Contact type tool setting gauge and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact type tool setting gauge and a method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of numerical control machine tool detection and tool setting. The tool setting device comprises a tool setting rod, a return piece, a shell, a supporting piece, a sealing disc and a main control piece. The tool setting rod penetrates through the supporting piece to be guided and limited and is connected with the main control piece to move along with the main control piece for tool setting. The return piece is clamped with the shell and screwed with the tool setting rod, bears tensile load, can prevent the tool setting rod from deflecting, reduces abrasion, ensures tool setting precision, and prolongs service life. The pre-deformation amount and the elastic force can be adjusted by rotating the return piece so as to counteract elasticity reduction, creep deformation and stress relaxation, and reliable return and tool setting precision can be ensured. The sealing disc is installed on the tool setting rod and can generate follow-up and elastic deformation along with the tool setting rod, the space volume change in the shell is avoided, negative pressure is avoided, and invasion and pollution of cuttings and cutting fluid are avoided. According to the Z-axis tool setting method, the contact force is adjusted at a proper time and can be adjusted after being installed on a numerical control machine tool, automatic operation of a robot is facilitated, and the operation efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tool setting device and method for CNC machine tools, belonging to the field of CNC machine tool testing and tool setting technology. Background Technology

[0002] CNC machine tools are equipped with computer numerical control systems, enabling them to process parts according to pre-programmed instructions. They integrate mechanical, automation, computer, and microelectronic technologies, achieving a high degree of automation. To improve processing efficiency and ensure accuracy, online inspection (also known as in-machine inspection) is widely used. This involves real-time inspection of the workpiece and cutting tools during processing, with adjustments made based on the results. Installing a tool setter on the CNC machine tool automatically sets the tool offset relative to the workpiece coordinate system, automatically calculates tool compensation, and performs thermal compensation. Furthermore, tool setting can detect tool breakage and wear limits, allowing for timely tool rejection, ensuring processing accuracy, reducing scrap rates, and preventing accidents.

[0003] A contact-type tool setter works by contacting the cutting tool mounted on a CNC machine tool, generating a contact force that triggers the tool setter's action and sends a tool setting signal; therefore, the tool setter is essentially a high-precision switch. Existing contact-type tool setters generally include a tool setting plate, a tool setting lever, a return spring, a switch, a circuit board, a cable, and a housing. The tool setting plate is fixedly connected to the tool setting lever, and a return spring is installed on the lever. When the cutting tool contacts the tool setting surface of the tool setting plate, a contact force is generated, causing the tool setting lever to move. This causes the return spring to deform elastically, triggering the switch to open and close, and the signal is transmitted to the CNC system of the CNC machine tool via the cable. The switch commonly uses mechanical contact switches and photoelectric switches, and also various sensors based on grating and laser measurement principles. Due to errors and wear, the contact point between the cutting tool and the tool setting plate may become off-center, meaning the contact point is not at the center of force. This causes the tool setting lever and return spring to deviate, accelerating wear, reducing tool setting accuracy, and also leading to difficulty in return and jamming, resulting in failure to return and malfunction. Patent application number 202210730856.9 discloses a machine tool tool wear detection device and method, including a guide sleeve and a sliding component. The guide sleeve is inserted and fixed inside the slot, and the sliding component is slidably connected to the inside of the guide sleeve. This solves the problem that the sliding component of traditional tool setters cannot rebound after the weather turns cold, eliminating the need to manually pour hot water during tool setting in cold weather, saving time and effort. Patent application number 202110627943.7 discloses a contact-type Z-axis tool setter. By setting a double-contact structure, the force distribution is more balanced compared to the single-contact structure, ensuring that the floating joint is not easily deviated during the reset process. The position of the tool setter's reset origin is the position of the contact point, ensuring contact stability and improving the repeatability accuracy of the tool setter.

[0004] Existing contact-type tool setters generate contact force during tool setting, causing the return spring to deform and recover elastically. Over time, this leads to elastic reduction, creep, and stress relaxation in the return spring, decreasing the contact force and causing permanent deformation, resulting in reduced accuracy. It can also cause fatigue and breakage of the return spring and related components, leading to damage. Increasing the pre-deformation of the return spring and thus increasing the contact force ensures reliable return of the tool setter, offsetting the effects of elastic reduction, creep, and stress relaxation, and improving service life. However, increased contact force leads to accelerated wear between the tool and the tool setting surface, easily scratching the tool setting surface and affecting tool setting accuracy; this presents a technical contradiction. Therefore, invention patent application number 201510701359.6 discloses a CNC machine tool setter equipped with a magnetic component, which accurately resets the tool under the repulsive force of the magnet, resulting in a long service life. The utility model patent with application number 201820940269.1 discloses a tool setting device with a built-in alarm device, which detects the time when the switch device is disconnected, avoids failure to return to the original position, realizes the alarm function, and reminds the operator to troubleshoot the fault in time.

[0005] Current tool setters use compression springs for return, but compression springs and tension springs have fundamentally different characteristics. Tension springs withstand axial tensile loads, resulting in increased axial tensile elastic deformation and storing elastic potential energy. When subjected to lateral forces, they undergo lateral deflection. Therefore, the additional bending moment generated by axial tension cancels out the deflection and bending moment caused by lateral forces, forming negative feedback; that is, the tension spring resists the deflection and bending moment caused by lateral forces, becoming straighter with increasing tension. Figure 8 a As shown. A compression spring subjected to axial compressive load undergoes axial compressive elastic deformation with a reduced length, storing elastic potential energy. When subjected to lateral forces, it also undergoes lateral deflection. Therefore, the additional bending moment generated by axial compression increases the deflection and bending moment caused by lateral forces, forming positive feedback; that is, the compression spring promotes the deflection and bending moment caused by lateral forces, becoming more bent with increasing compression, as shown... Figure 8 b As shown, it is evident that the tool setter uses a tension spring, which can prevent the tool setter bar and return spring from skewing due to eccentric contact point, reduce wear, ensure tool setting accuracy, and increase its service life.

[0006] Existing contact-type tool setters are susceptible to contamination from chips and cutting fluid during tool setting, especially when the tool is positioned above the tool setter, such as during Z-axis tool setting. Furthermore, during tool setting, the air inside the tool setter is first compressed; upon return, a negative pressure is generated, easily drawing in chips and cutting fluid, leading to internal contamination. Therefore, existing tool setters often incorporate air blowing devices. Utility model patent application number 201820798138.4 discloses a sealing ring structure for a precision CNC machine tool tool setter, featuring an O-ring seal, an O-ring seal, and an integrally formed disc-shaped sealing cover. This improves the sealing performance of the tool setter, preventing the intrusion of water, cutting fluid, oil, and metal chips, thus increasing the tool setter's efficiency and lifespan. The disc-shaped sealing cover seals the movement between the shaft and the spring, allowing the spring to move flexibly and respond quickly, improving the overall performance of the tool setter. The utility model patent with application number 201720510624.7 discloses a diaphragm tool setting device, which consists of a tool setting head, base, lower cover, sealing seat, diaphragm, guide rod, reset spring, rubber sheath, light blocking plate and photoelectric switch, forming a sealed cavity. It has a simple structure, low production cost, ensures its service life and reduces the failure rate.

[0007] With the application and development of new-generation information technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, the testing technology and intelligence level of CNC machine tools are continuously improving. With the development of robotics technology, the level of intelligent manufacturing and digitalization is constantly improving, and loading / unloading robots, handling robots, and auxiliary robots are widely used in machining workshops. Based on this, further research is needed to improve the tool setting devices and methods for CNC machine tools. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a contact-type tool setter and its method, improving the tool setter structure by employing a tension spring to ensure tool setting accuracy and extend service life. The orientations described in this specification are based on the installation position of the tool setter; the vertical direction is the longitudinal direction, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is the transverse direction, and other directions follow the same principle. Figure 1 In the middle, the direction closest to the reader is considered forward, and other directions follow the same pattern. The specific technical solution of this invention is as follows.

[0009] A contact-type tool setting device includes a tool setting cover 1, a tool setting lever 2, a return component 3, a housing 4, a support component 5, a sensing component 6, a sealing disc 7, an orifice plate 8, and a main control unit 9, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the tool setting cover 1 is installed on the worktable of a CNC machine tool for Z-axis tool setting of the tool mounted on the CNC machine tool. The tool setting cover 1 is a cylindrical cover structure, comprising a tool setting plate 11, a protective cover 12, a sealing ring 14, and fasteners 15, as shown. Figure 1As shown, the sealing ring 14 cooperates with the outer shell 4 to achieve a seal at the upper end of the outer shell 4, preventing the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid. The fastener 15 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the tool setting bar 2 to obtain fixation and support, so that the tool setting plate 11 abuts against the tool of the CNC machine tool, obtains driving force to move downward, and performs Z-axis tool setting.

