Telescopic tool magazine

Abstract

The invention designs a telescopic tool magazine which is used for replacing a tool bit of a main shaft unit and comprises a tool magazine body, a protection mechanism and a main driving mechanism. The tool magazine body comprises a tool disc and a tool rest, the tool disc is installed on the tool rest and provided with a tool holder type tool position and a pen container type tool position, and the tool holder type tool position is arranged on the edge of one side of the tool disc and provided with an opening communicated with the outside of the tool disc. The protection mechanism comprises a protection door and a protection door driving piece, the driving piece is installed on the cutter rest, and the output end of the driving piece is connected with the protection door and can drive the protection door to abut against or break away from the opening side of the cutter head. The main driving mechanism is arranged on the side, opposite to the opening, of the tool magazine body and used for pushing the tool magazine body and the protection mechanism to linearly reciprocate in the opening direction. When the tool bit of the main shaft unit is coaxial with the pen container type tool position, the protective door abuts against one side of the opening of the cutterhead. And when coaxial with the cutter holder type cutter position, the protective door driving piece drives the cutter holder type cutter position to be away from the opening, and a cutter head assembly space is reserved. The design adapts to different tools, simplifies the internal design of the tool magazine, reduces the occupied space and is suitable for a compact numerical control machine tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field related to the tool magazine of numerical control machine tools, and particularly relates to a retractable tool magazine. Background Art

[0002] In the field of modern numerical control machine tools, the tool magazine, as a key component for realizing the automatic replacement of the tool head of the spindle unit, the rationality of its performance and structural design directly affects the machining efficiency, accuracy of the machine tool, and the service life of the tool. The mainstream tool magazine designs on the current market mostly focus on the storage of a single type of tool position, that is, mainly adopt one of the pen barrel type tool positions or the tool clamp type tool positions.

[0003] The pen barrel type tool position design, as disclosed in patents such as CN116000681A, CN219521383U, etc., with its convenience of directly longitudinally replacing the tool head, shows high efficiency when dealing with tools of specific sizes and shapes. However, this design seems inadequate when facing tools with larger diameters or special shapes.

[0004] The tool clamp type tool position design, as shown in patents such as CN209207055U, CN212192249U, etc., replaces the tool head by moving it out from the side of the tool clamp opening, which is suitable for the storage of various tools and performs well especially when dealing with tools with larger diameters. However, when the tool magazine is equipped with a protective door for preventing flying chips, the presence of the protective door will interfere with the disassembly process of the tool clamp type tool position, increasing the operation complexity and time cost. Due to the different replacement methods of the two tool position designs, they usually do not exist on the same tool disk, otherwise it will inevitably cause the problem of a large tool disk size space and at the same time increase the structural complexity inside the tool magazine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to disclose a matrix tool disk combining the pen barrel type and the tool clamp type, which solves the problems of large space occupation and complex structure, and at the same time solves the storage defect problem of a single type of tool position.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention discloses a retractable tool magazine for tool head replacement of a spindle unit. The retractable tool magazine includes: a tool magazine body, which includes a tool disc and a tool holder. The tool disc is assembled on the tool holder. The tool disc includes clip-type tool positions and pen barrel-type tool positions. The clip-type tool positions are arranged on one side edge of the tool disc, and the clip-type tool positions are provided with openings communicating with the outside of the tool disc; a protection mechanism, which includes a protection door and a protection door driving member. The protection door driving member is assembled on the tool holder, and the output end of the protection door driving member is connected to the protection door for driving the protection door to move to abut or disengage from the opening side of the tool disc; a main driving mechanism, which is arranged on the side of the tool magazine body opposite to the opening for pushing the tool magazine body and the protection mechanism to perform linear reciprocating motion along the opening direction. When the tool head of the spindle unit is coaxial with the pen barrel-type tool position, the protection door abuts against the opening side of the tool disc. When the tool head of the spindle unit is coaxial with the clip-type tool position, the protection door driving member drives the protection door to move away from the opening side to reserve a tool head assembly space for the opening.

[0007] By adopting the above scheme, the tool disc can support both clip-type and pen barrel-type tool positions at the same time, adapting to tools of different sizes and shapes. The telescopic control of the protection door on one side of the tool disc is synchronized with the tool head replacement, avoiding manual intervention, effectively preventing flying chips from entering the clip-type tool position area, and at the same time reserving a tool head assembly space to meet the different tool head replacement requirements of the two tool positions. The telescopic movement of the protection door is controlled by a driving member, without additional mechanical structures, simplifying the internal design of the tool magazine; and the retractable design of the tool magazine reduces the occupied space and is suitable for compact CNC machine tools.

[0008] Further, the tool disc includes two or more sub-tool discs. The two or more sub-tool discs are linearly connected in a direction perpendicular to the opening. Each sub-tool disc includes at least one clip-type tool position and at least one pen barrel-type tool position. The clip-type tool positions in the two or more sub-tool discs are collinear.

