A range-extended gantry pallet exchange station structure

Abstract

This invention provides a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station structure, belonging to the field of machine tool technology. Its structure includes: a primary slide plate slidably fitted on a primary linear guide; a secondary linear guide fixed on the primary slide plate and parallel to the guide rail; a secondary sliding hook plate slidably fitted on the secondary linear guide; a sprocket rotatably connected to the primary slide plate; a chain wound around the sprocket; a connecting block and a fixing block fixed at the upper and lower ends of the chain, respectively; the connecting block fixed to the secondary sliding hook plate; the fixing block fixed to a protruding bracket in the middle of the base; and a hydraulic cylinder fixed to the protruding bracket and parallel to the guide rail, with the free end of the hydraulic cylinder connected to the primary slide plate. This invention avoids the problem of requiring long drive screws or multiple reducers and drive motors for large strokes, and effectively shortens the actual stroke of the drive components, reducing manufacturing costs and improving the input-output ratio. It is an ideal choice for single-machine automation, flexible processing units, and flexible processing production lines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machine tool technology, specifically to a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of single-machine automation, flexible machining units, and flexible machining production lines for gantry metal cutting machine tools, there is an increasing demand for automated pallet exchange by configuring pallet exchange stations on one or both sides of the gantry machine tool. Traditional pallet exchange stations mostly use ball screws to drive the pallets, or use a combination of rack and chain to drive the pallets.

[0003] The former structure requires ball screws and servo motors for drive and control. While it offers high control precision, it necessitates longer ball screws for large-stroke structures, resulting in higher overall manufacturing costs. The latter structure, although capable of separately controlling the rack and chain motion and combining their movements to effectively shorten their respective travel lengths, still requires reducers and servo motors for both, further increasing overall manufacturing costs. For single-machine automated equipment with two trays, both control methods significantly increase costs. Compared to two identical machines, they do not offer a high cost-to-output ratio, hindering the promotion and application of single-machine automation, flexible manufacturing units, and flexible production lines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to address the technical deficiencies of existing technologies by providing a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station structure. This solves the technical problem that traditional pallet exchange stations, which use ball screws to drive pallets, require long screw mechanisms to meet the large stroke, thus increasing costs.

[0005] Another technical problem that this invention aims to solve is that the rack and chain composite drive method used in traditional pallet exchange stations requires multiple reducers and multiple drive motors, which increases costs.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An extended-range gantry pallet exchange station structure includes a base and four parallel guide rails fixed to the base. A protruding bracket is provided in the middle of the two middle guide rails. It also includes a primary linear guide, a primary sliding plate, a secondary linear guide, a secondary sliding hook plate, a sprocket, a chain, a connecting block, a fixing block, and a hydraulic cylinder. The primary linear guide is fixed to the protruding bracket and parallel to the guide rails. A primary sliding plate is slidably fitted onto the primary linear guide. The secondary linear guide is fixed to the primary sliding plate and parallel to the guide rails. A secondary sliding hook plate is slidably fitted onto the secondary linear guide. A sprocket is rotatably connected to the primary sliding plate. A chain is wound around the outside of the sprocket. A connecting block and a fixing block are fixed to the upper and lower ends of the chain, respectively. The connecting block is fixedly connected to the secondary sliding hook plate, and the fixing block is fixedly connected to the protruding bracket. The hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the protruding bracket and parallel to the guide rails, and the free end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the primary sliding plate.

[0007] Preferably, a cylinder support is provided at the free end of the cylinder, and the cylinder support is fixedly connected to the first-stage slide plate.

[0008] Preferably, limit blocks are fixedly connected to both ends of the primary slide plate.

[0009] Preferably, the guide rail is fixedly connected to the base by screws.

[0010] Preferably, the primary guide rail is fixedly connected to the protruding bracket by screws, and one end of the primary guide rail is flush with one end of the protruding bracket.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the sliding engagement structure between the primary slide plate and the primary linear guide includes: a slider is provided on the primary linear guide, and the primary slide plate is fixedly connected to the slider by screws.

[0012] Preferably, the secondary linear guide is fixedly connected to the primary slide plate by screws.

[0013] Preferably, the sliding engagement structure between the secondary sliding hook plate and the secondary linear rail includes: a slider is provided on the secondary linear rail, and the secondary sliding hook plate is fixedly connected to the slider by screws.

[0014] Preferably, the chain and hydraulic cylinder are located on both sides of the primary slide.

[0015] Preferably, a groove is provided at the upper end of the secondary sliding hook plate.