[0010] The tool setting plate 11 is a horizontal, disc-shaped structure, fixedly installed on the cover 12 for fixation and support. Its upper surface is a circular plane, serving as the tool setting surface, which abuts against the CNC machine tool, generating contact force and driving downward for Z-axis tool setting. The tool setting plate 11 has an outward protrusion forming an outer edge and a downward protrusion forming a lower edge. The outer protrusion of the tool setting plate 11 extends outward from the cover 12 to facilitate assembly and disassembly by a robotic arm or tool, and also to prevent the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid. The tool setting plate 11 is engaged with the cover 12 via the lower protrusion, achieving fixation and support. The center of the lower surface of the tool setting plate 11 is recessed upwards, and this recess is used to securely connect it to the fastener 15, facilitating assembly and disassembly operations by a robotic arm and preventing the clamping of small parts, accidental drops, and operational errors.

[0011] The cover 12 is an upright cylindrical cap-like structure with an outer side and an upper bottom. It internally houses the upper part of the outer casing 4, sealing the upper end of the casing 4 to prevent the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid. The cover 12 has a bottom hole 16 at the center of its upper bottom, through which a fastener 15 passes and securely connects to the tool setting plate 11 and the tool setting shank 2. The cover 12 has an upward-facing recess at the center of its lower surface, which engages with the upper end of the tool setting shank 2 to prevent relative rotation. The cover 12 protrudes upward from the outer side of its upper bottom, forming an upper flange. The upper surface of this upper flange abuts against the lower surface of the outer flange of the tool setting plate 11, and the inner side of the upper flange engages with the outer side of the lower flange of the tool setting plate 11. The cover 12 has a radially threaded hole on its upper flange, through which a set screw passes and is installed, securing the cover 12 to the tool setting plate 11 and preventing relative rotation. The cover 12 has an external thread 13 at the lower end of its outer side. The external thread 13 engages with the sealing ring 14, so that the sealing ring 14 is fixedly installed on the cover 12 and becomes a whole.

[0012] The sealing ring 14 is a horizontal circular collar with an internal thread on its upper inner surface. This internal thread engages with the external thread 13 of the cover 12, allowing the sealing ring 14 to be fixedly installed on the cover 12 for fixation and support. The sealing ring 14 protrudes inward from its lower inner surface, forming an inner flange. A sealing ring 17 is located on the inner surface of this inner flange. Figure 2As shown, the sealing ring 17 abuts against the outer surface of the upper part of the housing 4 and can move relative to it, so that the housing 4 is sealed at the upper end, preventing the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid. The sealing ring 17 is annular and elastic. It is fixedly connected to the inner convex edge of the sealing ring 14 on its outer side and abuts against the outer surface of the upper part of the housing 4 on its inner side, and can move relative to it.

[0013] The fastener 15 is a vertical threaded fastener with external threads, enabling a detachable connection. It is fastened at the upper end to the recess in the center of the lower surface of the tool setting plate 11, and at the lower end to the upper end of the tool setting rod 2. It passes through the bottom hole 16 in the center of the upper bottom of the cover 12, fixing the tool setting cover 1 to the tool setting rod 2. This allows the CNC machine tool to move downward, abutting against the tool setting surface of the tool plate 11, generating contact force, which drives the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 downward for Z-axis tool setting.

[0014] The tool setter 2 is a vertical straight rod with an upper end face. From top to bottom, it comprises an upper circular section 21, an upper threaded section 22, a lower section 23, and a lower threaded section 24. The upper outer surface of the upper circular section 21 has a chamfered surface 25, and an axial threaded hole 26 is located at the center of the upper end face. Figure 3 As shown, the tool setting bar 2 is fastened to the fastener 15 through the threaded hole 26, and screwed to the return member 3 through the upper threaded section 22, so that the tool setting bar 2 can return upward. The lower section 23 passes through the support member 5 to obtain guidance and limit. The sealing plate 7 and the main control 9 are fastened to the lower threaded section 24, so that the sealing plate 7 moves and deforms elastically to avoid negative pressure. The main control 9 also moves to generate tool setting signal, stroke start signal and stroke end signal for Z-axis tool setting and stroke protection.

[0015] The upper circular segment 21 is a cylindrical structure located at the upper end of the tool setting shank 2, comprising an upper end face and an outer side face. The upper end of the outer side face of the upper circular segment 21 has a chamfered surface 25, making the upper end of the tool setting shank 2 a non-circular structure, which engages with the recess at the center of the upper and lower surfaces of the cover 12 to prevent relative rotation. The upper circular segment 21 has an axially threaded hole 26 at the center of its upper end face, which is used to fasten the tool setting shank 2 to the fastener 15, ensuring that the upper end of the tool setting shank 2 engages with the recess at the center of the upper and lower surfaces of the cover 12, and that the tool setting plate 11, cover 12, and tool setting shank 2 are securely connected together. The threaded hole 26 has an internal thread, which engages with the external thread of the fastener 15 to achieve a secure connection.

[0016] The upper threaded section 22 connects to the upper circular section 21 at its upper end and to the lower section 23 at its lower end. It has external threads on its surface and is screwed to the return member 3 via these threads, allowing the tool setter 2 to return to its original position. The lower section 23 connects to the lower threaded section 24 at its lower end. It has a square cross-section and passes through the support member 5, providing guidance and limiting for the tool setter 2, preventing relative rotation and lateral displacement. The lower threaded section 24 is a cylindrical structure located at the lower end of the tool setter 2. It has external threads on its surface, passes through the sealing disc 7 and the main control unit 9, and is fastened using the external threads in conjunction with threaded fasteners. The diameter of the lower threaded section 24 is smaller than the length of the cross-section of the lower section 23, creating a lateral stepped surface at the connection point between the upper and lower sections 23. This stepped surface enables axial positioning and fastening of the sealing disc 7 and the main control unit 9.

[0017] The return component 3 is elastic, capable of elastic stretching and returning. It includes an upper end cover 31, a spring 32, and a lower end cover 33. The upper end cover 31 is snapped into the outer shell 4, and the lower end cover 33 is screwed into the tool setting rod 2. It bears tensile loads and realizes the downward movement and return of the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 during tool setting. It can prevent the tool setting rod 2 from deflecting due to the eccentricity of the contact point between the tool and the tool setting surface, reduce wear caused by the guide, ensure tool setting accuracy, and increase its service life. It also facilitates the operation of the robot to adjust its elasticity to counteract its elasticity reduction, creep, and stress relaxation, avoid jamming and failure to return, reduce wear on the tool setting surface, ensure tool setting accuracy, and avoid tool setting failure.

[0018] The upper cover 31 is a horizontal round cover, recessed from bottom to top to form a cover-like structure, including a lower edge, an outer side, an inner side, and an upper end face, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the inner side is fixedly connected to the upper end of the spring 32, and the lower edge is engaged with the outer shell 4, so that the return member 3 is engaged with the outer shell 4 at its upper end. The upper end cover 31 has an operation hole 311 on the outer side of its upper end face, which allows a robot or tool to be inserted to easily grip and operate the upper end cover 31, so as to adjust the pre-deformation and elasticity of the spring 32 and avoid relative slippage, accidental drop, and operational errors. The operation hole 311 extends through the upper end face of the upper end cover 31 to facilitate the insertion of a robot or tool.

[0019] The upper end cover 31 has a through-hole 312 at the center of its upper surface. The tool setting rod 2 passes through this hole 312, allowing it to be fixedly connected to the tool setting cover 1 and to move freely downwards and back to its original position. The upper end cover 31 has a groove 314 on its inner side, which engages with the upper end of the spring 32, achieving a fixed connection. The groove 314 is recessed from the inner side into the solid, its shape matching the upper end of the spring 32 for easy engagement. The groove 314 surrounds the inner side of the upper end cover 31 at least once to ensure a reliable connection and prevent displacement or accidental dislodgement of the spring 32. Preferably, the groove 314 has a radial hole 313 at its end point, through which the upper end of the spring 32 is engaged, preventing displacement or accidental dislodgement.

[0020] The upper end cover 31 has downward-facing inclined teeth 315 along its lower edge. These inclined teeth 315 engage with the outer shell 4, ensuring a reliable connection and preventing misalignment and relative rotation. The inclined teeth 315 slope downwards from the inside out, with the outer side lower and the inner side higher (i.e., the outer side is longer than the inner side). This design prevents misalignment when the upper end cover 31 engages with the outer shell 4 and also increases the height of the upper end cover 31 on its outer surface, facilitating gripping by robotic arms or tools. It also increases the contact area and friction, preventing relative slippage, accidental drops, and operational errors.

[0021] The spring 32 is a tension spring, which is fixedly connected to the upper end cover 31 at the upper end and to the lower end cover 33 at the lower end. During the tool setting process, it can obtain a tensile load and generate elastic tensile deformation as the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 move downward. When the tool setting is completed, it can elastically recover, so that the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 return to their original positions.

[0022] The lower end cover 33 is a horizontal round cover, including an outer side and an inner side. It is fastened to the spring 32 on the outer side and has an internal thread on the inner side. The internal thread engages with the external thread of the threaded section 22 on the tool setting rod 2, thereby achieving the screw connection between the return member 3 and the tool setting rod 2. This allows the spring 32 to receive a tensile load and undergo elastic tensile deformation during the tool setting process as the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 move downwards. When the tool setting is completed, it can elastically recover, allowing the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 to return to their upward position. The upper and lower positions of the screw connection between the lower end cover 33 and the tool setting rod 2 can also be adjusted by rotating the return member 3, thereby adjusting the pre-deformation and elastic force of the spring 32 to counteract its elasticity reduction, creep, and stress relaxation, avoiding jamming and failure to return, and ensuring the accuracy of tool setting.

