Large exchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system

Abstract

Large exchangeable tray positioning and clamping system belongs to the technical field of numerical control machine tool manufacturing. The present application is characterized in that it comprises a reference base and an adjusting base arranged in parallel with each other, the upper front and rear ends of the reference base are respectively provided with reference tables, the middle part of the reference table is provided with a recessed fixed mounting position, the upper front and rear ends of the adjusting base are respectively provided with adjusting tables, the upper part of the adjusting table is a flat surface and is provided with mounting holes, the front end reference table of the reference base and the rear end adjusting table of the adjusting base are both connected with a coarse positioning mechanism, and the rear end reference table of the reference base and the front end adjusting table of the adjusting base are both connected with a fine positioning mechanism. The present application ensures the consistency and reliability of the positioning and clamping of the tray when it is exchanged, which is an important component of the bridge type five-axis machining center automation production line, thereby improving the machining precision level of large aircraft parts and meeting the production line assembly requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of CNC machine tool manufacturing technology, and specifically relates to a large interchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, the modern large aircraft industry has increasingly higher requirements for the automation level, production efficiency, and reliability of processing equipment. Compared with the automated production line of bridge-type five-axis machining centers, the traditional production method of a single bridge-type five-axis machining center not only has longer operation and assistance time and lower efficiency, but also requires a higher level of skill from operators, resulting in poor consistency and reliability of processed products, making it difficult to meet the needs of high-efficiency, mass production.

[0003] Meanwhile, with the development of the aerospace field, modern aircraft components are trending towards integration and larger size. This has led to larger size of aircraft component exchange carrier trays, which makes it difficult to ensure the reliability and consistency of tray exchange. At the same time, it makes it difficult to achieve reliable clamping of the tray system during parts processing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems and overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a large-scale interchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system. This invention ensures the consistency and reliability of pallet positioning and clamping during the exchange of pallets, a crucial component of the bridge-type five-axis machining center automated production line, thereby improving the machining accuracy of large aircraft parts and meeting the requirements of production line assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] This invention provides a large interchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system, characterized by comprising a reference base and an adjusting base arranged parallel to each other. The reference base has reference platforms at its front and rear ends, with a recessed fixing mounting position in the middle. The adjusting base has adjusting platforms at its front and rear ends, with a flat upper surface and mounting holes. Both the front reference platform of the reference base and the rear adjustment platform of the adjusting base are connected to coarse positioning mechanisms. Both the rear reference platform of the reference base and the front adjustment platform of the adjusting base are connected to fine positioning mechanisms. Extrusion blocks are connected to the reference platforms of the reference base on the exterior of the corresponding coarse and fine positioning mechanisms. Adjustment blocks with extrusion bolts are connected to the adjustment platforms of the adjusting mechanisms on the exterior of the corresponding coarse and fine positioning mechanisms. An electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism is provided in the middle of both the reference base and the adjusting base. A deflection detection mechanism is provided near each of the fine positioning mechanisms on both the reference base and the adjusting base.

[0007] Furthermore, the coarse positioning mechanism includes a coarse positioning pin, a coarse positioning sleeve, a coarse positioning pin seat, and a coarse adjustment pad. The coarse positioning pin seat is installed on the recessed fixed mounting position of the reference platform and corresponds to the extrusion block, or it is installed on the upper part of the adjustment platform and corresponds to the adjustment block. The coarse adjustment pad is sleeved under the coarse positioning pin and simultaneously connected to the coarse positioning pin seat. The coarse positioning sleeve is installed on the tray by screws and can be locked onto the coarse positioning pin.

[0008] Furthermore, the precision positioning mechanism includes a precision positioning pin, a precision positioning sleeve, a precision positioning pin seat, and a precision adjustment pad. The precision positioning pin seat is installed on the recessed fixed mounting position of the reference platform and corresponds to the extrusion block, or it is installed on the upper part of the adjustment platform and corresponds to the adjustment block. The precision adjustment pad is sleeved under the precision positioning pin and simultaneously connected to the precision positioning pin seat. The precision positioning sleeve is fixed on the tray by a grouting process and can be fitted onto the precision positioning pin.

