Hob batch processing equipment

Abstract

The invention provides hob batch machining equipment. The hob batch machining equipment comprises a turning device and a batch tool changing device. The turning device comprises a plurality of clamping spindles arranged in the first direction and a plurality of machining spindles arranged in the first direction. The batch tool changing device comprises a tool feeding mechanism and a tool supply mechanism, the tool feeding mechanism comprises a tool feeding support, a tool feeding seat arranged on the tool feeding support in a sliding mode in the first direction and a first movement driving assembly used for driving the tool feeding seat to slide, and a plurality of clamping mechanisms are arranged on the tool feeding seat; the tool supply mechanism comprises a supply support, a position changing support sliding on the supply support in the second direction, a plurality of tool carrying supports arranged on the position changing support, a second movement driving assembly used for driving the position changing support to slide and a first lifting driving assembly used for driving the tool carrying supports to ascend and descend. The equipment can machine a plurality of hob workpieces at the same time. And tools can be changed for all machining spindles at a time through the batch tool changing device, so that the production efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining equipment technology, and in particular to a batch machining equipment for hobbing cutters. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial cutting tool, the hob is widely used in machinery manufacturing, automotive industry, aerospace, and other fields. The cutting edge of a hob typically has a complex geometry and high precision requirements; its manufacturing quality directly determines the accuracy and surface quality of the machined parts. Due to its complex structure, the hob manufacturing process often requires multiple machining steps on the blank, including turning the outer diameter, milling the chip groove, grinding the rake face, and regrinding the tooth back. These different machining steps require the use of various types of specialized cutting tools.

[0003] Currently, hobs are commonly manufactured using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining centers. CNC machining centers are equipped with automatic tool magazines, enabling automatic changing of various tools and continuous machining, thus avoiding errors caused by multiple clamping operations and improving machining quality. However, current CNC machining centers can only process one hob at a time. When facing large-scale hob production demands, the entire production cycle is too long, resulting in low production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a batch processing equipment for hobs, which aims to realize batch processing of hobs and improve the production efficiency of hobs.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0006] A batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters includes a turning device and a batch tool changing device;

[0007] The turning apparatus includes:

[0008] Multiple clamping spindles are arranged along a first direction, and the clamping spindles are movably arranged along a second direction; wherein the first direction and the second direction are two mutually perpendicular directions on a horizontal plane;

[0009] Multiple machining spindles are arranged along a first direction, the machining spindles are positioned above the clamping spindle, and the machining spindles are movable along the first direction and vertically;

[0010] The batch tool changing device includes:

[0011] The tool feeding mechanism includes a tool feeding bracket, a tool feeding seat slidably disposed on the tool feeding bracket along a first direction, and a first moving drive assembly for driving the tool feeding seat to slide. The tool feeding seat is provided with a plurality of clamping mechanisms for clamping tool modules. The plurality of clamping mechanisms are arranged at intervals on the tool feeding seat along the first direction.

[0012] A tool supply mechanism includes a supply bracket, a shift bracket slidably disposed on the supply bracket along a second direction, a plurality of tool carrier brackets disposed on the shift bracket, a second moving drive assembly for driving the shift bracket to slide, and a first lifting drive assembly for driving the tool carrier brackets to rise and fall; the tool carrier brackets are provided with a plurality of loading parts for loading tool modules, and the plurality of loading parts are arranged at intervals along the first direction on the tool carrier brackets.

[0013] The turning device and the tool supply mechanism are distributed along a first direction, and the moving path of the tool feeder spans the area where the turning device and the tool supply mechanism are located.

[0014] As a further optional solution, one end of the tool module is the tool tip end and the other end is the clamping end; the middle position of the tool module is provided with a clamping groove surrounding the outer periphery, and the outer periphery of the tool module is provided with a positioning groove arranged along its length direction.

[0015] The loading portion on the tool carrier includes a loading hole for inserting the clamping end of the tool module and a positioning block located at the outer edge of the loading hole. The positioning block is engaged with the positioning groove on the tool module to achieve circumferential fixation of the tool module in the loading portion.

[0016] As a further optional embodiment, the tool feeding mechanism further includes a rotary drive assembly for driving the clamping mechanism to rotate on the tool feeding seat, wherein the rotation axis of the clamping mechanism is arranged along a second direction.

[0017] As a further optional solution, the clamping mechanism includes:

[0018] A clamping seat, which is rotatably mounted on the tool feeder;

[0019] Two clamping arms are hinged to the clamping base and arranged opposite to each other. The inner side of each clamping arm is provided with an arc-shaped groove for accommodating the tool module. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove is provided with a clamping protrusion for engaging with the clamping groove on the tool module.

[0020] A clamping drive assembly is disposed on the clamping base and is used to drive the two clamping arms to open or clamp the tool module.

[0021] As a further optional solution, the transposition bracket is provided with a plurality of vertically arranged first pins;

[0022] The first lifting drive assembly includes a liftable support plate, and the support plate is provided with a plurality of vertically arranged second pins;

[0023] The bottom of the tool carrier is provided with a first socket for inserting the first pin and a second socket for inserting the second pin.

[0024] As a further optional solution, the turning device also includes a first base, a second base, and a third base arranged sequentially from bottom to top;

[0025] The second base is a gantry structure, and the second base is fixedly mounted on the first base;

[0026] The first base is provided with a first movable seat, which is movably disposed on the first base along a second direction, and a plurality of the clamping spindles are disposed on the first movable seat;

[0027] The third base is movably disposed on the second base along a first direction, and the third base is provided with a second movable seat, which is movably disposed on the third base along a vertical direction, and a plurality of machining spindles are disposed on the second movable seat.

