Quick-change tool holder for a numerical control lathe

Abstract

The application discloses a quick-change tool shank of a numerical control lathe, which comprises a tool shank body, a tool bit embedding groove is arranged at the front end of the tool shank body, a tool bit is arranged in the tool bit embedding groove, a rear pull pin is arranged at the rear section of the tool shank body and is used for providing axial locking force, an independent identification chip is arranged on the side surface of the tool shank body and is used for storing information of the tool shank body and the tool bit, a precise positioning taper groove is further arranged on the side surface of the tool shank body and is used for realizing quick positioning by cooperating with a matching interface of a machine tool tool holder, the outer surface of the rear section of the tool shank body is a BT30 taper surface and is used for realizing taper connection by cooperating with an inner taper surface of the machine tool tool holder; the application has the characteristics of quick tool changing speed, reliable locking, good rigidity, compact structure and low cost, is particularly suitable for realizing quick tool changing of the tool bit on a tool turret of the numerical control lathe and solves the problems of low tool changing efficiency, poor precision and non-automation in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and in particular to a quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe. Background Technology

[0002] In the machining industry, the replacement of CNC lathe tools currently mainly relies on manual replacement of inserts and tool holders, as well as manual tool setting. This results in long replacement or tool setting times and requires a high level of skill from the operators. It is also incompatible with the needs of central tool magazine storage and automated machining robot tool changing. While there are some automatic tool changers in the prior art, they generally suffer from problems such as complex structure, high cost, slow tool change speed, and unreliable locking, making it difficult to meet the needs of modern CNC machining for high efficiency, precision, and automation. Therefore, this invention proposes a quick-change tool holder for CNC lathes to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a quick-change tool holder for CNC lathes. This quick-change tool holder for CNC lathes features fast tool changing speed, reliable locking, good rigidity, compact structure, and low cost. It is particularly suitable for realizing rapid tool changing on the tool turret of CNC lathes, solving the problems of low tool changing efficiency, poor accuracy, and lack of automation in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the following technical solution is provided: a quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe, comprising a tool holder body, a cutting insert inlay groove at the front end of the tool holder body for installing a cutting insert in the cutting insert inlay groove, a pull stud at the rear end of the tool holder body for providing axial locking force, an independent identification chip on the side of the tool holder body for storing information about the tool holder body and the cutting insert, a precision positioning tapered groove on the side of the tool holder body for quick positioning with the machine tool holder, and a BT30 tapered surface on the outer surface of the rear end of the tool holder body for taper connection with the inner tapered surface of the machine tool holder.

[0005] A further improvement is that the independent identification chip is one of an RFID chip, an NFC chip, or a QR code tag, which is encapsulated on one side of the tool holder body and has a corresponding scanning area. The information stored in the independent identification chip includes the tool holder's unique ID, the cutting tool model, the cutting tool installation date, the tool tip coordinate data measured by the tool setting instrument, the type of material that can be machined, and the maximum cutting force parameters.

[0006] A further improvement is that the pull pin is a mechanical pull pin or a hydraulic pull pin, which is fixedly connected to the rear end of the tool holder body by threads, and the tensioning end of the pull pin has a groove structure that matches the tensioning structure of the tool holder. The pull pin can withstand a tensioning force of 500-2000N.

[0007] Further improvements include: the contact area between the BT30 taper surface of the rear section of the tool holder body and the inner taper surface of the lathe tool holder is ≥80%; the taper angle of the precision positioning taper groove is 7:24; the groove depth is 3-5mm; the bottom of the groove is an annular positioning plane structure; and the fit clearance with the tool holder positioning cone structure is ≤0.01mm.

[0008] A further improvement is that the cutting blade is fastened to the cutting blade insert groove by screws and pressure plates, and the tip of the cutting blade protrudes 2-5mm from the front end of the tool holder body.

