SET, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MACHINING MECHANICAL PARTS

Description

1 / 14 “SET, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MACHINING MECHANICAL PARTS” FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] Exemplary embodiments of the present description generally refer to the field of machining mechanical parts and, more specifically, to an assembly, apparatus and method for machining a mechanical part. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[002] Milling is a conventional process for machining parts. A traditional method of milling is to use a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine or a machining center to process a mechanical part. During milling, a blank of the mechanical part is first fixed in the CNC milling machine or machining center. Then, a high-speed rotary milling cutter is used to cut the necessary shapes and features into the blank.

[003] Currently, the most common method of milling is using a milling machine. While milling machines can achieve high-precision machining, they have several drawbacks. Firstly, due to their limited operating range, milling machines can only be used to process small to medium-sized mechanical parts, rather than large parts such as aluminum parts. Secondly, mechanical parts with complex curved surfaces cannot be easily processed unless a five-axis milling machine is used, which would result in low processing efficiency. Thirdly, a large-scale milling machine or even a gantry-type milling machine is often required to handle larger mechanical parts, making the cost of the milling machine relatively high.Fourthly, since the machining center occupies a large area, it is... Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 9 / 33 2 / 14 It is difficult to cooperate with other automated equipment to implement automated production lines. Fifthly, in the machining center, dedicated and customized clamping tooling would be required to process different mechanical parts. Thus, the flexibility of the machining center is unsatisfactory.

[004] Another conventional method of milling is to use an industrial robot, such as a six-axis articulated robot, to hold the milling cutter for cutting the mechanical part. However, since the six-axis articulated robot includes several joints, the rigidity of the six-axis articulated robot would be low if the axes of the six-axis articulated robot moved or rotated during milling. In that case, the accuracy of milling using the six-axis articulated robot would be compromised.

[005] Thus, there is a need for an improved solution for milling the mechanical part. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In view of the foregoing problems, exemplary embodiments of the present description propose a set, an apparatus and a method for machining a mechanical part to reduce the difficulty of the process and the cost of machining the part and increase the efficiency of the process, flexibility and machining rigidity of the part.

[007] In a first aspect, exemplary embodiments of the present description provide an assembly for machining a mechanical part. The assembly comprises a parallel robot adapted to be mounted on a platform under the mechanical part to be machined and comprising one or more axes; and a servo-spindle mounted on the parallel robot and configured to drive a machining tool to rotate, wherein the parallel robot is configured to drive the servo-spindle to translate along one or more axes relative to the parallel robot. With these embodiments, during the machining of the mechanical part, the parallel robot can drive the servo-spindle to translate along one or more axes under the mechanical part, so that the machining tool can cut the necessary shapes and features on one side. Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 10 / 33 3 / 14 of the lower part of the mechanical component. In this way, the mechanical component can be processed with high flexibility and rigidity, provided the machining precision meets the requirements.

[008] In some embodiments, the parallel robot is a Cartesian robot configured to drive the servo-spindle to translate along three axes normal to each other with respect to the parallel robot. With these embodiments, the parallel robot can drive the servo-spindle to translate along one or more of the three axes, so as to cut the required shapes and features on the underside of the mechanical part.

[009] In some embodiments, the assembly also includes the machining tool held by the servo-spindle and configured to rotate under servo-spindle drive.

[010] In some forms, the machining tool comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool. With these forms, the mechanical part can be milled or drilled with high flexibility and efficiency, provided the machining precision meets the requirements.

[011] In a second aspect, exemplary embodiments of the present description provide an apparatus for machining a mechanical part. The apparatus comprises a positioner configured to hold the mechanical part to be machined and to adjust an orientation of the mechanical part; and an assembly according to the first aspect of the present description. The assembly is disposed on a platform under the mechanical part to machine the mechanical part from a lower side of the mechanical part. The apparatus according to the second aspect of the present description may provide advantages analogous to the assembly according to the first aspect of the present description. Furthermore, with the positioner, an orientation of the mechanical part can be adjusted during the machining process.

[012] In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a lubrication device configured to supply a lubricant to the machining tool. With these embodiments, the lubricant supplied by the lubrication device can Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 11 / 33 4 / 14 not only protects the machining tool from wear, but also prevents the machining tool from overheating.

[013] In some embodiments, the device also includes a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configured to receive user input to define the machining parameters of the mechanical part.

