Batch tool changing device

Abstract

The invention provides a batch tool changing device. 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 used for clamping tool modules are arranged on the tool feeding seat. The tool supply mechanism comprises a supply support, a position changing support arranged on the supply support in the second direction in a sliding mode, 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. According to the device, the tool feeding seat capable of carrying the multiple tool modules is arranged, all tools of the multiple machining spindles can be replaced at a time, the tools do not need to be replaced for the multiple machining spindles one by one, the tool replacement efficiency bottleneck of a multi-spindle system is eliminated, and the efficiency advantage of parallel machining of the multiple spindles is brought into full play.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of machining equipment, in particular to a batch tool changing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a key cutting tool, a hob is widely used in the fields of mechanical manufacturing, automobile industry, aerospace, etc. The cutting edge of the hob usually has a complex geometric shape and high precision requirements, and the manufacturing quality of the hob directly determines the precision and surface quality of the machined parts. In the manufacturing process of the hob, due to the complex structure, a plurality of machining steps such as turning an outer circle, milling a chip groove, polishing a rake face, and grinding a tooth back need to be sequentially performed on a blank. These different machining steps need to use a plurality of different types of special tools to complete.

[0003] At present, the production of the hob generally adopts a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining center for machining. The CNC machining center is equipped with an automatic tool magazine, which can realize automatic changing of a plurality of tools, can realize continuous machining, thereby avoiding errors caused by multiple clamping of the hob, and further improving the machining quality of the hob. However, the current CNC machining center can only machine one hob at a time, and when facing large-scale hob production demand, the entire production cycle is too long, and the production efficiency is low. Based on this, the inventor develops a hob batch machining equipment, which can have a plurality of machining stations to simultaneously machine a plurality of hobs by integrating a plurality of machining spindles; however, how to realize synchronous tool changing for the plurality of machining spindles is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the present application provides a batch tool changing device, which aims to realize synchronous tool changing for a plurality of machining spindles.

[0005] The technical scheme of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0006] A batch tool changing device, comprising a tool feeding mechanism and a tool supply mechanism;

[0007] The tool feeding mechanism comprises a tool feeding support, a tool feeding seat slidingly arranged on the tool feeding support along a first direction, and a first movement driving assembly for driving the tool feeding seat to slide, a plurality of clamping mechanisms for clamping tool modules are arranged on the tool feeding seat along the first direction, and the plurality of clamping mechanisms are arranged on the tool feeding seat along the first direction.

[0008] The tool supply mechanism comprises a supply support, a transposition support slidingly arranged on the supply support along a second direction, a plurality of tool carrier supports arranged on the transposition support, a second movement driving assembly for driving the transposition support to slide, and a first lifting driving assembly for driving the tool carrier supports to lift and lower; the tool carrier support is provided with a plurality of loading portions for loading tool modules, and the plurality of loading portions are arranged on the tool carrier support along a first direction.

[0009] The first direction and the second direction are two mutually perpendicular directions in a horizontal plane.

[0010] As a further optional solution, one end of the tool module is a tool head end, and the other end is a clamping end; a clamping groove is arranged around the middle part of the tool module, and a positioning groove is arranged along the length direction of the outer periphery of the tool module.

[0011] The loading portion on the tool carrier support comprises a loading hole for inserting the clamping end of the tool module and a positioning block arranged at the outer edge of the loading hole; the positioning block is clamped into the positioning groove on the tool module to fix the tool module in the circumferential direction of the loading portion.

[0012] As a further optional solution, the tool feeding mechanism further comprises a rotating driving assembly for driving the clamping mechanism to rotate on the tool feeding seat, and the rotating axis of the clamping mechanism is arranged along the second direction.

[0013] As a further optional solution, the clamping mechanism comprises:

[0014] A clamping seat is rotationally arranged on the tool feeding seat.

[0015] A clamping arm is fixedly arranged on the clamping seat, one side of the clamping arm is provided with an arc-shaped groove for accommodating the tool module, and a clamping protrusion is arranged on the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove for clamping into the clamping groove on the tool module.

