Tool changing mechanism of horizontal machining center

Through the improved tool changer and clip assembly design, efficient and stable tool replacement of horizontal machining centers is achieved, solving the problems of low efficiency and unstable clamping of traditional tool changers, and improving machining accuracy and continuity.

CN223251152UActive Publication Date: 2025-08-22JIANGSU JINGRUN CNC TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422660827.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-01
Publication Date
2025-08-22
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The tool changer mechanism of the existing horizontal machining center is inefficient, unstable tool clamping and difficult maintenance, which affects machining accuracy and continuity.

Method used

The innovatively designed tool changer, lifting drive, indexing control assembly and clipping tool assembly are adopted to drive the indexing rotation of the tool magazine disc through the first indexing servo, combining the lifting drive and clipping tool assembly to achieve efficient and stable tool replacement.

Benefits of technology

It improves tool change efficiency and tool clamping stability, reduces errors caused by mechanical action deviations, and improves the working efficiency and safety of the machining center.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a tool changing mechanism of a horizontal machining center. The tool changing mechanism comprises a tool changing frame, a lifting driving piece, an indexing control assembly, a tool clamping assembly and a first indexing steering engine fixed to the surface of the tool changing frame. The output end of the first indexing steering engine is fixedly connected with a tool magazine disc, and a plurality of tool clamping lugs evenly distributed in the circumferential direction are arranged on the surface of the tool magazine disc. The lifting driving part comprises a sliding guide groove, a lead screw assembly, a sliding sleeve base and a platen base, the sliding guide groove is fixedly formed in the surface of the tool changing frame, and the lead screw assembly is arranged on the surface of the sliding guide groove. According to the utility model, the quick indexing control of the cutter is realized through the rotating arm and the second indexing steering engine, so that each action in the cutter changing process is more accurate, the position adjusting time in the cutter changing process is shortened, and the cutter changing efficiency is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of numerical control machining, in particular to a tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center. Background Art

[0002] In existing horizontal machining centers, tool changing mechanisms usually use a robot or tool disc to clamp the tool for tool changing operations. Traditional tool changing mechanisms are mostly fixed tool magazine disc structures. The tool to be replaced is removed from the spindle of the machining center through the action of a robotic arm or manipulator, and a new tool is selected from the tool magazine disc for clamping and replacement is completed. However, this type of traditional tool changing system has the following typical structures: including a fixed tool magazine disc, a robotic arm, and an indexing drive device, which usually requires multiple independent components to cooperate to complete the tool changing work. During the tool changing process, due to the limitations of the tool magazine disc structure, the movement of the robotic arm is relatively complex, requiring precise positioning and movement, resulting in low tool changing efficiency.

[0003] For the application scenarios of machining centers, traditional tool changing systems usually have the following shortcomings:

[0004] Tool changing efficiency: Traditional tool changing mechanisms require multiple actions to remove the tool to be changed from the spindle, and then select the new tool for replacement by moving the tool magazine disc. In actual operation, the tool changing time is prone to be long, especially when multiple tools are frequently switched, and the efficiency is low.

[0005] Tool clamping reliability: The robot clamping method in the traditional tool changing mechanism may cause unstable tool clamping due to factors such as vibration in the processing environment and inaccurate operation, or even loosen during the tool changing process, affecting the processing accuracy and safety.

[0006] Maintenance difficulties: The coordination of multiple independent movements and components increases the difficulty of maintenance. In particular, when problems arise with the tool magazine, the machine must be shut down for adjustment, further impacting the continuity and overall operating efficiency of the machining center. In light of this, research and improvements have been conducted to address existing issues, providing a horizontal machining center tool changing mechanism to address these issues. This technology aims to resolve these issues and improve practical value. Utility Model Content

[0007] The utility model relates to a tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center, which realizes efficient and stable tool changing operation through innovative structural design.