[0009] An automatic tool changer replacement method for a CNC lathe includes the following steps: Step 1: Remove the old cutting tool in the manual tool loading area, install the new cutting tool into the cutting tool insert and tighten it; Step 2: Read the stored information using an independent identification chip scanning device and upload the information to the machine tool control system or the central tool magazine management system; Step 3: The automatic tool setter measures the tip of the cutting tool and updates the measurement data to the independent identification chip; Step 4: The robotic arm transports the quick-change tool holder to the designated storage location in the central tool magazine; Step 5: When the CNC lathe needs to change tools, the central tool magazine automatically calls the target quick-change tool holder according to the machining program, and the robot arm transports it to the machine tool turret. Step 6: The robot arm aligns the BT30 taper surface of the rear section of the quick-change tool holder with the inner taper surface of the lathe tool holder. The pull pin is inserted into the tensioning hole of the lathe tool holder, and the pull pin is pulled by the tensioning structure to complete the axial locking. At the same time, the precision positioning taper groove cooperates with the lathe tool holder taper to complete the circumferential positioning.

[0010] A further improvement is that in step two, the independent identification chip and the scanning device exchange data via wireless radio frequency signals or near-field communication, and the scanning device is a fixed card reader or a card reader integrated into the end of a robotic arm.

[0011] Further improvements include: the central tool magazine is a chain-type tool magazine, a disc-type tool magazine, or a matrix-type tool magazine, and its storage positions are equipped with positioning guide grooves that match the shape of the quick-change tool holder for precise picking and placing by the robot arm; the main body length of the quick-change tool holder is ≤150mm and the maximum diameter is ≤50mm to adapt to compact tool turret space.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention achieves full-process information interaction by integrating an identification chip, which can reduce operator setup time, lower labor costs, and significantly improve machine tool uptime. It features fast tool changing speed, reliable locking, and good rigidity, and has a compact structure and low cost. It is also compatible with central tool magazine and robotic automatic tool changing system, realizing rapid tool replacement, automatic tool setting, intelligent storage and retrieval, and ultimately achieving the goals of improved processing quality, optimized equipment utilization, and fully automated processing. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention.

[0014] The components include: 1. Tool holder body; 2. Cutting tool inlay groove; 3. Cutting tool; 4. Back pull pin; 5. Independent identification chip; 6. Precision positioning tapered groove. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. These embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] according to Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe, including a tool holder body 1. The tool holder body is made of high-strength alloy steel (such as 40Cr, 20CrMnTi) or aluminum alloy, and its outer surface is quenched or carburized to a hardness of HRC45-55 to improve rigidity.

[0017] The front end of the tool holder body 1 is provided with a cutting tool inlay groove 2, which is a T-shaped groove (groove width 12mm, groove depth 8mm). Two elastic clamping plates (65Mn spring steel) are provided on the groove wall to fix the tool holder (model: MGEHR2020-2) of the cutting tool. The cutting tool 3 is installed in the cutting tool inlay groove 2. The cutting tool is a carbide coated cutting tool (model: CCMT09T304). The cutting tool 3 is fastened in the cutting tool inlay groove 2 by screws and clamping plates, and the cutting tip of the cutting tool 3 protrudes 3mm from the front end of the tool holder body 1. A 0.5mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene gasket is also provided in the cutting blade and the cutting blade insert groove to prevent electromagnetic interference with RFID signals.

[0018] The rear section of the tool holder body 1 is provided with a pull pin 4 to provide axial locking force. The pull pin 4 is one of mechanical pull pin 4 and hydraulic pull pin 4. It is fixedly connected to the rear end of the tool holder body 1 by threads, and the tensioning end of the pull pin 4 has a groove structure that matches the tensioning structure of the tool holder. The pull pin 4 can withstand a tensioning force of 1500N.

