Modularized tailstock quick-changing device of numerical control lathe

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of numerical control lathe automation, and particularly relates to a numerical control lathe modularized tailstock quick-changing device which comprises a tailstock assembly, a quick-changing assembly and a tool rest assembly which are arranged on a lathe body. And various tools can be automatically clamped through the pneumatic rotating chuck. The quick-change assembly drives the tool storage rack to ascend and descend through the vertical moving guide rail, the actions of ascending of the tool storage rack, automatic clamping of the replaceable tool by the pneumatic rotating chuck, loosening of the pneumatic clamping jaw, descending of the storage rack, backward moving of the tailstock body to take out the tool and the like are sequentially completed when the tool is taken and installed, and therefore automatic and quick replacement of the tailstock tool is achieved. According to the invention, the time for manually disassembling and assembling tools such as thimbles, chucks, drill chucks and milling chucks can be obviously reduced, the reloading efficiency and the processing rhythm are improved, and the device is suitable for automatic operation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of numerical control lathe automation, and particularly relates to a numerical control lathe modular tailstock quick-change device capable of quickly and automatically replacing clamped tools. BACKGROUND

[0002] The numerical control lathe is a precision machine tool capable of automatically controlling servo motors, spindles and tool holders through a numerical control system. It can automatically complete multiple machining tasks such as turning, boring, slotting and thread machining according to a pre-written program, and has the characteristics of high precision, high efficiency, strong repeatability and high automation.

[0003] The tailstock of the numerical control lathe is installed on the bed and can move along the Z-axis direction, and is used as a structural component for supporting, positioning and clamping long shaft workpieces. The tailstock is often used in cooperation with a spindle top, a center bracket and the like, and the workpiece is pressed by a top pin or a top rod to prevent bending, deformation, vibration or swinging caused by cutting force during machining, thereby ensuring the machining precision and surface quality of the workpiece.

[0004] With the continuous development of turning technology, the tailstock of the numerical control lathe is equipped with a replaceable tool sleeve, and multiple tools can be installed for supporting, drilling, boring and reaming machining tasks. Commonly installed tools include top pins (hard top pins, live top pins, extended top pins, elastic top pins and powerful top pins), chucks (small clamps, three-jaw chucks and special clamps), drill chucks, milling chucks (ER series and spring chucks for tailstock drilling and milling), top rods (mandrels and push rods), drill bits, reaming drills, reamers and boring bar rods (directly installed through a taper handle), tapping sleeves (floating tapping chucks) and the like.

[0005] When replacing the above-mentioned tools, the locking device needs to be opened first after the machine tool is stopped, then the handle is rotated to retract the tailstock sleeve, and the tailstock sleeve locking mechanism is loosened. The previous tool is removed, the new tool is placed into the sleeve, the tool is held by hand to prevent it from falling, the handle is rotated in the reverse direction to feed the tailstock sleeve, the locking mechanism of the tailstock sleeve is clamped, and then the locking device locks the sleeve.

[0006] The above-mentioned operation consumes time and labor, affects the machining efficiency of the lathe, and is not conducive to the automation modification of the numerical control machine tool. The tool magazine type equipment for automatic tool changing is generally provided in a machining center with a relatively high price. The traditional lathe needs to consume a high cost to install the tool magazine, and the structure of the lathe needs to be greatly improved.

[0007] How to economically modify the existing numerical control lathe to automatically and quickly replace tools is a more urgent problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0008] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention aims to solve the problem that current lathe tailstocks primarily rely on manual replacement of the center, chuck, drill chuck, and milling chuck, which is cumbersome, inefficient, and detrimental to automated operations. The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes. This device features a liftable modular quick-change mechanism installed on the lathe body between the tailstock and the tool post, while converting the tailstock to a pneumatic structure. This enables automated and rapid tool replacement of the tailstock, improving lathe machining efficiency.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the invention adopts the following technical solution: a modular tailstock quick-change device for a CNC lathe, comprising a bed, a tailstock assembly, a quick-change assembly, and replaceable tools.

[0010] The bed is provided with a mounting slot, which is located between the tool post assembly and the tailstock assembly.

