A combined tool magazine structure

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of tool magazine technology and discloses a combined tool magazine structure, including a base and a tool disc rotatably mounted on the base. The base has a drive structure for rotating the tool disc, and the tool disc has N tool holders for holding tools. The tool disc has N notches corresponding to the N tool holders, and N rotating components corresponding to the N notches. A wedge-shaped ring is fixedly mounted on the base, movably engaging with N-1 of the rotating components. This invention, through the cooperation between the base, rotating components, wedge-shaped ring, and tool disc, allows the lower notch to be exposed for tool movement, while also allowing other rotating components to close the corresponding notches, preventing coolant and debris from entering through the open notches. This reduces subsequent cleaning hassles and ensures the normal use of the tool holders.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tool magazine technology, and in particular to a combined tool magazine structure. Background Technology

[0002] A tool magazine is a device that provides tool storage and changing capabilities for automated machining processes. Its automatic tool changer and tool magazine, capable of storing multiple tools, are controlled by a computer program to fulfill various machining requirements. During tool operation, a large amount of coolant is sprayed for cooling, while various chips and other debris are generated, requiring effective protection and cleaning.

[0003] For example, Chinese Patent Publication No. CN207696157U discloses a tool magazine and drilling / tapping center driven by a DD direct drive motor. It includes a tool magazine support, a DD direct drive motor, a tool head, and tool grippers. The tool head is connected to the tool magazine support, and several tool grippers for holding tools are spaced apart on the tool head. The DD direct drive motor is connected to the tool head drive, thereby driving the rotation of the tool head. Its structure is simple; the DD direct drive motor is directly connected to the tool head drive, and the rotation and indexing of the tool head are directly controlled by the DD direct drive motor. This simplifies the tool magazine structure, reduces intermediate transmission links, effectively reduces the tool magazine failure rate, and improves the speed and accuracy of tool changing, thus increasing the precision of the equipment.

[0004] The cutter head of this application has several notches for the placement of the cutter claws and cutting tools. These notches are always open, which allows coolant and debris such as waste to enter the cutter head during operation. This can affect the use of other cutter claws and cutting tools during subsequent cutter head switching, thus limiting its usability.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a combined tool magazine structure to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a combined tool magazine structure to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a combined tool magazine structure is designed that leaves only the bottom notch for tool advance and retreat, while closing the remaining notches to prevent coolant and debris such as chips from affecting the tool.

[0008] Based on the above ideas, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a combined tool magazine structure, including a base and a tool disc rotatably mounted on the base. The base is provided with a drive structure for driving the tool disc to rotate. The tool disc is provided with N tool holders for placing tools. The tool disc has N notches corresponding to the N tool holders. The tool disc is provided with N rotating components corresponding to the N notches. A wedge-shaped ring is fixedly mounted on the base and movably fits with N-1 rotating components. When the drive structure drives the tool disc to rotate, the rotating component directly below can separate from the wedge-shaped ring and rotate on its own, so that the notch directly below is exposed.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: the wedge ring is an incomplete ring design, with an opening at its bottom and bevels at both ends.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the rotating assembly includes a key rod rotatably mounted on the cutter head and a key sleeve that slides with the key rod. The key rod and the key sleeve are assembled in a key shaft manner, and the end of the key sleeve is movably fitted with a wedge ring. A partition is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the key sleeve. A first spring that abuts against the cutter head is fixedly installed on the surface of the partition near the key rod. A cover plate corresponding to the notch position is fixedly installed on the end of the key rod away from the key sleeve.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention: a guide post is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the key sleeve, and a circular hole is opened on the surface of the cutter head for the key sleeve to slide, and a spiral groove is opened inside the circular hole to slide and engage with the guide post.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: the spiral groove is designed in a semi-circular shape. When the guide post moves along the spiral groove, it can drive the key sleeve to rotate 180 degrees. The key sleeve drives the cover plate to rotate synchronously through the key rod, so that it overlaps or offsets with the corresponding notch.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention: the cutter head is provided with an air blowing component corresponding to the position of the partition. When the partition rotates, the air blowing component can be squeezed to blow air onto the corresponding cutter holder.

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention: the air blowing assembly includes an airbag fixedly installed on the cutter head and corresponding to the position of the partition plate. The airbag is provided with an air outlet corresponding to the position of the cutter head. The outer surface of the cutter head is provided with an air inlet that communicates with the airbag. Both the air outlet and the air inlet are designed to be one-way through a one-way valve.