[0016] A top rod is slidingly arranged on the clamping seat along the second direction, the end of the top rod is provided with a first guide inclined surface facing the clamping arm and a second guide inclined surface facing away from the clamping arm; a limiting groove is arranged on the top rod along the length direction of the top rod.

[0017] An elastic member is arranged for applying an elastic pre-tightening force to the top rod to make it move away from the clamping seat.

[0018] A limiting stopper is fixedly arranged on the clamping seat, and at least part of the limiting stopper enters the limiting groove on the top rod to limit the movement path of the top rod.

[0019] As a further optional solution, the clamping mechanism comprises:

[0020] A clamping seat is rotationally arranged on the tool feeding seat;

[0021] Two clamping arms are hingedly arranged on the clamping seat, and the two clamping arms are oppositely arranged; an arc-shaped recess for accommodating the tool module is arranged on the inner side of the clamping arm, and a clamping protrusion is protruded on the inner wall of the arc-shaped recess, and the clamping protrusion is used for clamping into the clamping recess on the tool module;

[0022] A clamping driving assembly is arranged on the clamping seat, and is used for driving the two clamping arms to open or clamp the tool module.

[0023] As a further optional solution, a plurality of vertically arranged first insertion pins are arranged on the transposition support;

[0024] The first lifting driving assembly comprises a liftable supporting plate, and a plurality of vertically arranged second insertion pins are arranged on the supporting plate;

[0025] The bottom of the tool carrying support is provided with a first insertion hole for inserting the first insertion pin and a second insertion hole for inserting the second insertion pin.

[0026] As a further optional solution, the second moving driving assembly comprises a second guide rail, a second transmission rack, a second transmission gear and a second moving driving motor;

[0027] The second guide rail and the second transmission rack are fixedly arranged on the supply support in a second direction, the second guide rail is in sliding fit with the transposition support, the second moving driving motor is arranged on the transposition support, the second moving driving motor is in transmission connection with the second transmission gear, and the second transmission gear is in meshing with the second transmission rack.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0029] The device can complete the replacement of all tools of multiple machining spindles at one time by arranging the tool feeding seat capable of carrying multiple tool modules, and the tool replacement for multiple machining spindles is not required, the bottleneck of tool replacement efficiency of the multiple spindle system is eliminated, and the efficiency advantage of multiple spindle parallel machining can be fully exerted.

[0030] The tool supply mechanism adopts a transposition support movable in the second direction to carry a plurality of tool carrying supports, and one tool carrying support can carry one tool module. The number of tool carrying supports is flexibly matched according to the type and number of tool modules required to be used, so as to form a modular and expandable three-dimensional tool magazine. This not only has a super large tool storage capacity, but also can quickly switch different types of tools required by different processes to the working position through the movement of the transposition support. The tool supply mechanism can flexibly adapt to the multi-process and multi-tool machining requirements of complex parts (such as hobs), greatly enhancing the process adaptability and production flexibility of the equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a hob batch machining equipment in an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a turning device in an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a batch tool changing device in an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a batch tool changing device in an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of a tool supply mechanism in an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a tool carrying support in an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a tool carrying support in an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 8 is Figure 5 an enlarged view of area B in

[0039] Figure 9 is Figure 5 an enlarged view of area C in

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a tool carrying support after being jacked up in an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a clamping mechanism and a tool module in an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a working schematic diagram of a clamping mechanism in an embodiment of

[0043] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a rotary drive assembly in an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in another embodiment;

[0045] Figure 15 is a working schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism in Figure 14

[0046] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the A area in Figure 2

[0047] Figure 17 is an exploded schematic diagram of the clamping spindle and the hob in an embodiment;

[0048] Figure 18 is a sectional schematic diagram of the clamping spindle when clamping the hob in an embodiment;

[0049] Figure 19 is a structural schematic diagram of the sleeve supported by the support seat in an embodiment;

