A flexible clamping concealed linear tool magazine
By employing flexible clamping and automated synchronous design, the problems of rigid clamping and inadequate protection in traditional tool magazines are solved, resulting in extended tool life, improved machining accuracy, and increased tool changing efficiency, making it suitable for high-speed CNC machine tools.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522492826.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-25
AI Technical Summary
The rigid clamping mechanism of traditional tool magazines is prone to cutting vibration and impact stress transmission during high-speed machining, which affects tool life and tool changing accuracy. In addition, the protection design is not strict and is susceptible to contaminant intrusion, increasing system complexity and cost.
The design employs a flexible clamping mechanism and linkage mechanism, combined with a drive motor and ball screw, to achieve elastic locking of the end mill and automated synchronous opening and closing of the outer cover, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the outer cover rotation and enhancing stability and sealing.
It extends tool life, improves machining accuracy and stability, reduces tool change time, and ensures safety and reliability, making it suitable for continuous machining on high-speed CNC machine tools.
Smart Images
Figure CN224939603U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to CNC machine tool tool changing technology, and more particularly to a flexible clamping hidden linear tool magazine. Background Technology
[0002] In the automated machining process of CNC machine tools, the tool magazine, as a key functional component for storing and managing tools, directly affects the machining efficiency, reliability, and machining quality of the machine tool. Linear tool magazines are widely used in many fields due to their simple structure, low cost, and intuitive tool changing path.
[0003] Traditional tool magazines typically employ rigid locking mechanisms for tool clamping. During high-speed, high-load machining, this rigid connection lacks cushioning, easily transmitting cutting vibrations and impact stress directly to the tool. This can lead to chipping or premature wear of the cutting edge, shortening tool life. Furthermore, rigid contact during tool changes can easily cause collisions, posing safety hazards.
[0004] Metal powder, cutting fluid, and chips are ubiquitous in the machining environment. Many existing tool magazines have relatively simple protective designs, with gaps between the outer shell and the movable cover, making it difficult to achieve a complete seal. Contaminants can easily penetrate the tool magazine's interior, adhering to precision transmission components and tool clamping surfaces. This can not only cause component wear and jamming, reducing the tool magazine's reliability, but also lead to decreased tool changing accuracy due to contamination of the clamping surfaces, and even damage to the tools and spindle.
[0005] Some tool magazine covers require independent drive mechanisms or manual operation to open and close, failing to be linked with the feed motion of the tool post. This design increases system complexity and cost, prolongs tool change auxiliary time, and affects the overall production efficiency of the machine tool.
[0006] Especially when a CNC engraving machine is performing high-speed engraving, it generates continuous vibration. If the center of gravity of the tool magazine cover is too high or the support structure is unstable, it is prone to swaying or unexpected displacement under vibration. This instability not only generates noise but may also affect the positioning accuracy of the tool changing robot, and in extreme cases, may even lead to tool changing failure, endangering machining safety. Utility Model Content
[0007] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this invention proposes a flexible clamping hidden linear tool magazine.
[0008] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:
[0009] A flexible clamping concealed linear tool magazine, comprising a tool holder and a housing, characterized in that,
[0010] A support plate is fixedly connected inside the outer casing. A drive mechanism is installed at the bottom of the support plate. The drive mechanism is connected to a push frame. A crossbeam is fixedly connected to the push frame. Multiple mold plates are installed at equal intervals in a straight line on the crossbeam. At least one end mill is installed on each mold plate.
[0011] An outer cover is provided at one end of the outer casing, and the outer cover is connected to the outer casing via a hinge. The crossbeam is connected to the outer cover via a linkage mechanism.
[0012] When the drive mechanism drives the push frame to move, the crossbeam rod drives the mold plate and end mill to push out or retract, and at the same time the linkage mechanism drives the outer cover to open or close automatically.
[0013] In this invention, the end mill is fixed by a flexible clamping mechanism.
[0014] The flexible clamping mechanism includes an annular groove on the end mill and a through hole on the cutter holder. A retaining ball and a preload spring are installed inside the through hole. The retaining ball is engaged in the annular groove under the action of the preload spring.
[0015] In this utility model, the driving mechanism includes a drive motor, a ball screw, and a engagement block. The drive motor is mounted on the bottom of the support plate, the ball screw is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the engagement block is disposed at one end of the push frame and cooperates with the ball screw.
