Production method and production line for replacing tool using system for transporting workpieces

Abstract

FIELD: machine engineering.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to machining on a production line. A method for replacing tools during production using a workpiece transfer system and a production line for implementing tool replacement using a workpiece transfer system are presented. The production method includes the steps of: installing a load on a pallet (1) for transferring workpieces; entering the physical characteristic of the load and information about the pallet (1) for transferring workpieces into the production line administration and control system; transferring the pallet (1) for transferring workpieces to a target numerically controlled machine tool by means of a system for transferring workpieces; transferring the load to the numerically controlled machine tool by means of a replacement mechanism; and the numerically controlled machine tool accepting the load and performing the tool pickup or machining operation on the workpiece. The introduction of a physical load characteristic (S2) in combination with differentiated control commands (S3-S5) allows the control system to switch the machine's role between "part processing" and "tool change" depending on the type of object on the pallet. This eliminates the need for a duplicate transport system and specialized manipulators, saving production space and reducing costs through the use of standard pallet logistics for tooling delivery.EFFECT: reduction in production costs and space savings due to the elimination of a separate transport system for tools.19 cl, 8 dwg

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of machining on a production line, and more particularly, to a production method and a production line for implementing tool replacement by means of a workpiece transfer system.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] To ensure continuous machining in existing CNC machine production lines, a workpiece transfer system is typically installed. This system transfers workpieces to be machined onto the CNC machine and retrieves finished workpieces from the CNC machine. However, due to the limited capacity of the built-in tool magazine in the CNC machine, storing all the necessary tools becomes difficult. Therefore, a system for transferring tools from the central tool magazine to the CNC machine is also required to meet machining demands.

[0005] However, deploying the workpiece transfer system and tool transfer system at the same time will greatly increase production costs and cause them to take up more space.

[0006] Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a production method and a production line for implementing tool replacement by means of a workpiece transfer system.

[0008] A manufacturing method for implementing tool change by means of a workpiece transfer system, comprising the steps of:

[0009] S1: Provide an empty workpiece transfer pallet in the operation preparation area of ​​the workpiece transfer system and set the load on the workpiece transfer pallet;

[0010] S2: Input the physical characteristic of the load and the pallet information for transferring workpieces into the production line administration and management system, and the physical characteristic of the load corresponds to the tool holder or the workpiece;

[0011] S3: The production line management and control system issues a control command, namely, a workpiece transfer pallet transfer command, to the workpiece transfer system to transfer the workpiece transfer pallet along with the load to the pallet exchange position of the target numerical control machine; and also issues a control command to the numerical control machine to prepare the numerical control machine to receive the workpiece transfer pallet;

[0012] S4: After the production line management and control system confirms that the load has been transferred to the specified pallet replacement position of the target numerical control machine, the production line management and control system issues a control command to the replacement mechanism to transfer the load to the numerical control machine and issues a control command to the numerical control machine;

[0013] S5: The numerical control machine tool receives the load according to the control command and performs the tool picking or workpiece machining operation based on the control command; and

[0014] S6: After the operation is completed, the numerical control machine returns information to the production line administration and control system, which issues a control command to the workpiece transfer system to return the load to the workpiece transfer system through the replacement mechanism.

[0015] In addition, in step S4, when the production line management and administration system confirms that the load has been transferred to the designated pallet exchange position of the target numerical control machine tool, the production line management and administration system issues a control command to the numerical control machine tool so that the numerical control machine tool reads the information of the workpiece transfer pallet at the pallet exchange position to perform a comparison with the information of the workpiece transfer pallet transmitted by the production line management and administration system, and after the correctness of the comparison is confirmed, the numerical control machine tool returns the comparison information to the production line management and administration system and opens the protective door of the numerical control machine tool to prepare for receiving the pallet, and

[0016] When the production line management and control system receives the signal returned by the numerical control machine tool, which indicates the correctness of the comparison, the production line management and control system issues a control command to the replacement mechanism to transfer the load to the numerical control machine tool and issues a control command to the numerical control machine tool to receive the load.

[0017] In addition, in step S5, after the spindle of the numerical control machine tool picks up a tool, the spindle transfers one or more tools to the tool holder in the tool magazine based on the command issued by the production line administration and management system.