[0009] By adopting the above scheme, through the linear connection in the direction perpendicular to the opening, the number of sub-tool discs of the tool disc can be flexibly increased or decreased to adapt to different tool storage requirements, without the need to replace the entire tool disc, saving space and cost. Each sub-tool disc includes clip-type and pen barrel-type tool positions, and can be flexibly allocated according to the tool size and shape. If a certain sub-tool disc fails, it can be disassembled and repaired separately without affecting the operation of other sub-tool discs, reducing the downtime.

[0010] Further, it also includes a door frame mechanism. The door frame mechanism has a through hole through which the protection mechanism and the tool magazine body pass. When the retractable tool magazine is in a retracted state, the protection door is located within the through hole, and the protection door is sealingly connected to the through hole. When the retractable tool magazine is in an extended state, the protection door passes through the through hole so that the tool clip type tool position or the pen barrel type tool position is coaxial with the tool head of the spindle unit.

[0011] By adopting the above solution, the protection mechanism can be sealed with the door frame mechanism, which helps to provide a protective effect on the tool magazine when the tool head is not replaced, and prevents flying chips and dust from entering.

[0012] Further, the protection door driving member includes: a driving unit, the driving unit includes a fixed part and a movable part, the fixed part is fixedly connected to the tool rest, and the output end of the protection door driving member is located at one end of the movable part away from the fixed part; a connecting member, one side of the connecting member is fixed to the end of the movable part away from the fixed part, and the other side is fixed to the protection door; a guiding unit, the guiding unit is arranged on the tool rest and is used to control the connecting member to perform a linear reciprocating motion along the direction of the through hole.

[0013] By adopting the above solution, the guiding unit can force the connecting member to move linearly along the direction of the through hole, avoiding the deviation or jamming of the protection door during the telescopic process, and ensuring the accurate alignment of the tool head and the tool position. The fixed part of the driving unit is rigidly connected to the tool rest, and the movable part drives the protection door through the connecting member, forming a stable "fixed - movable" structure, reducing the deformation of the protection door caused by uneven driving force. The driving unit, the connecting member and the guiding unit can be independently installed, facilitating quick disassembly and repair. The movable part directly drives the protection door through the connecting member, reducing the intermediate transmission link, improving the telescopic speed of the protection door, and shortening the tool change time.

[0014] Further, an opening and closing sensor is provided on the fixed part.

[0015] By adopting the above solution, the opening and closing sensor is directly installed on the fixed part of the driving unit, which can real - time sense the opening and closing state of the protection door, avoiding tool change failure caused by mechanical failure or misoperation.

[0016] Further, the guiding unit includes: a first sliding member, the first sliding member is fixedly connected to the tool rest; a second sliding member, the second sliding member slides relative to the first sliding member along the direction of the through hole, and the second sliding member is fixedly connected to the connecting member.

[0017] By adopting the above solution, the first sliding member is fixed to the tool rest, and the second sliding member is fixed to the connecting member. The two force the connecting member to move linearly along the direction of the through hole through sliding fit, avoiding the offset or jamming of the protective door during the telescopic process, and ensuring the accurate alignment of the tool head and the tool position. The rigid contact surfaces of the sliding members reduce the shaking of the protective door caused by vibration or load changes, improving the tool change accuracy. The first sliding member and the second sliding member can be independently installed, facilitating quick disassembly and replacement. When the second sliding member slides relative to the first sliding member, the contact surface has a small friction force, reducing energy loss, increasing the telescopic speed of the protective door, and shortening the tool change time. The sliding members can be designed as a closed structure or equipped with a dust cover to prevent chips or dust from entering the sliding surface, improving the reliability of the protective door in a harsh environment.

[0018] Furthermore, a seal is provided between the door frame mechanism and the protective door, and the seal has at least one expansion cavity.

[0019] By adopting the above solution, the expansion cavity can be designed as a "labyrinth" structure, extending the path for chips or dust to enter the machine tool interior, and achieving double protection in cooperation with the seal body. When chips adhere to the surface of the seal, the elastic deformation of the expansion cavity can "flick them off", reducing the frequency of manual cleaning.

[0020] Furthermore, the door frame mechanism includes a support cross beam and support longitudinal beams vertically assembled at both ends of the support cross beam. The through hole is enclosed by the support cross beam and the two support longitudinal beams, and a plurality of tool shank sensors facing the through hole are provided on the support cross beam.

[0021] By adopting the above solution, the rigid connection between the cross beam and the longitudinal beams can effectively absorb the vibration during the operation of the machine tool, reduce the resonance phenomenon during the movement of the protective door, and improve the tool change accuracy. A plurality of tool shank sensors are centrally installed on the support cross beam, which can monitor multiple tool positions simultaneously, reducing the number of sensors and the complexity of wiring, lowering the failure rate, facilitating individual debugging or replacement, and reducing the downtime.

