A tool post for lathes that facilitates quick tool changes

Abstract

This utility model discloses a lathe tool post for easy and quick tool changing, relating to the field of lathe technology. It includes a ram, with a positioning cone shank at its bottom. The positioning cone shank has multiple through holes, each containing a steel ball. A positioning cone sleeve is provided outside the positioning cone shank, and a positioning annular groove is formed inside the positioning cone sleeve, allowing the steel ball to enter the groove. A tool holder is located at the bottom of the positioning cone sleeve, and a lathe tool is connected to the bottom of the tool holder. This utility model, through the locking mandrel, the pushing annular groove, and the positioning annular groove, enables quick installation and removal of the positioning cone sleeve. The hydraulic cylinder and other components ensure sufficient space for the steel ball to move, providing sufficient pressure on the positioning annular groove after installation. This solves the technical problems of cumbersome tool installation processes and insufficient preload caused by bolt connections in traditional tool posts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lathe technology, and in particular to a lathe tool holder that facilitates quick tool changing. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional lathe machining, the efficiency and precision of tool changing directly affect production efficiency and machining quality. Existing lathe tool holders mostly use mechanical clamping or bolt fixing methods, which have the following technical drawbacks: Traditional tool holders rely on manual tightening of bolts or locking devices, which is cumbersome, especially in precision machining scenarios with frequent tool changes (such as multi-process continuous machining). Furthermore, when the tool holder is fixed to the ram or turret and only the insert or tool holder needs to be changed, continuous individual changes not only easily wear down the tool face but also require manual adjustment of the tool length, significantly increasing time consumption. For example, when machining complex parts on a CNC lathe, each tool change takes 1-3 minutes, severely impacting production efficiency and resulting in insufficient positioning accuracy. Mechanical clamping is prone to radial runout of the tool (typically 0.02-0.05mm) due to uneven bolt preload or wear, affecting the surface roughness (Ra value deterioration). While conical mating structures can improve concentricity, they lack a dynamic locking mechanism, making them susceptible to micro-displacement under cutting vibration. They also suffer from poor automation compatibility; existing hydraulic or pneumatic tool holders are mostly integral designs, making modular and rapid disassembly difficult. For example, hydraulic tool holders require complete tool replacement, which is costly and unsuitable for flexible production lines. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a lathe tool post that facilitates quick tool changing, so as to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art, such as the cumbersome process of installing cutting tools in traditional tool posts and the fact that bolt connections easily lead to insufficient preload.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a lathe tool post for quick tool changing, comprising a ram, a positioning cone shank at the bottom of the ram, a plurality of through holes on the positioning cone shank, a steel ball disposed in each of the through holes, a positioning cone sleeve outside the positioning cone shank, a positioning annular groove inside the positioning cone sleeve, the steel ball being able to enter the positioning annular groove, a tool holder at the bottom of the positioning cone sleeve, and a lathe tool connected to the bottom of the tool holder.

[0005] Preferably, a mandrel limiting ring is fixed inside the positioning cone handle, and a locking mandrel that can move up and down is slidably provided inside the mandrel limiting ring. A pushing annular groove is opened on the outside of the locking mandrel, and each steel ball can contact the inclined edge of the pushing annular groove and the positioning annular groove.

[0006] Preferably, a hydraulic cylinder body is fixedly provided on the top of the slide block, a hydraulic end cap is integrally provided on the top of the hydraulic cylinder body, a hydraulic piston is provided inside the hydraulic cylinder body, and the hydraulic piston is fixedly connected to the locking mandrel.

[0007] Preferably, the hydraulic piston divides the space formed by the hydraulic cylinder body and the hydraulic end cap into a first chamber and a second chamber, with the end furthest from the hydraulic end cap being the second chamber.

[0008] Preferably, the end face of the positioning cone sleeve is provided with a keyway, and a key is provided in the keyway.

[0009] Preferably, the cutting tool and the tool holder are fixedly connected by bolts, and the tool holder is fixedly connected to the bottom of the positioning cone sleeve.

