Automatic tool changer for CNC machining center

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of CNC equipment, and discloses an automatic tool changing device for a CNC machining center, which comprises a machine base, a milling mechanism arranged on the machine base, and a milling clamping jaw for clamping a tool, and further comprises a tool changing mechanism and a cleaning mechanism arranged on the machine base; the cleaning mechanism comprises a cleaning support fixed on the machine base, and two groups of cleaning components are symmetrically arranged on the cleaning support. The automatic tool changing device for the CNC machining center can realize the deep and shallow alternating composite cleaning action of the cleaning brush on the tool surface by integrating the cleaning mechanism in the tool changing process, and can realize the triple collaborative cleaning of brushing, water flow flushing and micro-vibration by cooperating with the micro-frequency impact vibration generated by the undulating ball under the traction of the elastic rope, so that the cuttings, oil stains and other impurities remaining on the tool surface, tool grooves, cutting edges and other dead angle positions can be completely removed, and the surface quality and machining precision of subsequent milling processing are prevented from being affected by the remaining impurities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of CNC equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic tool changer for CNC machining centers. Background Technology

[0002] CNC machining centers, or Computer Numerical Control machine tools, are precision machining equipment that relies on computer program logic to achieve automated operations. They are core processing devices in modern mechanical manufacturing. These machines use a numerical control system to analyze preset coded instructions and control programs, precisely driving various actuators to complete corresponding cutting actions. This allows them to process raw materials such as metal blanks into standardized semi-finished or finished parts. With their high degree of automation, high machining accuracy, and wide adaptability, CNC machining centers are widely used in industrial processing scenarios such as mold manufacturing, precision hardware, and aerospace parts. They are key equipment for achieving batch, precision, and complex workpiece machining. In actual machining processes, different operations such as milling, drilling, and chamfering require different specifications and functions of cutting tools. Therefore, tool changing is a necessary operation in the continuous machining process of a CNC machining center.

[0003] Currently, existing CNC machining centers frequently require tool changes for milling workpieces. However, most still rely on manual tool changing, which is inefficient, increases operator workload, and severely restricts automation and production efficiency. Furthermore, after milling, tools retain chips, oil, and other impurities on their surfaces and cutting edges. Existing CNC machining centers cannot clean these tools promptly, leading to surface defects that directly affect surface quality and machining accuracy during reuse. Long-term tool wear and lifespan are also exacerbated, resulting in poor overall equipment usability and operational stability. Therefore, these shortcomings fail to meet manufacturers' needs, necessitating further improvements.

[0004] Therefore, in view of this, we will study and improve the existing structure and its shortcomings, and provide an automatic tool changer for CNC machining centers in order to achieve a more practical purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problems of low tool changing efficiency and inability to clean the milling tools in a timely manner, which affect the machining quality, caused by the manual tool changing method in existing CNC machining centers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center includes a base, a milling mechanism mounted on the base, and milling jaws for holding the tool. It also includes a tool changing mechanism and a cleaning mechanism mounted on the base. The cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning bracket fixed on a base, and two sets of cleaning components are symmetrically mounted on the cleaning bracket; The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning housing fixed to a cleaning bracket. A wave guide block is fixedly installed inside the cleaning housing. A water-stopping component is slidably installed on the wave guide block. A drive motor is fixed to the bottom of the cleaning housing. The output end of the drive motor extends into the cleaning housing and is fixedly connected to the cleaning assembly. By starting the drive motor, the cleaning assembly can be driven to move along the trajectory of the inner wall of the wave guide block to perform a compound cleaning operation of alternating deep and shallow cleaning on the blade.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution: The cleaning mechanism also includes a water-passing component, and the water-stopping component includes a water-stopping frame slidably mounted on the wave guide block. A water-stopping ring is fixed to the outer side of the lower end of the water-stopping frame. The outer wall of the water-stopping ring is in close contact with the inner wall of the cleaning shell. A support spring is fixedly connected between the top of the water-stopping frame and the inner top wall of the cleaning shell.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: The cleaning component includes a cleaning main rod fixed to the output end of the drive motor. Two elastic telescopic connecting rods are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the cleaning main rod. The outer ends of the two elastic telescopic connecting rods are fixedly connected to the cleaning connecting rod. One side of the cleaning connecting rod is in contact with the inner wall of the wave guide block.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: A cleaning plate is fixedly installed on one side of the cleaning linkage. A cleaning brush for cleaning the blade is provided on the outside of the cleaning plate. The cleaning plate has a groove, and a bouncy ball is elastically connected to the groove by an elastic rope.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: The tool changing mechanism includes a drive assembly, and a tool changing component for changing tools is installed at the bottom of the drive assembly. A tool magazine assembly is fixedly mounted on the left side of the drive assembly.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: The drive assembly includes a drive housing fixed to the side wall of the base. A first drive motor is fixed on the upper side of the drive housing. The output end of the first drive motor extends into the drive housing and is fixedly connected to the drive gear. A rotating rod is rotatably assembled inside the drive housing, and a driven gear is fixedly installed on the outer side of the rotating rod.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution: A limit rod is slidably assembled inside the rotating rod, and a first electric telescopic device is fixed on the upper side of the drive housing. The telescopic end of the first electric telescopic device extends into the rotating rod and is rotatably connected to the limit rod.

