Tool magazine and tool changing method for Blisk machining centers

Abstract

The present invention provides a tool magazine for a brisk machining center, which includes a T2-axis rotation assembly and an A-axis rotation assembly. The T2-axis rotation assembly can move along the T1 axis. When the axis of the swing head is parallel to the plane including the cutter head or located in the plane including the cutter head, the axis of the swing head is parallel to or overlaps with the linear axis of the cutter head. The present invention further provides a tool changing method for a brisk machining center, which does not require the use of complex devices such as manipulators. The process of tool changing is fully realized by the mutual combination of the Z-axis, Y-axis and T1-axis of the machine tool. Moreover, in the process of tool changing, the operations of gripping and releasing the tool are realized only by combining the movements of a single linear axis, greatly reducing the complexity of the tool changing operation, simplifying the logic of tool changing in the machine tool, making the operation easy, having a simple structure, excellent stability and being easy to maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of machine tool machining, and particularly to a tool magazine for a machining center for blisks and a tool changing method.

Background Art

[0002] In a fine machining process such as for a blisk, in order to process the shape of the blade, there is a certain degree of rotation between the tool of the machining center for the blisk and the workpiece to be machined. This rotation is formed by a combination of relative movements in a plurality of dimensions between the workpiece and the tool.

[0003] In order to better process the blisk, when the machine tool performs a machining operation at the 5-axis Rotation Tool Center Point, it is ensured that the moving speed and acceleration of each physical axis are maintained within a lower range compared to a machine tool with a general structure. The machining center for the blisk uses an angular swing head and aligns the cutting edge point on the rotation axis of the swing head. Thereby, it is ensured that no large speed and acceleration are generated on the linear axis when the swing head rotates for machining.

[0004] Conventional machine tools need to add and install a tool changing mechanism such as a manipulator to realize tool change. Tool change is realized by the operation of the tool changing mechanism itself or the coordinated operation of the tool changing mechanism and the machine tool. However, adding a tool changing mechanism such as a manipulator increases the manufacturing cost of the machine tool and occupies a large space. Moreover, by using an angular swing head, there is a certain included angle between the axis of the spindle, the axis of the tool and the coordinate axes of the machine tool. In order to align with the angular swing head, such a tool changing method has high requirements for the mounting position and posture of the manipulator, and it is necessary to make the axis of the tool in the tool magazine, the axis of the spindle and the axis of the manipulator for gripping the tool parallel or overlapping. This increases the difficulty of accurately controlling the tool changing operation, makes the tool changing logic complicated, the tool changing operation cumbersome, and is disadvantageous for efficient and accurate machining. [Overview of the project]

[0005] The present invention provides a tool magazine and tool changing method for a machining center for blisks that solve the above problems.

[0006] A tool magazine for a blisk machining center, comprising a T1 linear axis assembly, a T2 axis rotation assembly, and an A axis rotation assembly, wherein the T1 linear axis assembly is used to drive the T2 axis rotation assembly to cause linear motion, the T2 axis rotation assembly is used to drive the cutter head to cause rotational motion, and the A axis rotation assembly is used to drive the oscillating head to which the tool is mounted to cause rotational motion. When the axis of the oscillating head is parallel to the plane containing the cutter head, or is located on the plane containing the cutter head, the axis of the oscillating head is parallel to or coincides with the linear axis of the cutter head.

[0007] Furthermore, the T2 axis rotation assembly is provided on the tool magazine base, the tool magazine base is provided on one side of the bed, a column movable along the Z axis is provided on the other side of the bed, a saddle movable along the Y axis is provided on the column, the A axis rotation assembly is provided on the saddle, a table is further provided on the bed, the table is provided on the same side as the tool magazine base, The tool magazine base has a mounting slope, and the T2 axis rotation assembly is mounted on the mounting slope and can move along the mounting slope.

[0008] Furthermore, the T2 axis rotation assembly includes a cutter head rotation fixing base, a cutter head, and a cutter head rotation motor, wherein the cutter head rotation fixing base is mounted on the mounting slope, the cutter head is rotatably mounted on the cutter head rotation fixing base, the cutter head rotation motor is fixed to the cutter head rotation fixing base via a motor base, a driven gear is coaxially fixed to the cutter head, the driven gear meshes with a driving gear, and the cutter head rotation motor is power-transmittingly connected to the driving gear.

[0009] Furthermore, the T1 linear axis assembly includes a drive motor and guide rail provided on the mounting slope, the drive motor is connected to the T2 axis rotation assembly via a lead screw and nut, and the T2 axis rotation assembly is attached to the guide rail via a slider.

