A method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for using a central tool library based on a digital flexible manufacturing system, relating to the field of parts manufacturing and processing. It involves establishing a parts data table containing parts numbers and setting the processing program corresponding to each parts number; obtaining a production plan to generate a list of tools to be called; when the tool inventory table does not contain all the tool numbers in the list of tools to be called, a list of tools to be added is generated; based on the list of tools to be added, an inbound scheduling task is generated for each tool, and the inbound scheduling task completes the inbound of the tools to be added; based on the calling order of the tools in the list of tools to be called, preset logical judgments are performed on each tool sequentially, and based on the judgment results, an outbound scheduling task for the corresponding tool is generated, and the outbound scheduling task completes the outbound of the tools to be called. This invention ensures the completeness of the tools required for the current production plan by comparing the list of tools to be called with the tools stored in the tool inventory table for tool inbound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of parts manufacturing and processing, and in particular to a method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, production begins after a production plan is set. Each part or product has its own required cutting tools, and each cutting tool has a maximum service life. Most make-to-order manufacturing systems face the common challenge of completing orders before tight deadlines. Since the number of tool positions in a machining center's tool magazine is very limited, and the number of cutting tools required to process different parts or products varies, the rational arrangement of the types and quantities of cutting tools in the machining center's tool magazine directly affects subsequent production efficiency and costs.

[0003] In manufacturing, there is often a demand for producing a variety of products in small to medium batches, with high precision requirements, complex part structures, and long production cycles. Using traditional manufacturing methods can easily lead to redundant cutting tools and difficulties in rationally allocating them, resulting in excessively high processing costs and low production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To quickly and rationally allocate cutting tools to various machine tools, ensuring smooth production and improving machine tool efficiency, this invention proposes a method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system. The central tool magazine includes: a housing with storage windows and multiple first storage stations for storing cutting tools; a tool holder located inside the housing with multiple second storage stations for storing cutting tools; and a gripping assembly with at least one gripper movably disposed within the housing to transport the cutting tool from a first storage station to a second storage station, or vice versa. The method of use includes the following steps:

[0005] S1: Establish a part data table containing part numbers, and set the machining program corresponding to each part number; the machining program includes a tool list arranged in machining order; the tool list includes tool numbers;

[0006] S2: Obtain the production plan; the production plan includes the production sequence of each part, a list of tools to be called generated according to the production sequence and the tool list corresponding to each part, and the execution machine number and current processing time corresponding to each tool in the list of tools to be called; the tools in the list of tools to be called are arranged in order of being called.

[0007] S3: Determine whether the tool inventory table corresponding to the central tool library contains all the tool numbers in the list of tools to be called. If not, proceed to the next step; if yes, jump to step S5.

[0008] S4: Generate a list of tools to be added based on tools not existing in the tool inventory table. Generate an inbound scheduling task for each tool in the list, whereby the inbound scheduling task includes the initial inbound position and the target inbound position of the tool. The initial inbound position corresponds to the first storage station, and the target inbound position corresponds to the second storage station. By issuing the inbound scheduling task to the gripper, the tool stored at the initial inbound position is transported to the target inbound position, and the tool inventory table is updated to complete the inbound of the tools to be added. The tool inventory table includes the tool number corresponding to the tool, the station number of the second storage station, the preset lifespan, and the cumulative working time.

[0009] S5: Determine whether there is a tool in the tool list whose pre-cumulative working time is greater than the preset lifespan. If not, proceed to the next step. The pre-cumulative working time is the sum of the cumulative working time of the tool and the current processing time.

[0010] S6: Based on the calling order of the tools in the list of tools to be called, perform preset logic judgments on each tool in sequence, and generate the corresponding tool's outbound scheduling task based on the judgment results; the outbound scheduling task includes an initial outbound position and a target outbound position, the initial outbound position corresponds to the second storage station, and the target outbound position corresponds to the first storage station; by issuing the outbound scheduling task to the gripper, the tool stored at the initial outbound position is transported to the target outbound position, and the tool inventory table is updated to complete the outbound of the tools to be called.

[0011] Furthermore, the initial inbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding first storage workstation; the target inbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding second storage workstation; the initial outbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding second storage workstation; and the target outbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding first storage workstation.

