A machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device

Abstract

The application discloses a machine tool tool magazine spare tool device, which comprises a mounting seat, spare tool assemblies, transposition driving mechanisms and tool changing driving mechanisms arranged on the mounting seat respectively; the spare tool assembly comprises a mounting plate and at least two spare tool clamps arranged on the mounting plate in a vertical direction, and a tool sleeve for placing a tool is clamped by the spare tool clamp; the transposition driving mechanism can drive the mounting plate to displace, so that any one spare tool clamp is located at a tool changing position, and other spare tool clamps are located at spare tool positions which are higher or lower than the tool changing position; the tool changing driving mechanism is arranged corresponding to the tool changing position, the tool sleeve clamped by the spare tool clamp located at the tool changing position is connected with the tool changing driving mechanism, and the tool is locked or unlocked in the tool sleeve through the tool changing driving mechanism. The machine tool tool magazine spare tool device can greatly shorten the idle time of the main shaft during the working of the machine tool, shorten the waiting time for tool changing, improve the tool changing efficiency, and is especially suitable for the scene that the matrix type tool magazine has large capacity and the tool changing distance is far.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of machine tool processing technology, specifically to a machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of machining, the processing efficiency and precision of machine tools play a decisive role in the production benefits of enterprises. As the types of machined parts increase, their characteristics become more complex, and their precision requirements continuously improve, the required tool specifications are also increasing. Taking the machining of engine blades in the aerospace field as an example, these parts are not only complex in shape but also have extremely high precision requirements, necessitating the use of multiple different specifications of tools for milling, drilling, boring, and other processes. The same applies to the machining of automotive parts; to meet the needs of different car models, parts of various shapes and precision requirements require a large number of different types of tools for machining. Conventional tool magazines mainly include chain-type tool magazines, disc-type tool magazines, and matrix-type tool magazines, which can meet the ever-increasing demand for tool storage. Tool magazines mostly use direct-acting tool holders to fix tools. The direct-acting tool holders have an unlocking mechanism (such as a chuck spring structure) for unlocking or locking the tools. The unlocking and locking actions of the unlocking mechanism are performed directly in a straight line; for example, overcoming the spring force causes the chuck to open and release the tool, and conversely, when the spring returns to its original position, it acts on the chuck to clamp the tool.

[0003] While existing tool magazines have largely improved in capacity, allowing for the storage of more types and quantities of tools, some problems remain. Due to their structural characteristics and large capacity, the operation of the robotic arm within the tool magazine is limited; the robotic arm can only handle one tool at a time and move along a fixed trajectory. When the tool to be changed is far from the tool change point (located near the spindle where the machining operation is performed, allowing the spindle to switch tools), the robotic arm's movement time within the tool magazine increases significantly. For example, when machining large and complex molds, tools are frequently used and distributed in different locations within the tool magazine. If the required tool is located deep within the magazine, the robotic arm's tool retrieval process will consume a considerable amount of time. If adjacent operations require the continuous use of different tools (such as roughing cutters, finishing cutters, and drills), the machine spindle must wait multiple times for the robotic arm to retrieve the tool, increasing tool change time and reducing machine tool processing efficiency, thus failing to meet the demands of high-efficiency production. The traditional tool changing process is as follows: the spindle stops, the robot arm takes a new tool from the tool magazine and moves it to the tool changing point (the tool changing point is equipped with a tool changing arm), the tool changing arm removes the old tool from the spindle and installs the new tool taken out by the robot arm onto the spindle, and the robot arm puts the old tool back into the tool magazine. This process results in a high spindle idle rate.

[0004] To improve tool changing efficiency, some dual tool changer structures have emerged on the market, employing a rotating dual-arm alternating tool preparation system. These rotating arms can simultaneously store two tools. However, this structure is relatively large and difficult to implement within the limited internal space of general-purpose machine tools. General-purpose machine tool designs need to accommodate various machining requirements and different working scenarios, resulting in a compact internal space layout. A large dual tool changer structure would occupy excessive space, affecting the normal installation and operation of other machine tool components, and increasing the overall size and cost of the machine tool. This significantly limits the practical application of this structure and prevents its widespread adoption.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a machine tool magazine tool preparation device. By adding a dual-tool preparation mechanism, the tool changing process is optimized, tool changing time is reduced, and machine tool processing efficiency is improved. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a tool magazine preparation device for machine tools, so as to solve the technical problem that the long waiting time for tool changing in machine tools affects the production and processing efficiency.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0008] A tool magazine tool preparation device for a machine tool includes a mounting base and a tool preparation assembly, a shifting drive mechanism, and a tool changing drive mechanism respectively disposed on the mounting base. The tool preparation assembly includes a mounting plate and at least two tool preparation clamps spaced apart on the mounting plate, which hold tool holders for placing tools. The shifting drive mechanism can drive the mounting plate to move, so that any one tool preparation clamp is in the tool changing position, while the other tool preparation clamps are in the tool preparation position. The tool changing drive mechanism is arranged corresponding to the tool changing position, and the tool holder located in the tool changing position is connected to the tool changing drive mechanism, which locks or unlocks the tool in the tool holder.

