Assembly, device and method for machining a mechanical part

Abstract

To provide a device and a method capable of machining a machine component with higher flexibility and efficiency in a situation where machining accuracy satisfies requirements.SOLUTION: The assembly (100) includes a parallel robot (101) and a servo spindle (102). The parallel robot (101) is mounted on a platform (300) below the mechanical part (33) to be machined and comprises one or more axes. The servo spindle (102) is attached to the parallel robot (101) and is configured to rotationally drive the machining tool (103). The parallel robot (101) is configured to drive the servo spindle (102) to translate relative to the parallel robot (101) along one or more axes. The machining tool can cut the required shape and features on the bottom side of the machine part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of machining mechanical parts, and more particularly to assemblies, apparatus and methods for machining mechanical parts. [Background technology]

[0002] Milling is a common process for machining parts. In traditional milling, a computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling machine or machining center is used to machine a machine part. In the milling process, a blank for the machine part is first clamped into the CNC milling machine or machining center. A high-speed rotating milling cutter is then used to cut the blank into the required shape and features.

[0003] Currently, the most common milling method is the use of milling machining centers. While milling machining centers can achieve high-precision machining, they also have many drawbacks. First, due to their limited operating range, milling machining centers can only be used to machine small to medium-sized machine parts, not large-sized parts such as aluminum workpieces. Second, unless a five-axis machining center is used, machine parts with complex curved surfaces cannot be easily machined, resulting in reduced machining efficiency. Third, machining relatively large machine parts usually requires a large machining center or a double-column machining center, resulting in relatively high machining center costs. Fourth, the large footprint of machining centers makes it difficult to integrate them with other automated equipment to create an automated production line. Fifth, machining centers require customized or specialized fixtures and tools to machine various machine parts. Therefore, the flexibility of machining centers is limited.

[0004] Another conventional milling model uses an industrial robot, such as a six-axis articulated robot, to hold a milling cutter for cutting machine parts. However, because six-axis articulated robots contain multiple joints, if the axes of the six-axis articulated robot move or rotate during milling, the rigidity of the six-axis articulated robot decreases. This adversely affects the accuracy of milling performed by the six-axis articulated robot.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved solutions for milling machine parts. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In view of the aforementioned problems, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an assembly, apparatus, and method for machining mechanical parts to reduce the processing difficulty and cost of machining the parts, and to improve the processing efficiency, flexibility, and rigidity of machining the parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a first aspect, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an assembly for machining a machine part. The assembly includes a parallel robot mounted on a platform below the machine part to be machined and having one or more axes, and a servo spindle mounted on the parallel robot and configured to rotationally drive a machining tool. The parallel robot is configured to drive the servo spindle to translate relative to the parallel robot along the one or more axes. According to these embodiments, during machining of the machine part, the parallel robot can drive the servo spindle to translate along one or more axes below the machine part, thereby enabling the machining tool to cut required shapes and features on the bottom side of the machine part. In this way, machine parts can be machined with greater flexibility and efficiency in situations where machining accuracy requirements are met.

[0008] In some embodiments, the parallel robot is a Cartesian robot and is configured to drive servo spindles to translate relative to the parallel robot along three mutually perpendicular axes. According to these embodiments, the parallel robot can drive servo spindles to translate along one or more of the three axes to cut required shapes and features on the bottom side of the machine part.

[0009] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a machining tool held by the servo spindle and configured to be rotated by being driven by the servo spindle.

[0010] In some embodiments, the machining tool comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool, which allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in milling or drilling machine parts in situations where machining precision requirements are met.

[0011] In a second aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for machining a machine part. The apparatus includes a positioning device configured to hold the machine part to be machined and adjust the orientation of the machine part, and an assembly according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The assembly is mounted on a platform below the machine part to machine the machine part from its bottom side. The apparatus according to the second aspect of the present disclosure may provide similar advantages to the assembly according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. In addition, the positioning device allows the orientation of the machine part to be adjusted during machining.