[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention: the number of airbags is N and they correspond one-to-one with N partitions. When one of the partitions rotates, it can come into contact with the corresponding airbag.

[0016] As a further aspect of the present invention: the airbag is an integral ring mounted on the cutter head, and when one of the partitions rotates, it can come into contact with the annular airbag.

[0017] As a further aspect of the present invention: the partition plate is offset from the corresponding notch both when it is not rotating and when it is rotating.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: Through the cooperation between the base, rotating components, wedge ring, and cutter head, the notch directly below can be exposed to facilitate the tool's advance and retreat, while other rotating components can close the corresponding notch, preventing coolant and debris from entering through the open notch. This reduces subsequent cleaning hassles and ensures the normal use of the tool holder. Furthermore, the overall structure is integrated onto the cutter head, ensuring that the disassembly of the base and cutter head is unaffected, thus facilitating later disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the cutter head and base, resulting in a better overall user experience and higher practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cutter head and cutter holder structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating component structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circular hole and spiral groove structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base and wedge-shaped ring structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the partition and extension plate structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cutter head and air inlet structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cutter head and airbag structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the key rod and cover plate structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment component structure of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Cutter head; 3. Drive structure; 4. Cutter holder; 5. Rotating assembly; 6. Step; 7. Wedge ring; 8. Housing; 9. Air blowing assembly; 10. Adjustment assembly; 201. Round hole; 202. Spiral groove; 501. Key rod; 502. Key sleeve; 503. Cover plate; 504. Partition plate; 505. Guide post; 506. First spring; 507. Extension plate; 508. Cavity; 509. Slot; 901. Air inlet; 902. Airbag; 903. Air outlet; 1001. Round rod; 1002. Pulley; 1003. Locking block; 1004. Second spring. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This invention provides a combined tool magazine structure, mainly used to effectively protect the tool magazine during use. The structure includes a base 1 and a tool disc 2 rotatably mounted on the base 1. A drive structure 3 for driving the tool disc 2 to rotate is provided on the base 1, and N tool holders 4 for holding tools are provided on the tool disc 2. In this embodiment, the number of tool holders 4 is thirty, but the specific number can be increased or decreased accordingly. The tool holders 4, tool disc 2, drive structure 3, and tool holders 4 are all existing mature technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0033] Furthermore, the cutter head 2 has N notches corresponding to the N tool holders 4, and N rotating components 5 corresponding to the N notches. A wedge-shaped ring 7 is fixedly installed on the base 1, which movably fits with N-1 rotating components 5. When the drive structure 3 drives the cutter head 2, the N tool holders 4, and the N rotating components 5 to rotate, one of the rotating components 5 does not contact the wedge-shaped ring 7. At this time, the rotating component 5 can expose its corresponding notch. This exposed notch is used for the tool to enter and cooperate with the tool holder 4 to complete the placement during subsequent work, while the remaining N-1 rotating components 5 cover all the other notches.

[0034] It should be noted that the corresponding exposed notch is always positioned directly below, thus enabling the tool to quickly enter and exit the field.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, preferably, the wedge ring 7 has an incomplete ring design, with openings at positions directly below and on the base 1. The opening in the base 1 is used for the advance and retraction of the tool, while the opening in the wedge ring 7 allows one of the rotating components 5 to be separated from the wedge ring 7, while the remaining rotating components 5 are in contact with the wedge ring 7. Simultaneously, both ends of the wedge ring 7 are provided with inclined surfaces, so that when the cutter head 2 drives the N rotating components 5 to rotate, the rotating components 5 can contact or separate from the wedge ring 7 via the inclined surfaces.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, preferably, the rotating assembly 5 includes a key rod 501 rotatably mounted on the cutter head 2 and a key sleeve 502 slidably engaged with the key rod 501. The key rod 501 and the key sleeve 502 are assembled in a key shaft manner and will not fall off, that is, they can rotate synchronously and the key sleeve 502 can also slide back and forth along the key rod 501. The end of the key sleeve 502 away from the key rod 501 corresponds to the wedge ring 7, and one of them is separated from the wedge ring 7 while the others are in a movable contact state with the wedge ring 7. At the same time, a partition plate 504 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the key sleeve 502, and a first spring 506 is provided on the surface of the partition plate 504 near the key rod 501, which abuts against the cutter head 2. The first spring 506 causes the partition plate 504 and the key sleeve 502 to have a tendency to move away from the key rod 501, and the first spring 506 is not fixedly connected to the cutter head 2, but can rotate synchronously with the partition plate 504.

