A method for setting tools on a vertical slotting machine and the tool setting fixture used thereon.

Abstract

This application discloses a tool setting method and tool setting fixture for a vertical slotting machine, belonging to the technical field of tool setting devices. To address the problems of low tool setting efficiency and poor accuracy in existing vertical slotting machines, the tool setting fixture includes a central support plate. A triangular jaw is installed at the bottom of the central support plate. The tool setting fixture is installed at the inner hole of the workpiece to be processed via the triangular jaw. A support base for fixing a measuring device is installed on the front side of the central support plate. A tool setting sample block is detachably connected to the support base. The operator determines the tool setting position by cooperating with the measuring device and the tool setting sample block. This application is mainly used as a tool setting device for CNC vertical slotting machines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of tool setting devices, specifically relating to a tool setting method for a vertical slotting machine and the tool setting fixture used thereon. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modern mechanical manufacturing, steam turbines, as core and critical equipment in the energy and power industry, directly depend on the machining precision and assembly quality of their core components for operational stability, efficiency, and safety. Among these, valve discs, rocker arms, and other major valve assemblies are core actuators in the steam turbine valve control system, undertaking the important functions of regulating medium flow and controlling unit operating parameters. The keyways on these parts, as key structures for transmitting torque and achieving precise component fit, have their machining positional accuracy directly determining the transmission precision and sealing performance after assembly.

[0003] According to the stringent assembly standards of the steam turbine industry, the center deviation of the keyway in parts such as valve discs and rocker arms must be strictly controlled within 0.05mm. Otherwise, uneven assembly clearance and unbalanced stress will occur, leading to problems such as valve jamming and sealing failure. In severe cases, it may even affect the normal operation of the steam turbine, causing huge economic losses and safety hazards. Therefore, the tool setting accuracy during keyway machining has become the core factor restricting the machining quality of such high-precision parts.

[0004] Currently, the industry commonly uses the traditional scribing method for keyway broaching on CNC vertical slotting machines. This method relies on operators manually drawing the keyway center line and outline on the surface of the workpiece, then adjusting the machine tool position based on visual observation and experience. However, this traditional method has several insurmountable drawbacks: firstly, the manual scribing process is easily affected by factors such as the precision of the scribing tool, the operator's skill level, and visual errors, leading to inherent deviations in the scribing reference; secondly, the lack of precise measurement and positioning references during tool setting means that tool position adjustments depend entirely on experience, making it impossible to quantitatively control tool setting accuracy. This results in significant fluctuations in tool setting accuracy, making it difficult to meet high-precision position requirements within 0.05mm.

[0005] Furthermore, traditional scribing and tool setting methods are extremely inefficient, especially in mass production scenarios. Each workpiece requires individual scribing and tool setting, which is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also leads to poor product consistency due to differences in operation by different operators, further increasing the workload of subsequent assembly. At the same time, due to insufficient tool setting accuracy, the machined workpieces often have keyway position deviations that exceed the standard, requiring rework, repair, or even scrapping. This increases production costs, extends the production cycle, and seriously restricts the company's production efficiency and market competitiveness.

[0006] With the development of the manufacturing industry towards high precision, high efficiency and large scale, the traditional method of scribing and tool setting can no longer meet the precision machining requirements of the core components of steam turbines. There is an urgent need for a tool setting method and special tooling that can achieve precise positioning, quantitative control, high efficiency and convenience to solve the pain points of low tool setting efficiency and poor accuracy in the existing technology, ensure the high precision and stability of keyway machining, and meet the stringent assembly requirements of steam turbine valve assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the problems of low tool setting efficiency and poor tool setting accuracy of the existing vertical slotting machines, the present invention further provides a tool setting method for a vertical slotting machine and the tooling used therefor.