[0019] The tool holder body 1 has an independent identification chip 5 on its side, which is used to store information about the tool holder body 1 and the cutting tool 3. The independent identification chip 5 is an RFID chip, which is encapsulated on one side of the tool holder body 1 and has a corresponding scanning area. The information stored in the independent identification chip 5 includes the tool holder ID (SN202405001), the cutting tool model (CCMT09T304), the installation date, the tool setting data (X=120.35mm, Z=50.20mm), the allowable machining material (45 steel), and the maximum cutting force (800N).

[0020] The tool holder body 1 is also provided with a precision positioning tapered groove 6 on its side, which is used to achieve rapid positioning with the machine tool tool holder. The outer surface of the rear section of the tool holder body 1 is a BT30 tapered surface, which is used to cooperate with the inner tapered surface of the machine tool tool holder to achieve tapered connection. The contact area between the BT30 tapered surface of the rear section of the tool holder body 1 and the inner tapered surface of the lathe tool holder is ≥80%. The taper angle of the precision positioning tapered groove 6 is 7:24, the groove depth is 4mm, the bottom of the groove is an annular positioning plane structure with a diameter of Φ20mm, and the fit clearance with the tool holder positioning tapered structure is ≤0.01mm.

[0021] An automatic tool changer replacement method for a CNC lathe includes the following steps: Step 1: Remove the old cutting blade 3 in the manual tool loading area, and install the new cutting blade 3 into the cutting blade insert slot 2 and tighten it.

[0022] Step 2: Read the stored information using the independent identification chip 5 scanning device and upload the information to the machine tool control system or the central tool magazine management system; The independent identification chip 5 interacts with the scanning device via wireless radio frequency signals or near-field communication. The scanning device is a fixed card reader or a card reader integrated into the end of a robotic arm. The central tool magazine can be a chain-type tool magazine, a disc-type tool magazine, or a matrix-type tool magazine. Its storage positions are equipped with positioning guide slots that match the shape of the quick-change tool holder, which are used for precise picking and placing by the robot arm. The quick-change tool holder body 1 is 120mm long and has a maximum diameter of 45mm to fit into compact turret spaces.

[0023] Step 3: The automatic tool setter measures the tip of the cutting tool 3 and updates the measurement data to the independent identification chip 5.

[0024] Step 4: The robotic arm transports the quick-change tool holder to the designated storage location in the central tool magazine.

[0025] Step 5: When the CNC lathe needs to change tools, the central tool magazine automatically calls the target quick-change tool holder according to the machining program, and the robot arm transports it to the machine tool turret.

[0026] Step 6: The robot arm aligns the BT30 taper surface of the rear section of the quick-change tool holder body 1 with the inner taper surface of the lathe tool holder. The pull pin 4 is inserted into the tensioning hole of the lathe tool holder. The pull pin 4 is pulled by the tensioning structure to complete the axial locking. At the same time, the precision positioning taper groove 6 cooperates with the lathe tool holder taper to complete the circumferential positioning.

[0027] Taking a CNC milling and turning machine tool in an automotive parts processing plant as an example, this paper specifically explains the automated quick-change tool holder process. The tool turret is a compact 12-station power turret, and its supporting equipment includes: Manual tool loading area: Independent workbench, equipped with torque wrench (accuracy ±1N·m) and tool mounting fixture; Automatic tool setter (model: TS-500): Installed on the outside of the machine tool protective cover, with a measurement accuracy of ±0.001mm; Central tool magazine: Chain-type tool magazine (storage capacity 60 stations, station size 150mm×50mm×50mm), with guide groove; Robotic arm (model: ABB IRB 120): End effector integrates RFID reader (reading distance 0-50mm) and pneumatic gripper (gripping force 50N). Machine tool control system: FANUC 0i-MF, supports tool holder ID recognition and automatic recall.

