Automatic Tool Changer System and Method for Machining Center

Abstract

The present application discloses an automatic tool changing system and method for a machining center. An automatic tool changing system for a machining center includes a frame, a plurality of tools, and a cleaning groove. The frame is rotatably connected with a disc and is provided with a driving member for driving the disc to rotate. A plurality of clamping portions are circumferentially distributed on the outer periphery of the disc and are matched with the tools; the cleaning groove is installed at the frame and is located below the plurality of clamping portions. The cleaning groove is annular and coaxially arranged with the disc. A notch for the tool to enter and exit is formed on the side of the cleaning groove; a plurality of cleaning rollers are vertically arranged in the cleaning groove. The plurality of cleaning rollers are circumferentially distributed on the outer circumferential wall and the inner circumferential wall of the outer circle of the cleaning groove and form an annular cleaning channel; when tool changing is performed, the tool at the clamping portion rotates with the disc, and the cutting edge portion 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 cutting edge portion of the tool. The present application has the effect of facilitating the cleaning of debris on the tool during 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] A machining center is a type of machine tool and an important equipment for machining such as cutting, forging, casting, and welding. With the continuous development of manufacturing technology, the requirements for machining efficiency and accuracy are getting higher and higher. The traditional manual tool changing method can no longer meet the high-efficiency and high-precision machining requirements. Therefore, an automatic tool changing system has emerged and gradually developed into one of the core technologies indispensable for high-speed machining centers.

[0003] The main function of the automatic tool changing system is to achieve continuous machining between processes during the machining of parts, that is, to automatically replace the new tool used in the next process with the spindle after each process is completed. The realization of this process requires the tool magazine to be able 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 changing the tool magazine, the spindle first moves the used tool to an empty slot in the tool magazine for storage, then the spindle moves above the tool to be installed, the spindle moves down and completes the assembly with the insertion part at the top of the tool to be installed, and then the spindle withdraws from the tool magazine, thus completing the tool changing operation.

[0004] Regarding the above related technologies, there are the following defects: When machining workpieces, coolant is usually used to impact the tool and the workpiece. Due to the certain adhesiveness of the coolant, it is easy to cause debris to also stick to the cutting edge of the tool and is difficult to fall off naturally. The tool with adhered debris will affect the cutting accuracy in the next use stage. The current tool magazine structure does not have the function of cleaning debris, and it is necessary for the staff to stop the machine regularly to clean the debris at the tool, so there is still room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] The automatic tool changing system and method provided by the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] An automatic tool changing system for machining centers, comprising:

[0008] A frame, the frame is rotatably connected with a disc and is provided with a driving member for driving the disc to rotate, and a plurality of circumferentially distributed clamping portions are arranged on the outer periphery of the disc;

[0009] A plurality of tools, the plurality of tools correspond to and match the plurality of clamping portions one by one, and the tools are clamped at the corresponding clamping portions with the cutting edge facing downwards;

[0010] A cleaning groove is installed at the frame and is located below several clamping parts. The cleaning groove is annular and coaxially arranged with the disc. A notch for the tool to enter and exit is formed on the side of the cleaning groove. A plurality of cleaning rollers are vertically arranged in the cleaning groove. The plurality of cleaning rollers are circumferentially distributed on the outer and inner circumferential walls of the cleaning groove and form an annular cleaning channel. When the tool replacement is carried out, the tool at the clamping part rotates with the disc, and the cutting edge part of the tool rubs against the outer circumference of the cleaning rollers in the cleaning channel, and the cleaning rollers clean the debris on the cutting edge part of the tool.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, a plurality of clamping parts are installed on the circumferential side of the disc, and an annular cleaning groove is arranged below the clamping parts. A notch is formed on one side of the cleaning groove. When the tool is replaced at the main shaft 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, which can adapt to the moving track of the tool when it rotates with the disc. Therefore, during the rotation of the disc, the cleaning rollers can generate friction with the cutting edge part of the tool, so as to facilitate the cleaning of the debris on the cutting edge part of the tool. The cleaned debris will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove, which is convenient for collecting the debris.

