A double-workbench bidirectional translation exchange device and exchange method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of machining centers, and particularly provides a double-workbench bidirectional translation exchange device and an exchange method, which comprises a machining area, a feeding and discharging area and two workbenches; a displacement mechanism is arranged in the machining area, and a bidirectional exchange station is arranged in the feeding and discharging area; a first transposition point and a second transposition point are arranged in the machining area, and a third transposition point and a fourth transposition point are arranged in the feeding and discharging area; the displacement mechanism and the bidirectional exchange station cooperatively drive the two workbenches to move and transposition among the first transposition point, the second transposition point, the third transposition point and the fourth transposition point; through the innovative four-transposition-point bidirectional translation framework, the three defects of space interference, low efficiency and position dispersion existing in the existing rotary exchange device are overcome, breakthrough progress is realized in safety, machining efficiency and compatibility, and the device can be applied to a high-beat, multi-variety flexible production line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining center technology, specifically to a dual-table bidirectional translational exchange device and exchange method. Background Technology

[0002] A machining center is a highly automated, multi-functional CNC machine tool equipped with a tool magazine and automatic tool changer. With continuous technological advancements, various types of machining centers have emerged to adapt to different machining conditions and requirements. Among them, a vertical machining center refers to a machining center where the spindle axis is perpendicular to the worktable. It is mainly suitable for machining complex parts such as sheet metal, discs, molds, and small housings. Vertical machining centers can perform milling, boring, drilling, tapping, and thread cutting operations.

[0003] A published Chinese patent, publication number CN111730416A, discloses a multi-spindle machining center with micro-motion compensation function, including a main base (200), a main column (100), a saddle (300), a worktable (400), and at least two spindle machining units. The column (100) is fixed on the main base (200), and the spindle machining units are slidably connected to the column (100). Each spindle machining unit includes a spindle (20) and a unit body (40). The spindle (20) is mounted on the unit body (40), and a Z-axis drive device (10) is located between the unit body (40) and the column (100). The center also includes a workpiece pallet exchange mechanism, which includes a sub-base (81), a bracket (82), a rotary motor (83), and a rotating arm (84). The bracket (82) is fixed on the sub-base (81), the rotary motor is fixed on the bracket (82), and the rotary motor (83) is connected to the rotary arm (84) through a rotating shaft. The rotary arm (84) includes an arm receiving frame (85) and two pairs of folding arms (86). The rotating shaft is connected to the center of the arm receiving frame (85), and the two pairs of folding arms (86) are located on both sides of the arm receiving frame (85). The two folding arms (86) in each pair are respectively hinged to the two ends on the same side of the arm receiving frame (85). The saddle (300) is slidably connected to the main base (200), and a Y-axis transmission mechanism is connected between the saddle (300) and the main base (200). The worktable (400) is slidably connected to the saddle (300), and an X-axis transmission mechanism is connected between the worktable (400) and the saddle (300). In this invention, the workpiece pallet exchange mechanism adopts a rotary arm design and uses a rotary motor to drive the folding arms to complete the pallet exchange. This method has the following significant drawbacks: 1. Limited exchange position: The rotation motion must be around a fixed axis, and the pallet exchange point is limited to the central area of ​​the workbench, which cannot flexibly adapt to the pick-up and put-down position requirements of workpieces of different sizes or automated equipment. 2. Space interference risk: When the rotating arm is extended, it occupies the side space, and the operator needs to cross the mechanism to handle emergency situations, such as tool changing and chip removal, which poses a safety hazard. 3. Efficiency bottleneck: The rotation action requires waiting for the folding arm to unfold / retract, and only one pallet can be exchanged at a time, making it impossible to achieve complete parallelization of processing and loading / unloading. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this invention is to provide a dual-worktable bidirectional translational exchange device and method. By setting up a shifting mechanism and a bidirectional exchange station, the shifting mechanism achieves displacement between the first exchange point P71 and the second exchange point P72 through the cooperation of two vertically intersecting linear modules, facilitating the adjustment of the worktable's processing and exchange positions. The bidirectional exchange station drives the worktable between the third exchange point P73 and the fourth exchange point P74 through a second linear actuator and a pulley assembly. The sliding mechanism in the shifting mechanism of this invention allows for retractable exchange between the shifting mechanism and the bidirectional exchange station via the first linear actuator. During the exchange, there is no need for flipping, completely eliminating the occupation of side space by the rotating arm, allowing the operator unobstructed access to the equipment, and improving the safety and convenience of CNC machining operations. This invention solves the problems of limited exchange positions, spatial interference risks, and efficiency bottlenecks in the prior art method of using a rotary motor to drive a folding arm to complete tray exchange.

