Flexible line multi-tool identification module convenient for numerical control equipment to identify and position

By designing an identification system for identification modules and CNC equipment in a flexible production line, the accuracy and cost problems in the same process of multi-work assembly are solved, automatic identification and compensation of tooling are realized, processing accuracy and production efficiency are improved, and costs are reduced.

CN223289333UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-02SHANNXI DIESEL ENGINE HEAVY IND
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422239218.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-12
Publication Date
2025-09-02
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-12

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Abstract

The utility model provides a flexible line multi-tool identification module facilitating numerical control equipment identification and positioning, and belongs to the technical field of numerical control machining. The recognition module comprises a sliding groove and a recognition block, the sliding groove is positioned on one edge of the tool, the recognition block is slidably matched in a groove body of the sliding groove, the recognition block slides along the sliding groove, the position of the recognition block is adjusted, then the recognition block is fixed, and the recognition block is used for making contact with a probe on the numerical control equipment during use. According to the utility model, corresponding identification modules are designed according to the processing precision when multiple sets of tools are matched with the same working procedure, so that the numerical control equipment achieves the purpose of automatically identifying, positioning and numbering the multiple sets of tools, the accuracy of tool identification and compensation is improved, the processing precision and the quality stability are improved, the production efficiency is improved, and the production cost is reduced. And the tool manufacturing cost is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of numerical control processing, and in particular relates to an identification module for flexible line multi-tooling, which is convenient for numerical control equipment to identify and position. Background Art

[0002] With the company's continuous development, the application of flexible production lines in product manufacturing has become a key means of improving production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and meeting diverse market demands in today's highly automated and intelligent industrial production. The precise application of tooling in product manufacturing is crucial to ensuring product quality and production efficiency. However, with the increasing workload of flexible production lines and the prevalence of multiple tooling units supporting the same process, a series of problems have emerged in the tooling manufacturing and use process. These include excessively high tooling manufacturing precision leading to increased costs, geometric dimensional differences between tooling units affecting the machining accuracy of batch parts, and the cumbersome and error-prone manual adjustment of CNC parameters and procedures.

[0003] 1. The high precision requirements of the original multi-tooling equipment lead to increased costs

[0004] To ensure machining accuracy when multiple tooling pieces are used in the same process, the previous method required each tooling piece to be manufactured with extremely high precision. This increased the difficulty and significantly increased costs of tooling manufacturing. The manufacturing process required high-precision machining equipment and strict quality control measures, which not only extended the production cycle but also increased the investment in raw materials and processing costs.

[0005] 2. The impact of geometric size differences between tooling rooms on the machining accuracy of batch parts

[0006] Despite diligent efforts to ensure tooling accuracy during the manufacturing process, geometric discrepancies between multiple tooling sets are inevitable due to limitations in existing manufacturing processes and wear and tear during actual use. These discrepancies accumulate and propagate during batch production, ultimately leading to reduced part machining accuracy, unstable product quality, increased scrap rates, and increased rework costs.

[0007] To address these issues that affect production efficiency and quality, the machining error of each tool is typically programmed into the CNC equipment system. Once the equipment recognizes the tool, it compensates for the machining error, improving machining accuracy, the level of intelligent production, and overall efficiency. To facilitate this, it is necessary to install an identification module on the tool to facilitate the CNC equipment's identification and subsequent positioning of the tool. Utility Model Content

[0008] The technical problem solved by the utility model is: to provide an identification module for flexible line multiple tooling that is convenient for numerical control equipment to identify and locate. The purpose of the utility model is to design corresponding identification modules according to the processing accuracy when multiple sets of tooling are matched with the same process, so as to facilitate the numerical control equipment to automatically identify, locate and number multiple sets of tooling, improve the accuracy of tooling identification and compensation, enhance processing accuracy and quality stability, improve production efficiency and reduce tooling manufacturing costs.

[0009] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is:

[0010] The flexible line multi-tooling is used with an identification module that facilitates identification and positioning by CNC equipment. The identification module includes a slide groove and an identification block. The slide groove is positioned on one edge of the tooling, and the identification block slides and fits in the groove of the slide groove. The identification block is fixed after sliding along the slide groove to adjust the position. When in use, the identification block is used to contact the probe on the CNC equipment.

