Automatic tool changing system and method for machining center

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic tool changing system and method for a machining center, the automatic tool changing system for the machining center comprises a rack, a plurality of tools and a cleaning groove, the rack is rotationally connected with a disc and is provided with a driving part used for driving the disc to rotate, and the periphery of the disc is provided with a plurality of clamping parts which are distributed in the circumferential direction and matched with the tools; the cleaning groove is formed in the rack and located below the multiple clamping parts, the cleaning groove is annular and is coaxial with the disc, and a notch for the cutters to enter and exit is formed in the side portion of the cleaning groove; a plurality of cleaning rollers are vertically arranged in the cleaning groove, and are circumferentially distributed on the outer ring groove wall and the inner ring groove wall of the cleaning groove to form an annular cleaning channel; when the cutter is replaced, the cutter at the clamping part rotates along with the disc, the cutting edge part of the cutter rubs with the periphery of the cleaning roller in the cleaning channel, and the cleaning roller cleans scraps on the cutting edge part of the cutter. The tool changing device has the effect that chippings of the tool can be conveniently removed in the tool changing stage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of tool changing equipment for machining centers, and in particular to an automatic tool changing system and method for machining centers. Background Art

[0002] Machining center is a manifestation of machine tools, and is an important equipment for cutting, forging, casting, welding and other processing. With the continuous development of manufacturing technology, the requirements for processing efficiency and precision are getting higher and higher. The traditional manual tool changing method can no longer meet the high-efficiency and high-precision processing needs. Therefore, the automatic tool changing system came into being and gradually developed into one of the indispensable core technologies of high-speed machining centers.

[0003] The main function of the automatic tool changing system is to achieve continuous processing between processes during the parts processing, that is, to automatically replace the new tool used in the next process onto the spindle after each process is completed. The realization of this process requires the tool magazine to deliver the tool to the spindle smoothly and accurately. The tool magazine is used to store different types of tools and is the main structure of the automatic tool changing system. When replacing the tool magazine, the spindle first moves the used tool to the empty slot of the tool magazine for storage, and then moves to the top of the tool to be installed, the spindle moves down and completes the assembly with the plug-in part on the top of the tool to be installed, and then the spindle is withdrawn from the tool magazine to complete the tool change operation.

[0004] Regarding the above-mentioned related technologies, there are the following defects: when processing workpieces, coolant is usually used to impact the tool and the workpiece. Since the coolant has a certain degree of adhesion, it is easy for debris to stick to the blade of the tool and it is difficult to fall off naturally. The tool with debris sticking to it will affect the cutting accuracy in the next use stage. The current tool magazine structure does not have the function of cleaning debris, and the staff needs to stop the machine regularly to clean the debris at the tool. Because there is still room for improvement. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to facilitate chip cleaning of the tool during the tool changing stage, the present application provides an automatic tool changing system and method for a machining center.

[0006] The present application provides an automatic tool changing system and method for a machining center using the following technical solutions: An automatic tool changing system for a machining center, comprising: A frame, the frame is rotatably connected to a disc and is provided with a driving member for driving the disc to rotate, and the outer circumference of the disc is provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed clamping parts; A plurality of knives, wherein the knives correspond to and match the plurality of clamping parts one by one, and the knives are clamped at the corresponding clamping parts with the blades facing downwards; A cleaning groove, which is installed on the frame and located below a number of clamping parts. The cleaning groove is annular and is arranged coaxially with the disc. A notch is opened on the side of the cleaning groove for the tool to enter and exit. A number of cleaning rollers are vertically arranged in the cleaning groove, and the cleaning rollers are circumferentially distributed on the outer groove wall and the inner groove wall of the cleaning groove to form an annular cleaning channel. When the tool is replaced, the tool at the clamping part rotates with the disc, and the blade of the tool rubs against the outer periphery of the cleaning roller in the cleaning channel, and the cleaning roller cleans the debris on the blade of the tool.

[0007] By adopting the above technical scheme, a plurality of clamping parts are installed on the circumferential side of the disc, and an annular cleaning groove is arranged below the clamping part. A notch is opened on one side of the cleaning groove, so that when the tool is replaced at the spindle and the disc, the tool can freely enter and exit the cleaning groove. The cleaning rollers on the inner and outer circles of the cleaning groove form an annular cleaning channel that can adapt to the movement trajectory of the tool when the disc rotates. Therefore, during the rotation of the disc, the cleaning rollers can generate friction with the blade of the tool, thereby facilitating the cleaning of debris from the blade of the tool. The cleaned debris will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove, which is convenient for collecting the debris.

