Modularized clamping jaw replacing device and milling machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a modularized clamping jaw replacing device and a milling machine, the modularized clamping jaw replacing device comprises a modularized replacing main shaft, a modularized connecting and clamping shaft, a sliding type positioning mechanism and a precision clamping mechanism, and the modularized connecting and clamping shaft is arranged on the lower side of the modularized replacing main shaft in a sliding mode and matched with the modularized replacing main shaft. According to the modularized clamping jaw replacement device and the milling machine, through arrangement of corresponding mechanisms, rapid, accurate and reliable replacement of the clamping jaw is achieved, the clamping jaw replacement time is greatly shortened, the production efficiency and the equipment utilization rate are remarkably improved, it can be guaranteed that the positioning precision and the clamping force height of each time of installation are consistent, and the machining efficiency is improved. The problem of repeated installation precision fluctuation is effectively solved, the consistency and stability of machining quality are remarkably improved, the clamping jaw can be manually and rapidly disassembled and assembled without a special tool, the labor intensity and the skill requirement of operators are greatly reduced, and potential safety hazards and quality risks caused by misoperation are eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of milling machine technology, specifically relating to a modular gripper changing device and a milling machine. Background Technology

[0002] The grippers in a milling machine fixture system are key components for holding workpieces. Their core function is to firmly fix the workpiece to the worktable using mechanical clamping force, ensuring the workpiece's positional stability and machining accuracy during milling. Grippers are usually configured in pairs or groups, installed on standard interfaces such as T-slots and positioning holes on the fixture body or worktable. Depending on the workpiece's geometry, dimensions, and machining requirements, different specifications, structures, and materials of grippers need to be frequently changed during production to adapt to changing machining needs. In modern manufacturing, especially in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and mold processing, flexible manufacturing models with small batches and multiple varieties are becoming increasingly common, significantly increasing the frequency of gripper replacement. The convenience, speed, accuracy, and reliability of gripper replacement directly affect production efficiency, equipment utilization, product processing quality, and production costs. Therefore, gripper replacement technology, as one of the core technologies of a milling machine fixture system, is of significant strategic importance for achieving intelligent manufacturing, improving production automation, and shortening product manufacturing cycles.

[0003] Regarding jaw replacement, existing milling machine fixture systems generally employ traditional fixing methods such as bolt connections, pin positioning, and wedge clamping. The installation and removal of jaws require manual operation using specialized tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers. Operators need to manually align the positioning holes, tighten the bolts, or tap the pins. The entire process is cumbersome and time-consuming. Although this traditional connection method has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost, it has obvious limitations: First, the installation and tightening of bolts and pins requires repeated operations, and a single jaw replacement operation usually takes 15-30 minutes, which seriously restricts the production cycle in scenarios with frequent replacements. Second, the accuracy of repeated installation is difficult to guarantee, resulting in fluctuations in the positioning accuracy and clamping force of the jaws, which directly affects the consistency and stability of machining quality. In addition, the traditional method relies entirely on manual operation, which is labor-intensive, requires high skill levels from operators, and is prone to improper operation that results in incomplete jaw installation or insufficient clamping force, posing safety hazards and quality risks.