[0010] Preferably, both the first chamber and the second chamber are supplied with oil via hydraulic lines.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. By incorporating a locking mandrel, a pushing annular groove, a positioning taper shank, a through hole, a positioning taper sleeve, and a positioning annular groove, disassembling the cutting tool requires only removing and installing the modular positioning taper sleeve, tool holder, and cutting tool as a whole. This significantly saves operators considerable time and greatly reduces the time required for tool installation and removal. Simultaneously, it restricts the axial, radial, and circumferential movement of the positioning taper sleeve, thus stabilizing the cutting tool's position and preventing tool skipping. Furthermore, the synchronous movement of multiple steel balls ensures equal force on the positioning annular groove at all points, eliminating concerns about insufficient preload or overly tight bolts. In this way, the stability of the cutting tool can be achieved, thus ensuring the stability of the cutting tool during lathe operation. By setting the hydraulic cylinder, first chamber, second chamber, hydraulic piston and locking mandrel, manual labor can be avoided. Moreover, by setting the vertical movement distance of the hydraulic piston in advance, the hydraulic piston can be controlled to move only a fixed distance, thus ensuring that the steel ball can move normally to a fixed value in the through hole. This prevents the steel ball from not having enough room to move when manually rotating the screw, which would prevent normal disassembly and require manual readjustment. At the same time, it avoids the situation where the steel ball does not have enough squeezing force on the positioning cone sleeve after installation. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the full cross-section structure of the tool of this utility model when it is not locked.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a full-section structural diagram of the tool locking mechanism of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structural distribution of the locking mandrel and steel balls in this utility model.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the distribution of the positioning cone handle and steel ball in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the distribution of the positioning cone sleeve and steel ball in this utility model.

[0018] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Tool holder; 2. Positioning taper sleeve; 201. Positioning annular groove; 3. Positioning taper shank; 301. Through hole; 4. Locking mandrel; 401. Pushing annular groove; 5. Slide ram; 6. Hydraulic piston; 7. Hydraulic end cap; 8. Hydraulic cylinder body; 801. First chamber; 802. Second chamber; 9. Mandrel limiting ring; 10. Key; 11. Steel ball; 12. Lathe tool. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Example 1

[0020] In traditional lathe machining, the efficiency and precision of tool changing directly affect production efficiency and machining quality. Existing lathe tool holders mostly use mechanical clamping or bolt fixing methods, which have the following technical drawbacks: Traditional tool holders rely on manual tightening of bolts or locking devices, which is cumbersome, especially in precision machining scenarios with frequent tool changes (such as multi-stage continuous machining), significantly increasing time consumption. For example, when machining complex parts on a CNC lathe, each tool change takes 1-3 minutes, severely impacting production efficiency and resulting in insufficient positioning accuracy. Mechanical clamping is prone to radial runout of the tool (typically reaching 0.02-0.05mm) due to uneven bolt preload or wear, affecting the surface roughness (Ra value deterioration). While conical mating structures can improve concentricity, they lack a dynamic locking mechanism, making them susceptible to micro-displacement under cutting vibration. They also suffer from poor automation compatibility; existing hydraulic or pneumatic tool holders are mostly integral designs, making modular and rapid disassembly and assembly difficult. For example, hydraulic tool holders require the entire tool holder to be replaced, which is costly and unsuitable for flexible production lines.

[0021] To resolve the above technical issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 6As shown, a lathe tool post for quick tool changing according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a ram 5, a positioning cone shank 3 at the bottom of the ram 5, a plurality of through holes 301 on the positioning cone shank 3, a steel ball 11 disposed in each through hole 301, a positioning cone sleeve 2 on the outside of the positioning cone shank 3, and a positioning annular groove 201 inside the positioning cone sleeve 2, into which the steel ball 11 can enter, and a tool holder 1 at the bottom of the positioning cone sleeve 2, with a lathe tool 1 connected to the bottom of the tool holder 1. 2. A mandrel limiting ring 9 is fixedly provided inside the positioning cone shank 3. A locking mandrel 4 that can move up and down is slidably provided inside the mandrel limiting ring 9. A pushing annular groove 401 is provided on the outside of the locking mandrel 4. Each steel ball 11 can contact the inclined edge of the pushing annular groove 401 and the positioning annular groove 201. A keyway is provided on the end face of the positioning cone sleeve 2. A key 10 is provided in the keyway. The cutting tool 12 is fixedly connected to the tool holder 1 by bolts (bolts are not shown in the figure). The tool holder 1 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the positioning cone sleeve 2.

[0022] When replacing the cutting tool 12, the tool holder 1, the cutting tool 12 and the positioning cone sleeve 2 are modularly designed. When this module is installed on the positioning cone shank 3 and needs to be replaced, only the module needs to be replaced at the same time.