[0018] In addition, in step S5, after the spindle of the numerical control machine tool picks up a tool, the spindle transfers one or more tools on the tool holder to the tool magazine based on the command issued by the production line administration and management system, and then releases one or more tools that were originally stored in the tool magazine and transfers one or more tools that were originally stored in the tool magazine to the tool holder.

[0019] In addition, in step S5, after the spindle of the numerical control machine tool captures the tool, the spindle prepares for machining the workpiece based on the command issued by the production line administration and management system.

[0020] In addition, in step S3, the control command issued by the production line administration and control system to the numerical control machine tool contains the physical characteristic of the load, the information of the pallet for transferring the workpieces and the corresponding operation,

[0021] when the load is a tool holder, the corresponding operation includes transferring one or more tools on the tool holder to a tool magazine by means of a spindle or replacing one or more tools on the tool holder with one or more tools in a tool magazine or picking up a tool by means of a spindle, and

[0022] When the load is a workpiece, the corresponding operation includes fixing the workpiece and then machining the workpiece.

[0023] In addition, after the spindle of the numerical control machine tool has captured the tool, the spindle performs tool measurement through the tool setter, and when the tool setter is provided outside the numerical control machine tool, the tool information is transmitted to the numerical control machine tool.

[0024] In addition, the workpiece transfer system includes a workpiece transfer pallet, wherein the workpiece transfer pallet is equipped with a zero point positioning structure, the worktable of the numerical control machine is equipped with a zero point positioning system, and the zero point positioning structure interacts with the zero point positioning system to connect the workpiece transfer pallet with the worktable of the numerical control machine.

[0025] In addition, when the numerical control machine tool does not need a tool, the production line administration and control system issues a control command to the workpiece transfer system to transfer the workpiece to the numerical control machine tool.

[0026] In addition, the numerical control machine tool is a vertical numerical control machining center, and the tool axis in the tool holder is in the vertical direction.

[0027] In addition, the numerical control machine tool is a horizontal numerical control machining center, and the tool axis in the tool holder is in the horizontal direction.

[0028] In addition, the numerical control machine tool is a five-axis numerical control machining center, the load is a tool holder, the tool holder is transferred to the numerical control machine tool and installed on the work table of the numerical control machine tool, and

[0029] The spindle position of the numerical control machine and the worktable position of the numerical control machine are adjusted to align the axial direction of the spindle with the axial direction of the tool in the tool holder.

[0030] A production line for implementing tool change by means of a workpiece transfer system comprises: a workpiece transfer system; a production line administration and control system; and a numerically controlled machine tool, wherein

[0031] a workpiece transfer system comprises a workpiece transfer pallet that is configured to support a load and, based on a control command, transfer the load to a pallet replacement position of a target numerically controlled machine tool, the load being a tool holder or a workpiece, wherein the tool holder is configured to transfer one or more tools,

[0032] The production line administration and control system is configured to receive the physical characteristic of the load and the information of the pallet for carrying the workpieces, and, based on the physical characteristic, issue a control command configured to appropriately control the system for carrying the workpieces and the numerically controlled machine tool to perform the corresponding operations in accordance with the received control commands, and

[0033] The numerically controlled machine tool is configured to perform a tool picking operation or a workpiece machining operation based on a control command when the load has reached a pallet replacement position of the target numerically controlled machine tool.

[0034] In addition, the workpiece transfer pallet is a workpiece support, and the worktable of the numerical control machine is equipped with a main workpiece plate that is capable of interacting with the workpiece support.

[0035] In addition, the workpiece transfer system includes a replacement mechanism, wherein the replacement mechanism is one of a pallet trolley, a manipulator, a gantry robot, or an industrial robot.

[0036] Furthermore, the tool holder includes a body and a tool holder provided on the body, wherein the tool holder has an opening, and the tool enters or exits the tool holder through the opening.

[0037] Furthermore, the numerically controlled machine tool has a spindle, wherein the spindle includes a spindle shaft, and the spindle is movable along the axis of the spindle shaft to grip a tool and release the tool in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spindle shaft to release the tool from the tool holder.

[0038] Furthermore, the numerically controlled machine tool comprises a spindle, a turret head and a workpiece spindle, wherein the workpiece spindle is configured to be connected to a pallet for carrying workpieces, and the spindle or turret head is configured to move in the direction of the workpiece spindle in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the workpiece spindle for gripping a tool, and move along the axis of the workpiece spindle for releasing the tool and releasing the tool from the tool holder.