[0008] A tooling for tool setting of a vertical slotting machine, the tooling includes a central support disk, a triangular chuck is installed at the bottom of the central support disk, the tooling is installed at the inner hole of the workpiece to be machined through the triangular chuck, a support seat for fixing a measuring device is installed on the front side of the central support disk, a tool setting sample block is detachably connected to the support seat, and the operator determines the tool setting position by the cooperation of the measuring device and the tool setting sample block.

[0009] Further, the measuring device is a dial indicator.

[0010] Further, the support seat is a "U" - shaped block, the tool setting sample block is arranged at the top notch of the support seat, and the tool setting sample block contacts the measuring end of the measuring device.

[0011] Further, a sample block slot for positioning the tool setting sample block is machined on the front side of the central support disk, and the sample block slot corresponds to and cooperates with the end of the tool setting sample block.

[0012] Further, a horizontal insertion through - hole is machined at one end of the support seat, both ends of the horizontal insertion through - hole are respectively communicated with the outside of the support seat and the notch at the top of the support seat, the measuring device is arranged outside the support seat, and the measuring end of the measuring device passes through the horizontal insertion through - hole and extends to the notch at the top of the support seat and contacts the tool setting sample block located in the notch at the top of the support seat.

[0013] Further, a locking threaded hole is machined at the top of the support seat, the axis of the locking threaded hole is perpendicular to the axis of the horizontal insertion through - hole, and the bottom end of the locking threaded hole is communicated with the horizontal insertion through - hole, and the measuring device is fixed on the support seat by tightening a screw.

[0014] Further, the error range of the flatness of the end plane of the support seat is within 0.03 mm.

[0015] Further, a lifting ring for hoisting is arranged above the central support disk, and the lifting ring is fixed to the top of the central support disk through a connecting column.

[0016] Furthermore, the connecting column is a tapered column, with the large end face of the connecting column fixedly connected to the top of the central support plate, and the lifting ring fixed on the small end face of the connecting column;

[0017] A method for tool setting on a vertical slotting machine, the method being implemented through the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: The operator hoists the tool setting fixture to the inner hole of the part to be processed, and clamps the tool setting fixture into the inner hole of the part to be processed using triangular jaws, ensuring that the tool setting fixture and the part to be processed are concentrically set.

[0019] Step 2: Use a measuring device to level the end face of the support base using dial gauges to ensure the perpendicularity of the support base and the workpiece to be processed.

[0020] Step 3: Secure the measuring end of the measuring device to the support base by tightening the screws;

[0021] Step 4: Place the tool setting sample block at the notch on the top of the support base, and insert the end of the tool setting sample block into the corresponding sample block slot. Place the measuring end of the measuring device against the side plane of the tool setting sample block. After the measuring device displays a value, set the value of the measuring device to zero.

[0022] Step 5: After the value of the measuring device is zeroed, remove the tool setting block, place the tool tip on the measuring end of the measuring device, move the tool tip to make the reading of the measuring device return to the initial set zero value, and the tool tip setting is completed when the machine tool machining zero point is zeroed.

[0023] Step 6: After tool setting is completed, remove the tool setting fixture from the workpiece.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this application compared to the prior art are:

[0025] 1. This application addresses the core pain point of insufficient precision in traditional scribing and tool setting methods, which makes it difficult to control the keyway center deviation within 0.05mm. It develops a dedicated tool setting fixture and constructs a standardized, high-precision tool setting reference system. The flatness error of the support end in the fixture is controlled within 0.03mm. Within this range, the tool setting process is precisely positioned using the tool setting template slot and the quantitative measurement function of the dial indicator (measuring device) is utilized to achieve visualization and quantitative control of the tool setting process. During tool setting, the operation of zeroing the dial indicator and returning the tool tip to zero replaces the traditional experience-based visual observation and judgment. This effectively avoids the reference deviation caused by the accuracy of the scribing tool, the skill level of the operator, and visual errors, ensuring that the tool setting accuracy is stable and meets the standards. This ensures that the keyway machining position deviation is strictly controlled within the industry requirement of 0.05mm. It solves the problems of uneven assembly gap, unbalanced force, valve opening and closing jamming, and sealing failure from the source, ensuring the transmission accuracy and sealing performance of the core valve assembly of the steam turbine, and avoiding the steam turbine operation safety hazards and economic losses caused by substandard part machining accuracy.

