Multi-spindle common tool changer system

Abstract

The utility model relates to multi -spindle tool changing system technical field, and disclose a kind of multi -spindle common tool changing system, tool changing intermediate station is as the intelligent buffer and transfer hub between tool magazine and main shaft, can receive and temporarily store tool in advance, and execute the grabbing and release of tool by its simulation main shaft standardization, so that tool changing arm assembly need not directly with complex structure tool magazine is accurately docked multiple times, simplifies tool changing path planning and mechanical movement complexity, simultaneously, driving assembly controls tool changing arm assembly only needs to carry out rotation and linear telescopic motion, that is, can sequentially accurately serve the multiple main shafts arranged at specific angle around, the multi -spindle tool changing task that originally possibly cross conflict is converted into sequential, streamlined single-arm operation, reduce waiting and idle time in tool changing process, reduce system control difficulty, while guaranteeing high reliability, substantially improve the overall tool changing efficiency and machining efficiency of multi -spindle machine tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of multi-spindle tool changing systems, specifically a multi-spindle shared tool changing system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing CNC machine tool technology, multi-spindle machining units are widely used in the production of batch parts due to their high efficiency. Traditional multi-spindle machine tools typically have an independent tool changer for each spindle, or use a method where a few spindles share a single tool changer arm. In complex machining processes requiring frequent tool changes, such structures are complex, space-consuming, and costly to manufacture. Furthermore, when facing the simultaneous or sequential tool change requirements of multiple spindles, the shared tool changer often requires complex coordination and control, resulting in long waiting times, long tool change paths, and low efficiency, thus limiting the overall machining efficiency. Therefore, we propose a multi-spindle shared tool changer system. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-spindle shared tool changing system to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a multi-spindle shared tool changing system, including a base, a plurality of spindle fixtures are arranged on the upper surface of the base, a tool magazine is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base, a tool changing arm assembly for retrieving tools from the tool magazine is arranged on the top of the base, a drive assembly for driving the tool changing arm assembly to rotate and align with the spindle fixtures is arranged at the center of the top of the base, and a tool changing intermediate station for smooth transition between tool loading and unloading is arranged between the tool changing arm assembly and the tool magazine, the tool changing intermediate station including: The mounting frame is rotatably mounted on the top of the base. A lifting servo is fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting frame. A tool-changing cylinder is fixedly connected to the output end of the lifting servo. A simulated spindle is provided at the output end of the tool-changing cylinder. A servo motor for driving the rotation of the mounting frame is provided on the top of the mounting frame.

[0005] Preferably, the tool changing arm assembly includes a precision indexing plate disposed on the top of the base. A second servo motor is fixedly installed on the top of the base. The output end of the second servo motor controls the rotation of the precision indexing plate. A guide rail is fixedly installed at the bottom of the precision indexing plate. A cylinder is disposed at the bottom of one end of the guide rail. A rigid tool arm is fixedly connected to the output end of the cylinder. A tool gripper is fixedly installed at the end of the rigid tool arm away from the cylinder.

[0006] Preferably, the multiple sets of spindle fixtures are divided into two parts, one part having four sets and the other part having two sets, and the included angle between each spindle fixture in the two parts is set to 45°. At the same time, the tool change intermediate station is set between the two sets of spindle fixtures, which reduces unnecessary idle strokes and further shortens the overall tool change time.

[0007] Preferably, the tool magazine is provided with several tool changing fixtures, and the tool changing fixtures are all arranged around the central rotating shaft of the tool magazine. The end of the central rotating shaft of the tool magazine is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the drive motor is fixedly installed on the bottom outer surface of the tool magazine. This allows more tools to be accommodated in a limited space, improving tool storage capacity and selection flexibility.

[0008] Preferably, the simulated spindle is identical to the spindle tooling, and the tool-removing cylinder controls the loading and unloading of tools on the simulated spindle, ensuring accurate positioning and reliable clamping of the tools during the transfer process.