[0009] In this technical solution, by setting up a mounting base and a tool preparation assembly, a shifting drive mechanism and a tool changing drive mechanism thereon, the tool preparation fixture of the tool preparation assembly can hold the tool sleeve. The tool sleeve is a structure used to lock or unlock the tool. The shifting drive mechanism can drive the mounting plate to move to realize the switching of the tool preparation fixture between the tool preparation position and the tool changing position. The tool changing drive mechanism is responsible for locking or unlocking the tool in the tool sleeve. This solution allows for the placement of at least two spare tool positions near the tool change point, enabling the storage of at least two tools in advance. When machining operations require continuous tool changes (such as alternating between roughing cutters, finishing cutters, and drills), there is no need to wait for the robot arm to retrieve a tool from the depths of the tool magazine. The spare tool fixture, which is located in the spare tool position and stores a new tool, is directly switched to the tool change position via the switching drive mechanism, thus completing a rapid tool change. This significantly reduces spindle idle time, reduces or even eliminates interference between tool retrieval and spindle tool change processes, minimizes the time the machine tool spindle waits for tool changes, and improves tool change efficiency. It is particularly suitable for scenarios with large matrix tool magazine capacity and long tool change distances.

[0010] The tool holder includes an upper arm, a lower arm, and a locking mechanism. The upper arm and the lower arm together form a clamping groove. The tool sheath is inserted into the clamping groove in a horizontal direction. The locking mechanism is used to lock and fix the tool sheath in the clamping groove.

[0011] In this technical solution, the structure of the tool preparation fixture is further defined. The upper and lower support arms form a clamping groove, and the tool sleeve is inserted horizontally. The locking mechanism is used to lock and fix the tool sleeve, making the installation and fixation of the tool sleeve more stable. The horizontal insertion method facilitates the robot arm to pick up and put away the tool sleeve, while the locking mechanism ensures that the tool sleeve will not loosen or fall off during tool preparation and tool replacement, thus improving the stability and reliability of the tool preparation and tool replacement process.

[0012] The locking mechanism includes a locking member and an unlocking member, which are linked to the upper support arm. When the unlocking member moves in a first direction, it creates clearance space for the locking member to retract into the upper support arm. When the unlocking member moves in a second direction, it presses against the locking member, causing a portion of the locking member to protrude from the clamping groove and engage with the locking groove provided on the blade sleeve. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0013] In this technical solution, the locking component extends and retracts by moving the unlocking component in different directions, thereby locking and unlocking the tool holder. This makes the locking and unlocking actions more flexible and controllable, and can quickly respond to the operation of the robotic arm. The tool holder is unlocked in time when the robotic arm picks up or puts it down, and locked quickly after the pick-up or put-down is completed, reducing operation time and ensuring the effectiveness of locking, further improving the smoothness of the tool changing process.

[0014] The upper support arm is provided with a transverse slide rail and a vertical slide rail that are interconnected. The locking member is slidably disposed in the vertical slide rail. The bottom of the vertical slide rail is surrounded by a bottom opening by a limiting surface. The locking member protrudes from the clamping groove through the bottom opening, and the limiting surface stops the locking member. One end of the unlocking member protrudes from the outside of the upper support arm, and the other end is connected to the upper support arm through an elastic member. When the unlocking member moves along the first direction, it compresses the elastic member. The elastic member is used to reset the unlocking member to move along the second direction.

[0015] In this technical solution, the installation structure of the locking mechanism and the function of the elastic element are defined. The horizontal and vertical slides of the upper support arm provide the movement trajectory for the locking and unlocking parts. The elastic element enables the unlocking part to automatically reset, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the movement of the locking and unlocking parts. The reset function of the elastic element reduces the need for external drive and simplifies the operation process. At the same time, the limiting surface can prevent the locking part from over-extending, ensuring the service life and operational reliability of the locking mechanism.

