Loop-type tool magazine mechanism

Abstract

A loop-type tool magazine mechanism, disposed on a machine tool, and comprising: a tool storage device, wherein the tool storage device comprises: a first tool storage region and a second tool storage region, internal spaces of which are respectively used for accommodating a plurality of tool carriers in a sequential arrangement manner, and second ends of the first tool storage region and the second tool storage region are respectively a first exchange position and a second exchange position; a first transfer device for controllably guiding the tool carriers to move at first ends of the first tool storage region and the second tool storage region; a second transfer device for controllably guiding the tool carriers to be conveyed from the first exchange position into the first tool storage region, or from the second tool storage region to the second exchange position; and an exchange device for performing pick-and-place operations on the tool carriers at the first exchange position or the second exchange position, and working in conjunction with the first transfer device and the second transfer device to enable cyclic displacement of the tool carriers within the tool storage device. The exchange device works in conjunction with a spindle to complete tool holder exchange, thereby constructing a dual-cycle system of the loop-type tool magazine system, and achieving high-density storage and rapid exchange of the tool carriers.

Description

A cylindrical tool magazine mechanism Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tool magazine mechanism for a machine tool, and more particularly to a cylindrical tool magazine mechanism that achieves high-density storage, rapid cyclic exchange, and overload protection of the tool turret through a sequence arrangement of tool holders in dual tool storage areas, in conjunction with a transfer mechanism and an exchange device with controlled displacement logic, and can flexibly adapt to the needs of multi-spindle and multi-directional tool changing. Background Technology

[0002] To improve machining efficiency, existing machine tools are often equipped with automatic tool changers (ATCs) and tool storage devices, which exchange toolholders between the spindle and the tool storage device. However, traditional disc or chain tool magazines often suffer from low toolholder density and large space requirements. In addition, these complex traditional tool magazines typically only support a single type of toolholder and have a single tool change path, making them difficult to adapt to multi-spindle machining centers or complex machining environments with multi-directional tool change requirements.

[0003] In the field of multi-axis machining, existing tool magazines often face problems such as excessively long tool change strokes and a high proportion of non-machining auxiliary time. At the same time, due to the limitations of mechanical structure, traditional tool magazines have a limited number of tools that can be accommodated, and it is difficult to modularly expand them according to actual machining needs.

[0004] For example, existing technologies such as Chinese Patent Publication No. CN105873720A disclose a tool magazine independently located on the side of the worktable, which distinguishes between the frame area and the tool changing area. However, such solutions still suffer from problems such as large structure, poor spatial adaptability, and lack of protection mechanisms when dealing with sudden unexpected tensile forces.

[0005] In summary, existing technologies still have room for improvement. Therefore, this invention provides a cylindrical tool magazine mechanism, aiming to address the technical challenges of traditional tool magazines, such as large footprint, low tool changing efficiency, and insufficient specification adaptability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above situation, it is necessary to provide a cylindrical tool magazine mechanism that solves at least one of the above problems. This mechanism is applied to a machine tool, which has at least one spindle and at least one worktable. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism includes: a tool storage device internally defining at least one first tool storage area and at least one second tool storage area for accommodating multiple tool holders arranged in sequence; the first ends of the first and second tool storage areas are interconnected to form a connection point for the tool holders to perform cross-area displacement; and the second ends of the first and second tool storage areas are respectively defined as a first exchange position and a second exchange position; at least one first transfer device for controlled guidance of the tool holders to perform the first tool storage at the connection point. The system includes: path transfer between the tool storage area and the second tool storage area; at least one second transfer device for controlled guidance of the tool holder between the first exchange position and the first tool storage area, or between the second exchange position and the second tool storage area, thereby causing sequential linkage of the tool holders in the first or second tool storage areas; and at least one exchange device for performing a pick-up / return operation on the tool holder at the first or second exchange position, and cooperating with the first and second transfer devices to drive the tool holder to circulate within the tool storage device; the exchange device cooperates with the spindle to complete the tool holder exchange, thereby constructing a dual-circulation operation system for the cylindrical tool magazine mechanism. When the spindle has different tool changing requirements, for example, if the spindle is a horizontal spindle or the machine tool is a vertical and horizontal dual spindle, a rotary drive device can be added to the fitting frame of the exchange device to drive the tool holder to rotate, thereby achieving multi-directional tool changing functionality.