[0012] Further, in step S5, it is determined whether there is a tool in the tool list to be called whose pre-accumulated working time is greater than the preset lifespan. If so, a tool list to be replaced is generated based on the tools whose pre-accumulated working time is greater than the preset lifespan. Then, an outbound scheduling task is generated for each tool in the tool list to be replaced. The tool stored at the initial outbound position is transported to the target outbound position by issuing the outbound scheduling task to the gripper. The tool inventory table is updated, the outbound of the tool to be replaced is completed, and the process returns to step S3.

[0013] Furthermore, in step S6, a preset logic judgment is performed on the tool, specifically including:

[0014] S61: Determine whether the machine tool corresponding to the current tool is in operation. If yes, proceed to the next step; otherwise, jump to step S63.

[0015] S62: Determine whether the tool in the machine tool is the next tool to be called in the tool list. If not, proceed to step S64.

[0016] S63: Determine whether the tool in the machine tool is the tool currently to be called in the tool list. If not, proceed to the next step.

[0017] S64: Determine whether the tool to be called exists in the tool inventory table. If so, generate the corresponding outbound scheduling task for the tool, and transport the tool stored at the initial outbound position to the target outbound position by issuing the outbound scheduling task to the gripper, and update the tool inventory table to complete the outbound of the tool to be called.

[0018] Furthermore, the method of use also includes:

[0019] During the part processing, the machine tool life management system is used to obtain the current processing time of the tool, and the cumulative working time of the tool corresponding to the tool in the tool inventory table is updated according to the current processing time.

[0020] Furthermore, the tool holder includes two shelves arranged opposite each other, and there is a channel between the two shelves for the gripping component to move.

[0021] Furthermore, the gripping component also includes a base plate, on which a first slide rail is provided along the length direction of the channel, and a first sliding frame is slidably disposed on the first slide rail; a second slide rail is provided on the first sliding frame along the height direction of the channel, and a second sliding frame is slidably disposed on the second slide rail; a third slide rail is provided on the second sliding frame along the width direction of the channel, and a third sliding frame is slidably disposed on the third slide rail.

[0022] The third sliding frame is provided with a rotating shaft arranged along the height direction, and the gripper can rotate about the rotating shaft relative to the third sliding frame.

[0023] Furthermore, the shelf is provided with multiple columns along its length, and the columns are provided with multiple first storage stations or second storage stations along their height.

[0024] A clamping assembly is provided at either the first or the second storage station. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping block and a second clamping block, and there is an installation space between the first clamping block and the second clamping block for installing the tool.

[0025] The upper end of the shelf is also provided with multiple preparatory stations for installing cutting tools.

[0026] Furthermore, a plurality of the clamping components are arranged along the height direction of the column, and a first elastic element is provided between any two adjacent clamping components.

[0027] Furthermore, an annular limiting groove is provided on the periphery of the cutting tool;

[0028] The gripper includes a locking disc with a locking hole. The side wall of the locking hole is provided with a plurality of movable locking pins. One end of the cutter can extend into the locking hole, and the locking pins can extend into the annular limiting groove.

[0029] The locking disc has multiple channels communicating with the locking holes. The locking pin can slide along the channels. A second elastic element is provided in the channel to provide a force for the locking pin to extend into the annular limiting groove.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0031] (1) This invention establishes a central tool library and, based on the central tool library, realizes the entry and exit of tools. Specifically, it includes: establishing a part data table containing part numbers and setting the processing program corresponding to each part number; obtaining the production plan and obtaining a list of tools to be called; when the tool inventory table does not contain all the tool numbers in the list of tools to be called, generating a list of tools to be added, generating an entry scheduling task corresponding to each tool according to the list of tools to be added, and completing the entry of the tools to be added through the entry scheduling task; based on the calling order of the tools in the list of tools to be called, performing preset logic judgments on each tool in sequence, and generating an exit scheduling task for the corresponding tool based on the judgment result, and completing the exit of the tools to be called through the exit scheduling task. That is, this invention ensures the completeness of the tools required in the current production plan by comparing the list of tools to be called with the tools stored in the tool inventory table.

[0032] (2) Before the tool is taken out of the warehouse, the present invention determines whether the pre-accumulated working time of the tool is greater than the preset lifespan. If so, the tool is taken out of the warehouse and the process is returned to step S3 to re-determine, which further ensures the availability of the tools required in the current production plan.