[0011] To further limit the above solution, the identification block is a rectangular structure, an identification boss is provided on the upper part of one end of the identification block, and the a-surface of the identification boss is used to contact the probe on the numerical control device.

[0012] As a further limitation of the above solution, the lower surface of the identification block contacts the bottom surface of the chute, and the two sides of the lower part of the identification block are clearance-fitted with the two sides inside the chute.

[0013] To further limit the above scheme, the identification block is provided with a long sliding adjustment connecting hole, the bottom surface of the slide groove is provided with a fixed circular hole, and the edge of the tooling is provided with a threaded fixing hole. After the identification block slides and adjusts its position in the slide groove, it is screwed together by passing the fixing screw through the long sliding adjustment connecting hole, the fixed circular hole and the threaded fixing hole.

[0014] To further limit the above solution, the fixing screw is a hexagon socket head screw.

[0015] To further define the above scheme, the positioning connection structure of the slide on one edge of the tooling is as follows: it includes a positioning diamond pin and a positioning cylindrical pin, a diamond positioning hole I is provided at one end of the slide, and a circular positioning hole I is provided at the other end of the slide, and a diamond positioning hole II and a circular positioning hole II are provided on the corresponding edge of the corresponding tooling, the diamond positioning hole I and the diamond positioning hole II are connected by a positioning diamond pin, and the circular positioning hole I and the circular positioning hole II are connected by a positioning cylindrical pin.

[0016] As a further limitation of the above solution, the identification block is made of Q235 carbon structural steel.

[0017] The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art are:

[0018] 1. This solution designs corresponding identification modules based on the machining accuracy of multiple sets of tooling used in the same process. Combined with the identification blocks, this system can be cleverly integrated with the CNC macro program and Renishaw probe on the CNC equipment to form a new tooling identification system. This enables the CNC equipment to automatically identify, locate and number multiple sets of tooling, improving the accuracy of tooling identification and compensation, enhancing machining accuracy and quality stability, increasing production efficiency and reducing tooling manufacturing costs.

[0019] 2. This solution overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies, reduces reliance on high-precision tooling manufacturing, reduces tooling manufacturing costs, and improves tooling versatility and interchangeability, further reducing tooling procurement and management costs.

[0020] 3. This solution achieves precise measurement and difference analysis of tooling geometry by adding an identification module to each tooling and combining it with the advanced sensor technology, identification algorithm, and compensation data of CNC equipment. This allows for accurate error compensation and improves part processing accuracy and product quality stability.

[0021] 4. This solution enables CNC equipment to realize automatic tooling recognition and parameter adjustment based on the recognition module, reducing manual intervention, shortening production preparation time, improving production rhythm, and reducing quality fluctuations caused by human factors, ensuring the consistency and reliability of product quality;

[0022] 5. The present invention has a simple, flexible and adjustable structure and can be applied to various types of tool identification needs. It has wide applicability and flexibility. It can assist in achieving fast and accurate identification of both small precision tooling and large, heavy tooling. It enables the system to easily cope with adjustments to production processes, changes in tooling types, and changes in the working environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the identification module on the tooling in the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0027] See also Figure 1-2 , describe in detail the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0028] Embodiment: An identification module for flexible line multi-tooling is used to facilitate identification and positioning of numerical control equipment. The identification module 2 includes a slide groove 2-1 and an identification block 2-2. The slide groove 2-1 is positioned on an edge of the tooling 1, and the identification block 2-2 is slidably adapted in the groove of the slide groove 2-1. The identification block 2-2 is fixed after sliding along the slide groove 2-1 to adjust its position. The identification block 2-2 is used to contact the probe 3 on the numerical control equipment when in use.

[0029] In this embodiment, the recognition block can be flexibly installed anywhere on the tooling, depending on its type and characteristics. This allows for convenient detection without affecting normal use. To improve recognition accuracy, reliability, and scalability, the recognition block can also be configured with multiple feature locations. By detecting and analyzing these features, the likelihood of misidentification can be further reduced.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, the identification block 2-2 is a rectangular structure, and an identification boss 2-2-2 is provided on the upper part of one end of the identification block 2-2. The a surface of the identification boss 2-2-2 is used to contact the probe 3 on the numerical control device.

