Tool changing equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of tool replacement of numerical control equipment, aims to solve the problems of poor mounting precision and low mounting efficiency due to manual operation during tool replacement of existing numerical control equipment, and provides tool replacement equipment. The tool changing equipment comprises a tool magazine, a clamping assembly and a transferring assembly, and the tool magazine is used for storing tools. The clamping assembly comprises a first clamping piece, and the first clamping piece is used for clamping the tool holder. The transferring assembly comprises a second clamping piece, and the second clamping piece is used for clamping the cutter. And the transferring assembly is movably arranged between the tool magazine and the transferring assembly, so that the transferring assembly can clamp the tool at the tool magazine and carry the tool to the clamping assembly, the second clamping piece is in positioning fit with the tool holder, and the tool is installed on the tool holder. The tool magazine mounting device has the beneficial effects that the mounting precision is high, the tool can be automatically mounted to the tool holder from the tool magazine, and the mounting efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tool changing in CNC equipment, and more specifically, to a tool changing device. Background Technology

[0002] Some existing CNC equipment requires manual operation when changing tools, resulting in low tool changing efficiency and poor tool installation accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a tool changing device to solve the problem that existing CNC equipment requires manual operation when changing tools, resulting in poor installation accuracy and low installation efficiency.

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a tool changing device for mounting a tool to a tool holder. The tool changing device includes a tool magazine, a clamping assembly, and a transfer assembly. The tool magazine stores tools. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping member for clamping the tool holder. The transfer assembly includes a second clamping member for clamping the tool. The transfer assembly is movably disposed between the tool magazine and the transfer assembly, enabling the transfer assembly to clamp the tool at the tool magazine and carry the tool to the clamping assembly, and to position the second clamping member in conjunction with the tool holder, thus mounting the tool to the tool holder.

[0005] In the embodiments of this application, the clamping assembly fixes the tool holder, and the transfer assembly can transfer the tool from the tool magazine to the corresponding clamping assembly via the second clamping member, and install the tool onto the tool holder. The second clamping member is positioned and fitted to the tool holder, and installs the tool onto the tool holder. The positioning is precise, the installation accuracy is high, and no manual operation is required, thus improving the installation efficiency.

[0006] In some possible implementations, the tool handle includes a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are disposed at opposite ends of the tool handle along its axial direction, and the first end is used to mount a tool. The clamping assembly includes a first base plate and two clamping structures. The two clamping structures are spaced apart from each other on the first base plate, and each clamping structure has a clamping surface. The clamping surfaces of the two clamping structures are arranged opposite each other for clamping the second end.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the clamping structure includes a fixed block, a clamping block, and an elastic member, the fixed block defining an internal space. The clamping block is slidably fitted into the internal space and is capable of extending out of the internal space. A clamping surface is disposed at the end of the clamping block that extends out of the internal space. The elastic member is disposed in the internal space with one end abutting against the fixed block and the other end abutting against the clamping block, so that the clamping block tends to extend out of the internal space, thereby clamping the second end between the two clamping surfaces.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the handle has a snap-fit ​​protrusion that extends from the outer peripheral surface of the handle. The clamping assembly also includes a sleeve, which is cylindrical and has a snap-fit ​​groove. The sleeve fits onto the outer peripheral surface of the handle. One axial end of the sleeve is connected to a first base plate. The snap-fit ​​groove is located at the end of the sleeve facing the second clamping member. The snap-fit ​​protrusion engages with the snap-fit ​​groove to secure the handle to the clamping assembly.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the transfer assembly further includes a limiting member having an inner annular surface, and a second clamping member engaging with one side of the inner annular surface along its axial direction. When the transfer assembly corresponds to the clamping assembly, the tool handle engages with one side of the inner annular surface opposite to the second clamping member.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, the second clamping member includes a base and a plurality of first clamping blocks. The base has clamping holes, and the plurality of first clamping blocks are circumferentially spaced within the clamping holes to clamp the tool at the center of the clamping holes. The tool handle includes a base and a second clamping block. The base has mounting holes along its axial direction, and the second clamping block is disposed within the mounting holes. The second clamping block is configured to elastically retract circumferentially to clamp the tool at the center of the clamping holes.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the tool changing device includes a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly. The first drive assembly is driven to a first clamping member and is used to drive the first clamping member to rotate, thereby driving the tool holder to rotate. The second drive assembly is driven to a second clamping member and is used to drive the second clamping member to rotate, thereby driving the second clamping member to clamp or release the tool circumferentially.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the tool changing device further includes a chassis, which is provided with a mounting platform, a first track, a first base plate, a second track, and a second base plate. The first track is disposed in the chassis along a first direction, and the first base plate is slidably fitted onto the first track along the first direction. The second track is disposed on the first base plate and extends along a second direction. The second base plate is slidably fitted onto the second track along the second direction. A clamping assembly and a tool magazine are disposed on the mounting platform. A transfer assembly is disposed on the second base plate and is movable between the tool magazine and the clamping assembly. The first direction intersects the second direction perpendicularly or at an angle.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the tool magazine includes a second base plate and a third drive assembly. The second base plate has multiple storage slots along its circumference, each slot being used to store a tool. The third drive assembly is drively connected to the second base plate to drive the second base plate to rotate.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the tool changing device further includes a detection assembly comprising a first detection element and a second detection element. The first detection element is connected to a first clamping member to detect the torque when the first clamping member clamps the tool holder. The second detection element is disposed on the transfer assembly and radially corresponds to the tool to detect the tool length and tool runout of the tool after it is installed. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tool changing device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of part of the tool changing device.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the clamping assembly, transfer assembly, and tool handle along line AA.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the transfer component in the image.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the clamping components and the handle.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the knife handle.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the clamping component.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A sectional view of the tool magazine along line AA.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A side view of part of the structure of the tool changer.