[0009] Furthermore, each of the coarse positioning mechanisms and each of the fine positioning mechanisms is provided with a high-pressure cleaning nozzle around its periphery, and each of the reference base and the adjustment base is provided with a pneumatic connector, and each of the high-pressure cleaning nozzles is connected to the corresponding pneumatic connector through a pneumatic pipeline.

[0010] Furthermore, the electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism includes an electro-permanent magnet chuck and a magnetic block assembly. At least one electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism is provided on both the reference base and the adjustment base. The electro-permanent magnet chuck is detachably connected to the reference base or the adjustment base. The magnetic block assembly is located on the upper part of the electro-permanent magnet chuck. Each set of the magnetic block assembly includes multiple magnetic blocks and an airtightness detection switch.

[0011] Furthermore, all of the electro-permanent magnet chucks are set at the same height, and the tops of all the magnetic block groups are at the same height.

[0012] Furthermore, the deflection detection mechanism includes a mounting bracket and a deflection detection switch. Near each of the two precision positioning mechanisms, a mounting bracket is provided in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The mounting bracket is connected to the reference base or the adjustment base. The deflection detection switch is provided on each mounting bracket and is used to detect the horizontal and vertical positions of the corresponding tray.

[0013] Furthermore, both ends of the reference base and the adjustment base are provided with positioning holes.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention.

[0015] This invention enhances the adaptability to positioning errors in pallet transport systems through the cooperation of coarse and fine positioning mechanisms, allowing for a wider tolerance range of positioning errors. The dual positioning mechanisms, working together, extend their service life and reduce subsequent maintenance costs. It can accommodate positioning and clamping of pallets of different specifications. When user parts specifications change, only the pallet specifications need to be replaced, eliminating the need to remanufacture the pallet positioning and clamping system, thus reducing user costs in the long run. The electro-permanent magnetic chuck clamping mechanism is a more perfect match for the functional requirements of automatic exchange of large pallets compared to traditional clamping systems. It has low replacement and maintenance costs and can independently provide real-time feedback on clamping status, exhibiting high reliability. Furthermore, if a particular electro-permanent magnetic chuck clamping mechanism requires maintenance, it can be disassembled separately without affecting the use of other electro-permanent magnetic chuck clamping mechanisms, minimizing impact on user production schedules. The deflection detection mechanism can detect errors in the pallet transport system, preventing excessive positioning errors or damage to the coarse and fine positioning mechanisms and pallets caused by the electro-permanent magnetic chuck clamping mechanism during clamping, ensuring safe operation. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the reference base of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the adjustment base of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0022] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1 is the reference base, 2 is the adjustment base, 3 is the reference platform, 4 is the recessed fixed mounting position, 5 is the adjustment platform, 6 is the mounting hole, 7 is the coarse positioning mechanism, 8 is the fine positioning mechanism, 9 is the extrusion block, 10 is the adjustment block, 11 is the coarse positioning pin, 12 is the coarse positioning sleeve, 13 is the coarse positioning pin seat, 14 is the coarse adjustment pad, 15 is the fine positioning pin, 16 is the fine positioning sleeve, 17 is the fine positioning pin seat, 18 is the fine adjustment pad, 19 is the high-pressure cleaning nozzle, 20 is the pneumatic connector, 21 is the electro-permanent magnet chuck, 22 is the magnetic guide block, 23 is the airtightness detection switch, 24 is the mounting bracket, 25 is the deflection detection switch, 26 is the positioning hole, and 27 is the tray. Detailed Implementation

[0023] As shown in the accompanying drawings, this embodiment provides a positioning and clamping system for a large exchangeable pallet, including a reference base 1 and an adjusting base 2 arranged parallel to each other. The reference base 1 serves as the reference position for clamping the large exchangeable pallet 27. The adjusting base 2 is installed parallel to the reference base 1. The separation of the reference base 1 and the adjusting base 2 enhances the adaptability to pallets 27 of different sizes. During installation, both the reference base 1 and the adjusting base 2 are mounted on the ground using anchor bolts. Positioning holes 26 are provided at both ends of the reference base 1 and the adjusting base 2 to ensure installation accuracy with the machine tool.