[0031] In the above structure, the structural design of the identification block is simple and easy to manufacture, and the shape, size and surface features are precisely optimized to ensure stable and unique identifiability under various working conditions.

[0032] Preferably, the identification block 2-2 is made of Q235 carbon structural steel material, which has good comprehensive performance and has good strength, toughness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and anti-interference ability.

[0033] In a specific embodiment, the lower surface of the identification block 2-2 contacts the bottom surface of the chute 2-1, and the two sides of the lower portion of the identification block 2-2 are clearance-fitted with the two sides inside the chute 2-1.

[0034] The identification block 2-2 is provided with a long strip sliding adjustment connecting hole 2-2-1, the bottom surface of the slide groove 2-1 is provided with a fixed circular hole 2-1-1, and the edge of the tooling 1 is provided with a threaded fixing hole. After the identification block 2-2 slides and adjusts its position in the slide groove 2-1, the fixing screw 2-3 passes through the long strip sliding adjustment connecting hole 2-2-1, the fixed circular hole 2-1-1 and the threaded fixing hole for screwing connection.

[0035] Preferably, the fixing screws 2-3 are hexagon socket head screws.

[0036] In the above structure, the identification block is the main component of this structure and plays a key role. It is fixed in the slide groove using a hexagon socket head screw. The identification block and the two sides of the slide groove adopt a clearance fit to ensure that it can move smoothly in the plane.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, the positioning connection structure of the slide 2-1 on an edge of the tooling 1 is: including a positioning diamond pin 2-4 and a positioning cylindrical pin 2-5, a diamond positioning hole I2-1-2 is provided on one end of the slide 2-1, and a circular positioning hole I2-1-3 is provided on the other end of the slide 2-1, and the corresponding edges of the tooling 1 are provided with diamond positioning holes II1-1 and circular positioning holes II1-2, the diamond positioning holes I2-1-2 and the diamond positioning holes II1-1 are connected by the positioning diamond pin 2-4, and the circular positioning holes I2-1-3 and the circular positioning holes II1-2 are connected by the positioning cylindrical pin 2-5.

[0038] In the above structure, the slide groove is precisely positioned by diamond pins and cylindrical pins and is fixed to the tooling by screws, which is convenient for installation and disassembly and easy to operate.

[0039] When this identification module is used in conjunction with CNC equipment:

[0040] By setting evenly spaced positions based on the length of the slide, the recognition information of different types of tooling can be expanded. The identification block is fixed with a hexagon socket head screw. Once the identification block stops at the predetermined position, the CNC system will determine the position information and use data comparison algorithms to determine the tooling characteristics, achieving accurate capture and rapid processing of tooling information, improving recognition reliability.

[0041] Macro programs in CNC equipment are used to precisely control the motion trajectory of machine tools and collect position information. These programs can adjust the probe's measurement path, speed, and measurement point distribution based on different tooling types and identification requirements.

[0042] The macro program consists of four parts: work station identification, database setting, tool number identification, and identification error prompt. It has powerful logical judgment and data processing capabilities, can analyze and process the data collected by the probe in real time, quickly determine the type and status of the tooling, and feed back the results to the CNC system in the production line to achieve intelligent control of the production process.

[0043] The probes used in the CNC equipment are advanced, high-precision Renishaw probes, which offer exceptionally high measurement accuracy and resolution, enabling precise acquisition of the position of the identification block. Furthermore, the probes possess high-speed data acquisition and transmission capabilities, enabling them to quickly measure the identification block and transmit the resulting data in real time to the control system for processing.

[0044] During operation, when a tool enters the identification area, the CNC macro program first controls the machine tool to move the Renishaw probe to the predetermined measurement position. The probe then quickly and accurately measures the tool's identification block. The measurement data is processed and analyzed by the macro program and compared with a pre-stored tool database in the system, accurately identifying the tool type and detailed information.