[0023] The lower end cap 33 has a groove on its outer side, which is used to engage with the lower end of the spring 32, thus securing the lower end cap 33 to the lower end of the spring 32 on its outer side. The groove of the lower end cap 33 is recessed into the solid from its outer side, and its shape matches the lower end of the spring 32 for easy engagement. The groove of the lower end cap 33 surrounds the outer side of the lower end cap 33 at least once to ensure a reliable connection and prevent the spring 32 from shifting or accidentally coming out.

[0024] The outer shell 4 is a vertical stepped cylindrical structure with a smaller diameter at the top than at the bottom. A horizontal annular step surface is formed between the top and bottom. It houses the tool setting bar 2, return member 3, support member 5, sensing member 6, sealing disc 7, orifice plate 8, and main control unit 9. The upper part is located inside the tool setting cover 1, and its outer surface abuts against the sealing ring 17 of the tool setting cover 1 and can move relative to it, thus achieving a seal at the top of the outer shell 4. The sealing disc 7 moves and deforms elastically to achieve a seal at the bottom of the outer shell 4, preventing changes in the internal volume of the outer shell 4, effectively preventing negative pressure, and preventing the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid.

[0025] Furthermore, the outer casing 4 has upward-facing helical teeth 41 at its upper end. These helical teeth 41 engage with the lower helical teeth 315 of the upper end cover 31, enabling the upper end cover 31 to be securely engaged with the outer casing 4, ensuring a reliable connection and preventing misalignment and relative rotation. The helical teeth 41 are inclined upwards from the outside inwards, with the outer side being lower and the inner side higher (i.e., the outer side is shorter than the inner side). This ensures a reliable connection when the upper end cover 31 is engaged with the outer casing 4, effectively preventing misalignment and relative rotation; it also prevents the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid.

[0026] Furthermore, the outer casing 4 has a vertical through hole 42 on its stepped surface, through which a fastener passes to securely install the support member 5 inside the outer casing 4. The outer casing 4 has a horizontal wire hole 43 and a cable 44 on its lower outer side, through which the cable 44 passes to achieve electrical connection with the CNC machine tool. The lower edge of the outer casing 4 is turned outward to form a lower flange, and a mounting hole is provided on the lower flange. A fastener passes through the mounting hole to securely install the outer casing 4 on the worktable of the CNC machine tool. The inner side of the lower edge of the outer casing 4 has a vertical threaded hole, through which a threaded fastener is installed to securely install the sealing disc 7 and the perforated plate 8.

[0027] The support 5 includes a mounting plate 51 and a bracket 53, and a circuit board 52 is mounted on the mounting plate 51 by fasteners, such as... Figure 5As shown, the mounting plate 51 is fixedly installed inside the outer casing 4, serving as a support, guide, and limiter. The mounting plate 51 is a horizontal circular plate with an upward protrusion in the center, forming a frustum 54. The frustum 54 engages with the inner surface above the stepped surface of the outer casing 4 for lateral positioning, ensuring the mounting plate 51's installation accuracy within the outer casing 4 and preventing eccentricity. The frustum 54 has a vertical outer surface and a horizontal circular top surface. Lateral positioning is achieved by engaging the outer surface with the inner surface above the stepped surface of the outer casing 4. The mounting plate 51 has a guide hole 55 at the center of the top surface of the frustum 54. This guide hole 55 passes through the lower section 23 of the tool setter 2, providing guidance and lateral limitation for the tool setter 2, preventing relative rotation and lateral offset. The guide hole 55 is square and engages with the lower section 23 of the tool setter 2, allowing the tool setter 2 to move freely downwards and upwards, providing guidance and limitation to prevent relative rotation and lateral offset.

[0028] The mounting plate 51 has air holes 56 on the top surface of the frustum 54. These air holes 56 ensure pressure balance between the upper and lower parts of the housing 4 during the downward and return movements of the tool setter 2, preventing localized negative pressure and thus avoiding the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid. The air holes 56 extend vertically through the mounting plate 51, facilitating gas exchange between the upper and lower spaces within the housing 4 separated by the mounting plate 51, further preventing localized negative pressure. The mounting plate 51 has nail holes 57 on its outer side for mounting fasteners. These fasteners pass through the through-holes 42 in the housing 4, securing the mounting plate 51 inside the housing 4. The nail holes 57 have internal threads for mounting fasteners, further securing the mounting plate 51 inside the housing 4.

[0029] Both the circuit board 52 and the bracket 53 are fixedly mounted to the underside of the mounting plate 51 using fasteners, achieving fixation and support. The circuit board 52 includes at least a control module, a power module, and a communication module, and is equipped with a wiring harness. The wiring harness connects electrically to the sensor 6 and the CNC machine tool, respectively, allowing the CNC machine tool to provide power and communicate with it. The power module is electrically connected to the control module, the communication module, the sensor 6, and the machining center, ensuring that these components receive the necessary voltage and power. The control module stores and processes information from the sensor 6 and the CNC system of the machining center, and generates control commands. The communication module communicates with the power module, the control module, the CNC system of the machining center, and the sensor 6, forwarding control commands, tool setting signals, stroke start signals, and stroke end signals. The wiring harness is connected to a cable 44, which in turn connects to the electrical control cabinet of the CNC machine tool, thus achieving electrical connection between the circuit board 52 and the CNC machine tool.

[0030] The bracket 53 is an inverted U-shaped curved plate, comprising a left upright plate, a top plate, and a right upright plate. The sensor 6 is fixedly mounted via the left upright plate, and the wiring harness is fixed via the right upright plate. Both the left and right upright plates are perpendicular to the top plate, forming vertical straight plates. The left upright plate has a horizontal through hole through which the sensor 6 passes and is secured with fasteners, thus fixing and supporting the sensor 6. The right upright plate has a horizontal slot through which the wiring harness passes and is secured, thus fixing and supporting the wiring harness. The top plate is a flat plate, parallel to the mounting plate 51, and is fixedly connected to the left and right upright plates at its left and right ends, respectively, forming a single unit. The top plate has a vertical through hole through which fasteners pass and are fixedly mounted to the underside of the mounting plate 51.

[0031] The sensor 6 is electrically connected to the circuit board 52 via the wiring harness. It senses the vertical position of the main control unit 9 and generates at least a tool setting signal, a stroke start signal, and a stroke end signal to perform Z-axis tool setting and stroke protection, preventing damage and accidents. The sensor 6 includes at least a tool setting sensor and a stroke sensor. The tool setting sensor generates a tool setting signal, and the stroke sensor generates a stroke start signal and a stroke end signal. The tool setting sensor and the stroke sensor, together with the main control unit 9, form a high-precision switch.

[0032] The sealing disc 7 is a conical disc, fixedly installed at the lower end of the outer casing 4, achieving a seal at the lower end of the outer casing 4. The sealing disc 7 is elastic, with annular corrugations on its surface, facilitating vertical elastic deformation during movement and maintaining air pressure balance inside and outside the outer casing 4. The sealing disc 7 has vertically penetrating side holes along its edges, through which threaded fasteners pass. These fasteners are screwed into threaded holes along the lower edge of the outer casing 4, fixing the sealing disc 7 to the lower end of the outer casing 4 and achieving a seal at the lower end of the outer casing 4. The sealing disc 7 also has a vertically penetrating central hole, which is used to fix the sealing disc 7 to the lower threaded section 24 of the tool setting rod 2. This allows for movement and elastic deformation as the tool setting rod 2 moves downwards and returns during tool setting, preventing changes in the internal volume of the outer casing 4 and avoiding negative pressure.

[0033] The perforated plate 8 is a horizontal circular plate with evenly distributed mesh holes on its surface. It is fixedly installed at the lower end of the outer shell 4, located below the sealing disc 7, to prevent chips or large foreign objects from entering and contacting the sealing disc 7 and the tool setting rod 2, thus avoiding damage to the sealing disc 7 and also preventing obstruction of the downward movement and return of the tool setting rod 2.

[0034] The main control unit 9 includes a vertical indicator panel 91 and a control cylinder 92, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the lower threaded section 24, which is fixedly installed on the tool setting bar 2, can follow the downward movement and return of the tool setting bar 2 during tool setting; the downward position and stroke are indicated by the indicator plate 91, so that the tool setting sensor generates a tool setting signal, and the stroke sensor generates stroke start and stroke end signals to perform Z-axis tool setting and stroke protection; the upper limit position of the tool setting bar 2 after return is limited by the control cylinder 92.