[0008] Preferably, the cleaning roller is rotatably connected to the cleaning tank, and the rotary shaft of the cleaning roller is vertically arranged.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotating axis of the cleaning roller is consistent with the extension direction of the tool. When the tool moves in the cleaning channel of the cleaning groove, the cleaning roller is subjected to friction and rotates accordingly, and the friction surface changes continuously, which is beneficial to reduce the probability of damage to the friction surface of the cleaning roller due to long-term force, and is beneficial to increasing the service life of the cleaning roller.

[0010] Preferably, a plurality of protrusions are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, since the blades of each tool have different shapes, protrusions are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller to facilitate contact with the recessed position of the blade of the tool, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning roller.

[0012] Preferably, a flushing area is defined in the cleaning tank, and a flushing mechanism is arranged in the flushing area. When the tool follows the disc to rotate to the flushing area, the flushing mechanism flushes the blade of the tool.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, a flushing mechanism is added in the cleaning tank to clean the debris on the tool blade and clean the coolant adhering to the tool blade, which is beneficial to keep the tool blade clean.

[0014] Preferably, a drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the water sprayed by the flushing mechanism can discharge the debris accumulated at the bottom of the cleaning tank to the drain outlet, which is conducive to achieving the self-cleaning efficiency of the cleaning tank.

[0016] Preferably, the flushing mechanism includes two baffle blocks slidably connected to the cleaning groove, a pushing assembly for driving the two baffle blocks to move closer to or away from each other, and a flushing assembly for flushing the blade portion of the tool. The two baffle blocks are symmetrically distributed on the inner groove wall and the outer groove wall of the cleaning groove. An avoidance groove for accommodating the blade portion of the tool is provided on the side opposite to each other. The flushing assembly extends into the avoidance groove. When the blade portion of the tool moves to the flushing area, the pushing assembly drives the two baffle blocks to move closer to or away from each other, and the blade portion of the tool is accommodated in the avoidance groove of the two baffle blocks, and the flushing assembly flushes toward the blade portion of the tool.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the blocking blocks are driven by the push piece to approach each other and be spliced, so that the blade of the tool is stored in a locally closed environment, so that the flushing mechanism can centrally flush the tool, which is beneficial to improve the cleaning effect of debris.

[0018] Preferably, the surface layer of the cleaning roller is a water-absorbing sponge.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the surface of the cleaning roller is covered with an absorbent sponge. After the tool is rinsed, the tool contacts the absorbent sponge on the surface of the cleaning roller as it rotates following the disc. The absorbent sponge can absorb the water droplets remaining on the blade of the tool, which is beneficial to keeping the blade of the tool dry.

[0020] An automatic tool changing method for a machining center, using an automatic tool changing system for the machining center, comprises the following steps: After use, the tool moves to the disc through the spindle of the machining center, enters the cleaning groove through the notch, and is engaged with the corresponding clamping part; The spindle of the machining center releases the clamping effect on the tool after use, and then separates from the tool by moving upward; The driving part is started to drive the disc to rotate. The used tool is transferred under the drive of the disc and moves to the cleaning channel formed by multiple cleaning rollers. The cleaning rollers rub against the blade of the used tool and clean the debris. The tool to be used follows the disc and the clamping part to be transferred to the bottom of the spindle. The spindle of the machining center moves down and clamps the tool to be used below. Finally, the tool to be used follows the spindle to move away from the disc and evacuates the cleaning groove from the notch.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when the tool is replaced at the spindle and the disc, the tool can freely enter and exit the cleaning groove, and the cleaning rollers on the inner and outer circles of the cleaning groove form an annular cleaning channel that can adapt to the movement trajectory of the tool as it follows the rotation of the disc. Therefore, during the rotation of the disc, the cleaning rollers can generate friction with the blade of the tool, thereby facilitating the cleaning of debris from the blade of the tool. The debris after cleaning will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove, making it easy to collect the debris.