[0010] Furthermore, the system includes a detection switch bracket, one end of which is fixed to the cutter head rotation fixing base, and the other end of which is provided with a detection switch, the detection switch being directed towards a tool provided on the cutter head.

[0011] Furthermore, the T2 axis rotation assembly includes a cutter head, and tool holders for gripping tools are provided in the circumferential direction of the cutter head, the axes of the tools all intersect perpendicularly with the axis of the cutter head, and the tool holders grip the tools on both sides in the axial direction of the cutter head.

[0012] Furthermore, the angle α between the T1 axis and the horizontal direction is 30°, 45°, or 60°.

[0013] A method for changing tools in a brisk machining center using the tool magazine of the brisk machining center, comprising the following steps:

[0014] In S1, the support column moves along the Z axis, the saddle moves along the Y axis, and the A-axis rotation assembly drives the oscillating head to rotate, thereby causing the axis of the oscillating head on which the tool is mounted to intersect perpendicularly with the axis of the cutter head and to be coplane with the axis of the tool.

[0015] In S2, the T2 axis rotation assembly rotates the cutter head, thereby aligning the axis of the gripping tool with the axis of the oscillating head.

[0016] In S3, the T2 axis rotation assembly moves along the T1 axis, thereby causing the oscillating head to grip the tool.

[0017] In S4, the support column moves along the Z-axis, thereby detaching the tool from the cutter head.

[0018] A method for changing tools in a brisk machining center using the tool magazine of the brisk machining center, comprising the following steps:

[0019] In S1, the support column moves along the Z axis, the saddle moves along the Y axis, and the A-axis rotation assembly drives the oscillating head to rotate, thereby perpendicularly intersecting the axis of the oscillating head to which the tool is attached with the axis of the cutter head, and the distance between the axis of the oscillating head and the cutter head is greater than the distance between the tool mounting opening on the cutter head and the cutter head.

[0020] In S2, the T2 axis rotation assembly rotates the cutter head, thereby making the axis of the tool mounting port on the cutter head parallel to the axis of the oscillating head.

[0021] In S3, the T2 axis rotation assembly moves along the T1 axis, thereby aligning the tool mounting port on the cutter head with the tool on the oscillating head.

[0022] In S4, the support column moves along the Z-axis, thereby loading the tool into the cutter head.

[0023] In S5, the swing head loosens the tool, and the T2-axis rotation assembly moves along the T1-axis, thereby disengaging the tool from the swing head.

[0024] The tool magazine and tool change method of the machining center for blisks disclosed by the present invention do not require the use of complex devices such as manipulators. The tool change process is fully realized by the mutual combination of the Z-axis, Y-axis, and T1-axis of the machine tool, greatly reducing the production cost, reducing the occupied space of the machine tool, being advantageous for the layout of the machine tool structure itself, and reducing the possibility that the tool change operation and the machining operation interfere with each other. In the process of tool change, the operations of gripping and releasing the tool are realized only by combining the movements of a single linear axis. By simply aligning the axis of the spindle and the axis of the tool in the tool magazine, the tool change can be realized, greatly reducing the complexity of the tool change operation, simplifying the logic of tool change in the machine tool, making the operation easy, contributing to high-precision and efficient machining, and having a simple structure, excellent stability, and being easy to maintain.

[0025] To more clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings necessary for the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described below. The drawings shown below are only some embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can obtain other related drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a schematic structural diagram of the tool magazine of the machining center for blisks disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 1. [Figure 3]It is a schematic side view of a tool magazine of a machining center for a blisk disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the structure of a tool magazine of a machining center for a blisk disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] In the tool change method of a machining center for a blisk disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention, it is a schematic view of each tool change position of the spindle.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, hereinafter, while referring to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. As an obvious point, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, this embodiment discloses a tool magazine of a machining center for a blisk, which includes a T2-axis rotation assembly and an A-axis rotation assembly. The T2-axis rotation assembly is used to drive the cutter head 2 to perform a rotational movement. The A-axis rotation assembly is used to drive the swing head 1 to which the tool is attached to perform a rotational movement. The T2-axis rotation assembly can move along the T1 axis. When the axis of the swing head 1 is parallel to the plane including the cutter head 2 or is located in the plane including the cutter head 2, the axis of the swing head 1 is parallel to or overlaps with the straight axis of the cutter head.