[0009] Preferably, the upper surface of the gripper is mirror-image-equipped with two sets of jaws, and an adaptive arc groove is provided on the side of the two sets of jaws that are close to each other. A fork-shaped band is fixedly installed on the inner arc surface of the adaptive arc groove, and several contact strips are evenly arranged on the side of the fork-shaped band, so that the clamping is more stable and reliable, and can effectively prevent the tool from sliding or rotating during high-speed movement or tool changing.

[0010] Preferably, the forked bands are provided in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of forked bands are distributed at equal intervals on the side of the adapting arc groove near the center of the blade gripper. The forked bands are set in an X shape, which makes the clamping force distribution more three-dimensional and more uniform. Moreover, the X-shaped intersection can produce better self-locking and anti-rotation effects, and enhance the rigidity and stability of clamping.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a multi-spindle shared tool changer system, which has the following advantages: 1. This multi-spindle shared tool changer system uses an intermediate tool changer station as an intelligent buffer and transfer hub between the tool magazine and the spindle. It can pre-receive and temporarily store tools, and perform tool grabbing and release in a standardized manner by simulating the spindle. This eliminates the need for the tool changer arm assembly to directly and precisely dock with the complex tool magazine multiple times, simplifying tool changer path planning and mechanical motion complexity. At the same time, the drive component controls the tool changer arm assembly to perform only rotation and linear extension and retraction movements, which can sequentially and precisely serve multiple spindles arranged at specific angles. This transforms the potentially conflicting multi-axis tool changer tasks into sequential and streamlined single-arm operations, reducing waiting and idle time during tool change, lowering the difficulty of system control, and significantly improving the overall tool changer efficiency and machining efficiency of multi-spindle machine tools while ensuring high reliability.

[0012] 2. This multi-spindle shared tool changer system, when the grippers are closed, the X-shaped fork-shaped bands and densely distributed contact strips can cross and grip the tool holder from multiple directions, and provide numerous discrete high-friction contact points. This not only increases the effective contact area and makes the clamping force distribution more uniform, avoiding excessive local stress that could damage the tool holder surface, but also the X-shaped cross structure produces a high degree of self-locking and anti-rotation effect, ensuring that even during high-dynamic tool changing processes or when clamping heavy tools, the tool can be absolutely and reliably fixed without any risk of slippage or rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view of the entire utility model; Figure 2 This is a top view of the tool changing system of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a side view of the tool changer assembly of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a side view of the tool changing intermediate station of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a top view of the blade gripper of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a side view of the gripper of this utility model.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Spindle fixture; 3. Tool magazine; 4. Tool changer station; 41. Mounting bracket; 42. Lifting servo; 43. Tool holder cylinder; 44. Simulated spindle; 45. Servo motor one; 5. Tool changer arm assembly; 51. Precision indexing plate; 52. Servo motor two; 53. Guide rail; 54. Cylinder; 55. Rigid tool arm; 56. Tool gripper; 561. Clamping jaw; 562. Adaptive arc groove; 563. Fork-shaped belt; 564. Contact bar; 6. Drive assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0015] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: a multi-spindle shared tool changing system, including a base 1, multiple sets of spindle fixtures 2 are arranged on the upper surface of the base 1, a tool magazine 3 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base 1, a tool changing arm assembly 5 for taking tools from the tool magazine 3 is arranged on the top of the base 1, a drive assembly 6 for driving the tool changing arm assembly 5 to rotate and align the spindle fixtures 2 is arranged at the center of the top of the base 1, and a tool changing intermediate station 4 for smooth transition of up and down tools is arranged between the tool changing arm assembly 5 and the tool magazine 3.

[0016] The tool changing intermediate station 4 includes a mounting frame 41, which is rotatably mounted on the top of the base 1. A lifting servo 42 is fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting frame 41. A tool-changing cylinder 43 is fixedly connected to the output end of the lifting servo 42. A simulated spindle 44 is provided at the output end of the tool-changing cylinder 43. A servo motor 45 that drives the mounting frame 41 to rotate is provided on the top of the mounting frame 41.