[0022] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. When the tool is replaced at the spindle and the disc, the tool can freely enter and exit the cleaning groove. The cleaning rollers on the inner and outer circles of the cleaning groove form an annular cleaning channel that can adapt to the movement trajectory of the tool when following the rotation of the disc. Therefore, during the rotation of the disc, the cleaning roller can generate friction with the blade of the tool, thereby facilitating the cleaning of the debris from the blade of the tool. The cleaned debris will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove, which is convenient for collecting the debris; 2. By adding a flushing mechanism in the cleaning tank, the debris on the blade of the tool can be cleaned, and the coolant adhering to the blade of the tool can be cleaned at the same time, and finally discharged from the drain port, which is conducive to keeping the blade of the tool clean; 3. By slidingly connecting the two baffle blocks to the inner groove wall and the outer groove wall of the cleaning groove respectively, and the baffle blocks are driven by the push piece to approach each other and splice, the blade of the tool is stored in a locally closed environment, so that the flushing mechanism can centrally flush the tool, which is beneficial to improve the cleaning effect of the debris. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of center A.

[0025] Explanation of the reference numerals: 1. Frame; 2. Disc; 3. Driving member; 4. Clamping portion; 5. Cleaning groove; 51. Notch; 52. Cleaning channel; 6. Cleaning roller; 7. Flushing assembly; 71. Nozzle; 72. Water tank; 73. Water pipe; 8. Push assembly; 9. Block block; 91. Avoidance groove; 10. Storage box; 101. Long hole; 11. Cutting tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following is combined with Figure 1-2 This application is described in further detail.

[0027] The present application embodiment discloses an automatic tool changing system for a machining center, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,include: The frame 1, in this embodiment, is composed of a base and a cantilever arm, wherein a horizontally arranged disc 2 is rotatably connected below the cantilever arm of the frame 1, and the connecting shaft of the disc 2 is vertically arranged. In addition, a driving member 3 for driving the disc 2 to rotate is installed at the cantilever arm of the frame 1. The driving member 3 adopts a conventional motor and a synchronous belt mechanism combination, and the disc 2 can be stably rotated under the drive of the motor and the linkage of the synchronous belt mechanism. In this embodiment, a plurality of circumferentially distributed clamping parts 4 are fixed on the outer periphery of the disc 2, and the opening of the clamping part 4 is away from the central axis of the disc 2.

[0028] A plurality of cutting tools 11 , in this embodiment, the plurality of cutting tools 11 correspond to and match the plurality of clamping parts 4 one by one, and the cutting tools 11 are clamped at the corresponding clamping parts 4 with the cutting edges facing downward.

[0029] The cleaning groove 5, in this embodiment, is installed at the base of the frame 1 and is located directly below the plurality of clamping parts 4. The cleaning groove 5 is annular and is arranged coaxially with the disc 2. A notch 51 is provided at the side of the cleaning groove 5 for the tool 11 to enter and exit; the notch 51 is located close to the main shaft of the machining center. A plurality of cleaning rollers 6 are vertically arranged in the cleaning groove 5, and the plurality of cleaning rollers 6 are circumferentially distributed on the outer groove wall and the inner groove wall of the cleaning groove 5 to form an annular cleaning channel 52. When the tool 11 is replaced, the tool 11 at the clamping part 4 rotates with the disc 2. In this embodiment, the circumferential direction of the annular cleaning channel 52 is consistent with the moving trajectory of the tool 11, so that during the rotation of the disc 2, the cleaning roller 6 can generate friction with the blade of the tool 11, thereby facilitating the cleaning of the debris from the blade of the tool 11. The debris after cleaning will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove 5, facilitating the collection of the debris.

[0030] In this embodiment, the cleaning roller 6 is rotatably connected to the cleaning tank 5, and the rotary shaft of the cleaning roller 6 is vertically arranged. There is damping between the rotary shaft and the cleaning roller 6. When the cleaning roller 6 realizes the cleaning function, the tool 11 moves in the cleaning channel 52 of the cleaning tank 5, and the cleaning roller 6 is subjected to friction and rotates accordingly, and the friction surface is constantly changed accordingly, which is conducive to reducing the probability of the friction surface of the cleaning roller 6 being damaged due to long-term force, and is conducive to improving the service life of the cleaning roller 6. In addition, a plurality of protrusions are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller 6 to facilitate contact with the concave position of the blade of the tool 11, which is conducive to improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning roller 6.