[0025] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0026] Tool changing equipment 1000

[0027] 10 knives

[0028] 11 knife handle

[0029] Base 111

[0030] Second clamping block 112

[0031] First end 113

[0032] Second end 114

[0033] Column segment structure 1141

[0034] 115 snap-fit ​​protrusion

[0035] Tool magazine 12

[0036] Second base plate 121

[0037] Storage slot 1211

[0038] Third drive component 122

[0039] Clamping component 13

[0040] First clamping component 131

[0041] First base plate 132

[0042] Clamping structure 133

[0043] Fixed block 1331

[0044] Interior space 1332

[0045] Clamping block 1333

[0046] Clamping surface 1334

[0047] Elastic component 1335

[0048] Handle part 1336

[0049] Sleeve 134

[0050] Card slot 1341

[0051] Transfer component 14

[0052] Second clamping component 141

[0053] Base 1411

[0054] Clamping hole 1412

[0055] First clamping block 1413

[0056] Limiting component 142

[0057] Inner ring 1421

[0058] First drive component 15

[0059] Second drive component 16

[0060] Chassis 17

[0061] First track 171

[0062] First substrate 172

[0063] Second track 173

[0064] Second substrate 174

[0065] Installation Platform 175

[0066] Detection component 18

[0067] First inspection item 181

[0068] Second inspection item 182

[0069] First direction Z

[0070] Second direction Y

[0071] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0073] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0074] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0075] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0076] Example

[0077] See Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides a tool changing device 1000 for installing a tool 10 onto a tool holder 11. The tool changing device 1000 includes a housing 17, a tool magazine 12, a clamping assembly 13, and a transfer assembly 14. The tool magazine 12, clamping assembly 13, and transfer assembly 14 are disposed within the housing 17. The tool magazine 12 is used to store the tool 10. The clamping assembly 13 includes a first clamping member 131 for clamping the tool holder 11. The transfer assembly 14 includes a second clamping member 141 for clamping the tool 10. The transfer assembly 14 is movably disposed between the tool magazine 12 and the transfer assembly 14, so that the transfer assembly 14 can clamp the tool 10 at the tool magazine 12 and carry the tool 10 to the clamping assembly 13, and position the second clamping member 141 in conjunction with the tool holder 11, thereby installing the tool 10 onto the tool holder 11.

[0078] In this embodiment, the chassis 17 further includes a mounting platform 175, a first track 171, a first substrate 172, a second track 173, and a second substrate 174. The first track 171 is disposed on the chassis 17 along a first direction Z, and the first substrate 172 is slidably fitted to the first track 171 along the first direction Z. The second track 173 is disposed on the first substrate 172 and extends along a second direction Y. The second substrate 174 is slidably fitted to the second track 173 along the second direction Y. A clamping assembly 13 and a tool magazine 12 are disposed on the mounting platform 175. A transfer assembly 14 is disposed on the second substrate 174 and is movable between the tool magazine 12 and the clamping assembly 13.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first direction Z intersects the second direction Y perpendicularly or at an angle.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second track 173 can move along the first direction Z under the drive of the first substrate 172, and the transfer component 14 is disposed on the second substrate 174 so as to move along the second direction Y under the drive of the second substrate 174. Thus, the transfer component 14 can move between the clamping component 13 and the tool magazine 12 to transfer the tool 10 from the tool magazine 12 to the clamping component 13 and install it on the tool handle 11.

