Machine tool system and machine tool

Abstract

The application discloses a machining tool system and a machine tool. The tool system comprises a control system, which is used to call instructions to execute a work plan and store first backup information and second backup information. The second backup information matches with a tool in a tool magazine or a backup tool in the tool magazine or a tool installed on a main shaft. The tool magazine comprises at least a plurality of tools and backup tools used to provide tasks for executing the current work plan. The tool magazine has a tool hanger, and the tool hanger is provided with tool positions which are matched with the tools or the backup tools one by one. Each tool position is endowed with identity information, and the control system correspondingly matches the backup information for the tools or the backup tools according to the identity information. The tool changer has a replacement arm. The application proposes a tool magazine system matched with the tool replacement demand of the machine tool system, so that the work efficiency, safety and maintenance convenience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to CNC machine tools, and more particularly to a machining tool system and machine tool. Background Technology

[0002] The tool magazine primarily provides the tool storage location and, according to program control, correctly selects and positions the tool for tool exchange; the tool changer performs the tool exchange action. The tool magazine and tool changer must coexist. Without a tool magazine, the required tools cannot be stored in advance; without a tool changer, the required tools cannot be sequentially changed from the tool magazine, thus defeating the purpose of reducing non-cutting time. In continuous production processes in CNC machining centers, the execution of continuous tasks requires the continuous, planned changing of the main machine's tools. Relying on manual operation has drawbacks such as high maintenance difficulty and execution challenges.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a machining tool system and a tool magazine system that matches the online tool changing requirements of the machine tool system, thereby improving operating efficiency, safety and maintenance convenience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a machine tool tool system, including a control system for invoking instructions to execute a work plan and storing first backup information and second backup information. The second backup information is matched with tools in a tool magazine, backup tools in the tool magazine, or tools mounted on the spindle. The tool magazine includes at least a plurality of tools and backup tools for providing tasks for executing the current work plan. It has a tool holder with tool positions that are matched one by one to the tools or backup tools. Each tool position is assigned identification information. The control system matches the first backup information to the tools or backup tools according to the identification information. The first backup information includes at least one of the following: tool type (e.g., specifications, material, etc.), current available status (e.g., cutting edge). Wear condition, service life, etc.), preset machining sequence in the work plan, the second backup information should at least include the verification requirements of the first backup information (that is, the second backup information should include the verification content of the first backup information required for the current verification, for example, when it is necessary to verify the machining sequence of the current tool, both should include the corresponding verification comparison content); tool changing device, which has a changing arm for changing the tool or backup tool stored in the tool magazine and the tool installed on the spindle: the changing arm has a reading device, which reads the second backup information of the picked-up object and verifies it with the first backup information when picking up the tool or backup tool of the tool magazine or the tool installed on the spindle, otherwise it performs a self-check and re-executes the program or suspends the machining operation and alarms.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the grip portion of the replacement arm directly clamps the flange portion of the cutter.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, along the running direction of the gripping portion, the flange portion is provided with at least two first flanges arranged in parallel.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the flange portion is provided with three first flanges arranged in parallel.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, an information carrier is disposed on the middle one of the three parallel first flanges. The information carrier is preferably an identification code or an IC chip, etc. Correspondingly, the reading device can be a barcode scanner or an IC reader.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, when viewed along the direction of movement of the grip portion toward the first flange, the information carrier is disposed on the right side of the first flange.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the information carrier is disposed on the marking area on the right side of the first flange.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the marking area of ​​the first flange has a marking surface, and the information carrier is disposed on the marking surface.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, with a vertical plane parallel to the running direction of the grip as a reference, the marking surface is inclined inward to the first flange, and the inclination angle formed with the vertical plane is 0.5-2°. At this time, relative to the other side, a shape similar to "reverse inclination" is formed, which can effectively avoid damage from splashes during processing, and at the same time avoid problems such as reduced strength and difficulty in maintenance due to excessive inclination angle.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a machine tool includes a host computer and a machining tool system as described above configured to the host computer.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the machine tool tool system according to the embodiments of the present invention provides the host machine with a tool magazine system that meets the needs of tasks or maintenance based on real-time instructions such as system instructions or manual instructions. This system is used to meet the real-time tool changing and verification of the system, and at least to assist in verifying the correctness of the current program during tool changing. This allows the host machine (i.e., a three-axis machine tool, a five-axis machining center, etc.) to change tools online in an orderly and accurate manner during machining operations. This can improve the efficiency of CNC machine tools and other host machines in continuous production operations, and improve the quality of operation and the safety of program operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the marking surface of a cutting tool according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0018] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.