[0013] As a further description of the above technical solution: The tool changing assembly includes a tool changing frame fixed to the lower end of the limiting rod, and tool changing fixtures for fixing and holding the tool are fixedly mounted at both ends of the tool changing frame.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution: The tool magazine assembly includes a tool magazine disk fixed to the side wall of the drive housing. A tool magazine turntable is rotatably mounted inside the tool magazine disk. A second drive motor is fixedly installed on the outside of the tool magazine disk. The output shaft of the second drive motor extends into the tool magazine disk and is fixedly connected to the tool magazine turntable. Several sets of tool magazine racks are distributed in a ring at equal intervals on the tool magazine turntable. The tool magazine racks are rotatably hinged to the tool magazine turntable through torsion spring pins. Different specifications and models of machining tools are placed in each set of tool magazine racks.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution: A fixing frame is fixedly mounted on the inner side wall of the drive housing. A flipping component is mounted on the fixing frame. The flipping component includes a mounting plate. A second electric telescopic device is mounted on the mounting plate. The bottom of the second electric telescopic device is fixedly connected to the flipping component via a telescopic end.

[0016] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This CNC machining center uses an automatic tool changer. By integrating a cleaning mechanism into the tool changing process, the tool changer is driven to simultaneously feed the machining tool and the tool to be replaced into the cleaning housing after the tool handover. The drive motor drives the cleaning main rod, elastic telescopic connecting rod, and cleaning connecting rod to reciprocate along the inner wall of the wave guide block. This causes the cleaning brush to perform a compound cleaning action of alternating deep and shallow cleaning on the tool surface. At the same time, the micro-frequency impact vibration generated by the wave ball under the traction of the elastic rope achieves a triple synergistic cleaning of brushing, water rinsing, and micro-vibration. This can thoroughly remove residual chips, oil stains, and other impurities from the tool surface and dead corners such as tool grooves and cutting edges, avoiding the impact of impurities on the surface quality and machining accuracy of subsequent milling operations. At the same time, it pre-cleans the tool to be replaced to ensure stable operation after tool assembly.

[0017] 2. This CNC machining center uses an automatic tool changer. It features a second drive motor that drives the tool magazine turntable for tool selection, a second electric telescopic device that works with a tilting mechanism to achieve a 90° rotation of the tool magazine holder, and a first drive motor that drives the tool changer to rotate via gear transmission. The tool changer clamps both the workpiece and the tool to be changed simultaneously from both sides. This achieves fully automated tool selection, orientation change, clamping, handover, and separation, replacing the traditional manual tool change method. This significantly improves tool change efficiency, reduces operator workload, and the simultaneous clamping design allows for the handover of new and old tools in a single operation, effectively shortening tool change time and significantly enhancing the automation level and production efficiency of the CNC machining center.

