A horizontal milling machining center

Abstract

This application relates to the field of machining technology and discloses a horizontal milling machining center, including a first guide rail, a second guide rail, and a tray. A milling body is mounted on the first guide rail, and a movable stage is mounted on the second guide rail. The movable stage is rotatable and used to fix the workpiece to be machined. The tray is detachably mounted on the movable stage. This horizontal milling machining center uses vertical and horizontal linear motion instead of traditional arc-shaped rotary motion to achieve tray exchange. Combined with an anti-contamination conical positioning structure and the significant differences in tray positioning states, it fundamentally solves the defects of existing technologies such as easy collisions during tray exchange, unstable positioning accuracy, and poor sensor reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of machining technology, and in particular to a horizontal milling machining center. Background Technology

[0002] Milling machining centers are highly automated CNC machine tools. Their core advantage lies in their ability to continuously complete multiple processes such as milling, drilling, boring, and tapping in a single workpiece loading by equipping them with an automatic tool changer (ATC) and an automatic pallet exchange system (APC). This significantly improves the machining efficiency and accuracy of complex parts. In modern flexible manufacturing systems, the automatic pallet exchange system plays a crucial role. By loading workpieces outside the machine tool and quickly exchanging them with the pallets being processed inside, it drastically reduces the non-cutting waiting time of the machine tool and is a key component for achieving continuous and automated production.

[0003] However, in actual industrial applications and processing, existing automatic pallet exchange systems still face some pressing technical problems. First, most mainstream pallet exchange mechanisms currently use a rotary mechanism to drive the pallet exchange. The movement trajectory of this structure is arc-shaped or fan-shaped, rather than a pure linear translation. In actual operation, the spatial positioning of this arc-shaped movement trajectory is difficult to predict accurately. When processing irregularly shaped workpieces or large fixtures, the pallet is prone to spatial interference with the machine tool guard or other surrounding equipment during the arc-shaped rotation exchange, even leading to serious mechanical collisions. Second, the positioning accuracy and locking reliability of the pallet directly affect the final processing quality. When the pallet is exchanged to the machine tool table, its actual position often deviates slightly from the set position, or the tensioning system fails to lock the pallet securely. This is usually due to the unavoidable metal chips, dust, and other impurities generated during milling. Accumulation of debris on the precision positioning surface of the pallet or machine tool table can cause the positioning reference surface to be raised or shifted, severely affecting the repeatability of the pallet's positioning accuracy and even leading to workpiece scrap. Furthermore, the successful completion of pallet exchange operations is highly dependent on the accurate feedback of the electrical control system. Limit switches or proximity sensors responsible for detecting the pallet's position are exposed to harsh machining environments filled with cutting fluid mist and dust for extended periods, making them highly susceptible to being covered by oil stains, becoming mechanically loose, or even damaged. Once the sensors malfunction, the CNC system cannot correctly determine whether the pallet is accurately positioned or locked, resulting in interruption of the exchange operation, triggering system alarms, and causing machine tool shutdown, greatly reducing production efficiency and equipment operational stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a horizontal milling machining center that uses vertical and horizontal linear motion to replace the traditional arc-shaped rotary motion for pallet exchange. Combined with a conical positioning structure that is resistant to contamination and the significant differences in pallet positioning states, it fundamentally solves the defects of existing technologies, such as easy collisions during pallet exchange, unstable positioning accuracy, and poor sensor reliability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a horizontal milling machining center, comprising:

[0006] A first guide rail, on which a milling body is provided;

[0007] A second guide rail is provided, along which a movable platform is movable and the movable platform is rotatable.

[0008] A tray for holding the blank to be processed, the tray being detachably mounted on the movable table;

[0009] An exchange component is disposed on one side of the second guide rail. The exchange component includes two sets of snap-fit ​​components, which are respectively used to snap-fit ​​the tray loaded with blanks and the tray loaded with semi-finished products. The snap-fit ​​components can move linearly in the vertical direction to pick up and put down the trays, and can also move linearly in the direction of the second guide rail to exchange the positions of the trays.

[0010] The moving platform is provided with two positioning cones, and the bottom of the tray is provided with a groove corresponding to the positioning cones.

[0011] Furthermore, a sensor is installed on the moving platform. When the tray is in close contact with the moving platform, the sensor sends a positioning signal. The sensor is located below the tray, so the probability of it being contaminated is low. At the same time, the gap is relatively large when the tray is not in position, reducing the probability of false alarms from the sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the exchange assembly includes two slides and a support frame supporting the movement of the slides. The slides are slidably connected to a slide rail, and the slide rail has a T-shaped block on its side. Both sides of the tray have T-shaped grooves that mate with the T-shaped blocks. A driver is located between the slides and the slide rail, driving the slide rail to slide against the slides. The slides, slide rail, and T-shaped blocks form a locking assembly. The side of the tray is locked in place, and the two sets of locking assemblies do not interfere with each other, avoiding interference.