[0035] The indicator plate 91 is a vertical L-shaped curved plate, comprising a vertical plate and a horizontal plate located at the lower end of the vertical plate. The vertical plate is a horizontally placed vertical plate, including a stroke indicator 94 and a tool setting indicator 95. The stroke indicator 94 is a horizontally placed rectangular vertical plate with a top and a bottom edge, opposite to the stroke sensor of the sensing element 6. When the bottom edge is sensed, the stroke sensor generates a stroke start signal; when the top edge is sensed, the stroke sensor generates a stroke end signal, enabling stroke protection for Z-axis tool setting to avoid tool setting failure and accidents. The tool setting indicator 95 is a horizontally placed rectangular vertical plate with at least a bottom edge, opposite to the tool setting sensor of the sensing element 6. When the bottom edge is sensed, the tool setting sensor generates a tool setting signal to perform Z-axis tool setting. The bottom edge of the tool setting indicator 95 is lower than the top edge of the stroke indicator 94, so that after the tool setting signal is issued, the tool setting lever 2 continues to descend before issuing the stroke end signal, thus providing stroke protection for Z-axis tool setting. The horizontal plate is located at the lower end of the vertical plate and is perpendicular to the vertical plate. It is fixedly connected to the lower end of the vertical plate at the left end and to the lower end of the control cylinder 92 at the right end, forming a single unit.

[0036] The control cylinder 92 is a vertical cylinder with a lower base and an upper edge. It is fixedly installed on the lower threaded section 24 of the tool setting bar 2 via the lower base, allowing the indicator plate 91 to move in tandem with the downward movement and return of the tool setting bar 2 during tool setting. The upper edge abuts against the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5 at the frustum 54, limiting the upper limit position of the tool setting bar 2 after return. The control cylinder 92 is fixedly connected to the horizontal plate of the indicator plate 91 on the left side of its lower base, forming a single unit. The control cylinder 92 has a mounting hole 93 at the center of its lower base, through which it passes and is fixedly installed on the lower threaded section 24 of the tool setting bar 2, allowing it to move in tandem with the tool setting bar 2 during tool setting. The control cylinder 92 has a buffer ring 96 on its upper edge, which abuts against the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5 at the frustum 54, providing cushioning and preventing impact and damage to the tool setting bar 2 during return. The buffer ring 96 has a circular structure, is elastic, and can buffer, and is fixedly connected to the upper edge of the control cylinder 92 on its lower surface.

[0037] A method for determining whether the contact force of a tool setting device needs adjustment, used in the tool setting device of the present invention, wherein a force sensor is installed in the tool setting device to detect the magnitude of the contact force, and a minimum contact force value is set. f min . f min The tool setter is pre-set at the factory to ensure that the tool setter cover 1 and tool setter bar 2 can overcome their own weight and the frictional force generated during upward return, and are in the upper limit position after return, obtained by the pre-deformation of the spring 32 of the return component 3. The force sensor is preferably installed on the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5 at the frustum 54, abutting against the buffer ring 96 on the upper edge of the control cylinder 92 of the main control unit 9, to detect the contact force of the tool setter. The judgment method mainly includes the following steps: The first step is that the CNC system controls the spindle movement of the CNC machine tool so that the tool mounted on the spindle of the CNC machine tool is directly above the tool setter without contacting the tool setter; The cutting tool is gradually lowered, and the value of the force sensor is detected and recorded as follows. f 1.

[0038] The second step is to continue the downward movement of the cutter and continue to monitor the value of the force sensor, denoted as . f 2; until f 2< f 1. Record the height of the cutting tool at this time. h 1; At this moment, the cutting tool contacts the tool setting surface of the tool setting device, generating a contact force; this contact force counteracts the elastic force of the spring 32, causing the value of the force sensor to change. f 2 less than f 1.

[0039] The third step is to continue the downward movement of the cutter and continue to monitor the value of the force sensor, denoted as . f 3; until f 3 = 0, and record the height of the cutting tool at this time. h 2; At this time, as the cutting tool continues to descend, it drives the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting bar 2 to continue descending, causing the main control 9 installed on the lower threaded section 24 of the tool setting bar 2 to continue descending. The buffer ring 96 of the control cylinder 92 of the main control 9 gradually returns and leaves the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5 on the frustum 54, causing the value of the force sensor to gradually decrease to 0.

[0040] Step 4, Calculation f = f 1+ k ( h 1–h 2); where, k The spring constant of the spring 32; like f ≦ f min If the contact force is too high, then the contact force needs to be adjusted; otherwise, no adjustment of the contact force is required.

[0041] A method for adjusting the contact force of a tool setter, used in the tool setter of the present invention, wherein the maximum value of the contact force is set to... f max And to ensure that the tool setter is installed on the CNC machine tool, the main steps are as follows: The first step is to use a robotic arm or tool to insert into the radial threaded hole of the cover 12 and loosen the installed set screws; so that the cover 12 is released from the fastening state of the blade plate 11 and the cover 12 can rotate freely; during the loosening operation, it is necessary to avoid excessive operation to prevent the set screws from falling off or being lost.

[0042] The second step involves using a robotic arm or tool to clamp the tool setting plate 11 and the cover 12, causing the tool setting plate 11 to rotate relative to the cover 12, driving the fastener 15, which is securely connected to the tool setting plate 11, to rotate relative to the tool setting rod 2, disengaging from the threaded hole 26 of the tool setting rod 2; thereby causing the tool setting cover 1 to disengage from the tool setting rod 2. Remove the tool setter cover 1 to expose the upper cover 31 of the return member 3.

[0043] The third step involves using a robotic arm or tool to grip the upper end cap 31, moving it upwards, and detecting the spring force of the return member 3's spring 32, denoted as _____. f k Rotate the upper end cover 31 so that... f k The size gradually increases; because the lower end cover 33 of the return member 3 is engaged with the external thread of the threaded section 22 on the tool setting rod 2 through the internal thread, the return member 3 and the tool setting rod 2 are screwed together. The upper and lower positions of the screwed connection between the lower end cover 33 and the tool setting rod 2 can be adjusted by rotating the return member 3, thereby adjusting the pre-deformation amount of the spring 32 and its elastic force to counteract its elasticity reduction, creep and stress relaxation, avoid jamming and failure to return, and ensure tool setting accuracy. Continue rotating the upper cover 31 until... f k ≥ f max ; When the upper end cover 31 is released, the elastic force of the spring 32 causes the upper helical tooth 41 of the outer shell 4 to engage with the lower helical tooth 315 of the upper end cover 31, thereby achieving a snap-fit ​​connection between the upper end cover 31 and the outer shell 4, ensuring a reliable connection and preventing misalignment and relative rotation.

[0044] Fourth step: Use a robotic arm or tool to clamp the tool setting plate 11 and the cover 12, so that the tool setting plate 11 rotates relative to the cover 12, driving the fastener 15, which is fastened to the tool setting plate 11, to rotate relative to the tool setting rod 2, and engage with the threaded hole 26 of the tool setting rod 2, and fasten the connection; the tool setting cover 1 is fastened to the tool setting rod 2. A robotic arm or tool is inserted into the radial threaded hole on the raised edge of the cover 12 and the set screw is tightened to secure the cover 12 to the blade plate 11, preventing relative rotation.

[0045] A Z-axis tool setting method for CNC machine tools equipped with the tool setting device described in this invention mainly includes the following steps: The first step is for the CNC system of the CNC machine tool to run a tool setting command and control the spindle movement; determine whether the contact force needs to be adjusted; if so, adjust the contact force; preferably, use the aforementioned method for determining whether the contact force of the tool setting device needs to be adjusted; preferably, use the aforementioned method for adjusting the contact force of the tool setting device to adjust the contact force.

[0046] The second step involves the CNC system controlling the spindle movement of the CNC machine tool, causing the tool mounted on the spindle to move downwards, driving the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting bar 2 downwards, and the main control unit 9 moving downwards as well; the spring 32 of the return component 3 bears the tensile load and elastically elongates; When the indicator panel 91 of the main control 9 is sensed below the stroke indicator 94, the stroke sensor generates a stroke start signal, which is sent to the control module of the circuit board 52 and then to the CNC system of the CNC machine tool.

[0047] The third step is to make the tool continue to descend, and the main control 9 follows and continues to descend; when the indicator plate 91 of the main control 9 is sensed below the tool setting indicator 95, the tool setting sensor generates a tool setting signal, which is sent to the control module of the circuit board 52 and then to the CNC system of the CNC machine tool. After receiving the tool setting signal, the CNC system of the CNC machine tool stops the tool from descending and calculates and corrects the tool data based on the spindle motion and stored tool data, performs Z-axis tool setting, and proceeds to the fourth step; the tool data includes at least the tool length; When the main control 9 moves downward, if the indicator plate 91 of the main control 9 is sensed above the stroke indicator 94, the stroke sensor generates a stroke end signal, which is sent to the control module of the circuit board 52 and to the CNC system of the CNC machine tool to perform stroke protection for Z-axis tool setting and avoid tool setting accidents.

[0048] The fourth step involves moving the cutting tool upwards, reducing the contact force, and causing the spring 32 of the return member 3 to elastically return; the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 gradually move upwards to reach the upper limit position.