[0028] As a further optional solution, the clamping spindle includes:

[0029] The kit includes a mounting plate and a sleeve disposed on the mounting plate. The sleeve has a hollow channel inside and a key body for forming a key connection with the workpiece on the outside. The sleeve also has a guide hole, which is a strip-shaped hole and its length direction is arranged along the axial direction of the sleeve. The guide hole communicates with the channel.

[0030] A pull rod, which is slidably disposed in a channel inside the sleeve, and a locking block is provided on the pull rod, which is slidably disposed in the guide hole, and at least a portion of the locking block protrudes outside the sleeve;

[0031] The pressing component has a groove on its side for the sleeve to enter. The pressing component is located between the mounting plate and the locking block. One end of the pressing component is pressed by the locking block, and the other end is used to press the workpiece onto the mounting plate.

[0032] As a further optional solution, the turning device also includes a support mechanism, which corresponds one-to-one with the clamping spindle, and the support mechanism includes:

[0033] Mounting base, wherein the mounting base is disposed on the first movable base;

[0034] A support seat is slidably mounted on the mounting base in a vertical direction. The support seat is provided with a support groove for supporting the sleeve. The support groove is provided with multiple support protrusions. The support protrusions are arranged along the axial direction of the sleeve, and the support protrusions are in line contact with the sleeve.

[0035] A second lifting drive assembly is used to drive the support seat to move on the mounting base.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following advantages:

[0037] This equipment establishes multiple parallel machining stations by setting up multiple clamping spindles and corresponding machining spindles arranged along a first direction, enabling simultaneous machining of multiple hobbing workpieces. Furthermore, the batch tool changer can replace and replenish complete tool sets for all machining spindles in one go, ensuring high-synchronization continuous operation of all machining spindles and effectively improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters in one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the turning device in one embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a batch tool changing device in one embodiment;

[0041] Figure 4 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a batch tool changing device in one embodiment;

[0042] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the tool supply mechanism in one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the tool carrier bracket in one embodiment;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the tool carrier in one embodiment;

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of region B in the middle;

[0046] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of region C in the middle;

[0047] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the tool carrier bracket after it has been lifted in one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism and the tool module in one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in the embodiment;

[0050] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotary drive component in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in another embodiment;

[0052] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in the embodiment;

[0053] Figure 16 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0054] Figure 17 This is an exploded view of one embodiment of the mounting of the spindle and the hob;

[0055] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mounting spindle when clamping the hob in one embodiment;

[0056] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in one embodiment where the sleeve is supported by the support.

[0057] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of one batch tool changing device corresponding to multiple turning devices in one embodiment;

[0058] In the diagram: 100, tool module; 100a, tool tip end; 100b, clamping end; 110, clamping groove; 120, positioning groove; 200, hobbing cutter;

[0059] 10. Batch tool changing device;

[0060] 11. Tool feeding mechanism; 111. Tool feeding bracket; 112. Tool feeding holder; 113. First moving drive assembly; 1131. First guide rail; 1132. First transmission rack; 1133. First moving drive motor; 114. Clamping mechanism; 1141. Clamping seat; 1142. Tool clamping arm; 1142a. Arc-shaped groove; 1142b. Clamping protrusion; 1143. Push rod; 1143a. First guide slope; 1143b. Second guide slope; 1143c. Limiting groove; 1144. Elastic element; 1145. Limiting stop; 115. Rotary drive assembly; 1151. Transmission wheel; 1152. Transmission belt; 1153. Rotary drive motor;

[0061] 12. Tool supply mechanism; 121. Supply bracket; 1211. Blocking part; 122. Shifting bracket; 1221. First pin; 1222. Support beam; 123. Tool carrier bracket; 1231. Loading part; 1231a. Loading hole; 1231b. Positioning block; 1232. First insertion hole; 1233. Second insertion hole; 1234. Positioning part; 124. Second moving drive assembly; 1241. Second guide rail; 1242. Second transmission rack; 1243. Second moving drive motor; 125. First lifting drive assembly; 1251. Support plate; 1252. Second pin; 1253. Fixed base; 1254. Third guide rail; 1255. Cylinder;

[0062] 20. Turning device;

[0063] 21. Clamping spindle; 211. Assembly body; 2111. Mounting plate; 2112. Sleeve; 2113. Channel; 2114. Key; 2115. Guide hole; 212. Tie rod; 2121. Clamping block; 213. Pressing part; 2131. Slot; 22. Machining spindle; 23. First base; 24. Second base; 25. Third base; 26. First moving seat; 27. Second moving seat; 28. Support mechanism; 281. Mounting seat; 282. Support seat; 2821. Support groove; 2822. Supporting protrusion; 283. Second lifting drive assembly;

[0064] X, the first direction; Y, the second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0066] refer to Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of the present invention illustrates a batch processing equipment for hobs, including a turning device 20 and a batch tool changing device 10;

[0067] The turning device 20 includes a plurality of clamping spindles 21 arranged along a first direction X and a plurality of machining spindles 22 arranged along the first direction X. The clamping spindles 21 are movably arranged along a second direction Y. The machining spindles 22 are disposed above the clamping spindles 21 and are movably arranged along the first direction X and vertically. The first direction X and the second direction Y are two mutually perpendicular directions on a horizontal plane.

