Tool changer with linear drive rack and pinion

Abstract

Tool changing device (1) for a machining center (100) comprising at least one linear tool magazine (2) for holding at least two tools (3) and / or auxiliary equipment and at least one drive unit (4) for moving the at least one tool magazine (2) along a longitudinal extension (L) of the at least one tool magazine (2) relative to a workpiece to be machined in the machining center (100), wherein the at least one drive unit (4) is configured to move the at least one tool magazine (2) steplessly along the longitudinal extension (L) of the at least one tool magazine (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool changing device for a machining center comprising at least one linear tool magazine for receiving at least two tools and / or auxiliary means and at least one drive unit for moving the tool magazine along a longitudinal extent of the tool magazine, a machining center with at least one such tool changing device and a method for changing a tool with such a tool changing device.

[0002] For the purposes of this application, a machining center is defined as a multi-axis, at least NC-capable machine tool suitable for complete machining. This means that a machining center typically combines the functions of a lathe, milling machine, and / or drilling machine.

[0003] A linear tool magazine refers to a tool magazine in which the tools and / or tools are arranged linearly one behind the other in a row. Chain changers, which may be designed linearly in some sections, are not considered linear tool changers.

[0004] Tools can be various means required for a manufacturing process, such as units, measuring probes, grippers or measuring mandrels.

[0005] Linear tool changers are well known in the art. They typically feature a linear tool magazine that can accommodate at least two tools and / or tools. To pick up or remove a tool from the tool magazine, a machining device, such as a milling head, of the machining center moves to the respective position of the tool on the tool changer. The tool changer is stationary, i.e., immobile.

[0006] The disadvantage is that the machining device has to travel a long distance, which means that the time required for a tool change is quite long.

[0007] It is therefore also known from the prior art that a tool magazine can be moved along its longitudinal extension. This is achieved via one or two pneumatic cylinders.

[0008] This makes it possible for the machining device to only ever move to one change position. The required tool and / or tool is then moved to a change position by moving the tool magazine.

[0009] This concept also has some disadvantages. On the one hand, the scalability of such a system is limited or even nonexistent, since only two positions can be reached via a single pneumatic cylinder. This means that with such tool-changing devices with two pneumatic cylinders, only four positions can be reached, and therefore only four tools can be effectively accommodated in the tool changer.

[0010] On the other hand, such a tool-changing device lacks flexibility. For example, the position of the tool holders on the tool magazine cannot be easily adjusted to the tools and / or tools used, since the positions accessible via the tool magazine are determined by the pneumatic cylinders.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a tool-changing device that is improved over the prior art and, in particular, is highly scalable and flexibly adaptable. Furthermore, a machining center with such a tool-changing device and a method for changing a tool and / or auxiliary device using such a tool-changing device are also to be provided.

[0012] This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 10 and 15.

[0013] In a tool changing device according to the invention, it is therefore provided that the drive device is designed to move the at least one tool magazine continuously along the longitudinal extent of the at least one tool magazine.

[0014] The tool changing device is therefore easily scalable; only the available space limits the length of the tool magazine and thus the number of tools and / or tools that can be accommodated in the tool magazine.

[0015] In addition, the position of the tool holders on the tool magazine can be easily changed, since the stepless movement allows any position on the tool magazine to be reached.

[0016] Protection is also sought for a machining center for the, in particular computer-aided, machining of workpieces, in particular made of wood, with at least one machining device for receiving a tool and / or an auxiliary device and a control and / or regulating unit for controlling and / or regulating the machining center, wherein at least one tool changing device according to the invention is provided.

[0017] A method according to the invention for changing a tool and / or an aid with a tool changing device according to the invention comprises at least the following steps: - moving the at least one tool magazine in such a way that a tool holder associated with a tool and / or aid accommodated in the at least one machining device is located at a change position, - Moving to the change position with the processing device, - Placing the tool and / or aid held in the at least one processing device in the tool holder, - moving the at least one tool magazine in such a way that a tool holder with a tool and / or aid to be accommodated in the at least one machining device is located at a change position, - Incorporating the tool and / or aid to be incorporated into the at least one processing device into the processing device.

[0018] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0019] It can be provided that the at least two tools and / or aids are arranged one behind the other in a row along the longitudinal extent of the at least one tool magazine.

[0020] Preferably, it can be provided that the at least one drive unit has a motor, preferably an electric motor.

[0021] A motor can be used to generate continuous motion, allowing the tool magazine to move steplessly. Electric motors, such as servo or stepper motors, are particularly well-suited for this purpose because they are easy to control.

[0022] Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the at least one drive unit has a rack and pinion drive, preferably wherein a rack is arranged on the at least one tool magazine and a gear wheel can be driven via the motor.

[0023] A rack and pinion drive provides a simple way to achieve continuous movement of the tool magazine. It easily translates the motor's rotational movement into a linear movement of the tool magazine.

[0024] In principle, other drive types are also conceivable, such as a spindle drive. The advantage of a rack and pinion drive over other drive types is its small space requirement.