[0016] The upper support arm has an upper clamping plane on the side facing the lower support arm, and the lower support arm has a lower clamping plane on the side facing the upper support arm. The upper clamping plane and the lower clamping plane are respectively in contact with the blade sheath plane.

[0017] In this technical solution, the upper support arm and the lower support arm are respectively provided with an upper clamping plane and a lower clamping plane, which are in contact with the tool holder plane. The plane contact increases the contact area between the tool holder and the tool holder, making the tool holder more evenly stressed during the clamping process, avoiding damage to the tool holder due to excessive local stress, and improving the stability of the tool holder in the tool holder position, reducing the impact of tool holder shaking on the tool changing accuracy.

[0018] The tool changing drive mechanism includes a cylinder, and a connector is installed at the outer end of the piston rod of the cylinder. When the tool holder moves to the tool changing position, the tool sleeve automatically engages with the connector. When the piston rod of the cylinder moves horizontally, the push-pull transmission between the connector and the tool sleeve drives the tool sleeve to complete the unlocking or locking action of the tool.

[0019] In this technical solution, the tool changing drive mechanism includes a cylinder. The tool is unlocked or locked via the extension and retraction of the piston rod and the cooperation between the connecting part and the tool. It is compatible with the most commonly used direct-acting tool holder structure in existing machine tool tool magazines for unlocking or locking the tool. The cylinder drive offers fast response and stable power, enabling rapid locking and unlocking of the tool, shortening the time for tool fixing and loosening during tool changing. It also boasts a high degree of automation and can work in conjunction with other mechanisms to further improve tool changing efficiency.

[0020] The connector is provided with a T-shaped groove for connecting the blade sheath, and the T-shaped groove extends vertically through the upper and lower ends of the connector.

[0021] In this technical solution, the tool holder can automatically engage with the tool sleeve when it moves to the tool changing position. The vertical through-hole design facilitates the quick insertion and release of T-shaped protrusions on the tool into the T-shaped slot, ensuring the accuracy and convenience of the connection between the tool changing drive mechanism and the tool sleeve, and reducing the time consumption of the connection process.

[0022] The shifting drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder, the piston rod of which is fixedly connected to the mounting plate. The extension and retraction movement of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder causes the mounting plate to slide along the mounting base.

[0023] In this technical solution, the switching drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder, which drives the mounting plate to slide via a piston rod. The hydraulic cylinder has a large driving force and runs smoothly, accurately driving the mounting plate to move and ensuring that the tool holder is accurately switched to the tool changing position or the tool standby position. Moreover, the sliding method saves space and is suitable for arrangement in the limited space of general-purpose machine tools, meeting the needs of machine tool space constraints.

[0024] The mounting base is provided with a guide rail, and the mounting plate is provided with a slider that is adapted to the guide rail. The slider cooperates with the guide rail to guide the mounting plate to slide.

[0025] In this technical solution, the cooperation between the guide rail and the slider provides guidance for the movement of the mounting plate, reduces friction and offset during the movement, makes the movement of the mounting plate smoother and more precise, ensures the accuracy of the tool holder switching position, and improves the working accuracy of the entire device.

[0026] The shifting drive mechanism and the tool changing drive mechanism are located on the same side of the mounting plate, and the tool spare clamp is located on the other side of the mounting plate.

[0027] In this technical solution, the positioning drive mechanism and the tool changing drive mechanism are located on the same side of the mounting plate, while the tool holder is located on the other side of the mounting plate. This layout makes the device structure more compact, makes reasonable use of the installation space, avoids mutual interference between the mechanisms, facilitates the operation of the tool holder on the tool holder by the robot arm, and also promotes the coordinated work of the mechanisms, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the machine tool magazine tool preparation device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 It shows two tool holders, each holding a tool sleeve and each sleeve containing a tool.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the machine tool magazine tool preparation device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the machine tool magazine tool preparation device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism at point A shows that the unlocking member moves along the first direction and disengages from the locking member, creating clearance space for the locking member to move up and down.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the cooperation state between the tool changing drive mechanism and the tool holder provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] List of components and reference numerals:

[0035] 1 mounting base, 11 guide rails;

[0036] 2. Mounting plate;

[0037] 3 Tool clamping fixture, 31 upper support arm, 311 horizontal slide, 312 vertical slide, 313 limiting surface, 314 upper clamping plane, 32 lower support arm, 321 lower clamping plane, 33 locking component, 34 unlocking component, 341 fine diameter section, 342 coarse diameter section, 35 elastic component.

