Tool magazine device with exchangeable rails
The tool magazine device with replaceable rail units addresses the space inefficiency issue by allowing selective alignment of rail units, maintaining or reducing space usage as tool holders increase, thus optimizing tool management in machine tools.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025001867U
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-06-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing tool magazines require increased planar space as the number of tool holders increases, which is inefficient for different processing needs in machine tools.
A tool magazine device with replaceable rail units (first, second, and third rail units) that allow selective alignment, maintaining or reducing the occupied planar space despite increased tool holders, using a support frame, linear drive unit, and detent unit to manage rollers and tool holders.
The solution enables the tool magazine to accommodate more tool holders without increasing or minimizing the occupied space, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in tool management.
Smart Images
Figure 0003252289000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a tool magazine device for exchanging tools of a machine tool, and more particularly to a tool magazine device having replaceable rails.
Background Art
[0002] A tool magazine is provided in a numerically controlled machine tool, and various shaped and specified tools used in the machining of the machine tool are provided in the tool magazine. The machine tool takes out and uses a tool that satisfies the shape and specifications required for the next machining process from the tool magazine according to the setting of the machining program.
[0003] The tool magazine includes a support structure, a rail device, a detent device, and a plurality of tool holders for providing tools. The rail device and the detent device are provided on the support structure. The rail device has a rail groove in a fixed closed-loop form. The rail groove forms an annular path. A plurality of rollers are closely arranged in order in the rail groove. Each of the rollers has an annular groove formed along the radial direction at its circumferential edge. Each of the tool holders is all connected to one or more of the rollers. The detent device has a detent ring. A plurality of protruding teeth are formed at intervals on the circumferential edge of the detent ring. When the detent ring rotates, each of the protruding teeth sequentially enters the spaces formed in the opposing annular grooves of two adjacent rollers, and pushes the adjacent roller to travel along the rail groove. Thereby, each of the rollers is pushed in order and moves in a circulating manner along the annular path.
[0004] Different machine tools or different processors generally have different processing needs, so the required quantities of tools provided in the tool magazine are different. In order for the tool magazine to meet future increasing processing needs, when setting up the tool magazine, the processor selectively sets up a tool magazine in which the quantity of tool holders is more than the quantity of tools that need to be provided currently. Note that the quantity of tool holders is in a positive correlation with the scale of the rail device. For this reason, the required planar space of the tool magazine increases.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The main object of the present invention is to provide a tool magazine device with replaceable rails, in which the second rail unit and the third rail unit can be selectively and alternately aligned with the first rail unit, and when increasing the quantity of tool holders, the occupied planar space does not increase, or the increase in the occupied planar space can be reduced with respect to the increase in the quantity of tool holders.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] According to the tool magazine device with replaceable rails according to the present invention, it includes a support frame, a first rail unit, a second rail unit, a third rail unit, a linear drive unit, and a detent unit. The support frame is connected to the first rail unit and the linear drive unit. The linear drive unit is connected to the second rail unit and the third rail unit. Thereby, the second rail unit and the third rail unit are driven to linearly push the first rail unit. A first rail groove is formed in the first rail unit. Both ends of the first rail groove are open to the outside respectively, and two first communication ports are formed. a second rail groove is formed in the second rail unit, both ends of the second rail groove are open to the outside, and two second communication ports are formed, the distance between each second communication port is the same as the distance between each first communication port; a third rail groove is formed in the third rail unit, both ends of the third rail groove are open to the outside, and two third communication ports are formed, and the distance between the third communication ports is the same as the distance between the first communication ports; The second rail unit and the third rail unit are provided at a distance from each other, whereby the second rail groove and the third rail groove alternately communicate with the first rail groove to form a circular running space; The rollers are closely arranged in the first rail groove, the second rail groove, and the third rail groove in that order; Each of the plurality of tool holders is provided with a tool, and each tool holder is connected to at least one roller; The detent unit is connected to the first rail unit and pushes each roller to allow it to run. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the tool magazine device with interchangeable rails of the present invention, the second rail unit and the third rail unit can be selectively alternately fitted to the first rail unit, which has the effect of not increasing the planar space occupied when the number of tool holders is increased, or reducing the increase in planar space occupied as the number of tool holders increases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0010] Refer to FIGS. 1 to 10. A tool magazine device with an exchangeable rail includes a support frame 10, a first rail unit 20, a second rail unit 30, a third rail unit 40, a linear drive unit 50, and a detent unit 90. The support frame 10 is connected to the first rail unit 20 and the linear drive unit 50. The linear drive unit 50 is connected to the second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40. The second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40 are provided at a distance from each other. The linear drive unit 50 drives the second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40 to linearly move relative to the first rail unit 20.
