A broken tool detection device in a numerical control machine tool tool magazine

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of machine tool processing technology, specifically a broken tool detection device for a CNC machine tool tool magazine. It includes a tool magazine body and a detection mechanism. The tool magazine body has a rotatable circular tool disc and multiple flip-up tool sleeves. The detection mechanism, located near the tool change point, includes a mounting bracket, a geared motor, a rotary bearing, and a tool detector. The geared motor drives the rotary bearing and the tool detector to rotate. This invention correlates the rotational motion of the detection mechanism with the flipping motion of the tool sleeves from the vertical tool change position to the horizontal tool storage position. This allows the tool detector to perform follow-up detection of the tool during the tool sleeve flipping process, achieving comprehensive detection of at least two different surfaces of the tool. Furthermore, it includes a control unit pre-stored with standard tool contour data, which determines whether the tool is damaged by comparing the detection data in real time. This invention has a simple structure, comprehensive detection, and a high degree of intelligence, effectively preventing workpiece scrap and machine tool damage caused by broken tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machine tool processing technology, and in particular to a broken tool detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool. Background Technology

[0002] During CNC machine tool machining, tool damage and breakage frequently occur in the tool magazine. If damaged tools are not detected and used for machining in a timely manner, not only will the current workpiece be scrapped, but it may also lead to serious damage to critical components such as the machine tool spindle due to abnormal cutting forces. Current detection methods mostly involve installing a fixed tool inspection instrument near the tool change point of the machine tool. However, because the position of the tool inspection instrument remains fixed, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the inspection are difficult to guarantee for tools of different sizes and shapes, especially when different sides need to be inspected.

[0003] To address this issue, Chinese Patent CN113290425A discloses a device for detecting broken tools within the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool. While this device allows for the lifting and lowering of the detector to accommodate tools of different sizes, its structure is relatively complex, and the operation is cumbersome. Furthermore, it requires additional actions or mechanisms to detect the other side of the tool. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a broken tool detection device with a simpler structure and more comprehensive detection capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the technical problems existing in the prior art, this invention proposes a tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool.

[0005] This invention proposes a broken tool detection device for a CNC machine tool tool magazine, comprising a tool magazine body with a rotatable circular tool disc and multiple tool sleeves for holding tools. The tool sleeves are capable of flipping between a horizontal tool storage position and a vertical tool changing position. The device also includes a detection mechanism located near the tool changing point of the tool magazine body, comprising a mounting frame, a geared motor, a rotary bearing, and a tool detector. The geared motor is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame. The rotary bearing is connected to the output shaft of the geared motor. The tool detector is fixed to the rotary bearing and changes its detection orientation as the rotary bearing rotates. The action of the detection mechanism is related to the flipping action of the tool sleeves. When the tool sleeve holding the tool to be tested flips from the vertical tool changing position to the horizontal tool storage position, the geared motor drives the rotary bearing and the tool detector to rotate accordingly, allowing the tool detector to detect at least two different surfaces of the tool during the tool sleeve flipping process.

[0006] Preferably, the mounting bracket is fixed to an independent workstation or to the protective housing of the tool magazine body.

[0007] Preferably, the tool detector is a laser displacement sensor or a contact sensor.

[0008] Preferably, the geared motor is a servo motor, and its rotation angle is precisely synchronized with the flip angle of the tool holder through the control commands of the CNC system.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the geared motor and the tool detector, for controlling the start, stop and rotation angle of the geared motor, and receiving the detection signal fed back by the tool detector.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit has preset standard detection contour data corresponding to each tool ID; during detection, the control unit compares the contour data collected in real time by the tool detector with the standard contour data of the tool. If the deviation exceeds the preset threshold, the tool is determined to be damaged and an alarm is issued.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit is also used to analyze the wear trend of the tool based on historical data from multiple tests, and predict the remaining service life of the tool.

[0012] Preferably, the control unit is also connected to the main control system of the CNC machine tool, and when a broken tool or a tool reaching its service life threshold is detected, it automatically triggers a tool change program or suspends machining.

[0013] Preferably, the first and second detection poses of the tool detector during the tool holder flipping process correspond to the front and back of the tool, respectively.