[014] In a third aspect, exemplary embodiments of the present description provide a method for machining a mechanical part. The method comprises: receiving user input to define the machining parameters of the mechanical part; and having an assembly arranged on a platform under the mechanical part machine the mechanical part based on the machining parameters, the assembly comprising a parallel robot with one or more axes; a servo-spindle mounted on the parallel robot, wherein the parallel robot is configured to drive the servo-spindle to translate along one or more axes relative to the parallel robot; and a machining tool held by the servo-spindle and configured to rotate under servo-spindle drive to achieve machining of the mechanical part. With these embodiments, the parallel robot and the servo-spindle linkage with the machining tool are used to machine the mechanical part based on the machining parameters.This solution is a kind of revolution that replaces the machining center and perfectly solves the limitation of the independent six-axis industrial robot.

[015] In some applications, the machining parameters include a position, a lateral dimension and a depth of a hole to be formed in the mechanical part and a feed of the machining tool.

[016] In some methods, machining the mechanical part based on machining parameters involves: machining the mechanical part using spiral feed methods based on machining parameters. With these methods, the mechanical part can be machined with precision and reliability. Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 12 / 33 5 / 14

[017] In some embodiments, the hole comprises a circular hole and the lateral dimension of the hole comprises a radius of the circular hole.

[018] In some embodiments, the hole comprises a waist-shaped hole and the lateral dimension of the hole comprises a length and a radius of the waist-shaped hole.

[019] In some embodiments, the parallel robot is a Cartesian robot configured to drive the servo-spindle to translate along three axes normal to each other with respect to the parallel robot.

[020] In some embodiments, the machining tool comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool.

[021] In some embodiments, the mechanical part is held by a positioner configured to adjust an orientation of the mechanical part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[022] The drawings described in this document are provided to better explain the present description and constitute a part of the present description. The exemplary embodiments of the description and their explanation are used to explain the present description, rather than to unduly limit the present description.

[023] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for machining a mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description.

[024] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a positioner for fixing the mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description.

[025] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for machining a mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description.

[026] Figure 4 illustrates a method for machining a mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description.

[027] Figure 5A illustrates a schematic view of a circular hole to be formed in the mechanical part. Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 13 / 33 6 / 14

[028] Figure 5B illustrates an example machining path for the circular hole, as shown in Figure 5A.

[029] Figure 6A illustrates a schematic view of a waist-shaped hole to be formed in the mechanical part.

[030] Figure 6B illustrates an example machining path for the waist-shaped hole, as shown in Figure 6A.

[031] Throughout the drawings, identical or similar reference symbols are used to indicate identical or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[032] The principles of the present description will now be described with reference to various exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present description are illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that the embodiments are described only to facilitate a better understanding by those skilled in the art and thus achieve the present description, rather than limiting the scope of the present description in any way.

[033] The term “comprises” or “includes” and its variants should be read as open terms meaning “includes, but is not limited to”. The term “or” should be read as “and / or”, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “based on” should be read as “based at least in part”. The term “be operable for” means that a function, an action, a movement, or a state that can be achieved by an operation induced by a user or an external mechanism. The term “a modality” should be read as “at least one modality”. The term “another modality” should be read as “at least one other modality”. The terms “first”, “second”, and similar terms may refer to different or the same objects. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below. A definition of a term is consistent throughout the description unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, p. 14 / 33 7 / 14

[034] According to the embodiments of the present description, in order to overcome the typical shortcomings of the machining center and the limitation of using the six-axis industrial robot independently, a set, a device and a method for machining a mechanical part are provided to reduce process difficulty and cost of machining the part and to increase process efficiency, flexibility and rigidity of machining the part. The above idea can be implemented in several ways, as will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[035] The principles of the present description will be described in detail next with reference to Figures 1-6B.

[036] With reference to Figures 1 and 2 first, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for machining a mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description, and Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a positioner for fixing the mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 200 described herein generally includes a positioner 34 and an assembly 100 for machining a mechanical part 33. The assembly 100 is disposed on a platform 300 under the mechanical part 33.