[0008] The cam is fixedly mounted on the workbench, and the cam is secured to the workbench with a plurality of movable lids disposed on the workbench. The cam is secured to the workbench with a plurality of movable lids disposed on the workbench. The cam is secured to the workbench with a plurality of movable lids disposed on the workbench. By adopting the above technical solution, the utility model drives the tool magazine disc to rotate by indexing through the first indexing servo, transfers the specified tool to the operating position, and performs the clamping operation by the lifting control of the lifting drive component. Combined with the indexing control component and the tool clamping component, an efficient tool changing process is realized, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of tool switching.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured as follows: the surface of the sliding sleeve is provided with a slot for inserting the platen seat, the surface of the platen seat is provided with a screw hole that is sleeved onto the surface of the screw assembly, and one end of the platen seat extends through the surface of the sliding sleeve and is sleeved onto the surface of the screw assembly. By adopting the above technical solution, this design ensures a stable connection between the platen seat and the screw assembly, accurately positioning and transmitting operating force during the lifting operation of the lifting drive, and ensuring smooth tool changing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that the sleeve seat is slidably coupled to the surface of the guide groove and slides vertically. By adopting the above technical solution, the vertical sliding arrangement ensures smooth up and down movement of the sleeve seat during operation of the lifting drive, enabling precise clamping and release of the tool.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that the first indexing servo drives the tool magazine disc to index rotation, with the indexing angle being the same as the tool clamping lug arrangement angle. By employing the above technical solution, this design enables the first indexing servo to precisely control the indexing rotation of the tool magazine disc, ensuring that each tool change moves the in-use tool to the correct position, effectively reducing time wasted during tool changes.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured as follows: the tool clamping assembly includes a fixed clamping seat, a drive rod, and a plurality of chuck rods; the fixed clamping seat is fixed to the top surface of the drive rod and is provided with a fixed ear piece on the top surface of the fixed ear piece; the top end of the fixed ear piece is movably connected to a connecting ear; the top end of the connecting ear is movably connected to the surface of the chuck rod; the output end of the drive rod passes through the fixed clamping seat and is movably connected to the surface of the chuck rod. By adopting the above technical solution, through the combined design of the fixed clamping seat, the drive rod, and the chuck rod, the clamping assembly can stably grasp and release the tool, while ensuring uniform distribution of the clamping force during the replacement operation, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of tool replacement.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention can be further configured such that a plurality of collet rods are evenly distributed circumferentially on the surface of the fixed clamping base, each of the collet rods having a groove for clamping a tool. By adopting the above technical solution, this evenly distributed circumferential design ensures that the multiple collet rods can stably clamp the tool in different positions, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of tool changing operations.

[0014] To sum up, the utility model realizes fast and accurate tool changing operation through the improved design of the indexing control system and the tool clamping assembly, combined with the lifting drive of the lifting drive component, thereby improving the working efficiency of the horizontal machining center and the stability of tool switching.

[0015] The beneficial effects achieved by the utility model are:

[0016] 1. In the present invention, the rapid indexing control of the tool is achieved through the rotating arm and the second indexing servo, making each action in the tool changing process more precise, reducing the position adjustment time during the tool changing process, and improving the tool changing efficiency.

[0017] 2. In this utility model, the lifting and control design of the lifting drive improves the stability of the tool during the clamping process, ensuring precise positioning and clamping of the tool and reducing errors caused by mechanical deviations. At the same time, the coordinated action of the collet rod clamping assembly effectively improves the speed and reliability of tool changes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an indexing control assembly and a knife clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a knife clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a drive rod and a chuck rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 100, tool changer; 110, first indexing servo; 120, tool magazine plate; 121, tool clamping ear; 200, lifting drive member; 210, guide groove; 220, screw rod assembly; 230, sleeve seat; 240, table seat; 241, screw sleeve hole; 300, indexing control assembly; 310, rotating arm; 311, second indexing servo; 400, tool clamping assembly; 410, fixed clamp seat; 420, driving rod; 430, chuck rod; 411, fixed ear member; 412, connecting ear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention and the features therein can be combined with each other unless there is any conflict.