[0033] (3) By using the central tool magazine method of the present invention, the waiting time of the machine tool is reduced and the processing efficiency is greatly improved.

[0034] (4) The present invention determines whether the machine tool corresponding to the current tool is in operation. If so, it determines whether the tool in the machine tool is the next tool to be called in the tool list. If not, it determines whether the tool in the machine tool is the current tool to be called in the tool list. This avoids the repeated release of tools and improves the processing efficiency of parts.

[0035] (5) In the process of part processing, the present invention uses the machine tool life management system to obtain the processing time of the tool in the current session, and updates the cumulative working time of the tool in the tool inventory table according to the current processing time, thereby improving the accuracy of the cumulative working time of the tool. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the central tool magazine structure in the embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the storage station and control room in the embodiment;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the central tool magazine structure after the outer shell has been removed in the embodiment;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the grabbing component in the embodiment;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking disc in the embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping assembly and the cutting tool in the embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping component in the embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage of a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system.

[0044] In the picture:

[0045] 100. Casing; 110. Door; 120. Control Room; 130. Storage Window; 140. First Storage Station; 150. Preparatory Station;

[0046] 200. Tool holder; 210. Column; 220. Second storage station;

[0047] 300. Gripping assembly; 310. Gripper; 311. Locking disc; 3111. Locking pin; 3112. Locking hole; 320. First slide rail; 330. First sliding frame; 340. Second sliding frame; 350. Third sliding frame;

[0048] 400. Clamping assembly; 401. Free end; 402. Connecting end; 403. Guide surface; 404. Opening; 405. Installation space; 410. First clamping block; 411. First limiting bar; 420. Second clamping block; 421. Second limiting bar;

[0049] 500, cutting tool; 510, annular mounting groove; 520, annular limiting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] To quickly and efficiently allocate cutting tools to various machine tools, ensure smooth production, and improve machine tool efficiency, such as... Figure 8 As shown, this invention proposes a method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system. The central tool magazine includes: a housing with a storage window and multiple first storage stations for storing tools; a tool holder disposed inside the housing with multiple second storage stations for storing tools; and a gripping assembly with at least one gripper for gripping tools, the gripper being movably disposed within the housing to transport the tool from the first storage station to the second storage station, or vice versa. The method of use includes the following steps:

[0053] S1: Establish a part data table containing part numbers, and set the machining program corresponding to each part number; the machining program includes a tool list arranged in machining order; the tool list includes tool numbers;

[0054] S2: Obtain the production plan; the production plan includes the production sequence of each part, a list of tools to be called generated according to the production sequence and the tool list corresponding to each part, and the execution machine number and current processing time (i.e., the processing time required for the tool to be called in the current time) corresponding to each tool in the list of tools to be called; the tools in the list of tools to be called are arranged in order of being called.

[0055] S3: Determine whether the tool inventory table corresponding to the central tool library contains all the tool numbers in the list of tools to be called. If not, proceed to the next step; if yes, jump to step S5.

[0056] S4: Generate a list of tools to be added based on tools not existing in the tool inventory table. Generate an inbound scheduling task for each tool in the list, whereby the inbound scheduling task includes the initial inbound position and the target inbound position of the tool. The initial inbound position corresponds to the first storage station, and the target inbound position corresponds to the second storage station. By issuing the inbound scheduling task to the gripper, the tool stored at the initial inbound position is transported to the target inbound position, and the tool inventory table is updated to complete the inbound of the tools to be added. The tool inventory table includes the tool number corresponding to the tool, the station number of the second storage station, the preset lifespan, and the cumulative working time.

[0057] S5: Determine whether there is a tool in the tool list whose pre-cumulative working time is greater than the preset lifespan. If not, proceed to the next step. The pre-cumulative working time is the sum of the cumulative working time of the tool and the current processing time.

[0058] In step S5, it is determined whether there is a tool in the tool list to be called whose pre-accumulated working time is greater than the preset lifespan. If so, a tool list to be replaced is generated based on the tools whose pre-accumulated working time is greater than the preset lifespan. Then, an outbound scheduling task is generated for each tool in the tool list to be replaced. The outbound scheduling task is sent to the gripper to transport the tools stored at the initial outbound position to the target outbound position. The tool inventory table is updated, the outbound of the tools to be replaced is completed, and the process returns to step S3.