[0019] This invention discloses one embodiment of a machine tool tool system. In this embodiment, the tool system is mainly adapted to the host machine (i.e., a three-axis machine tool, a five-axis machining center, etc.) to meet the needs of the host machine for efficient and accurate online tool changing during continuous machining operations under program control. Furthermore, it can assist in monitoring the readiness of the work program through verification between backup information. Whether comparing timing, tool type, or machining information, a high degree of consistency indicates that the current program is running accurately and stably; otherwise, it indicates an error, requiring adjustment or machine downtime for maintenance. The tooling system here includes a control system for calling instructions to execute a work plan and storing first backup information and second backup information. The second backup information matches the tools in the tool magazine, the backup tools in the tool magazine, or the tools mounted on the spindle. The tool magazine includes at least a number of tools and backup tools for providing tasks to execute the current work plan. It has a tool holder with tool positions that are matched one by one to the tools or backup tools. Each tool position is assigned identification information. The control system matches the first backup information to the tools or backup tools according to the identification information. The first backup information includes at least one of the following: tool type (e.g., specifications, material, etc.), current available status (e.g., cutting edge wear, service life, etc.), and a preset machining sequence in the work plan. The tool changing device has a changing arm for changing the tools or backup tools stored in the tool magazine and the tools mounted on the spindle. The changing arm has a reading device that reads the second backup information of the picked-up tool and verifies it against the first backup information when picking up a tool in the tool magazine, a backup tool in the tool magazine, or a tool mounted on the spindle. Otherwise, it performs a self-check and re-executes the program or pauses the machining operation and issues an alarm. During machining, when a tool change occurs, the tool changer first picks up the tool at the designated station according to the program instructions. At this time, it can read the information carrier of the tool to be picked up (the tool or backup tool) at the tool position, such as calling the corresponding second backup information according to the QR code, and then comparing it with the pre-set first backup information adapted to the station. If the two match, it indicates that the change is correct. When the tool changer picks up the tool from the spindle, it can read the information carrier of the tool, such as calling the corresponding second backup information according to the QR code, and then comparing it with the pre-set first backup information adapted to the tool to be used at the current work node. If the two match, it indicates that the current state is correct. Therefore, in the implementation of this invention, the host performs CNC machining according to the programming instructions, and sets and adjusts machining information including but not limited to feed parameters, tool parameters, coolant parameters, etc. during the machining process.According to the program instructions, the machining center can set and change the tool requirements for the current stage, and can also monitor the current status of the tool based on the detection data of sound sensors, vibration sensors, power sensors, current sensors, etc. Once an early warning is triggered, such as severe tool wear or damage such as tool breakage, the current tool replacement mechanism is triggered to replace the backup tool.

[0020] In one possible implementation, in order to achieve the aforementioned online tool replacement function, in addition to requiring the tool magazine to have the corresponding tool or backup tool, a tool changing device for real-time replacement should also be provided during the implementation process. In this case, the tool changing device can transfer the first tool (tool I) to be replaced in the host machine to the outside of the machine after successful verification at one end of the horizontal tool arm, and correspondingly, after successful verification at the other end, take out the tool or backup tool (tool II) provided by the tool magazine. After swapping the positions of the two, tool II is installed in the machine to become the new tool I in the current state, and the original tool I that was replaced is returned to the tool magazine for maintenance, and the corresponding backup information is updated.

