A device for measuring the clamping force of a tool magazine clamp in a machining center

Abstract

This application discloses a clamping force measuring device for a machining center tool magazine clamp, relating to the field of mechanical force measurement. It includes a clamp, an outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder coaxially nested within the outer cylinder. Both the outer and inner cylinders have annular pressure-bearing structures on their outer walls to adapt to the clamping configuration. The clamp is mounted on the outer walls of the inner and outer cylinders to hold the annular pressure-bearing structures. An upper force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the outer cylinder near the inner cylinder, and a lower force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the inner cylinder near the outer cylinder. A signal transmission unit is disposed inside the outer cylinder to transmit signals to ensure stable contact or separation between the upper and lower force-transmitting bosses. This application provides accurate measurement of the clamping force of a machining center tool magazine clamp, ensuring a stable and reliable measurement process, and stable signal transmission and power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mechanical force measurement technology, and in particular to a device for measuring the clamping force of a tool magazine clamp in a machining center. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of machining, measuring the clamping force of tool magazine clamps in machining centers is a crucial step in ensuring machining accuracy and product quality. With the continuous improvement of automation and intelligence in industrial production, the demand for real-time and stable detection of clamping force is also increasing. Accurate measurement of clamping force ensures stable tool holding during machining, avoiding machining errors and tool damage caused by insufficient or unstable clamping force, thereby improving production efficiency and product quality, and driving the entire machining industry towards greater efficiency and precision.

[0003] To solve the problem of clamping force measurement in the industry, the S-type weighing force sensor with exposed wires is commonly used. The sensor contains exposed wires, and the clamping force is measured by directly applying force to the sensor, and the signal is transmitted through the exposed wires. At the same time, the S-shaped metal structure is its typical force transmission structure, which is used to transfer the external clamping force to the sensor. In practical applications, this solution can achieve a certain degree of clamping force measurement in static scenarios.

[0004] However, the existing technology has the following drawbacks: On the one hand, the exposed wires of the sensor are prone to tangling, twisting or even breaking when the fixture is in dynamic operation (rotation, reciprocation), which seriously affects the reliability and continuity of force measurement, cannot adapt to dynamic production needs, and cannot meet the requirements of real-time and stable detection of clamping force; on the other hand, the height of the S-shaped metal structure exceeds the maximum opening height of the fixture, and the size mismatch makes installation difficult. It cannot be reasonably arranged in the limited space of the fixture, and may also interfere with the normal clamping action of the fixture, and cannot adapt to the spatial constraints of this scenario. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the issue that exposed sensor wires are prone to tangling, twisting, and breakage, affecting the reliability and continuity of force measurement and making them unsuitable for spatial constraints, this application provides a clamping force measuring device for a machining center tool magazine clamp.

[0006] The technical solution of the machining center tool magazine clamping force measuring device provided in this application is as follows:

[0007] A clamping force measuring device for a machining center tool magazine clamp includes a clamp, an outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder coaxially nested inside the outer cylinder. Both the outer and inner cylinders have annular pressure-bearing structures on their outer walls to adapt to the clamping configuration. The clamp is mounted on the outer walls of the inner and outer cylinders and is used to clamp the annular pressure-bearing structures. An upper force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the outer cylinder near the inner cylinder, and a lower force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the inner cylinder near the outer cylinder. A signal transmission unit is provided inside the outer cylinder to transmit signals to ensure that the upper and lower force-transmitting bosses stably engage or disengage.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solutions, the annular pressure-bearing structure adapts to the clamping form of the fixture, which is conducive to the stable clamping of the fixture; the signal transmission unit enables the upper force transmission boss and the lower force transmission boss to stably fit together or move away from each other, realizing the stable conversion and processing of external clamping force, and adapting to the spatial constraints and motion characteristics of the dynamic clamping scenario of the fixture.