[0016] In this utility model, at least one pair of guide blocks are fixedly connected to the bottom of the bearing plate. The guide blocks are provided with T-slots. The pusher is slidably connected to the guide blocks through the T-slots, and the pusher is suspended below the guide blocks.
[0017] In this utility model, the linkage mechanism includes a connecting plate and a connecting rod. The connecting plate is fixed to both sides of the crossbeam rod, and one end of the connecting rod is hinged to the connecting plate and the other end is hinged to the outer cover.
[0018] In this utility model, a first extension plate is provided on the top of the outer shell, and a second extension plate is provided on the outer cover. When the outer cover is closed, the first extension plate and the second extension plate cooperate with each other to completely seal the gap between the outer shell and the outer cover.
[0019] In this invention, the hinge and linkage mechanism are located at the lower end of the outer casing.
[0020] The flexible clamping concealed linear tool magazine of this invention has the following advantages:
[0021] 1. By employing a flexible clamping mechanism, including retaining balls, preload springs, and annular grooves, elastic locking of the end mill is achieved. This design allows the clamping force to adaptively adjust during machining, reducing rigid impacts and stress concentration, effectively preventing tool loosening or falling off, while extending tool life and improving machining accuracy and stability.
[0022] 2. By utilizing a linkage mechanism and a drive motor in tandem, the synchronous automation of the tool magazine's extension and the outer cover's opening and closing is achieved. When the tool magazine extends, the outer cover automatically opens; when the tool magazine retracts, the outer cover automatically closes. This reduces manual intervention, improves tool changing speed and operational efficiency, and is suitable for continuous machining scenarios on high-speed CNC machine tools.
[0023] 3. By placing the hinges and connecting rods at the lower end of the housing, the rotational center of gravity of the outer casing is lowered, enhancing the stability and vibration resistance during opening and closing. This reduces the shaking or swaying of the outer casing during high-speed tool changes or machine tool vibrations, ensuring accurate tool magazine positioning and improving the overall system reliability and safety. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concealed straight-line tool magazine of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another state of the concealed straight-line tool magazine of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another state of the concealed straight-line tool magazine of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the concealed linear tool magazine of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the concealed linear tool magazine of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the concealed linear tool magazine of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the end mill of this utility model;
[0031] Figure 8 This is a partial sectional view of the end mill of this utility model.
[0032] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are as follows: I-frame 1, outer shell 2, first extension plate 2A, bearing plate 3, guide block 4, drive motor 5, ball screw 6, push frame 7, engagement block 8, crossbeam 9, mold plate 10, end mill 11, milling cutter holder 11A, milling cutter body 11B, annular groove 11C, through hole 11D, retaining ball 11E, connecting plate 12, outer cover 13, second extension plate 13A, connecting rod 14, hinge 15. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this embodiment proposes a flexible clamping concealed linear tool magazine including a jig frame 1 and a housing 2. The jig frame 1 is installed on the top of the housing 2, wherein a support plate 3 is fixedly connected inside the housing 2, and at least a pair of guide blocks 4 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the support plate 3.
[0035] A drive motor 5 is mounted on the bottom of the support plate 3, and a ball screw 6 is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor 5. The guide block 4 is slidably connected to a pusher 7 via a T-slot, and one end of the pusher 7 is provided with a meshing block 8 that can cooperate with the ball screw 6.
[0036] Furthermore, the pusher 7 is suspended below the guide block 4. The support plate 3 and the guide block 4 are fixedly installed inside the housing 2, and the drive motor 5 controls the pusher 7 to move in the F1 direction through the cooperation of the ball screw 6 and the engagement block 8.
[0037] In this embodiment, a crossbeam 9 is fixedly connected to one end of the push frame 7, and multiple mold plates 10 are installed on the crossbeam 9 at equal intervals in a straight line. At least one end mill 11 is installed on each mold plate 10.
[0038] Furthermore, an outer cover 13 is provided at one end of the outer shell 2, and the outer cover 13 is connected to the outer shell 2 via a hinge 15. Connecting plates 12 are installed on both sides of the crossbeam 9, and a connecting rod 14 is installed on each connecting plate 12. One end of the connecting rod 14 is installed on the connecting plate 12, and the other end is installed on the outer cover 13.