[0022] Furthermore, the tool rest includes: a tool magazine bottom plate; at least two tool magazine vertical plates, which are vertically connected to the tool magazine bottom plate, and a sub-tool disc is assembled on each two adjacent tool magazine vertical plates.

[0023] By adopting the above solution, it is allowed to flexibly increase or decrease the number of tool positions according to the requirements of the machine tool. For example, by adding vertical plates, it can be expanded into a double-tool magazine or multi-tool magazine configuration. The sub-tool disc, as an independent module, can be individually disassembled and replaced without disassembling the entire tool rest, reducing the downtime.

[0024] Furthermore, at least one splicing part is provided between every two adjacent sub - cutter disks in the cutter disk; when there is one splicing part in the same sub - cutter disk, the splicing part of one sub - cutter disk is a groove, and the splicing part of the other sub - cutter disk is a convex block for splicing two adjacent sub - cutter disks; when there are more than two splicing parts in the same sub - cutter disk, the splicing parts in the same sub - cutter disk include grooves and convex blocks, and the grooves and convex blocks are arranged linearly and alternately.

[0025] By adopting the above - mentioned scheme, it is allowed that the sub - cutter disks complete splicing through a simple insertion action, significantly shortening the time for tool magazine expansion or maintenance. The geometric matching of the groove and the convex block ensures that the adjacent sub - cutter disks maintain the same axial and radial accuracy after splicing, avoiding tool - changing errors caused by gaps or misalignments. The splicing structure forms a rigid connection, enhancing the overall vibration resistance of the cutter - disk group and reducing loosening or deformation caused by cutting forces or tool - changing impacts. When a single sub - cutter disk is damaged, only the splicing structure of the corresponding sub - cutter disk needs to be disassembled for replacement, without disassembling the entire cutter - disk group, reducing the downtime and maintenance costs. The linearly - alternating grooves and convex blocks disperse stress concentration, reduce the fatigue crack propagation at the splicing part, and extend the service life of the cutter disk. The linearly - alternating grooves and convex blocks form a "fool - proof design", avoiding tool - magazine assembly errors caused by misalignment operation.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. The cutter disk supports both pen - barrel - type and tool - clip - type tool positions at the same time, can flexibly store and process tools of different sizes and shapes, solves the limitations of a single tool - position design, and the two tool positions work together to reduce the problem of low replacement efficiency caused by tool size or shape limitations;

[0028] 2. The pen - barrel - type and tool - clip - type tool positions are integrated on the same cutter disk, avoiding the expansion of the cutter - disk size caused by different tool - position types, optimizing the utilization rate of the tool - magazine space. The overall tool magazine adopts a retractable design. In the retracted state, the protective door abuts against the opening of the cutter disk, reducing the occupied space of the tool magazine in the machine tool and adapting to the layout of a compact machine tool;

[0029] 3. The protective door is linked with the opening of the cutter disk and automatically moves away when the tool - clip - type tool position is working, avoiding flying chips from entering the tool - position area, extending the tool life. The telescoping of the protective door is controlled by a driving part and is synchronized with the tool - head replacement action, without manual intervention, improving operation safety. The main driving mechanism pushes the tool - magazine body to move linearly, in cooperation with the linkage of the protective door, realizing the automation of tool - head replacement and reducing the manual operation time;

[0030] 4. The modular combination of the cutter disk, tool positions, and protective mechanisms is convenient for separate maintenance or upgrade, reducing the maintenance cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the retractable tool magazine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the tool magazine body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the protection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the door frame mechanism and the protection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the door frame mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the sub-tool disc according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Main reference numeral description: 1. Tool magazine body; 11. Tool disc; 111. Knife clip type tool position; 112. Pen barrel type tool position; 113. Opening; 114. Sub-tool disc; 115. Splice part; 1151. Groove; 1152. Protrusion; 12. Tool holder; 121. Tool magazine bottom plate; 122. Tool magazine vertical plate; 13. Connection part; 2. Protection mechanism; 21. Protection door; 22. Protection door driving part; 221. Driving unit; 2211. Fixed part; 2212. Movable part; 2213. Opening and closing sensor; 222. Connecting part; 223. Guide unit; 2231. First sliding part; 2232. Second sliding part; 2233. Dust cover; 3. Door frame mechanism; 31. Support cross beam; 32. Support longitudinal beam; 33. Through hole; 34. Sealing part; 341. Expansion cavity; 35. Tool handle sensor; 4. Tool head. Detailed implementation manners

[0039] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] In the present invention, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "middle", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the present invention and its embodiments, and are not used to limit that the indicated device, element or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0041] Moreover, in addition to being used to represent the orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0042] In addition, the terms "mounted", "arranged", "provided with", "connected", "linked" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there may be internal communication between two devices, elements or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] In addition, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance and quantity of the indicated devices, elements or components. Unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0044] Hereinafter, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with embodiments and drawings.