[0009] Optionally, the annular pressure-bearing structure includes an outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring and an inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring. The outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring is installed on the outer wall of the outer cylinder, and the inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring is installed on the outer wall of the inner cylinder, with a gap formed between the outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring and the inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, a gap is formed between the outer cylinder pressure ring and the inner cylinder pressure ring, which facilitates the installation of the clamp and the application of clamping force. The annular pressure-bearing structure is adapted to the clamping shape of the clamp, which is conducive to the stable transmission of external clamping force.

[0011] Optionally, the clamp includes an upper clamp, a lower clamp, and a compression spring. The upper clamp is rotatably arranged on the lower clamp. The upper clamp is in contact with the outer wall of the outer cylinder, and the lower clamp is in contact with the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The end of the compression spring is installed between the upper clamp and the lower clamp.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the clamp stably holds the annular pressure-bearing structure of the outer and inner cylinders, ensuring the stability of the device structure; in conjunction with the signal transmission unit, the upper and lower force transmission bosses are stably attached to each other or moved away, thereby realizing the clamping force measurement; the wire interference problem in the traditional solution is avoided, and it can be adapted to dynamic production needs; and through the cooperation of elastic elements and guide structure, the directional and lossless transmission of force is realized in a compact space, adapting to the volume constraints and motion characteristics of the clamp.

[0013] Optionally, the signal transmission unit includes a thin-film pressure sensor mounted on the surface of the force transmission boss, a partition plate disposed inside the outer cylinder along the outer cylinder axis, an RS485 transmitter mounted on the partition plate, and a wireless transparent transmitter mounted on the side of the partition plate away from the RS485 transmitter. The thin-film pressure sensor and the RS485 transmitter are connected by an electrical signal.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the mechanical signal is converted into an electrical signal using a thin-film pressure sensor. The signal is then transmitted to an RS485 transmitter via a lead wire for analysis and amplification. The processed digital signal is then wirelessly transmitted by a wireless transparent transmitter using the RS485 protocol. This eliminates the traditional signal transmission mode that relies on wired connections, solves the problems of wires being easily tangled, twisted, or even broken, and achieves stable and continuous transmission of force signals in dynamic scenarios.

[0015] Optionally, the bottom of the outer cylinder is integrally formed with a hollow guide pressure-bearing column, and the inner cylinder is provided with a guide column hole coaxial with the hollow guide pressure-bearing column. A guide positioning rod is integrally formed in the guide column hole, and a spring is provided between the guide positioning rod and the bottom wall of the inner cylinder. The guide positioning rod and the outer cylinder are locked together by bolts.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, combined with the coaxial nesting structure of the outer and inner cylinders, the annular pressure-bearing structure, and the signal transmission unit, when the clamping force is applied, the spring can withstand the axial load and generate compression deformation, causing the outer and inner cylinders to move relative to each other along the axial direction. The guide positioning rod can slide precisely along the hollow guide pressure-bearing column and gradually pass through, stably converting the external clamping force into axial pressure on the thin film pressure sensor. This achieves directional and lossless transmission of force in a compact space, perfectly adapting to the spatial constraints and motion characteristics of the dynamic clamping scenario. Furthermore, the structural stability can be ensured by locking with bolts.

[0017] Optionally, a battery module compartment is formed inside the outer cylinder. The power supply in the battery module compartment is used to power the wireless transparent transmitter and the RS485 transmitter. A top cover is installed on the outer cylinder, and a power control button for controlling the power supply in the battery module compartment is installed on the top cover.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the power supply inside the battery module compartment is used to power the wireless transparent transmitter and RS485 transmitter, avoiding the use of traditional exposed wires, solving the problems of wire tangling, twisting or even breaking, improving the reliability and continuity of force measurement, and meeting the needs of dynamic production; the power supply inside the battery module compartment is controlled by the power control button on the top cover, which is convenient to operate.