[0068] The batch tool changing device 10 includes a tool feeding mechanism 11 and a tool supply mechanism 12. The tool feeding mechanism 11 includes a tool feeding bracket 111, a tool feeding seat 112 slidably disposed on the tool feeding bracket 111 along a first direction X, and a first moving drive assembly 113 for driving the tool feeding seat 112 to slide. The tool feeding seat 112 is provided with a plurality of clamping mechanisms 114 for clamping tool modules 100, and the plurality of clamping mechanisms 114 are arranged at intervals along the first direction X on the tool feeding seat 112. The tool supply mechanism 12 includes a supply bracket 121 and a shifting bracket 122 slidably disposed on the supply bracket 121 along a second direction Y. A plurality of tool carriers 123, a second moving drive assembly 124 for driving the shifting bracket 122 to slide, and a first lifting drive assembly 125 for driving the tool carriers 123 to rise and fall are provided on the shifting bracket 122; the tool carriers 123 are provided with a plurality of loading parts 1231 for loading tool modules 100, and the plurality of loading parts 1231 are arranged at intervals along a first direction X on the tool carriers 123; wherein, the turning device 20 and the tool supply mechanism 12 are distributed along the first direction X, and the moving path of the tool feeder 112 spans the area where the turning device 20 and the tool supply mechanism 12 are located.

[0069] Specifically, in this embodiment, the clamping spindle 21 is used to clamp the workpiece, i.e., the hob 200 blank to be machined; while the machining spindle 22 is used to finally clamp and drive the tool module 100 to perform cutting operations. The specific structure of the machining spindle 22 clamping the tool module 100, such as using a pull stud, pull claw, or elastic chuck mechanism, can all adopt the standard tool holder interface technology of CNC machine tool spindles in the art. This is a mature prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0070] The turning device 20 achieves multi-station synchronous machining of the hob 200 workpiece through the cooperation of multiple clamping spindles 21 and machining spindles 22. The movable clamping spindles 21 along the second direction Y allow for transverse feed of the workpiece, while the movable machining spindles 22 along the first direction X and vertically allow for precise positioning of the cutting tool at any machining position on the workpiece. Thus, the turning device 20, with its three-axis machining motion configuration and multiple parallel machining stations, provides a foundation for the efficient batch machining of the hob 200.

[0071] Regarding tool changing, an exemplary workflow is as follows:

[0072] While the turning device 20 is still processing, the tool feeder 112 of the tool feeder mechanism 11 is positioned above the tool supply mechanism 12. The clamping mechanism 114 on the tool feeder 112 first obtains the next batch of tool modules 100 to be used from the tool supply mechanism 12. The obtaining process is achieved by the second moving drive assembly 124 moving the shifting bracket 122 along the second direction Y, so that the tool carrier 123 corresponding to the required tool module 100 is positioned below the tool feeder 112 of the tool feeder mechanism 11. Then, the first lifting drive assembly 125 lifts the corresponding tool carrier 123 upward, raising it to a height position that can dock with the clamping mechanism 114 on the tool feeder 112. Then, the clamping mechanism 114 clamps the tool module 100 on the tool carrier 123, and the tool carrier 123 descends to its original position.

[0073] When the turning device 20 needs to change tools, the first moving drive assembly 113 drives the tool feeder 112 to move along the first direction X, so that the tool feeder 112 moves to the position corresponding to the turning device 20, that is, to send the new tool (i.e., the tool module 100 to be used) to below the machining spindle 22. The machining spindle 22 unloads the old tool (i.e., the used tool module 100) into the unloaded clamping mechanism 114 on the tool feeder 112. Immediately afterwards, the machining spindle 22 disengages from the clamping mechanism on the tool feeder 112 where the new tool is already clamped. The new tool is removed from 114, thus completing the tool change. Afterward, the first moving drive assembly 113 drives the tool feeder 112 back above the tool supply mechanism 12, the first lifting drive assembly 125 lifts a tool carrier 123, the clamping mechanism 114 unloads the old tool onto the tool carrier 123, and then the tool carrier 123 that retrieved the old tool descends to its original position. Afterward, the clamping mechanism 114 retrieves the next batch of tool modules 100 to be used from the tool supply mechanism 12, preparing for the next tool change cycle.

[0074] It should be noted that, in the above process, a certain number of unloaded clamping mechanisms 114 are preferably retained on the tool feeder 112 to receive the old tool removed from the machining spindle 22; for example, in this embodiment Figure 1 If there are 5 machining spindles 22, the tool feeder 112 is preferably provided with at least 10 clamping mechanisms 114 (that is, at least twice the number of machining spindles 22). During operation, the tool feeder 112 can use 5 of the clamping mechanisms 114 to hold the new tool, move it under the machining spindle 22, and then use 5 unloaded clamping mechanisms 114 to pick up the old tool unloaded from the machining spindle 22. In this way, the tool feeder 112 can change the tool in one round trip.

[0075] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of clamping mechanisms 114 on the tool feeder 112 can be the same as the number of machining spindles 22; however, during operation, the tool feeder 112 first sends the unloaded clamping mechanism 114 to the bottom of the machining spindle 22 to receive the unloaded old tool, then sends the old tool back to the tool supply mechanism 12 and replaces it with a new tool, and then sends the new tool to the machining spindle 22 for clamping, thereby realizing tool changing; in this embodiment, the turning device 20 needs to wait for tool changing for a longer time, but the number of clamping mechanisms 114 on the tool feeder 112 can be reduced.