[0081] In this embodiment, the transfer component 14 is connected to the chassis 17 using a cross slide structure formed by the cross movement of the first track 171 and the second track 173, and is driven by an external drive component.

[0082] In this embodiment, the external drive component can be a synchronous belt drive component, a lead screw drive component, or other drive components suitable for the cross slide structure.

[0083] In other embodiments, the transfer assembly may also be connected to the chassis and move in a plane using a movable column structure, a gantry structure, or other planar moving mechanism.

[0084] In this embodiment, the transfer assembly 14 can move to the corresponding tool magazine 12, clamp the tool 10, and move it to the corresponding tool holder 11 along the first direction Z. Then, the transfer assembly 14 installs the tool 10 onto the tool holder 11 along the first direction Z. The tool holder 11 fixes the tool 10, and the transfer assembly 14 releases the tool 10 and moves away. This achieves the installation of the tool 10 from the tool magazine 12 to the tool holder 11 by the transfer assembly 14 without manual operation, with accurate positioning, and improved installation efficiency.

[0085] See Figures 3 to 5 In this embodiment, the second clamping member 141 includes a base 1411 and a plurality of first clamping blocks 1413. The base 1411 has a clamping hole 1412, and the plurality of first clamping blocks 1413 are circumferentially spaced within the clamping hole 1412 to clamp the tool 10 at the center of the clamping hole 1412. The tool handle 11 includes a base 111 and a second clamping block 112. The base 111 has a mounting hole along its axial direction, and the second clamping block 112 is disposed within the mounting hole. The second clamping block 112 is configured to elastically retract circumferentially to clamp the tool 10 at the center of the clamping hole 1412.

[0086] In this embodiment, a plurality of first clamping blocks 1413 are evenly spaced circumferentially on the inner circumferential surface of the clamping hole 1412, and can retract circumferentially to clamp the tool 10, or open circumferentially to release the tool 10.

[0087] In this embodiment, the transfer assembly 14 further includes a limiting member 142, which has an inner ring surface 1421. The second clamping member 141 is engaged with one side of the inner ring surface 1421 along its axial direction. When the transfer assembly 14 corresponds to the clamping assembly 13, the handle 11 is engaged with one side of the inner ring surface 1421 relative to the second clamping member 141.

[0088] In this embodiment, the limiting member 142 is fixedly connected to the second clamping member 141 and can move with the second clamping member 141. When the second clamping member 141 transfers the tool 10 from the tool magazine 12 to the clamping assembly 13, the second clamping member 141 loads the tool 10 into the tool handle 11 along the first direction Z, and makes the inner ring surface 1421 of the limiting member 142 cooperate with the outer peripheral surface of the tool handle 11 to limit the tool handle 11.

[0089] In this embodiment, the limiting member 142 can limit the second clamping member 141 and the tool handle 11 to be on the same axis, thereby improving the accuracy of installing the tool 10.

[0090] In this embodiment, the tool changing device 1000 includes a first drive assembly 15 and a second drive assembly 16. The first drive assembly 15 is driven to the first clamping member 131 and is used to drive the first clamping member 131 to rotate, thereby driving the tool holder 11 to rotate. The second drive assembly 16 is driven to the second clamping member 141 and is used to drive the second clamping member 141 to rotate, thereby driving the second clamping member 141 to clamp or release the tool 10 circumferentially.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first drive component 15 is disposed on the side of the mounting platform 175 opposite to the first clamping member 131 and is connected to the first clamping member 131 in a transmission manner.

[0092] In this embodiment, the second driving component 16 and the second clamping member 141 are disposed on the second substrate 174 and can move under the drive of the second substrate 174.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second drive assembly 16 is connected to the second clamping member 141 and drives the base 1411 to move relative to the first clamping block 1413, so that the clamping block can retract circumferentially and clamp the tool 10.