[0014] Preferably, the rotation center axis of the rotating shaft seat is parallel to the flipping axis of the tool sleeve at the tool change point.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool, which has the following beneficial effects: A broken tool detection device for CNC machine tool tool magazines is provided. By setting a rotatable detection mechanism and linking the rotational motion of the detection mechanism with the rotational motion of the tool holder, the device achieves follow-up detection of the tool. Only one detection instrument is needed to complete the detection of multiple surfaces in one stroke of the tool. The device has a simplified structure and high detection efficiency. It is suitable not only for disc-type tool magazines but also for chain-type tool magazines.

[0016] A broken tool detection device for CNC machine tool tool magazines ensures a relatively stable distance between the detector and the tool surface during the detection process by setting the rotation axis of the detector to be parallel to the rotation axis of the tool sleeve, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection data.

[0017] A tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool achieves intelligent and accurate judgment of tool breakage by introducing a control unit with pre-stored standard contour data, avoiding the errors and lags of manual observation.

[0018] A tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool can predict tool life by analyzing historical data through the control unit, realizing an upgrade from passive detection to active maintenance, and improving the intelligence level of the machine tool and the machining safety.

[0019] A broken tool detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool can automatically stop the machine or change the tool when an abnormality is detected by linking the control unit with the main control system of the machine tool, thus realizing fully automated broken tool protection and effectively protecting the workpiece and the machine tool itself. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism of the present invention during tool changing detection; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism of the present invention during the detection of the tool storage state; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent control scheme of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Tool magazine body; 11. Circular tool disc; 12. Tool holder; 13. Protective housing; 2. Tool retrieval robot; 3. Detection mechanism; 31. Mounting bracket; 32. Gear motor; 33. Rotary shaft seat; 34. Tool detector. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0024] Example 1: Reference Figures 1-3This embodiment provides a broken tool detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool. Its core is to realize the follow-up double-sided detection of the tool during the tool changing process through a set of rotatable detection mechanism 3.

[0025] The broken tool detection device in the CNC machine tool tool magazine mainly includes a tool magazine body 1, a tool retrieval robot 2, and a detection mechanism 3. The tool magazine body 1 is a common disc-type tool magazine, which includes a rotatable circular tool disc 11, multiple tool holders 12 for holding tools, and a protective housing 13 for protection. The tool holders 12 are usually of a flip-up structure, capable of rotating 90 degrees between the horizontal tool storage position (for storing tools in the tool disc) and the vertical tool exchange position (for exchanging tools with the tool retrieval robot 2).

[0026] The detection mechanism 3, as a core improved component, is located near the tool changing point of the tool magazine body 1. Specifically, the detection mechanism 3 includes a mounting bracket 31, a geared motor 32, a rotary bearing 33, and a tool detector 34. The mounting bracket 31 is the base of the entire detection mechanism. In this embodiment, it is designed for independent station installation, ensuring the stability of the detection process and facilitating installation and maintenance. Of course, the mounting bracket 31 can also be securely fixed to the protective housing 13 of the tool magazine body 1 according to the machine tool layout.

[0027] The geared motor 32 is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket 31, serving as the power source for driving the tool detector 34 to rotate. To achieve precise control of the rotation angle, a servo motor is preferred for the geared motor 32. The rotating shaft 33 is connected to the output shaft of the geared motor 32, acting as a bridge between the geared motor 32 and the tool detector 34. The tool detector 34 is fixed to the rotating shaft 33 and changes its detection orientation as the rotating shaft 33 rotates. The tool detector 34 can be a laser displacement sensor (non-contact, high detection speed) or a contact sensor (simple structure, low cost); this embodiment does not limit its use.

[0028] The mechanical operation logic of this invention is as follows: During the automatic tool change process, the circular tool holder 11 on the tool magazine body 1 rotates the tool to be called to the tool change point. Subsequently, the tool holder 12 containing the tool rotates 90 degrees downward from the horizontal state (tool storage state) to the vertical state (tool change state). Then, the tool retrieval robot 2 moves to remove the tool to be called and usually sends another tool removed from the machine tool spindle to the tool change point. At this time, the tool magazine body 1 rotates another tool holder 12, which was originally used to load the machine tool spindle tool, to the tool change point, and then the tool retrieval robot 2 stores the machine tool spindle tool in this tool holder 12.

