Automatic exchange device for heavy machine tool worktable pallets

Abstract

An automatic pallet exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktables, belonging to the field of mechanical manufacturing automation technology, includes a logistics trolley. An exchange transmission mechanism is mounted on the chassis of the logistics trolley. The exchange transmission mechanism includes a mounting plate that is slidably mounted on the chassis. A servo motor is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the mounting plate. The servo motor is connected to a gear via a linear reducer. The gear is located above the mounting plate. The mounting plate is also connected to the chassis via a linear hydraulic cylinder. The device also includes a pallet exchange mechanism, which includes a pallet body for carrying workpieces. A rack is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the pallet body. The rack meshes with the gear. The servo motor, combined with the linear reducer, drives the gear, providing a stronger and more stable driving force. The gear and rack meshing transmission offers higher synchronization and reliability, lower cost, and eliminates problems such as skipped teeth. It is suitable for the exchange needs of heavy-duty pallets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical manufacturing automation technology, and in particular to an automatic exchange device for a heavy machine tool worktable tray. Background Technology

[0002] In modern intelligent manufacturing workshops, especially in heavy equipment manufacturing, ultra-heavy CNC machine tools are the core equipment for processing large workpieces (such as wind turbine main shafts, marine crankshafts, large gearboxes, etc.). In order to improve equipment utilization and production efficiency, automated logistics systems such as RGV (rail-guided vehicles) or AGV (automated guided vehicles) are usually used to form flexible manufacturing units or flexible manufacturing systems with machine tools.

[0003] Existing pallet exchange devices typically involve slidingly mounting a pallet connection structure on an RGV or AGV. The pallet connection structure is driven to move laterally using a sprocket chain or ball screw pair. The pallet connection structure connects to the pallet, and the pallet is dragged along the pallet to transfer it between the buffer station and the machine tool worktable buffer station.

[0004] Ball screws have limited load-bearing capacity, and their operating costs increase dramatically with stroke and load. When sprocket and chain structures are subjected to heavy loads for a long time, the chain links are prone to deformation and the pins wear more quickly, leading to chain elongation and failures such as skipped teeth and chain derailment. They also have poor synchronization and reliability. Therefore, pallet exchange devices driven by sprocket chains or ball screw pairs are usually suitable for exchanging light or medium-sized pallets and are difficult to apply to heavy-duty pallet exchange scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problems of existing sprocket chain or ball screw driven pallet exchange devices, which suffer from poor rigidity, synchronization, and reliability and are difficult to apply to heavy-duty pallet exchange scenarios, this utility model provides an automatic pallet exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktables.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: This utility model provides an automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable pallets, including a logistics trolley. An exchange transmission mechanism is mounted on the chassis of the logistics trolley. The exchange transmission mechanism includes a mounting plate, which is slidably mounted on the chassis. A servo motor is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the mounting plate. The servo motor is connected to a gear via a linear reducer. The gear is located above the mounting plate. The mounting plate is also connected to the chassis via a linear hydraulic cylinder. The device also includes an exchange pallet mechanism, which includes a pallet body for carrying workpieces. A rack is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the pallet body, and the rack meshes with the gear. The servo motor, combined with the linear reducer, drives the gear, providing a stronger and more stable driving force. The gear and rack meshing transmission offers higher synchronization and reliability, lower cost, and eliminates problems such as skipped teeth. It can adapt to the exchange needs of heavy-duty pallets. The linear hydraulic cylinder allows the mounting plate to be adjusted according to actual needs, making it more adaptable.

[0007] Preferably, a first mounting groove is provided at the middle position of the upper surface of the chassis. The first mounting groove extends along the width direction of the chassis. The exchange transmission mechanism is movably installed in the first mounting groove. The first mounting groove extends along the width direction of the chassis and is consistent with the moving direction of the linear hydraulic cylinder pushing the mounting plate, providing a stable moving track for the exchange transmission mechanism and preventing the mounting plate from deviating. At the same time, storing the exchange transmission mechanism in the groove can reduce the interference of external impurities on the transmission components and ensure the transmission accuracy of core components such as gears and racks when driving heavy pallets.

[0008] Preferably, linear guide rails are fixedly provided on both sides of the lower surface of the mounting plate, and several sliders are fixedly provided on both sides of the interior of the first mounting groove. The sliders are slidably connected to the linear guide rails. The cooperation between the linear guide rails and the sliders can reduce the frictional resistance when the mounting plate moves laterally, making the linear cylinder push the mounting plate more smoothly and avoiding the mounting plate from jamming due to excessive resistance, which would affect the rapid meshing of the gears and racks.