[0049] Supplementary explanation: (1) The cover 12 of the tool setting cover 1 abuts against the outer side of the upper part of the outer shell 4 through the sealing ring 17 of the sealing ring 14, and can move relative to it. The tool setting cover 1 is fixedly installed on the tool setting rod 2 by fasteners 15. Therefore, the tool setting rod 2 can achieve lateral elastic limit at its upper end relative to the upper part of the outer shell 4 to avoid lateral displacement.

[0050] The upper end cap 31 of the return member 3 has downward-facing helical teeth 315 along its lower edge. These helical teeth 315 engage with the upper helical teeth 41 at the upper end of the outer shell 4, achieving a snap-fit ​​connection between the upper end cap 31 and the outer shell 4, ensuring reliable connection and preventing misalignment and relative rotation. The lower end cap 33 of the return member 3 has internal threads on its inner surface. These internal threads engage with the external threads on the upper threaded section 22 of the tool setting rod 2, achieving a screw connection between the return member 3 and the tool setting rod 2. Therefore, the upper threaded section 22 in the middle of the tool setting rod 2 can be elastically limited laterally relative to the upper end of the outer shell 4 by the spring 32 of the return member 3, preventing lateral displacement.

[0051] The lower section 23 of the tool setting shank 2 passes through the square guide hole 55 of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5, thereby guiding and laterally limiting the tool setting shank 2 and preventing relative rotation and lateral displacement. The mounting plate 51 of the support member 5 is fixedly installed inside the housing 4, and the frustum 54 of the mounting plate 51 cooperates with the inner surface above the stepped surface of the housing 4 for lateral positioning. Therefore, the lower section 23 of the tool setting shank 2 can be guided and laterally limited relative to the inner surface above the stepped surface of the housing 4 through the guide hole 55 of the mounting plate 51, preventing relative rotation and lateral displacement.

[0052] As can be seen, the tool setting bar 2 achieves lateral elastic restraint relative to the housing 4 at its upper and middle ends, preventing lateral displacement; and at its lower end, it provides guidance and lateral restraint relative to the housing 4, preventing relative rotation and lateral displacement. Furthermore, the rotating return component 3 can adjust the pre-deformation of the spring 32, adjusting its elastic force; it can also effectively prevent the spring 32 from becoming skewed during long-term use, ensuring that the tool setting bar 2 achieves lateral elastic restraint relative to the housing 4 at its upper and middle ends. Therefore, under the elastic force of the spring 32, the tool setting bar 2 can reliably return to its original position, effectively preventing jamming.

[0053] (2) During Z-axis tool setting, the tool mounted on the CNC machine tool abuts against the tool setting plate 11 of the tool setting cover 1, generating contact force; due to eccentricity, the tool and the tool setting cover 1 tend to slide relative to each other, generating static friction. In order to avoid relative sliding, it is necessary to conduct an experiment before leaving the factory to adjust the pre-deformation of the spring 32 to adjust the contact force.

[0054] Due to the eccentricity, the tool setting shank 2 contacts one side of the guide hole 55 of the mounting plate 51 at its lower section 23, resulting in a slight lateral deviation. This also causes the spring 32 to undergo lateral bending deformation. The additional bending moment generated by the axial tension will offset the deflection and bending moment caused by the lateral action, forming negative feedback. That is, due to the slight lateral deviation, the tension and elasticity of the spring 32 are uneven on its upper and lower end faces, which can reduce wear on one side of the guide hole 55 of the mounting plate 51 and reduce the lateral deviation of the tool setting shank 2, ensuring tool setting accuracy and increasing its service life.

[0055] (3) The control cylinder 92 of the main control unit 9 has a buffer ring 96 on its upper edge. The buffer ring 96 abuts against the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5 at the frustum 54, which can buffer and prevent the tool setting bar 2 from impacting and being damaged when it returns to its original position. During tool setting, the tool mounted on the CNC machine tool abuts against the tool setting plate 11 of the tool setting cover 1, generating a contact force that drives the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting bar 2 downward, and the main control unit 9 moves accordingly. When the indicator plate 91 is sensed at the lower edge of the tool setting indicator 95, the tool setting sensor generates a tool setting signal. Therefore, the longitudinal dimension, hardness and deformation of the buffer ring 96 only affect the timing of the contact between the tool and the tool setting plate 11 and the change in contact force, and do not affect the upper and lower position of the lower edge of the tool setting indicator 95, and do not affect the tool setting accuracy. It can be seen that the deformation, aging and damage of the buffer ring 96 only affect its buffering effect and do not affect the tool setting accuracy.

[0056] (4) The sealing disc 7 is fixedly installed on the lower threaded section 24 of the tool setting rod 2 through the central hole. It can follow and elastically deform as the tool setting rod 2 moves downward and returns to its original position during tool setting, thus avoiding changes in the volume of space inside the outer shell 4 and preventing negative pressure. The sealing disc 7 is a conical disc with elasticity and annular corrugations on its surface, which facilitates vertical elastic deformation during follow-up and also helps maintain the air pressure balance inside and outside the outer shell 4. Therefore, when the tool setting rod 2 is in the upper limit position, the sealing disc 7 is preferably in its natural state; this reduces the load on the spring 32 during return, slows down its elasticity reduction, creep and stress relaxation, and prevents jamming and failure to return to its original position.

[0057] (5) The method for determining whether the contact force of the tool setter needs adjustment according to the present invention, in the second step, h1. The height of the tool at the initial contact point and the tool setting face of the tool setter was recorded; in the third step, h 2. The height of the cutter was recorded when the buffer ring 96 of the control cylinder 92 of the main control unit 9 gradually recovered and left the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5. Therefore, the calculation formula is... f = f 1+ k ( h 1– h 2) The effect of longitudinal elastic deformation of the buffer ring 96 was taken into consideration, making... f The calculations are more accurate. h 1 and h 2. The recorded tool heights are all preferably standard tools, for ( h 1– h 2) No impact, therefore for f The calculation results are unaffected.

[0058] (6) The method for adjusting the contact force of the tool setter according to the present invention sets the maximum value of the contact force as follows: f max ; f max The tool setter is pre-set at the factory to ensure reliable return, offsetting the effects of reduced elasticity, creep, and stress relaxation of the return spring, thus improving its service life. It also prevents accelerated wear between the tool and the tool setting face, avoiding scratches on the tool setting face. In this method of adjusting the contact force of the tool setter, the tool setter can be adjusted simply by installing it on the CNC machine tool, without disassembly, facilitating automated robot operation, improving work efficiency, and saving time. Of course, adjustment can also be performed manually by disassembling the tool setter.

[0059] (7) In the second step, after the CNC system of the CNC machine tool receives the stroke start signal, it preferably reduces the downward speed of the tool to ensure that the tool setting signal is received, so as to ensure the tool setting is successful; in the third step, if the CNC system of the CNC machine tool receives the stroke end signal, it preferably stops suddenly, generates and records the tool setting failure information, and proceeds to the fourth step.

[0060] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) The upper end cover 31 of the return member 3 of the present invention engages with the upper helical tooth 41 of the outer shell 4 through the lower helical tooth 315, thereby realizing the snap-fit ​​between the upper end cover 31 and the outer shell 4, ensuring reliable connection and avoiding misalignment and relative rotation. The lower end cover 33 of the return member 3 engages with the external thread of the tool setting rod 2 in the upper thread section 22 through the internal thread, thereby realizing the screw connection between the return member 3 and the tool setting rod 2, so that the spring 32 can obtain tensile load and generate elastic tensile deformation during the tool setting process as the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 move downwards; when the tool setting is completed, it can elastically recover, so that the tool setting cover 1 and the tool setting rod 2 return upwards; it can also adjust the upper and lower positions of the screw connection between the lower end cover 33 and the tool setting rod 2 by rotating the return member 3, adjust the pre-deformation amount of the spring 32, adjust its elastic force, so as to counteract its elastic reduction, creep and stress relaxation, avoid jamming and non-returning, ensure tool setting accuracy, and avoid tool setting failure.

[0061] Existing contact tool setters suffer from eccentricity at the contact point between the tool and the tool setter plate due to errors and wear. This causes misalignment of the tool setter shank and return spring, exacerbating wear, reducing tool setter accuracy, and leading to difficulty in return, jamming, and ultimately, failure to return or malfunction. Long-term operation of existing contact tool setters causes the return spring to experience elasticity reduction, creep, and stress relaxation, resulting in reduced contact force and permanent deformation, further reducing accuracy. This can also cause fatigue and breakage of the return spring and related components, leading to damage. Increasing the pre-deformation of the return spring to increase the contact force can ensure reliable return of the tool setter, offsetting the effects of elasticity reduction, creep, and stress relaxation, and improving service life. However, increased contact force leads to accelerated wear between the tool and the tool setter surface, easily scratching the tool setter surface and affecting tool setter accuracy; this presents a technical contradiction. Existing tool setters use compression springs for their return springs; the additional bending moment generated by axial compression increases the deflection and bending moment caused by lateral forces, creating positive feedback; that is, the compression spring promotes the deflection and bending moment caused by lateral forces, leading to increased bending with compression.