[0011] The tailstock assembly includes a base, a clamping cylinder, a servo motor, a pneumatic rotary chuck, a tailstock transverse guide rail, a base, and a connecting shaft. The base of the tailstock is mounted on the tailstock transverse guide rail via a slider. The servo motor drives a lead screw to move the tailstock horizontally. A pneumatic rotary chuck is installed inside the base and is installed inside a sleeve. The pneumatic rotary chuck can move horizontally within the sleeve. The piston rod of the clamping cylinder is connected to the rear end of the pneumatic rotary chuck via a connecting shaft.

[0012] The quick-change assembly includes a tool storage rack, vertical moving guide rails, and a vertical moving slider. The quick-change assembly is housed within a mounting slot in the machine bed. Vertical moving guide rails are mounted on both sides of the tool storage rack, and these guide rails engage with the vertical moving slider fixed within the mounting slot. The tool storage rack has multiple tool holders, each semi-circular in shape, with an upper clearance notch. Each tool holder contains a movable clamping part that can release and clamp interchangeable tools.

[0013] The tool storage rack is raised and lowered in a controlled manner. When the tool storage rack rises, the servo motor drives the base to move forward, the pneumatic rotary chuck clamps the tool, the clamping part is released to replace the tool, the tool storage rack descends to avoid the tool, and the tailstock assembly moves backward to remove the tool.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention or any of the foregoing embodiments, the tailstock quick-change device has at least three tool holders on the tool storage rack, each tool holder storing different types of replaceable tools, the replaceable tools including at least a center pin, a drill chuck, a milling chuck, and a chuck.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention or any of the foregoing embodiments, the tailstock quick-change device is provided with a movable top cover at the top of the mounting slot, which covers the mounting slot after the tool storage rack is lowered to prevent iron filings from falling onto the tool storage rack.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention or any of the foregoing embodiments, the tailstock quick-change device includes a rack mounted on the side of the tool storage rack, a drive motor mounted on the bed, and an output shaft of the drive motor connected to a gear meshing with the rack. The drive motor drives the tool storage rack to rise and fall. This method avoids the problem of the large vertical space occupied by the lead screw drive method. To accommodate more replaceable tools, the tool storage rack should have as many tool placement seats as possible.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention or any of the foregoing embodiments, the quick-change tailstock device comprises a clamping part on the tool holder, which is one of the following: an electromagnet, a pneumatic gripper, or an electric push rod. A pneumatic gripper is preferred, as it is controlled by air pressure, making it convenient, stable, and reliable. The air circuit can be located within the tool storage rack, resulting in a longer service life and reduced space occupation.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention or any of the foregoing embodiments, the tailstock quick-change device is provided with a groove that engages with the clamping part.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention or any of the foregoing embodiments, the tailstock quick-change device has a tool placement seat with a width of not less than 5 mm. Sufficient width ensures the stability of the replaceable tool placement; if the tool placement seat is too narrow, the replaceable tool may tilt or even fall due to instability.

[0020] When the equipment receives an instruction to change the tailstock tool, the tool holder of the quick-change assembly first rises along the vertical moving guide rail to the preset material handling position, placing the replaceable tool directly in front of the rotating chuck of the tailstock assembly. Then, the servo motor drives the tailstock body forward, aligning and clamping the pneumatic rotating chuck with the replaceable tool, while the pneumatic grippers of the quick-change assembly release the tool. The tool holder then moves down to a clearance position to avoid mechanical interference with the already clamped tool. The servo motor continues to drive the tailstock backward, removing the replaceable tool from the tool holder. The tool holder then descends further to a safe position to await the next instruction. During the machining phase, based on the input workpiece length information, the system automatically drives the tailstock to approach the workpiece while maintaining a safe distance, and then activates the clamping cylinder to ensure precise contact and stable support between the ejector pin or other tailstock tools and the workpiece.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] 1. This invention, through the coordinated mechanism of a quick-change assembly, a tailstock assembly, and a pneumatic rotary chuck, achieves fully automated loading and precise handover of interchangeable tools before machining, effectively avoiding the time loss, repeated tool setting errors, and potential safety risks caused by traditional manual tailstock tool changes. The lifting and avoidance structure of the tool storage rack and the linkage control of the servo motor ensure that the tool maintains a stable posture and precise spatial position during loading and unloading, significantly improving the efficiency and consistency of tailstock tool changes. Simultaneously, through the adaptive positioning control of the workpiece length by the servo motor and the fine adjustment by the clamping cylinder, the tailstock can be automatically aligned with the workpiece after a safe distance, eliminating the need for manual movement of the tailstock and improving machining reliability. Overall, this invention enhances the automation level and machining cycle time of CNC lathes in mass production environments, offering advantages such as high efficiency, safety, and high positioning accuracy.