[0059] Before a tool is released from the warehouse, the present invention determines whether the pre-accumulated working time of the tool is greater than the preset lifespan. If so, the tool is released from the warehouse, and the process returns to step S3 to re-determine the issue, thereby further ensuring the availability of the tools required for the current production plan.

[0060] S6: Based on the calling order of the tools in the list of tools to be called, perform preset logic judgments on each tool in sequence, and generate the corresponding tool's outbound scheduling task based on the judgment results; the outbound scheduling task includes an initial outbound position and a target outbound position, the initial outbound position corresponds to the second storage station, and the target outbound position corresponds to the first storage station; by issuing the outbound scheduling task to the gripper, the tool stored at the initial outbound position is transported to the target outbound position, and the tool inventory table is updated to complete the outbound of the tools to be called.

[0061] The initial inbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding first storage workstation; the target inbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding second storage workstation; the initial outbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding second storage workstation; and the target outbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding first storage workstation.

[0062] In step S6, a preset logic judgment is performed on the tool, specifically including:

[0063] S61: Determine whether the machine tool corresponding to the current tool is in operation. If yes, proceed to the next step; otherwise, jump to step S63.

[0064] S62: Determine whether the tool in the machine tool is the next tool to be called in the tool list (this can be determined by comparing the tool number). If not, proceed to step S64; if so, wait for the current material to be processed before starting the next processing.

[0065] S63: Determine whether the tool in the machine tool is the tool currently to be called in the tool list. If not, proceed to the next step; if yes, start machining.

[0066] S64: Determine whether the tool to be called exists in the tool inventory table. If it does, generate the corresponding outbound scheduling task for the tool, and transport the tool stored at the initial outbound position to the target outbound position by issuing the outbound scheduling task to the gripper, and update the tool inventory table to complete the outbound of the tool to be called; if not, transfer it from other machine tools.

[0067] In step S64, the tool to be called is checked again in the tool inventory table, which further improves the reliability of tool calling.

[0068] This invention determines whether the machine tool corresponding to the current tool is in operation. If so, it determines whether the tool in that machine tool is the next tool to be called in the tool list. If not, it determines whether the tool in that machine tool is the currently called tool in the tool list. This avoids the repeated dispatching of tools and improves the processing efficiency of parts.

[0069] The method of use also includes:

[0070] During the part processing, the machine tool life management system is used to obtain the current processing time of the tool, and the cumulative working time of the tool corresponding to the tool in the tool inventory table is updated according to the current processing time.

[0071] This invention establishes a central tool magazine and, based on this central tool magazine, implements tool inbound and outbound operations. Specifically, it includes: creating a parts data table containing part numbers and setting the machining program corresponding to each part number; obtaining the production plan to obtain a list of tools to be called; when the tool inventory table does not contain all the tool numbers in the list of tools to be called, generating a list of tools to be added; generating inbound scheduling tasks for each tool based on the list of tools to be added, and completing the inbound of the tools to be added through the inbound scheduling tasks; based on the calling order of the tools in the list of tools to be called, performing preset logical judgments on each tool sequentially, and generating outbound scheduling tasks for the corresponding tools based on the judgment results, and completing the outbound of the tools to be called through the outbound scheduling tasks. In other words, this invention ensures the completeness of the tools required for the current production plan by comparing the list of tools to be called with the tools stored in the tool inventory table for tool inbound operations.

[0072] Example 2

[0073] Please refer to Figures 1-7 The present invention also discloses a central tool magazine, comprising:

[0074] The outer casing 100 has a storage window 130, and the storage window 130 is provided with a plurality of first storage stations 140 for storing the cutting tool 500;

[0075] The tool holder 200 is disposed inside the housing 100, and the tool holder 200 is provided with a plurality of second storage stations 220 for storing the tools 500;

[0076] The gripping assembly 300 is provided with at least one gripper 310 for gripping the tool 500. The gripper 310 is movably disposed within the housing 100 to transport the tool 500 from the first storage station 140 to the second storage station 220, or to transport the tool 500 from the second storage station 220 to the first storage station 140.