[0012] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a lubrication device that supplies lubricant to the machining tool. According to these embodiments, the lubricant supplied by the lubrication device can not only protect the machining tool from wear, but also prevent the machining tool from overheating.

[0013] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a human machine interface (HMI) configured to accept user input for setting machining parameters of the machine part.

[0014] In a third aspect, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for machining a machine part, the method comprising: receiving user input to set machining parameters for the machine part; and an assembly mounted on a platform below the machine part, machining the machine part based on the machining parameters. The assembly comprises a parallel robot having one or more axes; a servo spindle attached to the parallel robot; and a machining tool held by the servo spindle and configured to rotate and machine the machine part by driving the servo spindle, the parallel robot being configured to drive the servo spindle to translate relative to the parallel robot along the one or more axes. According to these embodiments, the parallel robot and the servo spindle coupled to the machining tool are used to machine the machine part based on the machining parameters. This solution is revolutionary, replacing machining centers and uniquely and perfectly resolving the limitations of six-axis industrial robots.

[0015] In some embodiments, the machining parameters comprise the location, lateral dimensions and depth of a hole to be formed in the machined part, and the lead of the machining tool.

[0016] In some embodiments, machining the mechanical component using the assembly based on the machining parameters includes machining the mechanical component using the assembly in a helical feed manner based on the machining parameters. According to these embodiments, the mechanical component can be precisely and reliably machined.

[0017] In some embodiments, the hole comprises a circular hole and the lateral dimension of the hole comprises the radius of the circular hole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hole comprises a waist-shaped hole, and the lateral dimensions of the hole comprise the length and radius of the waist-shaped hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, the parallel robot is a Cartesian robot and is configured to drive servo axes to translate the parallel robot along three mutually perpendicular axes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the machining tool comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mechanical component is held by a positioning device configured to adjust the orientation of the mechanical component.

[0022] The drawings described herein are provided to further explain the present disclosure and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and the description thereof are intended to illustrate the present disclosure and are not intended to unduly limit the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for machining a machine part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a positioning device for securing a mechanical component, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for machining a machine part, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a method for machining a machine part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a circular hole formed in a mechanical part. [Figure 5B] 5B illustrates an exemplary machining path for the circular hole shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a waist-shaped hole formed in a machine part. [Figure 6B] 6B illustrates an exemplary machining path for the waist shape shown in FIG. 6A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In all figures, the same or similar reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0025] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. While the drawings show exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely intended to facilitate a better understanding and implementation of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] The terms "comprise" or "include" and variations thereof should be interpreted as open-ended, meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "or" should be interpreted as "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on." The term "operable" refers to a function, action, movement, or state that can be achieved by manipulation by a user or an external mechanism. The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment." The terms "first," "second," etc. may refer to different or the same object. Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included in the following text. Definitions of terms are consistent throughout this specification unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In order to overcome the typical shortcomings of machining centers and the limitations of using six-axis industrial robots independently, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an assembly, apparatus, and method for machining machine parts, thereby reducing the difficulty and cost of machining the parts and improving the efficiency, flexibility, and rigidity of machining the parts. As will be described in detail in the following paragraphs, the above-mentioned ideas may be implemented in various ways.

[0028] The principles of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B.

[0029] Reference is first made to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for machining a mechanical component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a positioning device for securing a mechanical component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 200 described herein generally includes a positioning device 34 and an assembly 100 for machining a mechanical component 33. The assembly 100 is mounted on a platform 300 below the mechanical component 33.

[0030] 1 and 2, the assembly 100 includes a parallel robot 101, a servo spindle 102, and a machining tool 103. The parallel robot 101 is mounted on a platform 300. The parallel robot 101 includes one or more axes to facilitate translation along one or more axes. The servo spindle 102 is mounted on the parallel robot 101 and is drivable by the parallel robot 101 to translate along one or more axes relative to the parallel robot 101 (i.e., relative to the platform 300). The machining tool 103 is held by the servo spindle 102 and can be rotated by being driven by the servo spindle 102.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, during machining of the mechanical part 33, the parallel robot 101 can drive the servo spindle 102 to translate along one or more axes below the mechanical part 33 held by the positioning device 34. Also, the machining tool 103 can be driven by the servo spindle 102 to cut required shapes and features on the bottom side of the mechanical part 33. In this way, the mechanical part 33 can be machined more flexibly and efficiently.