[0045] For Embodiment 1 of the present invention, please refer to Figures 1 to 6As shown in the figure, a retractable tool magazine is provided for replacing the tool head 4 of the spindle unit. The retractable tool magazine includes a tool magazine body 1, a protection mechanism 2, and a main drive mechanism (not shown in the figure). The main drive mechanism is used to push the tool magazine body 1 and the protection mechanism 2 towards the tool head 4 of the spindle unit. The driving direction of the main drive mechanism is set as the X-axis, the lifting direction of the tool head 4 of the spindle unit is set as the Z-axis, and the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Z-axis is set as the Y-axis. The tool magazine body 1 includes a tool disc 11 and a tool holder 12. The tool disc 11 is assembled on the tool holder 12. The tool disc 11 includes a tool clip type tool position 111 and a pen barrel type tool position 112. The axes of the tool clip type tool position 111 and the pen barrel type tool position 112 are consistent with the Z-axis. The tool clip type tool positions 111 and the pen barrel type tool positions 112 on the tool disc 11 adopt a matrix layout, so that the tool disc 11 can support both the pen barrel type and the tool clip type tool positions 111 at the same time, adapting to tools of different sizes and shapes. The tool clip type tool position 111 is arranged on one side edge of the tool disc 11, specifically on the side edge close to the spindle unit. And the tool clip type tool position 111 is provided with an opening 113 communicating with the outside of the tool disc 11. The direction of the opening 113 is consistent with the Z-axis direction and faces the spindle unit. The protection mechanism 2 includes a protection door 21 and a protection door drive member 22. The protection door drive member 22 is assembled on the tool holder 12. The output end of the protection door drive member 22 is connected to the protection door 21, and is used to drive the protection door 21 to move to abut or disengage from the side of the opening 113 of the tool disc 11. Therefore, the driving direction of the protection door drive member 22 is also the X-axis direction; the main drive mechanism is arranged on the side of the tool magazine body 1 opposite to the opening 113, and this side is provided with a connection portion 13 for assembling with the main drive mechanism, which is used to push the tool magazine body 1 and the protection mechanism 2 to perform a linear reciprocating motion along the X-axis direction. The telescopic movement of the protection door 21 is controlled by the protection door drive member 22, without additional mechanical structures, simplifying the internal design of the tool magazine; and the retractable design of the tool magazine reduces the occupied space and is suitable for compact CNC machine tools; when the tool head 4 of the spindle unit is coaxial with the pen barrel type tool position 112, the protection door 21 abuts against the side of the opening 113 of the tool disc 11. When the tool head 4 of the spindle unit is coaxial with the tool clip type tool position 111, the protection door drive member 22 drives the protection door 21 to move away from the side of the opening 113 to reserve an assembly space for the tool head 4. The telescopic control of the protection door 21 on one side of the tool disc 11 is synchronized with the replacement of the tool head 4, avoiding manual intervention, effectively preventing flying chips from entering the area of the tool clip type tool position 111, and at the same time being able to reserve an assembly space for the tool head 4 to meet the different tool head 4 replacement requirements of the two tool positions. Preferably, the protection door 21 is made of high-strength stainless steel sheet metal, which can provide a good isolation barrier.

[0046] Preferably, the tool disc 11 includes more than two sub-tool discs 114. The more than two sub-tool discs 114 are linearly connected in a direction perpendicular to the opening 113, that is, multiple sub-tool discs 114 are linearly arranged along the Y-axis direction. Each sub-tool disc 114 includes at least one tool-clip type tool position 111 and at least one pen-holder type tool position 112. The tool-clip type tool positions 111 in the more than two sub-tool discs 114 are collinear along the Y-axis direction. When multiple tool-clip type tool positions 111 and pen-holder type tool positions 112 are provided, in order to facilitate identification and for aesthetic neatness, a matrix layout is adopted. Preferably, in some embodiments, labels can also be set beside each tool position to help users or machines identify. Through the linear connection in the direction perpendicular to the opening 113, the number of sub-tool discs 114 of the tool disc 11 can be flexibly increased or decreased to adapt to different tool storage requirements, without the need to replace the entire tool disc 11, saving space and cost. Each sub-tool disc 114 includes both tool-clip type and pen-holder type tool positions 112, and can be flexibly allocated according to the tool size and shape. If a certain sub-tool disc 114 fails, it can be disassembled and repaired separately without affecting the operation of other sub-tool discs 114, reducing the downtime.