[0050] Figure 20 is an application schematic diagram of a batch tool changing device corresponding to multiple turning devices in an embodiment;

[0051] In the figure: 100, tool module; 100a, tool head end; 100b, clamping end; 110, clamping groove; 120, positioning groove; 200, hob;

[0052] 10, batch tool changing device;

[0053] 11, tool feeding mechanism; 111, tool feeding support; 112, tool feeding seat; 113, first movement driving assembly; 1131, first guide rail; 1132, first transmission rack; 1133, first movement driving motor; 114, clamping mechanism; 1141, clamping seat; 1142, tool clamping arm; 1142a, arc-shaped groove; 1142b, clamping convex strip; 1143, ejector rod; 1143a, first guide inclined surface; 1143b, second guide inclined surface; 1143c, limiting groove; 1144, elastic member; 1145, limiting stopper; 115, rotation driving assembly; 1151, transmission wheel; 1152, transmission belt; 1153, rotation driving motor;

[0054] ​​12, tool supply mechanism; 121, supply support; 1211, blocking part; 122, transposition support; 1221, first bolt; 1222, support beam; 123, tool carrying support; 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, supporting plate; 1252, second bolt; 1253, fixed seat; 1254, third guide rail; 1255, air cylinder;

[0055] 20, turning device;

[0056] 21, clamped spindle; 211, sleeve body; 2111, mounting disc; 2112, sleeve; 2113, channel; 2114, key body; 2115, guide hole; 212, pull rod; 2121, clamping block; 213, pressing member; 2131, clamping groove;

[0057] 22, machining spindle;

[0058] 23, first base;

[0059] 24, second base;

[0060] 25, third base;

[0061] 26, first moving seat;

[0062] 27, second moving seat;

[0063] 28, supporting mechanism; 281, mounting seat; 282, supporting seat; 2821, supporting groove; 2822, supporting convex strip; 283, second lifting drive assembly;

[0064] X, first direction; Y, second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0066] Reference Figures 3 to 5In an embodiment of the present application, a batch tool changing device is provided, which comprises a tool feeding mechanism 11 and a tool supply mechanism 12. The tool feeding mechanism 11 comprises a tool feeding support 111, a tool feeding seat 112 slidingly arranged on the tool feeding support 111 along a first direction X, and a first movement driving 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 on the tool feeding seat 112 along the first direction X. The tool supply mechanism 12 comprises a supply support 121, a transposition support 122 slidingly arranged on the supply support 121 along a second direction Y, a plurality of tool carrying supports 123 arranged on the transposition support 122, a second movement driving assembly 124 for driving the transposition support 122 to slide, and a first lifting driving assembly 125 for driving the tool carrying supports 123 to lift. The tool carrying supports 123 are provided with a plurality of loading portions 1231 for loading tool modules 100, and the plurality of loading portions 1231 are arranged on the tool carrying supports 123 along the first direction X.

[0067] The first direction X and the second direction Y are two mutually perpendicular directions in a horizontal plane.

[0068] In order to facilitate the understanding of the working principle and technical features of the batch tool changing device, an example is provided below, which applies the batch tool changing device to a hob batch machining equipment to illustrate the working principle.

[0069] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 5 In an embodiment, a hob batch machining equipment is provided, which comprises a turning device 20 and the batch tool changing device 10 described above.

[0070] The turning device 20 comprises 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 arranged above the clamping spindles 21 and are movably arranged along the first direction X and vertically.

[0071] The turning device 20 and the tool supply mechanism 12 are distributed along the first direction X, and the movement path of the tool feeding seat 112 is arranged across the areas where the turning device 20 and the tool supply mechanism 12 are located.

[0072] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the clamping spindles 21 are used to clamp the workpieces, i.e. the hob 200 blanks to be machined, while the machining spindles 22 are used to finally clamp and drive the tool modules 100 to perform the cutting operation. The specific structure of the machining spindles 22 clamping the tool modules 100, such as the use of pull pin pullers, elastic chucks, etc., can all use the standard tool shank interface technology of the numerical control machine tool spindle in the art, which is a mature prior art and will not be described here.