[0016] The main working process of this invention is as follows: The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station is arranged on the left and right sides of the front of the gantry machine tool with automatic pallet exchange (i.e., the tool magazine side in front of the left column and the operator side in front of the right column). Generally, the machine tool should have two exchange pallets. In the initial state, both pallets are on the corresponding pallet exchange station. When loading a pallet on a gantry milling machine: First, the guide rails on the gantry milling machine's worktable body rise and align with the guide rails of pallet exchange station A. The hydraulic cylinders of pallet exchange station A extend, pushing the primary slide plate forward along the primary rail. Simultaneously, the sprocket on the primary slide plate drives the chain, propelling the secondary sliding hook plate forward along the secondary rail. Because the upper slot of the secondary sliding hook plate is already engaged with the hook on the pallet, it pushes the pallet forward along the guide rails and onto the guide rails on the machine tool's worktable body. After reaching the designated position, the automatic positioning pins on the worktable body position the pallet, and simultaneously, the guide rails on the worktable body lower to clamp the pallet. When unloading a pallet on the gantry milling machine: First, the hydraulic cylinders of pallet exchange station A extend, pushing the hydraulic cylinder rods... The secondary sliding hook plate is fully extended and pushed to the position for hooking the pallet. The gantry machine tool moves its worktable body, aligning the guide rails on the worktable body with the guide rails of pallet exchange station A. Simultaneously, the pallet hooks on the worktable body engage with the upper slots of the secondary sliding hook plate. After the guide rails on the worktable body rise to the same height as the guide rails of pallet exchange station A, the hydraulic cylinder of pallet exchange station A retracts, pulling the primary slide plate backward along the primary guide rail. Simultaneously, the sprocket on the primary slide plate drives the chain, propelling the secondary sliding hook plate backward along the secondary guide rail. Because the upper slot of the secondary sliding hook plate is already engaged with the hooks on the pallet, the pallet is pulled backward along the guide rails and onto the guide rails of pallet exchange station A. Afterward, when the gantry machine tool loads pallets, pallet exchange station B repeats the above actions to complete the pallet exchange loading and unloading operations.

[0017] In the fields of single-machine automation, flexible machining units, and flexible production lines for gantry metal cutting machine tools, the demand for automating pallet exchange by arranging pallet exchange stations on one or both sides of the gantry machine tool is increasing. In this context, this structure finds ideal application. Utilizing this structure, the gantry machine tool employs a range-extended drive method where hydraulic cylinders push a chain along a linear guide. When the strokes of the hydraulic cylinder and the chain are equal, the total stroke is the sum of their strokes, effectively achieving range-extended control. This not only avoids the problems of requiring long drive screws, multiple reducers, or multiple drive motors for large strokes but also effectively shortens the actual movement stroke of the drive components, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the input-output ratio, making it an ideal choice for single-machine automation, flexible machining units, and flexible production lines.

[0018] Compared to traditional pallet exchange stations that mostly use ball screws to drive pallets or use rack and chain drives, this invention not only avoids the problem of needing long drive screws or multiple reducers and drive motors for large strokes, but also effectively shortens the actual stroke of the drive components, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the input-output ratio. It is an ideal choice for single-machine automation, flexible processing units, and flexible processing production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention in its extended state; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the present invention in its retracted state; In the picture: 1. Base; 2. Guide rail; 3. Primary linear guide; 4. Primary sliding plate; 5. Secondary linear guide; 6. Secondary sliding hook plate; 7. Sprocket; 8. Chain; 9. Connecting block; 10. Fixing block; 11. Hydraulic cylinder; 12. Hydraulic cylinder bracket; 13. Limiting block. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. To avoid excessive and unnecessary detail, well-known structures or functions will not be described in detail in the following embodiments. The approximate language used in the following embodiments is for quantitative purposes, indicating that a certain degree of variation in quantity is permissible without changing the basic function. Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used in the following embodiments have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0021] The present invention is as follows Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station structure includes a base 1, and four guide rails 2 are horizontally arranged along the width direction on the upper part of the base 1. The four guide rails 2 are fixed to the upper part of the base 1 with screws, and the four guide rails 2 are parallel to each other.

[0022] A primary linear guide 3 is arranged on the center horizontal plane of the base 1. The primary linear guide 3 is located at the end of the protruding bracket in the middle of the base 1. The guide rail of the primary linear guide 3 is engaged with the upper part of the base 1 and connected by screws, and is parallel to the four guide rails 2.

[0023] A primary slide plate 4 is arranged on the slider of the primary linear guide 3. The upper part of the slider of the primary linear guide 3 is fitted with the lower part of the primary slide plate 4 and connected by screws. The primary slide plate 4 is parallel to the primary linear guide 3 and moves horizontally along the primary linear guide 3.

