A fool-proof tool vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a foolproof tool vehicle and belongs to the technical field of mechanical processing auxiliary equipment. The foolproof tool vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a plurality of tool positions arranged on the vehicle body, a plurality of locking mechanisms corresponding to the plurality of tool positions one by one, and a controller electrically connected with the plurality of locking mechanisms. The locking mechanism is a power-off locking type mechanism. The controller is internally preset with a tool loading sequence program and is configured to determine a target tool position allowed to be operated according to the tool loading sequence program, control a locking mechanism corresponding to the target tool position to be powered on and unlocked to allow the tool to be taken out, and control locking mechanisms corresponding to other tool positions to remain in a power-off locking state to prevent the tool from being taken out. The foolproof tool vehicle combines the power-off locking type locking mechanism with sequence control, forcibly makes an operator take the tool according to a preset sequence from a physical aspect, effectively prevents processing accidents caused by incorrect tool taking sequence, and improves equipment safety through the power-off locking design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of auxiliary equipment for machining, and more specifically, to a foolproof tool carriage for CNC machine tool machining. Background Technology

[0002] In CNC machine tool machining, multiple cutting tools are typically used sequentially according to the machining program. The order in which the tools are loaded and unloaded directly affects machining accuracy and safety. If the operator picks up the wrong tool or in the wrong order, it may lead to workpiece scrap or even machine tool collision, causing serious economic losses and safety risks.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies have developed tool carts with alarm functions. These carts detect the placement and retrieval of tools using sensors at the tool positions, triggering an audible and visual alarm to alert the operator when the operation sequence is incorrect. However, this approach only provides a reactive reminder and cannot fundamentally prevent errors from occurring. Operators may ignore the alarm signal and continue operating, or errors may still occur due to delayed alarms. Furthermore, existing tool carts lack effective error-proofing mechanisms when placing tools, allowing operators to place tools in the wrong position, leading to confusion during subsequent retrievals.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a foolproof tool cart that can physically force operators to pick up tools in the correct order and effectively prevent tools from being placed incorrectly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art and provides a foolproof tool cart that can force operators to pick up tools in a preset order and can identify and verify the placed tools, effectively preventing machining accidents caused by incorrect tool loading and unloading order or incorrect tool placement.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a foolproof tool carriage for controlling the storage and retrieval sequence of tools, comprising: a carriage body; multiple tool positions disposed on the carriage body; multiple locking mechanisms, each corresponding to one of the multiple tool positions, wherein each locking mechanism is a power-off locking mechanism; a controller electrically connected to the multiple locking mechanisms, wherein the controller has a preset tool loading and unloading sequence program; the controller is configured to: determine the target tool position allowed for operation in the current step according to the tool loading and unloading sequence program; control the locking mechanism corresponding to the target tool position to be energized and unlocked, allowing the tool to be removed from the target tool position; and control the locking mechanisms corresponding to other tool positions other than the target tool position to remain in a power-off locked state, preventing the tool from being removed from other tool positions.

[0007] Furthermore, the foolproof tool carriage also includes multiple detection units electrically connected to the controller. The multiple detection units are configured one-to-one with the multiple tool positions to detect whether a tool is present at the corresponding tool position.

[0008] Furthermore, the foolproof tool carriage also includes multiple identification units electrically connected to the controller. Each of the multiple identification units is configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple tool positions and is used to read the identification code carried on the tool.

[0009] Furthermore, the controller is also configured to: when the detection unit detects that a tool has been placed in any of the tool positions, control the corresponding identification unit to read the identification code on the tool; compare the read identification code information with the preset tool identification code assigned to the tool position in the tool loading and unloading sequence program; if the comparison result is inconsistent, it is determined that a tool placement error has occurred, and an alarm control signal is output.

[0010] Furthermore, each of the tool positions is provided with an integrated detection and recognition module, which integrates the detection unit and the recognition unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the integrated detection and identification module includes: a photoelectric switch for emitting a detection beam and receiving reflected light to determine whether the tool is placed in place; and a barcode scanner, disposed adjacent to the photoelectric switch, for reading the QR code or barcode on the tool; the barcode scanner is triggered when the photoelectric switch detects that the tool is placed in place.