[0038] 4 cutting tools;

[0039] 5 knife sets, 51T-shaped bumps;

[0040] 6 cylinders;

[0041] 7 connectors, 71 T-shaped slots;

[0042] 8 hydraulic cylinders. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "lateral," and "longitudinal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, a tool magazine preparation device for a machine tool is provided. For ease of explanation and understanding, the following content provided in this application is based on the illustrated product structure. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the above structure is only a specific example and illustrative illustration, and does not constitute a specific limitation on the technical solution provided in this application.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, the machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device includes a mounting base 1 and a tool preparation assembly, a shifting drive mechanism, and a tool changing drive mechanism respectively mounted on the mounting base 1. The mounting base 1 is fixedly mounted on the machine tool's tool magazine. The tool preparation assembly includes a mounting plate 2 and at least two tool preparation fixtures 3 spaced apart on the mounting plate 2. The tool preparation fixtures 3 hold tool holders 5 for placing tools 4. The shifting drive mechanism can drive the mounting plate 2 to move, so that any one of the tool preparation fixtures 3 is in the tool changing position, while the other tool preparation fixtures 3 are in the tool preparation position. The tool changing drive mechanism is arranged corresponding to the tool changing position. The tool holder 5 located in the tool changing position is connected to the tool changing drive mechanism, and the tool changing drive mechanism locks or unlocks the tool 4 in the tool holder 5. Specifically, Figure 1 The illustration shows an embodiment where the mounting plate 2 has two spare tool holders 3. The two spare tool holders 3 are arranged vertically at intervals. The lower spare tool holder 3 is located in the tool changing position, and the upper spare tool holder 3 is located in the spare tool position. When the mounting plate 2 is driven vertically downward by the shifting drive mechanism, causing the upper spare tool holder 3 to move to the tool changing position, the other lower spare tool holder 3 is located in the spare tool position. Figure 1 The illustration shows an embodiment where two tool holders 3 each hold a tool sleeve 5, and each tool sleeve 5 contains a tool 4. In other embodiments, three or more tool holders 3 may be provided on the mounting plate 2. When one tool holder 3 is in the tool changing position, the other multiple tool holders 3 are all in the tool-keeping position, which can increase the number of tools 4 that the tool-keeping device can store. Figure 1 The arrangement of the tool holders 3 in a vertically spaced manner does not limit this application. In other embodiments, the tool holders 3 may also be arranged in a horizontal, oblique, or other suitable manner.

[0050] During operation, a robotic arm can be used to store two cutting tools at the tool preparation device (i.e., Figure 1The two tool holders shown each hold a tool sleeve containing a pre-prepared tool (these two tools are the tools required for the corresponding machining cycle sequence of the machine tool). The machine tool spindle starts working and reaches the tool change point where the tool holder is located to retrieve the tool. The tool change drive mechanism unlocks the tool in the tool sleeve at the tool change position, and the unlocked tool is installed on the machine tool spindle (the unlocked tool can be pulled out of the tool sleeve and installed on the machine tool spindle using the tool change arm). When the machine tool spindle needs to change tools again after completing the corresponding machining operation with the tool, it moves back to the tool change point where the tool holder is located. The tool change arm returns the removed tool to the tool sleeve at the tool change position, and the tool change drive mechanism runs and locks the removed tool in the tool sleeve; then the shift drive... The mechanism drives the mounting plate to move down, causing the tool holder originally located in the upper tool reserve position to move down to the tool change position, and the tool holder originally located in the lower tool reserve position to move down to the tool reserve position. The tool change process continues, the tool in the tool holder in the tool change position is unlocked, and the unlocked tool is installed on the machine tool spindle using the tool changer arm. The machine tool spindle continues to perform the next machining operation. During the tool change process performed by the tool changer arm in the tool change position and during the subsequent execution of the next machining operation, the robot arm can remove the tool holder and tool in the lower tool reserve position from the tool holder and return them to the tool magazine. Then, it takes out the tool required for the next machining operation from the tool magazine and installs the tool holder containing the tool in the lower tool reserve position for the machine tool spindle to change tools again.