[0018] 3. This CNC machining center uses an automatic tool changer. An automatic water circuit control structure, consisting of a water stop frame, water stop ring, support spring, and inlet / outlet water pipe interfaces, is installed inside the cleaning housing. When the tool descends and inserts into the cleaning housing, the inlet automatically opens and the outlet automatically closes, achieving water injection and pressure maintenance. After cleaning, when the tool ascends, the inlet automatically closes and the outlet automatically opens, allowing the cleaning water to drain automatically. The entire water circuit operation is synchronized with the tool's lifting and lowering movements, requiring no manual intervention. This prevents water leakage and ensures the tool is thoroughly soaked and cleaned, improving the automation and ease of operation of the cleaning process. Attached Figure Description

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

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the motion state of the tool changing mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the motion state of the tool changing mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the motion state of the tool changing mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 ; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tool changing mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the drive component structure provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7A partial structural diagram of a drive component provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the installation structure of the rotating rod and the limiting rod according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a tool magazine assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a tool magazine assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a cleaning mechanism structure provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a cleaning component provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a cleaning component provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a cleaning component provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ; Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a cleaning component provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 ; Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the installation structure of the wave guide block and cleaning component provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Legend: 10. Base; 11. Operating platform; 20. Milling mechanism; 21. Milling gripper; 30. Tool changing mechanism; 31. Drive assembly; 311. Drive housing; 312. First drive motor; 313. Drive gear; 314. Rotating rod; 3141. Limiting groove; 315. Driven gear; 316. Limiting rod; 317. First electric telescopic device; 32. Tool changing assembly; 321. Tool changing holder; 322. Tool changing fixture; 33. Tool magazine assembly; 331. Tool magazine disc; 332. Second drive motor; 333. Tool magazine turntable; 334. Tool magazine frame; 335. Fixing frame; 336. Tilting component; 3361. Mounting plate; 3362. Second electric telescopic device; 3363. Tilting component; 40. Cleaning mechanism; 41. Cleaning bracket; 42. Water supply assembly; 421. Water supply section; 422. Inlet pipe; 423. Outlet pipe; 43. Cleaning components; 431. Cleaning housing; 432. Water-stopping component; 4321. Water-stopping frame; 4322. Water-stopping ring; 4323. Support spring; 433. Wave guide block; 434. Drive motor; 435. Cleaning parts; 4351. Cleaning main rod; 4352. Elastic telescopic connecting rod; 4353. Cleaning connecting rod; 4354. Cleaning plate; 4355. Cleaning brush; 4356. Wave ball. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 16 An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center includes a base 10, an operating platform 11 mounted on the base 10, a milling mechanism 20 mounted on the base 10, and milling grippers 21 for holding the tool. It also includes a tool changing mechanism 30 and a cleaning mechanism 40 mounted on the base 10. The cleaning mechanism 40 includes a cleaning bracket 41 fixed to the base 10, with two sets of cleaning components 43 symmetrically mounted on the cleaning bracket 41. Each cleaning component 43 includes a cleaning housing 431 fixed to the cleaning bracket 41. A wave guide block 433 is fixedly mounted inside the cleaning housing 431, and a water-stopping component 432 is slidably mounted on the wave guide block 433. A drive motor 434 is fixed to the bottom of the cleaning housing 431, and the output end of the drive motor 434 extends into the cleaning housing 431 and is fixedly connected to the cleaning component 435. By activating the drive motor 434, the cleaning component 435 can be guided along the inner wall trajectory of the wave guide block 433 to perform alternating deep and shallow cleaning operations on the tool.

[0024] By integrating a cleaning mechanism 40 into the tool changing process, and driving the tool changer 321 after tool handover to simultaneously feed the machining tool and the tool to be replaced into the cleaning housing 431, the drive motor 434 drives the cleaning main rod 4351, the elastic telescopic connecting rod 4352 and the cleaning connecting rod 4353 to reciprocate along the inner wall of the wave guide block 433. This causes the cleaning brush 4355 to perform a compound cleaning action of alternating deep and shallow cleaning on the tool surface. At the same time, the micro-frequency impact vibration generated by the wave ball 4356 under the traction of the elastic rope achieves a triple synergistic cleaning of brushing, water rinsing and micro-vibration. This can thoroughly remove chips, oil and other impurities remaining on the tool surface and in dead corners such as tool grooves and cutting edges, avoiding the impact of impurities on the surface quality and machining accuracy of subsequent milling operations. At the same time, it pre-cleans the tool to be replaced to ensure stable operation after tool assembly.