[0025] It can also be provided that the at least one tool magazine has at least two tool holders for receiving tools and / or aids.

[0026] As already mentioned, the number of tool holders can basically be varied as desired, as long as there is sufficient space.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least two tool holders are arranged on the at least one tool magazine so as to be adjustable, preferably continuously and / or independently of one another, along the longitudinal extent of the at least one tool magazine.

[0028] This makes it possible to adjust the position of the tool holders to the tools and / or tools they are to accommodate. For a tool and / or tool with large dimensions, a larger distance from neighboring tool holders can simply be provided, ensuring that all tools and / or tools fit easily.

[0029] Since the tool magazine is infinitely variable, different distances between the tool holders can also be implemented. The tool magazine can simply be moved until the desired tool holder is in the change position.

[0030] It can also be provided that the at least one tool magazine has a base body on which the tool magazine is mounted so as to be linearly movable.

[0031] The base body can be arranged on a machining center or outside a machining center and serves as a fastening for the tool changing device.

[0032] It can further be provided that at least one guide rail is arranged on the at least one tool magazine and at least one guide carriage is arranged on the base body, wherein the at least one guide rail is displaceably mounted on or in the at least one guide carriage.

[0033] This represents a simple implementation of a movable storage of the tool magazine.

[0034] Advantageously, it can be provided that the tool changing device has a detection system for detecting an absolute and / or relative position of the at least one tool magazine, preferably wherein the detection system is designed as an encoder.

[0035] This allows the motor to be easily controlled so that the tool magazine is moved to a desired position.

[0036] The detection system can be designed in different ways, for example, as a rotary encoder on the motor or as a linear encoder. In principle, any suitable detection system is conceivable.

[0037] The detection system can therefore detect the position of the tool magazine relative to the base body or another reference point. In addition, the positions of the tool holders can also be stored in the tool magazine. This way, the positions of the tool holders relative to the base body or another reference point are known.

[0038] With regard to a machining center according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one tool changing device is arranged substantially within the machining center.

[0039] In this case, it can advantageously be provided that the at least one tool magazine can be moved at least partially out of the machining center for loading the at least one tool magazine.

[0040] This makes it easier to load and replace tools in the tool magazine. Retraction can be automated. However, it is also conceivable for a user to manually remove the tool magazine from the machining center.

[0041] In the event that there is not enough space within the machining center for the required number or type of tools and / or aids, it can also be provided that the at least one tool changing device is arranged substantially outside, preferably separately, from the machining center.

[0042] Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and the drawings, in which: Fig. 1a a schematic, perspective view of a tool changing device, Fig. 1b the detail A of the Fig. 1a, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the tool changing device, Fig. 3a a schematic perspective view of a machining center, and Fig. 3b a schematic perspective view of a machining center with extended tool magazine.

[0043] The Fig. 1a shows a schematic, perspective view of a tool changing device 1, which Fig. 1b the detail A of the Fig. 1a. A base body 7 can be seen, by means of which the tool changing device 1 can be arranged on a machining center 100. The base body 7 can also be designed such that the tool changing device 1 can be arranged on a base or the like.

[0044] At least one guide carriage 9 (see Fig. 2) is arranged, in which a guide rail 8 is movably mounted. The guide rail 8 is connected to the tool magazine 2. The tool magazine 2 is thus mounted on the base body 7 in a linearly movable manner.

[0045] The tool magazine 2 is designed as a linear tool magazine 2 and comprises several tool holders 6. The tool holders 6 are arranged so that they can be moved along a rail 2a. The tool holders 6 can be positioned continuously and independently of one another on the rail 2a, and their position can thus be adapted to different tools 3 and / or tools.

[0046] It can also be seen that not all tool holders 6 are arranged equidistantly.

[0047] A drive unit 4 comprises a motor 4a, in this embodiment an electric motor, which is mounted on the base body 7 via a motor mount 4b. The motor 4 can drive a gear 5b, which engages with the rack 5a.

[0048] Rack 5a and gear 5b thus form a rack and pinion gear 5, by means of which the tool magazine 2 can be moved along its longitudinal extent L.

[0049] The motor mounting plate 4a can also be displaceably mounted on the base body 7, so that a tooth flank play of the rack gear 5 can be adjusted by displacing the motor mounting plate 4a.

[0050] A machining device 101 of a machining center 100 is also shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the machining device 101 is designed as a milling spindle and has a tool holder for receiving a tool 3 and / or auxiliary device. The tool holder can, for example, be designed to accommodate hollow shank tapers, steep tapers, or other conventional tool interfaces.

[0051] In the Fig. 1a, the machining device 101 is in a change position. In the change position, the machining device 101 is positioned essentially centrally above the tool changing device 1.

[0052] The tool magazine 2 can be continuously moved via the drive unit 4 until a tool holder 6, in which a desired tool 3 to be picked up by the machining device is mounted, is arranged below the machining device 101. The machining device 101 can then move downward and thus pick up the tool 3 to be picked up.