[0005] To achieve the above and other related objectives, the present invention provides a bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables, including a control system, a bidirectional translational exchange device for dual worktables, the bidirectional translational exchange device for dual worktables including a processing area and a loading / unloading area, and two worktables that cooperate to move and exchange between the processing area and the loading / unloading area. The processing area is equipped with a shifting mechanism, and the loading and unloading area is equipped with a two-way exchange station. The processing area is provided with a first exchange point P71 and a second exchange point P72, and the loading and unloading area is provided with a third exchange point P73 and a fourth exchange point P74. The shifting mechanism cooperates with the bidirectional exchange station to drive the two worktables to move and exchange between the first exchange point P71, the second exchange point P72, the third exchange point P73, and the fourth exchange point P74. The shifting mechanism includes: Simultaneously penetrating the base of the first transposition point P71 and the second transposition point P72; A linear module along the Y-axis mounted on the base; A sliding saddle is located at the movable end of the linear module along the Y-axis. X-axis linear module mounted on a slide saddle; A sliding block mechanism located at the movable end of the linear module along the X-axis; The worktable is slidably fitted onto the slide mechanism; The slide mechanism includes a slide body, the upper end of which is provided with a pulley assembly and a first linear actuator, and the output end of the first linear actuator is provided with a hanging shaft for fastening the worktable; The slide body is equipped with a longitudinal linear actuator, which includes a propulsion cylinder and an L-shaped push plate. The first linear actuator is mounted on the L-shaped push plate. The slide block body is also equipped with a lifting assembly, the output end of which is connected to the lower end of the pulley assembly; The upper end of the slide body is also provided with a positioning bushing, and the upper end of the positioning bushing is provided with a locking device. The steps for controlling the cyclic displacement of a single worktable in both the horizontal and vertical directions by the control system include the following: P1. After loading and unloading at the fourth switching point P74 in the loading and unloading area, the workbench moves to the first switching point P71 in the processing area. P2. The worktable is moved from the first relocation point P71 in the machining area to the second relocation point P72 in the machining area for CNC machining; P3. After processing is completed, the workbench is moved from the second exchange point P72 in the processing area to the third exchange point P73 in the loading and unloading area. P4. The workbench moves from the third switching point P73 in the loading and unloading area to the fourth switching point P74 in the loading and unloading area to complete the independent cyclic displacement of a single workbench. The steps of controlling a single worktable to longitudinally move from the fourth swap point P74 to the third swap point P73 by the control system include: F1. The workbench is positioned at the fourth transposition point P74. F2, The workbench rises at the fourth transposition point P74; F3, the workbench is hooked at the fourth swap point P74; F4, the workbench releases the fourth swap point P74 positioning; F5, The worktable is longitudinally displaced to the third interchange point P73; F6, Workbench positioning third interchange point P73; F7. The workbench is unhooked at the third swap point P73. F8, the workbench descends at the third transposition point P73; The steps of controlling a single worktable to longitudinally move from the third swapping point P73 to the fourth swapping point P74 by the control system include: F9, Workbench positioning third interchange point P73; F10, the workbench rises at the third transposition point P73; F11, the workbench is hooked at the third swap point P73; F12, the workbench releases the third swap point P73 positioning; F13, The worktable is longitudinally displaced to the fourth interchange point P74; F14, Workbench positioning fourth interchange point P74; F15, The workbench is unhooked at the fourth swap point P74; F16, the workbench descends at the fourth transposition point P74.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower end of the worktable is provided with a pair of parallel transverse guide rails and a pair of parallel longitudinal guide rails, with the pair of parallel longitudinal guide rails distributed between the two transverse guide rails. The workbench is equipped with a horizontal conveying hook at one end near the loading and unloading area. The horizontal conveying hook and the hanging shaft can be detachably fastened together. The lower end of the workbench is provided with horizontally distributed T-shaped hanging plates; The lower end of the workbench is also provided with a positioning sleeve, and the positioning sleeve has a positioning cavity.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bidirectional switching station includes: Simultaneously, a support frame located at the third transposition point P73 and the fourth transposition point P74 is provided with a first lifting platform assembly and a second lifting platform assembly. Two sets of X-axis pulley assemblies are mounted on the upper end of the support frame and are located at the third transposition point P73 and the fourth transposition point P74, respectively. Two sets of Y-axis pulley assemblies are installed on the upper end of the second lifting platform assembly and are located at the third switching point P73 and the fourth switching point P74 respectively. A second linear actuator is mounted on the upper end of the first lifting platform assembly and located between two sets of Y-axis pulley assemblies; The worktable is movably fitted onto one of the X-axis pulley assemblies.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support frame is provided with a lifting and positioning component, the lifting and positioning component including a pneumatic or hydraulic lifting bracket and a positioning block connected to the upper end of the pneumatic or hydraulic lifting bracket.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the movable end of the second linear actuator is provided with a horizontally distributed U-shaped hanging groove, and the lower end of the worktable is provided with a horizontally distributed T-shaped hanging plate. The second linear actuator is lifted by the first lifting platform assembly so that the U-shaped hanging groove and the T-shaped hanging plate are hooked together.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the working steps of controlling the sliding engagement between the slide mechanism and the worktable by the control system include: S1. The worktable is released and lowered to disengage the lock; S2, The workbench rises; S3, Workbench hook; S4. The worktable output is disengaged from the slide mechanism; S5, Workbench Input; S6, Workbench unhooked; S7, Workbench descends; S8. The worktable descends, positions, and locks.

[0011] As described above, the dual-stage bidirectional translational exchange device and method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: This invention employs a shifting mechanism and a bidirectional exchange station. The shifting mechanism utilizes two vertically intersecting linear modules to achieve displacement between the first exchange point P71 and the second exchange point P72, facilitating adjustments to the processing and exchange positions of the worktable. The bidirectional exchange station uses a second linear actuator in conjunction with a pulley assembly to drive the worktable between the third exchange point P73 and the fourth exchange point P74. The sliding mechanism within the shifting mechanism allows for retractable exchange between the shifting mechanism and the bidirectional exchange station via the first linear actuator. This exchange process eliminates the need for flipping, completely removing the space occupied by the rotating arm on the sides, allowing the operator unobstructed access to the equipment and improving the safety and convenience of CNC machining operations. This invention also utilizes dual worktables that simultaneously circulate independently in the processing and loading / unloading areas. While one worktable is processing in the processing area, the other worktable can move from the third exchange point P73 to the fourth exchange point P74 via the bidirectional exchange station for loading / unloading, achieving parallel processing and loading / unloading, significantly improving processing efficiency. Furthermore, this invention unifies the loading / unloading positions to the front of the bidirectional exchange station, enhancing the convenience of loading / unloading. This application overcomes the three major defects of existing rotary exchange devices—spatial interference, low efficiency, and dispersed positions—through an innovative four-point bidirectional translation architecture. It achieves breakthrough progress in safety, processing efficiency, and compatibility, and can be applied to flexible production lines with high cycle times and multiple product varieties. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 The flowchart shown is for steps P1-P4 in this invention.