[0039] In addition, the tool holder has a pin hole, the workpiece liner is equipped with a positioning pin, and the positioning pin passes through the pin hole, the end of the positioning pin has a locking hole, and a locking pin is provided in the locking hole for locking the tool holder on the workpiece liner.

[0040] According to the present invention, a production method and production line for tool change using a workpiece transfer system utilizes a workpiece transfer pallet to support a tool holder and / or workpiece, transfer the tool and / or workpiece, and utilize the spindle of a numerically controlled machine to grip the tool for tool change, replenishment of the tool magazine, or direct machining. As a result, a single transfer system can be used for both workpieces and tools, thereby enabling the transfer of workpieces and tools without the need to set up two separate transfer lines, significantly reducing production costs, reducing the required space, and improving production efficiency.

[0041] Brief description of drawings

[0042] To more clearly illustrate examples of the present invention or technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings are briefly presented below, which should be used in describing the examples or prior art. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description represent some examples of the present invention, and one skilled in the art can also derive other drawings from these accompanying drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a production method for implementing tool replacement by means of a workpiece transfer system according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a schematic structural view of a pallet for carrying workpieces and a tool holder according to Example 6 of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a top view of a workpiece transfer pallet installed together with a tool holder according to Example 6 of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a schematic structural view of a pallet for carrying workpieces and a tool holder according to Example 7 of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a top view of a workpiece transfer pallet installed together with a tool holder according to Example 7 of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the movement of a production line for performing a tool change by means of a workpiece transfer system according to Example 6 of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing the movement of a production line for performing a tool change by means of a workpiece transfer system according to Example 7 of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing the movement of a production line for performing a tool change by means of a workpiece transfer system according to Example 8 of the present invention.

[0051] The drawings: 1. Workpiece carrying pallet; 2. Tool holder; 3. Pin hole; 4. Locating pin; 5. Lock pin; 6. Draw rod; 7. Tool.

[0052] Description of implementation options

[0053] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the examples of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the examples of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described examples represent some, but not all, examples of the present invention. Based on the examples of the present invention, all other examples obtained by a person skilled in the art without creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] As shown in Fig. 1, this example discloses a manufacturing method for implementing a tool change by means of a workpiece transfer system, including the steps of:

[0056] S1: Provide an empty workpiece transfer pallet in the operation preparation area of ​​the workpiece transfer system and set the load on the workpiece transfer pallet;

[0057] S2: Input the physical characteristic of the load and the pallet information for transferring workpieces into the production line administration and management system, and the physical characteristic of the load corresponds to the tool holder or the workpiece;

[0058] S3: The production line management and control system issues a control command, namely, a workpiece transfer pallet transfer command, to the workpiece transfer system to transfer the workpiece transfer pallet along with the load to the pallet exchange position of the target numerical control machine; and also issues a control command to the numerical control machine to prepare the numerical control machine to receive the workpiece transfer pallet;

[0059] S4: After the production line management and control system confirms that the load has been transferred to the specified position of the target numerical control machine tool, the production line management and control system issues a control command to the replacement mechanism to transfer the load to the numerical control machine tool and issues a control command to the numerical control machine tool;

[0060] S5: The numerical control machine tool receives the load according to the control command and performs the tool picking or workpiece machining operation based on the control command; and

[0061] S6: After the operation is completed, the numerical control machine returns information to the production line administration and control system, which issues a control command to the workpiece transfer system to return the load to the workpiece transfer system through the replacement mechanism.

[0062] The workpiece transfer system comprises a workpiece transfer pallet, a movable block, and a replacement mechanism. The movable block is configured to actuate the replacement mechanism to perform linear motion, and the replacement mechanism is configured to replace the target object with a numerically controlled machine.

[0063] The workpiece transfer system further comprises a pre-operation preparation area. The pre-operation preparation area is configured to load a target object, such as a workpiece, onto a workpiece transfer pallet and to load the workpiece transfer pallet onto a replacement mechanism. The transfer pallet replacement position refers to the position in which the workpiece transfer pallet is positioned between the replacement mechanism and the numerically controlled machine prior to replacing the target object.