[0007] Preferably, the tool holder includes two symmetrically arranged bases, a tool holder plate connected between the two bases, and a tool clip disposed on the tool holder plate; the base is provided with a fitting part for connecting with the exchange device, a locking hole for positioning, and a toggle part; the two ends of the base in the Z-axis direction are respectively defined as a first force-bearing surface and a second force-bearing surface.

[0008] Preferably, when multiple tool holders are arranged in sequence, the first force-bearing surface and the second force-bearing surface of two adjacent tool holders may selectively abut against each other to transmit driving force and form the sequence linkage.

[0009] Preferably, the first transfer device includes a first driving mechanism and a pusher driven by the first driving mechanism, wherein the pusher is controlled to drive the tool holder to move along the Y-axis direction to perform path transfer of the tool holder between the first tool storage area and the second tool storage area.

[0010] Preferably, the tool storage device includes a guide frame with a sliding space inside to guide the displacement of the tool holder, and a first clearance groove and a second clearance groove are provided on both sides of the guide frame, the first clearance groove corresponding to the first tool storage area and the second clearance groove corresponding to the second tool storage area.

[0011] Preferably, the second transfer device includes a second drive mechanism and a transfer seat driven by it; the transfer seat is disposed adjacent to the first clearance groove and the second clearance groove, and passes through the first clearance groove and the second clearance groove to controllably drive the tool holder to perform displacement along the Z-axis direction.

[0012] Preferably, the transfer seat is provided with an extension block and a power locking device; the extension block passes through the first clearance groove and abuts against the actuating part of the tool holder located at the first exchange position; the power locking device drives a shaft end to pass through the second clearance groove and movably engage with the locking hole of the tool holder adjacent to the second exchange position.

[0013] Preferably, the guide frame and the extension block together define a three-axis spatial reference to define the spatial alignment position of the used tool holder and the tool holder to be used, so that the exchange device can simultaneously perform the disengagement and entry actions of the two tool holders relative to the exchange device within a single movement path.

[0014] Preferably, the guide frame is provided with a locking device, the locking device including a resiliently retractable wedge block for movably engaging with the locking hole of the tool holder adjacent to the second exchange position.

[0015] Preferably, the switching device includes a fitting frame with an elastic cover plate assembly that elastically pre-presses the tool holder into the fitting portion; wherein the cover plate assembly is configured to allow the tool holder to shift or disengage from the fitting frame when the force exceeds a preset critical value, and simultaneously trigger a detection device to indicate the abnormal state of the tool holder.