[037] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the assembly 100 includes a parallel robot 101, a servo spindle 102, and a machining tool 103. The parallel robot 101 is mounted on the platform 300. The parallel robot 101 includes one or more axes so as to provide translational motion along one or more axes. The servo spindle 102 is mounted on the parallel robot 101 and can be driven by the parallel robot 101 to translate along one or more axes relative to the parallel robot 101, i.e., relative to the platform 300. The machining tool 103 is held by the servo spindle 102 and can rotate under the drive of the servo spindle 102.

[038] According to the embodiments of the present description, during the machining of the mechanical part 33, the parallel robot 101 can drive the servo spindle 102 to Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 15 / 33 8 / 14 translate along one or more axes under the mechanical part 33 held by the positioner 34 and the machining tool 103 can cut the necessary shapes and features on a lower side of the mechanical part 33 under the drive of the servo-spindle 102. In this way, the mechanical part 33 can be processed with greater flexibility and efficiency.

[039] Furthermore, by using the 200 device to machine circular and waist-shaped holes, it can meet different and even complex application requirements.

[040] Furthermore, the apparatus 200 is suitable for processing the mechanical part 33 having complex curved surfaces or different thicknesses, such as milling or drilling, due to the use of the parallel robot 101 to drive the servo spindle 102 in conjunction with the machining tool 103. During the machining process, the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33 can be automatically controlled and adjusted, so that the machining process has greater flexibility.

[041] Furthermore, the 200 device solves the problem related to the complexity and high cost of customized devices in the traditional machining process of mechanical parts. Thus, it has greater applicability, generality and economy, which greatly reduces the difficulty and cost of operation.

[042] In addition, the machining accuracy of the 200 device can meet the requirements. For example, the machining accuracy is about -0.05 mm ~ +0.05 mm when the 200 device is used to drill circular and waist-shaped holes in the mechanical part 33.

[043] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the parallel robot 101 is a Cartesian robot configured to drive the servo-spindle 102 to translate along three axes normal to each other with respect to the parallel robot 101. With these embodiments, the parallel robot 101 can drive the servo-spindle 102 to translate along one or more of the three axes, so as to cut shapes and features. Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 16 / 33 9 / 14 required on the underside of mechanical part 33, such as circular or waist-shaped holes.

[044] In some embodiments, the parallel robot 101 is a single-axis robot configured to drive the servo-spindle 102 to translate along a predetermined Z-axis relative to the parallel robot 101. With these embodiments, the parallel robot 101 can drive the servo-spindle 102 to translate along the predetermined Z-axis, in order to cut the required shapes and features in the mechanical part 33, such as a circular hole or a threaded hole.

[045] In one embodiment, the parallel robot 101 may be a dedicated linear robot, such as a single-axis linear robot or a three-axis linear robot. In another embodiment, the parallel robot 101 may be obtained by modifying a conventional servo-positioning device, for example, by specially designing a control program for the servo-positioning device. The scope of the present description is not intended to be limited in this respect.

[046] According to the embodiments of the present description, apparatus 200 can be used to machine various shapes and features on the mechanical part 33. The circular hole and the waist-shaped hole are only examples of the shapes and features machined, without suggesting any limitation to the scope of the present description. In other embodiments, apparatus 200 can be used to drill or mill other holes or surfaces.

[047] According to the modalities of the present description, the 300 platform can be a dedicated work table, a stand or even the ground.

[048] It should be understood that the Cartesian robot and the single-axis robot are only examples of implementations of the parallel robot 101, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the present description. In other embodiments, the parallel robot 101 may be of other types, such as including two axes normal to each other.

[049] According to the embodiments of the present description, the servo-spindle 102 Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 17 / 33 10 / 14 can drive the machining tool 103 to rotate at high speed in order to cut the required shapes and features on the underside of the mechanical part 33. The servo spindle 102 can be of various conventional designs or of a design available in the future. The scope of this description is not intended to be limited in this respect.

[050] In one embodiment, the machining tool 103 includes a milling tool for performing a milling process on the mechanical part 33. In another embodiment, the machining tool 103 includes a drilling tool for performing a drilling process on the mechanical part 33. It should be understood that the milling tool and the drilling tool are merely examples of implementations of the machining tool 103, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the present description. In other embodiments, the machining tool 103 may be of other types.

[051] It should be understood that, in some embodiments, assembly 100 may be manufactured or sold separately, and mounted on platform 300 when the machining process needs to be performed on the mechanical part 33. It should also be understood that the machining tool 103 may not be supplied in assembly 100 when assembly 100 is manufactured or sold, and a user may install the corresponding machining tool 103 on the servo spindle 102 according to the actual machining need.