[0009] Preferably, a second mounting groove is provided at the middle position of the lower surface of the pallet body along its width direction. The rack is horizontally fixed in the second mounting groove. Placing the rack in the groove can protect the rack and prevent the rack from shifting due to external collisions when the pallet body is carrying heavy workpieces, thus ensuring stable meshing and transmission between the gear and the rack.

[0010] Preferably, at least one end of the rack extends outward into the second mounting groove. The portion of the rack extending outward into the second mounting groove can serve as a meshing transition section, allowing the gear to effectively mesh with the rack upon initial contact. This eliminates the need for precise alignment of the groove position, reducing the difficulty of positioning the logistics trolley. Especially when the linear hydraulic cylinder pushes the mounting plate outward, the extended rack can quickly mesh with the gear, shortening the preparation time before transferring heavy pallets and improving exchange efficiency.

[0011] Preferably, an extended rack support is fixedly provided in the second mounting groove. The extended rack support extends outward from the second mounting groove and fits against the rack. The extended rack support can provide support for the rack extending out of the second mounting groove, preventing the rack from bending and deforming due to one end being suspended and having to bear the force of gear transmission. This ensures the structural strength of the rack, prevents the rack from loosening when moving the heavy pallet, and ensures the stability of the meshing transmission.

[0012] Preferably, the lower surface of the pallet body is provided with several guide grooves, which can cooperate with the first guide rail of the chassis and the second guide rail of the buffer platform to provide guidance for the movement of the pallet body and prevent the pallet body from shifting laterally when it is transferred from the buffer platform to the chassis or unloaded from the chassis to other positions.

[0013] Preferably, a number of first guide rails are fixedly installed on the upper surface of the chassis. The first guide rails are slidably connected to the guide grooves, providing a stable track for the movement of the pallet body on the chassis, reducing movement resistance, and ensuring that the pallet can move smoothly when the servo motor drives the gear to drive the pallet body. The rigid connection between the guide rails and the guide grooves can withstand the weight impact of the heavy pallet and ensure a smooth transfer process.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a buffer platform placed at the buffer station. Several second guide rails are fixedly provided on the top of the buffer platform. The second guide rails are slidably connected to the guide grooves. The second guide rails cooperate with the guide grooves of the pallet body to realize the connection between the pallet body and the chassis, ensuring the positional accuracy of the pallet body when it is transferred from the buffer platform to the chassis, laying the foundation for the subsequent movement of logistics carts and pallet unloading.

[0015] Preferably, there are two exchange transmission mechanisms, which are arranged opposite to each other along the length of the chassis. The two exchange transmission mechanisms extend in opposite directions and can be responsible for receiving and unloading actions respectively. That is, one mechanism transfers the pallet body from the buffer platform to the chassis, and the other mechanism unloads the pallet body on the chassis to other positions. This eliminates the need for a single mechanism to travel back and forth, shortens the heavy pallet exchange cycle, and the dual mechanisms working together can distribute the load, prevent a single mechanism from being damaged by the force of the heavy pallet for a long time, and extend the service life of the device.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the advantages of this utility model are: 1. A rack is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the pallet body. The rack is used to mesh with the gear. The gear is driven by a servo motor and a linear reducer, which can provide stronger and more stable driving force. The gear and rack meshing transmission has higher synchronization and reliability, lower cost, and no problems such as skipping teeth. It can adapt to the exchange needs of heavy-duty pallets. The linear cylinder setting allows the mounting plate to be adjusted according to actual needs, making it more adaptable.