[0047] In some embodiments, to make the connection between multiple sub - cutter disks 114 more stable to form an integrated cutter disk 11. Between every two adjacent sub - cutter disks 114 in the cutter disk 11, there is provided at least one splicing part 115; when there is one splicing part 115 in the same sub - cutter disk 114, the splicing part 115 of one of the sub - cutter disks 114 is a groove 1151, and the splicing part 115 of the other sub - cutter disk 114 is a convex block 1152. After the convex block 1152 and the groove 1151 are inserted and aligned, the two sub - cutter disks 114 are installed on the tool holder 12 through bolts, thereby realizing the splicing of two adjacent sub - cutter disks 114. The splicing is completed through a simple insertion action, significantly shortening the tool magazine expansion or maintenance time. When there are more than two splicing parts 115 in the same sub - cutter disk 114, preferably, the splicing parts 115 in the same sub - cutter disk 114 simultaneously include at least one groove 1151 and at least one convex block 1152, and the groove 1151 and the convex block 1152 are arranged linearly and alternately. The linearly - alternating grooves 1151 and convex blocks 1152 form a "fool - proof design" to avoid the problem of tool magazine assembly errors caused by misalignment operations. In this way, multiple splicing structures are formed between two sub - cutter disks 114. The geometric matching of the groove 1151 and the convex block 1152 ensures that the adjacent sub - cutter disks 114 maintain the same axial and radial precision after splicing, avoiding tool - changing errors caused by gaps or misalignments. The splicing structure forms a rigid connection, enhancing the overall vibration - resistance ability of the cutter disk 11 group and reducing looseness or deformation caused by cutting forces or tool - changing impacts. When a single sub - cutter disk 114 is damaged, only the splicing structure of the corresponding sub - cutter disk 114 needs to be disassembled for replacement, without disassembling the entire cutter disk 11 group, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. The linearly - alternating grooves 1151 and convex blocks 1152 disperse stress concentration, reduce the fatigue crack propagation at the splicing location, and extend the service life of the cutter disk 11.

[0048] In the present Embodiment 1, the tool rest 12 includes a tool magazine bottom plate 121 and at least two tool magazine vertical plates 122. The tool magazine vertical plates 122 are vertically arranged between the tool magazine bottom plate 121 and the tool disc 11. Preferably, the tool magazine vertical plates 122 are fixed to the bottom plate of the tool disc 11 and the tool disc 11 by screws. In other embodiments, it includes but is not limited to snap connection, magnetic attraction connection, bonding or welding. Preferably, the number of the tool magazine vertical plates 122 = the number of sub-tool discs 114 + 1, so that each two tool magazine vertical plates 122 can support a sub-tool disc 114. Therefore, multiple tool magazine vertical plates 122 are linearly arranged at equal intervals along the Y-axis. With this setting, it is allowed to flexibly increase or decrease the number of tool positions according to the requirements of the machine tool. For example, by adding vertical plates, it can be expanded into a double-tool magazine or multi-tool magazine configuration. The sub-tool disc 114 is an independent module and can be disassembled and replaced separately without disassembling the entire tool rest 12, reducing the downtime. Preferably, in the tool rest 12, both the tool magazine bottom plate 121 and the tool magazine vertical plates 122 are made of aluminum alloy material, ensuring the overall strength of the tool rest 12.

[0049] Since there is a large gap reserved between the tool magazine vertical plates 122 in the structure of the tool rest 12, an assembly space is provided for the protective door driving member 22. Specifically, the protective door driving member 22 includes a driving unit 221, a connecting member 222 and a guiding unit 223. The driving unit 221 includes a fixed part 2211 and a movable part 2212. The fixed part 2211 is fixedly connected to the tool magazine bottom plate 121 of the tool rest 12. The output end of the protective door driving member 22 is located at one end of the movable part 2212 away from the fixed part 2211. One side of the connecting member 222 is fixed to the end of the movable part 2212 away from the fixed part 2211, and the other side is fixed to the protective door 21. The guiding unit 223 is also arranged on the tool magazine bottom plate 121 of the tool rest 12 for controlling the connecting member 222 to perform a linear reciprocating motion along the direction of the opening 113. The guiding unit 223 can force the connecting member 222 to perform a linear motion along the direction of the opening 113, that is, the X-axis direction, to prevent the protective door 21 from shifting or jamming during the telescopic process, ensuring the accurate alignment of the tool head 4 and the tool position. Preferably, the driving unit 221 is a servo motor, and its movable part 2212 is a ball screw. The servo motor is fixed to the tool magazine bottom plate 121 of the tool rest 12 by bolts. The end of the ball screw is rigidly connected to the protective door 21 through a connecting rod. The connection method includes but is not limited to welding, bolt connection or bonding.

[0050] In some embodiments, in order to better monitor the working state of the servo motor, an opening and closing sensor 2213 is provided on the fixed part 2211. The opening and closing sensor 2213 is directly installed on the fixed part 2211 of the driving unit 221, and can sense the opening and closing state of the protective door 21 in real time, avoiding tool change failure caused by mechanical failure or misoperation.