[0024] The upper front and rear ends of the reference base 1 are respectively provided with reference platforms 3, and the middle of the reference platform 3 is provided with a recessed fixed mounting position 4. The upper front and rear ends of the adjustment base 2 are respectively provided with adjustment platforms 5, and the upper part of the adjustment platform 5 is a flat surface and is provided with mounting holes 6.

[0025] Both the front reference platform 3 of the reference base 1 and the rear adjustment platform 5 of the adjustment base 2 are connected to coarse positioning mechanisms 7, with the two coarse positioning mechanisms 7 corresponding to two opposite corners of the large exchangeable tray 27. Both the rear reference platform 3 of the reference base 1 and the front adjustment platform 5 of the adjustment base 2 are connected to fine positioning mechanisms 8, with the two fine positioning mechanisms 8 corresponding to the other two opposite corners of the large exchangeable tray 27.

[0026] On the reference platform 3 of the reference base 1, extrusion blocks 9 are connected to the outside of the corresponding coarse positioning mechanism 7 and fine positioning mechanism 8. On the adjustment platform 5 of the adjustment mechanism, adjustment blocks 10 with extrusion bolts are connected to the outside of the corresponding coarse positioning mechanism 7 and fine positioning mechanism 8.

[0027] The coarse positioning mechanism 7 includes a coarse positioning pin 11, a coarse positioning sleeve 12, a coarse positioning pin seat 13, and a coarse adjusting shim 14. The fine positioning mechanism 8 includes a fine positioning pin 15, a fine positioning sleeve 16, a fine positioning pin seat 17, and a fine adjusting shim 18.

[0028] The coarse positioning pin seat 13 and the fine positioning pin seat 17 corresponding to the reference base 1 are respectively installed on the recessed fixed mounting position 4 of the reference platform 3 and correspond to the extrusion block 9. When the coarse positioning pin seat 13 or the fine positioning pin seat 17 is installed on the recessed fixed mounting position 4, the position is fixed and is squeezed firmly by the extrusion block 9.

[0029] The coarse locating pin 13 and fine locating pin 17 of the corresponding adjustment base 2 are respectively installed on the upper part of the adjustment table 5 and correspond to the adjustment block 10. The installation position is adjusted by turning the clamping bolt of the adjustment block 10 to push against the coarse locating pin 13 or fine locating pin 17 on the adjustment base 2. The mounting hole 6 has a large gap with the screw used to install the coarse locating pin 13 or fine locating pin 17, which is used for fixing after adjustment. The adjustable installation position of the coarse locating pin 13 and fine locating pin 17 on the adjustment base 2 helps to ensure the positioning consistency of the positioning and clamping system of the large exchangeable pallet 27 at different machine tool positions, thereby ensuring the positional consistency of the pallet 27 at different machine tool positions and ensuring the consistency of the machining accuracy of the parts.

[0030] The coarse adjustment shim 14 is fitted below the coarse positioning pin 11 and simultaneously connected to the coarse positioning pin seat 13. The coarse positioning sleeve 12 is installed on the tray 27 by screws and can be locked onto the coarse positioning pin 11. The fine adjustment shim 18 is fitted below the fine positioning pin 15 and simultaneously connected to the fine positioning pin seat 17. The fine positioning sleeve 16 is fixed on the tray 27 by grouting and can be locked onto the fine positioning pin 15, so that the fine positioning mechanism 8 of each clamping system at different stations of the production line has consistency and interchangeability.