[0013] Furthermore, the two sets of slides are connected together by a pull rope, and the support frame is movably connected to the slides via a guide rod. The pull rope is connected to a drive cylinder, which drives the pull rope to move through friction. The gravity interaction between the two sets of locking components means that only the difference in gravity between the two needs to be overcome during movement, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0014] Furthermore, one side of the exchange component is provided with a placement platform and a third guide rail. When the tray is placed on the placement platform, the T-shaped block and the T-shaped slot are aligned. A second drive component is provided between the placement platform and the third guide rail. The second drive component causes the placement platform to move along the third guide rail, enabling the placement platform to move the tray on it onto the T-shaped block. This facilitates the placement and removal of the tray.

[0015] Furthermore, the positioning cone includes a telescopic cone, and two cones are connected together by a synchronization plate to achieve synchronous lifting and lowering. The synchronization plate is connected to a driver, and the driver and the synchronization plate are threaded together. The cone extends or retracts to achieve the positioning and release of the tray, making the tray easier to release.

[0016] Furthermore, one side of the cone is equipped with a telescopic locking block. When the telescopic locking block extends, it can hold the tray in place. Once the tray is in position, the driver drives the synchronous plate to pull the tray downwards, increasing the friction between the tray and the moving platform and improving the stability of the tray.

[0017] Furthermore, the telescopic block includes two wedge-shaped locking heads that penetrate the side wall of the cone. A return spring is provided between the two wedge-shaped locking heads, which causes the two wedge-shaped locking heads to extend. A locking platform corresponding to the wedge-shaped locking heads is provided in the tray. A retraction tube is provided above the cone, and a return tension spring is provided between the retraction tube and the tray. When the cone moves to the top, the wedge-shaped locking heads can be fully locked into the retraction tube, but will not pass through the retraction tube. The inner diameter of the retraction tube is smaller than the inner diameter of the locking platform. The telescopic block extends and retracts adaptively without the need for additional drive and control structures.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0019] First, this invention uses vertical and horizontal linear motion to replace the traditional arc-shaped rotary motion to achieve pallet exchange, fundamentally eliminating the collision risk caused by unpredictable motion trajectories. The two pallets move up, down and translate along a preset straight path within a specific space, with clear and controllable motion trajectories. This completely avoids the possibility of spatial interference between the rotary mechanism and the machine tool protective cover or other peripheral equipment during arc-shaped motion, significantly improving the safety and reliability of equipment operation.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention achieves pallet positioning through the precise fit between the positioning cone and the corresponding groove. This mechanical positioning structure has excellent anti-pollution ability. The mating surface of the positioning cone and the groove adopts a conical design. Even in harsh processing environments such as oil mist and dust, impurities are difficult to form a stable accumulation on the cone surface, ensuring accurate centering and reliable positioning every time the pallet is exchanged, effectively guaranteeing the repeatability of workpiece processing positioning accuracy.

[0021] Finally, there is a noticeable gap between the tray and the moving platform when the tray is not in place, but they fit tightly when fully in place. The difference between the two states is significant, and even if the sensor is slightly contaminated, it is not easy to make a misjudgment. Because the tray moves vertically, the sensor can be hidden at the bottom of the tray and is not easily contaminated. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of the switching component in this invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the switching component in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mobile station in this invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning cone in this invention;

[0028] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Enlarged view of A in the middle;

[0029] Figures 7-10 This is a process diagram of the exchange component exchanging trays in this invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Milling body; 2. First guide rail; 3. Second guide rail; 4. Moving table; 410. Support table; 420. Receiving cavity; 5. Positioning cone; 510. Cone; 520. Driver; 530. Telescopic block; 531. Return spring; 532. Wedge-shaped chuck; 533. Retraction tube; 534. Return tension spring; 535. Chapper; 540. Synchronization plate; 6. Sensor; 7. Placement table; 8. Third guide rail; 9. Exchange assembly; 910. Support frame; 920. Guide rod; 930. Slide ram; 940. Slide rail; 950. T-block; 960. Pull rope; 970. Drive cylinder; 980. T-slot; 10. Tray; 11. Blank; 12. Semi-finished product. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1, please refer to Figures 1-4 A horizontal milling machining center with a T-shaped structure includes a first guide rail 2 arranged along the Z-axis and a second guide rail 3 arranged along the X-axis. A milling body 1 is mounted on the first guide rail 2, and a moving table 4 is mounted on the second guide rail 3. Both the first guide rail 2 and the second guide rail 3 are equipped with a first drive structure, which is used to drive the milling body 1 and the moving table 4 to move, respectively. When the moving table 4 moves along the second guide rail 3, it can also rotate to adjust the machining surface. The moving table 4 carries a tray 10, which has grooves or holes for fixing the blank to be machined.