[0051] In the present Embodiment 1, the guiding unit 223 includes a first sliding member 2231 and a second sliding member 2232. The first sliding member 2231 is fixed to the tool magazine bottom plate 121 of the tool rest 12, and the fixation between the first sliding member 2231 and the tool rest 12 is preferably by bolts. The second sliding member 2232 is fixed to the connecting member 222, and the fixation between the second sliding member 2232 and the connecting member 222 is preferably by bolts. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be welding, snap connection or other fixing methods, which are not specifically limited in the present Embodiment 1. The first sliding member 2231 and the second sliding member 2232 can be independently installed, facilitating quick disassembly and replacement. The second sliding member 2232 slides along the X-axis direction relative to the first sliding member 2231, and the two force the connecting member 222 to perform a linear motion along the X-axis direction through sliding cooperation, avoiding the deviation or jamming of the protective door 21 during the telescopic process, ensuring the precise alignment of the tool head 4 with the tool position. The rigid contact surface of the sliding members reduces the shaking of the protective door 21 caused by vibration or load changes, improving the tool change accuracy. Preferably, the material or structure between the first sliding member 2231 and the second sliding member 2232 has a relatively small friction force, so that when the second sliding member 2232 slides relative to the first sliding member 2231, the contact surface has a small friction force, reducing energy loss, increasing the telescopic speed of the protective door 21, and shortening the tool change time. The first sliding member 2231 and the second sliding member 2232 can be a mutually sliding sleeve rail structure, or a combination of a slide rail and a slider, which is not specifically limited in the present embodiment, as long as the stable sliding effect along the X-axis can be achieved.

[0052] In some embodiments, in order to prevent chips or dust from entering the sliding surface between the first sliding member 2231 and the second sliding member 2232, the sliding members can be designed as a closed structure or a dust cover 2233 can be added, improving the reliability of the protective door 21 in a harsh environment. In the present Embodiment 1, the sliding members are wrapped with a dust cover 2233, and the dust cover 2233 is fixedly connected to the tool magazine bottom plate 121. One end of the dust cover 2233 facing the connecting member 222 is open, so that the second sliding member 2232 of the sliding member can extend out to drive the displacement of the connecting member 222.

[0053] In some embodiments, in order to further improve the dust-proof effect, the retractable tool magazine further includes a door frame mechanism 3 for assembling to a machine tool. The door frame mechanism 3 has a through hole 33 through which the protection mechanism 2 and the tool magazine body 1 pass. The opening direction of the through hole 33 is the X-axis direction. Preferably, the door frame mechanism 3 includes a support cross beam 31 and support longitudinal beams 32 vertically assembled at both ends of the support cross beam 31. The two support longitudinal beams 32 are fixed to the machine tool. The through hole 33 is formed by enclosing the support cross beam 31 and the two support longitudinal beams 32. The rigid connection between the cross beam and the longitudinal beam can effectively absorb the vibration during the operation of the machine tool and reduce the resonance phenomenon during the movement of the protection door 21, thus improving the tool change accuracy.

[0054] When the retractable tool magazine is in the retracted state, the protection door 21 is located in the through hole 33, and there is a sealed connection between the protection door 21 and the through hole 33, which can seal between the protection mechanism 2 and the door frame mechanism, helping to provide a protection effect for the inside of the tool magazine when the tool head 4 is not replaced and preventing flying chips and dust from entering. When the retractable tool magazine is in the extended state, the protection door 21 passes through the through hole 33 so that the tool holder type tool position 111 or the pen barrel type tool position 112 is coaxial with the tool head 4 of the spindle unit.

[0055] Preferably, in some embodiments, a plurality of tool shank sensors 35 facing the through hole 33 are provided on the support cross beam 31. The plurality of tool shank sensors 35 are centrally installed on the support cross beam 31, which can simultaneously monitor whether there are tool shanks on multiple tool positions, reducing the number of sensors and the complexity of wiring, reducing the failure rate, facilitating individual debugging or replacement, and reducing the downtime. Specifically, the support cross beam 31 extends in the X-axis direction with a sensor fixing plate, and the plurality of tool shank sensors 35 are linearly arranged on the sensor fixing plate in the Y-axis direction. In other embodiments, the specific fixing method and arrangement method are not limited, as long as the position of the tool shank sensor 35 can be monitored.

[0056] In some embodiments, in order to improve the sealing effect between the door frame mechanism 3 and the protection door 21, a seal 34 is provided between the door frame mechanism 3 and the protection door 21. The seal 34 has at least one expansion cavity 341, and the expansion cavity 341 can be designed as a "labyrinth" structure to extend the path for chips or dust to enter the interior of the machine tool and cooperate with the seal 34 body to achieve double protection. When chips adhere to the surface of the seal 34, the elastic deformation of the expansion cavity 341 can "flick them off", reducing the frequency of manual cleaning. Preferably, the expansion cavity 341 of the seal 34 is made of high-temperature resistant silicone material, preferably a sealing ring. When the seal 34 is not squeezed, the sealing ring expands outward elastically by 2 mm by itself. When the protection door 21 enters the through hole 33, the sealing ring is squeezed to improve the sealing effect and prevent contaminants such as chips and coolant from entering the inner side of the protection door 21.