[0012] Preferably, the cleaning roller is rotatably connected to the cleaning groove, and the rotation axis of the cleaning roller is vertically arranged.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotation axis of the cleaning roller is consistent with the extending direction of the tool. During the movement of the tool in the cleaning channel of the cleaning groove, the cleaning roller rotates due to the friction, and the friction surface changes continuously, which is beneficial to reducing the probability of damage to the friction surface of the cleaning roller due to long-term stress and improving the service life of the cleaning roller.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of protrusions are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, since the shapes of the cutting edge parts of the tools are different, protrusions are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning roller to facilitate contacting the concave positions of the cutting edge parts of the tools, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning roller.

[0016] Preferably, a flushing area is divided in the cleaning groove, and a flushing mechanism is arranged in the flushing area. When the tool rotates with the disc to the flushing area, the flushing mechanism flushes the cutting edge part of the tool.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, a flushing mechanism is added in the cleaning groove to facilitate cleaning the debris on the cutting edge part of the tool and cleaning the coolant adhered to the cutting edge part of the tool at the same time, which is beneficial to maintaining the cleanliness of the cutting edge part of the tool.

[0018] Preferably, a drain port is arranged at the bottom of the cleaning groove.

[0019] 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 port together, which is beneficial to realizing the self-cleaning efficiency of the cleaning tank.

[0020] Preferably, the flushing mechanism includes two partition blocks slidably connected to the cleaning tank, a pushing component for driving the two partition blocks to approach or move away from each other, and a flushing component for flushing the cutting edge of the tool. The two partition blocks are symmetrically distributed at the inner and outer wall of the cleaning tank. An avoidance groove for accommodating the cutting edge of the tool is formed on one side where the two partition grooves face each other. The flushing component extends into the avoidance groove. When the cutting edge of the tool moves to the flushing area, the pushing component drives the two partition blocks to approach and join together, and the cutting edge of the tool is accommodated in the avoidance grooves of the two partition blocks, and the flushing component flushes towards the cutting edge of the tool.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the partition blocks approach and join together under the drive of the pusher, so as to accommodate the cutting edge of the tool in a locally enclosed environment, which is convenient for the flushing mechanism to centrally flush the tool and is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the debris.

[0022] Preferably, the surface layer of the cleaning roller is a water-absorbing sponge.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, a water-absorbing sponge is covered on the surface layer of the cleaning roller. After the tool is flushed, during the process of the tool rotating with the disc, it contacts the water-absorbing sponge on the surface layer of the cleaning roller, and the water-absorbing sponge can absorb the residual water droplets at the cutting edge of the tool, which is beneficial to keeping the cutting edge of the tool dry.

[0024] An automatic tool change method for a machining center, using an automatic tool change system for a machining center, includes the following steps:

[0025] The tool after use is moved to the disc by the main shaft of the machining center and enters the cleaning tank through the notch, and is simultaneously clamped and matched with the corresponding clamping part;

[0026] The main shaft of the machining center releases the clamping effect on the tool after use, and then completes the separation action with the tool by moving upward;

[0027] Start the driving part to drive the disc to rotate. The tool after use is transferred under the drive of the disc and moves at the cleaning channel formed by multiple cleaning rollers. The cleaning rollers generate friction with the cutting edge of the tool after use and clean the debris; the tool to be used follows the disc and the clamping part to transfer to below the main shaft. The main shaft of the machining center moves downward and clamps the tool to be used below. Finally, the tool to be used follows the main shaft to move away from the disc direction and evacuates from the cleaning tank through the notch.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, when changing the tool at the main shaft and the disk, 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 track of the tool following the rotation of the disk. Thus, during the rotation of the disk, the cleaning rollers can generate friction with the cutting edge of the tool, facilitating the cleaning of debris on the cutting edge of the tool. The cleaned debris will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove, facilitating the collection of the debris.

[0029] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0030] 1. When changing the tool at the main shaft and the disk, 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 track of the tool following the rotation of the disk. Thus, during the rotation of the disk, the cleaning rollers can generate friction with the cutting edge of the tool, facilitating the cleaning of debris on the cutting edge of the tool. The cleaned debris will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove, facilitating the collection of the debris;

[0031] 2. By adding a flushing mechanism in the cleaning groove, it is convenient to wash the debris on the cutting edge of the tool clean, and at the same time clean the coolant adhered to the cutting edge of the tool, and finally discharge it from the drain port, which is beneficial to maintaining the cleanliness of the cutting edge of the tool;

[0032] 3. By slidingly connecting two partition blocks to the inner and outer groove walls of the cleaning groove respectively, and the partition blocks approach each other and are spliced under the drive of the pushing member, the cutting edge of the tool is received in a partially enclosed environment, so that the flushing mechanism can centrally flush the tool, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the debris. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 is the overall structural schematic diagram of an automatic tool changing system of a machining center according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the enlarged schematic diagram of part A in