[0025] Please see Figure 11 The cleaning mechanism 40 also includes a water circulation component 42, which includes a water circulation section 421 fixed on the base 10. The water circulation section 421 is connected to an inlet pipe 422 and an outlet pipe 423 respectively. The other ends of the inlet pipe 422 and the outlet pipe 423 are connected to the cleaning housing 431. The inlet pipe 422 and the outlet pipe 423 facilitate the injection and discharge of cleaning water.

[0026] Please see Figures 12 to 15 The water-stopping component 432 includes a water-stopping frame 4321 slidably mounted on the wave guide block 433. A water-stopping ring 4322 is fixed to the outer side of the lower end of the water-stopping frame 4321. The outer wall of the water-stopping ring 4322 is in close contact with the inner wall of the cleaning shell 431. A support spring 4323 is fixedly connected between the top of the water-stopping frame 4321 and the inner top wall of the cleaning shell 431. By setting an automatic water circuit on / off control structure consisting of the water-stopping frame 4321, the water-stopping ring 4322, the support spring 4323, and the inlet and outlet water pipes 423 interfaces in the cleaning shell 431, the water inlet is automatically opened and the outlet is closed when the cutter is inserted into the cleaning shell 431, realizing the injection of cleaning water and the pressure holding. When the cutter is cleaned and moves upward, the water inlet is automatically closed and the outlet is opened, realizing the automatic discharge of cleaning water. The entire water circuit on / off is synchronized with the cutter's lifting and lowering movements, without the need for manual intervention.

[0027] Please see Figures 13 to 16The cleaning component 435 includes a cleaning main rod 4351 fixed to the output end of the drive motor 434. Two elastic telescopic connecting rods 4352 are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the cleaning main rod 4351. The outer ends of the two elastic telescopic connecting rods 4352 are fixedly connected to the cleaning connecting rods 4353. One side of the cleaning connecting rods 4353 is in contact with the inner wall of the wave guide block 433. During operation, the elastic telescopic connecting rods 4352 continuously provide a clamping force, so that the cleaning connecting rods 4353 are always in contact with the inner wall of the wave guide block 433 and reciprocate along its wave trajectory. This causes the cleaning brush 4355 to continuously change the contact depth and cleaning force while rotating and cleaning, forming a compound cleaning action of alternating deep and shallow cleaning. This cleans the used machining tools and can thoroughly remove the chips, oil stains and other impurities attached to their surface, avoiding residual impurities from affecting the surface quality and machining accuracy of subsequent milling.

[0028] Please see Figures 13 to 15 A cleaning plate 4354 is fixedly installed on one side of the cleaning linkage 4353. A cleaning brush 4355 for cleaning knives is provided on the outer side of the cleaning plate 4354. The cleaning plate 4354 has a groove, and a wave ball 4356 is elastically connected to the groove via an elastic rope. As the cleaning linkage 4353 moves back and forth along the wave trajectory of the wave guide block 433, it will generate continuous undulations, which will drive the cleaning plate 4354 to shake synchronously. The wave ball 4356 on the cleaning plate 4354 will continuously oscillate back and forth under the traction of the elastic rope, and continuously generate micro-frequency impact vibrations on the cleaning plate 4354. The micro-vibrations generated by the impact of the wave ball 4356, combined with brushing and water rinsing, can effectively loosen and shake off the small iron filings and stubborn oil stains embedded in the knife grooves and edge gaps, further improving the deep cleaning ability, completely eliminating impurity residues, and effectively improving the cleaning quality of the knives.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 5 The tool changing mechanism 30 includes a drive assembly 31, a tool changing assembly 32 for changing tools is installed at the bottom of the drive assembly 31, and a tool magazine assembly 33 is fixedly mounted on the left side of the drive assembly 31. The tool changing assembly 32 and the tool magazine assembly 33 facilitate tool changing and further improve its applicability.

[0030] Please see Figures 5 to 7The drive assembly 31 includes a drive housing 311 fixed to the side wall of the base 10. A first drive motor 312 is fixed on the upper side of the drive housing 311. The output end of the first drive motor 312 extends into the drive housing 311 and is fixedly connected to the drive gear 313. A rotating rod 314 is rotatably mounted inside the drive housing 311. A driven gear 315 is fixedly mounted on the outer side of the rotating rod 314. The drive gear 313 and the driven gear 315 are meshed and connected. By starting the first drive motor 312, the first drive motor 312 drives the drive gear 313 to rotate. Through the meshing transmission between the drive gear 313 and the driven gear 315, the driven gear 315 and the rotating rod 314 are driven to rotate synchronously.