[0031] In this embodiment, a section of the cleaning tank 5 is divided into a flushing area, and a flushing mechanism is arranged in the flushing area. When the tool 11 follows the disk 2 to rotate to the flushing area, the flushing mechanism flushes the blade of the tool 11. This is to clean the debris on the blade of the tool 11, and at the same time, clean the coolant adhering to the blade of the tool 11, which is conducive to keeping the blade of the tool 11 clean.

[0032] In this embodiment, the flushing mechanism includes two baffle blocks 9 slidably connected to the cleaning groove 5, a push assembly 8 for driving the two baffle blocks 9 to move closer to or away from each other, and a flushing assembly 7 for flushing the blade of the tool 11. The two baffle blocks 9 are symmetrically distributed at the inner groove wall and the outer groove wall of the cleaning groove 5. The two baffle blocks 9 are provided with a avoidance groove 91 for accommodating the blade of the tool 11 on one side facing each other. The flushing assembly 7 extends into the avoidance groove 91. When the blade of the tool 11 moves to the flushing area, the push assembly 8 drives the two baffle blocks 9 to move closer to each other and splice. The blade of the tool 11 is accommodated in the avoidance groove 91 of the two baffle blocks 9, and the flushing assembly 7 flushes toward the blade of the tool 11. The avoidance grooves 91 of the two baffle blocks 9 are spliced ​​to form a receiving hole, which provides a partially closed environment for the blade of the tool 11, so that the flushing mechanism can centrally flush the tool 11, which is conducive to improving the cleaning effect of the debris.

[0033] Specifically, the pushing assembly 8 is specifically two relatively arranged horizontal cylinders, and a storage rack for accommodating the horizontal cylinders is installed on the outer wall of the cleaning groove 5. Two partition blocks 9 correspond to the two horizontal cylinders one by one, and the piston rods of the horizontal cylinders are fixedly connected to the partition blocks 9. When the two horizontal cylinders are retracted, the two partition blocks 9 can complete the evacuation of the cleaning groove 5. When the two horizontal cylinders are extended, the two partition blocks 9 can complete the splicing in the cleaning groove 5.

[0034] The flushing assembly 7 includes a water tank 72 installed on the side of the base of the frame 1, a water pump connected to the water tank 72, a plurality of water pipes 73 connected to the water pump, and a nozzle 71 connected to the output end of the water pipe 73. Each water pipe 73 corresponds to a nozzle 71. The nozzle 71 is embedded in the baffle block 9, and the water outlet of the nozzle 71 extends into the avoidance groove 91. When the two baffle blocks 9 are spliced, the plurality of nozzles 71 are circumferentially distributed around the blade of the tool 11. Through the pumping action of the water pump, the water in the water tank 72 is transported to the nozzle 71 and sprayed out, so as to centrally flush the blade of the tool 11. In order to ensure that the nozzle 71 can move normally with the baffle block 9, it is necessary to open a long hole 101 on the outside of the storage rack for the nozzle 71 and the water pipe 73 to pass through and move.

[0035] In this embodiment, a drain port is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 5, and the drain port can be connected to an external drain pipe 73. The water sprayed by the flushing mechanism can discharge the debris accumulated at the bottom of the cleaning tank 5 to the drain port, which is conducive to achieving the self-cleaning efficiency of the cleaning tank 5.

[0036] In this embodiment, the surface layer of the cleaning roller 6 is a water-absorbing sponge. After the tool 11 is rinsed, the tool 11 contacts the water-absorbing sponge on the surface of the cleaning roller 6 as it rotates following the disc 2. The water-absorbing sponge can absorb the water droplets remaining on the blade of the tool 11, which is beneficial to keep the blade of the tool 11 dry.

[0037] The present application also discloses an automatic tool changing method for a machining center, which uses an automatic tool changing system for a machining center and includes the following steps: After use, the tool 11 is moved to the disc 2 through the spindle of the machining center, and enters the cleaning groove 5 through the notch 51, and is engaged with the corresponding clamping part 4; The spindle of the machining center releases the clamping effect on the tool 11 after use, and then separates from the tool 11 by moving upward; The driving member 3 is started to drive the disc 2 to rotate. The tool 11 to be used is transferred under the drive of the disc 2 and moves to the cleaning channel 52 formed by multiple cleaning rollers 6. The cleaning rollers 6 rub against the blade of the tool 11 to be used and clean the debris. The tool 11 to be used follows the disc 2 and the clamping part 4 to be transferred to the bottom of the spindle. The spindle of the machining center moves down and clamps the tool 11 to be used below. Finally, the tool 11 to be used follows the spindle to move away from the disc 2 and withdraws from the cleaning groove 5 from the notch 51.