[0029] The tool magazine and tool changing method for a blisk machining center disclosed in this invention eliminate the need for complex devices such as manipulators, and completely realizes the tool changing process through the interaction of the Z, Y, and T1 axes of the machine tool. Furthermore, during the tool changing process, the gripping and releasing operations of the tool are achieved by simply combining the movement of a single linear axis, greatly reducing the complexity of the tool changing operation, simplifying the logic of tool changing in the machine tool, making it easy to operate, simple in structure, highly stable, and easy to maintain.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the axis of the oscillating head 1 is parallel to the plane containing the cutter head 2, a tool is mounted on the cutter head, the axis of the tool coincides with the axis of the oscillating head 1, the T2 axis rotation assembly moves along the T1 axis and cooperates with the tool gripping mechanism of the oscillating head to perform tool gripping and release operations, and does not require multi-axis cooperation.

[0031] In this embodiment, the T2 axis rotation assembly is provided on the tool magazine base 3, the tool magazine base 3 is provided on one side of the bed 4, a column 5 movable along the Z axis is provided on the other side of the bed 4, a saddle 6 movable along the Y axis is provided on the column 5, the A axis rotation assembly is provided on the saddle 6, a table 7 is further provided on the bed 4, the table 7 is provided on the same side as the tool magazine base 3, The tool magazine base 3 has a mounting slope, and the T2 axis rotation assembly is mounted on the mounting slope and can move along the mounting slope.

[0032] In this embodiment, the oscillating head can move in the Z and Y axes via a support column and saddle, and the table 7 can move along the X axis on the bed 4, eliminating the need for the oscillating head to move in the X axis. The rotation of the table, the movement of the oscillating head in the Z and Y directions, and the oscillation of the oscillating head itself combine to complete the machining of the blisk. The elimination of the need to move the oscillating head in the X axis is further advantageous for the stability of the oscillating head during the machining process, making it easier to control and contributing to the optimization of the machining logic. The tool change process is realized by combining the tool gripping mechanism of the oscillating head with the T1 axis, significantly reducing the operation and associated moving assemblies in the conventional tool change process. This makes the overall tool change logic simpler, easier to operate, and more structurally straightforward, reducing the probability of errors in installation and debugging.

[0033] In this embodiment, the T2 axis rotation assembly includes a cutter head rotation base 8, a cutter head 2, and a cutter head rotation motor 9. The cutter head rotation base 8 is mounted on the mounting slope, the cutter head 2 is rotatably mounted on the cutter head rotation base 8, the cutter head rotation motor 9 is fixed to the cutter head rotation base 8 via a motor base 10, a driven gear 11 is coaxially fixed to the cutter head 2, the driven gear 11 meshes with a driving gear 12, and the cutter head rotation motor 9 is power-transmitted to the driving gear 12. The T1 linear axis assembly includes a drive motor and a guide rail 13. The mounting slope is provided with the drive motor and a guide rail 13 installed along the T1 axis direction, the drive motor is connected to the T2 axis rotation assembly via a lead screw and nut, and the T2 axis rotation assembly is mounted to the guide rail 13 via a slider.

[0034] The tool magazine base 3 is fixed to the bed 4. The tool magazine base 3 is a wedge-shaped structure with a slanted top surface, the angle of which is determined based on the angle of the oscillating head. The cutter head 2 is mounted to the cutter head rotation base 8 via bearings. The motor base 10 is further fixed to the cutter head rotation base 8 via brackets, and the cutter head rotation motor 9 is fixed to the motor base 10. The driven gear 11 is mounted coaxially with the cutter head 2. The diameter of the driven gear 11 is larger than that of the driving gear 12, and the motor drives the cutter head 2 to rotate via the driving gear and the driven gear.

[0035] In this embodiment, a detection switch bracket 14 is further included, one end of which is fixed to the cutter head rotation fixing base 8, and a detection switch 15 is provided at the other end, and the detection switch 15 is directed toward the tool provided on the cutter head 2.

[0036] Tool holders 16 for gripping tools are provided in the circumferential direction of the cutter head 2, the axes of the tools intersect perpendicularly with the axis of the cutter head 2, and the tool holders 16 grip the tools on both sides in the axial direction of the cutter head 2.

[0037] Tools are provided on both sides of the cutter head, and by doubling the number of tools that can be attached to the cutter head, machining efficiency can be improved. When changing tools, the oscillating head changes the tool from the side of the tool to be changed. The detection switch bracket is installed along the radial direction of the cutter head, and the detection switch 15 is provided between the tools on both sides. Two detection switches 15 are provided, and the two detection switches 15 are aligned with the tools on both sides and are used to detect whether or not a tool is being held in the tool holder.

[0038] The angle between the oscillating head and the linear axis of the machine tool is 30°, 45°, or 60°, and the angle α between the T1 axis and the horizontal direction is 30°, 45°, or 60°. In this embodiment, the angle α between the T1 axis and the horizontal direction is 45°.