[0019] Optionally, the upper clamping part has a Y-shaped structure, and the lower clamping part has a Z-shaped structure.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the Y-shaped upper clamp and the Z-shaped lower clamp can better contact the outer wall of the outer cylinder and the outer wall of the inner cylinder. With the help of the compression spring, the clamp can more stably hold the annular pressure-bearing structure, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the device when measuring the clamping force of the tool magazine clamp in the machining center.

[0021] Optionally, the guide post holes are opened in an even multiple, such as 2, 4, or 6.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution and opening guide column holes in even multiples, it can be ensured that the force is uniform when the guide positioning rod and the guide bearing column are in contact, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the movement of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder when relative displacement occurs in the axial direction, better realizing the orientation and lossless transmission of force, and adapting to the space constraints of the clamp with a small volume.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. Through the cooperation of guide positioning rods, compression springs, outer cylinders and inner cylinders, force is oriented and transmitted without loss in a compact space, perfectly adapting to the spatial constraints and motion characteristics of dynamic clamping scenarios;

[0025] 2. The wireless architecture of “thin-film pressure sensor + RS485 transmitter + wireless transparent transmission component” is adopted, which solves the problems of wire entanglement and signal interruption caused by the movement of the clamp in the traditional wired solution, and realizes stable and continuous transmission of force signal in dynamic scenarios.

[0026] 3. It can accurately measure the clamping force of the clamps, ensuring stable clamping of the tool during the machining process, avoiding machining errors and tool damage caused by insufficient or unstable clamping force, and improving production efficiency and product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure shown in this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure shown in this application.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a side view of the application.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure viewed from above, as shown in this application.

[0032] Reference numerals: 1. Clamp; 2. Outer cylinder; 3. Inner cylinder; 4. Annular pressure-bearing structure; 5. Upper force transmission boss; 6. Lower force transmission boss; 7. Signal transmission unit; 41. Outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring; 42. Inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring; 11. Upper clamp; 12. Lower clamp; 13. Compression spring; 72. Divider plate; 73. RS485 transmitter; 74. Wireless transparent transmitter; 80. Guide positioning rod; 81. Hollow guide pressure-bearing column; 82. Guide column hole; 9. Spring; 101. Battery module compartment; 102. Top cover; 103. Power control button. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0034] This application discloses a device for measuring the clamping force of a tool magazine clamp in a machining center.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The system includes a clamp, an outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder coaxially nested within the outer cylinder. The clamp is mounted on the outer walls of both the inner and outer cylinders to hold the annular pressure-bearing structures on their outer and inner walls. An upper force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the outer cylinder near the inner cylinder, and a lower force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the inner cylinder near the outer cylinder. A signal transmission unit is located inside the outer cylinder to transmit signals, ensuring the upper and lower force-transmitting bosses stably engage or disengage. This structure allows for the stable conversion of external clamping force into an action on the signal transmission unit during dynamic clamping, enabling the measurement of clamping force while avoiding the problems of wire entanglement and poor spatial adaptability found in traditional solutions. Because the annular pressure-bearing structure adapts to the clamping mechanism, the force-transmitting bosses transmit force, and the signal transmission unit processes and transmits signals, the overall structure is compact and adaptable to the spatial and motion characteristics of the clamping system.

[0036] Specifically, the annular pressure-bearing structure includes an outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring and an inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring. The outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring is installed on the outer wall of the outer cylinder, and the inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring is installed on the outer wall of the inner cylinder, forming a gap between them. Both the outer and inner cylinder pressure-bearing rings are typically made of metal, possessing sufficient strength and wear resistance to withstand the clamping force of the fixture. They can be fixed to the outer and inner cylinder walls respectively through welding, threaded connections, etc. The gap between the outer and inner cylinder pressure-bearing rings allows the fixture to apply clamping force more effectively, and the gap size can be adjusted according to the shape and size of the fixture in different application scenarios. For example, the gap can be appropriately increased for larger fixtures, and decreased for smaller fixtures. Besides metal, the outer and inner cylinder pressure-bearing rings can also be made of high-strength plastic, which is lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and has a certain degree of corrosion resistance.