[0028] The quick-change tool holder has the aforementioned structure, and its implementation process includes the following: S1. Manual blade replacement in the blade loading area: The operator uses a torque wrench (set to 8 N·m) to loosen the elastic clamping plate, removes the worn cutting tool, cleans the metal filings from the cutting tool insert groove, and then inserts the shank of the new cutting tool into the cutting tool insert groove, ensuring the tool tip faces forward. The elastic clamping plate automatically clamps (clamping force ≥ 20 N), and is tightened again with a torque wrench. Finally, the cutting tool is manually shaken. If there is no looseness, the gap between the cutting tool and the insert groove is measured with a feeler gauge (≤ 0.02 mm) to confirm that the installation is in place. S2. Identification chip scanning and information upload: The operator places the quick-change tool holder with the inserted blade on a fixed bracket in the manual tool setting area. The bracket has a built-in RFID reader (the same model as the end effector reader of the robotic arm). The reader reads the information stored in the independent identification chip (tool holder ID, blade model, old tool setting data, etc.) through a wireless radio frequency signal (13.56MHz). The operator enters "New blade installation complete" on the terminal, and the system automatically clears the old tool setting data and uploads the "awaiting tool setting" status to the machine tool control system and the central tool magazine management system (WMS). S3. Automatic tool setter measures tool tip data: The pneumatic gripper at the end of the robotic arm (gripping force 50N) grasps the quick-change tool holder (gripping part is the non-functional area in the middle of the tool holder) and transports it to the measurement station of the automatic tool setter (TS-500). The tool setter probe (ruby ball head, diameter Φ3mm) contacts the tip 3 of the cutting insert, takes the average value, and measures the coordinates of the tool tip in the machine tool coordinate system (X=120.38mm, Z=50.22mm, accuracy ±0.001mm). The measurement data is written to an independent identification chip through the machine tool control system and the WMS database is updated at the same time (marked "Tool setting completed, ready to be stored"). S4. Transport to the central tool magazine for storage: The robotic arm gripper releases the quick-change tool holder and places it into an empty storage slot in the chain tool magazine (the guide groove matches the shape of the tool holder, and the positioning error is ≤0.5mm). The chain tool magazine stores the tools according to "tool holder ID + insert model" (e.g., "SN202405001-CCMT09T304" is stored in the 12th station), and the WMS records the storage location. S5. Central tool magazine retrieves the target tool holder: When the machine tool executes a new program (machining the outer diameter of a certain shaft part), it needs to call the "CCMT09T304 insert". The system sends a retrieval command to the WMS. The WMS finds that the target tool holder is stored in the 12th station and controls the chain tool magazine to rotate, sending the 12th station to the robot arm's pick-and-place position. S6. Automatic tool changer with robotic arm: The robotic gripper picks up the quick-change tool holder at station 12 and transports it to the target station (station 5) of the machine tool turret. The BT30 tapered surface of the rear section of the tool holder body fits into the inner tapered surface (BT30) of the tool holder, with a contact area of ​​85%. Through self-centering of the tapered surface, the precision positioning tapered groove of the tool holder body matches the positioning tapered platform of the tool holder (taper 7:24, groove depth 4mm) with a clearance of 0.008mm, achieving circumferential positioning. The robotic arm pushes the rear end of the tool holder, causing the "L-shaped" slot of the pull pin to insert into the pin of the tool holder tensioning mechanism. The tensioning mechanism (spring + hydraulic cylinder) pulls the pull pin, providing an axial locking force of 1500N, ensuring that the quick-change tool holder and tool holder are connected with the required rigidity. The robotic arm retracts, the turret rotates to the machining position, and the machine tool control system reads the tool setting data (X=120.38mm, Z=50.22mm) from the independent identification chip, and automatic machining begins.

[0029] Through the above real-time process, from the robotic arm picking up the old tool holder to the completion of installing the new tool holder, the tool changing time is greatly shortened. After 10 consecutive tool changes, the average deviation of the tool tip coordinate is ≤0.002mm, which is negligible. The repeatability and positioning accuracy are high. At the same time, the original manual tool changing took 5 minutes per time, while the automatic tool changing takes 2.5 seconds per time, greatly improving the utilization rate.