[0039] The present invention further discloses a method for changing tools in a brisk machining center using the tool magazine of the brisk machining center, and includes the following steps.

[0040] In S1, the support column moves along the Z axis, the saddle moves along the Y axis, and the A-axis rotation assembly drives the oscillating head to rotate, thereby causing the axis of the oscillating head on which the tool is mounted to intersect perpendicularly with the axis of the cutter head and to be coplane with the axis of the tool.

[0041] In S2, the T2 axis rotation assembly rotates the cutter head, thereby aligning the axis of the tool to be gripped with the axis of the oscillating head, at which point the tool to be gripped is positioned above the cutter head.

[0042] In S3, the T2 axis rotation assembly moves along the T1 axis, thereby causing the oscillating head to grip the tool.

[0043] In S4, the support column moves along the X-axis, thereby detaching the tool from the cutter head.

[0044] If the tool is not held in place by the oscillating head, the tool is gripped using the method described above.

[0045] The present invention further discloses a method for changing tools in a brisk machining center using the tool magazine of the brisk machining center, and includes the following steps.

[0046] In S1, the support column moves along the Z axis, the saddle moves along the Y axis, and the A-axis rotation assembly drives the oscillating head to rotate, thereby perpendicularly intersecting the axis of the oscillating head to which the tool is attached with the axis of the cutter head, and the distance between the axis of the oscillating head and the cutter head is greater than the distance between the tool mounting opening on the cutter head and the cutter head.

[0047] In S2, the T2 axis rotation assembly rotates the cutter head, thereby making the axis of the tool mounting opening on the cutter head parallel to the axis of the oscillating head, at which point the tool mounting opening is located on the top of the cutter head.

[0048] In S3, the T2 axis rotation assembly moves along the T1 axis, thereby aligning the tool mounting port on the cutter head with the tool on the oscillating head.

[0049] In S4, the support column moves along the Z-axis, thereby loading the tool into the cutter head.

[0050] In S5, the oscillating head loosens the tool, and the T2 axis rotation assembly moves along the T1 axis, thereby disengaging the tool from the oscillating head.

[0051] If a tool is held in the oscillating head, return the tool using the method described above.

[0052] Figure 6 shows four tool change locations, each used for changing tools on either side of the cutter head.

[0053] The cutter head moves upward along the guide rail to its limit, becoming the automatic tool change position. The cutter head moves downward along the guide rail to its limit, becoming the rotational position of the cutter head and the position for manual tool change.

[0054] Before the oscillating head grips or releases a tool, the cutter head rotates a full 360 degrees, a detection switch detects the tool holding state of each tool holder on the cutter head, and a numerical control system records the position and state information. When changing tools, if the oscillating head does not grip a tool, the tool can be gripped directly using the method described above. However, if the oscillating head is gripping a tool, the tool must be returned to the tool magazine using the method described above before the tool can be gripped again.

[0055] The tool changing method disclosed in this embodiment uses only the Z and Y axes of the machine tool for positioning, and utilizes the T1 axis to linearly move the tool magazine, which then works in cooperation with the oscillating head to grip and release the tool. This eliminates the need to combine two or more linear axes during the tool changing process, and also eliminates the need for interpolation motion, resulting in rapid and accurate tool changes. The tool changing operation is simpler, the logic is simpler, it is easier to control, and the machining efficiency of the machine tool is higher.

[0056] The final point to be explained is as follows: The above embodiments are merely for illustrating, and not limiting, the technical solutions of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand the following: It is still possible to modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or to substitute some or all of the technical features thereof, and such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1. Oscillating head, 2. Cutter head, 3. Tool magazine base, 4. Bed, 5. Support column, 6. Saddle, 7. Table, 8. Cutter head rotation fixing base, 9. Cutter head rotation motor, 10. Motor base, 11. Driven gear, 12. Driven gear, 13. Guide rail, 14. Detection switch bracket, 15. Detection switch, 16. Tool holder