[0017] Multiple spindle fixtures 2 are used to install and drive multiple machining spindles for cutting operations, enabling multi-station synchronous processing and significantly improving production efficiency. The tool magazine 3 is equipped with multiple tool changing fixtures for storing tools. By rotating its built-in central shaft, the required tools can be quickly transported to the designated tool changing position, realizing centralized storage and automatic supply of tools, reducing manual intervention. The drive component 6 can precisely drive the tool changing arm component 5 to rotate to different angles, so that it is aligned with multiple spindle fixtures 2 in sequence, thereby enabling one tool changing arm component 5 to provide tool changing operations for multiple spindle fixtures 2. The servo motor 45 can drive the mounting bracket 41 to rotate horizontally as a whole. By simulating the tool pulling and releasing actions of the real spindle through the simulated spindle 44, combined with lifting and rotational movements, it can safely and reliably receive tools from the tool magazine 3 and hand them over to the tool changing arm component 5, or vice versa, avoiding the collision risk that may occur from direct interaction between the tool changing arm component 5 and the tool magazine 3, and improving the stability and safety of the tool changing process.

[0018] The tool changing arm assembly 5 includes a precision indexing plate 51 mounted on the top of the base 1. A second servo motor 52 is fixedly mounted on the top of the base 1. The output of the second servo motor 52 controls the rotation of the precision indexing plate 51. A guide rail 53 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the precision indexing plate 51. A cylinder 54 is mounted at the bottom of one end of the guide rail 53. A rigid tool arm 55 is fixedly connected to the output of the cylinder 54. A tool gripper 56 is fixedly mounted on the end of the rigid tool arm 55 away from the cylinder 54. The second servo motor 52 drives the precision indexing plate 51. The rotation causes the entire rigid tool arm 55 and tool holder 56 to rotate precisely around the central axis to the front of any designated spindle fixture 2 or the simulated spindle 44 of the tool changing intermediate station 4. When a tool change is required, the cylinder 54 is activated, pushing the rigid tool arm 55 to extend linearly along the guide rail 53, so that the tool holder 56 reaches the tool position on the spindle or simulated spindle 44. After the tool holder 56 grabs the tool, the cylinder 54 retracts, pulling the tool back. Then the precision indexing plate 51 rotates to the target position, and the cylinder 54 extends again to load the tool.

[0019] The multiple spindle fixtures 2 are divided into two parts, one part with four sets and the other part with two sets. The included angle between each spindle fixture 2 in the two parts is set to 45°. The tool changer station 4 is located between the two parts of the spindle fixtures 2. Specifically, the multiple spindle fixtures 2 are arranged in a compact and orderly manner on the circumference, which not only ensures that each spindle has sufficient operating space, but also reduces the equipment footprint. At the same time, the tool changer station 4 is located between the two parts of the spindle fixtures 2, that is, in the central area or near the multiple sets of spindles. This makes the path from the tool changer station 4 to each spindle fixture 2 relatively balanced. The tool changer arm assembly 5 has an efficient movement trajectory when rotating to each spindle, which further shortens the overall tool change time and improves system coordination and processing efficiency.

[0020] The tool magazine 3 is equipped with several tool changing fixtures, all of which are arranged around the central rotating shaft of the tool magazine 3. The end of the central rotating shaft of the tool magazine 3 is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the drive motor is fixedly installed on the bottom outer surface of the tool magazine 3. It is worth noting that the drive motor drives the central rotating shaft and the entire tool changing fixture disk to rotate, thereby quickly and accurately transporting the target tool to the fixed station for exchange with the tool changing intermediate station 4 or the tool changing arm assembly 5. This allows more tools to be accommodated in a limited space, improving tool storage capacity and selection flexibility. Furthermore, through the rotation index, rapid tool positioning and supply are achieved, providing support for continuous machining of multiple spindles and multiple product types.