[0077] First, it should be noted that since the gripping component 300 can only grip one tool 500 at a time, during batch tool changes, operators or robots need to wait outside the tool 500 magazine for the gripping component 300 to transport multiple tools 500 in multiple trips, resulting in low efficiency for batch tool changes. Therefore, this application provides a storage window 130 on the housing 100, with multiple first storage stations 140 located at the storage window 130. During batch tool retrieval, the gripping component 300 can pre-transport multiple tools 500 sequentially and temporarily store them at the multiple first storage stations 140 on the storage window 130. Then, the operator or robot can transport the tools 500 from the storage window 130 to the corresponding machine tool for installation in one go, improving the efficiency of tool changes.

[0078] Similarly, during the tool storage process, operators or robots can place multiple tools 500 on the storage window 130 at once and then leave. The gripping component 300 then transports the multiple tools 500 from the storage window 130 to the corresponding second storage station 220 on the tool holder 200 in multiple batches. This also saves the waiting time for operators and robots when storing tools in batches, improving the operational efficiency of the workshop.

[0079] Meanwhile, the storage window 130 has an inbound detector that can identify the information of the tool 500 and enter the information of the tool 500 into the system; the tool 500 can only be stored in the tool 500 library after it has been identified and its information has been entered.

[0080] Preferably, 2-10 first storage stations 140 can be set at the storage window 130. In this embodiment, five first storage stations 140 are set at the storage window 130, that is, a maximum of five cutting tools 500 can be stored and retrieved at one time.

[0081] Furthermore, the tool holder 200 includes two shelves arranged opposite each other, and there is a channel between the two shelves for the gripping assembly 300 to move.

[0082] Specifically, the tool holder 200 in this embodiment includes two shelves, left and right, with a channel between them. The gripping component 300 can move within the channel to retrieve and store tools. That is, this embodiment provides a shelf on each of the left and right sides of the gripping component 300. With the same amount of space, the gripping component 300 increases the number of tools 500 it can store, enabling tool changes for a larger number of machine tools and processing a wider variety of parts. In other words, this embodiment reduces the space occupied by the tool magazine while maintaining the same number of tools 500 it can store.

[0083] Furthermore, it also includes a base plate, on which a first slide rail 320 is provided along the length direction of the channel, and a first sliding frame 330 is slidably provided on the first slide rail 320; a second slide rail is provided on the first sliding frame 330 along the height direction of the channel, and a second sliding frame 340 is slidably provided on the second slide rail; a third slide rail is provided on the second sliding frame 340 along the width direction of the channel, and a third sliding frame 350 is slidably provided on the third slide rail.

[0084] The third sliding frame 350 is provided with a rotating shaft arranged along the height direction, and the gripper 310 can rotate about the rotating shaft relative to the third sliding frame 350.

[0085] Specifically, by sliding the first sliding frame 330 on the first slide rail 320, the gripper 310 can be moved along the length direction of the channel, thereby moving the gripper 310 to the second storage station 220 corresponding to different positions of the shelf in the length direction; by sliding the second sliding frame 340 on the second slide rail, the gripper 310 can be moved along the height direction of the channel, thereby moving the gripper 310 to the second storage station 220 corresponding to different positions of the shelf in the height direction; by sliding the third sliding frame 350 on the third slide rail, the gripper 310 can be moved along the width direction of the channel, thereby causing the gripper 310 to extend or retract the tool 500 into or out of the shelf; by rotating the gripper 310 relative to the third sliding frame 350, the gripper 310 can be directed to different shelves, thereby picking up and placing the tool 500 on different shelves.

[0086] More specifically, a top plate is provided above the tool holder 200, and a first slide rail 320 is also provided on the top plate. The lower end of the first sliding frame 330 slides on the first slide rail 320 on the bottom plate, while the upper end of the first sliding frame 330 slides on the first slide rail 320 on the top plate. The upper and lower ends constrain the first sliding frame 330, which can enhance the stability of the first sliding frame 330 when sliding, thereby allowing the shelf to be made higher and increasing the number of tools 500 that the entire tool magazine can store.

[0087] Furthermore, the shelf is provided with a plurality of columns 210 along its length, and the columns 210 are provided with a plurality of first storage stations 140 or second storage stations 220 along their height.