[0073] Wherein, the turning device 20 realizes the multi-station synchronous machining of the hob 200 workpiece through the cooperation of multiple clamping spindles 21 and machining spindles 22. Among them, the movable setting of the clamping spindles 21 along the second direction Y enables the workpiece to be fed laterally, while the movable setting of the machining spindles 22 along the first direction X and the vertical direction enables the tool to be precisely positioned at any machining position of the workpiece. In this way, the turning device 20 is a three-axis machining motion configuration, which, in cooperation with multiple parallel machining stations, provides a basis for efficient batch machining of the hob 200.

[0074] Regarding tool changing, an exemplary working process is as follows:

[0075] During the machining process of the turning device 20, the tool feeding seat 112 of the tool feeding mechanism 11 corresponds to the top of the tool supply mechanism 12. The clamping mechanism 114 on the tool feeding seat 112 first obtains the next batch of tool modules 100 needed from the tool supply mechanism 12. The obtaining process is through the second moving drive assembly 124 to make the transposition support 122 move along the second direction Y, so that the required tool module 100 corresponds to the bottom of the tool feeding seat 112 of the tool feeding mechanism 11. Then the first lifting drive assembly 125 lifts the corresponding tool carrier bracket 123 upward, so that the tool carrier bracket 123 is lifted to a height position that can be docked with the clamping mechanism 114 on the tool feeding seat 112. Then the clamping mechanism 114 clamps the tool module 100 on the tool carrier bracket 123, and the tool carrier bracket 123 is lowered to the original position.

[0076] When the turning device 20 needs to change the tool, the first movement driving assembly 113 drives the tool carrier 112 to move along the first direction X, so that the tool carrier 112 moves to a position corresponding to the position of the turning device 20, that is, the new tool (i.e., the tool module 100 to be used) is sent to below the machining spindle 22, the machining spindle 22 unloads the old tool (i.e., the used tool module 100) to the clamping mechanism 114 of the tool carrier 112, and then the machining spindle 22 takes away the new tool from the clamping mechanism 114 of the tool carrier 112 to which the new tool is clamped, so as to complete the tool changing. Then, the first movement driving assembly 113 drives the tool carrier 112 to return to above the tool supply mechanism 12, the first lifting driving assembly 125 lifts a tool carrier 123, the clamping mechanism 114 unloads the old tool to the tool carrier 123, and then the tool carrier 123 on which the old tool is placed is lowered to the original position. Then, the clamping mechanism 114 obtains the next batch of tools to be used from the tool supply mechanism 12, so as to prepare for the next tool changing cycle.

[0077] It should be noted that in the above process, a certain number of idle clamping mechanisms 114 are preferably reserved on the tool carrier 112 to receive the old tools unloaded by the machining spindles 22. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figure, there are five machining spindles 22, and therefore at least ten clamping mechanisms 114 (i.e., at least twice the number of machining spindles 22) are preferably provided on the tool carrier 112. During work, the tool carrier 112 can use five clamping mechanisms 114 to clamp new tools, and then move to below the machining spindles 22, and then use the other five idle clamping mechanisms 114 to receive the old tools unloaded by the machining spindles 22. In this way, the tool carrier 112 can complete the tool changing in one round trip. Figure 1

[0078] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of clamping mechanisms 114 on the tool carrier 112 can be the same as the number of machining spindles 22. However, during work, the tool carrier 112 first sends the idle clamping mechanisms 114 to below the machining spindles 22 to receive the old tools unloaded by the machining spindles 22, and then sends the old tools back to the tool supply mechanism 12 and replaces the new tools, and then sends the new tools to the machining spindles 22 for clamping by the machining spindles 22, so as to complete the tool changing. In this embodiment, the turning device 20 needs to wait for a longer time for tool changing, but the number of clamping mechanisms 114 on the tool carrier 112 can be reduced.