[0021] The simulated spindle 44 is identical to the spindle fixture 2, and the tool changer 43 controls the loading and unloading of tools on the simulated spindle 44. This ensures that all tool transfers between the tool magazine 3 and the machining spindle undergo a standardized handover process on the simulated spindle 44. This guarantees accurate tool positioning and reliable clamping during transfer, avoiding errors or damage caused by interface differences, and improving the compatibility, reliability, and success rate of the entire tool changing system.

[0022] Please see Figures 5-6 The upper surface of the gripper 56 is mirror-image-equipped with two sets of jaws 561. The two sets of jaws 561 are provided with a matching arc groove 562 on the side where they are close to each other. A fork-shaped belt 563 is fixedly installed on the inner arc surface of the matching arc groove 562. Several contact strips 564 are evenly arranged on the side of the fork-shaped belt 563. When the jaws 561 close to clamp the tool holder, the multiple contact strips 564 on the fork-shaped belt 563 will be evenly pressed against the surface of the tool holder, which increases the friction contact area and the uniformity of the clamping force distribution, making the clamping process more stable and reliable, and effectively preventing the tool from sliding or rotating during high-speed movement or tool changing.

[0023] The forked bands 563 are arranged in multiple sets, with the forked bands 563 evenly distributed on the side of the adapter groove 562 near the center of the tool holder 56. The forked bands 563 are arranged in an X shape. When the gripper 561 is closed, the multiple sets of X-shaped forked bands 563 can clamp the tool holder from multiple directions and angles. This not only increases the contact points and contact area with the tool holder, making the clamping force distribution more uniform, but also the X-shaped cross shape can produce better self-locking and anti-rotation effects, enhancing the rigidity and stability of the clamping. It is suitable for clamping heavy tools or ensuring tool stability under high dynamic loads, improving the safety and accuracy of tool changing operations.

[0024] Working principle: When the tool on any spindle fixture 2 needs to be replaced, the system first controls the drive motor at the bottom of the tool magazine 3 to rotate, which drives the central rotating shaft and the tool changing fixtures around it to rotate, and sends the target tool to the exchange position of the tool changing intermediate station 4. Subsequently, the tool changing intermediate station 4 starts working. Servo motor 45 drives the mounting bracket 41 to rotate, so that the simulated spindle 44 is aligned with the tool exit of the tool magazine 3. Then, the lifting servo 42 drives the tool removal cylinder 43 and the simulated spindle 44 to descend. The action of the tool removal cylinder 43 controls the simulated spindle 44 to clamp and extract the target tool in the tool magazine 3. After that, the lifting servo 42 drives the tool to rise and reset. At the same time, the tool changing arm assembly 5 is started, and the servo motor 2 52 drives the precision indexing plate 51 to rotate, so that the rigid tool arm 55 and the tool gripper 56 at its end are aligned with the spindle fixture 2 that needs to be changed. The cylinder 54 is activated, pushing the rigid tool arm 55 to extend along the guide rail 53, so that the tool gripper 56 reaches the spindle fixture 2. The two sets of grippers 561 on the tool gripper 56 close, and the multiple sets of X-shaped fork-shaped strips 563 in the adapting arc groove 562 firmly grip the old tool holder on the spindle through the contact strips 564 evenly distributed on the side. After being grabbed, cylinder 54 retracts, and rigid cutter arm 55 drives the old cutter to retract. Subsequently, the precision indexing plate 51 rotates under the drive of servo motor 2 52, aligning the tool holder 56 and the old tool with the simulated spindle 44 of the tool changing intermediate station 4. The cylinder 54 extends again, sending the old tool into the simulated spindle 44. The tool-removing cylinder 43 controls the simulated spindle 44 to clamp the old tool, while the gripper 561 of the tool holder 56 releases. Afterward, the simulated spindle 44 rotates and descends under the coordinated action of servo motor 1 45 and lifting servo 42, returning the old tool to the corresponding empty position in the tool magazine 3. After returning the old tool, the simulated spindle 44 immediately retrieves the new tool required for the next process from another tool changer in the tool magazine 3 and rises to reset. Next, the precision indexing plate 51 of the tool changing arm assembly 5 rotates, so that the unloaded tool gripper 56 is aligned with the simulated spindle 44 that already holds the new tool. The cylinder 54 extends, and the tool gripper 56 grabs the new tool on the simulated spindle 44 and then retracts. Finally, the precision indexing plate 51 rotates to the target spindle fixture 2, the cylinder 54 extends, and the tool holder 56 precisely loads the new tool into the spindle, completing a complete tool change cycle.