[0029] The detection mechanism 3 begins to operate the instant the tool is stored in the tool holder 12 and begins to rotate. For example... Figure 1As shown, when the tool holder 12 is in a vertical position with the machine tool spindle tool (the tool to be tested), the tool detector 34, driven by the reduction motor 32, has its detection head facing horizontally (as shown by the horizontal arrow in the figure) toward the side (such as the front) of the machine tool spindle tool for the first test.

[0030] Subsequently, the tool holder 12 flips from a vertical to a horizontal position. During this process, the geared motor 32 synchronously drives the rotating shaft 33 and the tool detector 34 to rotate accordingly. The rotation angle of the geared motor 32 is precisely controlled by the CNC system to correlate with the flip angle of the tool holder 12, ensuring that the detection head of the tool detector 34 is always aligned with the tool. When the tool holder 12 is fully flipped to a horizontal position, as... Figure 2 As shown, the detection head of the tool inspector 34 is turned upwards (as shown by the upward arrow in the figure) to the other side (such as the back) of the machine tool spindle tool, and a second inspection is performed.

[0031] Through the above process, the inspection mechanism 3 completes a comprehensive inspection of the tool's two key surfaces (front and back) during a routine tool change and storage operation, thereby determining whether the tool has suffered chipping, breakage, or excessive wear. This follow-up inspection solution is compact, requires no additional moving axes, and has high inspection efficiency.

[0032] Example 2: This embodiment demonstrates the application of the present invention in a chain-type tool magazine. Unlike a disc-type tool magazine, the tool holder 12 of the chain-type tool magazine is not fixed to the disc, but is mounted on a chain driven by a chain drive mechanism and moves along the chain-type tool magazine guide rail.

[0033] In this embodiment, the detection mechanism 3 is also located on one side of the tool change point. When the tool holder 12 moves to the tool change point under chain drive, it performs the same flipping action as the disc-type tool magazine: flipping from a horizontal tool storage state to a vertical tool change state, so that the tool retrieval robot 2 can exchange tools. After the tool exchange is completed, the tool holder 12, which is loaded with machine tool spindle tools, flips again from a vertical state to a horizontal state. During this flipping process, the reduction motor 32 of the detection mechanism 3 drives the tool detector 34 to rotate synchronously and follow the rotation, detecting multiple surfaces of the tool. Its detection principle is exactly the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0034] Since the tool change point of the chain-type tool magazine is fixed, the detection mechanism 3 only needs to be fixedly installed at an appropriate position next to the tool change point, without needing to move with the tool magazine. This demonstrates the modular advantage of the detection mechanism 3 of this invention, which can flexibly adapt to different types of tool magazines.

[0035] Example 3: Based on Example 1 or Example 2, refer to Figure 4 This embodiment introduces an intelligent control scheme to improve the automation level of detection and the accuracy of judgment.

[0036] The broken tool detection device in the CNC machine tool tool magazine of this embodiment also includes a control unit 4, which is electrically connected to the geared motor 32 and the tool detector 34. Its core function is data processing and logical judgment. The control unit 4 can be an independently set industrial controller (such as a PLC) or a functional module integrated into the main control system of the CNC machine tool.

[0037] The intelligent control logic of control unit 4 is as follows: First, before machining, the system undergoes a "learning" or "calibration" process. For each tool in the tool magazine, the control unit 4 controls the detection mechanism 3 to perform a complete follow-up inspection, collecting the contour data of the intact tool at multiple angles, and storing it in the internal memory of the control unit 4 as "standard inspection contour data" associated with the tool's unique ID (such as tool number).