[0031] The coarse positioning pin 11, coarse positioning sleeve 12, fine positioning pin 15, and fine positioning sleeve 16 are all made of special materials and have undergone heat treatment to improve the hardness of the contact surface, resulting in good wear resistance and a long service life.

[0032] Each coarse positioning mechanism 7 and each fine positioning mechanism 8 is equipped with a high-pressure cleaning nozzle 19 around its periphery. Both the reference base 1 and the adjusting base 2 are equipped with pneumatic connectors 20. Each high-pressure cleaning nozzle 19 is connected to its corresponding pneumatic connector 20 via a pneumatic pipeline. Air is supplied from an external air source connected to the pneumatic connector 20, and the high-pressure cleaning nozzles 19 clean the area around the coarse positioning pin 11 and the fine positioning pin 15. The start and stop of the air supply can be controlled by an externally connected solenoid valve assembly and control circuit.

[0033] Both the reference base 1 and the adjustment base 2 are equipped with an electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism in the middle. The electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism includes an electro-permanent magnet chuck 21 and a magnetic block group. At least one (three in this embodiment) electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism is provided on both the reference base 1 and the adjustment base 2. The electro-permanent magnet chuck 21 is detachably connected to the reference base 1 or the adjustment base 2. All electro-permanent magnet chucks 21 are set at the same height. The magnetic block group is set on the upper part of the electro-permanent magnet chuck 21. The tops of all magnetic block groups are at the same height. Each set of magnetic block groups includes multiple magnetic blocks 22 and an airtightness detection switch 23.

[0034] Multiple magnetic blocks 22 provide a large contact area between the tray 27 and the clamping system, resulting in a large clamping force and minimal deformation of the tray 27 during clamping. The magnetic blocks 22 have high hardness and are self-milling. Airtightness detection switches 23 detect the contact between each electro-permanent magnetic chuck 21 and the tray 27, and connect to an airtightness signal detection circuit to provide feedback to the CNC machine tool. This allows for independent real-time feedback of the clamping status of each electro-permanent magnetic chuck 21, ensuring high reliability. Furthermore, if a clamping mechanism requires maintenance, it can be disassembled individually without affecting the use of other clamping mechanisms, minimizing disruption to the user's production schedule. The electro-permanent magnetic chuck 21 is controlled by an external control system to magnetize and demagnetize, enabling it to clamp and release the tray 27.

[0035] Both the reference base 1 and the adjustment base 2 are equipped with deflection detection mechanisms near their respective precision positioning mechanisms 8. Each deflection detection mechanism includes a mounting bracket 24 and a deflection detection switch 25. A mounting bracket 24 is located near both the two precision positioning mechanisms 8 in the horizontal and vertical directions. The mounting bracket 24 is connected to either the reference base 1 or the adjustment base 2. A deflection detection switch 25 is mounted on each mounting bracket 24, and is used to detect the horizontal and vertical positions of the pallet 27, respectively. The pallet 27 deflection detection mechanism provides feedback on errors in the large pallet 27 transportation system. It is an essential prerequisite for the electro-permanent magnet chuck 21 clamping mechanism to clamp the pallet 27, effectively preventing damage to the positioning system during clamping due to deviations in the pallet 27 transportation system. The pallet 27 deflection detection mechanism, in conjunction with the airtightness detection function of the electro-permanent magnet chuck 21 clamping mechanism, provides spatial position feedback after the pallet 27 is positioned, ensuring the reliability of the large exchangeable pallet 27 positioning and clamping system.