[0031] Please see Figures 6 to 8 A limiting rod 316 is slidably assembled inside the rotating rod 314. A first electric telescopic device 317 is fixed on the upper side of the drive housing 311. The telescopic end of the first electric telescopic device 317 extends into the rotating rod 314 and is rotatably connected to the limiting rod 316. A limiting groove 3141 is opened on the inner wall of the rotating rod 314. A limiting strip is provided on the outer wall of the limiting rod 316, and the limiting strip is slidably locked in the limiting groove 3141. A limiting strip is provided on the outer side of the limiting rod 316. The limiting strip and the limiting groove 3141 on the inner wall of the rotating rod 314 are mutually engaged to ensure that the rotating rod 314 can stably drive the limiting rod 316 and the tool changer 321 to rotate synchronously when rotating. At the same time, the telescopic end of the first electric telescopic device 317 and the limiting rod 316 are assembled in a rotatable connection form, so that when the limiting rod 316 rotates with the rotating rod 314, it will not cause torsional interference to the first electric telescopic device 317.

[0032] Please see Figures 9 to 10 The tool changing assembly 32 includes a tool changing holder 321 fixed to the lower end of the limiting rod 316. Both ends of the tool changing holder 321 are fixedly equipped with tool changing fixtures 322 for fixing and clamping the tools. When the tool changing holder 321 rotates, the tool changing fixtures 322 at both ends of it will respectively engage with the machining tools on the milling jaws 21 and the tools to be replaced on the tool magazine holder 334, and simultaneously clamp and fix the two tools. By adopting a double-sided synchronous clamping method, it can complete the synchronous gripping of the old and new tools in one action. The action coordination is strong, effectively shortening the tool handover time and further improving the overall tool changing efficiency.

[0033] Please see Figures 9 to 10The tool magazine assembly 33 includes a tool magazine disk 331 fixed to the side wall of the drive housing 311. A tool magazine turntable 333 is rotatably mounted inside the tool magazine disk 331. A second drive motor 332 is fixedly mounted on the outside of the tool magazine disk 331. The output shaft of the second drive motor 332 extends into the tool magazine disk 331 and is fixedly connected to the tool magazine turntable 333. Several sets of tool magazine holders 334 are evenly distributed in a ring on the tool magazine turntable 333. The tool magazine holders 334 are rotatably hinged to the tool magazine turntable 333 via torsion spring pins. Each set of tool magazine holders... Different specifications and models of machining tools are placed inside 334; a fixed frame 335 is fixedly mounted on the inner side wall of the drive housing 311, and a flipping component 336 for tilting and turning the tool magazine frame 334 is mounted on the fixed frame 335. The flipping component 336 includes a mounting plate 3361 fixed to the fixed frame 335, and a second electric telescopic device 3362 is mounted on the mounting plate 3361. The bottom of the second electric telescopic device 3362 is fixedly connected to the flipping component 3363 via a telescopic end. The flipping component 3363 and the tool magazine are connected. The tool magazine holder 334 is used to push the tool magazine holder 334 to rotate and align, enabling tool positioning and changing. By activating the second drive motor 332, the output shaft of the second drive motor 332 drives the tool magazine turntable 333 to rotate inside the tool magazine plate 331. The tool magazine turntable 333 synchronously drives each set of tool magazine holders 334 on it to rotate. Under the command and control of the CNC machining center control system, the second drive motor 332 drives the tool magazine turntable 333 to rotate until the preset type of tool to be replaced is transferred to the designated position below. After the machine stops at the workstation, the tool to be replaced is located directly below the flipping part 3363 of the flipping component 336. Then, the second electric telescopic device 3362 is activated, and its telescopic end pushes the flipping part 3363 downward. The flipping part 3363 continues to press down and comes into contact with the corresponding tool magazine holder 334. With the help of the downward pressure, the tool magazine holder 334, together with the tool to be replaced, rotates 90° relative to the tool magazine turntable 333 around the torsion spring pin, so that the tool magazine holder 334 and the tool change from a horizontal posture to a vertical posture, completing the tool changing preparation positioning.