[0051] Therefore, in this application, by setting the mounting base 1 and the tool preparation assembly, the shifting drive mechanism and the tool changing drive mechanism thereon, the tool preparation fixture 3 of the tool preparation assembly can hold the tool sleeve 5. The tool sleeve 5 is a structure used to lock or unlock the tool 4. The shifting drive mechanism can drive the mounting plate 2 to move vertically to realize the switching of the tool preparation fixture 3 between the tool preparation position and the tool changing position. The tool changing drive mechanism is responsible for locking or unlocking the tool 4 in the tool sleeve 5. This solution establishes at least two spare tool positions near the tool change point, allowing the tool magazine to store at least two tools 4 in advance at the spare tool device. When machining operations require continuous tool 4 changes (such as alternating between roughing cutters, finishing cutters, and drills), there is no need to wait for the robot arm to retrieve the tool from deep within the tool magazine. The spare tool holder 3, located at the spare tool position and storing the new tool 4, is directly switched to the tool change position via the switching drive mechanism, enabling rapid tool changing. This significantly shortens spindle idle time, reduces or even eliminates interference between tool magazine loading / unloading and spindle tool changing processes, reduces the machine tool spindle waiting time for tool changing, and improves tool changing efficiency. It is particularly suitable for scenarios with large matrix tool magazine capacity and long tool 4 changing distances. Furthermore, compared to existing dual-tool-changing arm structures, this device, through its compact modular design (the spare tool assembly and drive mechanism are integrated into the mounting base 1), solves the problem of limited space in general-purpose machine tools. It achieves efficient tool preparation while ensuring capacity, allowing the tool magazine loading / unloading and spindle tool changing processes to proceed in parallel without interference, significantly improving machining continuity.

[0052] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the tool holder 3 includes an upper arm 31, a lower arm 32, and a locking mechanism. The upper arm 31 and the lower arm 32 form a clamping groove, and the tool sleeve 5 is horizontally inserted into the clamping groove. The locking mechanism is used to lock and fix the tool sleeve 5 in the clamping groove. In this embodiment, the tool holder 3 is formed by the upper arm 31 and the lower arm 32 forming a clamping groove. The tool sleeve 5 is horizontally inserted and fixed by the locking mechanism. The horizontal insertion design is compatible with the conventional movement trajectory of the robot (no additional angle adjustment is required), reducing the robot's alignment time. The enclosing structure of the upper arm 31 and the lower arm 32, together with the locking mechanism, can stably clamp the tool sleeve 5 and prevent the tool sleeve 5 from shaking when the shifting drive mechanism moves or the spindle changes tools (especially when machining high-precision parts, it can prevent the tool 4 from shifting and affecting the machining accuracy). The locking mechanism also ensures the reliable fixation of the tool holder 5 in the tool preparation position, solving the problem of tool changing errors caused by unstable fixing of the tool 4 in traditional tool magazines, and improving the stability and safety of the tool preparation process. In a preferred embodiment, the upper support arm 31 and the lower support arm 32 can adopt an integrated structure, such as an integrated aluminum alloy. The mounting plate 2 can be made of steel plate. The tool preparation clamp 3 can be fixedly installed on the mounting plate 2 by welding, bolting, threaded connection, or other methods.

[0053] Regarding the specific form of the locking mechanism, in a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking mechanism includes a locking member 33 and an unlocking member 34. The locking member 33 and the unlocking member 34 are linked and mounted on the upper support arm 31. When the unlocking member 34 moves in the first direction, it creates clearance space for the locking member 33 to retract into the upper support arm 31. When the unlocking member 34 moves in the second direction, it presses against the locking member 33, causing a portion of the locking member 33 to protrude from the clamping groove and engage with the locking groove provided in the tool sleeve 5. The first direction and the second direction are opposite (the first direction is...). Figure 3 The first direction is to the right, and the second direction is... Figure 3 (The direction shown is to the left). Figure 4The diagram illustrates the state where the unlocking member 34 disengages from the locking member 33 after moving a certain distance along the first direction (in actual operation, the unlocking member 34 can be moved along the first direction in advance by a robotic arm), thereby creating space for the locking member 33 to move up and down. At this time, when the tool holder 5 enters the clamping groove, the tool holder 5 can push the locking member 33 upward a certain distance. After the tool holder 5 enters the clamping groove, the locking member 33 moves down and engages with the locking groove of the tool holder 5. Finally, the unlocking member 34 is reset along the second direction so that it abuts against the locking member 33, preventing the locking member 33 from moving upward and ensuring reliable engagement between the locking member 33 and the locking groove. In this embodiment, the locking member 33 is extended and retracted by moving the unlocking member 34 in different directions, thereby completing the locking and unlocking of the tool sleeve 5. This makes the locking and unlocking actions more flexible and controllable, and can quickly respond to the operation of the robot arm. It can unlock in time when the robot arm picks up and puts down the tool sleeve 5, and lock quickly after the pick-up and put-down is completed, reducing the operation time and ensuring the effectiveness of the locking, further improving the smoothness of the tool changing process.