[0076] Thus, by setting up multiple clamping spindles 21 arranged along the first direction X and corresponding machining spindles 22, this equipment constructs multiple parallel machining stations, enabling simultaneous machining of multiple hobbing cutter 200 workpieces. Furthermore, the batch tool changer 10 can replace and replenish complete tool modules 100 for all machining spindles 22 in one go, ensuring that all machining spindles 22 can achieve continuous operation with a high synchronization rate, thereby effectively improving production efficiency.

[0077] Furthermore, the tool supply mechanism 12 in the batch tool changing device 10 possesses extremely high flexibility and expandability. Crucially, the shifting bracket 122 can slide along the second direction Y, and the number of tool carriers 123 it carries can be configured and expanded according to actual processing needs. This means that even if the machining process of the hob 200 is very complex, requiring the use of multiple different types or models of tool modules 100, the number of tool carriers 123 can be increased to pre-load each type of tool into a group on an independent tool carrier 123. When a tool change is needed, the second moving drive component 124 drives the shifting bracket 122 to slide, precisely moving the corresponding tool type's tool carrier 123 to the working position that mates with the tool feeding mechanism 11. This modular tool magazine design eliminates a fixed limitation on tool capacity, thereby greatly enhancing the equipment's ability to handle complex processes and multi-variety production.

[0078] Furthermore, this highly scalable tool supply mechanism 12 is not limited to serving a single turning device 20. Since the movement path of the tool feeder 112 spans a large area, through optimized layout, such as... Figure 20 As shown, a tool supply mechanism 12 can serve multiple turning devices 20 arranged along the first direction X. The tool feeder 112 can move over a longer stroke to perform batch tool changes for multiple turning devices 20 in sequence, realizing "one-to-many" collaboration between the turning devices 20 and the tool supply system, thereby forming an extremely efficient flexible manufacturing unit that significantly improves space utilization and return on investment.

[0079] Regarding tool module 100, such as Figure 11As shown, one end of the tool module 100 is the tool tip end 100a, and the other end is the clamping end 100b; the tool module 100 has a clamping groove 110 circumferentially arranged in the middle position, and a positioning groove 120 arranged along its length direction on the outer periphery of the tool module 100; it should be noted that the above-mentioned tool module 100 is a combination of a tool and a tool holder, and the above-mentioned specific structure is a conventional structure. The tool holder is, for example, a BT, HSK or other tool holder form. This application is not limited to this and can refer to the prior art.

[0080] During the placement of the tool module 100, the tool holder is generally at the bottom and the tool is at the top, that is, the clamping end 100b is at the bottom and the tool tip end 100a is at the top; to facilitate stable placement of the tool module 100, such as Figure 6 As shown, the loading portion 1231 on the tool carrier 123 includes a loading hole 1231a for inserting the clamping end 100b of the tool module 100, and a positioning block 1231b disposed at the outer edge of the loading hole 1231a. The positioning block 1231b engages with the positioning groove 120 on the tool module 100 to fix the tool module 100 circumferentially in the loading portion 1231. The positioning block 1231b limits the positioning of the tool module 100, ensuring that multiple tool modules 100 in the same batch are placed in the same posture, achieving synchronization between tool changing and machining.

[0081] When the tool module 100 is clamped, the clamping end 100b needs to face the machining spindle 22, that is, the clamping end 100b is above and the tool tip end 100a is below; therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, the tool feeding mechanism 11 further includes a rotary drive assembly 115 for driving the clamping mechanism 114 to rotate on the tool feeding seat 112, wherein the rotation axis of the clamping mechanism 114 is arranged along the second direction Y. Thus, the rotary drive assembly 115 can be used to flip the tool module 100 so that its clamping end 100b is either below or above, for placement or clamping.

[0082] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 13As shown, the rotary drive assembly 115 includes a transmission wheel 1151, a transmission belt 1152, and a rotary drive motor 1153. Each transmission wheel 1151 corresponds to one of the clamping mechanisms 114, and the transmission wheel 1151 is fixedly connected to the clamping mechanism 114. The clamping mechanism 114 is rotatably mounted on the tool feeder 112. The transmission belt 1152 is driveably connected to the transmission wheel 1151. The rotary drive motor 1153 is fixedly mounted on the tool feeder 112 and drively connected to the transmission belt 1152. The rotary drive motor 1153 can drive the transmission belt 1152, thus simultaneously driving all the clamping mechanisms 114 to rotate. The transmission wheel 1151 can be a synchronous pulley, sprocket, etc., while the transmission belt 1152 can be a synchronous belt, chain, etc.

[0083] In some embodiments, to enable the tool feeder 112 to move on the tool feeder 111, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the first moving drive assembly 113 includes a first guide rail 1131, a first transmission rack 1132, a first transmission gear (not shown), and a first moving drive motor 1133. The first guide rail 1131 and the first transmission rack 1132 are fixedly mounted on the tool feeder 111 along the first direction X. The first guide rail 1131 is slidably engaged with the tool feeder 112. The first moving drive motor 1133 is mounted on the tool feeder 112 and is connected to the first transmission gear. The first transmission gear meshes with the first transmission rack 1132. Thus, by driving the first transmission gear to rotate forward or backward by the first moving drive motor 1133, the tool feeder 112 can reciprocate along the first direction X on the tool feeder 111.