[0088] A clamping assembly 400 is provided on the first storage station 140 or the second storage station 220. The clamping assembly 400 includes a first clamping block 410 and a second clamping block 420. There is an installation space 405 between the first clamping block 410 and the second clamping block 420 for installing the tool 500.

[0089] The upper end of the shelf is also provided with multiple preparatory stations 150 for installing the cutting tools 500.

[0090] Specifically, the shelf has multiple columns 210 along its length, and multiple second storage stations 220 are set on the columns 210. One column 210 is located at the position corresponding to the storage window 130, and multiple first storage stations 140 are set on this column 210. The standby station 150 is located above the entire tool 500 magazine. When there are unloaded tools 500 on the machine tool and the tool 500 magazine is changing tools, the robot in the workshop can temporarily place the tools 500 on the standby station 150. When the tool 500 magazine is free, the tools 500 on the standby station 150 are put into the tool 500 magazine. In this way, the conflict between tool retrieval and tool storage is prevented, and the robot is prevented from carrying unloaded tools 500 and waiting outside the tool 500 magazine, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the workshop.

[0091] Furthermore, both the first clamping block 410 and the second clamping block 420 have a free end 401 and a connecting end 402. An opening 404 is provided between the two free ends 401, through which the tool 500 can enter the mounting space 405. The connecting end 402 is rotatably connected to the column 210, and the first clamping block 410 and / or the second clamping block 420 can rotate relative to the column 210 to adjust the size of the opening 404.

[0092] Specifically, both the first clamping block 410 and the second clamping block 420 can be rotated to adjust the size of the opening 404, and the size of the installation space 405 also changes accordingly. In this way, each clamping component 400 in the tool magazine can clamp tools 500 of different sizes, increasing the variety of tools 500 stored in the entire tool magazine and enriching the types of parts to be processed.

[0093] Furthermore, an annular mounting groove 510 is formed on the peripheral wall of the cutting tool 500;

[0094] The first clamping block 410 is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting strip 411 on the side facing the installation space 405, and the second clamping block 420 is provided with an arc-shaped second limiting strip 421 on the side facing the installation space 405. The first limiting strip 411 and the second limiting strip 421 can simultaneously extend into the annular installation groove 510.

[0095] Specifically, by setting the first limiting bar 411 and the second limiting bar 421 to simultaneously extend into the annular mounting groove 510, the tool 500 can be fixed, preventing the tool 500 from falling out of the clamping assembly 400.

[0096] Furthermore, in any two adjacent clamping components 400, a first elastic element is provided between the first clamping block 410 and the second clamping block 420.

[0097] Specifically, multiple clamping assemblies 400 are provided on the column 210. In two adjacent clamping assemblies 400, a first elastic member is provided between the first clamping block 410 in one clamping assembly 400 and the second clamping block 420 in the other clamping assembly 400. The first elastic member is compressed so that the first clamping block 410 and the second clamping block 420 in the same clamping assembly 400 move closer to each other, thereby providing preload during clamping and enhancing the clamping force on the tool 500.

[0098] More importantly, when the clamping assembly 400 is not clamping a tool 500, the initial size of the opening 404 can be set to be relatively small, allowing even smaller tools 500 to be inserted into the clamping assembly 400. When clamping a larger tool 500, the tool 500 enters the mounting space 405 through the opening 404 and gradually expands outward from the first clamping block 410 and the second clamping block 420, while simultaneously compressing the first elastic member, until it is fully inserted into the mounting space 405, thus completing the storage of the larger tool 500. In other words, by setting the first elastic member and making the initial size of the opening 404 smaller, the size of the mounting space 405 can be adaptively adjusted to clamp tools 500 of various sizes.

[0099] Preferably, the first elastic element may be a spring or other elastic component.

[0100] Furthermore, a guide surface 403 is provided on the side of the free end 401 facing the mounting space 405. In the same clamping assembly 400, the distance between the two guide surfaces 403 gradually decreases along the direction in which the cutter 500 extends into the mounting space 405.

[0101] Two guide surfaces 403 are provided, making the outer end of the opening 404 wider and the inner end narrower, which reduces the difficulty for the tool 500 to enter the installation space 405. In the early stage when the gripper 310 grips the tool 500 into the installation space 405, the tool 500 does not need to be completely aligned with the opening 404, only roughly aligned. As the tool 500 enters, the guide surfaces 403 can effectively guide the tool 500 to be completely aligned with the opening 404 until it enters the installation space 405.