[0033] An exchange component 9 is provided on one side of the second guide rail 3. Generally, the second guide rail 3 and the first guide rail 2 are provided with protective covers around their perimeters. The exchange component 9 is located outside the protective cover. At least one end of the second guide rail 3 extends to the outside of the protective cover. The moving stage 4 is provided with two positioning cones 5. The bottom of the tray 10 is provided with a groove corresponding to the positioning cones 5. When the tray 10 falls vertically, the positioning cones 5 interact with the groove to complete the position adjustment. The moving stage 4 is provided with a sensor 6, which can be a laser sensor or a position switch. The sensor 6 only sends a signal when the tray 10 is completely on the moving stage 4. When the tray 10 is not in position, the tray 10 is often stuck above the positioning cones 5, leaving a large gap between it and the upper surface of the moving stage 4. When the tray 10 can be in position, the tray 10 is completely in contact with the moving stage 4. The difference between the two states is large, and the probability of the sensor 6 misjudging is low.

[0034] To facilitate the exchange of trays 10, in this embodiment, vertical linear motion replaces planar rotational motion. The exchange assembly 9 includes two rams 930 and a support frame 910 that supports the movement of the rams 930. The rams 930 are slidably connected to slide rails 940. T-shaped blocks 950 are provided on the sides of the slide rails 940. T-shaped grooves 980 that mate with the T-shaped blocks 950 are provided on both sides of the tray 10. The T-shaped blocks 950 are inserted into the T-shaped grooves 980 from the side, lifting the tray 10 from the side. A driver is provided between the rams 930 and the slide rails 940. In this embodiment, the actuator is a lead screw assembly. In other embodiments, the actuator can also be a cylinder. The lead screw drives the slide rail 940 to slide against the slide block 930. The slide rail 940 can slide directly above the second guide rail 3 or to one side of the second guide rail 3. The slide block 930, the slide rail 940, and the T-block 950 form a locking assembly, which locks the tray 10 from one side and moves the tray 10 up and down. One set of locking assemblies is used to lock and lift the tray 10 loaded with semi-finished products 12, and another set of locking assemblies is used to lock and lift. During processing, a set of snap-fit ​​components engages the tray 10 containing the blank 11, raising it to the top for standby. Another set of snap-fit ​​components, with its slide rail 940 and T-block 950, moves to one side of the second guide rail 3 without interfering with the movement of the moving stage 4 on the second guide rail 3. When the moving stage 4, carrying the semi-finished product 12, moves to the corresponding position of the exchange component 9, the snap-fit ​​components below activate, the slide rail 940 moves towards the semi-finished product 12, and the T-block 950 inserts into the T-slot 980. To facilitate the insertion of the T-block 950, the T-slot 980... The end of block 950 is tapered, and the end of T-slot 980 is chamfered. After T-block 950 is inserted, the lower snap-fit ​​assembly is slightly raised. After being freed from the restraint of positioning cone 5, the carrying tray 10 and semi-finished product 12 in the lower snap-fit ​​assembly move outward. After moving outward, the upper snap-fit ​​assembly carries the tray 10 and blank 11 to the top of the moving table 4 and continues to descend, placing the tray 10 containing blank 11 on the moving table 4. Then the snap-fit ​​assembly is withdrawn, and the moving table 4 sends blank 11 to the processing position.

[0035] In Embodiment 2, in Embodiment 1, the two sets of locking components move independently. However, when exchanging trays 10, in order to prevent the movement of the two sets of trays 10 from interfering with each other, the trays 10 need to be raised to a sufficient height, which increases additional energy consumption. To reduce energy consumption, in Embodiment 2, based on Embodiment 1, the two sets of slides 930 are connected together by a pull rope 960 to achieve linkage. The support frame 910 is movably connected to the slides 930 through a guide rod 920. The gravity of the two sets of locking components interacts with each other, and only the difference in gravity between the two needs to be overcome during movement, thus reducing energy consumption. The pull rope 960 is connected to a drive cylinder 970, and the drive cylinder 970 is connected to a drive motor and drives the pull rope 960 to move through friction, adjusting the height of the locking components on both sides.

[0036] When exchanging semi-finished product 12 and blank 11, the controller controls the operation of the exchange component 9 according to the following steps, which are divided into four steps.