[0039] In this embodiment, the drive motor 5, through the cooperation of the ball screw 6 and the engagement block 8, controls the pusher 7 to push out the crossbeam 9, the mold plate 10, and the milling cutter 11 mounted thereon along the F1 direction. At this time, the connecting plate 12 on the crossbeam 9 drives the outer cover 13 to rotate along the F2 direction through the connecting rod 14, and opens the outer cover 13.
[0040] Specifically, in the initial state, the tool magazine is in the hidden position, that is, the outer cover 13 is closed by the hinge 15, covering one end of the outer shell 2, and the end mill 11 is mounted on the mold plate 10 and is stored inside the outer shell 2. The pusher 7 is slidably connected to the guide block 4 through the T-slot and is suspended below the guide block 4. At this time, the ball screw 6 is in the initial position.
[0041] When the end mill 11 needs to be retrieved, the drive motor 5 starts, driving the ball screw 6 to rotate. The ball screw 6 cooperates with the engagement block 8 at one end of the pusher 7 to convert the rotational motion into linear motion. Driven by the ball screw 6, the engagement block 8 pushes the pusher 7 to move along the F1 direction, i.e., the guide direction. The pusher 7 slides on the guide block 4 through the T-slot, ensuring smooth and precise movement. When the pusher 7 moves, it drives the crossbeam 9, which is fixedly connected to one end of it, to move along the F1 direction. Multiple mold plates 10 are installed at equal intervals in a straight line on the crossbeam 9, and each mold plate 10 is equipped with at least one end mill 11. Therefore, the entire tool magazine, including the crossbeam, mold plates, and end mills, is pushed out from inside the housing 2 and exposed to the outside, facilitating tool replacement or machining operations.
[0042] As the crossbeam 9 moves, the connecting plates 12 mounted on both sides of it drive the outer cover 13 to move via the connecting rod 14. Specifically, the connecting plates 12 move with the crossbeam 9, pushing the connecting rod 14. The other end of the connecting rod 14 is connected to the outer cover 13, causing the outer cover 13 to rotate around the hinge 15 in the F2 direction, i.e., the rotation direction, thus automatically opening the outer cover 13. In this way, the tool magazine ejection and the outer cover opening process are synchronized, requiring no additional power source.
[0043] When the tool magazine is no longer in use, the drive motor 5 reverses, causing the ball screw 6 to rotate in the opposite direction, which in turn moves the pusher 7 in the opposite direction of F1. The crossbeam 9 and the mold plate 10 then retract into the housing 2. At the same time, the connecting plate 12 pulls the outer cover 13 through the connecting rod 14, causing the outer cover 13 to close and return to its initial hidden state.
[0044] Preferably, refer again Figure 2 As shown, the outer cover 13 is mounted on one end of the outer shell 2 via a hinge 15 and can be flipped downwards to open. The top of the outer shell 2 is provided with a first extension plate 2A, and the outer cover 13 is equipped with a second extension plate 13A. In the closed state, the first extension plate 2A and the second extension plate 13A completely seal the gap between the outer shell 2 and the outer cover 13 to prevent powder from entering the interior of the outer shell 2.
[0045] Furthermore, placing the hinge 15 and connecting rod 14 at the lower end of the outer casing 2 can lower the center of gravity of the outer cover 13, making the front door more stable during opening and closing, reducing shaking or swaying, and improving reliability, especially during high-speed tool changes. The engraving machine will generate vibrations during processing; a lower-end connection may better resist vibrations and prevent the outer cover 13 from accidentally opening or closing due to vibration.
[0046] Furthermore, refer to again Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the end mill 11 consists of a cutter holder 11A and a cutter body 11B. The cutter body 11B has an annular groove 11C in its center. When the cutter body 11B is mounted on the cutter holder 11A, a force along the F3 direction is applied to the cutter body 11B to separate it from the cutter holder 11A.
[0047] The milling cutter holder 11A has through holes 11D on both sides, and a retaining bead 11E is installed inside the through hole 11D. When the milling cutter body 11B is installed on the milling cutter holder 11A, the retaining bead 11E is located in the annular groove 11C of the milling cutter body 11B.