[0084] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism 114 offers several options for clamping the tool module 100, such as:

[0085] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the clamping mechanism 114 includes a clamping base 1141, a clamping arm 1142, a push rod 1143, an elastic element 1144, and a limiting stop 1145. The clamping base 1141 is rotatably mounted on the tool feeder 112. The rotation drive assembly 115 drives the clamping base 1141 to rotate, thereby rotating the entire clamping mechanism 114 and the tool module 100. The clamping arm 1142 is fixedly mounted on the clamping base 1141. One side of the clamping arm 1142 has an arc-shaped groove 1142a for accommodating the tool module 100. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove 1142a has a clamping protrusion 1142b, which is used to engage with the clamping groove on the tool module 100. 110; The push rod 1143 is slidably disposed on the clamping seat 1141 along the second direction Y. The end of the push rod 1143 is provided with a first guide slope 1143a facing the clamping arm 1142 and a second guide slope 1143b facing away from the clamping arm 1142. The push rod 1143 is recessed with a limiting groove 1143c disposed along its length direction. The elastic member 1144 is used to apply an elastic preload to the push rod 1143 to move it away from the clamping seat 1141. The limiting stop 1145 is fixedly disposed on the clamping seat 1141, and at least a portion of the limiting stop 1145 enters the limiting groove 1143c on the push rod 1143 to limit the movement path of the push rod 1143.

[0086] Specifically, the working principle of the clamping mechanism 114 in this embodiment is as follows:

[0087] When the clamping mechanism 114 needs to remove a new tool from the tool holder 123, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first lifting drive assembly 125 in the tool supply mechanism 12 lifts the tool carrier 123 upward. At this time, the clamping mechanism 114 is located on one side of the tool module 100, and the second guide ramp 1143b on the push rod 1143 corresponds to the direction where the tool module 100 is located. The first moving drive assembly 113 in the tool feeding mechanism 11 causes the tool feeder 112 to move along the first direction X. The push rod 1143 will contact the tool module 100, and the tool module 100 will press the second guide ramp 1143b, causing the push rod 1143 to retract to the clamping seat 114. 1. This allows the tool module 100 to enter the arc-shaped groove 1142a of the clamping arm 1142. At this time, the push rod 1143 rebounds under the action of the elastic element 1144, and the first guide slope 1143a of the push rod 1143 abuts against the tool module 100, so that the tool module 100 cannot disengage from the arc-shaped groove 1142a in the lateral direction. At the same time, because the clamping groove 110 of the tool module 100 is engaged by the clamping protrusion 1142b of the clamping arm 1142, the tool module 100 is fixed in the vertical direction, thus completing the clamping of the tool module 100.

[0088] When the clamping mechanism 114 needs to unload the old tool to the tool carrier 123, please refer to Figure 12 At this time, the clamping mechanism 114 clamps the tool module 100, and the tool carrier 123 rises, so that the loading hole 1231a on the tool carrier 123 is inserted into the clamping part of the tool module 100. Then the clamping mechanism 114 moves along the first direction X, the tool module 100 presses the first guide slope 1143a on the push rod 1143, the push rod 1143 retracts, thereby causing the tool module 100 to disengage from the arc groove 1142a.

[0089] When the clamping mechanism 114 loads an old tool from the machining spindle 22 or provides a new tool to the machining spindle 22, the working principle is as described above, so it will not be repeated.

[0090] In this embodiment, the push rod 1143 in the clamping mechanism 114 is a passive movement driven by the elastic element 1144, which does not require an active drive source and has a simple control structure. However, the clamping mechanism 114 needs to take a tool from one tool holder 123 and place a tool from another tool holder 123.

[0091] In another embodiment, the clamping mechanism 114 employs other structures, such as Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the clamping mechanism 114 includes:

[0092] Clamping seat 1141, which is rotatably mounted on the tool feeder 112;

[0093] Two clamping arms 1142 are hinged to the clamping base 1141 and are arranged opposite to each other. The inner side of each clamping arm 1142 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 1142a for accommodating the tool module 100. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove 1142a is provided with a clamping protrusion 1142b, which is used to engage with the clamping groove 110 on the tool module 100.

[0094] A clamping drive assembly (not shown) is mounted on the clamping base 1141 and is used to drive the two clamping arms 1142 to open or clamp the tool module 100. When the two clamping arms 1142 open, the tool module 100 is released; when the two clamping arms 1142 close, the tool module 100 is clamped. Specifically, the clamping drive assembly can be any existing drive mechanism capable of synchronously driving the opening and closing of the two clamping arms 1142, such as a linear drive element (e.g., a cylinder 1255, a hydraulic cylinder) or a rotary drive element combined with a motion conversion mechanism (e.g., a connecting rod, a cam).

[0095] Specifically, in this embodiment, the clamping mechanism 114 achieves clamping and releasing of the tool module 100 by setting an active drive source (clamping drive component); each clamping drive component is independent, thus enabling different working states of multiple clamping mechanisms 114 at the same time. The working process is as follows:

[0096] When a used tool is clamped in part of the clamping mechanism 114 on the tool feeder 112, such as Figure 4 As shown, the tool feeder 112 has 10 clamping mechanisms 114, of which 5 clamping mechanisms 114 clamp tool modules 100, while the other 5 clamping mechanisms 114 are unloaded. The clamping mechanisms 114 clamping tool modules 100 and the unloaded clamping mechanisms 114 are arranged alternately. The tool carrier 123 also has 10 loading sections 1231, of which only 5 loading sections 1231 are loaded with new tools, while the other 5 loading sections 1231 are unloaded. When the tool carrier 123 rises, the unloaded loading section 1231 corresponds to the clamping mechanism 114 clamping tool modules 100, and the loading section 1231 loaded with new tools corresponds to the unloaded clamping mechanism 114. By controlling the two clamping arms 1142 through the clamping drive assembly, the old tool can be lowered and the new tool can be clamped at the same time. After that, the tool carrier 123 descends, and the tool feeder 112 can send the new tool to the machining spindle 22.