[0035] Description of the reference numerals: 1, frame; 2, disk; 3, driving member; 4, clamping portion; 5, cleaning groove; 51, notch; 52, cleaning channel; 6, cleaning roller; 7, flushing assembly; 71, spray head; 72, water tank; 73, water pipe; 8, pushing assembly; 9, partition block; 91, avoidance groove; 10, storage box; 101, long slot; 11, tool. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0036] The following will further elaborate on the present application in conjunction with the attached Figure 1-2 drawings for a more detailed description.

[0037] An embodiment of the present application discloses an automatic tool changing system for a machining center. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , including:

[0038] A frame 1. In this embodiment, the frame 1 is composed of a base and a cantilever. Among them, a horizontally arranged disc 2 is rotatably connected below the cantilever of the frame 1, and the connecting shaft of the disc 2 is arranged vertically. In addition, a driving member 3 for driving the disc 2 to rotate is installed at the cantilever of the frame 1. Among them, the driving member 3 adopts a combination of a conventional motor and a synchronous belt mechanism. Under the drive of the motor and the linkage of the synchronous belt mechanism, the disc 2 can be stably rotated. In this embodiment, a plurality of circumferentially distributed clamping portions 4 are fixed on the outer circumference of the disc 2, and the openings of the clamping portions 4 face away from the central axis of the disc 2.

[0039] A plurality of tools 11. In this embodiment, the plurality of tools 11 correspond to and match the plurality of clamping portions 4 one by one, and the tools 11 are clamped at the corresponding clamping portions 4 with the blade portions facing downwards.

[0040] A cleaning groove 5. In this embodiment, the cleaning groove 5 with an upward opening is installed at the base of the frame 1 and is located directly below the plurality of clamping portions 4. Among them, the cleaning groove 5 is annular and coaxially arranged with the disc 2. A notch 51 for the tool 11 to enter and exit is provided on the side of the cleaning groove 5; the position of the notch 51 is close to the spindle 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 and inner circumferential walls of the cleaning groove 5 to form an annular cleaning channel 52. When the tool 11 is replaced, the tool 11 at the clamping portion 4 rotates with the disc 2. In this embodiment, the circumferential direction of the annular cleaning channel 52 is consistent with the movement track of the tool 11. Therefore, during the rotation of the disc 2, the cleaning rollers 6 can generate friction with the blade portion of the tool 11, so as to facilitate the cleaning of debris on the blade portion of the tool 11. The cleaned debris will accumulate at the bottom of the cleaning groove 5, which is convenient for collecting the debris.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cleaning roller 6 is rotatably connected to the cleaning groove 5, and the rotating shaft of the cleaning roller 6 is arranged vertically. And there is damping between the rotating shaft and the cleaning roller 6. Under the cleaning action of the cleaning roller 6, during the movement of the tool 11 in the cleaning channel 52 of the cleaning groove 5, the cleaning roller 6 rotates following the friction, and the friction surface changes continuously, which is beneficial to reducing the probability of damage to the friction surface of the cleaning roller 6 due to long-term stress and is beneficial 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 contacting the concave positions of the blade portion of the tool 11, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning roller 6.

[0042] In this embodiment, a section of the cleaning groove 5 is divided into a flushing area, and a flushing mechanism is arranged in the flushing area. When the tool 11 rotates with the disc 2 to the flushing area, the flushing mechanism flushes the cutting edge of the tool 11. This facilitates cleaning the debris on the cutting edge of the tool 11 and simultaneously removing the coolant adhered to the cutting edge of the tool 11, which is beneficial to maintaining the cleanliness of the cutting edge of the tool 11.

[0043] In this embodiment, the flushing mechanism includes two partition blocks 9 slidably connected to the cleaning groove 5, a pushing component 8 for driving the two partition blocks 9 to approach or move away from each other, and a flushing component 7 for flushing the cutting edge of the tool 11. The two partition blocks 9 are symmetrically distributed at the inner and outer circumferential walls of the cleaning groove 5. An avoidance groove 91 for accommodating the cutting edge of the tool 11 is formed on the side where the two partition blocks 9 face each other. The flushing component 7 extends into the avoidance groove 91. When the cutting edge of the tool 11 moves to the flushing area, the pushing component 8 drives the two partition blocks 9 to approach and join together, and the cutting edge of the tool 11 is accommodated in the avoidance grooves 91 of the two partition blocks 9. The flushing component 7 flushes towards the cutting edge of the tool 11. The avoidance grooves 91 of the two partition blocks 9 are joined together to form an accommodation hole, providing a locally enclosed environment for the cutting edge of the tool 11, which is convenient for the flushing mechanism to centrally flush the tool 11 and is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect of debris.