[0037] Specifically, the clamp includes an upper clamp, a lower clamp, and a compression spring. The upper clamp is rotatably mounted on the lower clamp, contacting the outer wall of the outer cylinder, while the lower clamp contacts the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The end of the compression spring is installed between the upper and lower clamps. The upper clamp has a Y-shaped structure, and the lower clamp has a Z-shaped structure. Both the upper and lower clamps are typically manufactured using metal casting or forging processes to ensure their strength and rigidity. The Y-shaped structure of the upper clamp allows for better contact with the outer wall of the outer cylinder, distributing the clamping force and preventing excessive local pressure; the Z-shaped structure of the lower clamp allows for good fit with the outer wall of the inner cylinder and provides suitable installation space for the compression spring. The compression spring is generally made of high-quality spring steel, possessing good elasticity and fatigue life. During operation, the elastic deformation of the compression spring allows the upper and lower clamps to maintain a stable clamping force on the annular pressure-bearing structure. When the clamp is subjected to external forces, the compression spring will extend or retract according to the force applied, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the clamping force. In addition to metal, the upper and lower clamping parts can also be made of carbon fiber composite material. This material is high in strength and lightweight, which can improve the response speed and service life of the clamp.

[0038] Specifically, the signal transmission unit includes a thin-film pressure sensor mounted on the surface of the upper force transmission boss, a partition plate arranged along the axis of the outer cylinder inside the outer cylinder, an RS485 transmitter mounted on the partition plate, and a wireless transparent transmitter mounted on the side of the partition plate away from the RS485 transmitter. The thin-film pressure sensor and the RS485 transmitter are connected via electrical signals. The thin-film pressure sensor is typically made of semiconductor materials and features high sensitivity and fast response. It converts the pressure between the upper and lower force transmission bosses into an electrical signal. The partition plate is generally made of insulating materials, such as plastic or ceramic, to divide the internal space of the outer cylinder into different areas and avoid mutual interference between electronic components. The RS485 transmitter is used to analyze and amplify the electrical signal output by the thin-film pressure sensor to meet the input requirements of the wireless transparent transmitter. The wireless transparent transmitter then wirelessly transmits the processed digital signal using the RS485 protocol. In addition to semiconductor materials, thin-film pressure sensors can also use piezoelectric materials, which can directly convert pressure into an electrical charge signal, offering higher accuracy and stability.

[0039] Specifically, the outer cylinder has an integrally formed hollow guide bearing column at the bottom, and the inner cylinder has a guide column hole coaxial with the hollow guide bearing column. An integrally formed guide positioning rod is located within the guide column hole, and a spring is installed between the guide positioning rod and the bottom wall of the inner cylinder. The guide positioning rod and the outer cylinder are locked together with bolts. The hollow guide bearing column and guide positioning rod are typically made of metal, providing excellent guiding and positioning functions. When the clamping force is applied, the inner and outer cylinders will undergo relative displacement, and the guide positioning rod will slide along the hollow guide bearing column, ensuring the stability of force transmission. The spring acts as a buffer and reset mechanism; when the clamping force disappears, the spring will return the inner and outer cylinders to their initial positions. The guide column holes are opened in even numbers, such as 2, 4, or 6, a design that makes the guidance more stable and uniform. During installation, the guide positioning rod and the outer cylinder are locked together with bolts to ensure their relative positions are fixed. Besides metal, the hollow guide bearing column and guide positioning rod can also be made of high-strength engineering plastics, which have self-lubricating properties and can reduce friction during the guiding process.

[0040] Specifically, the outer cylinder contains a battery module compartment. The power supply within this compartment powers the wireless transparent transmitter and the RS485 transmitter. A top cover is mounted on the outer cylinder, and a power control button on the top cover controls the power supply to the battery module compartment. The battery module compartment is typically sealed to protect the battery from external environmental influences. Lithium-ion batteries can be used, offering advantages such as high energy density and long lifespan. The power control button allows operators to easily control the power supply to the measuring device, enabling the power to be switched off when not in use to save energy. Besides lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries can also be used, offering better charge / discharge performance and environmental friendliness.