[0062] Therefore, compared with existing contact-type tool setters that use compression springs, the spring 32 of the return member 3 in this invention is a tension spring. Due to eccentricity, the spring 32 undergoes lateral deflection deformation. The additional bending moment generated by axial tension will offset the deflection and bending moment generated by lateral action, forming negative feedback. That is, due to a slight lateral deviation, the tension and elasticity of the spring 32 on its upper and lower end faces are uneven, which can reduce wear on the guide hole 55 side of the mounting plate 51 and reduce the lateral deviation of the tool setter 2, ensuring tool setting accuracy and increasing its service life.

[0063] (2) The present invention can use a robotic arm or tool to clamp the upper end cover 31, adjust the contact force of the tool setter, increase the pre-deformation of the spring 32, and increase the contact force, which can ensure the reliable return of the tool setter, and can counteract the effects of elastic reduction, creep and stress relaxation of the spring 32, thereby improving its service life. The present invention clearly solves the technical contradiction that "increasing the contact force can ensure reliable return; however, it will also lead to increased wear between the tool and the tool setting surface, which is easy to scratch the tool setting surface and affect the tool setting accuracy".

[0064] (3) The outer protruding edge of the blade plate 11 of the present invention protrudes outward from the cover 12 to facilitate the assembly and disassembly by the robot or tool; the blade plate 11 is fastened to the fastener 15 to facilitate the assembly and disassembly operation by the robot, avoiding the clamping of small parts, accidental drops and operational errors; the upper cover 31 can be inserted into the robot or tool through the operation hole 311 to facilitate clamping and operation, avoiding relative sliding, accidental drops and operational errors. The lower oblique teeth 315 of the upper cover 31 are inclined downward from the inside to the outside, with the outer side being lower and the inner side being higher, that is, the outer side being longer than the inner side, so that when the upper cover 31 is engaged with the outer shell 4, it can avoid misalignment, and can also increase the height of the upper cover 31 on the outer side, which is convenient for the robot or tool to clamp, and can increase the contact area and friction, avoiding relative sliding, accidental drops and operational errors.

[0065] Therefore, compared with existing contact-type tool setters, the tool setter of the present invention facilitates automated robot operation and adjusts the contact force; it can improve work efficiency and save working time; it can significantly promote the application and development of new-generation information technology and robotics technology, and promote the improvement of intelligent manufacturing and digitalization. Furthermore, in the method for adjusting the contact force of the tool setter described in this invention, the tool setter can be installed on the CNC machine tool to complete the adjustment without disassembly, which can improve work efficiency, save working time, and reduce costs.

[0066] (4) The sealing disc 7 of the present invention is fixedly installed on the lower threaded section 24 of the tool setting rod 2, and can generate follow-up and elastic deformation as the tool setting rod 2 moves downward and returns to its original position, avoiding changes in the spatial volume inside the outer shell 4 and avoiding the generation of negative pressure. The sealing disc 7 is a conical disc with elasticity and annular corrugations on its surface, which facilitates vertical elastic deformation during follow-up and also helps to maintain the air pressure balance inside and outside the outer shell 4. When the tool setting rod 2 is in the upper limit position, the sealing disc 7 is preferably in a natural state, which can reduce the load on the spring 32 when it returns to its original position, slow down its elasticity reduction, creep and stress relaxation, and avoid jamming and failure to return to its original position. The perforated plate 8 of the present invention has uniformly distributed mesh holes on its surface, and is fixedly installed at the lower end of the outer shell 4, located below the sealing disc 7, to prevent chips or large foreign objects from entering and contacting the sealing disc 7 and the tool setting rod 2, to avoid damaging the sealing disc 7, and to avoid hindering the downward and return of the tool setting rod 2.

[0067] Therefore, compared with existing contact-type tool setters that form a sealed cavity, the tool setter of the present invention, using the sealing disc 7 and the orifice plate 8, enables the sealing disc 7 to undergo follow-up and elastic deformation as the tool setter 2 moves downward and returns, avoiding changes in the volume of space within the outer casing 4 and preventing the generation of negative pressure; it also prevents chips or foreign objects from entering and contacting the sealing disc 7 and the tool setter 2, avoiding damage to the sealing disc 7 and preventing obstruction of the downward and return movement of the tool setter 2. Compared with utility model patents with application numbers 201820798138.4 and 201720510624.7, the follow-up and elastic deformation of the sealing disc 7 in the present invention depends on the downward and return movement of the tool setter 2, not on changes in air pressure. Therefore, the present invention clearly adopts a different working principle to avoid generating negative pressure. The present invention can control the sealing disc 7 to actively generate follow-up and elastic deformation, effectively avoiding changes in the volume of space within the outer casing 4, effectively avoiding the generation of negative pressure, and preventing the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid.

[0068] (5) In the first step of the Z-axis tool setting method of the present invention, it is determined whether the contact force needs to be adjusted; if so, the contact force is adjusted. The method for adjusting the contact force of the tool setting device of the present invention ensures that the tool setting device is installed on the CNC machine tool, which facilitates the automated operation of the auxiliary robot, and the contact force can be adjusted without disassembling the tool setting device. Therefore, compared with the existing Z-axis tool setting method of the contact tool setting device, the Z-axis tool setting method of the present invention can adjust the contact force at the appropriate time, adjust the downward speed, and perform stroke protection, which can ensure reliable return and tool setting accuracy, and effectively avoid jamming, failure to return and tool setting accidents.

[0069] (6) The main control unit 9 of the present invention is equipped with a buffer ring 96. The buffer ring 96 abuts against the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5, which can buffer and prevent impact and damage when the tool setting bar 2 returns to its original position. The longitudinal dimension, hardness and deformation of the buffer ring 96 do not affect the tool setting accuracy. The deformation, aging and damage of the buffer ring 96 only affect its buffering effect and do not affect the tool setting accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tool setting device described in this invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 middle A Enlarged view at the location; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tool holder 2; Figure 4 For the upper end cover 31 in Figure 1 A structural diagram of the location; Figure 5 To support component 5 in Figure 1 A bottom view of the location; Figure 6 For the main control 9 in Figure 1 Top view of the location; Figure 7 For the main control 9 in Figure 1 Left view of the location; Figure 8 This is a comparison diagram of tension springs and compression springs; hollow arrows indicate lateral feedback. Figure 8 a To express the lateral force and deformation of a tension spring. Figure 8 b It describes the lateral action and deformation of a compression spring.

[0071] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Tool setting cover 1, Tool setting plate 11, Protective cover 12, External thread 13, Sealing ring 14, Fastener 15, Bottom hole 16, Sealing ring 17, Tool setting rod 2, Upper circular section 21, Upper threaded section 22, Lower section 23, Lower threaded section 24, Cutting surface 25, Threaded hole 26, Returning component 3, Upper end cover 31, Operating hole 311, Center hole 312, Hole 313, Groove 314, Lower helical tooth 315, Spring 32, Lower end cover 33, Housing 4, Upper helical tooth 41, Through hole 42, Wire hole 43, Cable 44, Support component 5, Mounting plate 51, Circuit board 52, Bracket 53, Frustum 54, Guide hole 55, Air hole 56, Nail hole 57, Sensor 6, Sealing disc 7, Hole plate 8, Main control 9, Indicator plate 91, Control cylinder 92, Mounting hole 93, Stroke indicator 94, Tool setting indicator 95, Buffer ring 96. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tool setting device of the present invention, including a tool setting cover 1, a tool setting rod 2, a return component 3, a housing 4, a support component 5, a sensing component 6, a sealing disc 7, a perforated plate 8, and a main control component 9. The tool setting cover 1 is a cylindrical cover structure, including a tool setting plate 11, a protective cover 12, a sealing ring 14, and a fastener 15. The tool setting plate 11 is a horizontal disc-shaped structure, with an outward protrusion forming an outer flange on the outer side and a downward protrusion forming a lower flange, and an upward indentation at the center of its lower surface; the tool setting plate 11 and its above-mentioned structure are preferably formed by powder metallurgy from a hard alloy. The tool setting plate 11 is fastened to the fastener 15 through the indentation, preferably by pressing, but can also be bonded or welded. The fastener 15 is a vertical threaded fastener with external threads, preferably implemented using existing welded bolts or countersunk bolts.

[0073] The cover 12 is an upright cylindrical cap-like structure with an outer side and an upper bottom. A bottom hole 16 is located at the center of the upper bottom. The center of the lower surface of the upper bottom is recessed upwards, and the outer side of the upper bottom protrudes upwards, forming an upper raised edge. The cover 12 and its above-described structure are preferably made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel and formed by forging. The radial threaded hole on the upper raised edge and the external thread 13 on the lower end of the outer side of the cover 12 are preferably machined.