[0026] 2. The tool setting fixture provided in this application can be quickly clamped and fixed to the inner hole of the part to be machined using triangular jaws, and the concentric positioning of the fixture and the part eliminates the need for additional datum adjustments. Furthermore, the operation process of using the tool setting template and dial indicator is simple, eliminating the need for complex scribing procedures, and significantly reducing the time required for a single tool setting compared to traditional methods. In mass production scenarios, a single tool setting fixture can be used for the same type of parts, eliminating the need for repeated datum calibration and scribing operations for each workpiece. This significantly reduces the manpower and time costs of the tool setting process, effectively improving overall production efficiency and solving the pain points of time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional methods in mass production.

[0027] 3. The tool setting fixture provided in this application offers a standardized positioning benchmark and measurement system. The structural design of the support base, the positioning accuracy of the template slot, and the quantitative measurement of the dial indicator free the tool setting operation from dependence on operator experience. Regardless of differences in operator skill levels, precise tool setting can be achieved according to a unified process, ensuring a high degree of consistency in the machining position accuracy of keyways on all workpieces in mass production. This advantage significantly reduces the workload of subsequent assembly processes and lowers the probability of workpiece rework, repair, or even scrap due to insufficient tool setting accuracy. This effectively controls production costs, shortens the production cycle, and enhances the company's market competitiveness.

[0028] 4. The tool setting fixture provided in this application adopts a triangular jaw assembly method that engages with the inner hole of the part, adapting to the positioning requirements of the inner hole of parts of different specifications to be machined, and is easy to install and disassemble. The "U"-shaped structure of the support base and the design of the locking threaded hole can quickly fix the dial indicator, ensuring stable contact between the measuring end and the tool setting sample block during the measurement process and avoiding measurement deviation. The lifting ring facilitates the lifting and installation of the fixture, further improving the ease of operation. The detachable connection design between the tool setting sample block and the support base allows for the replacement of the tool setting sample block of the corresponding specification according to the keyway machining requirements of different parts, expanding the adaptability range of the fixture. The overall fixture structure is simple and highly reliable, and the operation process is clear and easy to understand, reducing the skill requirements for operators and facilitating its promotion and application on the production site, completely solving the problems of complex operation and poor adaptability of traditional tool setting methods. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tool setting fixture described in this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tool setting fixture described in this application.

[0031] The diagram shows: 1. Triangular jaw, 2. Support base, 3. Locking threaded hole, 4. Sample block slot, 5. Lifting ring, 6. Jaw adjustment rod, 7. Tool setting sample block, and 8. Measuring device. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Specific implementation method one: Combining Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment describes a vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture. The tool setting fixture includes a central support plate, with a triangular jaw 1 installed at the bottom of the central support plate. The tool setting fixture is installed at the inner hole of the workpiece to be processed through the triangular jaw 1. A support base 2 for fixing a measuring device 8 is installed on the front side of the central support plate. A tool setting sample block 7 is detachably connected to the support base 2. The operator determines the tool setting position by cooperating with the measuring device 8 and the tool setting sample block 7.

[0033] The front side of the central support plate is machined with a sample block slot 4 for positioning the tool setting sample block 7. The sample block slot 4 is correspondingly matched with the end of the tool setting sample block 7.

[0034] A horizontal insertion through hole is machined at one end of the support base 2. The two ends of the horizontal insertion through hole are respectively connected to the outside of the support base 2 and the notch at the top of the support base 2. The measuring device 8 is set outside the support base 2, and the measuring end of the measuring device 8 extends through the horizontal insertion through hole to the notch at the top of the support base 2 and contacts the tool sample block 7 located in the notch at the top of the support base 2.