[0054] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the upper support arm 31 is provided with a transverse slide 311 and a vertical slide 312 that are interconnected. The locking member 33 is slidably disposed in the vertical slide 312. The bottom of the vertical slide 312 is surrounded by a bottom opening formed by a limiting surface 313. The locking member 33 protrudes into the clamping groove through the bottom opening, and the limiting surface 313 stops the locking member 33. One end of the unlocking member 34 protrudes outside the upper support arm 31, and the other end is connected to the upper support arm 31 through an elastic member 35. When the unlocking member 34 moves in the first direction, it compresses the elastic member 35. The elastic member 35 is used to reset the unlocking member 34 in the second direction. The transverse slide rail 311 and vertical slide rail 312 of the upper support arm 31 provide movement trajectories for the locking member 33 and the unlocking member 34. The elastic member 35 enables the unlocking member 34 to automatically reset, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the movement of the locking member 33 and the unlocking member 34. The reset function of the elastic member 35 reduces the need for external drive and simplifies the operation process. At the same time, the limiting surface 313 prevents the locking member 33 from over-extending, ensuring the service life and operational reliability of the locking mechanism. Specifically, the end of the unlocking member 34 exposed outside the upper support arm 31 constitutes the force-bearing end for the robot arm to press. When the robot arm presses the unlocking member 34, it compresses the elastic member 35. When the robot arm releases the press, the elastic member 35 drives it to reset. The elastic member 35 is preferably a coil spring. In addition, the unlocking member 34 can be provided with a narrow diameter section 341 and a thick diameter section 342, with the narrow diameter section 341 and the thick diameter section 342 smoothly transitioning through an arc surface. This arc surface forms the surface that pushes the locking member 33 downward. Furthermore, the contact between the thick diameter section 342 and the inner wall of the transverse slide 311 can limit the maximum distance that the elastic member 35 can move to reset the unlocking member 34. Figure 4 The illustration shows an embodiment where the locking element 33 is spherical. Alternatively, other suitable structures can be selected, such as rectangular structures, conical structures, etc.

[0055] In other embodiments, the locking mechanism can also be a magnetic locking mechanism. Magnetic elements, such as permanent magnets and soft magnetic material patches, are installed at corresponding positions on the upper arm of the tool holder and the tool sleeve. When the tool sleeve is placed in the clamping groove, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet attracts the soft magnetic material, firmly adhering and fixing the tool sleeve in the clamping groove. During tool changing, the robotic arm approaches the tool sleeve and uses its own electromagnetic device to generate a reverse magnetic field, counteracting the attraction of the permanent magnet and unlocking the tool sleeve. The locking mechanism can also be a pin-type locking mechanism, with a retractable pin on the upper arm and a corresponding locking hole on the tool sleeve. When the tool sleeve enters the clamping groove and is in place, the pin, driven by a spring or cylinder, inserts into the locking hole of the tool sleeve, locking it. During tool changing, the robotic arm triggers the pin's drive mechanism, causing the pin to retract and unlocking the tool sleeve. This pin-type locking mechanism provides precise positioning and reliable locking, ensuring the accuracy of the tool holder's position in the tool preparation position. This helps improve tool changing accuracy and is advantageous in machining scenarios where high tool changing accuracy is required.

[0056] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the upper support arm 31 has an upper clamping plane 314 on the side facing the lower support arm 32, and the lower support arm 32 has a lower clamping plane 321 on the side facing the upper support arm 31. The upper clamping plane 314 and the lower clamping plane 321 respectively contact the plane of the tool holder 5. This planar contact increases the contact area between the tool holder 3 and the tool holder 5, allowing the clamping force to be evenly distributed on the surface of the tool holder 5, avoiding the wear of the tool holder 5 caused by traditional point or line contact. In scenarios requiring high machining accuracy, uniform clamping ensures the coaxiality of the tool 4 axis and the spindle axis, reducing tool setting errors after tool change and indirectly improving part machining accuracy. Simultaneously, the stability of the planar contact also reduces vibration of the tool holder 5 during repositioning, ensuring the consistency of the tool 4 position during tool holder position switching.