[0057] The working process of the present invention is as follows:

[0058] S1. Start the CNC machine tool and initialize the tool magazine system. Check whether the tool disc 11 is in a normal working state and whether the tool holder of the tool holder type tool position 111 is normal. Confirm that the protective door 21 and the door frame mechanism 3 are in a closed and sealed state, the retractable tool magazine is in a retracted state, and at the same time confirm whether the seal 34 is intact. Check whether the tool head 4 is correctly installed in the tool disc 11 through the tool shank sensor 35.

[0059] S2. According to the processing task, select the required tool and pre-install it in the tool holder type tool position 111 and the pen barrel type tool position 112 of the tool disc 11, and set the processing parameters through the numerical control system, including the tool path, cutting speed, feed rate, etc. Confirm that there are no obstacles in the processing area and ensure that the safety protection measures are in place.

[0060] S3. According to the program instructions, the numerical control system pushes the designated tool position of the retractable tool magazine to below the spindle through the main drive mechanism, and the Z-axis descends to release the tool on the spindle onto the pen barrel type tool position 112 of the tool disc 11, completing the tool unloading action of the pen barrel type tool position 112. Similarly, the movement of the X-axis combined with the Z-axis and the movement of the tool magazine axis can complete the tool loading action of the tool in the next tool position, thus completing the tool change action of the pen barrel type tool position 112. When it comes to replacing the tool on the tool holder type tool position 111, the numerical control system will open the protective door 21 to open the avoidance space to facilitate the horizontal unloading of large tools or wireless probes from the tool holder type tool position 111. Similarly, the movement of the X-axis combined with the Z-axis and the movement of the tool magazine can complete the tool loading action of the tool in the next tool position, thus completing the tool change action of the tool holder type tool position 111. After completion, the numerical control system will close the protective door 21.

[0061] S4. After the numerical control system confirms that the protective door 21 is closed and sealed well, start the machining program. The machine tool processes according to the preset parameters, and the tool is in a safe state under the protection of the retractable tool magazine.

[0062] S5. After the machining is completed, the numerical control system stops running. Check the tool status and confirm whether replacement or maintenance is required. Close the tool magazine system and end the operation.

[0063] The specific operation steps for opening the protective door 21 are as follows:

[0064] S31. When it is necessary to open the protective door 21, the numerical control system sends an instruction, the protective door drive 22 starts, driving the protective door 21 to slide out of the through hole 33 along the guiding unit 223. The opening and closing sensor 2213 monitors the opening state of the protective door 21 in real time and feeds back information to the control system. After the protective door 21 is fully opened, the specific tool position of the tool magazine is exposed, preparing for the tool change operation.

[0065] S32. After the tool change is completed, the numerical control system sends an instruction to start the protective door drive 22, which drives the protective door 21 to slide back along the guiding unit 223 to the through hole 33. The opening and closing sensor 2213 monitors the closing state of the protective door 21 in real time and feeds back information to the control system. After the protective door 21 is completely closed, the seal 34 forms a sealed space to prevent pollutants from entering the inside of the tool magazine.

[0066] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0067] 1. The tool disc 11 supports both pen barrel type and tool holder type tool positions 111 at the same time, can flexibly store and process tools of different sizes and shapes, solves the limitations of a single tool position design, and the two tool positions work together to reduce the problem of low replacement efficiency caused by tool size or shape limitations;

[0068] 2. The pen barrel type and tool holder type tool positions 111 are integrated on the same tool disc 11, avoiding the expansion of the size of the tool disc 11 caused by different tool position types, optimizing the space utilization rate of the tool magazine. The overall tool magazine adopts a telescopic design. In the retracted state, the protective door 21 abuts against the opening 113 of the tool disc 11, reducing the occupied space of the tool magazine in the machine tool and adapting to the layout of a compact machine tool;

[0069] 3. The protective door 21 is linked with the opening 113 of the tool disc 11 and automatically moves away when the tool holder type tool position 111 is working, avoiding flying chips from entering the tool position area and prolonging the tool life. The telescopic movement of the protective door 21 is controlled by the drive, synchronized with the tool head 4 replacement action, without manual intervention, improving operation safety. The main drive mechanism pushes the tool magazine body 1 to move linearly, cooperating with the linkage of the protective door 21 to realize the automation of tool head 4 replacement and reduce the manual operation time;

[0070] 4. The modular combination of the tool disc 11, tool positions and the protective mechanism 2 is convenient for individual maintenance or upgrade, reducing the maintenance cost.