[0021] In one possible implementation, considering efficiency and cost, the backup tooling setup for different stages can be based on the replacement needs of different tools at different stages during the normal price process of similar products in the past. This allows for adaptive backup of tools according to statistical needs, thus adjusting the need for backup, the probability of backup, and the number of backup tools in the tool magazine at different times. For example, in the continuous processing of a certain product, if the probability of tool I in process I needing to be replaced after processing 20 products in the past reaches over 80%, then a backup tool would be provided for tool I when processing the 21st product. Similarly, if the probability of the second tool I in process II needing to be replaced after processing 10 products reaches over 80%, then a backup tool would be provided for tool I when processing the 11th product, and so on. Of course, to accommodate changes in the number of backup tools, an additional 2-3 backup tool slots can be provided in the tool magazine.

[0022] To achieve the lifting, lowering, and repositioning of the horizontal tool arm, a central control device can be configured to realize central rotation and vertical lifting / lowering. The central lifting shaft of this device can be a lifting mechanism that provides vertical linear motion via a hydraulic cylinder / pneumatic cylinder, etc. A rotating mechanism can also be installed on the base of this lifting mechanism to allow the lifting mechanism to rotate within a certain range under controlled conditions. This controlled rotation and lifting process enables the horizontal tool arm to load tool II and return the replaced tool I to the tool magazine. Of course, to ensure that each 180° rotation completes one operation, the horizontal length of the two parts formed by the portion connecting to the central lifting shaft of the horizontal tool arm is approximately the same.

[0023] In one possible implementation, to facilitate rapid pickup by the tool changer arm, a gripping portion is provided. This gripping portion has a claw structure or clamping structure that can be tightened or loosened, allowing the tool's flange portion to be directly gripped and held during tool pickup for effective clamping. Here, the flange portion is formed at the end of the tool holder and has a partially protruding structure (such as a near-cylindrical first flange; if multiple flanges are provided, they can be equally spaced and parallel).

[0024] In one possible implementation, the flange portion has three first flanges arranged side by side. When an information carrier is provided, it can be positioned on the middle one, which effectively avoids impact along the running direction of the replacement arm in the event of a malfunction or accident. Furthermore, based on experience, to reduce maintenance needs and avoid damage from splashes, while also minimizing potential impact on processing operations, the replacement process inevitably encounters spatial obstructions from workpieces, etc. Therefore, observing the direction of movement of the grip portion towards the first flange, the information carrier can be positioned on the right side of the first flange. Preferably, a marking area is formed on this right side, and the information carrier is positioned on the marking surface of the marking area. Note that the marking surface is preferably planar, but it can also be concave.

[0025] In one possible implementation, with reference to the vertical plane 2 parallel to the running direction of the gripping part 1, the marking surface 12 is inclined inward toward the first flange 11, and the inclination angle formed with the vertical plane is 0.5-2°, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The preferred bevel angle is 0.8-1°. This angle selection has been tested over 100 hours of continuous processing: compared to a bevel angle of 0.5°, it can avoid more than 85% of splashes (such as debris, coolant, etc.); compared to a bevel angle of 2°, it can reduce the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance by more than 30%, and it is less likely to form hard-to-clean dirt, etc.

[0026] During continuous operation, the tool magazine can prepare the tools for the next stage in advance according to the work plan (e.g., one gripper of the changing arm completes the verification and picks up the tool to be replaced or the backup tool Δt time in advance, and prepares the tool needed for the next stage T+Δt at this time T). Therefore, after the current task stage is completed, the other gripper of the changing arm immediately completes the verification and removes the tool to be replaced, thus completing the replacement quickly and accurately. Of course, in the actual execution process, this advance preparation process is not necessarily carried out at all times. It can be performed once every t0 (t0 is less than Δt, as long as the seamless connection between the backup magazine and the tool magazine is met, specifically t0 can be selected as 0.1Δt, 0.2Δt, or 0.3Δt, etc., generally considering not to exceed 0.3Δt).