[052] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the positioner 34 can hold the mechanical part 33 from both sides of the mechanical part 33. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the positioner 34 can support the mechanical part 33 in other ways. The scope of the present description is not intended to be limited in this respect.

[053] The positioner 34 can adjust the orientation of the mechanical part 33 during the machining process. For example, in some embodiments, when the Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 18 / 33 11 / 14 Machining of mechanical part 33 is completed, the positioner 34 can rotate the mechanical part 33, so that the other side of the mechanical part 33 can be processed by the machining tool 103. It should be understood, in some embodiments, when the lower side of the mechanical part 33 is being machined by the assembly 100, an upper side of the mechanical part 33 opposite the lower side can be machined by an articulated robot simultaneously.

[054] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, in addition to set 100, apparatus 200 may also include one or more additional sets 100a having the same structure as set 100, in order to process the mechanical part 33 in other positions.

[055] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for machining a mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description. As shown in Figure 3, in addition to the positioner 34 and the assembly 100 as described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 200 also includes some other devices / elements, as will be described in detail below.

[056] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the apparatus 200 also includes a lubrication device 35 configured to supply a lubricant to the machining tool 103. For example, the lubrication device 35 may include a minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) device. During the machining process of the mechanical part 33, the lubricant may be sprayed onto the machining tool 103. With these embodiments, the lubricant supplied by the lubrication device 35 may not only protect the machining tool 103 from wear, but also prevent overheating of the machining tool 103. In addition, the supply of lubricant may accelerate the machining speed of the mechanical part 33.

[057] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the device 200 also includes a robot controller 31 in communication with the parallel robot 101. The Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 19 / 33 The movement of the axes of the parallel robot 101 is controlled by the robot controller 31. For example, the robot controller 31 can control the speed of movement and the position of the axes of the parallel robot 101.

[058] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the apparatus 200 also includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) 32 in communication with the robot controller 31. The entire machining process is controlled by the PLC 32. Specifically, the operations of the parallel robot 101, the servo spindle 102, the lubrication device 35 and other electrical or electronic devices are controlled by the PLC 32.

[059] In some embodiments, the device 200 also includes a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configured to receive user input to define the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33 and to implement one or more additional functions, such as real-time monitoring of various components of the device 200. With the HMI, the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33 can be conveniently adjusted. In addition, the HMI provides the user with a user-friendly visualization window to perform real-time monitoring, warnings and other functions.

[060] Figure 4 illustrates a method for machining a mechanical part according to an embodiment of the present description. Method 400 can be implemented by apparatus 200 as described above with reference to Figures 1-3.

[061] As shown in Figure 4, in 401, user input is received to define the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33. In some embodiments, user input may be received by the HMI of the device 200. The HMI is easy to operate and understand. With the HMI, the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33 can be conveniently adjusted.

[062] In 402, the assembly 100 arranged on platform 300 is taken to machine the Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 20 / 33 13 / 14 mechanical part 33 based on machining parameters. Assembly 100 comprises a parallel robot 101 with one or more axes; a servo-spindle 102 mounted on the parallel robot 101, wherein the parallel robot 101 is configured to drive the servo-spindle 102 to translate along one or more axes relative to the parallel robot 101; and a machining tool 103 held by the servo-spindle 102 and configured to rotate under drive of the servo-spindle 102 to achieve machining of the mechanical part 33.

[063] In some embodiments, method 400 can be used to drill a hole in the mechanical part 33. In this case, the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33 comprise a position, a lateral dimension and a depth of the hole to be formed in the mechanical part 33 and a machining tool feed 103. By configuring the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33, holes of different sizes and in different positions can be easily machined in the mechanical part 33.

[064] In some embodiments, the hole may be a circular hole 500, as shown in Figure 5A. In some embodiments, the hole may be a waist-shaped hole 600, as shown in Figure 6A. It should be understood that in other embodiments, method 400 may be used to drill or mill other types of holes or surfaces in the mechanical part 33.

[065] When the hole is a circular hole 500 as shown in Figure 5A, the lateral dimension of the hole comprises a radius R of the circular hole 500. When the hole is a waist-shaped hole 600 as shown in Figure 6A, the lateral dimension of the hole comprises a length L of a central part of the waist-shaped hole 600 and a radius R of the end parts of the waist-shaped hole 600.