[0012] Furthermore, the identification unit is any one of a QR code scanner, a barcode scanner, or an RFID reader.

[0013] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes an electromagnet, a resilient reset member, and a locking tongue; when the electromagnet is energized, it drives the locking tongue to retract to unlock; when the electromagnet is de-energized, the resilient reset member drives the locking tongue to extend to lock.

[0014] Furthermore, the foolproof tool cart also includes an emergency unlocking device electrically connected to the controller; the controller is further configured to: when receiving an emergency unlocking signal triggered by the emergency unlocking device, control all the locking mechanisms to be energized and unlocked.

[0015] Furthermore, the foolproof tool carriage also includes an alarm device connected to the controller, which is further configured to control the alarm device to issue an alarm signal when it detects that a user is attempting to remove a tool from a locked tool position.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. Forced Sequential Tool Retrieval: By setting up a power-off locking mechanism, power is only applied to unlock the target tool position allowed in the current step, while the remaining tool positions remain locked. Operators can only retrieve tools from the unlocked positions, physically forcing operation according to the preset sequence and fundamentally eliminating the problem of retrieving the wrong tool or in the wrong order.

[0018] 2. Power failure safety protection: The locking mechanism adopts a power failure locking design. When the equipment is powered off, all tool positions are automatically locked to prevent the tools from accidentally falling off and causing safety hazards, thus providing a high level of safety.

[0019] 3. Tool placement error prevention function: By setting up an identification unit, the identification code is read and compared with preset information when the tool is placed, which can effectively prevent the tool from being placed in the wrong position and ensure the correct correspondence between the tool and the tool position.

[0020] 4. Integrated and compact structure: The detection unit and the recognition unit are integrated into an integrated detection and recognition module, which saves space and simplifies wiring. The barcode scanner is triggered by a photoelectric switch, which has low power consumption and fast response.

[0021] 5. Emergency handling mechanism: An emergency unlocking device is set up so that all locking mechanisms can be unlocked with one click in abnormal situations, which facilitates equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

[0022] 6. Dual alarm protection: An alarm device will issue a reminder when the tool is picked up incorrectly, which, together with the physical foolproof locking mechanism, forms a dual protection to further improve operational safety. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the foolproof tool cart according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of the error-proof tool cart according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the error-proof tool cart according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the AA cross-sectional structure;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the BB cross-sectional structure;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a side view of the error-proof tool cart according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Car body; 2. Cutting tool; 3. Tool position; 4. Locking mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the appendix. Figures 1-6 The present invention will be further described in detail with reference to specific embodiments.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides a foolproof tool carriage for controlling the access sequence of tools 2. The foolproof tool carriage includes a carriage body 1, multiple tool positions 3 disposed on the carriage body 1, multiple locking mechanisms 4, and a controller.

[0033] The vehicle body 1 is a mobile structure with wheels at the bottom. The two front wheels are swivel casters for easy turning, while the rear wheels are fixed casters. The wheels are also equipped with brakes for easy movement within the workshop. Tool holders 3 are arranged in an array or stepped pattern on the vehicle body 1, with each tool holder 3 storing one tool 2. The tool 2 can be a tool holder, tool head, or a complete tool assembly; the specific type is determined according to the machining requirements.

[0034] like Figure 2 , Figures 4-6 As shown, the locking mechanisms 4 are arranged one-to-one with the tool positions 3. Each locking mechanism 4 is a power-off locking mechanism, meaning it remains locked in the power-off state to prevent the tool 2 from being removed, and unlocks in the power-on state to allow the tool 2 to be removed. Specifically, the locking mechanism 4 includes an electromagnet, a resilient reset element, and a locking tongue. When the electromagnet is energized, it generates magnetic force, driving the locking tongue to retract and unlock; when the electromagnet is de-energized, the resilient reset element (such as a compression spring) drives the locking tongue to extend, engaging with the slot on the tool holder of the tool 2 or pressing against the bottom of the tool holder to lock. The locking mechanism 4 is preferably located below the tool position 3, locking the tool holder of the tool 2 from the bottom, resulting in a compact structure and easy operation.