[0011] A first rail groove 21 is formed in the first rail unit 20. Both ends of the first rail groove 21 are open to the outside, respectively, and two first communication ports 22 are formed. A second rail groove 31 is formed in the second rail unit 30. Both ends of the second rail groove 31 are open to the outside, respectively, and two second communication ports 32 are formed. Since the distance between each pair of second communication ports 32 is the same as the distance between each pair of first communication ports 22, each first communication port 22 can selectively dock with each second communication port 32, the first rail groove 21 can selectively communicate with the second rail groove 31, and a running space in the shape of a ring is formed.
[0012] A third rail groove 41 is formed in the third rail unit 40. Both ends of the third rail groove 41 are open to the outside, respectively, and two third communication ports 42 are formed. Since the distance between each pair of third communication ports 42 is the same as the distance between each pair of first communication ports 22, each first communication port 22 can selectively dock with each third communication port 42, the first rail groove 21 can selectively communicate with the third rail groove 41, and another running space in the shape of a ring is formed.
[0013] The plurality of rollers 60 are closely arranged in sequence in the first rail groove 21, the second rail groove 31, and the third rail groove 41. Each of the plurality of tool holders 70 is provided with one tool (not shown). At least one roller 60 is connected to each tool holder 70. Each tool holder 70 is selectively connected to two rollers 60, but it is not limited that each roller 60 is only connected to one tool holder 70.
[0014] When the first rail groove 21 communicates with the second rail groove 31, the plurality of rollers 60 circulate in sequence or travel back and forth in the running space formed by the first rail groove 21 and the second rail groove 31. Note that the plurality of rollers 60 located in the third rail groove 41 do not travel so as to stay in the third rail groove 41. When the first rail groove 21 communicates with the third rail groove 41, the plurality of rollers 60 circulate in sequence or travel back and forth in the running space formed by the first rail groove 21 and the third rail groove 41. Note that the plurality of rollers 60 located in the second rail groove 31 do not travel so as to stay in the second rail groove 31.
[0015] The detent unit 90 is connected to the first rail unit 20 and pushes each roller 60 to make it travel. The detent unit 90 has a conventional structure known to those skilled in the art of the present invention, and the specific structure of the detent unit 90 is omitted.
[0016] The second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40 are selectively and alternately aligned with the first rail unit 20. When increasing the quantity of the tool holders 70, it is preferable that the occupied planar space does not increase, or the degree of increase in the occupied planar space can be reduced according to the degree of increase in the quantity of the tool holders 70.
[0017] Each roller 60 has a connection portion 62 formed along its axial direction. The two first stoppers 23 are each connected to the first rail unit 20. The two second stoppers 33 are each connected to the second rail unit 30. The two third stoppers 43 are each connected to the third rail unit 40.
[0018] Each first stopper 23 includes a first mounting base 24, a first shaft 25, a first stop block 26, a first disk-shaped part 27, a first ring sheet 28, and a first spring 29. Each first mounting base 24 is connected to the first rail unit 20. Each first shaft 25 is rotatably inserted through each first mounting base 24 along its axial direction. Thereby, each first shaft 25 can be reciprocally pushed along its axial direction. One end of each first shaft 25 in its axial direction is connected to each first stop block 26. Each first stop block 26 stops one connection portion 62. Thereby, each first stopper 23 restricts a plurality of rollers 60 to be positioned in the first rail groove 21 and unable to travel.
[0019] Each second stopper 33 includes a second mounting base 34, a second shaft 35, a second stop block 36, a second disk-shaped part 37, a second ring sheet 38, and a second spring 39. Each second mounting base 34 is connected to the second rail unit 30. Each second shaft 35 is rotatably inserted through each second mounting base 34 along its axial direction. Thereby, each second shaft 35 can be reciprocally pushed along its axial direction. One end of each second shaft 35 in its axial direction is connected to each second stop block 36. Each second stop block 36 stops one connection portion 62. Thereby, each second stopper 33 restricts a plurality of rollers 60 to be positioned in the second rail groove 31 and unable to travel.