[0074] Figure 2 for Figure 1 middle A The enlarged view shows the structural features of the sealing ring 14 and the sealing ring 17. The sealing ring 14 is a horizontal circular collar with an inward protrusion on the inner side of its lower end, forming an inner flange. It is preferably made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel and forged. The internal threads on the upper inner side of the sealing ring 14 are preferably machined. The sealing ring 17 attached to the sealing ring 14 is annular and elastic. It is preferably molded from synthetic rubber or silicone material, but can also be formed using other materials or processes already used for sealing rings. The sealing ring 17 is fixedly connected to the inner flange of the sealing ring 14 on its outer side, preferably by bonding.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tool setting bar 2; the tool setting bar 2 includes an upper circular section 21, an upper threaded section 22, a lower section 23, and a lower threaded section 24. The upper circular section 21 has a cut surface 25 at the upper end of its outer side, and an axial threaded hole 26 at the center of its upper end face; the threaded hole 26 has internal threads; the surface of the upper threaded section 22 has external threads; the cross-section of the lower section 23 is square; the surface of the lower threaded section 24 has external threads; the tool setting bar 2 and its above-mentioned structural features are preferably formed by cutting stainless steel bar stock.

[0076] The return component 3 includes an upper end cover 31, a spring 32, and a lower end cover 33. Figure 4 For the upper end cover 31 in Figure 1 The structural diagram shows the location; the upper cover 31 is a horizontal round cover, recessed from bottom to top to form a cover-like structure, preferably formed by stamping from stainless steel sheet. The upper cover 31 has an operating hole 311 on the outer side of its upper surface, preferably machined. The upper cover 31 has a center hole 312 at the center of its upper surface, preferably obtained during stamping. The upper cover 31 has a groove 314 on its inner side, a hole 313 preferably attached to the groove 314, and a downward helical tooth 315 on its lower edge, all preferably machined. The spring 32 is a tension spring, preferably a conventional conical tension spring. The lower cover 33 is a horizontal round cover with internal threads on its inner side and a groove on its outer side; the lower cover 33 and its above-mentioned structures are preferably formed by machining from stainless steel tubing.

[0077] The outer casing 4 is a vertical stepped cylindrical structure, with the upper part having a smaller diameter than the lower part. A horizontal annular stepped surface is formed between the upper and lower parts. The lower edge is turned outward to form a downward-turned edge, preferably made of stainless steel tubing formed by forging. The upper helical teeth 41 at the upper end, the through holes 42 on the stepped surface, the wire holes 43 on the outer surface of the lower part, the mounting holes on the downward-turned edge, and the threaded holes on the inner side of the lower edge of the outer casing 4 are all preferably machined. The cable 44 is preferably implemented using existing cable products.

[0078] Figure 5 For the support 5 in Figure 1 A bottom view of the location; the support 5 includes a mounting plate 51 and a bracket 53, and a circuit board 52 is mounted on the mounting plate 51 by fasteners. The mounting plate 51 is a horizontal circular plate that protrudes upward in the middle to form a frustum 54, preferably formed by stamping from aluminum alloy sheet. The mounting plate 51 has a guide hole 55 at the center of the top surface of the frustum 54; the guide hole 55 is square and preferably machined. The air hole 56 on the top surface of the mounting plate 51, the nail hole 57 on the outer side, and the internal thread of the nail hole 57 are all preferably machined. The circuit board 52 includes at least a control module, a power module, and a communication module, and has a wiring harness; the circuit board 52 and its control module, power module, and communication module are preferably implemented using existing electronic components and electronic technology, employing known circuit board design and processing techniques. The wiring harness and its connections are preferably implemented using existing wiring harness products and their connecting elements.

[0079] The bracket 53 is an inverted U-shaped curved plate, comprising a left vertical plate, a top plate, and a right vertical plate, preferably formed from stainless steel sheet by stamping. The transverse through-hole on the left vertical plate and the transverse slot on the right vertical plate are preferably formed during the stamping process. The slot extends transversely through the right vertical plate, preferably with a T-shaped cross-section, and preferably uses a known wire clamp to secure the wire harness. The longitudinal through-hole on the top plate is preferably machined. The sensing element 6 includes at least a tool setting sensor and a stroke sensor; both the tool setting sensor and the stroke sensor are preferably implemented using existing photoelectric sensor products.

[0080] The sealing disc 7 is a conical disc with elasticity and annular corrugations on its surface, preferably made from an existing composite rubber spring product. Existing composite rubber spring products consist of a metal helical spring and a synthetic rubber coating. The sealing disc 7 has vertically penetrating edge holes and a vertically penetrating central hole; these edge holes and central hole are obtained during the forming process of the composite rubber spring product. The perforated plate 8 is a horizontal circular plate with uniformly distributed perforations on its surface, preferably formed from stainless steel sheet through stamping.

[0081] Figure 6 For the main control 9 in Figure 1 Top view of the location; Figure 7 For the main control 9 in Figure 1 Left view of the position; the main control 9 includes a vertical indicator plate 91 and a control cylinder 92. The indicator plate 91 is a vertical L-shaped curved plate, including a vertical plate and a horizontal plate located at the lower end of the vertical plate; the vertical plate is a horizontally placed vertical plate, including a stroke indicator 94 and a tool setting indicator 95; the stroke indicator 94 is a horizontally placed rectangular vertical plate with a top and a bottom edge; the tool setting indicator 95 is a horizontally placed rectangular vertical plate with at least a bottom edge; the horizontal plate is fixedly connected to the lower end of the vertical plate at the left end. The indicator plate 91 and its above-mentioned structural features are preferably formed by stamping from stainless steel sheet. The fixed connection between the horizontal plate and the lower end of the control cylinder 92 at the right end is preferably welded, but fasteners can also be used.

[0082] The control cylinder 92 is a vertical cylinder with a bottom and an upper edge. A mounting hole 93 is located at the center of the bottom. It is preferably made of forged stainless steel tubing. The control cylinder 92 has a buffer ring 96 along its upper edge. The buffer ring 96 is an annular structure with elasticity, preferably implemented using existing sealing ring products. The buffer ring 96 is fixedly connected to the upper edge of the control cylinder 92 on its lower surface, preferably by adhesive bonding.

[0083] The method for determining whether the contact force of the tool setting device needs adjustment involves installing a force sensor inside the tool setting device and setting a minimum contact force value. f minThe force sensor is preferably mounted on the lower surface of the mounting plate 51 of the support member 5 at the frustum 54, and preferably implemented using an existing ring-shaped force sensor product. f min The tool setter is set before it leaves the factory and is related to the pre-deformation of the spring 32, the weight of the tool setter cover 1 and the tool setter bar 2, and the frictional force generated by the upward return. It is preferably determined through experiments.

[0084] The method for adjusting the contact force of the tool setter sets the maximum value of the contact force to be... f max And ensure that the tool setter is installed on the CNC machine tool; the purpose is to resolve the technical contradiction that "increasing the contact force can ensure reliable return; however, it will also lead to increased wear between the tool and the tool setting face, easily scratching the tool setting face and affecting the tool setting accuracy." Therefore, f max The tool setter is pre-set at the factory to avoid accelerated wear between the tool and the tool setting face, and to prevent scratches on the tool setting face. This setting is preferably determined experimentally. In the adjustment method, the tool setter is installed on a CNC machine tool for adjustment. This facilitates automated robot operation, improves work efficiency, and saves time. Therefore, on-machine operation is the preferred implementation, but it can also be disassembled for adjustment or performed manually. In the third step of the adjustment method, the upper end cover 31 is clamped and moved upwards, and the spring force of the return member 32 is detected. f k Preferably, in the method for determining whether the contact force of the tool setter needs adjustment, a force sensor installed inside the tool setter is used for detection. Alternatively, a force sensor can be installed on the robotic arm of an auxiliary robot for detection during operation. f k Other measuring tools can also be used for separate testing.

[0085] The Z-axis tool setting method described herein, in its first step (determining whether contact force adjustment is needed) and in the second and third steps (processing received stroke start signals, tool setting signals, and stroke end signals), preferably utilizes existing CNC system macro program instructions and references existing Z-axis tool setting macro programs, employing conventional technical means for implementation. The fasteners described in this invention are preferably standard parts such as existing screws, bolts, nuts, and washers; non-standard products can also be designed as needed, which will not be described in detail here.

[0086] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Changes in materials and manufacturing processes, provided they meet the structural and performance requirements of the present invention, are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A contact-type tool setting device, comprising a tool setting cover (1), a tool setting lever (2), a return component (3), a housing (4), a support component (5), a sensing component (6), and a main control unit (9), installed on a CNC machine tool, characterized in that: The tool setting cover (1) is a cylindrical cover structure, including a tool setting plate (11) and a protective cover (12), and is fixedly installed on the upper end of the tool setting rod (2); The tool setting plate (11) is a disc-shaped structure, which is fixedly installed on the cover (12). Its upper surface serves as the tool setting surface, which abuts against the tool of the CNC machine tool to generate contact force and perform Z-axis tool setting. The cover (12) is a cylindrical cover structure that houses the upper part of the outer shell (4) inside, so that the outer shell (4) is sealed at the upper end to prevent the intrusion and contamination of chips and cutting fluid; The tool setting bar (2) is a vertical straight bar, which includes an upper threaded section (22), a lower section (23), and a lower threaded section (24) from top to bottom. The upper threaded section (22) is screwed to the return member (3), so that the tool setting bar (2) can return to its upward position. By utilizing the lower segment (23) passing through the support member (5), guidance and limiting are achieved. The main control (9) is fastened using the lower thread section (24), so that the main control (9) moves accordingly; The return component (3) is elastic and can be elastically stretched and returned. It includes an upper end cover (31), a spring (32) and a lower end cover (33). The upper end cover (31) is snapped into the outer shell (4), and the lower end cover (33) is screwed into the tool setting bar (2). It bears tensile load and realizes the downward movement and return of the tool setting cover (1) and the tool setting bar (2). It can prevent the tool setting bar (2) from deflecting, reduce wear, ensure tool setting accuracy, and increase its service life; The upper and lower positions of the lower end cover (33) and the tool setting rod (2) can be adjusted by rotating the return component (3), and the pre-deformation amount and elastic force of the spring (32) can be adjusted to counteract its elasticity reduction, creep and stress relaxation, avoid jamming and failure to return, and ensure tool setting accuracy. The sensor (6) senses the up and down position of the main control (9) and generates at least a tool setting signal.