[0102] Furthermore, the tool 500 is provided with an annular limiting groove 520 on its circumference;

[0103] The gripper 310 includes a locking disc 311, on which a locking hole 3112 is provided. A plurality of movable locking pins 3111 are provided on the side wall of the locking hole 3112. One end of the cutter 500 can extend into the locking hole 3112, and the locking pins 3111 can extend into the annular limiting groove 520.

[0104] An annular limiting groove 520 is provided on the circumference of one end of the cutting tool 500, and a locking hole 3112 is provided on the locking disc 311. The cutting tool 500 extends into the locking hole 3112 along its axis, and at the same time, the locking pin 3111 is engaged in the annular limiting groove 520 to lock the cutting tool 500. The locking pin 3111 is provided with a second elastic element to provide a force for the locking pin 3111 to extend into the annular limiting groove 520. When the cutting tool 500 needs to be disengaged, it is only necessary to pull the cutting tool 500 outward to overcome the elastic force of the second elastic element, so that the cutting tool 500 can be disengaged from the gripper 310.

[0105] Specifically, after the tool 500 is grasped by the gripper 310, the gripper 310 moves along the length and height of the channel to the second storage station 220 at a preset position. Then, the gripper 310 rotates the tool 500 to an angle aligned with the shelf, while simultaneously moving along the width of the channel to align with the opening 404. Finally, the gripper 310 moves along the length of the channel and engages the tool 500 into the installation space 405. After engagement, the gripper 310 retracts in the width direction, and the tool 500 remains on the clamping assembly 400, thus disengaging the tool 500 from the gripper 310. This completes the storage of the tool 500.

[0106] It should be noted that the direction in which the tool 500 enters or exits the mounting space 405 is radial, and the direction in which the tool 500 enters or exits the locking disc 311 is axial. These two directions are perpendicular, ensuring that the tool 500 will not fall directly off the clamping assembly 400 when disengaging from or connecting with the gripper 310; and that the tool 500 will not fall directly off the gripper 310 during disengagement and connection with the gripper 400. In other words, there is no interference between the separation and connection of the tool 500 with the clamping assembly 400, and between the tool 500 with the gripper 310, effectively preventing the tool 500 from falling off the gripper 310 or the clamping assembly 400, thus making the tool 500's loading and unloading process more stable.

[0107] Furthermore, a control room 120 is provided, which is used to control the movement of the gripping component 300 and to record the type and position of the cutting tool 500;

[0108] The storage window 130 is located on the inner wall of the control room 120, and the outer shell 100 is provided with a door 110 that can close or open the control room 120.

[0109] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0110] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving terms such as "first," "second," and "a" are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0111] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0112] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of using a central tool magazine based on a digitized flexible manufacturing system, characterized in that, The central tool magazine includes: a housing with a storage window and multiple first storage stations for storing tools; a tool holder disposed inside the housing with multiple second storage stations for storing tools; and a gripping assembly with at least one gripper for gripping tools, the gripper being movably disposed within the housing to transport the tools from the first storage station to the second storage station, or vice versa; the method of use includes the following steps: S1: Establish a part data table containing part numbers, and set the machining program corresponding to each part number; the machining program includes a tool list arranged in machining order; the tool list includes tool numbers; S2: Obtain the production plan; the production plan includes the production sequence of each part, a list of tools to be called generated according to the production sequence and the tool list corresponding to each part, and the execution machine number and current processing time corresponding to each tool in the list of tools to be called; the tools in the list of tools to be called are arranged in order of being called. S3: Determine whether the tool inventory table corresponding to the central tool library contains all the tool numbers in the list of tools to be called. If not, proceed to the next step; if yes, jump to step S5. S4: Generate a list of tools to be added based on tools not existing in the tool inventory table. Generate an inbound scheduling task for each tool in the list, whereby the inbound scheduling task includes the initial inbound position and the target inbound position of the tool. The initial inbound position corresponds to the first storage station, and the target inbound position corresponds to the second storage station. By issuing the inbound scheduling task to the gripper, the tool stored at the initial inbound position is transported to the target inbound position, and the tool inventory table is updated to complete the inbound of the tools to be added. The tool inventory table includes the tool number corresponding to the tool, the station number of the second storage station, the preset lifespan, and the cumulative working time. S5: Determine whether there is a tool in the tool list whose pre-cumulative working time is greater than the preset lifespan. If not, proceed to the next step. The pre-cumulative working time is the sum of the cumulative working time of the tool and the current processing time. S6: Based on the calling order of the tools in the list of tools to be called, perform preset logic judgments on each tool in sequence, and generate the corresponding tool's outbound scheduling task based on the judgment results; the outbound scheduling task includes an initial outbound position and a target outbound position, the initial outbound position corresponds to the second storage station, and the target outbound position corresponds to the first storage station; by issuing the outbound scheduling task to the gripper, the tool stored at the initial outbound position is transported to the target outbound position, and the tool inventory table is updated to complete the outbound of the tools to be called.