[0037] Furthermore, a cover plate 503 is fixedly installed at the end of the key rod 501 away from the key sleeve 502. When the key sleeve 502 contacts the wedge ring 7, the cover plate 503 is in a state of separation from the notch. When the key sleeve 502 is separated from the wedge ring 7, the cover plate 503 closes the corresponding notch.

[0038] It is understandable that one key sleeve 502 causes the partition 504 to separate from the wedge ring 7, while all the other key sleeves 502 cause the partitions 504 to contact the wedge ring 7. At this time, the direction of the partitions 504 is consistent, that is, only one partition 504 is in the opposite direction at any time, and there are always N-1 key sleeves 502 against the wedge ring 7.

[0039] Reference Figures 2 to 4 In this embodiment, preferably, a guide post 505 is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the key sleeve 502, and a circular hole 201 is formed on the surface of the cutter head 2 for the key sleeve 502 to slide. The inside of the circular hole 201 is formed with a spiral groove 202 that slides and engages with the guide post 505. The spiral groove 202 is designed in a semi-circular shape, so that when the key sleeve 502 abuts against the wedge ring 7, the guide post 505 can complete half a circle of the spiral groove 202, thereby driving the key sleeve 502 to rotate 180 degrees, so that the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503 also rotate 180 degrees.

[0040] Correspondingly, there is a step 6 protruding inward inside the cutter head 2. The step 6 facilitates the opening of the round hole 201 and the spiral groove 202, and provides space for the guide post 505 to slide along the spiral groove 202. At this time, the first spring 506 is set to abut against the step 6.

[0041] In use, the drive structure 3 drives the cutter head 2, N cutter holders 4, and N cover plates 503 to rotate synchronously. At this time, the key sleeve 502 moves along the wedge ring 7. When the corresponding notch moves to the bottom, the drive structure 3 stops. At this time, the key sleeve 502 corresponding to the bottom notch corresponds to the opening of the wedge ring 7 and is separated from the wedge ring 7. Under the action of the first spring 506, it can move away from the key rod 501. During the movement, the guide post 505 and the spiral groove 202 drive the key sleeve 502, the partition plate 504, and the first spring 506 to rotate 180 degrees. The key sleeve 502, through the key shaft assembly, drives the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503 to rotate synchronously 180 degrees, so that the cover plate 503 corresponding to the bottom notch rotates and moves away, thus exposing the bottom notch. The remaining key sleeves 502 are in abutting state with the wedge ring 7, so that all the other cover plates 503 are in a fixed state, thus closing the remaining notches. As the drive structure 3 drives the cutter head 2 to rotate, the notch directly below can be exposed, allowing the cutter to move forward and backward relative to the cutter holder 4.

[0042] In summary, the combination of the key sleeve 502, spiral groove 202, wedge ring 7, and tool holder 2 allows the lower notch to be exposed for tool movement, while simultaneously allowing other cover plates 503 to close the corresponding notch, preventing coolant and debris from entering through the open opening. This ensures the cleanliness of other tools, reducing subsequent cleaning hassles and guaranteeing the normal use of the tool holder 4. The integrated structure on the tool holder 2 allows for independent disassembly of the base 1 and tool holder 2 without affecting their individual operation, facilitating later disassembly and maintenance of both, resulting in a better overall user experience and higher practicality.

[0043] Example 2:

[0044] Please see Figures 1 to 8 Based on Embodiment 1, in order to further ensure the normal use of the tool holder 4, an air blowing component 9 is provided inside the tool disc 2, so that when the partition plate 504 directly below rotates, it can squeeze the air blowing component 9 to release air, and the air release direction is towards the tool holder 4 directly below. Then the tool enters the tool holder 4 directly below to complete the assembly.

[0045] Furthermore, in order to improve the squeezing effect on the air blowing assembly 9, the partition 504 extends towards the key rod 501 to form an extension plate 507, which can improve the contact effect with the air blowing assembly 9 and thus ensure the air output.

[0046] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7In this embodiment, preferably, the air blowing assembly 9 includes an airbag 902 fixedly mounted on the step 6 and corresponding to the position of the partition 504. The airbag 902 is elastic and deformable. The air outlet 903 of the airbag 902 corresponds to the cutter holder 4 and is arranged on the step 6, while the air inlet 901 of the airbag 902 is arranged on the cutter disc 2 and located on the outer surface of the cutter disc 2. It is understood that both the air outlet 903 and the air inlet 901 are designed to be one-way via one-way valves, so that the air outlet and air inlet will not interfere with each other. The one-way valve is a mature existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0047] The air outlet 903 corresponding to the tool holder 4 causes the baffle 504 to generate air outlet and clean when rotating, while the removal opening generates air intake through the air inlet 901 outside the tool disc 2. The two do not interfere with each other, and due to the external design of the air intake and the tilted use state of the tool disc 2, the air intake of the air inlet 901 is not affected by coolant and debris (the two are in relative positions).