[0032] Additionally, the device 200 can be used to machine circular holes and waist-shaped holes to meet different or complex application requirements.

[0033] In addition, since the servo spindle 102 coupled to the machining tool 103 is driven by the parallel robot 101, the apparatus 200 is suitable for machining the machine part 33 with a complex curved surface or different thicknesses, such as milling or drilling. During the machining process, the machining parameters of the machine part 33 can be automatically controlled and adjusted, which increases the flexibility of the machining process.

[0034] In addition, the device 200 solves the problem of complicated and expensive customization of the device in the conventional machining process of mechanical parts, and therefore has higher applicability, versatility, and economy, and greatly reduces the difficulty and cost of operation.

[0035] Furthermore, the machining accuracy of the device 200 can meet the requirements. For example, when the device 200 is used to drill a circular hole or a waist-shaped hole in the mechanical part 33, the machining accuracy is about −0.05 mm to +0.05 mm.

[0036] 1, the parallel robot 101 is a Cartesian robot configured to drive the servo spindles 102 to translate relative to the parallel robot 101 along three mutually perpendicular axes. According to these embodiments, the parallel robot 101 can drive the servo spindles 102 to translate along one or more of the three axes to cut required shapes and features, such as a circular hole or a waist-shaped hole, on the bottom side of the machine part 33.

[0037] In some embodiments, the parallel robot 101 is a single-axis robot and is configured to drive the servo spindle 102 to translate along a predetermined axis Z relative to the parallel robot 101. According to these embodiments, the parallel robot 101 can drive the servo spindle 102 to translate along the predetermined axis Z to cut required shapes and features, such as circular holes or threaded holes, in the machine part 33.

[0038] In one embodiment, the parallel robot 101 may be a dedicated linear robot, such as a single-axis linear robot or a three-axis linear robot. In another embodiment, the parallel robot 101 may be obtained by modifying a conventional servo positioning device (e.g., by specially designing a control program for the servo positioning device). The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this respect.

[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 200 can be used to machine a variety of shapes and features in the machined part 33. The circular holes and waist-shaped holes are merely exemplary of the shapes and features to be machined and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the apparatus 200 can be used to drill or mill other holes or surfaces.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the platform 300 may be a dedicated work table, a bracket, or the ground.

[0041] It should be understood that the Cartesian robot and the single-axis robot are merely exemplary embodiments of the parallel robot 101 and do not imply any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the parallel robot 101 may be of other types, including, for example, two axes that are orthogonal to each other.

[0042] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the servo spindle 102 can drive the machining tool 103 to rotate at high speeds to cut the required shapes and features on the bottom side of the machined component 33. The servo spindle 102 can be of a variety of conventional or future available configurations, and the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this respect.

[0043] In one embodiment, the machining tool 103 includes a milling tool for milling the machine part 33. In another embodiment, the machining tool 103 includes a drilling tool for drilling holes in the machine part 33. It should be understood that milling tools and drilling tools are merely exemplary implementations of the machining tool 103 and do not imply any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the machining tool 103 may be of other types.

[0044] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the assembly 100 may be manufactured or sold separately and attached to the platform 300 when a machining process needs to be performed on the machine part 33. It should also be understood that when the assembly 100 is manufactured or sold, the user may attach the corresponding machining tool 103 to the servo spindle 102 instead of the assembly 100 depending on the actual machining needs.

[0045] 1 and 2, the positioning device 34 may clamp the mechanical component 33 from both sides of the mechanical component 33. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the positioning device 34 may support the mechanical component 33 in other ways, and the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this respect.