[0034] Working principle: When the equipment needs to perform a tool change, the second drive motor 332 is started. The output shaft of the second drive motor 332 drives the tool magazine turntable 333 to rotate inside the tool magazine plate 331. The tool magazine turntable 333 synchronously drives each set of tool magazine holders 334 on it to rotate together. Under the command and control of the CNC machining center control system, the second drive motor 332 drives the tool magazine turntable 333 to rotate until the preset model of the tool to be changed is transferred to the designated station below, and then the machine stops. At this time, the tool to be changed is exactly under the flipping part 3363 of the flipping component 336. Then the second electric extension is started. The retractor 3362 pushes the flipping component 3363 downward, and the flipping component 3363 continues to press down and contact the corresponding tool magazine holder 334. With the help of the downward pressure, the tool magazine holder 334, together with the tool to be replaced, rotates 90° relative to the tool magazine turntable 333 around the torsion spring pin, so that the tool magazine holder 334 and the tool change from a horizontal posture to a vertical posture, completing the tool change preparation positioning. Through this structure, the tool can be automatically selected and the posture flipping positioning can be realized. At the same time, the action is smooth and orderly. Relying on the precise control of the program, the target tool can be quickly switched to the working position, effectively improving the efficiency of the tool change preparation. After the tool posture adjustment is completed, the first drive motor 312 is started. The first drive motor 312 drives the drive gear 313 to rotate. Through the meshing transmission between the drive gear 313 and the driven gear 315, the driven gear 315 and the rotating rod 314 are driven to rotate synchronously. The rotating rod 314 drives the limiting rod 316 and the tool changer 321 to rotate 90° together through the limiting structure and then stops. After the tool changer 321 rotates into place, the tool changer 322 at both ends of the tool changer 321 respectively connects to the machining tool on the milling jaw 21 and the tool to be replaced on the tool magazine 334, and simultaneously clamps and fixes the two tools. By adopting the double-sided synchronous clamping method, it can complete the synchronous gripping of the new and old tools in one action. The action coordination is strong, effectively shortening the tool handover time and further improving the overall tool changing efficiency. After the tool clamping is completed, the first electric telescopic device 317 is activated. Its telescopic end pushes the limit rod 316 downward. The limit rod 316 simultaneously drives the tool changer 321 and the tools clamped at both ends to move downward as a whole, so that the machining tool is disengaged from the milling jaw 21 and the tool to be replaced is disengaged from the tool magazine 334, realizing the complete separation of the tool from the original clamping structure. In addition, the limit rod 316 is provided with a limit strip on the outside. The limit strip and the limit groove 3141 on the inner wall of the rotating rod 314 are mutually engaged to ensure that the rotating rod 314 can stably drive the limit rod 316 and the tool changer 321 to rotate synchronously when rotating. At the same time, the telescopic end of the first electric telescopic device 317 and the limit rod 316 are assembled in a rotating connection form, so that when the limit rod 316 rotates with the rotating rod 314, it will not cause torsional interference to the first electric telescopic device 317. Through this setting, it can not only ensure the reliable transmission of power and action, but also avoid the influence of rotational motion on linear drive components, reduce the risk of mechanism jamming and component wear, and improve the operational stability and service life of the device. Simultaneously, the first drive motor 312 is activated. Through the linkage transmission of the drive gear 313, driven gear 315, rotating rod 314, and limiting rod 316, the limiting rod 316 is driven to rotate the tool changer 321 another 90°, causing the machining tool held by the tool changer 321 and the tool to be replaced to move together to directly above the cleaning housing 431 of the cleaning mechanism 40. Then, the first electric telescopic device 317 is activated, and its telescopic end drives the tool changer 321 and the tools on both sides to move down synchronously, so that the two tools are inserted into the corresponding cleaning housings 431 respectively. As the tools continue to move down, their top mounting structure presses against the water stop frame 4321 and carries... When the water stop frame 4321 moves downward, the tension support spring 4323 completes elastic energy storage. Simultaneously, the water stop frame 4321 drives the water stop ring 4322 to move downward, causing the water stop ring 4322 to disengage from the water inlet pipe 422 interface. The water inlet opens, and the drive water pump in the water passage section 421 can inject cleaning water into the cleaning shell 431 through the water inlet pipe 422. At the same time, the downward-moving water stop ring 4322 blocks the water outlet pipe 423 interface, achieving water outlet sealing and preventing cleaning water leakage. This setting can control the water flow and close the drain outlet simultaneously during the water injection stage, which can prevent cleaning water leakage and ensure that the blade is fully soaked and cleaned. Then, the drive motor 434 is started, and its output end drives the cleaning main rod 4351 to rotate. The cleaning main rod 4351 synchronously drives the elastic telescopic