[0079] In this way, by arranging a plurality of clamping spindles 21 and corresponding machining spindles 22 along the first direction X, a plurality of parallel machining stations are constructed, which can simultaneously process a plurality of hobbing tools 200. Moreover, the batch tool changing device 10 can complete the replacement and replenishment of the complete set of tool modules 100 for all machining spindles 22 at one time, so as to ensure that all machining spindles 22 can realize continuous operation at a high synchronization rate, thereby effectively improving the production efficiency.​

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Regarding tool module 100, such as Figure 11 As 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.

[0083] 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 6As 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 13 As 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.

[0086] In some embodiments, to enable the tool feeder 112 to move on the tool feeder 111, such as... Figure 4As 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.

[0087] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism 114 offers several options for clamping the tool module 100, such as:

[0088] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As 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.

[0089] Specifically, the working principle of the clamping mechanism 114 in this embodiment is as follows:

[0090] When the clamping mechanism 114 needs to remove a new tool from the tool holder 123, such asFigure 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] In another embodiment, the clamping mechanism 114 employs other structures, such as Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the clamping mechanism 114 includes:

[0095] Clamping seat 1141, which is rotatably mounted on the tool feeder 112;

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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:

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] In some embodiments, to facilitate the mating of the required tool carrier 123 with the tool feeder 112, such as Figures 4 to 10As shown, the transposition bracket 122 is provided with a plurality of vertically arranged first pins 1221;

[0102] 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;

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The transposition bracket 122 is provided with two blocking parts 1211, which are arranged on the upward movement path of the positioning part 1234.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Among them, such asFigure 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Specifically, to improve the support stability of the tool carrier 123, such as Figure 5As 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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;

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 disposed on the first movable seat 26. The support seat 282 is slidably disposed on the mounting base 281 along the vertical direction. The support seat 282 is provided with a support groove 2821 for supporting the sleeve 2112. The support groove 2821 is provided with multiple support protrusions 2822. The support protrusions 2822 are arranged along the axial direction of the sleeve 2112, and the support protrusions 2822 are in line contact with the sleeve 2112. The second lifting drive assembly 283 is used to drive the support seat 282 to move on the mounting base 281.

[0122] 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.

[0123] In summary, this application provides a batch tool changing device. By setting a tool feeder that can carry multiple tool modules, the device can complete the replacement of all tools for multiple machining spindles at one time, eliminating the need to change tools for each machining spindle individually. This eliminates the tool changing efficiency bottleneck of multi-spindle systems and allows the efficiency advantages of multi-spindle parallel machining to be fully utilized.

[0124] The tool supply mechanism employs a movable transposition bracket in a second direction to support multiple tool carriers. Each tool carrier can hold one type of tool module. The number of tool carriers can be flexibly matched according to the type and number of tool modules needed, forming a modular and scalable three-dimensional tool magazine. This not only has a large tool storage capacity but also allows for rapid and precise switching of different types of tools required for different processes to the working position through the movement of the transposition bracket. This tool supply mechanism can flexibly adapt to the multi-process, multi-tool machining needs of complex parts (such as hobs), greatly enhancing the equipment's process adaptability and production flexibility.

[0125] 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 in other embodiments.

[0126] 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 tool changer characterized by, The batch tool changer comprises a tool feeding mechanism and a tool supply mechanism. The tool feeding mechanism comprises a tool feeding support, a tool feeding seat slidingly arranged on the tool feeding support along a first direction, and a first movement driving assembly for driving the tool feeding seat to slide. The tool supply mechanism comprises a supply support, a transposition support slidingly arranged on the supply support along a second direction, a plurality of tool carrier supports arranged on the transposition support, a second movement driving assembly for driving the transposition support to slide, and a first lifting driving assembly for driving the tool carrier supports to lift. The first direction and the second direction are two perpendicular directions in a horizontal plane.