[0035] The top of the support base 2 is machined with a locking threaded hole 3. The axis of the locking threaded hole 3 is perpendicular to the axis of the horizontal insertion through hole, and the bottom end of the locking threaded hole 3 is connected to the horizontal insertion through hole. The measuring device 8 is fixed on the support base 2 by tightening screws.

[0036] The measuring device 8 provided in this embodiment is a dial indicator. The flatness error of the end of the support seat 2 in the tool setting fixture is controlled within 0.03mm. With the sample slot 4 for precise positioning of the tool setting sample block 7 and the quantitative measurement function of the dial indicator, the visualization and quantitative control of the tool setting process are realized.

[0037] In this embodiment, the dial indicator can be firmly fixed to the support base by tightening the screws, realizing the rigid positioning of the measuring device. This avoids the measuring device from loosening or shifting due to machine tool vibration or operation during tool setting, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the measured values. It solves the pain point of traditional tool setting lacking a fixed reference and relying entirely on experience. The sample block slot 4 forms an end positioning limit structure for the tool setting sample block 7, ensuring that the position of the tool setting sample block is accurate and without shaking after installation. This avoids the measurement reference deviation caused by the displacement of the tool setting sample block 7, further ensuring the consistency of tool setting accuracy and solving the problem of large fluctuations in the traditional tool setting reference.

[0038] In this embodiment, both the horizontal insert through hole and the locking threaded hole 3 are standardized designs, which can be adapted to dial indicators of conventional specifications. There is no need to customize special measuring devices, which reduces the cost of tooling. At the same time, its structural design does not depend on a specific model of vertical slotting machine, and has a certain degree of versatility, which makes it easy for enterprises to quickly promote and apply it based on existing equipment.

[0039] In this embodiment, the support base 2 integrates the installation of the measuring device and the bearing of the tool setting block into one unit. The structure is simple and the function is clear. Operators can quickly complete the operation of fixing the measuring device and installing the tool setting block by following the steps without complicated adjustment procedures. This solves the problem of the cumbersome, time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional scribing and tool setting operation. Moreover, the positioning of each structure on the support base 2 is based on mechanical references. Operators only need to follow the standardized procedures to achieve accurate tool setting without relying on the operator's experience judgment or visual errors. This greatly reduces the skill level requirements of the operators, effectively improves the consistency of tool setting operation in mass production, reduces processing deviations caused by personnel differences, and reduces the workload of subsequent assembly and repair.

[0040] Specific Implementation Method Two: Combining Figure 1 and Figure 2This embodiment further defines the central support plate in Specific Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, a lifting ring 5 for hoisting is provided above the central support plate. The lifting ring 5 is fixed to the top of the central support plate by a connecting column. The method is achieved through the following steps: the connecting column is a tapered column, with its large end face fixedly connected to the top of the central support plate, and the lifting ring 5 fixed to the small end face of the connecting column. Other components and connections are the same as in Specific Embodiment 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the lifting ring 5 is used as the lifting structure, which can be achieved with the help of a crane when the tooling is moved, which helps to reduce the difficulty of the tooling during transfer.

[0042] Specific implementation method three: Combining Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment describes a tool setting method for a vertical slotting machine, which is implemented through the following steps:

[0043] Step 1: The operator hoists the tool setting fixture to the inner hole of the part to be processed, and clamps the tool setting fixture into the inner hole of the part to be processed using the triangular jaw 1, ensuring that the tool setting fixture and the part to be processed are concentrically set.

[0044] Step 2: Use measuring device 8 to level the end face of support 2 to ensure the perpendicularity of support 2 and the workpiece to be processed.

[0045] Step 3: Fix the measuring end of the measuring device 8 to the support base 2 by tightening the screws;

[0046] Step 4: Place the tool setting sample 7 at the notch at the top of the support base 2, and insert the end of the tool setting sample 7 into the corresponding sample slot 4. Place the measuring end of the measuring device 8 against the side plane of the tool setting sample 7. After the measuring device 8 displays a value, set the value of the measuring device 8 to zero.