[0004] Therefore, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems, it is necessary to provide a modular gripper changing device and a milling machine.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular gripper replacement device and milling machine, which can solve the problems of cumbersome gripper replacement operation, long time consumption, difficulty in guaranteeing accuracy of repeated installation, high labor intensity, and safety hazards and quality risks caused by the traditional fixing methods such as bolt connection and pin positioning in existing milling machine fixture systems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A modular gripper changing device and milling machine include: a modular changing spindle, a modular connecting engagement spindle, a sliding positioning mechanism, and a precision engagement mechanism. The modular connecting engagement spindle is slidably disposed on the underside of the modular changing spindle and matches the spindle. The sliding positioning mechanism includes a sliding positioning component disposed on the outside of the modular connecting engagement spindle and a positioning protection component disposed within the sliding positioning component. The sliding positioning component and the positioning protection component cooperate to position the modular connecting engagement spindle. The precision engagement mechanism includes a precision engagement component disposed within the modular changing spindle and a pair of precision balancing components disposed within the modular changing spindle.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the sliding positioning assembly includes: a positioning mounting chamber, a positioning support rod, and a positioning spring. The positioning mounting chamber is disposed outside the modular connecting engagement shaft; the positioning support rod is disposed inside the positioning mounting chamber; and the positioning spring is sleeved on the outside of the positioning support rod.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of positioning support rods are provided, the plurality of positioning support rods are evenly distributed, the positioning support rods are provided through the positioning installation chamber, a positioning bearing is provided between the positioning support rods and the positioning installation chamber, and a positioning limit block is provided on the positioning support rods.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the positioning protection component includes: a protective contact chamber and a plurality of protective buffer nets. The protective contact chamber is disposed within the positioning installation chamber; the plurality of protective buffer nets are disposed within the protective contact chamber.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the protective contact chamber is slidably disposed within the positioning installation chamber, the positioning installation chamber is matched with the protective contact chamber, the protective contact chamber is fixedly connected to the positioning support rod, and the positioning spring is disposed between the protective contact chamber and the positioning installation chamber.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the precision engagement assembly includes: a precision engagement positioning plate, a precision engagement support rod, and a precision engagement rotating ball. The precision engagement positioning plate is disposed within the modular replacement spindle; the precision engagement support rod is disposed on the lower side of the precision engagement positioning plate; and the precision engagement rotating ball is disposed at the end of the precision engagement support rod away from the precision engagement positioning plate.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the modular replacement spindle is provided with a positioning groove that matches the precision engagement positioning plate, the precision engagement support rod passes through the modular replacement spindle, and the modular connecting engagement shaft is provided with a locking groove that matches the precision engagement support rod.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the precision balancing assembly includes: a pair of precision balancing support rods and a precision balancing spring. The pair of precision balancing support rods are disposed on both sides of the precision engaging positioning plate; the precision balancing spring is sleeved on the precision balancing support rods.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the precision balance support rod is fixedly connected to the modular replacement spindle, the precision balance support rod passes through the precision engagement positioning plate, and a precision balance bearing is installed between the precision balance support rod and the precision engagement positioning plate.

[0017] A milling machine includes a milling machine body and a modular jaw changing device, the modular jaw changing device being mounted on the milling machine body.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the modular gripper replacement device and milling machine of the present invention, through the setting of corresponding mechanisms, realize the rapid, accurate and reliable replacement of grippers, significantly shorten the gripper replacement time, significantly improve production efficiency and equipment utilization, ensure that the positioning accuracy and clamping force are highly consistent for each installation, effectively solve the problem of accuracy fluctuations during repeated installations, significantly improve the consistency and stability of processing quality, and can complete the manual quick assembly and disassembly of grippers without special tools, greatly reducing the labor intensity and skill requirements of operators, and eliminating safety hazards and quality risks caused by improper operation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1This is a first perspective sectional view of a modular gripper replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point B;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a second perspective sectional view of a modular gripper replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure at point C;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure at point D;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a partial three-dimensional view of a modular gripper replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a modular gripper replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a modular gripper changing device and a milling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0030] 1-Modular replacement spindle, 2-Modular connecting and engaging spindle, 3-Sliding positioning mechanism, 31-Sliding positioning assembly, 311-Positioning mounting chamber, 312-Positioning support rod, 313-Positioning spring, 314-Positioning bearing, 315-Positioning limit block, 32-Positioning protection assembly, 321-Protective contact chamber, 322-Protective buffer mesh, 4-Precision engaging mechanism, 41-Precision engaging assembly, 411-Precision engaging positioning plate, 412-Precision engaging support rod, 413-Precision engaging ball bearing, 42-Precision balancing assembly, 421-Precision balancing support rod, 422-Precision balancing spring, 423-Precision balancing bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a modular gripper changing device and milling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention include: a modular changing spindle 1, a modular connecting clamping spindle 2, a sliding positioning mechanism 3, and a precision clamping mechanism 4. The modular connecting clamping spindle 2 is slidably disposed on the lower side of the modular changing spindle 1 and matches the modular changing spindle 1. The sliding positioning mechanism 3 includes a sliding positioning component 31 disposed on the outside of the modular connecting clamping spindle 2 and a positioning protection component 32 disposed within the sliding positioning component 31. The sliding positioning component 31 and the positioning protection component 32 cooperate to position the modular connecting clamping spindle 2. The precision clamping mechanism 4 includes a precision clamping component 41 disposed within the modular changing spindle 1 and a pair of precision balancing components 42 disposed within the modular changing spindle 1.