[0097] In this embodiment, the unloading of the old tool and the clamping of the new tool can be completed simultaneously on the same tool carrier 123, resulting in higher tool changing efficiency.

[0098] In some embodiments, to facilitate the mating of the required tool carrier 123 with the tool feeder 112, such as Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the transposition bracket 122 is provided with a plurality of vertically arranged first pins 1221;

[0099] The first lifting drive assembly 125 includes a liftable support plate 1251, and the support plate 1251 is provided with a plurality of vertically arranged second pins 1252;

[0100] The bottom of the knife carrier 123 is provided with a first insertion hole 1232 for the first pin 1221 to be inserted and a second insertion hole 1233 for the second pin 1252 to be inserted.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the first pin 1221 on the shift bracket 122 is inserted into the first insertion hole 1232 at the bottom of the tool carrier bracket 123, the shift bracket 122 can drive the tool carrier bracket 123 to move along the second direction Y; when the support plate 1251 of the first lifting drive assembly 125 lifts the tool carrier bracket 123 upward, the second pin 1252 is inserted into the second insertion hole 1233 at the bottom of the tool carrier bracket 123, so that the tool carrier bracket 123 cannot move in the lateral direction and is stably connected to the clamping mechanism 114 on the tool feeding mechanism 11.

[0102] In this embodiment, the separate engagement of the first pin 1221 with the first socket 1232 and the separate engagement of the second pin 1252 with the second socket 1233 makes the tool carrier 123 separate from the shifting bracket 122 and the first lifting drive assembly 125. The shifting bracket 122 enables all the tool carriers 123 to move synchronously, and the first lifting drive assembly 125 can selectively move one of the tool carriers 123 to the position where it docks with the tool feeding mechanism 11.

[0103] In some embodiments, to further improve the stability of the tool carrier 123 when docking with the tool feeding mechanism 11, such as Figure 10 As shown, the two ends of the tool carrier 123 are respectively provided with positioning parts 1234, and the height of the positioning parts 1234 is lower than the height of the loading part 1231 on the tool carrier 123.

[0104] The transposition bracket 122 is provided with two blocking parts 1211, which are arranged on the upward movement path of the positioning part 1234.

[0105] Thus, when the support plate 1251 lifts the tool carrier 123 upward, the blocking part 1211 can block the tool carrier 123 at the set position, ensuring the accurate height position of the tool carrier 123; at the same time, the support plate 1251 and the blocking part 1211 clamp the tool carrier 123 in the vertical direction, which can improve the positional stability of the tool carrier 123 and prevent the tool carrier 123 from vibrating or shifting position.

[0106] Among them, such as Figure 10 As shown, the height of the positioning part 1234 is lower than the height of the loading part 1231 on the tool carrier 123, so that the position of the blocking part 1211 is also lower than the height of the loading part 1231. When the tool feeding mechanism 11 changes tools on the tool supply mechanism 12, the tool carrier 123 descends. At this time, the blocking part 1211 will not block the tool feeding seat 112 of the tool feeding mechanism 11 in the first direction X, and the two will not interfere with each other.

[0107] Preferably, the blocking part 1211 has an inverted U-shaped structure, and the positioning part 1234 can be a rod with an inverted U-shaped structure that can be inserted into the blocking part 1211. In this way, the blocking part 1211 can not only limit the position above the positioning part 1234, but also limit the position of the positioning part 1234 in the second direction Y, thereby further improving stability.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the transposition bracket 122 is a frame-shaped bracket, which includes two support beams 1222 for supporting the knife carrier bracket 123; the knife carrier bracket 123 is horizontally mounted on the two support beams 1222; the tray 1251 is located between the two support beams 1222.

[0109] Specifically, there are multiple tool carrier supports 123, which are supported by two support beams 1222 to ensure that the multiple tool carrier supports 123 can move stably in the second direction Y; and the bracket lifts the tool carrier supports 123 from between the two support beams 1222 to balance the force and prevent the tool carrier supports 123 from being unbalanced or tilted.

[0110] In some embodiments, to facilitate stable movement of the transposition bracket 122 and the plurality of tool carrier brackets 123 along the second direction Y, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second moving drive assembly 124 includes a second guide rail 1241, a second transmission rack 1242, a second transmission gear (not shown), and a second moving drive motor 1243. The second guide rail 1241 and the second transmission rack 1242 are fixedly mounted on the supply bracket 121 along the second direction Y. The second guide rail 1241 is slidably engaged with the shift bracket 122. The second moving drive motor 1243 is mounted on the shift bracket 122 and is connected to the second transmission gear. The second transmission gear meshes with the second transmission rack 1242. Thus, by driving the second transmission gear to rotate forward or backward by the second moving drive motor 1243, the shift bracket 122 can reciprocate along the second direction Y on the supply bracket 121.

[0111] Specifically, to improve the support stability of the tool carrier 123, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second guide rail 1241 has two rails, and the second guide rail 1241 is located at the bottom of the support beam 1222.

[0112] In some embodiments, to achieve the lifting and lowering of the pallet 1251, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first lifting drive assembly 125 further includes a fixed base 1253, a third guide rail 1254 vertically disposed on the fixed base 1253, and a cylinder 1255. The third guide rail 1254 is slidably engaged with the support plate 1251. The cylinder body of the cylinder 1255 is hinged to the fixed base 1253, and the piston rod of the cylinder 1255 is connected to the support plate 1251.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the turning device 20 further includes a first base 23, a second base 24, and a third base 25 arranged sequentially from bottom to top; the second base 24 is a gantry structure and is fixedly mounted on the first base 23; the first base 23 is provided with a first movable seat 26, which is movably mounted on the first base 23 along the second direction Y, and a plurality of clamping spindles 21 are mounted on the first movable seat 26; the third base 25 is movably mounted on the second base 24 along the first direction X, and the third base 25 is provided with a second movable seat 27, which is movably mounted on the third base 25 along the vertical direction, and a plurality of machining spindles 22 are mounted on the second movable seat 27.