[0023] In actual operation, the locking mandrel 4 is first moved downward. This process can be achieved by using a lead screw or similar screw threaded to the locking mandrel 4. The locking mandrel 4 is moved up and down by rotating the lead screw in both directions. This technology is not shown in the figure and can be implemented in any way available in the prior art. It will not be described in detail here. The locking mandrel 4 no longer pushes the steel ball 11 outward by pushing the inclined surface of the annular groove 401, so that the steel ball 11 can move freely in the through hole 301. The through hole 301 is a circular hole. The end of the locking mandrel 4 pushes the positioning cone sleeve 2 downward, so that the inclined surface of the positioning annular groove 201 on the positioning cone sleeve 2 presses the steel ball 11 inward. This allows the steel ball 11 to move inward through the through hole 301 and contact multiple surfaces of the pushing annular groove 401, thus releasing the restriction on the positioning cone sleeve 2, and allowing the module to be removed as a whole.

[0024] Then, remove the module containing the positioning cone sleeve 2, tool holder 1, and cutting tool 12 that needs to be installed, so that the positioning cone sleeve 2 and the positioning cone shank 3 are reconnected. The inside of the positioning cone sleeve 2 is annular, and the bottom of the positioning cone shank 3 is annular. The inner annular ring of the positioning cone sleeve 2 and the bottom annular ring of the positioning cone shank 3 are interference-fitted, so that the two can fit tightly together and prevent shaking.

[0025] Since the steel ball 11 is located in the pushing annular groove 401 and through hole 301 at this time, the positioning cone sleeve 2 moves smoothly upward to the position of pre-engagement with the positioning cone handle 3. At the same time, the key 10 is inserted into the keyway of the positioning cone sleeve 2 to prevent relative rotation between the positioning cone handle 3 and the positioning cone sleeve 2, so that the positioning cone handle 3 and the positioning cone sleeve 2 cannot rotate axially.

[0026] When the top surface of the positioning cone sleeve 2 contacts the corresponding cone surface of the positioning cone shank 3, the locking mandrel 4 moves upward. The inclined surface of the locking mandrel 4 pushes the steel ball 11 to move outward. The inner part gradually enters the through hole 301, and the outer part gradually moves out of the through hole 301 and into the positioning annular groove 201. As the locking mandrel 4 moves upward, the steel ball 11 presses upward against the inclined surface of the positioning annular groove 201, thereby increasing the pressure and tightening the positioning cone sleeve 2, achieving the effect of tight fit between the positioning cone sleeve 2 and the positioning cone shank 3, restricting the movement of the positioning cone sleeve 2, thus completing the disassembly and installation process of the module. The whole process is convenient and smooth, without the need for manual tightening of bolts to lock and position the cutting tool 12, or adjustment of the tool position, thus achieving a convenient and practical effect.

[0027] By setting up the locking mandrel 4, pushing the annular groove 401, positioning taper shank 3, through hole 301, positioning taper sleeve 2, and positioning annular groove 201, the entire module can be disassembled and installed. The module includes the positioning taper sleeve 2, tool holder 1, and cutting tool 12, which can save operators a lot of time and greatly shorten the time for installing and disassembling the cutting tool 12. At the same time, it restricts the axial, radial, and circumferential movement of the positioning taper sleeve 2, thus limiting the movement of the positioning taper sleeve 2 in all directions, thereby stabilizing the position of the cutting tool 12 and preventing situations such as tool skipping. In addition, by moving multiple steel balls 11 synchronously, the force on the positioning annular groove 201 is equal everywhere. There is no need to consider insufficient preload or overtightening of bolts, etc., to achieve stable restriction of the cutting tool 12, thereby ensuring the stability of the cutting tool 12 during lathe operation. Example 2

[0028] In actual use, it was found that using a lead screw to drive the locking spindle 4 is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and manual operation is slow, affecting the overall installation and disassembly progress. At the same time, when manually operating the lead screw, there may be cases of excessive force or loosening, and the amount of rotation of the lead screw cannot be precisely controlled. This may cause the steel ball 11 to move too tightly, accelerating wear, or move too little, resulting in insufficient squeezing force of the steel ball 11 on the positioning cone sleeve 2, leading to unstable installation of the cutting tool 12 and malfunctions during lathe operation.

[0029] Based on the above embodiments, in order to solve the above technical problems, please refer to... Figures 1 to 6As shown, the technical solution includes a slide ram 5, a hydraulic cylinder 8 fixedly mounted on the top of the slide ram 5, a hydraulic end cap 7 integrally mounted on the top of the hydraulic cylinder 8, a hydraulic piston 6 disposed inside the hydraulic cylinder 8, and the bottom of the hydraulic piston 6 fixedly connected to the locking spindle 4. The hydraulic piston 6 divides the space formed by the hydraulic cylinder 8 and the hydraulic end cap 7 into a first chamber 801 and a second chamber 802. The end away from the hydraulic end cap 7 is the second chamber 802. Both the first chamber 801 and the second chamber 802 are supplied with oil through hydraulic pipelines. The hydraulic pipelines are not shown in the figure and can be implemented using existing technology.