[0064] In this example, the CNC machine tool is a CNC machining center equipped with its own tool magazine and automatic tool change capability. During the machining process, if the tool required for the machining operation is not available in the tool magazine, a tool must be requested from the central tool magazine. In the pre-operation area, an empty workpiece transfer pallet is designated as a spare replacement pallet. The tool required by the CNC machine is installed in the tool holder, and the tool holder is loaded onto the empty workpiece transfer pallet. The workpiece transfer pallet, loaded with the tool holder, is then placed on the change mechanism.

[0065] The technical solution disclosed in this example is also applicable to general-purpose CNC machine tools. The tool is retrieved from a central tool magazine, transferred via a workpiece transfer system, and transferred to the CNC machine via a tool changer, thereby enabling the CNC machine to change tools.

[0066] When the numerical control machine tool is in the normal machining state and there is no need to transfer any tool, the workpiece to be machined can be loaded into the controlled workpiece transfer pallet in the operation preparation area.

[0067] The tool holder is used as a load, and the physical characteristics of the load and the information about the workpiece transfer pallet are input into the production line management and control system, so that the physical characteristics of the load are linked to the information about the workpiece transfer pallet. The production line management and control system issues a control command to the workpiece transfer system, causing the movable block to start working and moving the replacement mechanism to the position of the numerical control machine tool, specifically the replacement position of the transfer pallet of the target numerical control machine tool. At the same time, the production line management and control system issues a control command to the numerical control machine tool, informing the numerical control machine tool of the physical characteristics of the load and the information about the workpiece transfer pallet, etc.After receiving the information, the CNC machine prepares to receive the pallet for transferring the workpieces.

[0068] When the workpiece transfer pallet is transferred to the designated pallet exchange position of the target CNC machine, and when the production line management and control system confirms that the load has been transferred to the designated pallet exchange position of the target CNC machine, the production line management and control system issues a control command to the CNC machine. After receiving the command, the CNC machine reads the pallet information at the pallet exchange position and compares it with the pallet information transmitted by the production line management and control system.After confirming the correctness of the comparison, the CNC machine returns the comparison information to the production line administration and control system and opens the CNC machine's protective door to prepare for receiving the pallet.

[0069] When the production line management and control system receives the signal returned by the numerical control machine tool, which indicates that the comparison is correct, the production line management and control system issues a control command to the replacement mechanism to transfer the load to the numerical control machine tool and issues a control command to the numerical control machine tool to receive the load.

[0070] The replacement mechanism transfers the workpiece transfer pallet to the numerical control machine, and the numerical control machine directly picks up the tool from the tool holder based on the control command from the production line administration and management system.

[0071] After completing the tool pickup operation, the CNC machine returns information to the production line management and control system. The production line management and control system issues a command to the workpiece transfer system, and the replacement mechanism removes the workpiece transfer pallet from the CNC machine and returns it to the workpiece transfer system.

[0072] After the CNC machine spindle captures a tool, the spindle prepares for machining the workpiece based on a command issued by the production line management and control system. This means that the CNC machine spindle captures a tool and enters a machining-ready state, in which the captured tool is the tool required for the next machining operation. The production line management and control system can assign the workpiece to be machined to enter the CNC machine and begin machining.

[0073] At step S3, the control command issued by the production line administration and management system to the numerical control machine tool contains the physical characteristic of the load, the information of the pallet for carrying the workpieces, and the corresponding operation.

[0074] In this example, the load is a tool holder, and the corresponding operation involves gripping the tool.

[0075] When the load is a workpiece, the corresponding operation includes fixing the workpiece and then machining the workpiece.

[0076] In this example, after the spindle of the numerical control machine tool has captured the tool, the spindle performs tool measurement through the tool setter of the numerical control machine tool, and when the tool setter is provided outside the numerical control machine tool, the tool information is transmitted to the numerical control machine tool.

[0077] In this example, the workpiece transfer pallet is equipped with a zero-point positioning structure, and the zero-point positioning structure is a drawbar. A main workpiece plate is provided on the worktable of the numerical control machine, and the main workpiece plate is equipped with a zero-point positioning system. The zero-point positioning structure interacts with the zero-point positioning system to connect the workpiece transfer pallet to the worktable of the numerical control machine. The zero-point positioning system is disclosed in Chinese Patent CN114131377A, entitled "Automated Zero-Point Positioning System and Main Workpiece Plate," and its specific design and operating principle will not be described in this document. The main workpiece plate is provided on the worktable of the numerical control machine.Thanks to the zero-point positioning system, the main workpiece plate is positioned on and connected to the workpiece transfer pallet. The CNC machine positions the main workpiece plate on the worktable based on a command from the production line management and control system.