[0048] Furthermore, a housing 8 for housing the airbag 902 can be fixedly installed on step 6, or as... Figure 8 As shown, the airbag 902 is a ring-shaped integral placement on the step 6. At this time, all the partitions 504 share one airbag 902 (in contact with N-1 partitions 504). The number and position of the air outlets 903 remain unchanged, but the number of air inlets 901 can be reduced. Moreover, the air outlets 903 are vented synchronously, that is, when the cutter head 2 rotates once, it can achieve one air blowing cleaning of all the cutter holders 4.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positions of the spiral groove 202 and the guide post 505 are improved: so that the partition 504 is offset from the notch both when it is not rotating and after rotating 180 degrees. This ensures that the compression process of the airbag 902 is not affected, and also avoids interference between the partition 504 and the tool holder 4 and the tool when it is not rotating. Figure 6 This is the position where the partition 504 is not rotated. After the partition 504 rotates 180 degrees, it becomes... Figure 6 The key sleeve 502 is positioned opposite to the key sleeve 502; this design ensures that the first spring 506 can always maintain contact with the step 6, preventing the first spring 506 from separating from the step 6 when the partition 504 rotates.

[0050] In use, the key sleeve 502, wedge ring 7, and cutter head 2 allow the lower notch to be exposed while other notches are closed, preventing coolant and debris from entering through the open notches. The working process and effect of this part are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here. The difference is that when the key sleeve 502 rotates, on the one hand, the key rod 501 drives the cover plate 503 to rotate 180 degrees, and on the other hand, it drives the partition plate 504, extension plate 507, and first spring 506 to rotate 180 degrees. When the partition plate 504 and extension plate 507 rotate, they can compress the air bag 902, causing the air outlet 903 to release air to clean the cutter head 4. After cleaning, the cutter enters the cutter head 4 for operation.

[0051] In Example 1, the tool holder 4 may accumulate a certain amount of waste during the use of the tool, which may affect the subsequent advance and retreat of the tool and its use, thus having certain limitations in use.

[0052] Compared to Embodiment 1, the combination of structures such as the partition 504, airbag 902, air outlet 903, and cutter head 2 allows the key sleeve 502 to rotate, simultaneously driving the cover plate 503 and the partition 504 to compress the airbag 902. This causes the airbag to release air to clean the tool holder 4, ensuring smooth tool movement and use. The overall design, combined with the rotation of the key sleeve 502 and partition 504, and the air intake design on the outer surface of the airbag 902, prevents the influence of debris and coolant. Furthermore, the partition 504 does not interfere with the tool holder 4 or the tool, further ensuring stable tool use and enhancing applicability.

[0053] Example 3:

[0054] Please see Figures 1 to 10 Based on Embodiment 2, in order to meet different adjustment requirements, the fixed installation of the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503 is improved: at this time, an adjustment component 10 is provided between the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503. The relative fixed installation of the cover plate 503 and the key rod 501 is achieved through the adjustment component 10, and the adjustment of the cover plate 503 relative to the key rod 501 can be achieved through the adjustment component 10.

[0055] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, preferably, the adjusting assembly 10 includes a round rod 1001 fixedly connected to the cover plate 503 and movably mounted to the key rod 501. One end of the round rod 1001 is fixedly mounted with a lever 1002, and the other end extends into the key rod 501 and is fixedly mounted with a locking block 1003. A locking groove 509 is formed inside the key rod 501 to movably engage with the locking block 1003. The engagement of the locking block 1003 and the locking groove 509 synchronizes the rotation of the key rod 501 and the round rod 1001, thereby synchronizing the rotation of the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503.

[0056] Furthermore, the key rod 501 has a cavity 508 that communicates with the slot 509. The cavity 508 is also used for the placement of the round rod 1001. A second spring 1004 is fixedly installed on the surface of the locking block 1003 near the dial block 1002, which abuts against the cavity 508. The second spring 1004 causes the locking block 1003 to have a tendency to move away from the dial block 1002, and the second spring 1004 is not fixedly connected to the cavity wall of the cavity 508.