[0030] Based on the above embodiments, during use, since the hydraulic piston 6 is fixedly connected to the locking spindle 4, when the cutting tool 12 needs to be removed, the control system on the lathe delivers hydraulic oil to the first chamber 801 through the hydraulic system and hydraulic pipelines. The hydraulic piston 6 descends, delivering the hydraulic oil in the second chamber 802 to the hydraulic system. This technology is prior art and will not be described in detail here. The corresponding components are not shown in the figure.

[0031] As hydraulic oil is delivered to the first chamber 801, the hydraulic oil in the second chamber 802 is discharged, causing the hydraulic piston 6 to move downwards, thereby causing the locking mandrel 4 to move downwards. This prevents the pushing annular groove 401 from squeezing the steel ball 11, allowing the steel ball 11 to have room to move within the through hole 301. After the hydraulic piston 6 drives the locking mandrel 4 to move downwards to the appropriate position, that is, when the steel ball 11 can completely move out of the space of the positioning annular groove 201, the control system stops the delivery action of the hydraulic system, and the mandrel limiting ring 9 guides the movement of the locking mandrel 4.

[0032] The positioning cone sleeve 2 is then disassembled, and the new positioning cone sleeve 2 is tightly fitted with the positioning cone shank 3, allowing the key 10 to be inserted into the keyway. Subsequently, the lathe's control system controls the hydraulic system to supply hydraulic oil to the second chamber 802 through the hydraulic pipeline, thereby causing the hydraulic piston 6 to move upward. This causes the inclined surface of the locking mandrel 4's pushing annular groove 401 to push the steel ball 11 outward, thus causing the steel ball 11 to press against the positioning annular groove 201 again, limiting the position of the positioning cone sleeve 2. The vertical movement distance of the hydraulic piston 6 is all pre-set data, and the distribution of hydraulic oil during the process is also pre-set data. This technology is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0033] By fixing the hydraulic cylinder 8, the first chamber 801, the second chamber 802, the hydraulic piston 6, and the locking spindle 4, the inability of manual operation to accurately control the movement distance of the locking spindle 4 can be avoided. Furthermore, by pre-setting the up-and-down movement distance of the hydraulic piston 6, it is possible to control the hydraulic piston 6 to move only a fixed distance, thereby ensuring that the steel ball 11 can move normally to the fixed value within the through hole 301. This prevents the steel ball 11 from not having enough movement space due to manual rotation of the screw during each disassembly and assembly of the positioning cone sleeve 2, thus avoiding the problem of manual readjustment when it cannot be properly disassembled. At the same time, it also avoids the situation where the steel ball 11 does not exert sufficient pressure on the positioning cone sleeve 2 after installation.

[0034] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this utility model, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this utility model, should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lathe tool post for easy and quick tool changing, comprising a ram, characterized in that, The bottom of the slide block is provided with a positioning cone handle, and multiple through holes are provided on the positioning cone handle. A steel ball is provided in each through hole. A positioning cone sleeve is provided on the outside of the positioning cone handle. A positioning annular groove is provided inside the positioning cone sleeve, and the steel ball can enter the positioning annular groove. A tool holder is provided at the bottom of the positioning cone sleeve, and a lathe tool is connected to the bottom of the tool holder.

2. A lathe tool post for quick tool changing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A mandrel limiting ring is fixed inside the positioning cone handle. A locking mandrel that can move up and down is slidably provided inside the mandrel limiting ring. A pushing annular groove is opened on the outside of the locking mandrel. Each steel ball can contact the inclined edge of the pushing annular groove and the positioning annular groove.

3. A lathe tool post for quick tool changing according to claim 2, characterized in that, A hydraulic cylinder body is fixedly installed on the top of the slide block. A hydraulic end cap is integrally installed on the top of the hydraulic cylinder body. A hydraulic piston is installed inside the hydraulic cylinder body and is fixedly connected to the locking mandrel.

4. A lathe tool post for quick tool changing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydraulic piston divides the space formed by the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic end cap into a first chamber and a second chamber, with the end furthest from the hydraulic end cap being the second chamber.

5. A lathe tool post for quick tool changing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end face of the positioning cone sleeve is provided with a keyway, and a key is provided in the keyway.

6. A lathe tool post for quick tool changing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cutting tool and the tool holder are fixedly connected by bolts, and the tool holder is fixedly connected to the bottom of the positioning cone sleeve.

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