[0053] The process for placing a tool in the tool magazine 2 is analogous, i.e., the tool magazine 2 is moved until the tool holder 6 assigned to the tool 3 located in the machining device 101 is in the change position. The machining device 101 can then move downward and place the tool 3 in the tool holder 6.

[0054] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the tool changing device 1. In this figure, in particular the rack drive 5 and the mounting of the tool magazine 2 on the base body 7 via the guide rail 8 and the at least one guide carriage 9 can be seen.

[0055] A detection system 10 can be designed as an encoder on or in the motor 4a.

[0056] The Fig. 3a is a schematic perspective view of a machining center 100, and the Fig. 3b the machining center 100 with extended tool magazine.

[0057] It can be seen that the tool changing device 1 is arranged within the machining center 100. Furthermore, the machining device 101 and the control and / or regulating unit 102 for controlling and / or regulating the machining center 100 are visible.

[0058] The control and / or regulating unit 102 has a user interface via which a user can, for example, receive information and / or transmit commands to the control and / or regulating unit 102.

[0059] The machining center 100 has a cover 103 that can be opened to access the tool magazine 2. When the cover 3 is opened, the tool magazine 2 can be extended from the machining center 100. This can be done automatically or manually.

[0060] This makes tool magazine 2 easily accessible for loading or replacing tools. List of reference symbols: 1 tool changing device 2 tool magazines 2a clamping rail 3 tools 4 Drive unit 4a Engine 4b Engine mount 5 Rack and pinion drive 5a Rack 5b Gear 6 tool holders 7 basic bodies 8 Guide rail 9 guide carriages 10 Recording system 100 machining center 101 Processing device 102 Control and / or regulation unit 103 Cover L Longitudinal extension

Claims

[1] Tool changing device (1) for a machining center (100) comprising at least one linear tool magazine (2) for receiving at least two tools (3) and / or auxiliary means and at least one drive unit (4) for moving the at least one tool magazine (2) along a longitudinal extent (L) of the at least one tool magazine (2) relative to a workpiece to be machined in the machining center (100), characterized by that the at least one drive unit (4) is designed to move the at least one tool magazine (2) continuously along the longitudinal extent (L) of the at least one tool magazine (2). [2] Tool changing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two tools (3) and / or auxiliary means are arranged one behind the other in a row along the longitudinal extent (L) of the at least one tool magazine (2). [3] Tool changing device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one drive unit (4) comprises a motor (4a), preferably an electric motor. [4] Tool changing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one drive unit (4) has a rack and pinion drive (5), preferably wherein a rack (5a) is arranged on the at least one tool magazine (2) and a gear wheel (5b) is drivable via the motor (4a). [5] Tool changing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one tool magazine (2) has at least two tool holders (6) for receiving tools (3) and / or auxiliary means. [6] Tool changing device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least two tool holders (6) are arranged on the at least one tool magazine (2) so as to be adjustable, preferably continuously and / or independently of one another, along the longitudinal extent (L) of the at least one tool magazine (2). [7] Tool changing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a base body (7) is provided on which the at least one tool magazine (2) is mounted so as to be linearly movable. [8] Tool changing device (1) according to claim 7, wherein at least one guide rail (8) is arranged on the at least one tool magazine (2) and at least one guide carriage (9) is arranged on the base body (7), wherein the at least one guide rail (8) is displaceably mounted on or in the at least one guide carriage (9). [9] Tool changing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tool changing device (1) has a detection system (10) for detecting an absolute and / or relative position of the at least one tool magazine (2), preferably wherein the detection system (10) is designed as an encoder. [10] Machining center (100) for the, in particular computer-aided, machining of workpieces, in particular made of wood, with at least one machining device (101) for receiving a tool (3) and / or an auxiliary device and a control and / or regulating unit (102) for controlling and / or regulating the machining center (100), characterized by that at least one tool changing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 is provided. [11] Machining center (100) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one tool changing device (1) is arranged substantially within the machining center (100). [12] Machining center (100) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one tool magazine (2) can be moved at least partially out of the machining center (100) for loading the at least one tool magazine (2). [13] Machining center (100) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one tool changing device (1) is arranged substantially outside, preferably separately, from the machining center (100). [14] Machining center (100) according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the machining device (101) has a milling spindle and the milling spindle has a tool holder. [15] Method for changing a tool (3) and / or an auxiliary means with a tool changing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by following steps: - moving the at least one tool magazine (2) in such a way that a tool holder associated with a tool (3) and / or aid accommodated in the at least one machining device (101) is located at a change position, - Moving to the change position with the processing device (101), - placing the tool (3) and / or aid held in the at least one processing device (101) in the tool holder (6), - moving the at least one tool magazine (2) in such a way that a tool holder (6) with a tool (3) and / or aid to be accommodated in the at least one machining device (101) is located at the change position, - receiving the tool (3) and / or auxiliary means to be received in the at least one processing device (101) into the processing device (101).

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