Convenient maintenance design structure for high-reliability modular ATC tool changing
The tool changing structure with its modular split cover design solves the problems of long downtime and the risk of accidental contact with precision parts during tool changing in existing machining centers, enabling fast and safe tool changing and improving production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 顿悦机械科技(宜兴)有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
The existing tool changing mechanism of the machining center requires opening the entire tool changing box when replacing a damaged tool, which leads to prolonged equipment downtime, affects production efficiency, and restricts operating space, making it easy to cause the risk of accidental contact with precision transmission components.
It adopts a modular split cover design, including an upper fixed cover and a lower fixed cover, which are fixed to the box cover by locking devices to form a semi-open maintenance window. The tool can be replaced simply by lifting the upper fixed cover, keeping the precision parts in the protected area.
It enables quick and safe tool replacement, reduces equipment downtime, improves production efficiency, and reduces the risk of accidental contact with precision components.
Smart Images

Figure CN224209539U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of machining center technology, specifically relating to a convenient maintenance design structure for a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer. Background Technology
[0002] Machining centers evolved from CNC milling machines. The biggest difference between them is that machining centers have the ability to automatically change machining tools. By installing tools for different purposes on the tool magazine, the machining tools on the spindle can be changed in one setup through an automatic tool changer, realizing multiple machining functions. CNC machining centers are high-efficiency automated machine tools suitable for machining complex parts, composed of mechanical equipment and CNC systems. An existing application (application number 202222939940.X) describes an automatic tool changer structure for a machining center, comprising a tool changer box and a tool changer mechanism. A movable cover is movably mounted on the top of the tool changer box. The tool changer mechanism includes a servo motor fixedly mounted in the center of the top of the movable cover. The output shaft of the servo motor is driven by a drive shaft that extends through the movable cover and into the tool changer box. A cam is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drive shaft. Movable springs are fixedly mounted around the inside of the tool changer box. This invention allows for easy replacement of a damaged tool by opening the movable cover, twisting the limiting hole to separate it from the threaded hole, and then removing the damaged tool and easily replacing it with a new one. However, replacing a single damaged tool requires opening the entire tool changer box, which is cumbersome and prolongs equipment downtime, significantly impacting efficiency, especially in multi-variety, small-batch production. Furthermore, the tool changer requires complete exposure of the tool changer box's interior, limiting operating space and increasing the risk of accidental contact with precision transmission components (such as cams and movable springs), potentially leading to secondary malfunctions. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the aforementioned shortcomings in the existing technology, this utility model provides a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer with convenient maintenance design structure, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background technology.
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a convenient maintenance design structure for a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer, including a tool changer box, the tool changer box including a box cover and a box body, the box cover being fixedly installed on the upper part of the box body, the box cover being provided with a connecting boss, the connecting boss being hinged to the upper fixed cover through a hinge part, a servo motor being provided in the middle of the box cover, the servo motor drive shaft extending through the box cover into the interior of the box body, and a cam being connected to the bottom end of the drive shaft;
[0005] It also includes a telescopic part, which includes a movable block and a telescopic rod. The movable block has a T-shaped groove, and the T-shaped groove is movably connected to a T-shaped block at the end of the cutter. The movable block is connected to the inner wall of the box through a spring. One end of the telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the movable block, and the other end passes through the inner wall of the box and extends to the outside. A limit block is provided at the extended end.
[0006] Preferably, a limiting hole is provided on the T-shaped block at the end of the tool, and a limiting member is connected to the limiting hole. The limiting member is used to fix the end of the tool in the T-shaped groove.
[0007] Preferably, the bottom of the T-shaped groove on the movable block has a connecting hole for connecting a limiting member.
[0008] Preferably, a driving device is installed at the bottom of the box body, and the driving device is used to drive the tool changer box to the workpiece processing position.
[0009] Preferably, the upper fixed cover is connected to the lower fixed cover, the lower fixed cover is fixed to the outer wall of the box, and the upper fixed cover is fixed to the box cover by a locking member.
[0010] Preferably, the springs are provided in groups of two, with each group consisting of two springs that are symmetrically distributed.
[0011] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:
[0012] The design features an upper fixed cover connected to a lower fixed cover. The lower fixed cover is fixed to the outer wall of the box, while the upper fixed cover is hinged to the box cover and fixed to the box cover by a locking device. The modular split cover design (upper fixed cover hinged + lower fixed cover fixed) forms a semi-open maintenance window. When changing tools, only the upper fixed cover needs to be lifted, keeping the lower half of the box closed, so that precision components such as cams and drive shafts are still within the protected area. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention (view 1);
[0014] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention (viewpoint two);
[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model.
[0016] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include:
[0017] 1-Tool changer box, 11-Box cover, 12-Box body, 2-Servo motor, 3-Drive device, 4-Tool, 41-T-block, 42-Limiting component, 5-Fixing part, 51-Upper fixing cover, 52-Lower fixing cover, 53-Hinge part, 54-Connecting boss, 55-Locking component, 6-Telescopic part, 61-Moving block, 62-Telescopic rod, 63-Spring, 7-Cam. Detailed Implementation
[0018] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand this utility model, the technical solution of this utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0019] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual images. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.