[0037] First step, please refer to Figure 7 One set of snap-fit ​​components snaps into the tray 10 loaded with blank 11, moves the tray 10 directly above the second guide rail 3 and raises it to the highest point to wait. The other set of snap-fit ​​components is in an idle state. The corresponding slide rail 940 and T-block 950 are located on one side of the second guide rail 3. When the moving table 4 carries the semi-finished product 12 to the corresponding position, the idle T-block 950 is inserted into the tray 10. The height of the two sets of snap-fit ​​components is adjusted to move away from the range of action of the positioning cone 5. The lower T-block 950 moves to one side, so that the semi-finished product 12 is moved to one side of the second guide rail 3.

[0038] Step 2, please refer to Figure 8 The high-mounted snap-fit ​​assembly moves downwards, while the snap-fit ​​assembly carrying the semi-finished product 12 moves upwards. After the tray 10 containing the blank 11 is placed on the moving table 4, the T-shaped block 950 is pulled out and moved to one side.

[0039] Step 3, please refer to Figure 9 The moving table 4 carries the blank 11 to the processing position, while the robot, the transport trolley or the operator places another tray 10 loaded with blank 11 on an idle snap-fit ​​assembly.

[0040] For the fourth step, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 10 Then, the positions of the two sets of snap-fit ​​components are swapped, and the robotic arm, a transport trolley, or a person removes the pallet 10 containing the semi-finished product 12, returning to the first step state.

[0041] To facilitate the snap-fit ​​assembly to snap onto or output the tray 10, the exchange assembly 9 has a placement platform 7 and a third guide rail 8 on one side. A second drive assembly is located between the placement platform 7 and the third guide rail 8. The second drive assembly moves the placement platform 7 along the third guide rail 8. When the snap-fit ​​assembly needs to snap onto a new tray 10, the tray 10 loaded with the new blank 11 is placed on the placement platform 7. The placement platform 7 moves toward the exchange assembly 9. When the T-block 950 is pulled out from the position corresponding to the second guide rail 3, the other end is inserted into the tray 10 on the placement platform 7. When the snap-fit ​​assembly is lifted, the tray 10 on it is lifted away. Conversely, when it is necessary to place the tray 10 loaded with the semi-finished product 12 on the placement platform 7, the placement platform 7 first moves to the position of the exchange assembly 9. After the snap-fit ​​assembly moves into place, the tray 10 is naturally placed on the placement platform 7. Then the placement platform 7 is reset, and the tray 10 is removed from the snap-fit ​​assembly. Then the robot, the transport trolley, or the operator transports the tray 10 away.

[0042] In Embodiment Three, compared to Embodiment One or Embodiment Two, on the one hand, relying on the positioning cone 5 for positioning results in a relatively high height for the positioning cone 5, leading to a relatively high lifting height each time the tray 10 is removed from the moving table 4, which is relatively cumbersome. On the other hand, relying solely on the positioning cone 5 to align and fix the tray 10 may not be secure, especially when processing generates an upward component force. Therefore, in Embodiment Three, based on Embodiment One or Embodiment Two, the positioning cone 5 is telescopic. The positioning cone 5 includes a telescopic cone 510, and two cones 510 are connected together by a synchronization plate 540 to achieve synchronous lifting and lowering. The synchronization plate 540 is connected to a driver 5. 20. The driver 520 rotates to drive the synchronous plate 540 to rise and fall. One side of the cone 510 is provided with a telescopic block 530 that can extend and retract. When the telescopic block 530 extends, it can lock the tray 10. At the same time, the driver 520 drives the synchronous plate 540 to move downward, tightening the tray 10 and increasing the friction between the tray 10 and the moving platform 4 to keep the tray 10 stable. When it is necessary to release the tray 10, the telescopic block 530 retracts, and the cone 510 also retracts, allowing the tray 10 to move freely. The moving platform 4 includes a support platform 410, and the support platform 410 is provided with a receiving cavity 420 corresponding to the synchronous plate 540.