[0071] The above has introduced in detail a retractable tool magazine disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. Specific examples are used herein to elaborate the principle and implementation manner of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand a retractable tool magazine of the present invention and its core idea; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation manner and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. A retractable tool magazine for replacing the tool head (4) of a spindle unit, characterized in that, The retractable tool magazine includes: A tool magazine body (1), the tool magazine body (1) includes a tool disc (11) and a tool holder (12), the tool disc (11) is assembled on the tool holder (12), the tool disc (11) includes a tool clip type tool position (111) and a pen barrel type tool position (112), the tool clip type tool position (111) is arranged on one side edge of the tool disc (11), and the tool clip type tool position (111) is provided with an opening (113) communicating with the outside of the tool disc (11); A protection mechanism (2), the protection mechanism (2) includes a protection door (21) and a protection door driving member (22), the protection door driving member (22) is assembled on the tool holder (12), the output end of the protection door driving member (22) is connected to the protection door (21), and is used to drive the protection door (21) to move to abut against or disengage from the side of the opening (113) of the tool disc (11); A main driving mechanism, the main driving mechanism is arranged on the side of the tool magazine body (1) opposite to the opening (113), and is used to push the tool magazine body (1) and the protection mechanism (2) to perform a linear reciprocating motion along the direction of the opening (113); When the tool head (4) of the spindle unit is coaxial with the pen barrel type tool position (112), the protection door (21) abuts against the side of the opening (113) of the tool disc (11), and when the tool head (4) of the spindle unit is coaxial with the tool clip type tool position (111), the protection door driving member (22) drives the protection door (21) to move away from the side of the opening (113), so as to reserve an assembly space for the tool head (4) at the opening (113).

2. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 1, wherein The tool disc (11) includes two or more sub-tool discs (114), and the two or more sub-tool discs (114) are linearly connected in a direction perpendicular to the opening (113). Each sub-tool disc (114) includes at least one tool clip type tool position (111) and at least one pen barrel type tool position (112), and the tool clip type tool positions (111) in the two or more sub-tool discs (114) are collinear.

3. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a door sleeve mechanism (3), the door sleeve mechanism (3) has a through hole (33) through which the protection mechanism (2) and the tool magazine body (1) pass. When the retractable tool magazine is in a contracted state, the protection door (21) is located in the through hole (33), and the protection door (21) is hermetically connected to the through hole (33); when the retractable tool magazine is in an extended state, the protection door (21) passes through the through hole (33), so that the tool clip type tool position (111) or the pen barrel type tool position (112) is coaxial with the tool head (4) of the spindle unit.

4. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 1, wherein, The protection door driving member (22) includes: A driving unit (221), the driving unit (221) includes a fixed part (2211) and a movable part (2212), the fixed part (2211) is fixedly connected to the tool holder (12), and the output end of the protection door driving member (22) is located at one end of the movable part (2212) away from the fixed part (2211); A connecting member (222), one side of the connecting member (222) is fixed to the end of the movable part (2212) away from the fixed part (2211), and the other side is fixed to the protective door (21); A guiding unit (223), the guiding unit (223) is arranged on the tool rest (12) and is used to control the connecting member (222) to perform a linear reciprocating motion along the direction of the through hole (33).

5. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 4, wherein, An opening and closing sensor (2213) is arranged on the fixed part (2211).

6. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guiding unit (223) includes: A first sliding member (2231), the first sliding member (2231) is fixed to the tool rest (12); A second sliding member (2232), the second sliding member (2232) slides relative to the first sliding member (2231) along the direction of the through hole (33), and the second sliding member (2232) is fixed to the connecting member (222).

7. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 3, wherein, A sealing member (34) is arranged between the door frame mechanism (3) and the protective door (21), and the sealing member (34) has at least one expansion cavity (341).

8. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The door frame mechanism (3) includes a support cross beam (31) and support longitudinal beams (32) vertically assembled at both ends of the support cross beam (31). The through hole (33) is surrounded by the support cross beam (31) and the two support longitudinal beams (32). A plurality of tool shank sensors (35) facing the through hole (33) are arranged on the support cross beam (31).

9. A retractable tool magazine according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The tool rest (12) includes: A tool magazine bottom plate (121); At least two tool magazine vertical plates (122), the tool magazine vertical plates (122) are vertically connected to the tool magazine bottom plate (121), and a sub-tool disc (114) is assembled on every two adjacent tool magazine vertical plates (122).

10. The retractable tool magazine according to claim 9, wherein, At least one splicing part (115) is provided between every two adjacent sub-tool discs (114) in the tool disc (11); When there is one splicing part (115) in the same sub-tool disc (114), the splicing part (115) of one of the sub-tool discs (114) is a groove (1151), and the splicing part (115) of the other sub-tool disc (114) is a convex block (1152) for splicing two adjacent sub-tool discs (114); When there are more than two splicing parts (115) in the same sub-tool disc (114), the splicing parts (115) in the same sub-tool disc (114) include a groove (1151) and a convex block (1152), and the groove (1151) and the convex block (1152) are arranged linearly and alternately.

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