[0094] In other embodiments, the second clamping member may also be a spring collet structure, a self-tightening collet, or other driven clamping structure.

[0095] See Figures 5 to 7 In this embodiment, the handle 11 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 115, which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the handle 11. The clamping assembly 13 also includes a sleeve 134, which is cylindrical and has a snap-fit ​​groove 1341. The sleeve 134 fits onto the outer peripheral surface of the handle 11. One end of the sleeve 134 along its axial direction is connected to the first base plate 132. The snap-fit ​​groove 1341 is formed at the end of the sleeve 134 facing the second clamping member 141. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 115 can engage with the snap-fit ​​groove 1341 to fix the handle 11 to the clamping assembly 13.

[0096] In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 115 is an annular protrusion. The snap-fit ​​groove 1341 is an annular groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 134. The snap-fit ​​protrusion 115 can enter the snap-fit ​​groove 1341 axially to fix the tool handle 11 to the clamping assembly 13.

[0097] See also Figure 6In this embodiment, the handle 11 includes a first end 113 and a second end 114. The first end 113 and the second end 114 are disposed at opposite ends of the handle 11 along its axial direction, and the first end 113 is used to mount the tool 10. The clamping assembly 13 includes a first base plate 132 and two clamping structures 133. The two clamping structures 133 are spaced apart on the first base plate 132, and each clamping structure 133 has a clamping surface 1334. The clamping surfaces 1334 of the two clamping structures 133 are arranged opposite each other for clamping the second end 114.

[0098] In this embodiment, the second end 114 has a column structure 1141, and the clamping surface 1334 is an arc-shaped surface that matches the column structure 1141. The two clamping surfaces 1334 are clamped on the two radially opposite sides of the column structure 1141, and the second end 114 is clamped between the two clamping structures 133.

[0099] See Figure 7 In this embodiment, the clamping structure 133 includes a fixing block 1331, a clamping block 1333, and an elastic member 1335. The fixing block 1331 defines an internal space 1332. The clamping block 1333 is slidably fitted into the internal space 1332 and can extend out of the internal space 1332. A clamping surface 1334 is disposed at one end of the clamping block 1333 that extends out of the internal space 1332. The elastic member 1335 is disposed in the internal space 1332, with one end abutting against the fixing block 1331 and the other end abutting against the clamping block 1333, so that the clamping block 1333 tends to extend out of the internal space 1332, thereby clamping the second end 114 between the two clamping surfaces 1334.

[0100] In this embodiment, the clamping block 1333 is also provided with a handle portion 1336. The handle portion 1336 protrudes from the clamping block 1333. The handle portion 1336 can drive the clamping block 1333 to move and release the second end 114 under the action of external force, so that the knife handle 11 can be removed from the clamping assembly 13.

[0101] See Figure 8 In this embodiment, the tool magazine 12 includes a second base plate 121 and a third drive assembly 122. The second base plate 121 has a plurality of storage slots 1211 along its circumference, and each storage slot 1211 is used to store a tool 10. The third drive assembly 122 is driven to the second base plate 121 to drive the second base plate 121 to rotate.

[0102] See Figure 9In this embodiment, the tool changing device 1000 further includes a detection component 18, which includes a first detection element 181 and a second detection element 182. The first detection element 181 is connected to the first clamping member 131 to detect the torque when the first clamping member 131 clamps the tool handle 11. The second detection element 182 is disposed on the transfer component 14 and corresponds to the tool 10 radially to detect the tool length and tool swing of the tool 10 after it is installed.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first detection element 181 is a torque sensor. The first detection element 181 is connected to the outer periphery of the first clamping element 131. The first detection element 181 can detect the torque of the first clamping element 131 when clamping the tool 10 by detecting the deformation generated when the first clamping element 131 rotates.

[0104] In this embodiment, the second detection element 182 is a vision component. The second detection element 182 is disposed on the second substrate 174. When the tool 10 is mounted on the tool handle 11, the second detection element 182 corresponds to the tool 10 radially along the tool handle 11 and can detect the tool swing of the tool 10 when the tool handle 11 rotates.