[0020] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0021] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" or similar designation indicating the connection relationship between components should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0022] like Figure 1-3As shown, this utility model discloses a convenient maintenance design structure for a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer, including a tool changer box 1. The tool changer box 1 includes a box cover 11 and a box body 12. The box cover 11 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the box body 12. The box cover 11 is provided with a connecting boss 54, which is hinged to the upper fixed cover 51 through a hinge part 53. A servo motor 2 is provided in the middle of the box cover 11. The drive shaft of the servo motor 2 passes through the box cover 11 and extends into the interior of the box body 12. The bottom end of the drive shaft is connected to a cam 7. The box also includes a telescopic part 6, which includes a movable block 61 and a telescopic rod 62. The movable block 61 has a T-shaped groove, which is movably connected to the T-shaped block at the end of the tool 4. The movable block 61 is connected to the inner wall of the box body 12 through a spring 63. One end of the telescopic rod 62 is fixedly connected to the movable block 61, and the other end passes through the inner wall of the box body 12 and extends to the outside. A limit block is provided at the extended end.
[0023] The connecting boss 54 is set around the servo motor 2. Opening the upper fixed cover 51 will not interfere with the motor 2. The servo motor 2 is fixedly installed on the cover 11. The cover 11 has a through hole in the middle that allows the drive shaft of the servo motor 2 to be inserted.
[0024] Furthermore, a limiting hole is provided on the T-shaped block at the end of the tool 4, and the limiting hole is connected to a limiting member 42, which is used to fix the end of the tool 4 in the T-shaped groove.
[0025] The T-block and the cutter 4 are fixedly connected, and the limiting hole and the limiting part 42 are threadedly connected. The limiting hole is a through hole and has the same specifications as the hole at the bottom of the T-slot.
[0026] Furthermore, the bottom of the T-shaped groove on the movable block 61 has a connecting hole for connecting the limiting member 42.
[0027] Furthermore, a drive device 3 is installed at the bottom of the box 12, which is used to drive the tool changer box 1 to the workpiece processing position.
[0028] Furthermore, the upper fixed cover 51 is connected to the lower fixed cover 52, the lower fixed cover 52 is fixed to the outer wall of the box body 12, and the upper fixed cover 51 is fixed to the box cover 11 by the locking member 55.
[0029] Furthermore, the springs 63 are provided in four groups, with two springs in each group and symmetrically distributed.
[0030] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When the tool 4 needs to be replaced, the drive device 3 is first started through the program, which drives the tool changer box 1 to rotate the target tool to the corresponding position of the workpiece; then the first servo motor 2 drives the cam 7 to rotate, and the end of the cam pushes the tool 4 to be used out of the tool changer box 1. At the same time, the tool to be replaced automatically retracts into the box body 11 under the action of the spring 63. If the damaged tool needs to be replaced, first loosen the locking part 55 to open the upper fixed cover 51 around the hinge part 53. After releasing the constraint of the limiting part 42, the tool can be taken out along the T-slot for replacement.
[0031] The above are merely embodiments of this utility model. The circuits, electronic components, and modules involved are all prior art, fully achievable by those skilled in the art, and require no further explanation. The content protected by this application does not involve improvements to the software or methods. Commonly known structures and characteristics in the solution are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field to which this utility model pertains prior to the application date or priority date, are able to access all existing technologies in that field, and possess the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, under the guidance of this application, improve and implement this solution in conjunction with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent.
Claims
1. A convenient maintenance design structure for a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer, comprising a tool changer box (1), characterized in that: The tool changer box (1) includes a cover (11) and a body (12). The cover (11) is fixedly installed on the upper part of the body (12). A connecting boss (54) is provided on the cover (11). The connecting boss (54) is hinged to the upper fixed cover (51) through a hinge (53). A servo motor (2) is provided in the middle of the cover (11). The drive shaft of the servo motor (2) extends through the cover (11) into the interior of the body (12), and a cam (7) is connected to the bottom end of the drive shaft. It also includes a telescopic part (6), which includes a movable block (61) and a telescopic rod (62). The movable block (61) has a T-shaped groove, and the T-shaped groove is movably connected to the T-shaped block at the end of the cutter (4). The movable block (61) is connected to the inner wall of the box body (12) by a spring (63). One end of the telescopic rod (62) is fixedly connected to the movable block (61), and the other end passes through the inner wall of the box body (12) and extends to the outside. A limit block is provided at the extended end.
2. The convenient maintenance design structure of a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting hole is provided on the T-shaped block at the end of the cutting tool (4), and the limiting hole is connected to a limiting member (42). The limiting member (42) is used to fix the end of the cutting tool (4) in the T-shaped groove.
3. The convenient maintenance design structure of a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the T-shaped groove on the movable block (61) has a connecting hole for connecting the limiting member (42).
4. The convenient maintenance design structure of a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the box (12) is equipped with a driving device (3), which is used to drive the tool changer box (1) to the workpiece processing position.
5. The convenient maintenance design structure of a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The upper fixed cover (51) is connected to the lower fixed cover (52). The lower fixed cover (52) is fixed to the outer wall of the box body (12). The upper fixed cover (51) is fixed to the box cover (11) by a locking member (55).
6. The convenient maintenance design structure of a highly reliable modular ATC tool changer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The springs (63) are arranged in four groups, with two springs in each group and symmetrically distributed.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Automatic tool changing structure of machining center machine
CN218284686U