[0020] Each third stopper 43 includes a third mounting base 44, a third shaft 45, a third stop block 46, a third disk-shaped part 47, a third ring sheet 48, and a third spring 49. Each third mounting base 44 is connected to a third rail unit 40 respectively. Each third shaft 45 is inserted through each third mounting base 44 rotatably along its axial direction. Thereby, each third shaft 45 can be pushed back and forth along its axial direction. One end of each third shaft 45 in its axial direction is connected to each third stop block 46 respectively. Each third stop block 46 stops one connecting part 62 respectively. Thereby, each third stopper 43 restricts a plurality of rollers 60 and positions them in the third rail groove 41, and they cannot run.
[0021] The traction unit 80 is provided on the support frame 10 and is selectively located between each first stopper 23. Thereby, each first stopper 23 and each adjacent second stopper 33 or each third stopper 43 are pulled to selectively release a plurality of rollers 60, and the running space composed of the first rail groove 21 and the second rail groove 31 can be run in order, or a plurality of rollers 60 are selectively released to run in order in the running space composed of the first rail groove 21 and the third rail groove 41.
[0022] Each first shaft 25 is connected to one first disk-shaped part 27 respectively. Each second shaft 35 is connected to one second disk-shaped part 37 respectively. Each third shaft 45 is connected to one third disk-shaped part 47 respectively. Thereby, the traction unit 80 can pull each first disk-shaped part 27 and each adjacent second disk-shaped part 37 or each third disk-shaped part 47 to release each roller 60 and run.
[0023] Each first shaft 25 is connected to one first ring sheet 28 respectively and fitted into one first spring 29. Each first spring 29 is pressed against and fixed to each first ring sheet 28 and each first mounting base 24 respectively. After the traction unit 80 pulls each first stopper 23 to release the fixing of each first stopper block 26 to the corresponding one roller 60, each first shaft 25 is restored by the elastic force of each first spring 29. Thereby, each first stopper block 26 stops the corresponding one roller 60 again.
[0024] Each second shaft 35 is connected to one second ring sheet 38 respectively and fitted into one second spring 39. Each second spring 39 is pressed against and fixed to each second ring sheet 38 and each second mounting base 34 respectively. After the traction unit 80 pulls each second stopper 33 to release the fixing of each second stopper block 36 to the corresponding one roller 60, each second shaft 35 is restored by the elastic force of each second spring 39. Thereby, each second stopper block 36 stops the corresponding one roller 60 again.
[0025] Each third shaft 45 is connected to one third ring sheet 48 respectively and fitted into one third spring 49. Each third spring 49 is pressed against and fixed to each third ring sheet 48 and each third mounting base 44 respectively. After the traction unit 80 pulls each third stopper 43 to release the fixing of each third stopper block 46 to the corresponding one roller 60, each third shaft 45 is restored by the elastic force of each third spring 49. Thereby, each third stopper block 46 stops the corresponding one roller 60 again.
[0026] The traction unit 80 includes two air cylinders 82. Each air cylinder 82 has a piston rod 84 respectively. Each piston rod 84 is connected to a pulling disk 86 respectively. Each pulling disk 86 extends between each first disk-shaped part 27 and each first mounting base 24 respectively. Thereby, each piston rod 84 drives each pulling disk 86 respectively to pull each first disk-shaped part 27 and each second disk-shaped part 37 adjacent thereto, or each third disk-shaped part 47, so that the fixing to each connecting part 62 is released.
[0027] Instead of each air cylinder 82, a hydraulic cylinder may be selectively employed. Thereby, alternative implementation options that can be easily conceived based on the preferred embodiments are configured.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 6. The first rail groove 21 communicates with the second rail groove 31. Each first stopper block 26 and each second stopper block 36 press against one connecting part 62 respectively to fix each connecting part 62. During the subsequent process of pushing the second rail unit 30, each roller 60 located in the first rail groove 21 and the second rail groove 31 respectively can stay in the first rail groove 21 and the second rail groove 31 respectively.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 8. The first rail groove 21 communicates with the second rail groove 31. The traction unit 80 pulls each first stopper block 26 and each second stopper block 36 respectively to release the restriction on the corresponding connecting part 62. Each roller 60 located in the first rail groove 21 and the second rail groove 31 respectively can travel through the first rail groove 21 and the second rail groove 31 in sequence.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 7. The third rail groove 41 does not communicate with the first rail groove 21. Each third stopper block 46 presses against the connecting part 62 respectively. Each roller 60 located in the third rail groove 41 respectively can stay in the third rail groove 41 respectively.