[0027] In another aspect of this embodiment, during task execution, based on the host's task plan, the tool magazine configures and matches the tools and backup tools according to the time sequence of the machining plan, and records valid first backup information that meets the requirements of the continuous machining program for each tool position. Simultaneously, based on the work sequence, second backup information is recorded for each tool or backup tool. This information is matched with verification information recorded on an information carrier such as a QR code or IC chip, so that it can be quickly retrieved during verification. For example, if four hosts (A1) are scheduled to execute a machining task of 10 C01 parts in the next 4 hours, it will take 1.5 hours, and a machining task of 2 C02 parts will take 2 hours, with a 0.5-hour interval for inspection, maintenance, and preparation. For C01 parts, according to the P1 plan (execution of the P01 tool path, etc.), each machining operation requires the sequential use of tool XX1 (time period t1-t2, each tool has a 30% probability of tool change when machining the 5th piece and an 80% probability of tool change when machining the 8th piece) and tool XX2 (time period t3-t4, each tool has a 30% probability of tool change when machining the 5th piece). Tool XX1 has a 85% tool change probability, and tool XX3 has a 30% tool change probability when machining the 10th piece during the t5-t6 time period. For part C02, according to the P2 plan (execution of the P02 tool path, etc.), each machining requires the sequential use of tool XX4 (t7-t8 time period, 30% tool change probability when machining the 10th piece) and tool XX5 (t9-t10 time period, 80% tool change probability when machining the 8th piece). For the plan, tools XX1, XX2, and XX3 are first loaded in the tool magazine. For the backup tool change requirement in the 5th round of machining, tool XX2 is first provided as a backup replacement. Then, tool XX1 is provided as a backup replacement in the 8th round of machining. Tool XX3 generally does not need to be replaced after all 10 parts of part C01 have been machined. It should be noted that whether the tool is taken from the tool magazine or the spindle by the tool change arm, the corresponding first and second backup information should be verified to check the current program execution status to meet the requirements of efficient and accurate machining. A similar process can be used for cutting tools XX4 and XX5.

[0028] Another aspect of this embodiment is that the main machine tool is a CNC machine tool equipped with a tool magazine, such as a three-axis CNC machine tool or a five-axis machining center, so as to provide the necessary tool storage and tool changing capabilities during automated machining. During production operations, through computer program control, timely tool changes can be made to meet various machining requirements, such as milling, drilling, boring, and tapping, significantly shortening machining time and reducing production costs.

[0029] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many changes and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to implement and utilize various different exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various different choices and variations. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A machining tool cutting tool system, comprising: The control system is used to call instructions to execute a work plan and to store first backup information and second backup information, wherein the second backup information is matched with the tool in the tool magazine or the backup tool in the tool magazine or the tool installed on the spindle. The tool magazine includes at least a number of tools and backup tools for providing tasks to perform the current work plan. It has a tool rack with tool positions that are matched one by one to the tools or backup tools. Each tool position is assigned identity information. The control system matches the tools or backup tools with first backup information according to the identity information. The first backup information includes at least one of the following: tool type, current availability status, and preset machining sequence in the job plan; the second backup information includes at least the verification requirements that satisfy the first backup information. The tool changing device has a changing arm for changing the tools or backup tools stored in the tool magazine and the tools mounted on the spindle; the changing arm has a reading device that reads the second backup information of the picked-up tool and verifies it with the first backup information when picking up the tool in the tool magazine, the backup tool in the tool magazine, or the tool mounted on the spindle; otherwise, it performs a self-check and re-executes the program or suspends the machining operation and issues an alarm. During continuous operation, the tool magazine prepares the tools for the next stage in advance according to the operation plan. After the current task stage is completed, the other gripping part of the changing arm immediately completes the verification and removes the tool to be replaced, so as to complete the replacement quickly and accurately: the tool to be replaced or the backup tool is picked up by one gripping part of the changing arm Δt time in advance, and the tool required for the next stage T+Δt time is prepared at this time T. The gripping part of the changing arm directly clamps the flange of the tool. Along the running direction of the gripping part, the flange has three parallel first flanges. An information carrier is disposed on the middle one of the three parallel first flanges. When viewed along the running direction of the gripping part towards the first flange, the information carrier is disposed on the marking area on the right side of the first flange. The marking area of ​​the first flange has a marking surface. The information carrier is disposed on the marking surface. With a vertical plane parallel to the running direction of the gripping part as a reference, the marking surface is inclined inward to the first flange, and the inclination angle formed with the vertical plane is 0.8-1°.

2. A machine tool, comprising a host computer and a machining tool system as claimed in claim 1 configured to the host computer.

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