[0023] 2. The present invention has a simple structure and controllable cost. It can be used to modify existing CNC lathes. The storage rack is located inside the bed during processing, without taking up extra space and avoiding increasing the size of the CNC lathe. The control strategy is simple. Considering that the radial dimensions of the chuck, milling chuck and other tools are large, a downward movement is adopted to facilitate automatic removal from the tool storage rack. This utilizes the extra vertical space of the bed. Compared with the left and right clamping method, there is no need to increase the width of the bed. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the CNC lathe in which the modular tailstock quick-change device of the CNC lathe described in the invention is located;

[0025] Figure 2 A front view of the CNC lathe with the cover removed, showing the modular tailstock quick-change device of the CNC lathe described in the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the CNC lathe with the cover removed, showing the modular tailstock quick-change device of the CNC lathe described in the invention.

[0027] Figure 4 An enlarged front view schematic diagram of the tailstock assembly holding the interchangeable tool as described in the invention;

[0028] Figure 5 An enlarged left view of the tailstock assembly of the invention holding the interchangeable tool;

[0029] Figure 6 An enlarged perspective view of the tailstock assembly of the invention holding the interchangeable tool;

[0030] Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of the tool storage rack and the replaceable frame as described in the invention;

[0031] Figure 8An enlarged three-dimensional schematic diagram of the tool storage rack described in the invention, showing the tool being released and moved away;

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 8 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B;

[0033] 100. Bed; 101. Mounting slot;

[0034] 200. Tailstock assembly; 201. Base; 202. Clamping cylinder; 203. Servo motor; 204. Pneumatic rotary chuck; 205. Tailstock transverse guide rail; 206. Base; 207. Connecting shaft;

[0035] 300. Quick-change assembly; 301. Upper clearance notch; 302. Tool holder; 303. Pneumatic gripper; 304. Vertical moving guide rail; 305. Vertical moving slider; 306. Tool storage rack;

[0036] 400. Tool holder assembly;

[0037] 500, interchangeable tools. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] like Figure 1 , 4 As shown, a modular tailstock quick-change device for a CNC lathe includes a bed 100, a tailstock assembly 200, a quick-change assembly 300, and a replaceable tool 500.

[0040] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the bed 100 is provided with a mounting slot 101, which is located between the tool post assembly 400 and the tailstock assembly 200. A movable top cover is provided on the top of the mounting slot 101, which covers the mounting slot 101 after the tool storage rack 306 is lowered, so as to prevent iron filings from falling onto the tool storage rack 306.

[0041] like Figure 4 , 6As shown, the tailstock assembly 200 includes a base 201, a clamping cylinder 202, a servo motor 203, a pneumatic rotary chuck 204, a tailstock transverse guide rail 205, a base 206, and a connecting shaft 207. The base 206 of the tailstock is mounted on the tailstock transverse guide rail 205 via a slider. The servo motor 203 drives the lead screw to move the tailstock horizontally. The pneumatic rotary chuck 204 is installed inside the base 201 and is installed in a sleeve. The pneumatic rotary chuck 204 can move horizontally within the sleeve. The piston rod of the clamping cylinder 202 is connected to the rear end of the pneumatic rotary chuck 204 via the connecting shaft 207.