[0035] The controller is electrically connected to all locking mechanisms 4. The controller has a pre-set tool loading / unloading sequence program, which can be preset according to the CNC machine tool's machining program, specifying the order of tool retrieval and the type of tool to be stored in each tool position 3. The controller can be a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a multi-threaded programmable industrial controller, equipped with multiple input / output interfaces, capable of independently controlling the power-on / off state of each locking mechanism 4.

[0036] The controller is configured to execute the following control logic: determine the target tool position allowed for operation in the current step according to the tool loading / unloading sequence program; control the locking mechanism 4 corresponding to the target tool position to be energized and unlocked, allowing tool 2 to be removed from the target tool position; control the locking mechanisms 4 corresponding to other tool positions (excluding the target tool position) to remain in a de-energized and locked state, preventing tool 2 from being removed from other tool positions. Through the above control, the operator can only remove the tool from the tool position allowed in the current step. If an attempt is made to remove the tool from other tool positions, the tool cannot be removed because the locking mechanism is in a locked state, thus forcing the operator to operate in the correct sequence.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] This embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1. The foolproof tool carriage also includes multiple detection units and multiple identification units electrically connected to the controller. The detection units and identification units are configured one-to-one with the tool position 3, and are used to detect whether there is a tool 2 at the tool position 3, and to read the identification code carried on the tool 2.

[0039] Preferably, each tool position 3 is equipped with an integrated detection and identification module, which integrates a detection unit and an identification unit. The integrated detection and identification module includes a photoelectric switch and a barcode scanner. The photoelectric switch emits a detection beam and receives reflected light to determine whether the tool 2 is in place. The barcode scanner is located adjacent to the photoelectric switch and is used to read the QR code or barcode set on the tool 2. When the tool 2 is placed in the tool position 3, the tool 2 body blocks or reflects the beam of the photoelectric switch, and the photoelectric switch outputs a trigger signal; after receiving the trigger signal, the barcode scanner starts scanning and reads the identification code on the tool 2. This integrated design allows the tool position 3 to achieve both placement detection and identification with only one mounting hole, simplifying the structure and wiring. The photoelectric switch preferably uses a photoelectric relay, which has the characteristics of fast response speed and strong anti-interference ability.

[0040] The controller is also configured to execute the following tool placement error prevention logic: when the detection unit detects that a tool 2 has been placed in any of the tool positions 3, it controls the corresponding identification unit to read the identification code on the tool 2; the read identification code information is compared with the preset tool identification code assigned to the tool position 3 in the tool loading and unloading sequence program; if the comparison result is inconsistent, it is determined that a tool placement error has occurred, and an alarm control signal is output.

[0041] For example, when an operator places a tool into tool slot 3, a photoelectric switch detects the tool's placement and triggers a barcode scanner to read the QR code on the tool. The controller compares the read QR code information with the code of the tool that should be stored in tool slot 3. If they match, placement is allowed, and the controller records that the tool is in place; if they do not match, the controller triggers an alarm device to issue an audible and visual alarm, reminding the operator that the tool has been placed in the wrong position. Optionally, when the controller detects a tool placement error, it can also control the locking mechanism 4 to remain locked, preventing the incorrect tool from being placed.

[0042] The identification unit is not limited to a barcode scanner; it can also be an RFID reader, barcode scanner, or contact identification chip reader. Accordingly, an RFID tag, barcode, or identification chip is installed on the cutting tool 2. The identification code can be a QR code, barcode, or electronic code, carrying data such as the cutting tool's identity information, model, and dimensions.

[0043] Example 3

[0044] This embodiment is a further improvement upon the above embodiment. The foolproof tool cart also includes an emergency unlocking device and an alarm device electrically connected to the controller.

[0045] The emergency unlocking device can be a physical button, touch button, or rotary switch, located in a prominent position on the vehicle body 1. The controller is also configured to: upon receiving an emergency unlocking signal triggered by the emergency unlocking device, control all locking mechanisms 4 to be energized and unlocked, allowing the tool to be removed from any tool position. This function is used to handle abnormal situations, such as equipment maintenance, tool jamming, or emergency shutdown. To further enhance safety, the controller can also be configured to: after triggering emergency unlocking, if no operation is detected for a preset time (e.g., 30 seconds), automatically restore the power-off locking state to prevent safety hazards caused by forgetting to relock.