[0078] When the CNC machine tool does not require a tool, the production line management and control system issues a control command to the workpiece transfer system to transfer the workpiece to the CNC machine tool. In this case, the load is the workpiece, and in step S3, the corresponding operation involves clamping the workpiece and then machining it.

[0079] In this example, the numerical control machine tool is a vertical numerical control machining center or a vertical numerical control machine tool, and the tool axis in the tool holder extends in the vertical direction.

[0080] The spindle of a vertical numerically controlled machining center or vertical numerically controlled machine tool extends in the vertical direction. The tool holder comprises a housing and a tool holder provided on the housing. The tool holder has an opening, and the tool enters or exits the tool holder through the opening. The tool accommodating space is located in the middle part of the tool holder. The accommodating space has a circular cross-section. The tool can enter the accommodating space through the opening. The axis of the accommodating space extends in the vertical direction. After the tool is loaded into the tool holder, the axial direction of the tool is aligned with the axial direction of the accommodating space. A plurality of tool holders are provided on the tool holder body.Multiple tool holders are arranged in a rectangular or circular pattern and lie in the same plane. Space for the entry and exit of the tool is left within the opening of each tool holder.

[0081] Example 2

[0082] This example differs from Example 1 in that it requires replenishing the tool magazine of a CNC machine with tools.

[0083] After the CNC machine spindle picks up a tool, it transfers the tool to the tool magazine based on a command issued by the production line management and control system. When multiple tools are mounted in the tool holder, the CNC machine sequentially transfers multiple tools to the tool magazine based on a command issued by the production line management and control system.

[0084] In this example, the load is a tool holder. At step S3, the corresponding operation involves transferring one or more tools from the tool holder to the tool magazine via the spindle.

[0085] Example 3

[0086] This example differs from Example 2 in that it requires replacing a tool in the tool magazine of a CNC machine.

[0087] After the CNC machine spindle has picked up a tool and transferred it to the tool magazine, the CNC machine spindle picks up the tool originally stored in the tool magazine from the tool magazine and loads the tool into the tool holder. When multiple tools in the tool magazine need to be replaced, the CNC machine, based on commands issued by the production line management and control system, sequentially retrieves multiple tools from the tool magazine and loads them into the tool holder.

[0088] In this example, the load is a tool holder. At step S3, the corresponding operation involves replacing one or more tools on the tool holder with one or more tools in the tool magazine via the spindle, i.e., loading the tools in the tool holder into the tool magazine, as well as loading the tools originally stored in the tool magazine into the tool holder.

[0089] Example 4

[0090] This example differs from Example 1 in that the CNC machine tool in this example is a horizontal CNC machining center or horizontal machine tool, and the tool axis in the tool holder extends horizontally. The tool holder contains multiple layers of tool holders, with each layer containing multiple tool holders. The tool holders are arranged in a circle or rectangle, with the axes of the tool holders passing through the center of the circle or rectangle. The design with multiple layers of tool holders allows the tool holder to have a higher load-bearing capacity, enabling the handling of more tools in a single operation.

[0091] Example 5

[0092] This example is different from Example 1 in that in this example, the numerical control machine tool is a five-axis numerical control machining center, the load is a tool holder, the tool holder is transferred to the numerical control machine tool and installed on the work table of the numerical control machine tool, and

[0093] The spindle position of the numerical control machine and the worktable position of the numerical control machine are adjusted to align the axial direction of the spindle with the axial direction of the tool in the tool holder.

[0094] In this example, the tool holder can have the configuration from Example 3, Example 4, or another configuration. By adjusting the spindle position and the worktable position, the spindle can grip the tool. In this example, the acceptable tool holder design is more versatile, allowing for adaptation to a wider range of tool holder shapes, not limited by the orientation of the tool holders.

[0095] Example 6

[0096] This example discloses a production line for implementing tool replacement by means of a workpiece transfer system, which is configured to implement a production method for implementing tool replacement by means of a workpiece transfer system and comprises a workpiece transfer system, a production line administration and management system, and a numerically controlled machine tool.