[0014] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the workbench in this invention.

[0015] Figure 4 The diagram shown illustrates the cooperation between the worktable and the slide mechanism in this invention.

[0016] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the disassembled worktable and slide mechanism in this invention.

[0017] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the slide mechanism in this invention.

[0018] Figure 7 The diagram shows the cooperation between the workbench and the bidirectional exchange station in this invention.

[0019] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the bidirectional switching station in this invention.

[0020] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a top view of the bidirectional switching station in this invention.

[0021] Figure 10 The flowchart shown is for steps F1-F8 in this invention.

[0022] Figure 11 The flowchart shown is for steps F9-F16 in this invention.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure in which the workbench is locked at the third swapping point P73 in this invention.

[0024] Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of the worktable in this invention, which is connected to the second linear actuator at the third switching point P73.

[0025] Figure 14 The diagram shows the structure of the workbench moving from the third swap point P73 to the third swap point P74 in this invention.

[0026] Figure 15 The diagram shows the structure in which the workbench is locked at the fourth swap point P74 in this invention.

[0027] Figures 16-20 The flowchart shown is for S1-S8 in this invention.

[0028] Component designation explanation 1. Base; 2. Saddle; 3. Y-axis linear module; 5. X-axis linear module; 6. Linear guide rail; 7. Slider; 8. Drive motor; 9. Lead screw; 10. Processing area; 11. Loading / unloading area; 20. Shifting mechanism; 30. Slide mechanism; 31. Pulley assembly; 311. Base plate; 312. Pulley seat; 313. Pulley; 32. Hanging shaft; 33. Slide body; 34. Positioning bushing; 35. First linear actuator; 36. Lifting assembly; 37. Longitudinal linear actuator; 38. Locking device; 50. Worktable; 51. Transverse guide rail; 52. Longitudinal guide rail. ; Horizontal conveying hook 53; Positioning sleeve 54; T-shaped hanging plate 55; Bidirectional exchange station 70; Support frame 711; First lifting platform assembly 712; X-axis pulley assembly 713; Y-axis pulley assembly 714; Second linear actuator 715; U-shaped hanging groove 7151; Lifting and positioning assembly 716; Lifting bracket 7161; Positioning bushing 7162; Second lifting platform assembly 717; Limiter 718; First switching point P71; Second switching point P72; Third switching point P73; Fourth switching point P74. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0030] Please see Figures 1 to 20 It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings of this specification are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of the invention, should fall within the scope of the disclosed technical content. Furthermore, the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "middle," "first," and "second," etc., used in this specification are merely for clarity and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0031] Example 1, please refer to Figures 1-2This invention provides a dual-workbench bidirectional translational exchange device, including a processing area 10 and a loading / unloading area 11, and two workbenches 50 that cooperate to move and exchange between the processing area 10 and the loading / unloading area 11. The processing area 10 is equipped with a shifting mechanism 20 and a first exchange point P71 and a second exchange point P72. The loading / unloading area 11 is equipped with a bidirectional exchange station 70, which is equipped with a third exchange point P73 and a fourth exchange point P74. The shifting mechanism 20 cooperates with the bidirectional exchange station 70 to drive the two workbenches 50 to move and exchange positions between the first exchange point P71, the second exchange point P72, the third exchange point P73, and the fourth exchange point P74. It should be noted that the bidirectional exchange station 70 can be mirrored relative to the shifting mechanism 20 according to the actual construction. This invention employs two worktables 50 that simultaneously cycle independently in the processing area 10 and the loading / unloading area 11. While one worktable 50 is processing in the processing area 10, the other worktable 50 can move from the third switching point P73 to the fourth switching point P74 via the bidirectional exchange station 70 for loading / unloading, thus achieving parallel processing and loading / unloading, which greatly improves processing efficiency. At the same time, this invention can unify the loading / unloading positions to the front end of the bidirectional exchange station, improving the convenience of loading / unloading.

[0032] Example 2, please refer to Figure 1 The shifting mechanism 20 includes a base 1 that passes through the first swapping point P71 and the second swapping point P72, a Y-axis linear module 3 on the base 1, a saddle 2 on the movable end of the Y-axis linear module 3, an X-axis linear module 5 on the saddle 2, and a slide mechanism 30 on the movable end of the X-axis linear module 5. The worktable 50 is slidably fitted on the slide mechanism 30. The Y-axis linear module 3 and the X-axis linear module 5 are identical linear modules, each including a linear guide rail 6, a slider 7 slidably engaged on the upper end of the linear guide rail 6, a drive motor 8 located at one end of the linear guide rail 6, and a lead screw 9 connected to the output end of the drive motor 8 and meshing with the slider 7. The drive motor 8 drives the lead screw 9 to rotate, causing the slider 7 meshing with the lead screw 9 to achieve linear displacement along the linear guide rail 6. The Y-axis linear module 3 can achieve longitudinal translation in the processing area 10, and the X-axis linear module 5 can achieve lateral translation in the processing area 10. The shifting mechanism 20 uses the cooperation of two vertically intersecting linear modules to shift between the first exchange point P71 and the second exchange point P72, facilitating the adjustment of the processing position and exchange position of the worktable.

[0033] Example 3, please refer to Figures 3-4The lower end of the worktable 50 is provided with a pair of parallel transverse guide rails 51 and a pair of parallel longitudinal guide rails 52, with the pair of parallel longitudinal guide rails 52 distributed between the two transverse guide rails 51; both the transverse guide rails 51 and the longitudinal guide rails 52 are T-shaped convex rails. By setting up bidirectional transverse and longitudinal guide rails, this invention enables displacement through a bidirectional guide rail contact displacement mechanism during the movement and exchange of the worktable 50, reducing frictional loss and resistance to the worktable itself during movement and exchange, and improving the bidirectional translational exchange effect of the worktable.