[0043] The telescopic locking block 530 includes two wedge-shaped locking heads 532, which penetrate the side wall of the cone 510. A return spring 531 is provided between the two wedge-shaped locking heads 532, keeping them in an extended state. A locking platform 535 corresponding to the wedge-shaped locking heads 532 is provided inside the tray 10. When the cone 510 is inserted into the locking platform 535, the wedge-shaped locking heads 532 lock onto the platform 535. A retraction tube 533 is provided above the cone 510, and a return tension spring 534 is provided between the retraction tube 533 and the tray 10. When the cone 510 moves to its highest position, the wedge-shaped locking heads 532 can... The cone 510 is fully engaged with the retractable tube 533, but does not pass through it. The cone 510 has three stop positions: fully retracted, extended to a suitable engaging position, and fully extended. When release is required, the cone 510 is fully extended. The inner diameter of the retractable tube 533 is smaller than the inner diameter of the locking platform 535. The wedge-shaped locking head 532 locks onto the inner wall of the retractable tube 533, causing the return spring 531 to retract. When the cone 510 retracts, the wedge-shaped locking head 532 moves downward with the retractable tube 533 until the retractable tube 533 contacts the lower end of the locking platform 535. After the wedge-shaped locking head 532 is pulled out, it passes directly over the retractable tube 533, releasing the lock.

[0044] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A horizontal milling machining center, comprising: First guide rail (2), the first guide rail (2) is provided with milling body (1); The second guide rail (3) is provided with a movable platform (4) that can move along it, and the movable platform (4) is rotatable; A tray (10) is used to hold the blank (11) to be processed, and the tray (10) is detachably mounted on the movable table (4); Its characteristic is that it further includes: The exchange component (9) is set on one side of the second guide rail. The exchange component includes two sets of snap-fit ​​components. The two sets of snap-fit ​​components are used to snap-fit ​​the tray (10) loaded with blanks (11) and the tray (10) loaded with semi-finished products (12) respectively. The snap-fit ​​components can move linearly in the vertical direction to pick up and put down the tray (10), and can also move linearly in the direction of the second guide rail to exchange the position of the tray (10). The moving table (4) is provided with two positioning cones (5), and the bottom of the tray (10) is provided with a groove corresponding to the positioning cones (5). The controller controls the operation of the exchange component (9) according to a predetermined procedure to achieve the exchange of the tray (10).

2. A horizontal milling machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile platform (4) is equipped with a sensor (6). When the tray (10) is in close contact with the mobile platform (4), the sensor (6) sends a signal indicating that the tray is fully in place.

3. A horizontal milling machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exchange component (9) includes two slides (930) and a support frame (910) for supporting the movement of the slides (930). The slides (930) are slidably connected to a slide rail (940). A T-shaped block (950) is provided on the side of the slide rail (940). Both sides of the tray (10) are provided with T-shaped grooves (980) that cooperate with the T-shaped block (950). A driver is provided between the slides (930) and the slide rail (940). The driver drives the slide rail (940) to slide against the slides (930). The slides (930), the slide rail (940) and the T-shaped block (950) form a snap-fit ​​component.

4. A horizontal milling machining center according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two sets of slides (930) are connected together by a pull rope (960). The support frame (910) is movably connected to the slide (930) through a guide rod (920). The pull rope (960) is connected to a drive cylinder (970), and the drive cylinder (970) drives the pull rope (960) to move by friction.

5. A horizontal milling machining center according to claim 3, characterized in that, The exchange component (9) has a placement platform (7) and a third guide rail (8) on one side. When the tray (10) is placed on the placement platform (7), the T-block (950) and the T-slot (980) are aligned. A second drive component is provided between the placement platform (7) and the third guide rail (8). The second drive component causes the placement platform (7) to move along the third guide rail (8). The placement platform (7) can move the tray (10) on it onto the T-block (950).

6. A horizontal milling machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning cone (5) includes a telescopic cone (510), and two cones (510) are connected together by a synchronization plate (540) to achieve synchronous lifting and lowering. The synchronization plate (540) is connected to a driver (520), and the driver (520) and the synchronization plate (540) are threaded together.

7. A horizontal milling machining center according to claim 6, characterized in that, One side of the cone (510) is provided with a telescopic block (530) that can extend and retract. When the telescopic block (530) extends, it can hold the tray (10). When the tray (10) is in place, the driver (520) drives the synchronous plate (540) to pull the tray (10) down and increase the friction between the tray (10) and the moving table (4).

8. A horizontal milling machining center according to claim 7, characterized in that, The telescopic locking block (530) includes two wedge-shaped locking heads (532), which penetrate the side wall of the cone (510). A return spring (531) is provided between the two wedge-shaped locking heads (532), which causes the two wedge-shaped locking heads (532) to extend. The tray (10) is provided with a locking platform (535) corresponding to the wedge-shaped locking heads (532). A retraction tube (533) is provided above the cone (510), and a return tension spring (534) is provided between the retraction tube (533) and the tray (10). When the cone (510) moves to the top, the wedge-shaped locking heads (532) can be completely locked into the retraction tube (533) but will not pass through the retraction tube (533). The inner diameter of the retraction tube (533) is smaller than the inner diameter of the locking platform (535).

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