2. A contact-type tool setter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blade cover (1) includes a sealing ring (14) and a fastener (15). The blade plate (11) is fastened to the fastener (15) so that the robot can perform assembly and disassembly operations and avoid clamping small parts, accidental drops and operational errors. The sealing ring (14) is fixedly installed on the cover (12); The sealing ring (14) has a sealing ring (17), which abuts against the outer side of the upper part of the outer shell (4) through the sealing ring (17) and can move relative to it, so that the outer shell (4) is sealed at the upper end; The fastener (15) is a threaded fastener, which is fastened at its lower end to the upper end of the tool setting bar (2) to fix the tool setting cover (1) to the tool setting bar (2).

3. A contact-type tool setting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper cover (31) is a horizontal round cover, which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the spring (32) and snapped into the outer shell (4), so that the return member (3) snaps into the outer shell (4) at the upper end; The upper end cover (31) has an operation hole (311) through which a robot or tool can be inserted to clamp and operate the upper end cover (31) to adjust the pre-deformation and elasticity of the spring (32); The upper end cap (31) has downward-facing downward-facing oblique teeth (315), which engage with the outer shell (4) to ensure reliable connection and avoid misalignment and relative rotation; The lower oblique teeth (315) are inclined downward from the inside out, so that when the upper end cover (31) is engaged with the outer shell (4), misalignment can be avoided, and the height of the upper end cover (31) on the outer side can be increased, making it easier for the robot or tool to hold it. The outer shell (4) has an upward-facing upper helical tooth (41) at its upper end, which meshes with the lower helical tooth (315); The spring (32) is a tension spring, and is fixedly connected to the lower end cap (33) at its lower end; The lower end cap (33) is a horizontal round cap with internal threads. The internal threads engage with the upper threaded section (22) of the tool setting rod (2) to achieve the screw connection between the return member (3) and the tool setting rod (2). This allows the spring (32) to undergo elastic stretching deformation during the tool setting process as the tool setting cover (1) and tool setting rod (2) move downwards; and to elastically recover when the tool setting is completed, so that the tool setting cover (1) and tool setting rod (2) return to their original positions.

4. A contact-type tool setter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support (5) includes a mounting plate (51) and a bracket (53), and a mounting circuit board (52) is fixedly installed inside the housing (4), and has the functions of support, guidance and limiting. The mounting plate (51) is a horizontal circular plate; The mounting plate (51) has a guide hole (55) and passes through the lower section (23) of the tool setting bar (2) through the guide hole (55) so that the tool setting bar (2) is guided and laterally limited; The mounting plate (51) has vents (56) and uses the vents (56) to balance the air pressure inside the outer casing (4); The circuit board (52) has a wiring harness, which is electrically connected to the sensing element (6) and the CNC machine tool respectively. The bracket (53) is an inverted U-shaped curved plate, including a left upright plate, a top plate and a right upright plate. The sensor (6) is fixedly installed through the left upright plate and the wire harness is fixed through the right upright plate. The top plate is fixedly installed on the lower side of the mounting plate (51).

5. A contact-type tool setter according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes a sealing disc (7); The sealing disc (7) is a conical disc, which is fixedly installed at the lower end of the outer shell (4) to achieve sealing of the outer shell (4) at the lower end; The sealing disc (7) is elastic, which facilitates vertical elastic deformation during movement, and maintains the air pressure balance inside and outside the outer shell (4); The sealing disc (7) has a through hole at the top and bottom, and is fixedly installed on the tool setting bar (2) using the through hole. It can follow and elastically deform as the tool setting bar (2) moves down and back, thus avoiding changes in the volume of space inside the outer shell (4) and avoiding negative pressure.

6. A contact-type tool setter according to claim 5, characterized in that: It includes a perforated plate (8); The perforated plate (8) is a horizontal circular plate with mesh holes, and is fixedly installed at the lower end of the outer shell (4), located below the sealing disc (7). Prevent chips or foreign objects from entering and contacting the sealing disc (7) and the tool setting bar (2).

7. A contact-type tool setter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit (9) includes an upright indicator plate (91) and a control cylinder (92), which are fixedly installed on the lower thread section (24) of the tool setting bar (2) to generate follow-up motion; The Z-axis tool setting is performed by indicating the downward position using the indicator plate (91); The upper limit position of the tool setter (2) after returning to its original position is defined by the control cylinder (92); The control cylinder (92) is a vertical cylinder with a bottom and an upper edge. It is fixedly installed on the tool setting bar (2) through the bottom and abuts against the support member (5) through the upper edge, thus limiting the upper limit position of the tool setting bar (2) after it returns to its original position. The control cylinder (92) has a buffer ring (96) on its upper edge, which abuts against the support member (5) to provide cushioning.

8. A method for determining whether the contact force of a tool setting device needs adjustment, used in the tool setting device of claim 1, characterized in that: A force sensor is installed inside the tool setting device to detect the magnitude of the contact force, and a minimum contact force value is set. f min ; It includes the following steps: The first step is to position the tool mounted on the CNC machine tool spindle directly above the tool setter without contacting it. The cutting tool is gradually lowered, and the value of the force sensor is detected and recorded as follows. f 1; The second step is to continue the downward movement of the cutter and continue to monitor the value of the force sensor, denoted as . f 2; until f 2< f 1. Record the height of the cutting tool at this time. h 1; The third step is to continue the downward movement of the cutter and continue to monitor the value of the force sensor, denoted as . f 3; until f 3 = 0, and record the height of the cutting tool at this time. h 2; Step 4, Calculation f = f 1+ k ( h 1– h 2); in, k The spring constant of the spring (32); like f ≦ f min If the contact force is too high, then the contact force needs to be adjusted; otherwise, no adjustment of the contact force is required.

9. A method for adjusting the contact force of a tool setter, used in the tool setter of claim 1, characterized in that: Set the maximum contact force to f max And ensure that the tool setter is installed on the CNC machine tool; It includes the following steps: The first step is to allow the cover (12) to rotate freely; The second step is to use a robotic arm or tool to clamp the tool setting plate (11) and the cover (12), so that the tool setting plate (11) rotates relative to the cover (12), and the tool setting cover (1) disengages from the tool setting rod (2); Remove the blade cover (1) to expose the upper cover (31); The third step involves using a robotic arm or tool to grip the upper end cap (31), moving it upwards, and detecting the elastic force of the spring (32), which is recorded as follows: f k Rotate the upper end cap (31) so that f k Gradually increase; Continue rotating the upper end cap (31) until... f k ≥ f max ; Release the upper cover (31), which is snapped into the outer shell (4); Fourth step, use a robotic arm or tool to clamp the blade setting plate (11) and the cover (12), so that the blade setting plate (11) rotates relative to the cover (12), and the blade setting cover (1) is fastened to the blade setting rod (2); This makes the cover (12) and the blade plate (11) securely connected.

10. A Z-axis tool setting method for a CNC machine tool equipped with the tool setting device of claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit (9) of the tool setting device includes an upright indicator plate (91); the indicator plate (91) includes a stroke indicator (94) and a tool setting indicator (95); the stroke indicator (94) has a top edge and a bottom edge; It includes the following steps: The first step is for the CNC system of the CNC machine tool to execute the tool setting command and control the spindle movement; Determine if the contact force needs adjustment; if so, adjust the contact force. The second step is to move the tool mounted on the CNC machine tool downward, driving the tool setting cover (1) and the tool setting bar (2) downward, and the main control (9) moves and moves downward; the spring (32) stretches elastically; When the lower edge of the stroke indicator (94) is sensed, a stroke start signal is generated and sent to the CNC system of the CNC machine tool; The third step is to make the tool continue to descend, and the main control (9) follows and continues to descend; when the tool setting indicator (95) is sensed, a tool setting signal is generated and sent to the CNC system of the CNC machine tool; After receiving the tool setting signal, the CNC system of the CNC machine tool stops the tool from moving downwards, calculates and corrects the tool data, and then proceeds to the fourth step. When the main control (9) moves and moves downward, if the upper part of the stroke indicator (94) is sensed, a stroke end signal is generated and sent to the CNC system of the CNC machine tool for stroke protection. The fourth step is to move the cutting tool upwards, and the return member (3) elastically returns to its original position; the tool setting cover (1) and the tool setting rod (2) gradually move upwards to the upper limit position.

Images