connecting rod 4352 and the cleaning connecting rod 4353 to rotate together, thereby driving the cleaning plate 4354 and the cleaning brush 4355 to clean the tool surface. During the operation, the elastic telescopic connecting rod 4352 continuously provides a clamping force, so that the cleaning connecting rod 4353 always adheres to the inner wall of the wave guide block 433 and moves back and forth along its wave trajectory. This allows the cleaning brush 4355 to continuously change the contact depth and cleaning force while rotating and cleaning, forming a compound cleaning action of alternating deep and shallow cleaning. This cleans the used machining tools, thoroughly removing chips, oil and other impurities attached to their surface, avoiding residual impurities from affecting the surface quality and machining accuracy of subsequent milling. Pre-cleaning the tools to be replaced can remove dust and debris that have been picked up during storage and transportation, ensuring the tools are properly cleaned. After assembly, the equipment operates smoothly. Utilizing a wave trajectory and elastic structure, it achieves variable-amplitude cleaning, reaching deep into tool grooves, cutting edges, and other hard-to-reach areas for thorough cleaning. New and old tools are cleaned simultaneously, preventing impurities from interfering with the processing steps at the source, effectively improving finished product quality and equipment stability. Furthermore, the cleaning linkage 4353, moving back and forth along the wave trajectory of the wave guide block 433, generates continuous undulations, causing the cleaning plate 4354 to shake synchronously. This causes the wave ball 4356 on the cleaning plate 4354 to continuously oscillate under the traction of the elastic rope, constantly generating micro-frequency impact vibrations on the cleaning plate 4354. The micro-vibrations generated by the impact of the wave ball 4356, combined with brushing and water rinsing, effectively loosen and dislodge small iron filings and stubborn oil stains embedded in the tool grooves and cutting edge gaps, further enhancing deep cleaning capabilities, completely eliminating impurity residue, and effectively improving tool cleaning quality. After the tool cleaning operation is completed, the first electric telescopic device 317 is activated. Its telescopic end drives the tool changer 321 and the tools on both sides to move upward synchronously. After moving to the designated position, it stops. During the upward movement of the tool, the support spring 4323 releases its elastic force, driving the water stop frame 4321 and the water stop ring 4322 to move upward together. The water stop ring 4322 re-fits and seals the water inlet of the water inlet pipe 422, and at the same time disengages from the water outlet of the water outlet pipe 423. The cleaning water in the cleaning shell 431 can then be discharged out through the water outlet pipe 423. With this setting, the water circuit can be automatically shut off and drained after the cleaning process is completed, realizing the synchronous coordination between the water circuit opening and closing and the tool movement, without the need for manual intervention. Then, the first drive motor 312 is started. Relying on the transmission cooperation of the driving gear 313, driven gear 315, rotating rod 314 and limiting rod 316, the tool changer 321 is rotated 90°, so that the used machining tool is moved to the bottom of the tool magazine 334 and the tool to be used is moved to the bottom of the milling chuck 21. The first electric telescopic device 317 is started again, which drives the tool changer 321 and the tools on both sides to continue to move upward, and the used machining tool is inserted into the tool magazine 334. At the same time, the tool to be replaced is clamped onto the milling chuck 21, completing the process. The tool is automatically changed. After the tool change is completed, the first drive motor 312 rotates in reverse, driving the tool changer 321 to rotate 90° to reset. The second electric telescopic device 3362 synchronously drives the flipping part 3363 to move upward, releasing the limit on the tool magazine holder 334. The tool magazine holder 334 resets from a vertical state to a horizontal state under the action of the torsion spring pin. This setting enables the tool change and reset process to be completed automatically throughout the entire process, greatly improving the tool change efficiency. At the same time, the automatic reset of the tool magazine holder 334 can stably store the tool, improving the overall reliability and safety of the device.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center, comprising a base (10), a milling mechanism (20) mounted on the base (10), and milling grippers (21) for holding the tool, characterized in that: It also includes a tool changing mechanism (30) and a cleaning mechanism (40) mounted on the machine base (10). The cleaning mechanism (40) includes a cleaning bracket (41) fixed on the base (10), and two sets of cleaning components (43) are symmetrically installed on the cleaning bracket (41). The cleaning component (43) includes a cleaning housing (431) fixed on a cleaning bracket (41). A wave guide block (433) is fixedly installed inside the cleaning housing (431). A water-stopping component (432) is slidably installed on the wave guide block (433). A drive motor (434) is fixed at the bottom of the cleaning housing (431). The output end of the drive motor (434) extends into the cleaning housing (431) and is fixedly connected to the cleaning component (435). By starting the drive motor (434), the cleaning component (435) can be driven to move along the trajectory of the inner wall of the wave guide block (433) to perform a compound cleaning operation of alternating deep and shallow cleaning on the blade.