[0041] The implementation principle of the machining center tool magazine clamping force measuring device in this embodiment is as follows: This device, through a unique structural design, solves the problems of wire interference and poor spatial adaptability in traditional solutions. The annular pressure-bearing structure adapts to the clamping of the fixture, enabling the fixture to stably apply clamping force. The force transmission boss transmits the external clamping force to the thin-film pressure sensor, which converts the mechanical signal into an electrical signal. After processing by an RS485 transmitter, the signal is wirelessly transmitted by a wireless transparent transmitter, achieving stable transmission of force signals in dynamic scenarios. The cooperation between the guide positioning rod and the hollow guide pressure-bearing column ensures the stability of force transmission, while the spring acts as a buffer and reset mechanism. The battery module compartment powers the signal transmission unit, and the power control button facilitates power on / off control. The overall structure is compact, adaptable to the spatial constraints and motion characteristics of the fixture system, improving the reliability and continuity of clamping force measurement, and meeting the requirements for real-time and stable detection of clamping force in dynamic production scenarios.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0043] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the clamping force of a tool magazine clamp in a machining center, characterized in that: The device includes a clamp, an outer cylinder, and an inner cylinder coaxially nested inside the outer cylinder. Both the outer and inner cylinders have annular pressure-bearing structures on their outer walls to accommodate the clamp's gripping configuration. The clamp is mounted on the outer walls of the inner and outer cylinders and is used to hold the annular pressure-bearing structures. An upper force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the outer cylinder near the inner cylinder, and a lower force-transmitting boss is formed on the end face of the inner cylinder near the outer cylinder. A signal transmission unit is provided inside the outer cylinder to transmit signals that allow the upper and lower force-transmitting bosses to stably engage or disengage.

2. A tool magazine clamping force measuring device for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular pressure-bearing structure includes an outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring and an inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring. The outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring is installed on the outer wall of the outer cylinder, and the inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring is installed on the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder pressure-bearing ring and the inner cylinder pressure-bearing ring form a gap.

3. The tool magazine clamping force measuring device of a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamp includes an upper clamp, a lower clamp, and a compression spring. The upper clamp is rotatably arranged on the lower clamp. The upper clamp is in contact with the outer wall of the outer cylinder, and the lower clamp is in contact with the outer wall of the inner cylinder. The end of the compression spring is installed between the upper clamp and the lower clamp.

4. The tool magazine clamping force measuring device of a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal transmission unit includes a thin-film pressure sensor mounted on the surface of the force transmission boss, a partition plate arranged inside the outer cylinder along the outer cylinder axis, an RS485 transmitter mounted on the partition plate, and a wireless transparent transmitter mounted on the side of the partition plate away from the RS485 transmitter. The thin-film pressure sensor and the RS485 transmitter are connected by an electrical signal.

5. The clamping force measuring device for a machining center tool magazine clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the outer cylinder is integrally formed with a hollow guide pressure-bearing column, and the inner cylinder has a guide column hole coaxial with the hollow guide pressure-bearing column. A guide positioning rod is integrally formed in the guide column hole, and a spring is provided between the guide positioning rod and the bottom wall of the inner cylinder. The guide positioning rod and the outer cylinder are locked together by bolts.

6. A tool magazine clamping force measuring device for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer cylinder has a battery module compartment inside, and the power in the battery module compartment is used to power the wireless transparent transmitter and the RS485 transmitter. A top cover is installed on the outer cylinder, and a power control button for controlling the power supply in the battery module compartment is installed on the top cover.

7. The tool magazine clamping force measuring device of a machining center according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper clamp has a Y-shaped structure, and the lower clamp has a Z-shaped structure.

8. A tool storage clamping force measuring device for a tool storage of a machining center according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide post holes are opened in even multiples, namely 2, 4, or 6.

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