[0114] Specifically, because the turning device 20 achieves multi-station synchronous machining of the hob 200 workpiece through the cooperation of multiple clamping spindles 21 and machining spindles 22, the vibration generated during its machining process is greater than that when machining only a single hob 200. In this embodiment, the second base 24 of the gantry structure provides a closed support frame for the machining area. Multiple machining spindles 22 are integrated on the second moving base 27, and multiple clamping spindles 21 are integrated on the first moving base 26. This integrated layout reduces the number of moving parts and improves the overall structural rigidity. When multiple spindles are machining simultaneously, this structure can effectively suppress vibration and provide a stable working platform for batch processing. Furthermore, it ensures that all workpieces maintain the same motion trajectory during machining, which is beneficial to ensuring the consistency of batch products.

[0115] In some embodiments, to achieve rapid clamping of the hobbing cutter 200 in order to improve the loading and unloading efficiency of multiple hobbing cutters 200, such as... Figures 16 to 18 As shown, the clamping spindle 21 includes a sleeve 211, a pull rod 212, and a pressing component 213;

[0116] The assembly 211 includes a mounting plate 2111 and a sleeve 2112 disposed on the mounting plate 2111. The sleeve 2112 has a hollow channel 2113 inside, and a key body 2114 for keying with a workpiece is provided on the outside of the sleeve 2112. The sleeve 2112 also has a guide hole 2115, which is a strip-shaped hole with its length direction along the axial direction of the sleeve 2112. The guide hole 2115 communicates with the channel 2113. The pull rod 212 is slidably disposed within the sleeve 2112. The sleeve 2112 has a channel 2113, and a locking block 2121 is provided on the pull rod 212. The locking block 2121 is slidably disposed in the guide hole 2115, and at least a portion of the locking block 2121 protrudes outside the sleeve 2112. The side of the pressing member 213 is provided with a slot 2131 for the sleeve 2112 to enter. The pressing member 213 is located between the mounting plate 2111 and the locking block 2121. One end of the pressing member 213 is pressed by the locking block 2121, and the other end is used to press the workpiece onto the mounting plate 2111.

[0117] Specifically, when the hob 200 blank needs to be clamped on the clamping spindle 21, the hob 200 blank is first inserted into one end of the sleeve 2112. The hob 200 blank has a central through hole (not shown in the figure) and a keyway (not shown in the figure) on the inner wall of the central through hole. The diameter of the central through hole of the hob 200 blank is larger than the width of the clamping block 2121, that is, the clamping block 2121 will not obstruct the hob 200 blank. The keyway of the hob 200 blank corresponds to the key body 211 on the sleeve 2112. 4. This fixes the hob 200 blank and the sleeve 2112 relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Then, the pressing member 213 is clamped on the sleeve 2112. Then, a drive source (not shown) drives the pull rod 212 to move axially, so that the locking block 2121 on the pull rod 212 moves along the guide hole 2115 towards the mounting plate 2111. Finally, the locking block 2121 presses one end of the pressing member 213, and the pressing member 213 presses the hob 200 blank onto the mounting plate 2111.

[0118] In some embodiments, to improve the stability and accuracy of the hob 200 during batch processing, such as Figures 16 to 19As shown, the turning device 20 further includes a support mechanism 28, which corresponds one-to-one with the clamping spindle 21. The support mechanism 28 includes a mounting base 281, a support seat 282, and a second lifting drive assembly 283. The mounting base 281 is mounted on the first movable seat 26. The support seat 282 is slidably mounted vertically on the mounting base 281. The support seat 282 has a support groove 2821 for supporting the sleeve 2112. Multiple support protrusions 2822 are provided in the support groove 2821, and these protrusions are arranged axially along the sleeve 2112, with line contact between the protrusions and the sleeve 2112. The second lifting drive assembly 283 drives the support seat 282 to move on the mounting base 281. The second lifting drive assembly 283 can be a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0119] In the machining state, the second lifting drive assembly 283 drives the support 282 to rise, so that the sleeve 2112 is reliably mounted in the support groove 2821. At this time, the line contact design between the support protrusion 2822 and the outer wall of the sleeve 2112 provides sufficient support constraint and effectively reduces the contact area, thereby reducing the risk of friction and wear. This auxiliary support structure significantly enhances the rigidity of the clamping spindle 21, especially its front sleeve 2112, when subjected to cutting forces, effectively suppressing vibration interference caused by multiple hobs 200 machining simultaneously, thus providing an important guarantee for improving machining accuracy.

[0120] In summary, this application provides a batch processing equipment for hobs. The turning device 20 in this equipment constructs multiple parallel processing stations by setting up multiple clamping spindles 21 arranged along a first direction X and corresponding machining spindles 22, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple hob 200 workpieces. Furthermore, the batch tool changer 10 can replace and replenish complete tool modules 100 for all machining spindles 22 in one go, ensuring that all machining spindles 22 can achieve continuous operation with a high synchronization rate, thereby effectively improving production efficiency.