[0047] Step 5: After the value of the measuring device 8 is zeroed, remove the tool setting block 7, place the tool tip on the measuring end of the measuring device 8, move the tool tip to make the reading of the measuring device 8 return to the initial set zero value, and the tool tip setting is completed when the machine tool machining zero point is zeroed.

[0048] Step 6: After tool setting is completed, remove the tool setting fixture from the workpiece.

[0049] The present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, but it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed structure and technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture, characterized in that: The tool setting fixture includes a central support plate, and a triangular chuck (1) is installed at the bottom of the central support plate. The tool setting fixture is installed at the inner hole of the workpiece to be processed through the triangular chuck (1). A support base (2) for fixing the measuring device (8) is installed on the front side of the central support plate. A tool setting sample block (7) is detachably connected to the support base (2). The operator uses the measuring device (8) and the tool setting sample block (7) to determine the tool setting position.

2. The vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measuring device (8) is a dial gauge.

3. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support base (2) is a U-shaped block, and the tool sample block (7) is set at the top notch of the support base (2), and the tool sample block (7) is in contact with the measuring end of the measuring device (8).

4. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front side of the central support plate is machined with a sample block slot (4) for positioning the tool setting sample block (7), and the sample block slot (4) is correspondingly matched with the end of the tool setting sample block (7).

5. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the support base (2) is machined with a horizontal insertion through hole. The two ends of the horizontal insertion through hole are connected to the outside of the support base (2) and the notch at the top of the support base (2), respectively. The measuring device (8) is set outside the support base (2), and the measuring end of the measuring device (8) extends through the horizontal insertion through hole to the notch at the top of the support base (2) and contacts the tool sample block (7) located in the notch at the top of the support base (2).

6. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top of the support base (2) is machined with a locking thread hole (3). The axis of the locking thread hole (3) is perpendicular to the axis of the horizontal insertion through hole, and the bottom end of the locking thread hole (3) is connected to the horizontal insertion through hole. The measuring device (8) is fixed on the support base (2) by tightening screws.

7. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flatness error of the end of the support (2) is within 0.03mm.

8. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that: The middle support plate is provided with a lifting ring (5) for hoisting. The lifting ring (5) is fixed to the top of the middle support plate by a connecting column.

9. A vertical slotting machine tool setting fixture according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting column is a tapered column. The large end face of the connecting column is fixedly connected to the top of the middle support plate, and the lifting ring (5) is fixed on the small end face of the connecting column.

10. A tool setting method based on the tool setting fixture of a vertical slotting machine according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The method is implemented through the following steps: Step 1: The staff hoisted the tool setting fixture to the inner hole of the part to be processed, and clamped the tool setting fixture in the inner hole of the part to be processed by the triangular jaw (1), and ensured that the tool setting fixture and the part to be processed were concentrically set. Step 2: Use the measuring device (8) to level the end face of the support base (2) to ensure the perpendicularity of the support base (2) to the workpiece to be processed. Step 3: Fix the measuring end of the measuring device (8) to the support base (2) by tightening the screw; Step 4: Place the tool setting block (7) at the notch at the top of the support base (2), and insert the end of the tool setting block (7) into the corresponding sample block slot (4). Place the measuring end of the measuring device (8) against the side plane of the tool setting block (7). When the measuring device (8) displays a value, set the value of the measuring device (8) to zero. Step 5: After the value of the measuring device (8) is set to zero, remove the tool setting block (7), place the tool tip on the measuring end of the measuring device (8), move the tool tip to make the reading of the measuring device (8) return to the initial set zero value, and the tool tip setting is completed when the machine tool processing zero point is returned to zero. Step 6: After tool setting is completed, remove the tool setting fixture from the workpiece.

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