[0034] The workbench 50 is provided with a horizontal conveying hook 53, which is installed on one side or the lower end of the workbench 50. The horizontal conveying hook 53 is designed to facilitate the workbench 50 being gripped during horizontal movement. The lower end of the workbench 50 is provided with horizontally distributed T-shaped hanging plates 55, which are designed to facilitate the workbench 50 being gripped during vertical movement.

[0035] The lower end of the worktable 50 is also provided with a positioning sleeve 54, which has a positioning cavity. Multiple positioning sleeves 54 are evenly distributed at the lower end of the worktable 50 for multi-point positioning. The height of each positioning sleeve 54 is greater than the height of the transverse guide rail 51 and the longitudinal guide rail 52. The worktable 50 relies on lifting to achieve translation. When the worktable 50 moves to the machining position and descends, the positioning sleeve 54 nests with the positioning bushing to position and lock the worktable 50. This invention, by setting multiple positioning sleeves 54, enables multi-point positioning at the lower end of the worktable, ensuring the reliability of the worktable 50 during machining, solving the machining error problem caused by vibration and displacement, and improving machining results.

[0036] Example 4, please refer to Figures 5-6The slide mechanism 30 includes a slide body 33, and a pulley assembly 31 is provided at the upper end of the slide body 33. The pulley assembly 31 includes a base plate 311 distributed laterally along the slide body 33, and a plurality of pulley seats 312 are mounted on the base plate 311. Each pulley seat 312 is equipped with a pulley 313 via a rotating connector. The slide body 33 is provided with a first linear actuator 35. The first linear actuator 35 includes, but is not limited to, a retractable linear drive device such as a linear cylinder. In this embodiment, a linear drive device that is easy to assemble and meets industrial requirements is selected, and no additional restrictions should be imposed here. The output end of the first linear actuator 35 is provided with a hanging shaft 32 for engaging the worktable 50. Specifically, the slide body 33 is equipped with a longitudinal linear actuator 37, which includes a propulsion cylinder and an L-shaped push plate. The first linear actuator 35 is mounted on the L-shaped push plate. A transverse transfer hook 53 is provided on one side of the worktable 50. The propulsion cylinder pushes the L-shaped push plate to move the first linear actuator 35 longitudinally, allowing the hanging shaft 32 to detachably engage with the transverse transfer hook 53. The first linear actuator 35 provides driving force to pull the worktable 50 laterally on the slide mechanism. This invention uses the first linear actuator 35 to provide linear drive. The hanging shaft 32 at the output end of the first linear actuator 35 can quickly engage the worktable 50. The rotation of the pulley assembly 31 drives the worktable 50 to move, improving the smoothness and speed of the worktable 50's sliding movement on the slide mechanism and reducing frictional loss.

[0037] The slide body 33 is also equipped with a lifting assembly 36. The lifting assembly 36 adopts a cylinder or hydraulic lifting device and a lifting guide assembly. The output end of the lifting assembly 36 is connected to the lower end of the pulley assembly 31. The upper end of the slide body 33 is also provided with a positioning bushing 34, and the upper end of the positioning bushing 34 is provided with a locking device 38. The locking device 38 includes a locking cylinder and other locking structures. The positioning bushing 34 and the locking device 38 are used to lock the worktable 50 when the lifting assembly 36 drives the pulley assembly 31 and the worktable 50 to rise or fall. Specifically, the lower end of the worktable 50 is provided with a positioning sleeve 54 with a positioning cavity. The positioning cavity of the positioning sleeve 54 is locked in place with the locking device 38 of the positioning bushing 34. When the lifting assembly 36 drives the pulley assembly 31 and the worktable 50 to fall, the positioning bushing 34 and the locking device 38 lock the worktable 50 by nesting the positioning sleeve 54. There are multiple positioning bushings 34, which are evenly distributed on the upper end of the slide body 33 for multi-point positioning. The number of positioning sleeves 54 is the same as the number of positioning bushings 34 and their positions correspond. This invention uses a positioning bushing 34 to unlock the movement and positioning states of the worktable 50 in conjunction with the lifting assembly 36's lifting action. When the lifting assembly 36 lifts up, it enables the pulley assembly 31 to rise and quickly displace into contact with the worktable 50, avoiding displacement interference between the worktable 50 and the positioning bushing 34 and ensuring the normal movement of the worktable 50. When the lifting assembly 36 descends, it drives the pulley assembly 31 and the worktable 50 to descend, causing the positioning bushing 34 and locking device 38 on the slide body 33 to contact the worktable 50 and form a lock, ensuring the stability of the worktable 50 during the processing.

[0038] This embodiment employs a linear actuator to provide linear drive. The rotation of the pulley assembly 31 drives the displacement of the worktable 50, improving the smoothness and speed of the worktable 50's sliding movement on the slide mechanism 30 and reducing frictional losses. By setting a positioning bushing 34 and a locking device 38, in conjunction with the lifting assembly 36's lifting action, contact can be made with the worktable 50 to form a lock, ensuring the stability of the worktable 50 during processing. This invention can greatly improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of worktable 50 exchange. The slide mechanism 30 is used in the shifting mechanism 20, and the first linear actuator 35 can extend and retract to exchange between the shifting mechanism 20 and the bidirectional exchange station 70. No flipping is required during the exchange process, completely eliminating the occupancy of the rotating arm on the side space. Operators can access the equipment without obstruction, improving the safety and convenience of CNC machining operations.