[0025] The present invention has been described in detail above. However, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, any modifications or improvements that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-spindle shared tool changer system, comprising a base (1), characterized in that: The upper surface of the base (1) is provided with multiple sets of spindle fixtures (2), and a tool magazine (3) is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base (1). A tool changing arm assembly (5) for taking tools from the tool magazine (3) is provided on the top of the base (1). A drive assembly (6) for driving the tool changing arm assembly (5) to rotate and align with the spindle fixture (2) is provided at the center of the top of the base (1). A tool changing intermediate station (4) for smooth transition between the tool changing arm assembly (5) and the tool magazine (3) is provided. The tool changing intermediate station (4) includes: Mounting bracket (41), which is rotatably mounted on the top of base (1), and a lifting servo (42) is fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting bracket (41). A cutting cylinder (43) is fixedly connected to the output end of the lifting servo (42). A simulated spindle (44) is provided at the output end of the cutting cylinder (43). A servo motor (45) for driving the mounting bracket (41) to rotate is provided on the top of the mounting bracket (41).

2. The multi-spindle shared tool changing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool changing arm assembly (5) includes a precision indexing plate (51) set on the top of the base (1). A servo motor (52) is fixedly installed on the top of the base (1). The output end of the servo motor (52) controls the rotation of the precision indexing plate (51). A guide rail (53) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the precision indexing plate (51). A cylinder (54) is set at the bottom of one end of the guide rail (53). A rigid tool arm (55) is fixedly connected to the output end of the cylinder (54). A tool gripper (56) is fixedly installed at the end of the rigid tool arm (55) away from the cylinder (54).

3. The multi-spindle shared tool changing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple sets of spindle fixtures (2) are divided into two parts, one part is set with four sets and the other part is set with two sets, and the included angle of each spindle fixture (2) in the two parts is set to 45°. At the same time, the tool change intermediate station (4) is set between the two spindle fixtures (2).

4. The multi-spindle shared tool changing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool magazine (3) is provided with several tool changing fixtures, and the tool changing fixtures are all arranged around the central rotating shaft of the tool magazine (3). The end of the central rotating shaft of the tool magazine (3) is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the drive motor is fixedly installed on the bottom outer surface of the tool magazine (3).

5. A multi-spindle shared tool changer system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The simulated spindle (44) is set up exactly the same as the spindle fixture (2), and the tool-removing cylinder (43) controls the simulated spindle (44) to load and unload tools.

6. A multi-spindle shared tool changer system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper surface of the blade gripper (56) is mirror-image-decorated with two sets of grippers (561). The two sets of grippers (561) are provided with an adaptation arc groove (562) on the side where they are close to each other. A fork-shaped band (563) is fixedly installed on the inner arc surface of the adaptation arc groove (562). Several contact strips (564) are evenly arranged on the side of the fork-shaped band (563).

7. A multi-spindle shared tool changer system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The number of the forked strips (563) is set in multiple sets, and the multiple sets of forked strips (563) are evenly distributed on the side of the adapter arc groove (562) near the center of the blade gripper (56), and the forked strips (563) are set in an X shape.

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