2. The method of using a central tool storage based on a digitized flexible manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The initial inbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding first storage workstation; the target inbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding second storage workstation; the initial outbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding second storage workstation; and the target outbound location includes the workstation number of the corresponding first storage workstation.

3. The method of using a central tool storage based on a digitized flexible manufacturing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S5, it is determined whether there is a tool in the tool list to be called whose pre-accumulated working time is greater than the preset lifespan. If so, a tool list to be replaced is generated based on the tools whose pre-accumulated working time is greater than the preset lifespan. Then, an outbound scheduling task is generated for each tool in the tool list to be replaced. The outbound scheduling task is sent to the gripper to transport the tools stored at the initial outbound position to the target outbound position. The tool inventory table is updated, the outbound of the tools to be replaced is completed, and the process returns to step S3.

4. The method of using a central tool storage based on a digitized flexible manufacturing system according to claim 3, wherein, In step S6, a preset logic judgment is performed on the tool, specifically including: S61: Determine whether the machine tool corresponding to the current tool is in operation. If yes, proceed to the next step; otherwise, jump to step S63. S62: Determine whether the tool in the machine tool is the next tool to be called in the tool list. If not, proceed to step S64. S63: Determine whether the tool in the machine tool is the tool currently to be called in the tool list. If not, proceed to the next step. S64: Determine whether the tool to be called exists in the tool inventory table. If so, generate the corresponding outbound scheduling task for the tool, and transport the tool stored at the initial outbound position to the target outbound position by issuing the outbound scheduling task to the gripper, and update the tool inventory table to complete the outbound of the tool to be called.

5. The method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method of use also includes: During the part processing, the machine tool life management system is used to obtain the current processing time of the tool, and the cumulative working time of the tool corresponding to the tool in the tool inventory table is updated according to the current processing time.

6. The method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool holder includes two shelves arranged opposite each other, and there is a channel between the two shelves for the gripping component to move.

7. The method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gripping component further includes a base plate, on which a first slide rail is provided along the length direction of the channel, and a first sliding frame is slidably disposed on the first slide rail; a second slide rail is provided on the first sliding frame along the height direction of the channel, and a second sliding frame is slidably disposed on the second slide rail; a third slide rail is provided on the second sliding frame along the width direction of the channel, and a third sliding frame is slidably disposed on the third slide rail. The third sliding frame is provided with a rotating shaft arranged along the height direction, and the gripper can rotate about the rotating shaft relative to the third sliding frame.

8. A method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shelf is provided with multiple columns along its length, and multiple first storage stations or second storage stations are provided on the columns along their height. A clamping assembly is provided at either the first or the second storage station. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping block and a second clamping block, and there is an installation space between the first clamping block and the second clamping block for installing the tool. The upper end of the shelf is also provided with multiple preparatory stations for installing cutting tools.

9. A method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Multiple clamping components are arranged along the height direction of the column, and a first elastic element is provided between any two adjacent clamping components.

10. A method for using a central tool magazine based on a digital flexible manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool is provided with an annular limiting groove on its circumference; The gripper includes a locking disc with a locking hole. The side wall of the locking hole is provided with a plurality of movable locking pins. One end of the cutter can extend into the locking hole, and the locking pins can extend into the annular limiting groove. The locking disc has multiple channels communicating with the locking holes. The locking pin can slide along the channels. A second elastic element is provided in the channel to provide a force for the locking pin to extend into the annular limiting groove.

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