[0025] It should be understood that these descriptions are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0026] The following is combined with Figure 1-Figure 4 Some embodiments of the present invention provide a tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] The present embodiment provides a tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center, comprising: a tool changing frame 100, a lifting drive 200, an indexing control assembly 300, a tool clamping assembly 400, and a first indexing servo 110 fixed to the surface of the tool changing frame 100. The output end of the first indexing servo 110 is fixedly connected to a tool magazine disc 120, and the surface of the tool magazine disc 120 is provided with a plurality of tool clamping ears 121 evenly distributed in a circumferential direction. The lifting drive 200 comprises a guide groove 210, a screw assembly 220, a sleeve seat 230 and a table seat 240, wherein the guide groove 210 is fixedly mounted on the surface of the tool changing frame 100, the screw assembly 220 is arranged on the surface of the guide groove 210, the sleeve seat 230 is slidably mounted on the surface of the guide groove 210, and the table seat 240 is arranged perpendicular to the surface of the sleeve seat 230. The indexing control assembly 300 includes a rotating arm 310 and a second indexing servo 311 fixed to the surface of the table base 240. The output end of the second indexing servo 311 is fixedly connected to the center axis of the rotating arm 310, driving the rotating arm 310 to deflect 180 degrees. There are two tool clamping assemblies 400, fixed at each end of the top surface of the rotating arm 310, for clamping the tool.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first indexing servo 110 drives the tool magazine disc 120 to index and rotate, moving the designated tool to the operating position. The lift drive 200 controls the guide slot 210 and the screw assembly 220 to achieve the lifting motion, ensuring accurate tool clamping. The indexing control assembly 300 and the tool clamping assembly 400 work together to achieve dual-end tool exchange, making the entire process efficient and reliable.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] Further improving upon Example 1, this embodiment features a tool change mechanism with a slot on the surface of the sleeve seat 230 for the table seat 240. The surface of the table seat 240 is provided with a threaded hole 241 for receiving the screw assembly 220. One end of the table seat 240 extends through the surface of the sleeve seat 230 to engage the screw assembly 220. This design provides more stable support for the table seat 240, ensuring smooth operation during tool changes.

[0032] In addition, in this embodiment, the knife clamping assembly 400 includes a fixed clamping seat 410, a driving rod 420 and a plurality of chuck rods 430. The fixed clamping seat 410 is fixed to the top surface of the driving rod 420, and the top surface of the fixed clamping seat 410 is provided with a fixed ear piece 411. The top end of the fixed ear piece 411 is movably connected to a connecting ear 412, and the top end of the connecting ear 412 is movably connected to the surface of the chuck rod 430. The output end of the driving rod 420 passes through the fixed clamping seat 410 and is movably connected to the surface of the chuck rod 430. The plurality of chuck rods 430 are evenly distributed on the surface of the fixed clamping seat 410 in a circumferential direction, and each chuck rod 430 is provided with a clamping groove.

[0033] In this embodiment, by optimizing the design of the tool clamp assembly 400, each collet rod 430 can stably clamp the tool while providing excellent clamping force distribution, ensuring quick and precise tool changes. This ensures stable operation, regardless of frequent tool changes or long-term continuous operation.

[0034] During use, the operator loads various tools onto the tool magazine tray 120, indexes the first indexing servo 110 to move the target tool to the tool change position, and controls the clamping and releasing of the tool clamping assembly 400 by the lifting and lowering motion of the lift drive 200. The indexing control assembly 300 drives the rotating arm 310 to rotate, accurately docking the tool to be replaced at the operating position, enabling rapid tool replacement.

[0035] The design of the utility model makes the tool changing operation efficient and accurate, which not only improves the processing efficiency, but also ensures the stability of the tool during the processing and reduces the downtime caused by improper tool changing.