[0036] It is understood that the above specific description of the present invention is only for illustrating the present invention and is not limited to the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the present invention to achieve the same technical effect; as long as the use needs are met, they are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A large interchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system, characterized in that, The system includes a reference base (1) and an adjustment base (2) arranged parallel to each other. The reference base (1) has a reference platform (3) at its front and rear ends, and a recessed fixing mounting position (4) at its center. The adjustment base (2) has an adjustment platform (5) at its front and rear ends, with a flat surface and mounting holes (6) at its top. Both the front reference platform (3) of the reference base (1) and the rear adjustment platform (5) of the adjustment base (2) are connected to a coarse positioning mechanism (7). The rear reference platform (3) of the reference base (1) and the front adjustment platform (5) of the adjustment base (2) are connected to a coarse positioning mechanism (7). 5) Both are connected to a fine positioning mechanism (8). The reference platform (3) of the reference base (1) is connected to an extrusion block (9) on the outside of the coarse positioning mechanism (7) and the fine positioning mechanism (8). The adjustment platform (5) of the adjustment base is connected to an adjustment block (10) with an extrusion bolt on the outside of the coarse positioning mechanism (7) and the fine positioning mechanism (8). The middle part of the reference base (1) and the adjustment base (2) is provided with an electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism. The reference base (1) and the adjustment base (2) are provided with a deflection detection mechanism near their respective fine positioning mechanisms (8). The coarse positioning mechanism (7) includes a coarse positioning pin (11), a coarse positioning sleeve (12), a coarse positioning pin seat (13), and a coarse adjustment pad (14). The coarse positioning pin seat (13) is installed on the recessed fixed mounting position (4) of the reference platform (3) and corresponds to the extrusion block (9), or installed on the upper part of the adjustment platform (5) and corresponds to the adjustment block (10). The coarse adjustment pad (14) is fitted under the coarse positioning pin (11) and simultaneously connected to the coarse positioning pin seat (13). The coarse positioning sleeve (12) is installed on the tray (27) by screws and can be fitted onto the coarse positioning pin (11). The precision positioning mechanism (8) includes a precision positioning pin (15), a precision positioning sleeve (16), a precision positioning pin seat (17), and a precision adjustment pad (18). The precision positioning pin seat (17) is installed on the recessed fixed mounting position (4) of the reference platform (3) and corresponds to the extrusion block (9), or installed on the upper part of the adjustment platform (5) and corresponds to the adjustment block (10). The precision adjustment pad (18) is fitted under the precision positioning pin (15) and simultaneously connected to the precision positioning pin seat (17). The precision positioning sleeve (16) is fixed on the tray (27) by grouting process and can be fitted onto the precision positioning pin (15).

2. The large exchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the coarse positioning mechanisms (7) and each of the fine positioning mechanisms (8) is provided with a high-pressure cleaning nozzle (19) around its periphery. Each of the reference base (1) and the adjustment base (2) is provided with a pneumatic connector (20). Each of the high-pressure cleaning nozzles (19) is connected to the corresponding pneumatic connector (20) through a pneumatic pipeline.

3. The large interchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism includes an electro-permanent magnet chuck (21) and a magnetic block group. At least one electro-permanent magnet chuck clamping mechanism is provided on both the reference base (1) and the adjustment base (2). The electro-permanent magnet chuck (21) is detachably connected to the reference base (1) or the adjustment base (2). The magnetic block group is provided on the upper part of the electro-permanent magnet chuck (21). Each set of the magnetic block group includes multiple magnetic blocks (22) and an airtightness detection switch (23).

4. The large exchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system according to claim 2, characterized in that, All of the electro-permanent magnet chucks (21) are set at the same height, and the tops of all the magnetic block groups are at the same height.

5. The large interchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deflection detection mechanism includes a mounting bracket (24) and a deflection detection switch (25). A mounting bracket (24) is provided near the two precision positioning mechanisms (8) in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The mounting bracket (24) is connected to the reference base (1) or the adjustment base (2). The deflection detection switch (25) is provided on each mounting bracket (24) and is used to detect the horizontal and vertical positions of the corresponding detection tray (27).

6. The large exchangeable pallet positioning and clamping system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the reference base (1) and the adjustment base (2) are provided with positioning holes (26).

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