[0039] Example 5, please refer to Figures 7-12The bidirectional exchange station 70 includes: a support frame 711 located simultaneously at the third exchange point P73 and the fourth exchange point P74, wherein the support frame 711 is equipped with a first lifting platform assembly 712 and a second lifting platform assembly 717 arranged longitudinally; two sets of X-axis pulley assemblies 713 mounted on the upper end of the support frame 711 and located at the third exchange point P73 and the fourth exchange point P74 respectively; two sets of Y-axis pulley assemblies 714 mounted on the upper end of the first lifting platform assembly 712 and located at the third exchange point P73 and the fourth exchange point P74 respectively, the two sets of Y-axis pulley assemblies 714 being rotatably connected; and a second linear actuator 715 mounted on the upper end of the second lifting platform assembly 717 and located between the two sets of Y-axis pulley assemblies 714; the bidirectional exchange station uses the second linear actuator 715 to drag the worktable 50 to move and exchange between the third exchange point P73 and the fourth exchange point P74.

[0040] This invention, by setting up two sets of X-axis pulley assemblies 713 and two sets of rotatably connected Y-axis pulley assemblies 714, and cooperating with a second linear actuator 715 to provide drive, enables the worktable 50 to move bidirectionally between two exchange points, allowing the worktable 50 to achieve a U-shaped continuous translation path. The worktable 50 can enter and exit bidirectionally from either end of the two exchange points, unifying the loading and unloading positions to the front end of any exchange point in the bidirectional exchange station, improving the stability of the worktable 50 exchange and the convenience of loading and unloading. After loading and unloading, the worktable 50 can be quickly sent to the machining center, improving processing efficiency.

[0041] The support frame 711 is equipped with lifting and positioning components 716 at both the third switching point P73 and the fourth switching point P74. Each lifting and positioning component 716 includes a pneumatic or hydraulic lifting bracket 7161 and a positioning block 7162 connected to the upper end of the pneumatic or hydraulic lifting bracket 7161. When the worktable 50 is in the loading or unloading state, the lifting bracket 7161 can drive the positioning block 7162 to rise and engage with the positioning sleeve 54 at the lower end of the worktable 50 to form a positioning lock.

[0042] The second linear actuator 715 can be a magnetic coupler rodless cylinder, which includes a cylinder body, a piston assembly, and a moving assembly. The moving assembly is the movable end of the linear actuator 713. In this embodiment, a lead screw and nut linear module can also be used to provide linear drive. Magnetic coupler rodless cylinders and lead screw and nut linear modules are commonly used and mature devices in industry, and will not be described in detail here. The movable end of the second linear actuator 715 is provided with a laterally distributed U-shaped hanging groove 7151. The first lifting platform assembly 712 drives the second linear actuator 715 to be lifted so that the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 is hooked and connected to the worktable 50. Specifically, the lower end of the worktable 50 is provided with a laterally distributed T-shaped hanging groove. When the worktable 50 needs to be exchanged between the third switching point P73 and the fourth switching point P74, the first lifting platform assembly 712 and the second lifting platform assembly 717 simultaneously drive the second linear actuator 715 and the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 to lift. The U-shaped hanging groove 7151 located at the upper end of the second linear actuator 715 is hooked to the T-shaped hanging plate 55 located at the lower end of the worktable 50. After the hook is completed, the second linear actuator 715 pushes the worktable 50 to move between the third switching point P73 and the fourth switching point P74 along the Y-axis pulley assembly 714. The design of the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 is conducive to quickly grabbing the worktable 50 for displacement.

[0043] The support frame 711 is located at the upper right side of the third switching point P73 and the fourth switching point P74, and the slide body 33 is located at the upper left side of the first switching point P71 and the second switching point P72. Both are equipped with limiters 718 for detecting the lateral movement of the worktable 50 into position. The X-axis pulley assembly 713 extends to the outside of the support frame 711 at one end near the processing area 10, which facilitates the smooth transition of the worktable 50 from the outside into the bidirectional exchange station 70.

[0044] This invention replaces rotational motion with a linear translational U-shaped path. Through coordinated control of lifting and translation, it can achieve efficient exchange of dual worktables with zero rotational space occupation and precise positioning.

[0045] In Example 6, the pulley assembly 31, the X-axis pulley assembly 713, and the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 are the same components, all including a base plate 31. The base plate 311 is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed pulley seats 312, and the pulley seats 312 are equipped with rotatable pulleys 313.

[0046] Example 7, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figures 12-15 This embodiment provides a bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables, including control by a control system. The working steps of controlling a single worktable 50 to cyclically displace in both the horizontal and vertical directions are as follows: P1. After loading and unloading at the fourth switching point P74 in the loading and unloading area 11, the workbench 50 moves to the first switching point P71 in the processing area 10. P2, The worktable 50 is moved from the first relocation point P71 of the machining area 10 to the second relocation point P72 of the machining area 10 for CNC machining; P3. After processing is completed, the workbench 50 is moved from the second exchange point P72 to the third exchange point P73 in the loading and unloading area 11. P4. The workbench 50 moves from the third switching point P73 in the loading / unloading area 11 to the fourth switching point P74 in the loading / unloading area 11 to complete the independent cyclic displacement of a single workbench. Based on the working principle of clockwise and counterclockwise cyclic displacement of a single worktable 50 using steps P1-P4 or P4-P1, the control system enables two identical worktables to work simultaneously, including the following steps: one worktable 50 with the workpiece installed enters the processing area 10 and begins to move; the other worktable 50 freely switches between two positions in the loading / unloading area 11: the fourth exchange point P74 and the third exchange point P73. This ensures that the loading / unloading positions of the two worktables 50 are unified. The worktable 50 that moves out of the bidirectional exchange station 70 is at the fourth exchange point P74 in the loading / unloading area 11. The manual or automated loading and unloading device begins loading and unloading at the front end of the workbench 50 on the fourth exchange point P74 of the bidirectional exchange station 70. The removed workbench 50 then interchanges with the workbench 50 at the third exchange point P73 in the loading and unloading area 11 via the exchange function between the third exchange point P73 and the fourth exchange point P74. The workbench 50 on the third exchange point P73 then moves to the fourth exchange point P74, and the manual or automated loading and unloading device begins loading and unloading at the front end of the workbench 50 on the fourth exchange point P74. This ensures that the loading and unloading positions of the two workbench 50s are unified. The two workbench 50s can be moved to either the third exchange point P73 or the fourth exchange point P74 to complete the loading and unloading process.