[0057] In use, the key sleeve 502, wedge ring 7, and cutter disc 2 allow the lower notch to be exposed while other notches are closed, preventing coolant and debris from entering through the open notches. The partition 504, airbag 902, and cutter disc 2 allow the key sleeve 502 to rotate, causing the partition 504 to rotate synchronously and compress the airbag 902, which then blows air onto the cutter holder 4 for cleaning. This process and effect are the same as in Example 2 and will not be repeated here. The difference is that before the drive structure 3 rotates the cutter disc 2, the round rod 1001 can be lifted by pinching the lever 1002, causing the locking block 1003 to separate from the slot 509. Then, the lever 1002 drives the round rod 1001 and the locking block 1003 to rotate, causing the cover plate 503 to rotate synchronously and change position corresponding to the notch. During this process, the locking block 1003 and the slot 509 are misaligned and will not engage. After adjustment, release the lever 1002. Under the action of the second spring 1004, the locking block 1003 will abut against the cavity 508 instead of being locked into the slot 509, so that the re-rotation of the key rod 501 will not drive the cover plate 503 synchronously.

[0058] In Embodiment 2, the cover plate 503 and the key rod 501 are fixedly installed, so that only the notch directly below the cutter head 2 can be exposed. However, in actual use, the cutter head 2 is in a state where multiple cutters coexist. At this time, the cover plate 503 will interfere with other cutters, which has certain limitations in use.

[0059] Compared to Embodiment 2, the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503 are detachably and relatively fixedly assembled through the cooperation of the round rod 1001, the locking block 1003, the lever block 1002, and the second spring 1004. This allows the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503 to rotate synchronously or asynchronously, and the notches at different positions can be opened, enabling multiple tools to coexist on the tool magazine 2 to meet different usage needs. The overall solution, combined with the key rod 501 and the cover plate 503, ensures that the lever block 1002 is always facing outwards and exposed due to the tilted design of the tool magazine 2 during use. This allows for convenient and quick adjustment of the cover plate 503, further improving the user experience of the tool magazine structure and meeting more practical needs.

Claims

1. A combined tool magazine structure, comprising a base and a tool disc rotatably mounted on the base, wherein the base is provided with a drive structure for driving the tool disc to rotate, and the tool disc is provided with N tool holders for holding tools, characterized in that, The cutter head has N notches corresponding to N cutter holders, and N rotating components corresponding to the N notches are provided on the cutter head. A wedge ring is fixedly installed on the base and movably fits with N-1 rotating components. When the drive structure drives the cutter head to rotate, the rotating component directly below can separate from the wedge ring and rotate on its own, so that the notch directly below is exposed. The wedge ring has an incomplete ring design, with an opening at its bottom and bevels at both ends. The rotating assembly includes a key rod rotatably mounted on the cutter head and a key sleeve that slides with the key rod. The key rod and the key sleeve are assembled in a key shaft manner, and the end of the key sleeve is movably fitted with a wedge ring. A partition is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the key sleeve. A first spring that abuts against the cutter head is fixedly installed on the surface of the partition near the key rod. A cover plate corresponding to the notch position is fixedly installed on the end of the key rod away from the key sleeve. The outer surface of the key sleeve is fixedly mounted with a guide post, and the surface of the cutter head is provided with a circular hole for the key sleeve to slide. The inside of the circular hole is provided with a spiral groove that slides and engages with the guide post. The spiral groove is designed in a semi-circular shape. When the guide post moves along the spiral groove, it can drive the key sleeve to rotate 180 degrees. The key sleeve drives the cover plate to rotate synchronously through the key rod, so that it overlaps or offsets with the corresponding notch.

2. The combined tool magazine structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutter head is equipped with an air blowing component that corresponds to the position of the partition. When the partition rotates, it can squeeze the air blowing component to blow air onto the corresponding cutter holder.

3. The combined tool magazine structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air blowing assembly includes an airbag fixedly installed on the cutter head and corresponding to the position of the partition plate. The airbag is provided with an air outlet corresponding to the position of the cutter head. The outer surface of the cutter head is provided with an air inlet that communicates with the airbag. Both the air outlet and the air inlet are designed to be one-way through a one-way valve.

4. The combined tool magazine structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of airbags is N, and each airbag corresponds to one of the N partitions. When one of the partitions is rotated, it can come into contact with the corresponding airbag.

5. The combined tool magazine structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The airbag is a ring-shaped integral unit mounted on the cutter head, and when one of the partitions rotates, it can come into contact with the ring-shaped airbag.

6. The combined tool magazine structure according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, When the partition is not rotated or after it is rotated, it is in a state of being offset from the corresponding notch.

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