is equal to the spindle tool number,)

[0071] #3003=1

[0072] #3004=1

[0073] G53M06 (Tool Change Command Start Marker)

[0074] #31=#4003

[0075] G90G00G53P1 Z0.M19S0 (Spindle orientation and Z-axis positioning to the first reference point (machine origin))

[0076] G53P1 Z[PRM

[1242] / [3]-0.3]

[0077] G53P1 Z[PRM

[1242] / [3]](Positive Z-axis positioning to the third reference point)

[0078] G53G30G91 P2Z0 (Z-axis positive direction positioning to the second reference point, allowable rotation position of the tool turret)

[0079] M196 (Rotating Cutter Head)

[0080] G90G53P1Z[PRM

[1243] / [3]](Z-axis negative direction positioning to the second reference point)

[0081] G53P1 Z[[PRM

[1243] / [3]-0.4]]

[0082] G53P1 Z0. (Positioned to the first reference point in the negative Z-axis direction)

[0083] G#31

[0084] #3003=0

[0085] #3004=0

[0086] M199 (Tool Change Command End Marker)

[0087] N999

[0088] M99 (Tool change macro program ends, returns to main program)

[0089] As can be seen from the code above, the swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage method in this embodiment has fewer steps and higher efficiency compared to the traditional tool changing method. It shortens the processing time by linking and positioning other feed axes during tool changing. For workpieces that require frequent tool changes and multi-angle machining, it can effectively reduce the waste of non-cutting time and effectively shorten the processing time to improve production efficiency.

[0090] Please see Figure 2 As shown, this invention also discloses a swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage device. The machine tool includes a spindle, an X-axis, a Y-axis, an A-axis, and a C-axis. The swashplate tool magazine is fixed on a column and above the Z-axis. The swashplate tool magazine can move along the Z-axis, extending / retracting in the Y-axis direction. The swashplate tool magazine has multiple tool positions and can be rotated to a target tool position for the machine tool to perform a tool changing operation. The swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage device includes:

[0091] The first execution module 10 is configured to restrict the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis through the PMC control program, switch the Z-axis to be controlled by the PMC control program, and perform orientation control on the main axis;

[0092] The second execution module 20 is configured to control the Z-axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program, and to release the movement restrictions of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis;

[0093] The third execution module 30 is configured to control the Z-axis to move along the Z direction to the tool change point through the PMC control program, and to control the swashplate tool magazine to rotate to the target tool position so that the machine tool and the swashplate tool magazine can perform a tool change operation, and to control the Z-axis to move back to the origin through the PMC control program after the tool change operation is completed;

[0094] The fourth execution module 40 is configured to switch the Z-axis to NC control program control in order to complete the tool change.

[0095] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 During tool changing, the Z-axis is switched to PMC control program control, which controls the vertical movement of the Z-axis and the rotation of the tool turret. This allows for positioning of the X, Y, A, and C axes during tool changing. After tool changing, the Z-axis is switched to NC control program control to execute the subsequent machining program. By linking the positioning of other feed axes during tool changing, the machining time is shortened. For workpieces requiring frequent tool changes and multi-angle machining, this invention effectively reduces the waste of non-cutting time, thus improving production efficiency.

[0096] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool, the machine tool including a spindle, an X-axis, a Y-axis, a Z-axis, an A-axis, and a C-axis, the swashplate tool magazine being fixed on a column and above the Z-axis, the swashplate tool magazine being movable along the Z-axis and being able to move out or back along the Y-axis, the swashplate tool magazine having multiple tool positions, the swashplate tool magazine being rotatable to a target tool position for the machine tool to perform a tool changing operation, characterized in that... The method for linking the swashplate tool magazine with the machine tool includes the following steps: S1. Limit the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis through the PMC control program, switch the Z-axis to be controlled by the PMC control program, and perform orientation control on the main axis; S2. Control the Z-axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program, and release the movement restrictions of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis; S3. Control the Z-axis to move along the Z direction to the tool change point through the PMC control program, and control the swashplate tool magazine to rotate to the target tool position so that the machine tool and the swashplate tool magazine can perform the tool change process, and after the tool change process is completed, control the Z-axis to move back to the origin through the PMC control program; S4. Switch the Z-axis to NC control program control to complete the tool change.

2. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: During the tool change process, the Z-axis coordinate value of the tool change point is greater than the Z-axis coordinate value of the origin.

3. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The swashplate tool magazine can be rotated to the target tool position by the PMC control program.

4. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the Z-axis movement is controlled by the PMC program and the swashplate tool magazine can be rotated to the target tool position. The PMC program can control the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis positioning simultaneously with the NC control program.

5. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis is restricted by the PMC control program, specifically including: The PMC control program controls the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis to activate their respective interlock signals, thereby restricting the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis.

6. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, releasing the movement restrictions on the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis, and C-axis specifically includes: The PMC control program controls the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis to disconnect the interlock signals of their respective axes, thereby releasing the movement restrictions on the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis.

7. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The tool change point is the preset highest point where the origin moves upward along the Z direction.

8. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The procedure preceding step S1 also includes: Monitor the tool change signal, and upon receiving the tool change signal, execute steps S1 to S4 sequentially.

9. The method for linking a swashplate tool magazine with a machine tool as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The process following step S4 also includes: Control the rotation of the spindle.

10. A swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage device, wherein the machine tool includes a spindle, an X-axis, a Y-axis, a Z-axis, an A-axis, and a C-axis, the swashplate tool magazine is fixed on a column and above the Z-axis, the swashplate tool magazine can move along the Z-axis, and can be pushed out or retracted along the Y-axis, the swashplate tool magazine has multiple tool positions, and the swashplate tool magazine can be rotated to a target tool position for the machine tool to perform a tool changing operation, characterized in that... The swashplate tool magazine and machine tool linkage device includes: The first execution module is configured to restrict the movement of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis through the PMC control program, switch the Z-axis to be controlled by the PMC control program, and perform orientation control on the main axis; The second execution module is configured to control the Z-axis to move to the origin through the PMC control program, and to release the movement restrictions of the X-axis, Y-axis, A-axis and C-axis; The third execution module is configured to control the Z-axis to move along the Z direction to the tool change point through the PMC control program, and to control the swashplate tool magazine to rotate to the target tool position so that the machine tool and the swashplate tool magazine can perform a tool change operation, and after the tool change operation is completed, to control the Z-axis to move back to the origin through the PMC control program; The fourth execution module is configured to switch the Z-axis to NC control program control in order to complete the tool change.

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