[0045] A macro instruction set accurately calculates tooling geometry differences and generates corresponding compensation parameters. Automatic adjustments are made based on different tooling types, machining processes, and production conditions, effectively improving part machining accuracy and product quality stability while reducing scrap and rework costs. Simultaneously, a data link is established with the multi-angle datum calculation system of the CNC horizontal machining center. Real-time communication between the two systems enables rapid exchange of tooling geometry data, compensation parameters, machining datums, and other information, continuously improving system performance and reliability.

[0046] The CNC system sets variable values ​​for probe path planning and data processing algorithms, and can configure a macro variable database based on various complex working conditions. This facilitates continuous adjustment and optimization based on test results during actual testing and verification. The tooling feature information transmitted by the tooling recognition module is compared with a pre-set tooling database to determine the current tooling type and status. The recognition results are then transmitted to the CNC system. The recognition module is tightly integrated with the CNC macro program, achieving automated and intelligent tooling recognition and improving the overall efficiency of the production line.

[0047] In summary, the present invention designs corresponding identification modules based on the machining accuracy of multiple sets of tooling when performing the same process. Combined with the identification blocks, this system is cleverly constructed with the CNC macro program and Renishaw probe on the CNC equipment to achieve the purpose of automatically identifying, locating, and numbering multiple sets of tooling on the CNC equipment, thereby improving the accuracy of tooling identification and compensation, enhancing machining accuracy and quality stability, increasing production efficiency, and reducing tooling manufacturing costs.

[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, not the foregoing description, and all variations within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be encompassed within the present invention. Any reference sign in a claim should not be construed as limiting the claim to which it relates.

[0049] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Flexible line multi-tooling identification module for easy identification and positioning of CNC equipment, characterized by: The identification module (2) comprises a slide groove (2-1) and an identification block (2-2); the slide groove (2-1) is positioned on an edge of the tooling (1); the identification block (2-2) is slidably fitted into a groove of the slide groove (2-1); the identification block (2-2) is fixed after sliding along the slide groove (2-1) to adjust its position; and the identification block (2-2) is used to contact a probe (3) on a numerical control device when in use.

2. The identification module for flexible line multi-tooling that facilitates identification and positioning by numerical control equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification block (2-2) is a rectangular structure. An identification boss (2-2-2) is provided on the upper portion of one end of the identification block (2-2). The surface a of the identification boss (2-2-2) is used to contact a probe (3) on a numerical control device.

3. The identification module for facilitating identification and positioning of numerical control equipment for flexible line multi-tooling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower surface of the identification block (2-2) contacts the bottom surface of the chute (2-1), and the two sides of the lower portion of the identification block (2-2) are clearance-matched with the two sides inside the chute (2-1).

4. The identification module for flexible line multi-tooling that facilitates identification and positioning by numerical control equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The identification block (2-2) is provided with a long strip sliding adjustment connection hole (2-2-1), the bottom surface of the slide groove (2-1) is provided with a fixed circular hole (2-1-1), and the edge of the tooling (1) is provided with a threaded fixing hole. After the identification block (2-2) is slidably adjusted in the slide groove (2-1), the fixing screw (2-3) passes through the long strip sliding adjustment connection hole (2-2-1), the fixed circular hole (2-1-1) and the threaded fixing hole for screwing connection.

5. The identification module for facilitating identification and positioning of numerical control equipment for flexible line multi-tooling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing screws (2-3) are hexagon socket head screws.

6. The identification module for flexible line multi-tooling that facilitates identification and positioning by numerical control equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning connection structure of the slide (2-1) on one edge of the tooling (1) comprises a positioning diamond pin (2-4) and a positioning cylindrical pin (2-5); a diamond positioning hole I (2-1-2) is provided on one end of the slide (2-1); a circular positioning hole I (2-1-3) is provided on the other end of the slide (2-1); a diamond positioning hole II (1-1) and a circular positioning hole II (1-2) are provided on the corresponding edge of the corresponding tooling (1); the diamond positioning hole I (2-1-2) and the diamond positioning hole II (1-1) are connected by the positioning diamond pin (2-4); the circular positioning hole I (2-1-3) and the circular positioning hole II (1-2) are connected by the positioning cylindrical pin (2-5).

7. The identification module for flexible line multi-tooling that facilitates identification and positioning by numerical control equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification block (2-2) is made of Q235 carbon structural steel.