[0033] In terms of the current situation both domestically and internationally, the global manufacturing industry is accelerating its transformation towards intelligence and flexibility. Machine tool fixtures, as key process equipment in the machining field, directly impact machining accuracy and production efficiency due to their technological level. Leading international companies, such as SCHUNK in Germany and FANUC in Japan, have launched high-precision adaptive fixture systems. Through integrated force sensor feedback, modular structures, and intelligent control units, these systems achieve rapid workpiece positioning, automatic centering, and stable clamping, with a positioning accuracy of ±0.005mm. They can also be seamlessly integrated with automated production lines, significantly improving equipment utilization and production flexibility. These systems generally employ hydraulic or servo-driven methods and feature adjustable clamping force and monitorable status, making them particularly suitable for modern manufacturing models involving multiple varieties and small batches. In contrast, the domestic milling machine fixture industry still primarily relies on mechanical and specialized structures, generally suffering from poor versatility, cumbersome adjustments, and dependence on manual operation. Although some companies have begun developing hydraulic clamping and combination fixtures, there remains a significant gap compared to foreign companies in adaptive clamping, rapid changeover, and intelligent control. Currently, most domestically produced fixtures are suitable for single workpieces or single machine models, with low adjustment accuracy and long changeover times, making it difficult to meet the market's demand for high-mix, high-cycle production. Especially in precision machining scenarios such as keyway milling, workpiece clamping still relies heavily on the experience of skilled workers, resulting in poor consistency and large accuracy fluctuations, becoming one of the bottlenecks restricting the domestic high-end equipment manufacturing industry.

[0034] The modular gripper replacement device is used as follows: The modular connecting engagement shaft 2 can fix the gripper using internal and external threads. It can be fixed during the first use and will remain fixed as long as it is not disassembled. During installation, press the positioning protection component 32 into the sliding positioning component 31, then slide the modular connecting engagement shaft 2 into the modular replacement spindle 1. Releasing the pressure on the positioning protection component 32 will fix the modular connecting engagement shaft 2. The precision engagement component 41 positions the modular connecting engagement shaft 2. The position of the modular connecting engagement shaft 2 is more precise when the precision engagement component 41 is fully lowered. The precision balancing component 42 maintains the balance of the precision engagement component 41. Disassembly is similar, allowing for modular replacement of the gripper without modifying the existing gripper structure.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the sliding positioning assembly 31 includes a positioning mounting chamber 311, a positioning support rod 312, and a positioning spring 313. The positioning mounting chamber 311 is located on the outside of the modular connecting shaft 2. The positioning mounting chamber 311 accommodates the sliding of the positioning protection assembly 32, providing sufficient space for its movement. Simultaneously, the positioning mounting chamber 311 provides balance to the positioning support rod 312, reducing the likelihood of tilting and guiding its sliding. The positioning support rod 312, located within the positioning mounting chamber 311, enhances the balance of the positioning protection assembly 32, reduces the likelihood of tilting, and improves its stability. The positioning spring 313 is sleeved on the outside of the positioning support rod 312. The positioning spring 313 can compress the positioning protection component 32, which can make the positioning protection component 32 better position the modular connecting clip shaft 2, improve the stability of the modular connecting clip shaft 2, reduce the probability of displacement of the modular connecting clip shaft 2, and improve the precision of the modular connecting clip shaft 2.