[0105] In summary, this application provides a clamping assembly 13, a transfer assembly 14, and a tool magazine 12 within a chassis 17. The clamping assembly 13 secures the tool holder 11, the tool magazine 12 stores multiple tools 10, and the transfer assembly 14 moves between the tool magazine 12 and the clamping assembly 13 via a first rail 171 and a second rail 173 to clamp the tool 10 at the tool magazine 12 and install it onto the tool holder 11. The transfer assembly 14 also includes a limiting member 142, which confines the second clamping member 141 and the tool holder 11 to the same axis via its inner circumferential surface, resulting in more accurate positioning.

[0106] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A tool changing device for mounting a tool to a tool holder, characterized in that, include: Tool magazine, used to store cutting tools; A clamping assembly, the clamping assembly including a first clamping member for clamping the knife handle; A transfer assembly includes a second clamping member for clamping the cutting tool; the transfer assembly is movably disposed between the tool magazine and the transfer assembly, so that the transfer assembly can clamp the cutting tool at the tool magazine and carry the cutting tool to the clamping assembly, and the second clamping member is positioned and engaged with the tool holder to install the cutting tool onto the tool holder.

2. The tool changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle includes a first end and a second end; the first end and the second end are disposed at opposite ends of the handle along its axial direction, and the first end is used to mount the cutting tool; The clamping assembly includes a first base plate and two clamping structures; the two clamping structures are spaced apart on the first base plate, each clamping structure has a clamping surface, and the clamping surfaces of the two clamping structures are arranged opposite to each other for clamping the second end.

3. The tool changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping structure includes a fixing block, a clamping block, and an elastic element, wherein the fixing block defines an internal space; The clamping block is slidably fitted into the internal space and can extend out of the internal space; The clamping surface is located at one end of the clamping block that extends out of the internal space; The elastic element is disposed in the internal space with one end abutting against the fixing block and the other end abutting against the clamping block, so that the clamping block tends to extend out of the internal space, thereby clamping the second end between the two clamping surfaces.

4. The tool changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The handle has a locking protrusion, which protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the handle. The clamping assembly further includes a sleeve, which is cylindrical and has a snap-fit ​​groove. The sleeve fits onto the outer circumferential surface of the handle. One end of the sleeve along its axial direction is connected to the first base plate. The snap-fit ​​groove is located at the end of the sleeve facing the second clamping member. The snap-fit ​​protrusion can engage with the snap-fit ​​groove to fix the handle to the clamping assembly.

5. The tool changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer assembly further includes a limiting member having an inner annular surface, and the second clamping member engages with one side of the inner annular surface along its axial direction. When the transfer assembly corresponds to the clamping assembly, the handle engages with the side of the inner annular surface opposite to the second clamping member.

6. The tool changing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second clamping member includes a base and a plurality of first clamping blocks. The base has clamping holes, and the plurality of first clamping blocks are circumferentially spaced within the clamping holes to clamp the tool at the center of the clamping holes. The tool handle includes a base and a second clamping block. The base has a mounting hole along its axial direction, and the second clamping block is disposed in the mounting hole. The second clamping block is configured to elastically retract in the circumferential direction to clamp the tool at the center of the clamping hole.

7. The tool changing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tool changing device includes a first drive assembly and a second drive assembly; The first drive component is connected to the first clamping member and is used to drive the first clamping member to rotate, thereby driving the knife handle to rotate; The second drive assembly is connected to the second clamping member and is used to drive the second clamping member to rotate, thereby causing the second clamping member to clamp or release the tool in the circumferential direction.

8. The tool changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool changing device also includes a chassis, which is provided with an installation platform, a first track, a first base plate, a second track, and a second base plate. The first track is disposed in the chassis along a first direction, and the first base plate is slidably fitted to the first track along the first direction. The second track is disposed on the first substrate and extends along the second direction; The second substrate is slidably fitted onto the second track along the second direction; The clamping assembly and the tool magazine are disposed on the mounting platform; the transfer assembly is disposed on the second base plate and is movable between the tool magazine and the clamping assembly; Wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to or intersects the second direction at an angle.

9. The tool changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool magazine includes a second base plate and a third drive assembly. The second base plate has multiple storage slots along its circumference, and each storage slot is used to store a tool. The third drive assembly is connected to the second base plate to drive the second base plate to rotate.

10. The tool changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool changing device also includes a detection component, which includes a first detection element and a second detection element; The first detection element is connected to the first clamping element to detect the torque when the first clamping element clamps the knife handle; The second detection element is disposed on the transfer assembly and corresponds radially to the tool to detect the tool length and tool pitch of the tool after the tool is installed.

Images