[0057] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, the tool changing drive mechanism includes a cylinder 6. A connecting piece 7 is installed on the outer end of the piston rod of the cylinder 6. When the tool holder 3 moves to the tool changing position, the tool sleeve 5 automatically engages with the connecting piece 7. When the piston rod of the cylinder 6 moves horizontally, it drives the tool sleeve 5 to complete the unlocking or locking action of the tool 4 through the push-pull transmission between the connecting piece 7 and the tool sleeve 5. The tool 4 is unlocked or locked by the extension and retraction of the piston rod and the engagement of the connecting piece 7 with the tool 4, and it is compatible with the most commonly used direct-acting tool sleeve structure in existing machine tool tool magazines for unlocking or locking the tool 4. Specifically, since the unlocking and locking actions of the unlocking mechanism of the direct-acting tool sleeve 5 are performed directly along a straight line, the linear extension and retraction of the piston rod of the cylinder 6 is compatible with the unlocking and locking actions of the unlocking mechanism of the direct-acting tool sleeve 5. The linear movement of the piston rod directly acts on the unlocking mechanism inside the tool sleeve 5, causing it to open and release the tool 4 or close and clamp the tool 4. The cylinder 6 has a fast response speed and stable power, and can quickly complete the locking and unlocking actions of the tool 4, shortening the time for fixing and releasing the tool 4 during tool changing. It also has a high degree of automation and can work in conjunction with other mechanisms to further improve tool changing efficiency.

[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the connector 7 is provided with a T-shaped slot 71 for connecting the tool holder 5. The T-shaped slot 71 extends vertically through both the upper and lower ends of the connector 7. To accommodate the T-shaped slot 71 of the connector 7, a T-shaped protrusion 51 can be provided on the tool holder 5. Since the T-shaped slot 71 extends vertically through both the upper and lower ends of the connector 7, when the tool holder 3 moves to the tool changing position, the T-shaped protrusion 51 does not need to be precisely aligned and can slide vertically into the T-shaped slot 71. This reduces the positioning accuracy requirements of the shifting drive mechanism and reduces the adjustment time caused by alignment deviation. Especially in high-frequency tool changing scenarios, this can save a significant amount of time and further improve tool changing efficiency. The linear telescopic motion of the piston rod of cylinder 6 is driven by the cooperation of T-shaped protrusion 51 and T-shaped slot 71 to unlock or lock the tool 4 on the tool holder 5. The self-locking characteristic of the T-shaped cooperation also ensures that the driving force of cylinder 6 can be stably transmitted to the tool holder 5, ensuring the accuracy and convenience of the connection between the tool changing drive mechanism and the tool holder 5, and reducing the time consumption of the connection process.

[0059] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, the shifting drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder 8. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 8 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 2. The extension and retraction of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 8 drives the mounting plate 2 to slide along the mounting base 1. For the embodiment shown in the attached figure where the tool holder 3 is arranged vertically, it is necessary to control the vertical extension and retraction of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 8 to drive the mounting plate 2 to slide vertically along the mounting base 1. The hydraulic cylinder 8 design utilizes the advantages of large driving force and smooth operation of the hydraulic cylinder to accurately drive the vertical displacement of the mounting plate 2, ensuring that the tool holder 3 accurately switches to the tool changing position or the tool holder position. Furthermore, the vertical sliding method saves space, making it suitable for arrangement within the limited space of a general-purpose machine tool, thus meeting the space-constrained requirements of the machine tool.

[0060] Furthermore, the mounting base 1 is provided with a guide rail 11, and the mounting plate 2 is provided with a slider adapted to the guide rail 11 (the slider is located on the back of the mounting plate 2, and its view is obstructed by the mounting plate 2). The slider cooperates with the guide rail 11 to guide the sliding of the mounting plate 2, providing guidance for the movement of the mounting plate 2, reducing friction and offset during the movement, making the movement of the mounting plate 2 smoother and more precise, ensuring the accuracy of the switching position of the tool holder 3, and improving the working accuracy of the entire device.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of this application, the shifting drive mechanism and the tool changing drive mechanism are located on the same side of the mounting plate 2, and the tool holder 3 is located on the other side of the mounting plate 2. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown, both the shifting drive mechanism and the tool changing drive mechanism are located on the left side of the mounting plate 2, and the tool holder 3 is located on the front side and slightly to the right of the mounting plate 2. This layout makes the device structure more compact, makes reasonable use of the installation space, avoids mutual interference between the mechanisms, facilitates the operation of the tool holder 5 on the tool holder 3 by the robot arm, and also facilitates the coordinated work of the mechanisms, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency of the device.