[0031] Refer to FIG. 9. The second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40 are each driven by a linear drive unit 50 such that the third rail unit 40 replaces the second rail unit 30 and faces the first rail unit 20, and the third rail groove 41 replaces the second rail groove 31 and communicates with the first rail groove 21. As shown in FIG. 10, each first stopper block 26 and each third stopper block 46 are each pressed against a corresponding one of the connecting portions 62 to limit each roller 60 located in the first rail groove 21 and the third rail groove 41, respectively.
[0032] The linear drive unit 50 includes two rails 51, two blocks 52, a ball screw 53, and a drive motor 54. Each rail 51 is parallel to each other and is connected to the support frame 10, respectively. Each block 52 is slidably fitted to each rail 51 along each rail 51. Each block 52 couples the second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40. The drive motor 54 is connected to the support frame 10. The drive motor 54 and the block 52 are each connected to the ball screw 53. Thereby, the drive motor 54 drives and rotates the ball screw 53, and the ball screw 53 detents the block 52 and is guided by each rail 51 to linearly reciprocate and push the second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40.
[0033] Specifically, each block 52 is connected to a connecting portion 55 respectively, and couples the second rail unit 30 and the third rail unit 40 via the connecting portion 55.
[0034] The traction unit 80 can alternatively be provided with two electromagnetic detent devices (not shown). Thereby, an alternative embodiment is configured based on the preferred embodiment. Each electromagnetic detent device attracts and detents each first shaft 25 and each adjacent second shaft 35 or each third shaft 45, respectively, to release the stop against each connecting portion 62.
Description of Reference Numerals
[0035] 10 Support frame 20 First rail unit 21 First rail groove 22 First communication port 23 First stopper 24 First mounting base 25 First shaft 26 First retaining block 27 First disk-shaped part 28 First ring sheet 29 First spring 30 Second rail unit 31 Second rail groove 32 Second communication port 33 Second stopper 34 Second mounting base 35 Second shaft 36 Second retaining block 37 Second disk-shaped part 38 Second ring sheet 39 Second spring 40 Third rail unit 41 Third rail groove 42 Third communication port 43 Third stopper 44 Third mounting base 45 Third shaft 46 Third retaining block 47 Third disk-shaped part 48 Third ring sheet 49 Third spring 50 Linear drive unit 51 Rail 52 Block 53 Ball screw 54 Drive motor 55 Connecting part 60 Roller 62 Connection part 70 Tool holder 80 Tension unit 82 Air cylinder 84 Piston rod 86 Pulling disk 90 detent unit
Claims
1. A tool magazine device with an exchangeable rail, comprising a support frame, a first rail unit, a second rail unit, a third rail unit, a linear drive unit, and a detent unit, wherein the support frame is connected to the first rail unit and the linear drive unit, and the linear drive unit is connected to the second rail unit and the third rail unit, whereby the second rail unit and the third rail unit are driven to linearly push the first rail unit. A first rail groove is formed in the first rail unit, and both ends of the first rail groove are open to the outside, forming two first communication ports. A second rail groove is formed in the second rail unit, and both ends of the second rail groove are open to the outside, forming two second communication ports. The distance between each pair of second communication ports is the same as the distance between each pair of first communication ports. A third rail groove is formed in the third rail unit, and both ends of the third rail groove are open to the outside, forming two third communication ports. The distance between each pair of third communication ports is the same as the distance between each pair of first communication ports. The second rail unit and the third rail unit are provided at a distance from each other, whereby the second rail groove and the third rail groove communicate alternately with the first rail groove to form an annular running space. A plurality of rollers are closely arranged in sequence in the first rail groove, the second rail groove, and the third rail groove. A plurality of tool holders are each provided with one tool, and each of the tool holders is connected to at least one of the rollers. The detent unit is connected to the first rail unit and is characterized by pushing each of the rollers to run.