[0038] During actual machining, whenever the tool is used and returned to the storage, the detection mechanism 3 performs the same follow-up detection again. The control unit 4 compares the real-time collected current contour data with the pre-stored standard contour data of the tool. The comparison algorithm may include feature point comparison, contour curve fitting comparison, etc. If the deviation of a certain part exceeds the preset safety threshold (for example, the tool tip loss is greater than 0.5mm, or the chipping depth of the cutting edge exceeds 0.2mm), the control unit 4 immediately determines that the tool is damaged.

[0039] As a further extension, the control unit 4 has data recording and analysis capabilities. It establishes a historical database for each tool, recording the wear data for each inspection. By performing trend analysis on this historical data (e.g., using linear regression or machine learning algorithms), the control unit 4 can predict the remaining effective service life of the tool and issue an early warning when the tool is about to reach the end of its service life, prompting the operator to prepare to replace the tool, thus achieving an upgrade from "post-inspection" to "pre-inspection".

[0040] Finally, to form a complete automated closed loop, control unit 4 is connected to the main control system of the CNC machine tool via an industrial bus interface. Once a tool breakage alarm occurs, or the predicted tool life falls below the safety threshold, control unit 4 can send an interrupt signal or command to the main control system, automatically triggering the tool change program, pausing the machining process, and displaying specific alarm information on the machine tool's human-machine interface to guide the operator in handling the situation. This greatly improves the intelligence level of the CNC machine tool and the safety of unmanned machining.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A broken tool detection device in a CNC machine tool tool magazine, comprising a tool magazine body (1), wherein the tool magazine body (1) has a rotatable circular tool disc (11) and a plurality of tool sleeves (12) for holding tools, wherein the tool sleeves (12) are capable of flipping between a horizontal tool storage position and a vertical tool changing position, characterized in that, It also includes a detection mechanism (3), which is located near the tool changing point of the tool magazine body (1). The detection mechanism (3) includes a mounting frame (31), a reduction motor (32), a rotating shaft seat (33), and a tool detector (34). The reduction motor (32) is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame (31). The rotating shaft seat (33) is connected to the output shaft of the reduction motor (32). The tool detector (34) is fixed on the rotating shaft seat (33) and changes its detection orientation as the rotating shaft seat (33) rotates. The action of the detection mechanism (3) is related to the flipping action of the tool sleeve (12). When the tool sleeve (12) holding the tool to be tested flips from the vertical tool changing position to the horizontal tool storage position, the reduction motor (32) drives the rotating shaft seat (33) and the tool detector (34) to rotate accordingly, so that the tool detector (34) detects at least two different surfaces of the tool during the flipping process of the tool sleeve (12).

2. The CNC machine tool tool magazine broken tool detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (31) is fixed to an independent workstation or to the protective housing (13) of the tool magazine body (1).

3. The tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool detector (34) is a laser displacement sensor or a contact sensor.

4. The tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The geared motor (32) is a servo motor, and its rotation angle is precisely synchronized with the flip angle of the tool holder (12) through the control commands of the CNC system.

5. The tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit (4), which is electrically connected to the geared motor (32) and the tool detector (34) for controlling the start, stop and rotation angle of the geared motor (32) and receiving the detection signal fed back by the tool detector (34).

6. The tool breakage detection device in the tool magazine of a CNC machine tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit (4) has preset standard detection contour data corresponding to each tool ID. During detection, the control unit (4) compares the contour data collected in real time by the tool detector (34) with the standard contour data of the tool. If the deviation exceeds the preset threshold, the tool is determined to be damaged and an alarm is issued.

7. A tool breakage detection device in a CNC machine tool tool magazine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit (4) is also used to analyze the wear trend of the tool based on historical data from multiple tests and to predict the remaining service life of the tool.

8. A tool breakage detection device in a CNC machine tool tool magazine according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The control unit (4) is also connected to the main control system of the CNC machine tool. When a broken tool or a tool reaches its service life threshold, it automatically triggers a tool change program or suspends processing.

9. A tool breakage detection device in a CNC machine tool tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second detection poses of the tool detector (34) during the flipping process of the tool holder (12) correspond to the front and back of the tool, respectively.

10. A tool breakage detection device in a CNC machine tool tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation center axis of the rotating shaft seat (33) is parallel to the flipping axis of the tool sleeve (12) at the tool change point.

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