[0062] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0063] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0064] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A tool magazine tool preparation device for a machine tool, characterized in that, It includes a mounting base (1) and a tool preparation assembly, a shifting drive mechanism and a tool changing drive mechanism respectively disposed on the mounting base (1); The tool preparation assembly includes a mounting plate (2) and at least two tool preparation clamps (3) spaced apart on the mounting plate (2), and the tool preparation clamps (3) hold a tool holder (5) for placing the tool (4). The shifting drive mechanism can drive the mounting plate (2) to shift, so that any one of the spare tool holders (3) is in the tool changing position, while the other spare tool holders (3) are in the spare tool position; The tool changing drive mechanism is arranged corresponding to the tool changing position. The tool sleeve (5) located at the tool changing position is connected to the tool changing drive mechanism. The tool (4) is locked or unlocked in the tool sleeve (5) through the tool changing drive mechanism.

2. The machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool holder (3) includes an upper arm (31), a lower arm (32) and a locking mechanism. The upper arm (31) and the lower arm (32) form a clamping groove. The tool sleeve (5) is inserted into the clamping groove in the horizontal direction. The locking mechanism is used to lock and fix the tool sleeve (5) in the clamping groove.

3. The machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a locking member (33) and an unlocking member (34). The locking member (33) and the unlocking member (34) are linked on the upper support arm (31). When the unlocking member (34) moves in the first direction, it makes way for the locking member (33) to retract into the upper support arm (31). When the unlocking member (34) moves in the second direction, it squeezes the locking member (33), causing a part of the locking member (33) to protrude out of the clamping groove and cooperate with the locking groove provided on the blade sleeve (5). The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

4. The machine tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper support arm (31) is provided with a transverse slide (311) and a vertical slide (312) that are interconnected. The locking member (33) is slidably disposed in the vertical slide (312). The bottom of the vertical slide (312) is surrounded by a limiting surface (313) to form a bottom opening. The locking member (33) protrudes from the clamping groove through the bottom opening. The limiting surface (313) stops the locking member (33). One end of the unlocking member (34) protrudes outside the upper support arm (31), and the other end is connected to the upper support arm (31) through an elastic member (35). When the unlocking member (34) moves along the first direction, it compresses the elastic member (35). The elastic member (35) is used to reset the unlocking member (34) along the second direction.

5. The machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper arm (31) has an upper clamping plane (315) on the side facing the lower arm (32), and the lower arm (32) has a lower clamping plane (321) on the side facing the upper arm (31). The upper clamping plane (315) and the lower clamping plane (321) are in contact with the plane of the blade sheath (5).

6. The machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tool changing drive mechanism includes a cylinder (6), and a connector (7) is installed on the outer end of the piston rod of the cylinder (6). When the tool holder (3) moves to the tool changing position, the tool sleeve (5) and the connector (7) automatically cooperate. When the piston rod of the cylinder (6) moves horizontally, it drives the tool sleeve (5) to complete the unlocking or locking action of the tool (4) through the push-pull transmission between the connector (7) and the tool sleeve (5).

7. The machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connector (7) is provided with a T-shaped slot (71) for connecting the blade sleeve (5), and the T-shaped slot (71) extends vertically through the upper and lower ends of the connector (7).

8. The machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shifting drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder (8), the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (8) is fixedly connected to the mounting plate (2), and the extension and retraction movement of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder (8) drives the mounting plate (2) to slide along the mounting seat (1).

9. The machine tool tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting base (1) is provided with a guide rail (11), and the mounting plate (2) is provided with a slider adapted to the guide rail (11). The slider cooperates with the guide rail (11) to guide the mounting plate (2) to slide.

10. The machine tool magazine tool preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shifting drive mechanism and the tool changing drive mechanism are located on the same side of the mounting plate (2), and the tool preparation fixture (3) is located on the other side of the mounting plate (2).

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