[066] Figure 5B illustrates an example machining path for the circular hole, as shown in Figure 5A, and Figure 6B illustrates a machining path Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 21 / 33 14 / 14 example of the waist-shaped hole, as shown in Figure 6A. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5B and 6B, the circular hole 500 and the waist-shaped hole 600 can be machined using a spiral feed method. With these embodiments, the mechanical part 33 can be machined with precision and reliability.

[067] In some embodiments, the parallel robot 101 is a Cartesian robot configured to drive the servo-spindle 102 to translate along three axes normal to each other with respect to the parallel robot 101.

[068] In some embodiments, the machining tool 103 comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool.

[069] In some embodiments, the mechanical part 33 is held by a positioner 34 configured to adjust an orientation of the mechanical part 33.

[070] It should be appreciated that the embodiments detailed above in this description are only to exemplify or explain the principles of this description and not to limit this description. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent alternatives and improvements, etc., without abandoning the spirit and scope of this description, shall be included within the scope of protection of this description. Meanwhile, the appended claims of this description aim to cover all variations and modifications encompassed by the scope and limit of the claims or equivalents of the scope and limit. Petition 870230062365, dated 07 / 17 / 2023, page 22 / 33

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Assembly (100) for machining a mechanical part (33), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a parallel robot (101) adapted to be mounted on a platform (300) under the mechanical part (33) to be machined and comprising at least three axes; and a servo-spindle (102) mounted on the parallel robot (101) and configured to drive a machining tool (103) to rotate, wherein the parallel robot (101) is configured to drive the servo-spindle (102) to translate along at least three axes relative to the parallel robot (101).

2. Assembly (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the parallel robot (101) is a Cartesian robot configured to drive the servo-spindle (102) to translate along three axes normal to each other with respect to the parallel robot (101).

3. Assembly (100), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises the machining tool (103) held by the servo spindle (102) and configured to rotate under actuation of the servo spindle (102).

4. Assembly (100), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the machining tool (103) comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool.

5. Apparatus (200) for machining a mechanical part (33), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: at least one positioner (34) configured to hold the mechanical part (33) from at least one side of the mechanical part (33) to be machined and to adjust an orientation of the mechanical part (33); and an assembly (100), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, disposed on a platform (300) under the mechanical part (33) for machining the mechanical part (33) from a lower side of the mechanical part (33). Petition 870240056953, dated 05 / 07 / 2024, page 22 / 24 2 / 3 6. Apparatus (200), according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a lubrication device (35) configured to supply a lubricant to the machining tool (103).

7. Apparatus (200), according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configured to receive user input to define the machining parameters of the mechanical part (33).

8. Method for machining a mechanical part (33), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: receiving user input to define the machining parameters of the mechanical part (33); and having an assembly (100) disposed on a platform (300) under the mechanical part (33) machine the mechanical part (33) based on the machining parameters, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a parallel robot (101) with at least three axes; a servo-spindle (102) mounted on the parallel robot (101), wherein the parallel robot (101) is configured to drive the servo-spindle (102) to translate along at least three axes relative to the parallel robot (101); and a machining tool (103) held by the servo-spindle (102) and configured to rotate under drive of the servo-spindle (102) to perform the machining of the mechanical part (33).

9. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the machining parameters comprise a position, a side dimension and a depth of a hole to be formed in the mechanical part (33) and a feed of the machining tool (103).

10. Method, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that making the assembly (100) machine the mechanical part (33) based on the machining parameters comprises: making the assembly (100) machine the mechanical part (33) in a spiral feed manner based on the machining parameters.

11. Method according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the hole comprises a circular hole and the lateral dimension of the hole comprises a radius of the circular hole.

12. Method, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the hole comprises a waist-shaped hole and the lateral dimension of the hole comprises a length and a radius of the waist-shaped hole.

13. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the parallel robot (101) is a Cartesian robot configured to drive the servo-spindle (102) to translate along three axes normal to each other with respect to the parallel robot (101).

14. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the machining tool (103) comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool.

15. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the mechanical part (33) is retained by at least one positioner (34) from at least one side of the mechanical part (33) configured to adjust an orientation of the mechanical part (33). Petition 870240056953, dated 05 / 07 / 2024, page 24 / 24

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