[0046] The alarm system includes audible alarms (such as buzzers) and visual alarms (such as LED indicators). The controller is also configured to trigger an alarm signal when it detects a user attempting to remove a tool from a locked tool position. This feature, combined with the physical foolproof design of the locking mechanism, provides dual protection, promptly alerting operators to any misoperations and further enhancing safety.

[0047] The working principle of the foolproof tool cart of this invention is as follows:

[0048] During the tool retrieval phase, the operator initiates the tool retrieval process via a human-machine interface (not shown in the figure) according to the CNC machine tool's machining program. The controller, based on a preset tool loading and unloading sequence program, determines the target tool position where the tool to be retrieved is located and controls the corresponding locking mechanism 4 to be energized and unlocked, while simultaneously ensuring that the locking mechanisms 4 of other tool positions remain de-energized and locked. The operator can only retrieve the tool from the unlocked target tool position and cannot retrieve the tool from other locked tool positions, thus forcing the correct tool retrieval sequence.

[0049] During the tool placement phase, when the operator places the tool into any tool position, the photoelectric switch at that position detects the tool placement and triggers the barcode scanner to read the identification code on the tool. The controller compares the read identification code with the preset tool identification code for that tool position. If they match, the tool placement is successful; if they do not match, an alarm is triggered to alert the operator that the tool has been placed in the wrong position, thus ensuring the correct correspondence between the tool and the tool position.

[0050] In an emergency, the operator can press the emergency unlocking device, and the controller will power on all locking mechanisms 4 to unlock them, making it easy to quickly remove or adjust the tool.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foolproof tool cart for controlling the access sequence of tools (2), characterized in that, include: Vehicle body (1); Multiple tool positions (3) are provided on the vehicle body (1); Multiple locking mechanisms (4) are provided one-to-one with the multiple tool positions (3), and each locking mechanism (4) is a power-off locking mechanism; The controller is electrically connected to the plurality of locking mechanisms (4), and the controller has a preset tool loading and unloading sequence program. The controller is configured as follows: The target tool position allowed for operation in the current step is determined according to the tool loading and unloading sequence procedure; The locking mechanism (4) corresponding to the target tool position is energized and unlocked, allowing the tool (2) to be removed from the target tool position; Control the locking mechanism (4) corresponding to other tool positions other than the target tool position to keep it in a power-off locking state, preventing the tool (2) from being taken out from other tool positions (3).

2. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple detection units electrically connected to the controller. The multiple detection units are configured one-to-one with the multiple tool positions (3) and are used to detect whether there is a tool in the corresponding tool position (3).

3. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes multiple identification units electrically connected to the controller, each of which is configured to correspond one-to-one with the multiple tool positions (3) and is used to read the identification code carried on the tool (2).

4. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: When the detection unit detects that a tool (2) is placed in any of the tool positions (3), it controls the corresponding identification unit to read the identification code on the tool (2); The read identification code information is compared with the preset tool identification code assigned to the tool position (3) in the tool loading and unloading sequence program; If the comparison results are inconsistent, a tool release error is determined to have occurred, and an alarm control signal is output.

5. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the tool positions (3) is provided with an integrated detection and identification module, which integrates the detection unit and the identification unit.

6. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 5, characterized in that, The integrated detection and identification module includes: A photoelectric switch is used to emit a detection beam and receive reflected light to determine whether the tool is in place. A barcode scanner, located adjacent to the photoelectric switch, is used to read the QR code or barcode on the cutting tool; The barcode scanner is triggered when the photoelectric switch detects that the tool (2) has been placed in place.

7. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 3, characterized in that, The identification unit is any one of a QR code scanner, a barcode scanner, or an RFID reader.

8. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes an electromagnet, a resilient reset member, and a locking tongue; when the electromagnet is energized, it drives the locking tongue to retract to unlock; when the electromagnet is de-energized, the resilient reset member drives the locking tongue to extend to lock.

9. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an emergency unlocking device electrically connected to the controller; The controller is also configured to: when it receives an emergency unlocking signal triggered by the emergency unlocking device, control all the locking mechanisms to be energized and unlocked.

10. The foolproof tool cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm device connected to the controller, which is further configured to control the alarm device to issue an alarm signal when it detects that a user is attempting to remove a tool from a locked tool position.

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