Claims

1. This is a tool magazine for machining centers used with Brisk. Includes a T1 linear axis assembly and a T2 axis rotation assembly, The machining center for blisk includes an A-axis rotation assembly. The T1 linear axis assembly is used to drive the T2 axis rotation assembly to cause linear motion, the T2 axis rotation assembly is used to drive the cutter head (2) to cause rotational motion, and the A axis rotation assembly is used to drive the oscillating head (1) to which the tool is attached to cause rotational motion. A tool is held in the cutter head (2), and the axis of the tool intersects perpendicularly with the axis of rotation of the cutter head (2). When the axis of the oscillating head (1) is parallel to the plane containing the cutter head (2), or is located in the plane containing the cutter head (2), the axis of the oscillating head (1), the axis of the tool, and the T1 linear axis are parallel or overlapping. Furthermore, the T1 linear axis assembly causes the T2 axis rotation assembly to move linearly along the T1 linear axis, bringing the tool and the oscillating head (1) closer to or further apart from each other. The T2-axis rotation assembly is provided on the tool magazine base (3), the tool magazine base (3) is provided on one side of the bed (4), a column (5) movable along the Z-axis is provided on the other side of the bed (4), a saddle (6) movable along the Y-axis is provided on the column (5), the A-axis rotation assembly is provided on the saddle (6), a table (7) is further provided on the bed (4), the table (7) is provided on the same side as the tool magazine base (3), A tool magazine for a blisk machining center, characterized in that the tool magazine base (3) has a mounting slope, and the T2 axis rotation assembly is provided on the mounting slope and can move along the mounting slope.

2. The T2 axis rotation assembly includes a cutter head rotation fixing base (8), a cutter head (2), and a cutter head rotation motor (9), wherein the cutter head rotation fixing base (8) is mounted on the mounting slope, the cutter head (2) is rotatably mounted on the cutter head rotation fixing base (8), the cutter head rotation motor (9) is fixed to the cutter head rotation fixing base (8) via a motor base (10), a driven gear (11) is coaxially fixed to the cutter head (2), the driven gear (11) meshes with a driving gear (12), and the cutter head rotation motor (9) is power-transmitted to the driving gear (12), characterized in that the tool magazine for a blisk machining center according to claim 1.

3. The tool magazine for a blisk machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that the T1 linear axis assembly includes a drive motor and a guide rail (13) provided on the mounting slope, the drive motor is connected to the T2 axis rotation assembly via a lead screw and a nut, and the T2 axis rotation assembly is attached to the guide rail (13) via a slider.

4. The tool magazine for a blisk machining center according to claim 2, further comprising a detection switch bracket (14), one end of which is fixed to the cutter head rotation fixing base (8), and the other end of which is provided with a detection switch (15), the detection switch (15) being directed toward a tool provided on the cutter head (2).

5. The tool magazine for a blisk machining center according to claim 1, wherein the T2 axis rotation assembly includes a cutter head (2), a tool holder (16) for gripping a tool is provided in the circumferential direction of the cutter head (2), the axes of the tools all intersect perpendicularly with the rotation axis of the cutter head (2), and the tool holder (16) grips the tools on both sides of a central cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cutter head (2).

6. The tool magazine for a blisk machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle α between the T1 axis and the horizontal direction is 30°, 45°, or 60°.

7. Using the tool magazine of the blisk machining center described in any one of claims 1 to 6, Step S1: The support column moves along the Z-axis, the saddle moves along the Y-axis, the A-axis rotation assembly drives the oscillating head to rotate, thereby causing the axis of the oscillating head on which the tool is mounted and the rotation axis of the cutter head to intersect perpendicularly, and the axis of the tool and the axis of the oscillating head to be on the same plane. Step S2 involves the T2 axis rotation assembly rotating the cutter head, thereby aligning the axis of the tool to be gripped with the axis of the oscillating head. Step S3 involves moving the T2-axis rotation assembly along the T1 axis, thereby causing the rocking head to grip the tool. A method for changing a tool in a brisk machining center, characterized by including step S4, in which the support column moves along the Z-axis, thereby detaching the tool from the cutter head.

8. Using the tool magazine of the blisk machining center described in any one of claims 1 to 6, Step S1, the support column moves along the Z-axis, the saddle moves along the Y-axis, the A-axis rotation assembly drives and rotates the oscillating head, thereby perpendicularly intersecting the axis of the oscillating head to which the tool is attached and the rotation axis of the cutter head, and the distance between the axis of the oscillating head and the central cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cutter head is greater than the distance between the tool mounting opening in the cutter head and the central cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cutter head. Step S2 involves the T2 axis rotation assembly rotating the cutter head, thereby making the axis of the tool mounting port on the cutter head parallel to the axis of the oscillating head. Step S3 involves moving the T2 axis rotation assembly along the T1 axis, thereby aligning the tool mounting port on the cutter head with the tool on the oscillating head. Step S4 involves moving the support column along the Z-axis, thereby loading the tool into the cutter head. A method for changing a tool in a blisk machining center, comprising step S5, in which the oscillating head loosens the tool, the T2 axis rotation assembly moves along the T1 axis, thereby disengaging the tool from the oscillating head.

Images