[0030] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe, characterized in that: The tool holder body (1) is provided with a cutting tool inlay groove (2) at the front end of the tool holder body (1), and a cutting tool (3) is installed in the cutting tool inlay groove (2). A pull stud (4) is provided at the rear end of the tool holder body (1) to provide axial locking force. An independent identification chip (5) is provided on the side of the tool holder body (1) to store information of the tool holder body (1) and the cutting tool (3). A precision positioning tapered groove (6) is also provided on the side of the tool holder body (1) to achieve rapid positioning with the machine tool holder interface. The outer surface of the rear end of the tool holder body (1) is a BT30 tapered surface to cooperate with the inner tapered surface of the machine tool holder to achieve tapered connection.

2. The quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The independent identification chip (5) is one of RFID chip, NFC chip or QR code tag. It is encapsulated on one side of the tool holder body (1) and a scanning area is left at the corresponding position. The information stored in the independent identification chip (5) includes the tool holder unique ID, cutting tool model, cutting tool installation date, tool tip coordinate data measured by the tool setting instrument, allowed material type and maximum cutting force parameter.

3. The quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pull pin (4) is a mechanical pull pin (4) or a hydraulic pull pin (4), which is fixedly connected to the rear end of the tool holder body (1) by threads, and the tensioning end of the pull pin (4) has a slot structure that matches the tensioning structure of the tool holder. The pull pin (4) can withstand a tensioning force of 500-2000N.

4. A quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact area between the BT30 taper surface of the rear section of the tool holder body (1) and the inner taper surface of the lathe tool holder is ≥80%. The taper angle of the precision positioning taper groove (6) is 7:24, the groove depth is 3-5mm, the bottom of the groove is an annular positioning plane structure, and the fit clearance with the tool holder positioning cone structure is ≤0.01mm.

5. A quick-change tool holder for a CNC lathe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cutting blade (3) is fastened in the cutting blade inlay groove (2) by screws and pressure plates, and the tip of the cutting blade (3) protrudes 2-5mm from the front end of the handle body (1).

6. The automatic replacement method for quick-change tool holders on a CNC lathe according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Remove the old cutting blade (3) in the manual tool loading area, and install the new cutting blade (3) into the cutting blade insert slot (2) and tighten it; Step 2: Read the stored information through the independent identification chip (5) scanning device and upload the information to the machine tool control system or the central tool magazine management system; Step 3: The automatic tool setter measures the tip of the cutting tool (3) and updates the measurement data to the independent identification chip (5). Step 4: The robotic arm transports the quick-change tool holder to the designated storage location in the central tool magazine; Step 5: When the CNC lathe needs to change tools, the central tool magazine automatically calls the target quick-change tool holder according to the machining program, and the robot arm transports it to the machine tool turret. Step 6: The robot arm will fit the BT30 taper surface of the rear section of the quick-change tool holder body (1) with the inner taper surface of the lathe tool holder. The pull pin (4) will be inserted into the tensioning hole of the lathe tool holder. The pull pin (4) will be pulled by the tensioning structure to complete the axial locking. At the same time, the precision positioning tapered groove (6) will cooperate with the lathe tool holder tapered table to complete the circumferential positioning.

7. The automatic replacement method for quick-change tool holders on a CNC lathe according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step two, the independent identification chip (5) interacts with the scanning device via wireless radio frequency signals or near-field communication. The scanning device is a fixed card reader or a card reader integrated into the end of a robotic arm.

8. The automatic replacement method for quick-change tool holders on a CNC lathe according to claim 6, characterized in that: The central tool magazine is a chain-type tool magazine, a disc-type tool magazine, or a matrix-type tool magazine. Its storage position is equipped with a positioning guide groove that matches the shape of the quick-change tool holder, which is used for precise picking and placing by the robot arm. The tool holder body (1) of the quick-change tool holder has a length ≤150mm and a maximum diameter ≤50mm to adapt to the compact tool turret space.

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