[0042] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the quick-change assembly 300 includes a tool storage rack 306, a vertical moving guide rail 304, and a vertical moving slider 305. The quick-change assembly 300 is disposed in the mounting slot 101 of the bed 100. Vertical moving guide rails 304 are mounted on both sides of the tool storage rack 306, and the vertical moving guide rails 304 cooperate with the vertical moving slider 305 fixed in the mounting slot 101. Multiple tool placement seats 302 are provided on the tool storage rack 306. Each tool placement seat 302 is semi-circular, with an upper clearance notch 301 at the top. A movable clamping part is provided inside each tool placement seat 302, which can release and clamp the replaceable tool 500. In one example, the width of the tool placement seat 302 is not less than 5mm. Sufficient width ensures the stability of the replaceable tool 500. If the tool placement seat 302 is too narrow, the replaceable tool 500 may tilt or even fall due to instability.

[0043] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown, the tool storage rack 306 has at least three tool holders 302, each holding different types of replaceable tools 500. These replaceable tools 500 include at least a center pin, drill chuck, milling chuck, and chuck. In one example, a rack is mounted on the side of the tool storage rack 306, and a drive motor is mounted on the bed 100. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to a gear meshing with the rack, and the drive motor drives the tool storage rack 306 to rise and fall. This method avoids the problem of large vertical space occupation by the lead screw drive method. To accommodate more replaceable tools 500, the tool holders 302 of the tool storage rack 306 should be as numerous as possible. In one example, the clamping part on the tool holder 302 is one of the following: an electromagnet, a pneumatic gripper 303, or an electric actuator. A pneumatic gripper 303 is preferred, as it is controlled by air pressure, making it more convenient, stable, and reliable. The air circuit can be located inside the tool storage rack 306, resulting in a longer service life and reduced space occupation. In one example, the replaceable tool 500 is provided with a groove that mates with the clamping part.

[0044] The tool storage rack 306 is raised and lowered under control. When the tool storage rack 306 rises, the servo motor 203 drives the base 201 to move forward, the pneumatic rotary chuck 204 clamps the tool, the clamping part is released and the tool 500 can be replaced, the tool storage rack 306 descends to avoid the tool, and the tailstock assembly 200 moves backward to take out the tool.

[0045] Working principle of the invention:

[0046] Current CNC lathe tailstocks primarily use tapered sleeves (such as MT2 / MT3 / MT4) to mount tools like centers, drill chucks, or collets. Changing tools requires manually loosening the tailstock sleeve, manually pulling out the tool, reinstalling the other tool, and manually locking it. This is not only cumbersome and time-consuming, but also prone to wear on the tapered holes inside the tailstock due to repeated insertion and removal, affecting coaxiality and clamping stability. In machining enterprises, the demand for flexible machining with small batches and multiple specifications is gradually increasing. Lathes often require frequent tool changes, which are currently done manually, significantly reducing production cycle time and unsuitable for automated workshops or unattended machining scenarios. While some existing technologies have pneumatic tailstock clamping structures, these still require manual tool feeding into the tailstock, failing to achieve modular tool management. Furthermore, current CNC lathes typically lack mechanisms for automatically storing and retrieving tailstock tools, thus preventing truly automated quick tool changes.

[0047] This invention provides a modular quick-change device that can be raised and lowered on the bed 100 of a CNC lathe, and transforms the traditional tailstock into a pneumatic tailstock structure with automatic clamping and release functions. This allows the tailstock tool to be automatically picked up, placed, and switched according to the machining program during the machining process. The working process is as follows: when the system needs to change the tailstock tool, the quick-change device installed in the longitudinal position of the bed 100 is first raised to a set height under the drive of the control system, so that the height of the tool storage position to be used is consistent with the center axis of the tailstock. The limiting and clamping structure set on the tool storage position ensures that the tool maintains a stable and clear posture. Then, the tailstock moves along the guide rail of the bed 100 to directly above the quick-change device. The pneumatic clamping mechanism at the front end of the tailstock automatically completes the centering, insertion, and clamping of the tool shank under the drive of air pressure. The pneumatic rotating chuck 204 forms a reliable clamping force through the radial contraction of the jaws, so that the tailstock can firmly clamp the replaceable tool 500. Then, because the heads of tools such as chucks and drill chucks are large, the storage rack descends a certain clearance distance, and the servo motor 203 drives the tailstock to move backward, so that the selected tool can be removed from the clearance notch 301 at the top of the tool storage rack 306.