[0047] Using the fourth exchange point P74 as the loading and unloading station, the control system controls the two worktables 50 to cyclically exchange steps, including: For loading and unloading worktable 50 at the fourth switching point P74, the worktable 50 with the workpiece installed enters the first switching point P71 of the processing area 10 and begins dynamic displacement. At the same time, another worktable 50 located in the loading and unloading area 11 moves from the third switching point P73 to the fourth switching point P74. The manual or automated loading and unloading device begins loading and unloading at the front end of the worktable 50 at the fourth switching point P74. At this time, one worktable 50 is processing inside the machine, and the other worktable 50 is moving longitudinally outside the machine for loading and unloading. The processed worktable 50 moves out to the third switching point P73, and the other worktable 50 moves from the fourth switching point P74 to the switching point P71. Then, the worktable 50 located at the third switching point P73 moves to the fourth switching point P74 for loading and unloading.

[0048] Please see Figure 10 , Figures 12-15 The working steps of controlling a single worktable 50 to longitudinally move from the fourth swapping point P74 to the third swapping point P73 by the control system include: F1. The worktable 50 is positioned at the fourth switching point P74: The fourth switching point P74 includes four sets of lifting and positioning components 716. Through the lifting and lowering movement of the four sets of lifting and positioning components 716 and the positioning and fixing of the four sets of positioning sleeves 54 at the lower end of the worktable 50, the worktable 50 is positioned and fixed at the fourth switching point P74.

[0049] F2. The worktable 50 rises at the fourth switching point P74: The fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73 each include a pair of Y-axis pulley assemblies 714. The upper part of the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 forms a rotational contact with a pair of longitudinal guide rails 52 at the lower end of the worktable 50. The lower part of the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 is connected to the second lifting platform assembly 717. The second lifting platform assembly 717 is movably connected in the upper frame 711. The rise of the worktable 50 is achieved by the first lifting platform assembly 712 and the second lifting platform assembly 717 simultaneously provided at the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73.

[0050] F3. The worktable 50 is hooked at the fourth switching point P74: the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 is connected and fixed above the moving component of the second linear actuator 715. The first lifting platform component 712, which is simultaneously located at the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73, lifts the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 and the T-shaped hanging plate 55 of the worktable 50 to achieve hook connection.

[0051] F4. The fourth switching point P74 of the worktable 50 is released from positioning: The four sets of lifting and lowering positioning components 716 contained in the fourth switching point P74 move downward to release the positioning cooperation with the four sets of positioning sleeves 54 of the worktable 50, thus realizing the release of the positioning cooperation between the worktable 50 and the fourth switching point P74.

[0052] F5. The worktable 50 is longitudinally displaced to the third switching point P73: After completing F1-F4, the second linear actuator 715 drives the worktable 50, which is connected by a hook, to move along the y-axis direction from the fourth switching point P74 to the third switching point P73, in conjunction with the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 of the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73.

[0053] F6. Positioning of the third switching point P73 of the worktable 50: The four sets of lifting and positioning components 716 included in the third switching point P73 are raised and positioned and fixed with the four sets of positioning sleeves 54 of the worktable 50, realizing the positioning and fixing of the worktable 50 and the third switching point P73.

[0054] F7. The worktable 50 is disengaged at the third switching point P73: The first lifting platform assembly 712, which is simultaneously located at the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73, descends to disengage the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 of the second linear actuator 715 from the T-shaped hanging plate 55 of the worktable 50.

[0055] F8. The worktable 50 descends at the third switching point P73: The worktable 50 is driven to descend by the first lifting platform assembly 712, which is simultaneously located at the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73.

[0056] Please see Figure 11 , Figures 12-15 The workflow of controlling the worktable 50 to move longitudinally from the third transfer point P73 to the fourth transfer point P74 via the control system includes: F9. The third switching point P73 of the worktable 50: The four sets of lifting and positioning components 716 contained in the third switching point P73 are raised and positioned and fixed with the four sets of positioning sleeves 54 of the worktable 50, realizing the positioning and fixing of the worktable 50 and the third switching point P73.

[0057] F10, the worktable 50 rises at the third switching point P73: the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73 each include a pair of Y-axis pulley assemblies 714. The upper part of the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 forms a rotational contact engagement with the lower part of a pair of longitudinal guide rails 52 at the lower end of the worktable 50. The lower part of the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 is connected to the second lifting platform assembly 717. The worktable 50 rises by moving the lifting components of the second lifting platform assembly 717 included in the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73.

[0058] F11. The worktable 50 is hooked at the third switching point P73: the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 is connected and fixed above the moving component of the second linear actuator 715. The first lifting platform assembly 712, which is simultaneously located at the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73, lifts the second linear actuator 715 so that the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 on the second linear actuator 715 is hooked to the T-shaped hanging plate 55 of the worktable 50.

[0059] F12. The third switching point P73 of the worktable 50 is released from positioning: The four sets of lifting and positioning components 716 contained in the third switching point P73 descend to release the positioning cooperation with the four sets of positioning sleeves 54 of the worktable 50, thus realizing the release of the positioning cooperation between the worktable 50 and the third switching point P73.