[0048] Furthermore, a pre-tensioning spring can also be provided between the locking bead 11E and the through hole 11D, so as to push the locking bead 11E into the annular groove 11C to achieve flexible clamping.
[0049] In this embodiment, when the milling cutter body 11B is installed onto the milling cutter holder 11A, the shaft portion of the milling cutter body 11B is inserted into the mounting hole of the milling cutter holder 11A. At this time, the retaining balls 11E in the through holes 11D on both sides of the milling cutter holder 11A are pushed outward by the preload spring and locked into the annular retaining groove 11C in the middle of the milling cutter body 11B. The engagement of the retaining balls 11E and the annular retaining groove 11C forms a mechanical lock, thereby firmly fixing the milling cutter body 11B onto the milling cutter holder 11A and preventing it from loosening or falling off during machining. The flexible force provided by the preload spring allows the retaining balls 11E to slightly retract during installation, achieving flexible clamping, reducing rigid impact, and improving clamping stability.
[0050] Under normal machining conditions, the retaining ball 11E remains embedded in the annular retaining groove 11C, maintained by the preload of the preload spring. This design not only ensures the radial and axial positioning of the end mill body 11B but also allows for some vibration absorption, preventing damage caused by sudden changes in machining load. The flexible clamping mechanism helps extend the end mill's life and ensure machining accuracy.
[0051] When it is necessary to replace or disassemble the end mill body 11B, an external force is applied to the end mill body 11B along the F3 direction. This force overcomes the resistance of the preload spring, causing the retaining ball 11E to exit from the annular retaining groove 11C and retract into the through hole 11D. At this time, the locking between the end mill body 11B and the end mill holder 11A is released, and the end mill body 11B can be pulled out from the end mill holder 11A, achieving rapid separation.
[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A flexible clamping concealed linear tool magazine, comprising a tool holder (1) and a housing (2), characterized in that, The outer shell (2) is fixedly connected to a bearing plate (3). A drive mechanism is installed at the bottom of the bearing plate (3). The drive mechanism is connected to a push frame (7). A crossbeam (9) is fixedly connected to the push frame (7). Multiple mold plates (10) are installed on the crossbeam (9) at equal intervals in a straight line. At least one end mill (11) is installed on the mold plate (10). One end of the outer shell (2) is provided with an outer cover (13), the outer cover (13) is connected to the outer shell (2) by a hinge (15), and the crossbeam (9) is connected to the outer cover (13) by a linkage mechanism. When the drive mechanism drives the push frame (7) to move, the crossbeam rod (9) drives the mold plate (10) and the end mill (11) to push out or retract, and at the same time the linkage mechanism drives the outer cover (13) to open or close automatically.
2. The concealed linear tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end mill (11) is fixed by a flexible clamping mechanism. The flexible clamping mechanism includes an annular groove (11C) on the end mill (11) and a through hole (11D) on the cutter holder (11A). A retaining ball (11E) and a preload spring are installed inside the through hole (11D). The retaining ball (11E) is engaged in the annular groove (11C) under the action of the preload spring.
3. The concealed linear tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a drive motor (5), a ball screw (6) and a engagement block (8). The drive motor (5) is installed at the bottom of the support plate (3). The ball screw (6) is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (5). The engagement block (8) is located at one end of the push frame (7) and cooperates with the ball screw (6).
4. The concealed linear tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one pair of guide blocks (4) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the bearing plate (3). The guide blocks (4) are provided with T-slots. The pusher (7) is slidably connected to the guide blocks (4) through the T-slots, and the pusher (7) is suspended below the guide blocks (4).
5. The concealed linear tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism includes a connecting plate (12) and a connecting rod (14). The connecting plate (12) is fixed to both sides of the crossbeam (9). One end of the connecting rod (14) is hinged to the connecting plate (12), and the other end is hinged to the outer cover (13).
6. The concealed linear tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the outer shell (2) is provided with a first extension plate (2A), and the outer cover (13) is provided with a second extension plate (13A). When the outer cover (13) is closed, the first extension plate (2A) and the second extension plate (13A) cooperate with each other to completely seal the gap between the outer shell (2) and the outer cover (13).
7. The concealed linear tool magazine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge (15) and linkage mechanism are located at the lower end of the housing (2).