[0017] 2. At least one end of the rack extends outward into the second mounting slot. The portion of the rack extending outward into the second mounting slot serves as a meshing transition section, allowing the gear to effectively mesh with the rack upon initial contact. This eliminates the need for precise alignment of the slot position, reducing the difficulty of positioning the logistics trolley. Especially when the linear hydraulic cylinder pushes the mounting plate outward, the extended rack can quickly mesh with the gear, shortening the preparation time before transferring heavy pallets and improving exchange efficiency. The extended rack support platform provides support for the rack extending into the second mounting slot, preventing the rack from bending and deforming due to one end being suspended and having to bear the force of gear transmission. This ensures the structural strength of the rack, prevents it from loosening when moving heavy pallets, and ensures the stability of the meshing transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the drawings used in the description will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the automatic exchange device for a heavy-duty machine tool worktable tray according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the automatic exchange device for a heavy-duty machine tool worktable tray according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the exchange transmission mechanism according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the exchange transmission mechanism according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 ; The components represented by the various reference numerals in the diagram are: 1. Logistics trolley; 2. Pallet exchange mechanism; 3. Exchange transmission mechanism; 4. Extended rack platform; 5. Pallet body; 6. Rack; 7. First guide rail; 8. Chassis; 9. Mounting plate; 10. Gear; 11. Linear reducer; 12. Servo motor; 13. Linear cylinder; 14. Slider; 15. Linear guide rail; 16. Joint connector; 17. Support; 18. Buffer platform; 19. Second guide rail; 20. First mounting slot; 21. Second mounting slot; 22. Guide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this patent, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0021] Example 1 In a typical embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, an automatic exchange device for a heavy-duty machine tool worktable pallet is proposed, comprising: a logistics trolley 1, an exchange pallet mechanism 2, and an exchange transmission mechanism 3. The exchange transmission mechanism 3 is movably mounted on the logistics trolley 1. The exchange transmission mechanism 3 drives the exchange pallet mechanism 2 to transfer between the machine tool worktable buffer station and the logistics trolley 1 through gear and rack meshing. The exchange pallet mechanism 2 is used to carry workpieces.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the logistics trolley 1 includes a chassis 8. The bottom of the chassis 8 is equipped with rotatable rollers, which can move according to a set path. A first mounting groove 20 is provided in the middle of the upper surface of the chassis 8. The first mounting groove 20 extends along the width direction of the chassis 8. The exchange transmission mechanism 3 is movably installed in the first mounting groove 20. The exchange transmission mechanism 3 can move along the length direction of the first mounting groove 20 (i.e., the width direction of the chassis 8) to extend outward, and then extend to the bottom of the exchange tray mechanism 2 on the buffer station, so as to drive the exchange tray mechanism 2 to move.

[0023] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the exchange transmission mechanism 3 includes a mounting plate 9, a gear 10, a linear reducer 11, a servo motor 12, a linear cylinder 13, a slider 14, a linear guide rail 15, a joint connector 16, and a support 17. The mounting plate 9 is placed horizontally and slidably disposed in the first mounting groove 20 of the chassis 8. The gear 10 is located above the mounting plate 9, and the axis of the gear 10 is perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate 9. The servo motor 12 is horizontally fixedly mounted on the bottom of the mounting plate 9, and the linear reducer 11 is vertically fixedly mounted on the bottom of the mounting plate 9. The input end of the linear reducer 11 is fixedly connected to the output end of the servo motor 12, and the output end of the linear reducer 11 is fixedly connected to the gear 10. Thus, under the control of the servo motor 12, the gear 10 can be driven to rotate around the axis by the linear reducer 11. Both the servo motor 12 and the linear reducer 11 are located in the first mounting groove 20.

[0024] A linear hydraulic cylinder 13 is laterally disposed within the first mounting groove 20, extending along the length of the first mounting groove 20. One end of the linear hydraulic cylinder 13 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first mounting groove 20, and the other end of the linear hydraulic cylinder 13 is hinged to a support 17 via a joint connector 16. The support 17 is fixedly installed on the bottom of the mounting plate 9 by bolt connection, thereby allowing the mounting plate 9, gear 10, linear reducer 11, and servo motor 12 to move laterally as a whole via the linear hydraulic cylinder 13. Two linear guide rails 15 are provided, and the two linear guide rails 15 are fixedly installed on both sides of the lower surface of the mounting plate 9, extending along the length of the mounting plate 9. Several sliders 14 are provided, and the sliders 14 are fixedly installed on both sides inside the first mounting groove 20. Each linear guide rail 15 is slidably connected to at least two sliders 14 to guide the mounting plate 9 and reduce the friction between the mounting plate 9 and the first mounting groove 20. The upper surface of the mounting plate 9 is not higher than the upper surface of the chassis 8.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, there are two exchange transmission mechanisms 3, and the two exchange transmission mechanisms 3 are arranged opposite to each other along the length direction of the chassis 8. Both exchange transmission mechanisms 3 are installed in the first mounting groove 20, and the two exchange transmission mechanisms 3 extend in opposite directions to expand the working range of the exchange device, so that the exchange device can transfer the tray from the left and right sides without turning around, which is convenient for use.

[0026] In this embodiment, a cable chain is also provided in the first mounting groove 20. The wires and pipes are all placed in the cable chain to protect the wires and pipes and prevent damage to them.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of first guide rails 7 are fixedly installed on the upper surface of the chassis 8. The first guide rails 7 extend along the width direction of the chassis 8, and the plurality of first guide rails 7 are spaced apart along the length direction of the chassis 8. The first guide rails 7 are relatively distributed on both sides of the first mounting groove 20. The upper surface of the chassis 8 is used to place the exchange tray mechanism 2, and the first guide rails 7 are used to guide the movement of the exchange tray mechanism 2.