[0024] A secondary linear guide 5 is arranged on the primary slide plate 4. The guide rail of the secondary linear guide 5 is fitted with the upper part of the primary slide plate 4 and connected by screws. The secondary linear guide 5 is parallel to the primary slide plate 4, the primary linear guide 3 and the four guide rails 2.

[0025] A secondary sliding hook plate 6 is arranged on the slider of the secondary linear guide 5. The upper part of the slider of the secondary linear guide 5 is engaged with the lower part of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 and connected by screws. The secondary sliding hook plate 6 is parallel to the secondary linear guide 5 and moves horizontally along the secondary linear guide 5.

[0026] A sprocket 7 is arranged at each end of the length direction of the right side of the first-stage skateboard 4. The sprocket 7 is fixed to the connecting shaft extending from the first-stage skateboard 4 by bearings.

[0027] The chain 8 connects the sprockets 7 at both ends of the right side of the first-stage slide plate 4 to form a chain drive. This chain drive is a meshing type drive with high transmission accuracy.

[0028] The connecting block 9 is fixed on the chain 8. When the secondary sliding hook plate 6 and the connecting block 9 installed on the chain move to the frontmost sprocket, the connecting block 9 is fixed to the bottom surface of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 with screws. The range can be extended by rotating the chain 8.

[0029] The fixing block 10 is fixed on the chain 8. When the upper secondary sliding hook plate 6 and the fixed connecting block 9 move to the frontmost sprocket, the fixing block 10 should be close to the rearmost sprocket 7. At this time, the fixing block 10 is fixed to the base 1 with screws.

[0030] The hydraulic cylinder 11 is arranged on the left side of the first-level linear guide 3. The outer shell of the hydraulic cylinder 11 is fixed to the base 1 by screws, and the axis of the hydraulic cylinder is parallel to the motion axis of the first and second-level linear guides.

[0031] A cylinder bracket 12 is arranged at the far left end of the first-stage slide plate 4. The cylinder bracket 12 is fixed to the first-stage slide plate 4 with screws, and the end of the cylinder rod of the cylinder 11 is fixed to the cylinder bracket 12.

[0032] The hydraulic cylinder rod of hydraulic cylinder 11 pushes the first-stage slide plate 4 to move along the axis on the first-stage linear guide 3.

[0033] One end of the chain 8 on the right side of the first-stage slide plate 4 is fixed to the base 1 by the fixing block 10, so the fixed end does not move; the other end is fixed to the second-stage sliding hook plate 6 by the connecting block 9, so it is the moving end. Because the first-stage slide plate 4 drives the sprocket 7 to rotate and mesh, it drives the chain 8 to drive, thereby causing the second-stage sliding hook plate 6 to move along the axis and in the same direction as the cylinder rod on the second-stage linear guide 5.

[0034] The secondary sliding hook plate 6 is set to move along the secondary linear guide 5 on the chain with a stroke greater than or equal to that of the hydraulic cylinder 11. When the hydraulic cylinder 11 pushes the primary slide plate 4 forward a distance of L, the movement distance of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 is 2L. This structure achieves extended-range motion.

[0035] Limiting blocks 13 are arranged at both ends of the primary sliding plate 4. The limiting blocks 13 are used to restrict the movement position of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 at both ends, and the stopping position of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 can be precisely adjusted by adjusting the adjusting screws on the limiting blocks.

[0036] The upper end of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 has an upward slotted structure. This slot is used to attach hooks on the pallet, thereby enabling the structure to push the pallet.