[0060] F13, the worktable 50 is longitudinally moved to the fourth switching point P74: After completing F9-F12, the worktable 50 is connected to the hook by the second linear actuator 715. With the Y-axis pulley assembly 714 included in the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73, the worktable 50 is moved from the third switching point P73 to the fourth switching point P74 along the Y-axis direction.

[0061] F14, the fourth switching point P74 of the worktable 50: the four sets of lifting and positioning components 716 included in the fourth switching point P74 are raised to achieve positioning and fixing with the four sets of positioning sleeves 54 of the worktable 50, thus realizing the positioning and fixing of the worktable 50 and the fourth switching point P74.

[0062] F15, the worktable 50 is disengaged at the fourth switching point P74: the first lifting platform assembly 712, which is simultaneously located at the fourth switching point P74 and the third switching point P73, descends to disengage the U-shaped hanging groove 7151 of the second linear actuator 715 from the T-shaped hanging plate 55 of the worktable 50.

[0063] F16, The worktable 50 descends at the fourth exchange point P74: The descent of the worktable 50 is achieved by the descent of the second lifting platform assembly 717, which is simultaneously located at the fourth exchange point P74 and the third exchange point P73.

[0064] Please see Figures 16-20 The working process of controlling the sliding engagement between the slide mechanism 30 and the worktable 50 through the control system includes: S1. Worktable 50 released: The worktable 50 is released by the locking device 38 of the slide mechanism 30.

[0065] S2. Worktable 50 rises: A lifting component 36 is provided below the pulley assembly 31 of the slide mechanism 30. The lifting component 36 is connected to the slide body 33. The slide body 33 drives the pulley assembly 31 to lift the transverse guide rail 51 to achieve the lifting action of the worktable 50.

[0066] S3, Hook of worktable 50: The hook is connected to the horizontal conveying hook 53 of worktable 50 by the longitudinal linear actuator 37 of slide mechanism 30 dragging and connecting the hanging shaft 32 fixed to the first linear actuator 35 along the y-axis direction and the front and back direction.

[0067] S4. Output of worktable 50: After the first linear actuator 35 of the slide mechanism 30 completes the above steps S1-S3, it transmits the worktable 50 along the x-axis and left-right directions to the X-axis pulley assembly 713 at the third switching point P73 or the fourth switching point P74 of the bidirectional exchange station 70, thus completing the output of the worktable 50; after the hanging shaft 32 connected at the output end of the first linear actuator 35 is disengaged from the transverse transmission hook 53 of the worktable 50 by the longitudinal linear actuator 37, the first linear actuator 35 retracts the hanging shaft 32 to the position of the slide mechanism 30, thus completing the disengagement of the slide mechanism 30 from the worktable 50.

[0068] S5. Input to worktable 50: The longitudinal linear actuator 37 of the slide mechanism 30 sends the hanging shaft 32 at the output end of the first linear actuator 35 to the third switching point P73 or the fourth switching point P74. The longitudinal linear actuator 37 longitudinally pushes the first linear actuator 35, causing the hanging shaft 32 on the first linear actuator 35 to form a hook connection with the transverse conveying hook 53 of the worktable 50. The first linear actuator 35 then drives the worktable 50, after the hook connection is formed, to move along the x-axis and left-right directions to the position of the slide mechanism 30 via the hanging shaft 32. The control system drives the Y-axis linear module 3 and the X-axis linear module 5, which are slidably connected below the slide mechanism 30, to move to the X-axis pulley assembly 713 at the third switching point P73 or the fourth switching point P74, completing the input to the worktable 50.

[0069] S6, Disengagement of worktable 50: The longitudinal linear actuator 37 of the slide mechanism 30 drags the hanging shaft 32 back and forth along the y-axis to disengage from the hook of the transverse conveying hook 53 of the worktable 50.

[0070] S7. Worktable 50 descends: A lifting component 36 is provided below the pulley assembly 31 of the slide mechanism 30. The lifting component 36 is connected to the slide body 33. The lifting component 36 drives the pulley assembly 31 to drive the worktable 50 to descend.

[0071] S8. Worktable 50 descends, positions and locks: After the worktable 50 descends, the positioning sleeve 54 of the worktable 50 and the locking device 38 of the slide mechanism 30 form a locking engagement, thereby completing the fixation of the worktable 50 by the slide mechanism 30.

[0072] In addition to the above, this solution includes buffers, limit controllers, braking devices, etc., in the actual machining center to adapt to actual machining needs.

[0073] In summary, this application overcomes the three major drawbacks of existing rotary exchange devices—spatial interference, low efficiency, and dispersed locations—through its innovative four-switch-point bidirectional translational architecture. It achieves breakthroughs in safety, processing efficiency, and compatibility, making it suitable for high-cycle, multi-variety flexible production lines. Therefore, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of existing technologies and possesses high industrial application value.