2. The automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water-stopping component (432) includes a water-stopping frame (4321) slidably mounted on the wave guide block (433). A water-stopping ring (4322) is fixed on the outer side of the lower end of the water-stopping frame (4321). The outer wall of the water-stopping ring (4322) is in close contact with the inner wall of the cleaning shell (431). A support spring (4323) is fixedly connected between the top of the water-stopping frame (4321) and the inner top wall of the cleaning shell (431).

3. The automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning component (435) includes a cleaning main rod (4351) fixed to the output end of the drive motor (434). Two elastic telescopic connecting rods (4352) are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the cleaning main rod (4351). The outer ends of the two elastic telescopic connecting rods (4352) are fixedly connected to the cleaning connecting rod (4353). One side of the cleaning connecting rod (4353) is in contact with the inner wall of the wave guide block (433).

4. The automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 3, characterized in that: A cleaning plate (4354) is fixedly installed on one side of the cleaning link (4353). A cleaning brush (4355) for cleaning the blade is provided on the outside of the cleaning plate (4354). The cleaning plate (4354) has a groove, and a bouncy ball (4356) is elastically connected to the groove by an elastic rope.

5. The automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool changing mechanism (30) includes a drive assembly (31), and a tool changing assembly (32) for changing tools is installed at the bottom of the drive assembly (31). A tool magazine assembly (33) is fixedly installed on the left side of the drive assembly (31).

6. An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 5, characterized in that: The drive assembly (31) includes a drive housing (311) fixed to the side wall of the base (10). A first drive motor (312) is fixed on the upper side of the drive housing (311). The output end of the first drive motor (312) extends into the drive housing (311) and is fixedly connected to the drive gear (313). A rotating rod (314) is rotatably mounted inside the drive housing (311). A driven gear (315) is fixedly installed on the outer side of the rotating rod (314).

7. An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating rod (314) is slidably fitted with a limiting rod (316), and a first electric telescopic device (317) is fixed on the upper side of the drive housing (311). The telescopic end of the first electric telescopic device (317) extends into the rotating rod (314) and is rotatably connected with the limiting rod (316).

8. An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tool changing assembly (32) includes a tool changing frame (321) fixed to the lower end of the limiting rod (316), and both ends of the tool changing frame (321) are fixedly equipped with tool changing fixtures (322) for fixing and clamping the tool.

9. An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tool magazine assembly (33) includes a tool magazine disk (331) fixed to the side wall of the drive housing (311). A tool magazine turntable (333) is rotatably mounted inside the tool magazine disk (331). A second drive motor (332) is fixedly installed on the outside of the tool magazine disk (331). The output shaft of the second drive motor (332) extends into the tool magazine disk (331) and is fixedly connected to the tool magazine turntable (333). Several sets of tool magazine holders (334) are distributed in a ring at equal intervals on the tool magazine turntable (333). The tool magazine holders (334) are rotatably hinged to the tool magazine turntable (333) through torsion spring pins. Different specifications and models of machining tools are placed in each set of tool magazine holders (334).

10. An automatic tool changer for a CNC machining center according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the drive housing (311) is fixedly fitted with a fixing frame (335), and a flipping component (336) is fitted on the fixing frame (335). The flipping component (336) includes a mounting plate (3361), and a second electric telescopic device (3362) is installed on the mounting plate (3361). The bottom of the second electric telescopic device (3362) is fixedly connected to the flipping component (3363) by means of the telescopic end.

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