[0097] The workpiece transfer system comprises a workpiece transfer pallet 1, which is configured to support a load and, based on a control command, transfer the load to a position of a target numerically controlled machine tool, the load being a tool holder 2 or a workpiece, wherein the tool holder 2 is configured to transfer one or more tools 7,

[0098] The production line administration and control system is configured to recognize the physical characteristic of the load, and, based on the physical characteristic, issue a control command configured to appropriately control the workpiece transfer system and the numerically controlled machine tool to perform corresponding operations in accordance with the received control commands, and

[0099] The numerically controlled machine tool is configured to perform a tool picking operation or a workpiece machining operation based on a control command when the load has reached a position of the target numerically controlled machine tool.

[0100] The production line management and administration system is designed to obtain physical load characteristics. By entering the physical load characteristics and information about pallet 1 for transferring workpieces into the production line management and administration system, the production line management and administration system obtains information such as the physical load characteristics.

[0101] In this example, the workpiece transfer system comprises a pallet 1 for transferring workpieces. The pallet 1 for transferring workpieces is a workpiece plate, wherein the workpiece plate is equipped with a drawbar 6. The worktable of the numerically controlled machine is equipped with a main workpiece plate configured to interact with the workpiece plate, wherein the main workpiece plate is configured to secure the drawbar 6 to the workpiece plate. The workpiece transfer system further comprises a movable block and a replacement mechanism. The movable block is configured to actuate the replacement mechanism to perform a linear motion, and the replacement mechanism is configured to replace a target object with the numerically controlled machine.In particular, the replacement mechanism is designed with the ability to transfer the target object into the numerically controlled machine or to extract the target object from the internal space of the numerically controlled machine.

[0102] In this example, the replacement mechanism is one of a pallet trolley, a manipulator, a gantry robot or an industrial robot.

[0103] In this example, the tool holder 2 includes a body and a tool holder provided on the body, wherein the tool holder has an opening, and the tool 7 enters or exits from the tool holder through the opening.

[0104] The tool holder 2 can have various structural configurations adapted to various types of numerically controlled machine tools. As shown in Fig. 6, in this example, the numerically controlled machine tool is a vertical numerically controlled machine tool. The tool holder 2 is equipped with a plurality of tool holders arranged in the same plane. A space for accommodating a tool 7 is located in the middle portion of each tool holder. The accommodating space has a circular cross-section, and the tool 7 can enter the accommodating space through an opening. The axis of the accommodating space extends in the vertical direction, and after the tool 7 is loaded into the tool holder, the axial direction of the tool 7 is aligned with the axial direction of the accommodating space.A plurality of tool holders are arranged in a rectangular or circular pattern. Each tool holder retains a bore that allows for the entry and exit of tool 7. The design of tool holder 2 is suitable for vertical CNC machining centers or vertical CNC machines, with the axis of tool 7 in tool holder 2 extending vertically and aligned with the spindle direction.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 6, in this example, pallet 1 for transferring workpieces enters the CNC machine in the Y-axis direction and is rigidly connected to the worktable. The spindle of the CNC machine moves in the Z-axis direction to pick up tool 7 and either transfers it to the tool magazine or prepares it for machining.

[0106] In this example, a numerically controlled machine tool has a spindle, wherein the spindle includes a spindle shaft, and the spindle is configured to move along the axis of the spindle shaft to grip a tool 7 and release the tool 7 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spindle shaft to release the tool 7 from the tool holder 2.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the tool holder 2 is rigidly connected to the pallet 1 for carrying the workpieces, and in this example, the tool holder 2 has a hole 3 for a pin, the workpiece lining is equipped with a mounting pin 4, and the mounting pin 4 passes through the hole 3 for a pin, the end of the mounting pin 4 has a locking hole, and a locking pin 5 is provided in the locking hole for locking the tool holder 2 on the workpiece lining.

[0108] The length of the positioning pin 4 is longer than the length of the pin hole 3, and the end of the positioning pin 4 can protrude from the pin hole 3 so that the lock pin 5 can be inserted into the lock hole.

[0109] The tool holder 2 and the workpiece transfer pallet 1 can also be fixed using other types of connections, such as a bolt connection.

[0110] Example 7

[0111] This example differs from Example 6 in that the numerical control machine tool in this example is a horizontal numerical control machine tool.