[0074] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables, characterized in that, The system includes a control system and a dual-worktable bidirectional translation and exchange device, which includes a processing area (10) and a loading / unloading area (11), as well as two worktables (50) that move and exchange between the processing area (10) and the loading / unloading area (11). The processing area (10) is equipped with a shifting mechanism (20), and the loading and unloading area (11) is equipped with a two-way exchange station (70). The processing area (10) is provided with a first exchange point (P71) and a second exchange point (P72), and the loading and unloading area (11) is provided with a third exchange point (P73) and a fourth exchange point (P74). The shifting mechanism (20) cooperates with the bidirectional exchange station (70) to drive the two worktables (50) to move and exchange between the first exchange point (P71), the second exchange point (P72), the third exchange point (P73), and the fourth exchange point (P74). The shifting mechanism (20) includes: Simultaneously penetrating the base (1) of the first transposition point (P71) and the second transposition point (P72); A linear module (3) along the Y-axis is mounted on the base (1); A sliding saddle (2) is located at the movable end of the linear module (3) along the Y-axis. X-axis linear module (5) mounted on slide saddle (2); A sliding block mechanism (30) is located at the movable end of the linear module (5) along the X-axis. The worktable (50) is slidably fitted on the slide mechanism (30); The slide mechanism (30) includes a slide body (33), the upper end of which is provided with a pulley assembly (31) and a first linear actuator (35), and the output end of the first linear actuator (35) is provided with a hanging shaft (32) for fastening the worktable (50). The slide body (33) is equipped with a longitudinal linear actuator (37), which includes a propulsion cylinder and an L-shaped push plate. The first linear actuator (35) is mounted on the L-shaped push plate. The slide body (33) is also equipped with a lifting assembly (36), the output end of which is connected to the lower end of the pulley assembly (31); The upper end of the slide body (33) is also provided with a positioning bushing (34), and the upper end of the positioning bushing (34) is provided with a locking device (38). The working steps of controlling a single worktable (50) to perform cyclic displacement in both the horizontal and vertical directions by the control system include the following steps: P1, the workbench (50) is moved from the fourth transfer point (P74) in the loading and unloading area (11) to the first transfer point (P71) in the processing area (10) after loading and unloading. P2, The worktable (50) is moved from the first change point (P71) of the machining area (10) to the second change point (P72) of the machining area (10) for CNC machining; P3. After processing is completed, the workbench (50) is moved from the second exchange point (P72) in the processing area (10) to the third exchange point (P73) in the loading and unloading area (11). P4. The workbench (50) moves from the third switching point (P73) of the loading / unloading area (11) to the fourth switching point (P74) of the loading / unloading area (11) to complete the independent cyclic displacement of a single workbench for loading / unloading. The steps of controlling the longitudinal displacement of a single worktable (50) from the fourth interchange point (P74) to the third interchange point (P73) by the control system include: F1, the workbench (50) is positioned at the fourth transposition point (P74). F2, the worktable (50) rises at the fourth transposition point (P74); F3, the workbench (50) is hooked at the fourth interchange point (P74); F4, the workbench (50) releases the fourth swap point (P74) positioning; F5, The worktable (50) is longitudinally moved to the third interchange point (P73); F6, Workbench (50) positions the third transposition point (P73); F7, the workbench (50) is unhooked at the third swap point (P73); F8, the worktable (50) descends at the third transposition point (P73); The steps of controlling the longitudinal displacement of a single worktable (50) from the third interchange point (P73) to the fourth interchange point (P74) by the control system include: F9, Workbench (50) positions the third transposition point (P73); F10, the workbench (50) rises at the third transposition point (P73); F11, the workbench (50) is hooked at the third interchange point (P73); F12, the workbench (50) releases the third switching point (P73) positioning; F13, The worktable (50) is longitudinally moved to the fourth interchange point (P74). F14, Workbench (50) positions the fourth transposition point (P74). F15, the workbench (50) is unhooked at the fourth swap point (P74); F16, the worktable (50) descends at the fourth transposition point (P74).

2. The bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the workbench (50) is provided with a pair of parallel transverse guide rails (51) and a pair of parallel longitudinal guide rails (52), with the pair of parallel longitudinal guide rails (52) distributed between the two transverse guide rails (51). The workbench (50) is provided with a horizontal conveying hook (53) at one end near the loading and unloading area (11). The horizontal conveying hook (53) and the hanging shaft (32) can be detached and fastened together. The lower end of the workbench (50) is provided with horizontally distributed T-shaped hanging plates (55). The lower end of the workbench (50) is also provided with a positioning sleeve (54), and the positioning sleeve (54) is provided with a positioning cavity.

3. The bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bidirectional switching station (70) includes: The support frame (711) is located at the third transposition point (P73) and the fourth transposition point (P74), and the support frame (711) is equipped with the first lifting platform assembly (712) and the second lifting platform assembly (717). Two sets of X-axis pulley assemblies (713) are mounted on the upper end of the support frame (711) and located at the third interchange point (P73) and the fourth interchange point (P74) respectively. Two sets of Y-axis pulley assemblies (714) are mounted on the upper end of the second lifting platform assembly (717) and located at the third switching point (P73) and the fourth switching point (P74) respectively. A second linear actuator (715) is mounted on the upper end of the first lifting platform assembly (712) and located between the two sets of Y-axis pulley assemblies (714). The worktable (50) is movably fitted on one of the X-axis pulley assemblies (713).

4. The bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support frame (711) is provided with a lifting and positioning component (716), which includes a lifting bracket (7161) and a positioning block (7162) connected to the upper end of the lifting bracket (7161).

5. The bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second linear actuator (715) has a horizontally distributed U-shaped hanging groove (7151) on its movable end, and a horizontally distributed T-shaped hanging plate (55) is provided at the lower end of the worktable (50). The second linear actuator (715) is lifted by the first lifting platform assembly (712) so that the U-shaped hanging groove (7151) and the T-shaped hanging plate (55) are hooked together.

6. The bidirectional translational exchange method for dual worktables according to claim 1, characterized in that, The working process of controlling the sliding engagement between the slide mechanism (30) and the worktable (50) by the control system includes: S1, the worktable (50) is released and lowered to disengage the lock; S2, the worktable (50) is raised; S3, hooks on the workbench (50); S4, the worktable (50) output is disengaged from the slide mechanism (30); S5, Workbench (50) Input; S6, the workbench (50) is disengaged; S7, the worktable (50) descends; S8, the worktable (50) is lowered, positioned, and locked.

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