[0044] Specifically, the pushing component 8 is specifically two horizontally arranged cylinders disposed opposite to each other. A storage rack for accommodating the horizontally arranged cylinders is installed on the outer side wall of the cleaning groove 5. The two partition blocks 9 correspond to the two horizontally arranged cylinders one by one. The piston rod of the horizontally arranged cylinder is fixedly connected to the partition block 9. When the two horizontally arranged cylinders contract, the two partition blocks 9 can be withdrawn from the cleaning groove 5. When the two horizontally arranged cylinders extend, the two partition blocks 9 can be joined together within the cleaning groove 5.

[0045] The flushing component 7 includes a water tank 72 installed on the side of the base of the frame 1, a water pump communicated with the water tank 72, a plurality of water pipes 73 connected to the water pump, and spray heads 71 connected to the output ends of the water pipes 73. Each water pipe 73 corresponds to one spray head 71. The spray heads 71 are embedded in the partition blocks 9, and the water outlet of the spray head 71 extends into the avoidance groove 91. When the two partition blocks 9 are joined together, the multiple spray heads 71 are circumferentially distributed around the cutting edge of the tool 11. Through the pumping action of the water pump, the water in the water tank 72 is conveyed to the spray heads 71 and sprayed out, thereby centrally flushing the cutting edge of the tool 11. To ensure that the spray heads 71 can move normally following the partition blocks 9, a long slot 101 needs to be opened on the outer side of the storage rack for the spray heads 71 and the water pipes 73 to pass through and move.

[0046] In this embodiment, a drain port is provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 5, and the drain port can be communicated with an externally connected 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 together, which is beneficial to improving the self-cleaning efficiency of the cleaning tank 5.

[0047] In this embodiment, the surface layer of the cleaning roller 6 is a water-absorbing sponge. After the tool 11 is flushed, during the rotation of the tool 11 following the disc 2, it contacts the water-absorbing sponge on the surface layer of the cleaning roller 6, and the water-absorbing sponge can absorb the residual water droplets at the cutting edge of the tool 11, which is beneficial to keeping the cutting edge of the tool 11 dry.

[0048] The present application also discloses an automatic tool change method for a machining center, which adopts an automatic tool change system for a machining center, and includes the following steps:

[0049] The used tool 11 is moved to the disc 2 through the main spindle of the machining center and enters the cleaning tank 5 through the notch 51, and is simultaneously clamped and matched with the corresponding clamping portion 4;

[0050] The main spindle of the machining center releases the clamping action on the used tool 11, and then completes the separation action from the tool 11 by moving upward;

[0051] The driving member 3 is started to drive the disc 2 to rotate. The used tool 11 is transferred under the drive of the disc 2 and moves to the cleaning channel 52 formed by multiple cleaning rollers 6. The cleaning roller 6 generates friction with the cutting edge of the used tool 11 to clean the debris; the tool 11 to be used follows the disc 2 and the clamping portion 4 and is transferred below the main spindle. The main spindle of the machining center moves downward to clamp the tool 11 to be used below, and finally the tool 11 to be used follows the main spindle and moves away from the disc 2 and evacuates from the cleaning tank 5 through the notch 51.

[0052] It should be emphasized that the used tool 11 needs to be moved to the flushing area for flushing and then reset to the initial position to keep the cutting edge of the tool 11 clean and dry.

[0053] The above are all the preferred embodiments of the present application, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited accordingly. Therefore, all equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be covered within 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) being installed on the frame (1) and being located below the plurality of clamping parts (4), the cleaning groove (5) being annular and being arranged coaxially with the disc (2), and a notch (51) for the tool (11) to enter and exit is provided on the side of the cleaning groove (5); 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); 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); 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 blocks 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).

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 bottom of the cleaning tank (5) is provided with a drainage outlet.

5. The automatic tool changing system for a machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface layer of the cleaning roller (6) is a water-absorbing sponge.

6. 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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