2. The batch tool changer according to claim 1, wherein: one end of the tool module is a tool head end, and the other end is a clamping end; a clamping groove is arranged around the middle part of the tool module, and a positioning groove is arranged along the length direction of the tool module; the loading hole is used for inserting the clamping end of the tool module, and the positioning block is arranged at the outer edge of the loading hole and is clamped into the positioning groove of the tool module to fix the tool module in the circumferential direction of the loading hole.

3. The batch tool changer according to claim 2, wherein: the tool feeding mechanism further comprises a rotation driving assembly for driving the clamping mechanism to rotate on the tool feeding seat, and the rotation axis of the clamping mechanism is arranged along the second direction.

4. The batch tool changer according to claim 3, wherein: the rotation driving assembly comprises a transmission wheel, a transmission belt, and a rotation driving motor; the transmission wheel is in one-to-one correspondence with the clamping mechanism, and the transmission wheel is fixedly connected with the clamping mechanism; the clamping mechanism is rotationally arranged on the tool feeding seat; the transmission belt is in transmission connection with the transmission wheel; the rotation driving motor is fixedly arranged on the tool feeding seat and is in transmission connection with the transmission belt.

5. The batch tool changer according to claim 3, wherein: the clamping mechanism comprises: a clamping seat rotationally arranged on the tool feeding seat; a tool clamping arm fixedly arranged on the clamping seat, one side of the tool clamping arm being provided with an arc-shaped groove for accommodating the tool module, and an inner wall of the arc-shaped groove being provided with a clamping protrusion for clamping into the clamping groove of the tool module; a top rod slidingly arranged on the clamping seat along the second direction, an end of the top rod being provided with a first guide inclined surface facing the tool clamping arm and a second guide inclined surface facing away from the tool clamping arm; and a limiting groove being arranged along the length direction of the top rod; a resilient member for applying an elastic pre-tightening force to the top rod to make the top rod away from the clamping seat. A limiting stopper is fixedly arranged on the clamping seat, and at least part of the limiting stopper enters a limiting groove on the ejector rod to limit the movement path of the ejector rod.

6. The batch tool changer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism comprises: A clamping seat is rotationally arranged on the tool feeding seat; Two clamping arms are hingedly arranged on the clamping seat, and the two clamping arms are oppositely arranged; the inner side of the clamping arm is provided with an arc-shaped recess for accommodating the tool module, and the inner wall of the arc-shaped recess is provided with a clamping protrusion for clamping into the clamping recess on the tool module; A clamping driving assembly is arranged on the clamping seat, which is used to drive the two clamping arms to open or clamp the tool module.

7. The batch tool changer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first movement driving assembly comprises a first guide rail, a first transmission rack, a first transmission gear and a first movement driving motor; The first guide rail and the first transmission rack are fixedly arranged on the tool feeding support in a first direction, the first guide rail is in sliding fit with the tool feeding seat, the first movement driving motor is arranged on the tool feeding seat, the first movement driving motor is in transmission connection with the first transmission gear, and the first transmission gear is in meshing with the first transmission rack.

8. The batch tool changer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of vertically arranged first pins are arranged on the position changing support; The first lifting driving assembly comprises a liftable supporting plate, and a plurality of vertically arranged second pins are arranged on the supporting plate; The bottom of the tool carrying support is provided with a first insertion hole for the first pins and a second insertion hole for the second pins.

9. The batch tool changer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second movement driving assembly comprises a second guide rail, a second transmission rack, a second transmission gear and a second movement driving motor; The second guide rail and the second transmission rack are fixedly arranged on the supply support in a second direction, the second guide rail is in sliding fit with the position changing support, the second movement driving motor is arranged on the position changing support, the second movement driving motor is in transmission connection with the second transmission gear, and the second transmission gear is in meshing with the second transmission rack.

10. The batch tool changer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first lifting driving assembly further comprises a fixing seat, a third guide rail vertically arranged on the fixing seat and a gas cylinder, the third guide rail is in sliding fit with the supporting plate, the cylinder body of the gas cylinder is hingedly arranged on the fixing seat, and the piston rod of the gas cylinder is connected to the supporting plate.

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