2. The two first stoppers are each connected to the first rail unit, and each of the first stoppers restricts the plurality of rollers and positions them in the first rail groove. The two second stoppers are each connected to the second rail unit, and each of the second stoppers restricts the plurality of rollers and positions them in the second rail groove. The two third stoppers are each connected to the third rail unit, and each of the third stoppers restricts the plurality of rollers and positions them in the third rail groove. The traction unit is provided on the support frame, and pulls and releases each of the first stoppers and the adjacent second stoppers or third stoppers, so that each of the rollers can run. The tool magazine device with an exchangeable rail according to claim 1.
3. Each of the rollers has a connection portion formed in its axial direction. Each of the first stoppers includes a first mounting base, a first shaft, and a first stop block. Each of the first mounting bases is connected to the first rail unit. Each of the first shafts is movably inserted through each of the first mounting bases along the axial direction. One end of each of the first shafts in the axial direction is connected to each of the first stop blocks. Each of the first stop blocks is for stopping one of the connection portions, whereby the plurality of rollers are restricted and positioned in the first rail groove. Each of the second stoppers includes a second mounting base, a second shaft, and a second stop block. Each of the second mounting bases is connected to the second rail unit. Each of the second shafts is movably inserted through each of the second mounting bases along the axial direction. One end of each of the second shafts in the axial direction is connected to each of the second stop blocks. Each of the second stop blocks is for stopping one of the connection portions, whereby the plurality of rollers are restricted and positioned in the second rail groove. Each of the third stoppers includes a third mounting base, a third shaft, and a third stopper block. Each of the third mounting bases is connected to the third rail unit respectively. Each of the third shafts is inserted through the respective third mounting bases movably along the axial direction. One end of each of the third shafts in the axial direction is connected to the respective third stopper blocks. Each of the third stopper blocks is for stopping one of the connection parts. Thereby, a plurality of the rollers are restricted and positioned in the third rail groove. The traction unit pulls and releases each of the first shafts and the adjacent second shafts or the third shafts, so that each of the rollers can run. A tool magazine device with an interchangeable rail according to claim 2, characterized in that.
4. Each of the first shafts is connected to a first disk-shaped part respectively. Each of the second shafts is connected to a second disk-shaped part respectively. Each of the third shafts is connected to a third disk-shaped part respectively. Thereby, the traction unit pulls and releases each of the first disk-shaped parts, the adjacent second disk-shaped parts, or the third disk-shaped parts, so that each of the rollers can run. A tool magazine device with an interchangeable rail according to claim 3, characterized in that.
5. Each of the first shafts is connected to a first ring sheet respectively, inserted through a first spring, and each of the first springs is pressed against and fixed to the respective first ring sheets and the respective first mounting bases. Thereby, each of the first stoppers returns to stop one of the connection parts. Each of the second shafts is connected to a second ring sheet respectively, inserted through a second spring, and each of the second springs is pressed against and fixed to the respective second ring sheets and the respective second mounting bases. Thereby, each of the second stoppers returns to stop one of the connection parts. Each of the third shafts is connected to a third ring sheet respectively, inserted through a third spring, and each of the third springs is pressed against and fixed to the respective third ring sheets and the respective third mounting bases. Thereby, each of the third stoppers returns to stop one of the connection parts. A tool magazine device with an interchangeable rail according to claim 4, characterized in that.
6. The traction unit is provided between the respective first stoppers, includes two air cylinders, each of the air cylinders has a piston rod, each of the piston rods is connected to a pulling disk, and each of the pulling disks extends between the respective first disk-shaped parts and the respective first mounting bases. Accordingly, each of the piston rods drives each of the pulling disks to pull the respective first disk-shaped parts and the respective second disk-shaped parts adjacent thereto, or the respective third disk-shaped parts, to release the fixing to the respective connecting parts. The tool magazine device with an exchangeable rail according to claim 5.
7. The linear drive unit includes two rails, two blocks, a ball screw, and a drive motor. The respective rails are parallel to each other and are each connected to the support frame. Each of the blocks is slidable along each of the rails, fits into each of the rails, and the blocks couple the second rail unit and the third rail unit. The drive motor is connected to the support frame, and the drive motor and the blocks are each connected to the ball screw. The tool magazine device with an exchangeable rail according to claim 1.