[0028] The pallet exchange mechanism 2 includes a pallet body 5 and a rack 6. The pallet body 5 is used to carry workpieces. A second mounting groove 21 is formed at the middle of the lower surface of the pallet body 5 along its width direction. Several guide grooves 22 are formed at intervals on both sides of the second mounting groove 21. The number of guide grooves 22 is the same as that of the first guide rail 7 and they correspond one-to-one. The guide grooves 22 are used to slide with the first guide rail 7. The rack 6 is horizontally fixed in the second mounting groove 21 and extends along the length direction of the second mounting groove 21. The rack 6 is used to mesh with the gear 10, so that the pallet body 5 can be driven to move laterally under the cooperation of the gear 10 and the rack 6 to realize the transfer between the buffer station and the logistics cart 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, at least one end of the rack 6 extends outward into the second mounting groove 21 to facilitate the connection between the rack 6 and the gear 10. An extended rack support 4 is also fixedly provided in the second mounting groove 21. The extended rack support 4 also extends outward into the second mounting groove 21 and is in contact with the rack 6 to support the rack 6 and prevent the extended part of the rack 6 from deforming and breaking under stress.

[0030] It also includes a buffer platform 18, which is fixedly placed at the buffer station of the machine tool workbench. Several second guide rails 19 are fixedly provided on the top of the buffer platform 18. The second guide rails 19 are spaced apart along the length of the buffer platform 18. The second guide rails 19 are used to slide and connect with the guide groove 22 on the lower surface of the pallet body 5 to support and guide the pallet body 5, so as to facilitate the transfer of the pallet body 5 between the buffer platform 18 and the logistics cart 1.

[0031] The specific working principle is as follows: The logistics trolley 1 moves to the designated position, aligning the first guide rail 7 on the chassis 8 with the second guide rail 19 on the buffer platform 18. The gear 10 meshes with the extended portion of the rack 6 at the bottom of the pallet body 5. The servo motor 12 drives the gear 10 to rotate around the axis via the linear reducer 11, thereby transferring the pallet body 5 from the buffer platform 18 to the chassis 8. When the distance between the logistics trolley 1 and the buffer platform 18 is too far to mesh, the linear cylinder 13 pushes the mounting plate 9 to move laterally and extend the first mounting groove 20 outward through the support 17 until the gear 10 meshes with the rack 6. After the pallet body 5 is transferred, the logistics trolley 1 moves the pallet body 5. Once in position, the servo motor 12 drives the gear 10 to rotate around the axis. Through the meshing of the gear 10 and the rack 6, the pallet body 5 on the chassis 8 is moved to unload the pallet body 5 from the chassis 8 to another position. The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic pallet exchange device for a heavy-duty machine tool worktable, comprising: The logistics vehicle (1) is characterized in that a switching transmission mechanism (3) is installed on the chassis (8) of the logistics vehicle (1). The switching transmission mechanism (3) includes a mounting plate (9). The mounting plate (9) is slidably disposed on the chassis (8). A servo motor (12) is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the mounting plate (9). The servo motor (12) is connected to a gear (10) through a linear reducer (11). The gear (10) is located above the mounting plate (9). The mounting plate (9) is also connected to the chassis (8) through a linear cylinder (13). The linear cylinder (13) extends along the width direction of the chassis (8). It also includes a pallet exchange mechanism (2), which includes a pallet body (5) for carrying workpieces, and a rack (6) is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the pallet body (5), which is used to mesh with a gear (10).

2. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first mounting groove (20) is provided in the middle of the upper surface of the chassis (8). The first mounting groove (20) extends along the width direction of the chassis (8), and the exchange transmission mechanism (3) is movably installed in the first mounting groove (20).

3. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 2, characterized in that, Linear guide rails (15) are fixedly provided on both sides of the lower surface of the mounting plate (9), and several sliders (14) are fixedly provided on both sides of the interior of the first mounting groove (20). The sliders (14) are slidably connected to the linear guide rails (15).

4. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second mounting groove (21) is provided at the middle position of the lower surface of the pallet body (5) along its width direction, and the rack (6) is horizontally fixed in the second mounting groove (21).

5. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one end of the rack (6) extends outward into the second mounting groove (21).

6. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 5, characterized in that, An extension rack support (4) is fixedly provided in the second mounting groove (21). The extension rack support (4) extends outward from the second mounting groove (21) and is in contact with the rack (6).

7. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several guide grooves (22) are provided on the lower surface of the pallet body (5).

8. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 7, characterized in that, Several first guide rails (7) are fixedly installed on the upper surface of the chassis (8), and the first guide rails (7) are slidably connected to the guide groove (22).

9. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a cache platform (18) placed in the cache station. Several second guide rails (19) are fixedly provided on the top of the cache platform (18). The second guide rails (19) are slidably connected to the guide groove (22).

10. The automatic exchange device for heavy-duty machine tool worktable trays according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two exchange transmission mechanisms (3), which are arranged opposite to each other along the length of the chassis (8) and extend in opposite directions.

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