[0046] The positioning device 34 can adjust the orientation of the mechanical part 33 during the machining process. For example, in some embodiments, once machining of the mechanical part 33 is completed, the positioning device 34 can rotate the mechanical part 33 to allow the machining tool 103 to machine another side of the mechanical part 33. It should be understood that in some embodiments, when the bottom side of the mechanical part 33 is machined by the assembly 100, the top side of the mechanical part 33 opposite the bottom side may be simultaneously machined by the articulated robot.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 200 may further include, in addition to the assembly 100, one or more additional assemblies 100a having the same structure as the assembly 100 for processing the machine part 33 at other locations.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an apparatus for machining a machine part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, in addition to the positioning device 34 and assembly 100 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 200 may further include several other devices / components, which will be described in more detail below.

[0049] 3 , the apparatus 200 further includes a lubrication device 35 that supplies a lubricant to the machining tool 103. For example, the lubrication device 35 may include a minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) device. During the machining of the mechanical component 33, the lubricant can be sprayed onto the machining tool 103. In these embodiments, the lubricant supplied by the lubrication device 35 can not only protect the machining tool 103 from wear, but also prevent the machining tool 103 from overheating. Furthermore, supplying the lubricant can increase the machining speed of the mechanical component 33.

[0050] 3, the apparatus 200 further includes a robot controller 31 that communicates with the parallel robot 101. The movement of the axes of the parallel robot 101 is controlled by the robot controller 31. For example, the robot controller 31 can control the movement speed and position of the axes of the parallel robot 101.

[0051] 3, the apparatus 200 further includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) 32 that communicates with the robot controller 31. The entire machining process is controlled by the PLC 32. Specifically, the operation of the parallel robot 101, the servo spindle 102, the lubrication device 35, and other electrical or electronic devices are controlled by the PLC 32.

[0052] In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 further includes a human-machine interface (HMI) configured to accept user input for setting machining parameters of the machine part 33 and to implement one or more additional functions, such as real-time monitoring of each member of the apparatus 200. The HMI facilitates setting the machining parameters of the machine part 33 and also provides a visualized, human-oriented window for the user to implement real-time monitoring, warnings, and other functions.

[0053] 4 illustrates a method for machining a machine part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 400 can be performed by the apparatus 200 described above with reference to FIGS.

[0054] 4, at 401, user input is accepted to set machining parameters for the mechanical component 33. In some embodiments, the user input may be accepted by an HMI of the apparatus 200. The HMI is easy to operate and understand. The HMI allows the machining parameters for the mechanical component 33 to be easily set.

[0055] At 402, the assembly 100 disposed on the platform 300 machines the mechanical part 33 based on the machining parameters. The assembly 100 comprises a parallel robot 101 having one or more axes, a servo spindle 102 attached to the parallel robot 101, and a machining tool 103 held by the servo spindle 102 and configured to rotate by being driven by the servo spindle 102 to perform machining of the mechanical part 33. The parallel robot 101 is configured to drive the servo spindle 102 to translate relative to the parallel robot 101 along one or more axes.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method 400 can be used for drilling holes in the mechanical part 33. In this case, the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33 comprise the position, lateral dimension and depth of the holes to be formed in the mechanical part 33, and the lead of the machining tool 103. By setting the machining parameters of the mechanical part 33, holes of different sizes and different positions can be easily machined in the mechanical part 33.

[0057] In some embodiments, the hole may be a circular hole 500 as shown in Figure 5A. In some embodiments, the hole may be a waist-shaped hole 600 as shown in Figure 6A. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the method 400 may be applied to drilling or milling other types of holes or surfaces in the machine part 33.

[0058] If the hole is a circular hole 500 as shown in Figure 5A, the lateral dimension of the hole includes the radius R of the circular hole 500. If the hole is a waist-shaped hole 600 as shown in Figure 6A, the lateral dimension of the hole includes the length L of the center portion of the waist-shaped hole 600 and the radius R of the end of the waist-shaped hole 600.