[0037] The main working process of this invention is as follows: The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station is arranged on the left and right sides of the front of the gantry machine tool with automatic pallet exchange (i.e., the tool magazine side in front of the left column and the operator side in front of the right column). Generally, the machine tool should have two exchange pallets. In the initial state, both pallets are on the corresponding pallet exchange station. When loading a pallet on a gantry milling machine: First, the guide rails on the gantry milling machine's worktable body rise and align with the guide rails 2 of the pallet exchange station A. The hydraulic cylinder 11 of pallet exchange station A extends, pushing the primary slide plate 4 forward along the primary rail 3. Simultaneously, the sprocket 7 on the primary slide plate 4 drives the chain 8 to move the secondary sliding hook plate 6 forward along the secondary rail 5. Because the upper slot of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 is already attached to the hook on the pallet, it pushes the pallet forward along the guide rail 2 and onto the guide rails on the machine tool's worktable body. After reaching the desired position, the automatic positioning pin on the worktable body positions the pallet, and simultaneously, the guide rails on the worktable body lower to clamp the pallet. When unloading a pallet on the gantry milling machine: First, the hydraulic cylinder 11 of pallet exchange station A extends, pushing the hydraulic cylinder rod... Fully extended, the secondary sliding hook plate 6 is pushed to the position for hooking the pallet. The gantry machine tool moves its worktable body, aligning the guide rails on the worktable body with the guide rails 2 of the pallet exchange station A. Simultaneously, the pallet hooks on the worktable body engage with the upper slot of the secondary sliding hook plate 6. After the guide rails on the worktable body rise to the same height as the guide rails 2 of the pallet exchange station A, the hydraulic cylinder 11 of the pallet exchange station A retracts, pulling the primary slide plate 4 backward along the primary rail 3. Simultaneously, the sprocket 7 on the primary slide plate 4 drives the chain 8 to move the secondary sliding hook plate 6 backward along the secondary rail 5. Because the upper slot of the secondary sliding hook plate 6 is already engaged with the hook on the pallet, the pallet is pulled backward along the guide rail and onto the guide rail 2 of the pallet exchange station A. Afterward, when the gantry machine tool loads pallets, the pallet exchange station B repeats the above actions to complete the pallet exchange loading and unloading operations.

[0038] This invention realizes a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station structure, breaking through the traditional pallet exchange stations that mostly use ball screws to drive pallets or a combination of rack and pinion and chain drives. It adopts a range-extended drive method where a hydraulic cylinder pushes the chain along a linear guide rail. When the strokes of the hydraulic cylinder and the chain are equal, the total stroke is the sum of their strokes, effectively realizing range-extended control. This not only avoids the problems of requiring long drive screws or multiple reducers and drive motors for large strokes, but also effectively shortens the actual movement stroke of the drive components, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the input-output ratio. It is an ideal choice for single-machine automation, flexible processing units, and flexible production lines.

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the content described is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the scope of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A range-extended gantry pallet exchange station structure, comprising a base (1) and four parallel guide rails (2) fixed on the base (1), wherein a protruding bracket is provided in the middle of the two middle guide rails (2); characterized in that, It also includes a primary linear guide (3), a primary sliding plate (4), a secondary linear guide (5), a secondary sliding hook plate (6), a sprocket (7), a chain (8), a connecting block (9), a fixing block (10), and a hydraulic cylinder (11). The primary linear guide (3) is fixed to the protruding bracket and parallel to the guide rail (2), and the primary sliding plate (4) is slidably fitted on the primary linear guide (3). The secondary linear guide (5) is fixed to the primary sliding plate (4) and parallel to the guide rail (2), and the secondary linear guide (5) is slidably fitted on the secondary linear guide (5). The secondary sliding hook plate (6) is rotatably connected to the primary sliding plate (4) with a sprocket (7). A chain (8) is wound around the outside of the sprocket (7). A connecting block (9) and a fixing block (10) are fixed on the upper and lower sections of the chain (8), respectively. The connecting block (9) is fixedly connected to the secondary sliding hook plate (6), and the fixing block (10) is fixedly connected to the protruding bracket. The hydraulic cylinder (11) is fixed on the protruding bracket and parallel to the guide rail (2). The free end of the hydraulic cylinder (11) is connected to the primary sliding plate (4).

2. The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cylinder support (12) is provided at the free end of the cylinder (11), and the cylinder support (12) is fixedly connected to the first-stage slide plate (4).

3. The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Limit blocks (13) are fixedly connected to both ends of the first-stage slide (4).

4. The structure of a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail (2) is fixedly connected to the base (1) by screws.

5. The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary linear guide (3) is fixedly connected to the protruding bracket by screws, and one end of the primary linear guide (3) is flush with one end of the protruding bracket.

6. The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding engagement structure between the primary slide plate (4) and the primary linear guide (3) includes: a slider is provided on the primary linear guide (3), and the primary slide plate (4) is fixedly connected to the slider by screws.

7. The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary linear guide (5) is fixedly connected to the primary slide plate (4) by screws.

8. The extended-range gantry pallet exchange station structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding engagement structure between the secondary sliding hook plate (6) and the secondary linear rail (5) includes: a slider is provided on the secondary linear rail (5), and the secondary sliding hook plate (6) is fixedly connected to the slider by screws.

9. The structure of a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chain (8) and the hydraulic cylinder (11) are located on both sides of the first-stage slide (4).

10. The structure of a range-extended gantry pallet exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, A groove is provided at the upper end of the secondary sliding hook plate (6).

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