[0121] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0122] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters, characterized in that, include: Turning equipment and batch tool changing equipment; The turning apparatus includes: Multiple clamping spindles are arranged along a first direction, and the clamping spindles are movably arranged along a second direction; wherein the first direction and the second direction are two mutually perpendicular directions on a horizontal plane; Multiple machining spindles are arranged along a first direction, the machining spindles are positioned above the clamping spindle, and the machining spindles are movable along the first direction and vertically; The batch tool changing device includes: The tool feeding mechanism includes a tool feeding bracket, a tool feeding seat slidably disposed on the tool feeding bracket along a first direction, and a first moving drive assembly for driving the tool feeding seat to slide. The tool feeding seat is provided with a plurality of clamping mechanisms for clamping tool modules. The plurality of clamping mechanisms are arranged at intervals on the tool feeding seat along the first direction. A tool supply mechanism includes a supply bracket, a shift bracket slidably disposed on the supply bracket along a second direction, a plurality of tool carrier brackets disposed on the shift bracket, a second moving drive assembly for driving the shift bracket to slide, and a first lifting drive assembly for driving the tool carrier brackets to rise and fall; the tool carrier brackets are provided with a plurality of loading parts for loading tool modules, and the plurality of loading parts are arranged at intervals along the first direction on the tool carrier brackets. The turning device and the tool supply mechanism are distributed along a first direction, and the moving path of the tool feeder spans the area where the turning device and the tool supply mechanism are located.

2. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the tool module is the tool tip end, and the other end is the clamping end; the middle part of the tool module is provided with a clamping groove surrounding the outer periphery, and the outer periphery of the tool module is provided with a positioning groove along its length direction. The loading portion on the tool carrier includes a loading hole for inserting the clamping end of the tool module and a positioning block located at the outer edge of the loading hole. The positioning block is engaged with the positioning groove on the tool module to achieve circumferential fixation of the tool module in the loading portion.

3. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tool feeding mechanism further includes a rotary drive assembly for driving the clamping mechanism to rotate on the tool feeding seat, wherein the rotation axis of the clamping mechanism is arranged along a second direction.

4. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism includes: A clamping seat, which is rotatably mounted on the tool feeder; A clamping arm is fixedly mounted on the clamping base. One side of the clamping arm is provided with an arc-shaped groove for accommodating the tool module. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove is provided with a clamping protrusion, which is used to engage with the clamping groove on the tool module. A push rod is slidably mounted on the clamping seat in a second direction. The end of the push rod is provided with a first guide slope facing the clamping arm and a second guide slope facing away from the clamping arm. A limiting groove is recessed on the push rod along its length direction. An elastic element is provided for applying an elastic preload to the push rod to move it away from the clamping seat; A limiting stop is fixedly disposed on the clamping base, and at least a portion of the limiting stop enters a limiting groove on the top rod to restrict the movement path of the top rod.

5. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism includes: A clamping seat, which is rotatably mounted on the tool feeder; Two clamping arms are hinged to the clamping base and arranged opposite to each other. The inner side of each clamping arm is provided with an arc-shaped groove for accommodating the tool module. The inner wall of the arc-shaped groove is provided with a clamping protrusion for engaging with the clamping groove on the tool module. A clamping drive assembly is disposed on the clamping base and is used to drive the two clamping arms to open or clamp the tool module.

6. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transposition bracket is provided with multiple vertically arranged first pins; The first lifting drive assembly includes a liftable support plate, and the support plate is provided with a plurality of vertically arranged second pins; The bottom of the tool carrier is provided with a first socket for inserting the first pin and a second socket for inserting the second pin.

7. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tool carrier bracket has positioning parts at both ends, and the height of the positioning parts is lower than the height of the loading part on the tool carrier bracket. The transposition bracket is provided with two blocking parts, which are located on the upward movement path of the positioning part.

8. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turning device also includes a first base, a second base, and a third base arranged sequentially from bottom to top; The second base is a gantry structure, and the second base is fixedly mounted on the first base; The first base is provided with a first movable seat, which is movably disposed on the first base along a second direction, and a plurality of the clamping spindles are disposed on the first movable seat; The third base is movably disposed on the second base along a first direction, and the third base is provided with a second movable seat, which is movably disposed on the third base along a vertical direction, and a plurality of machining spindles are disposed on the second movable seat.

9. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 8, characterized in that: The clamping spindle includes: The kit includes a mounting plate and a sleeve disposed on the mounting plate. The sleeve has a hollow channel inside and a key body for forming a key connection with the workpiece on the outside. The sleeve also has a guide hole, which is a strip-shaped hole and its length direction is arranged along the axial direction of the sleeve. The guide hole communicates with the channel. A pull rod, which is slidably disposed in a channel inside the sleeve, and a locking block is provided on the pull rod, which is slidably disposed in the guide hole, and at least a portion of the locking block protrudes outside the sleeve; The pressing component has a groove on its side for the sleeve to enter. The pressing component is located between the mounting plate and the locking block. One end of the pressing component is pressed by the locking block, and the other end is used to press the workpiece onto the mounting plate.

10. The batch processing equipment for hobbing cutters according to claim 9, characterized in that: The turning device further includes a support mechanism, which corresponds one-to-one with the clamping spindle. The support mechanism includes: Mounting base, wherein the mounting base is disposed on the first movable base; A support seat is slidably mounted on the mounting base in a vertical direction. The support seat is provided with a support groove for supporting the sleeve. The support groove is provided with multiple support protrusions. The support protrusions are arranged along the axial direction of the sleeve, and the support protrusions are in line contact with the sleeve. A second lifting drive assembly is used to drive the support seat to move on the mounting base.

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