[0038] It should be emphasized that after use, the cutter 11 needs to be moved to a flushing area for flushing and then reset to the initial position to keep the blade of the cutter 11 clean and dry.

[0039] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Therefore, any equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic tool changing system for a machining center, characterized in that: include: A frame (1), the frame (1) being rotatably connected to a disc (2) and provided with a driving member (3) for driving the disc (2) to rotate, and the outer periphery of the disc (2) being provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed clamping portions (4); A plurality of knives (11), wherein the plurality of knives (11) correspond to and match the plurality of clamping portions (4) one by one, and the knives (11) are clamped at the corresponding clamping portions (4) with the blade portions facing downward; A cleaning groove (5), the cleaning groove (5) is installed on the frame (1) and is located below the plurality of clamping parts (4), the cleaning groove (5) is annular and is arranged coaxially with the disc (2), and a notch (51) is provided on the side of the cleaning groove (5) for the tool (11) to enter and exit; a plurality of cleaning rollers (6) are vertically arranged in the cleaning groove (5), and the plurality of cleaning rollers (6) are circumferentially distributed on the outer groove wall and the inner groove wall of the cleaning groove (5) to form an annular cleaning channel (52); when the tool (11) is replaced, the tool (11) at the clamping part (4) rotates with the disc (2), and the blade of the tool (11) rubs against the outer periphery of the cleaning roller (6) in the cleaning channel (52), and the cleaning roller (6) cleans the debris on the blade of the tool (11).

2. The automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning roller (6) is rotatably connected to the cleaning tank (5), and the rotary shaft of the cleaning roller (6) is vertically arranged.

3. The automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller (6) is provided with a plurality of protrusions.

4. The automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning tank (5) is divided into a flushing area, and a flushing mechanism is arranged in the flushing area. When the tool (11) follows the disc (2) to rotate to the flushing area, the flushing mechanism flushes the blade of the tool (11).

5. The automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom of the cleaning tank (5) is provided with a drainage outlet.

6. The automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flushing mechanism comprises two baffle blocks (9) slidably connected to the cleaning groove (5), a pushing assembly (8) for driving the two baffle blocks (9) to move closer to or farther from each other, and a flushing assembly (7) for flushing the blade of the tool (11). The two baffle blocks (9) are symmetrically distributed on the inner groove wall and the outer groove wall of the cleaning groove (5). An escape groove (91) for accommodating the blade of the tool (11) is provided on one side of the two baffle grooves facing each other. The flushing assembly (7) extends into the escape groove (91). When the blade of the tool (11) moves to the flushing area, the pushing assembly (8) drives the two baffle blocks (9) to move closer to and connect with each other. The blade of the tool (11) is accommodated in the escape grooves (91) of the two baffle blocks (9). The flushing assembly (7) flushes toward the blade of the tool (11).

7. The automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surface layer of the cleaning roller (6) is a water-absorbing sponge.

8. An automatic tool changing method for a machining center, using the automatic tool changing system for a machining center as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: After use, the tool (11) moves to the disc (2) through the main shaft of the machining center, enters the cleaning groove (5) through the notch (51), and is engaged with the corresponding engaging portion (4); The spindle of the machining center releases the clamping effect on the tool (11) after use, and then moves upward to separate from the tool (11); The driving member (3) is started to drive the disc (2) to rotate. The tool (11) after use is transferred under the drive of the disc (2) and moves to a cleaning channel (52) formed by a plurality of cleaning rollers (6). The cleaning rollers (6) generate friction with the blade of the tool (11) after use and perform chip cleaning. The tool (11) to be used follows the disc (2) and the clamping portion (4) to be transferred to the bottom of the spindle. The spindle of the machining center moves downward and clamps the tool (11) to be used below. Finally, the tool (11) to be used follows the spindle to move away from the disc (2) and leaves the cleaning groove (5) from the notch (51).

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