[0112] In this example, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the tool holder 2 is designed with a multi-layer structure of tool holders. Each layer has a plurality of tool holders, each of which can be configured with a tool 7. The tool holders are arranged in a circle or rectangle, with the axes of the tool holders passing through the center of the circle or rectangle. The multi-layer structure of the tool holders allows the tool holder 2 to have a greater load-bearing capacity, enabling the transfer of a larger number of tools 7 in a single operation.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 7, the workpiece transfer pallet 1 enters the CNC machine in the X-axis direction and is rigidly connected to the worktable. The CNC machine spindle moves in the Z-axis direction to pick up tool 7 and either transfers it to the tool magazine or prepares it for machining.

[0114] Example 8

[0115] This example differs from Example 7 in that the numerical control machine tool in this example is a horizontal combined turning and milling machining center.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 8, the numerically controlled machine tool in this example comprises a spindle, a turret, and a workpiece spindle. The workpiece transfer pallet 1 is parallel to the X1-Y axis plane and enters the numerically controlled machine tool in the Y axis direction, and is also rigidly connected to the workpiece spindle. In this example, the workpiece spindle is equipped with a zero point positioning system and is rigidly connected to the workpiece transfer pallet 1 by means of the zero point positioning system. The spindle of the numerically controlled machine tool is movable along the X1 axis to grip a tool 7, and then transfer it to a tool magazine or prepare it for machining.

[0117] In this example, the turret is a servo-driven turret configured to move along the X2-axis. The workpiece spindle rotates to align the axis of tool 7 on tool holder 2 with the rotational axis of the turret. The turret rotates to align the axis of the tool gripper on the turret with the axis of tool 7. The turret moves along the X2-axis to grip tool 7, and the workpiece spindle moves along the Z-axis to release tool 7 from tool holder 2.

[0118] Finally, it should be noted that: the above examples are used only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, but not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above examples, one skilled in the art should understand that: the technical solutions described in the above examples can still be changed, or some or all of their technical features can be equivalently replaced. However, these changes or replacements do not take the essence of the corresponding technical solutions beyond the scope of the technical solutions in the examples of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for changing a tool during a production process using a workpiece transfer system, the method comprising the steps of: S1: providing an empty pallet for carrying workpieces in the area of ​​preparation for an operation in the system for carrying workpieces and setting a load on said pallet; S2: input the load type identification characteristic and the information about the said pallet into the production line administration and management system, wherein the load type identification characteristic corresponds to the tool holder or the workpiece; S3: the production line administration and control system issues a command to the workpiece transfer system to move the said pallet together with the load to the pallet replacement position of the target numerical control machine, and also issues a command to the numerical control machine to prepare for receiving the said pallet; S4: After the production line management and control system confirms that the load has been transferred to the specified pallet replacement position of the target numerical control machine tool, the production line management and control system issues a command to the replacement mechanism to move the load to the numerical control machine tool, and issues a command to the numerical control machine tool to receive the load and grip the tool or machine the workpiece; S5: The numerical control machine tool accepts the load according to the received command and performs the tool picking or workpiece machining operation; and S6: After completing the operation, the numerical control machine returns information to the production line management and control system, which issues a command to the workpiece transfer system to return the load through the replacement mechanism.

2. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that in step S4, when the production line management and control system confirms that the load has been transferred to the specified pallet replacement position of the target numerical control machine tool, the production line management and control system issues a command to the numerical control machine tool to read the pallet information for transferring the workpieces to the pallet replacement position to perform a comparison with the information of said pallet transmitted by the production line management and control system, and after the correctness of the comparison is confirmed, the numerical control machine tool returns the comparison information to the production line management and control system and opens the protective door to prepare for receiving the pallet, and, When the production line management and control system receives a signal returned by the numerical control machine tool indicating that the comparison is correct, the said system issues a command to the replacement mechanism to move the load to the numerical control machine tool, and also issues a command to the said machine tool to receive the load.

3. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that in step S5, after the spindle of the numerical control machine tool grips the tool, the spindle transfers one or more tools to the tool holder in the tool magazine based on the command issued by the production line administration and control system.

4. The method according to paragraph 3, characterized in that In step S5, after the spindle of the numerical control machine tool grips the tool, the spindle transfers one or more tools on the tool holder to the tool magazine based on the command issued by the production line administration and control system, and then releases one or more tools that were originally stored in the tool magazine and transfers one or more tools that were originally stored in the tool magazine to the tool holder.

5. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that At step S5, after the tool is captured by the spindle of the numerically controlled machine, the spindle prepares the workpiece for machining based on the command issued by the production line administration and control system.

6. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that at step S3, the command issued by the production line administration and control system to the numerically controlled machine tool contains the identification characteristic of the load type, information about the pallet for transferring the workpieces and the corresponding operation; when the load is a tool holder, the corresponding operation includes transferring one or more tools on the tool holder into a tool magazine by means of a spindle or exchanging one or more tools on the tool holder with one or more tools in a tool magazine or picking up a tool by means of a spindle and, When the load is a workpiece, the corresponding operation includes clamping the workpiece and subsequent machining of the workpiece.

7. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that After the tool is picked up by the spindle of the numerical control machine, the spindle measures the tool through the tool setter and, when the tool setter is provided outside the numerical control machine, the tool information is transmitted to the numerical control machine.

8. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that The workpiece transfer system comprises a pallet equipped with a zero-point positioning structure, the work table of the numerically controlled machine is equipped with a zero-point positioning system, and the zero-point positioning structure is configured to interact with the zero-point positioning system for connecting the said pallet to the work table of the numerically controlled machine.

9. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that, When the CNC machine does not need a tool, the production line management and control system issues a command to the workpiece transfer system to move the workpiece into the CNC machine.

10. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that The numerical control machine tool is a vertical machining center with numerical control, and the tool axis in the tool holder extends in the vertical direction.

11. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that The numerically controlled machine tool is a horizontal machining center with numerical control, and the tool axis in the tool holder extends in the horizontal direction.

12. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the numerically controlled machine tool is a five-axis numerically controlled machining center, the load is a tool holder, and the tool holder is moved into the numerically controlled machine tool and mounted on the work table of the numerically controlled machine tool, and adjust the position of the spindle and work table of a numerically controlled machine to align the axial direction of the spindle with the axial direction of the tool in the tool holder.

13. A production line for changing tools during production by means of a workpiece transfer system, implementing the method according to any one of paragraphs 1-12, wherein the production line comprises: system for transferring workpieces; production line administration and management system; and numerically controlled machine, characterized in that a workpiece transfer system comprises a workpiece transfer pallet which is configured to support a load and, based on a corresponding command, transfer the load to a pallet replacement position of a target numerically controlled machine tool, the load being a tool holder or a workpiece, wherein the tool holder is configured to transfer one or more tools, the production line administration and control system is configured to receive a physical characteristic of the load and information about the said pallet, and, based on the physical characteristic, to issue a control command configured to appropriately control the workpiece transfer system and the numerically controlled machine for performing the corresponding operations in accordance with the received control commands, and the numerically controlled machine tool is configured to perform a tool pickup operation or a workpiece machining operation based on a control command when the load has reached the pallet replacement position of the target numerically controlled machine tool.

14. The production line according to paragraph 13, characterized in that The pallet for carrying the workpieces is a workpiece support, and the work table of the numerically controlled machine is equipped with a main plate for workpieces, which is designed to interact with the workpiece support.

15. The production line according to paragraph 13, characterized in that The workpiece transfer system comprises a replacement mechanism, wherein the replacement mechanism is one of a pallet trolley, a manipulator, a gantry robot, or an industrial robot.

16. The production line according to paragraph 13, characterized in that The tool holder comprises a housing and a tool holder provided on the housing, wherein the tool holder has an opening, and the tool is configured to be inserted into or removed from the tool holder through the opening.

17. The production line according to paragraph 13, characterized in that a numerically controlled machine tool has a spindle, wherein the spindle comprises a spindle shaft, and the spindle is configured to move along the axis of the spindle shaft to grip a tool and to release the tool in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spindle shaft to release the tool from a tool holder.

18. The production line according to paragraph 13, characterized in that A numerically controlled machine tool comprises a spindle, a turret head and a spindle for workpieces, wherein the spindle for workpieces is configured to be connected to a pallet for carrying workpieces, and the spindle or turret head is configured to be movable in the direction of the spindle for workpieces in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spindle for workpieces for gripping a tool, and movable along the axis of the spindle for workpieces for releasing the tool and releasing the tool from the tool holder.

19. The production line according to paragraph 14, characterized in that The tool holder has a pin hole, the workpiece support is provided with a dowel pin, the dowel pin is configured to pass through the pin hole, the end of the dowel pin has a lock hole, and the lock hole is provided with a lock pin for locking the tool holder on the workpiece support.

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