[0048] Subsequently, the tool storage rack 306 descends under control commands, causing the tool to detach from its storage position and enter a machining preparation state. The tailstock can then carry the tool to perform various process actions such as center support, drilling, milling, or clamping assistance. When tool replacement is needed, the above process is repeated, thus transforming the tailstock tool from traditional manual insertion and removal and manual locking to automatic pickup, clamping, and return. This significantly improves tool change efficiency, reduces human error in clamping, lowers labor intensity, increases equipment processing cycle time and automation level, and effectively extends the service life of the internal tapered hole and tool connection surface of the tailstock.

[0049] During processing, the servo motor 203 moves towards the workpiece according to the input workpiece length, leaving a safe distance, and then the clamping cylinder 202 is activated to make the ejector pin and other tools clamp the workpiece, thereby realizing automated processing.

[0050] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and characteristics of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular tailstock quick-change device for a CNC lathe, characterized in that: It includes a bed (100), a tailstock assembly (200), a quick-change assembly (300), and interchangeable tools (500). The bed (100) is provided with a mounting slot (101), which is located between the tool post assembly (400) and the tailstock assembly (200). The tailstock assembly (200) includes a base (201), a clamping cylinder (202), a servo motor (203), a pneumatic rotary chuck (204), a tailstock transverse guide rail (205), a base (206), and a connecting shaft (207). The base (206) of the tailstock is mounted on the tailstock transverse guide rail (205) by a slider. The servo motor (203) drives the lead screw to move the tailstock horizontally. The pneumatic rotary chuck (204) is installed inside the base (201). The pneumatic rotary chuck (204) is installed in a sleeve and can move horizontally in the sleeve. The piston rod of the clamping cylinder (202) is connected to the rear end of the pneumatic rotary chuck (204) through the connecting shaft (207). The quick-change assembly (300) includes a tool storage rack (306), a vertical moving guide rail (304), and a vertical moving slider (305). The quick-change assembly (300) is disposed in the mounting slot (101) of the bed (100). The tool storage rack (306) is provided with a plurality of tool placement seats (302). The tool placement seats (302) are semi-circular. An upper clearance notch (301) is provided above the tool placement seats (302). A movable clamping part is provided inside the tool placement seats (302). The clamping part can release and clamp the replaceable tool (500). The tool storage rack (306) is raised and lowered in a controlled manner. When the tool storage rack (306) rises, the servo motor (203) drives the base (201) to move forward. The pneumatic rotary chuck (204) clamps the tool. The clamping part releases the replaceable tool (500). The tool storage rack (306) descends to avoid the tool. The tailstock assembly (200) moves backward to take out the tool.

2. The modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool storage rack (306) has at least three tool holders (302), each tool holder (302) storing different types of replaceable tools (500), and the replaceable tools (500) include at least a center pin, a drill chuck, a milling chuck, and a chuck.

3. The modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting slot (101) is provided with a movable top cover, which covers the mounting slot (101) after the tool storage rack (306) is lowered, so as to prevent iron filings from falling onto the tool storage rack (306).

4. A modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool storage rack (306) has a rack mounted on its side, and a drive motor is mounted on the bed (100). The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to a gear that meshes with the rack, and the drive motor drives the tool storage rack (306) to rise and fall. This method avoids the problem of the screw drive method occupying a large vertical space. In order to accommodate more replaceable tools (500), the tool storage rack (306) should have as many tool placement seats (302) as possible.

5. A modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping part on the tool holder (302) is one of the following: an electromagnet, a pneumatic gripper (303), or an electric push rod. The pneumatic gripper (303) is preferred, as it is controlled by air pressure, making it more convenient and reliable. The air circuit can be installed inside the tool storage rack (306), resulting in a longer service life and reduced space occupation.

6. A modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The replaceable tool (500) is provided with a groove that mates with the clamping part.

7. A modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool holder (302) is at least 5mm wide. Sufficient width ensures the stability of the replaceable tool (500). If the tool holder (302) is too narrow, the replaceable tool (500) may tilt or even fall due to instability.

8. A modular tailstock quick-change device for CNC lathes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool storage rack (306) is equipped with vertical moving guide rails (304) on both sides, and the vertical moving guide rails (304) cooperate with the vertical moving slider (305) fixed in the mounting groove (101).

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