[0059] Figure 5B shows an exemplary machining path for the circular hole shown in Figure 5A. Figure 6B shows an exemplary machining path for the waist-shaped hole shown in Figure 6A. In some embodiments, the circular hole 500 and the waist-shaped hole 600, as shown in Figures 5B and 6B, can be machined using a spiral feeding method. These embodiments allow for precise and reliable machining of the machine part 33.

[0060] In some embodiments, the parallel robot 101 is a Cartesian robot and is configured to drive the servo spindles 102 to translate the parallel robot 101 along three mutually perpendicular axes.

[0061] In some embodiments, the machining tool 103 comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool.

[0062] In some embodiments, the mechanical component 33 is held by a positioning device 34 configured to adjust the orientation of the mechanical component 33 .

[0063] It should be understood that the above-described detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to illustrate or explain the principles of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In addition, the appended claims of the present disclosure are intended to cover all variations and modifications that fall within the scope and limits of the claims, or the equivalents of the scope and limits.

Claims

1. a parallel robot (101) with one or more axes mounted on a platform (300) below the machined part (33); a servo spindle (102) attached to the parallel robot (101) and configured to rotate a machining tool (103); Equipped with The parallel robot (101) is configured to drive the servo spindle (102) to translate relative to the parallel robot (101) along the one or more axes. An assembly (100) for machining a machine part (33).

2. The parallel robot (101) is a Cartesian robot, and the Cartesian robot is configured to drive the servo spindle (102) to translate the parallel robot (101) along three mutually perpendicular axes. The assembly (100) of claim 1.

3. The machining tool (103) is held by the servo spindle (102) and configured to rotate when driven by the servo spindle (102). The assembly (100) of claim 1.

4. The machining tool (103) comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool. The assembly (100) of claim 3.

5. a positioning device (34) configured to hold the machine part (33) to be machined and to adjust the orientation of said machine part (33); An assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, arranged on a platform (300) below the machine part (33) to machine the machine part (33) from a bottom side of the machine part (33); Equipped with An apparatus (200) for machining a machine part (33).

6. a lubrication device (35) configured to supply lubricant to the machining tool (103); 6. The apparatus (200) of claim 5.

7. a human machine interface (HMI) configured to accept user inputs for setting machining parameters of the machine part (33).

6. The apparatus (200) of claim 5.

8. accepting user input for setting machining parameters of the machined part (33); an assembly (100) disposed on a platform (300) below the machine part (33) machines the machine part (33) based on the machining parameters; Including, The assembly (100) comprises: A parallel robot (101) having one or more axes; A servo spindle (102) attached to the parallel robot (101); a machining tool (103) held by the servo spindle (102) and configured to rotate by being driven by the servo spindle (102) to perform machining of the machine part (33); Equipped with The parallel robot (101) is configured to drive the servo spindle (102) to translate relative to the parallel robot (101) along the one or more axes. A method for machining a machine part (33).

9. The machining parameters comprise the position, lateral dimensions and depth of the holes to be formed in the machine part (33) and the lead of the machining tool (103). The method of claim 8.

10. Machining the machine part (33) based on the machining parameters by the assembly (100) includes: machining the machine part (33) in a spiral feed manner with the assembly (100) based on the machining parameters.

10. The method of claim 9.

11. the hole comprises a circular hole; the lateral dimensions of the hole include the radius of the circular hole; 10. The method of claim 9.

12. the hole includes a waist-shaped hole; The lateral dimensions of the hole include the length and radius of the waist-shaped hole.

10. The method of claim 9.

13. The parallel robot (101) is a Cartesian robot, and the Cartesian robot is configured to drive the servo spindle (102) to translate the parallel robot (101) along three mutually perpendicular axes. The method of claim 8.

14. The machining tool (103) comprises a drilling tool or a milling tool. The method of claim 8.

15. The mechanical part (33) is held by a positioning device (34) configured to adjust the orientation of the mechanical part (33). The method of claim 8.

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