[0036] Multiple positioning support rods 312 are provided. This arrangement better maintains the balance of the positioning protection component 32, reducing the probability of positioning problems. The multiple positioning support rods 312 are evenly distributed and penetrate the positioning installation chamber 311, facilitating their sliding. The positioning installation chamber 311 provides support for the sliding of the positioning support rods 312. A positioning bearing 314 is provided between the positioning support rods 312 and the positioning installation chamber 311, reducing the risk of positioning problems. The friction between the positioning support rod 312 and the positioning installation chamber 311 increases the stability of the positioning support rod 312 and the positioning installation chamber 311, reduces the probability of damage to the positioning support rod 312 and the positioning installation chamber 311 due to friction, and increases the service life of the positioning installation chamber 311 and the positioning support rod 312. The positioning support rod 312 is provided with a positioning limit block 315, which can limit the sliding of the positioning protection component 32 and reduce the probability of the positioning protection component 32 disengaging from the positioning installation chamber 311.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the positioning protection component 32 includes a protective contact chamber 321 and multiple protective buffer nets 322. The protective contact chamber 321 is disposed within the positioning mounting chamber 311. The protective contact chamber 321 not only positions the modular connecting shaft 2 but also accommodates a certain amount of liquid. This absorbs minor vibrations in the modular replacement spindle 1, extending its service life and improving its precision. Multiple protective buffer nets 322 are disposed within the protective contact chamber 321, buffering the liquid and improving its energy absorption effect. The protective contact chamber 321 is slidably disposed within the positioning mounting chamber 311, which matches the protective contact chamber 321. The protective contact chamber 321 is fixedly connected to the positioning support rod 312, and a positioning spring 313 is disposed between the protective contact chamber 321 and the positioning mounting chamber 311.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, the precision engagement assembly 41 includes: a precision engagement positioning plate 411, a precision engagement support rod 412, and a precision engagement rotating ball 413. The precision engagement positioning plate 411 is disposed within the modular replacement spindle 1. The positioning plate 411 secures the precision engagement support rod 412, allowing for better modular connection and positioning of the engagement shaft 2. A pair of precision engagement support rods 412 are provided. The precision engagement support rod 412 is located below the precision engagement positioning plate 411. The precision engagement support rod 412 not only positions the modular connection engagement shaft 2 but also facilitates the installation of the precision engagement rotating ball 413. The precision engagement rotating ball 413 is located at the end of the precision engagement support rod 412 furthest from the precision engagement positioning plate 411. During installation, the modular connecting shaft 2 will rub against the modular replacement spindle 1. At this time, the precision engaging ball bearing 413, after being pulled apart, reduces the friction between the precision engaging support rod 412 and the modular connecting shaft 2, thus reducing the likelihood of the precision engaging support rod 412 tilting. The modular replacement spindle 1 has a positioning groove that matches the precision engaging positioning plate 411. The precision engaging support rod 412 passes through the modular replacement spindle 1, and the modular connecting shaft 2 has a locking groove that matches the precision engaging support rod 412.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the precision balancing assembly 42 includes a pair of precision balancing support rods 421 and a precision balancing spring 422. The pair of precision balancing support rods 421 are disposed on both sides of the precision engagement positioning plate 411. The precision balancing support rods 421 improve the balance of the precision engagement positioning plate 411 and reduce the probability of tilting. The precision balancing spring 422 is sleeved on the precision balancing support rods 421 and can compress the precision engagement positioning plate 411, thus improving its stability. The precision balancing support rods 421 are fixedly connected to the modular replacement spindle 1 and pass through the precision engagement positioning plate 411. A precision balancing bearing 423 is installed between the precision balancing support rods 421 and the precision engagement positioning plate 411, reducing the friction between them and improving their service life.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a milling machine includes a milling machine body and a modular jaw changing device, the modular jaw changing device being mounted on the milling machine body.

[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A modular gripper replacement device, characterized in that, include: Modular spindle replacement; The modular connecting clip is slidably disposed on the underside of the modular replacement spindle and matches the modular replacement spindle; The sliding positioning mechanism includes a sliding positioning component disposed on the outside of the modular connecting clamp shaft and a positioning protection component disposed within the sliding positioning component. The sliding positioning component and the positioning protection component cooperate to position the modular connecting clamp shaft. The precision engagement mechanism includes a precision engagement component disposed within the modular change spindle and a pair of precision balancing components disposed within the modular change spindle.

2. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding positioning component includes: The positioning and installation compartment is located on the outside of the modular connecting clip shaft; A positioning support rod is installed inside the positioning installation compartment; A positioning spring is sleeved on the outside of the positioning support rod.

3. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple positioning support rods are provided, and the multiple positioning support rods are evenly distributed. The positioning support rods pass through the positioning installation chamber. A positioning bearing is provided between the positioning support rod and the positioning installation chamber. A positioning limit block is provided on the positioning support rod.

4. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning protection component includes: A protective contact chamber is provided within the positioning and installation chamber; Multiple protective buffer nets are installed inside the protective contact chamber.

5. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protective contact chamber is slidably disposed within the positioning and installation chamber, the positioning and installation chamber is matched with the protective contact chamber, the protective contact chamber is fixedly connected to the positioning support rod, and the positioning spring is disposed between the protective contact chamber and the positioning and installation chamber.

6. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The precision engagement assembly includes: A precision engagement positioning plate is installed inside the modular replacement spindle; A precision engagement support rod is provided on the lower side of the precision engagement positioning plate; The precision engagement ball is located at the end of the precision engagement support rod away from the precision engagement positioning plate.

7. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The modular replacement spindle has a positioning groove that matches the precision engagement positioning plate. The precision engagement support rod passes through the modular replacement spindle. The modular connecting engagement shaft has a locking groove that matches the precision engagement support rod.

8. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The precision balancing component includes: A pair of precision balance support rods are disposed on both sides of the precision engagement positioning plate; A precision balancing spring is fitted onto the precision balancing support rod.

9. The modular gripper replacement device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The precision balance support rod is fixedly connected to the modular replacement spindle. The precision balance support rod passes through the precision engagement positioning plate, and a precision balance bearing is installed between the precision balance support rod and the precision engagement positioning plate.

10. A milling machine, comprising a milling machine body and a modular jaw changing device, the modular jaw changing device being mounted on the milling machine body, characterized in that, The modular gripper replacement device is the modular gripper replacement device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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