[0036] The working principle and use process of this utility model:

[0037] On the surface of the tool magazine disc 120, various tools of different specifications are clamped and stored by each tool magazine disc 120. Under the indexing drive of the first indexing servo 110, the tools of corresponding specifications can be transferred to the top of the tool clamping assembly 400. At one end, the tool clamping assembly 400 corresponds to the position of the tool to be replaced. At the other end of the surface of the indexing control assembly 300, the tool clamping assembly 400 is opposite to the position of the tool head of the horizontal machining center. Under the control of the lifting drive 200, the two tool clamping assemblies 400 are lifted up so that they are connected to the two tool surfaces. The tool is clamped by the chuck rod 430 under the drive of the driving rod 420, and the indexing control assembly 300 and the tool clamping assembly 400 are driven downward by the lifting driving component 200 to realize the removal of the two tools. After the positions of the two tool clamping assemblies 400 and the tools are replaced under the drive of the second indexing servo 311, the tool clamped on the surface of the tool clamping assembly 400 is sent to the tool magazine disk 120 for clamping and to the output end of the horizontal machining center through the lifting movement of the lifting driving component 200, completing the entire tool changing operation.

[0038] Throughout this specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "specific embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative uses of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center, characterized in that: include: A tool changer (100), a lifting drive member (200), an indexing control assembly (300), a tool clamping assembly (400), and a first indexing servo (110) fixed to the surface of the tool changer (100), wherein an output end of the first indexing servo (110) is fixedly connected to a tool magazine disc (120), and a surface of the tool magazine disc (120) is provided with a plurality of tool clamping ears (121) uniformly distributed in a circumferential direction; The lifting drive member (200) includes a guide groove (210), a screw assembly (220), a sleeve seat (230) and a table seat (240), wherein the guide groove (210) is fixedly mounted on the surface of the tool changer (100), the screw assembly (220) is arranged on the surface of the guide groove (210), the sleeve seat (230) is slidably mounted on the surface of the guide groove (210), and the table seat (240) is arranged perpendicular to the surface of the sleeve seat (230). The indexing control assembly (300) includes a rotating arm (310) and a second indexing servo (311) fixed to the surface of the table seat (240), the output end of the second indexing servo (311) is fixedly connected to the center axis point of the rotating arm (310) for driving the rotating arm (310) to deflect 180 degrees. The number of the tool clamping assemblies (400) is two and they are respectively fixed to the two ends of the top surface of the rotating arm (310) for clamping the tool.

2. A tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the sliding sleeve seat (230) is provided with a socket groove for the table seat (240), and the surface of the table seat (240) is provided with a screw sleeve hole (241) that is sleeved on the surface of the screw rod assembly (220). One end of the table seat (240) passes through the surface of the sliding sleeve seat (230) and is sleeved and connected to the surface of the screw rod assembly (220).

3. The tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding sleeve seat (230) is slidably sleeved on the surface of the sliding guide groove (210) and is arranged in a vertical sliding direction.

4. The tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first indexing servo (110) is used to drive the tool magazine disc (120) to index and rotate, and the indexing amount is the same as the arrangement angle of the tool clamping lug (121).

5. The tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knife clamping assembly (400) includes a fixed clamping seat (410), a driving rod (420) and a plurality of chuck rods (430), wherein the fixed clamping seat (410) is fixed to the top surface of the driving rod (420) and the top surface of the fixed clamping seat (410) is provided with a fixed ear piece (411), the top end of the fixed ear piece (411) is movably connected to a connecting ear (412), the top end of the connecting ear (412) is movably connected to the surface of the chuck rod (430), and the output end of the driving rod (420) passes through the fixed clamping seat (410) and is movably connected to the surface of the chuck rod (430).

6. The tool changing mechanism for a horizontal machining center according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of the chuck rods (430) are evenly distributed on the surface of the fixed chuck seat (410) in a circumferential direction, and a chuck groove for clamping a tool is provided on the surface of the chuck rods (430).