[0016] This invention provides a cylindrical tool magazine mechanism, installed on a machine tool, comprising: a tool storage device including: a first tool storage area and a second tool storage area, the internal spaces of which are respectively used to accommodate multiple tool holders arranged in sequence, and their second ends being a first exchange position and a second exchange position, respectively; a first transfer device for controlled displacement of the tool holders at the first ends of the first and second tool storage areas; and a second transfer device for controlled transport of the tool holders from the first exchange position to the first tool storage area, or from the second tool storage area to the second exchange position; and an exchange device for performing a pick-up and return action on the tool holders at the first or second exchange position, and cooperating with the first and second transfer devices to circulate the tool holders within the tool storage device; the exchange device cooperates with the spindle to complete the tool holder exchange, thereby constructing a dual-circulation system of the cylindrical tool magazine system and realizing high-density storage and rapid exchange of tool holders. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 10: Machine tool; 11: Machine base; 12: Column; 13: Spindle; 14: Working area; 15: Worktable; 16: Tool change position; 20: Tool storage device; 21: First tool storage area; 22: Second tool storage area; 211: First exchange position; 221: Second exchange position; 23: First transfer device; 231: First drive mechanism; 232: Pushing part; 24: Guide frame; 241: First clearance groove; 242: Second clearance groove; 243: Stop part; 244: Limiting part; 245: Partition; 30: Tool holder; 30A: Used tool holder; 30B: Tool holder to be used; 31: Base; 32: Tool clip; 33: Tool holder plate; 311: Fitting part; 312: Locking hole; 313: Actuating part; 314: First force-bearing surface; 315: Second force-bearing surface; 40: Second transfer device; 41: Second drive mechanism; 42: Transfer seat; 421: Extension block; 422: Alignment pin; 43: Locking device; 44: Power locking device; 441: Shaft end; 50: Exchange device; 51: Sliding seat; 54: Fitting frame; 541: Cover plate assembly; 542: Snap-fit ​​cylinder; 543: Rotary drive device; 544: U-shaped fastener; 55: Lateral displacement device; 70: First end; 80: Second end; 90: Tool holder; 100: Cylindrical tool magazine mechanism

[0018] [Figure 1] is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cylindrical tool magazine mechanism of the present invention applied to a machine tool.

[0019] [Figure 2] is a partial three-dimensional exploded view of the second transfer device of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 3] is a three-dimensional and partially enlarged schematic diagram of the exchange device and tool holder of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 4] is a schematic diagram of the displacement action of the switching device of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 5] is a partial perspective view of the second transfer device of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 6] is a schematic diagram of the rising action of the second transfer device of the present invention, viewed in section along the first clearance groove.

[0024] [Figure 7] is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the operation of the lateral displacement device of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 8] is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the descent action of the second transfer device of the present invention, partially viewed along the second relief groove.

[0026] [Figure 9] is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the exchange device of the present invention installed on the workbench.

[0027] [Figure 10] is a three-dimensional and partially enlarged schematic diagram of the rotary drive device provided in the exchange device of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 11] is a perspective view of another exchange device of the present invention with a rotary drive device. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the following detailed description of a cylindrical tool magazine mechanism, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, is provided. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, in order to facilitate the description of the spatial configuration and component movement of the present invention, a spatial coordinate system is defined here: the direction of the line connecting a first end 70 (upper end) and a second end 80 (lower end) is defined as a Z-axis direction (vertical direction); a front-to-back arrangement direction perpendicular to the Z-axis is defined as a Y-axis direction (longitudinal direction); and a direction that is perpendicular to both the Z-axis and the Y-axis is defined as an X-axis direction (lateral direction).

[0033] The displacements of each component described below can be decomposed into components along the aforementioned coordinate axes. For example, the displacement along the Z-axis is called the vertical component displacement; the displacement along the X-axis is called the lateral component displacement; and the displacement along the Y-axis is called the longitudinal component displacement. The motion trajectory of each component does not change its relative geometric definition in the spatial coordinate system due to changes in the overall installation angle of the equipment.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the present invention provides a cylindrical tool magazine mechanism 100 applied to a machine tool 10. The machine tool 10 is provided with at least one spindle 13 and at least one worktable 15. A tool changing position 16 is defined between the spindle 13 and the worktable 15, and the spindle 13 can be displaced in a direction approaching or away from the tool changing position 16. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism 100 includes:

[0035] A tool storage device 20, in this embodiment, is disposed in front of the spindle 13. The tool storage device 20 internally defines a first tool storage area 21 and a second tool storage area 22, and the first tool storage area 21 is closer to the spindle 13 than the second tool storage area 22. Further, the internal space of the first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22 is used to accommodate multiple tool holders 30 arranged in sequence along the Z-axis direction. The first end 70 of the first tool storage area 21 and the first end 70 of the second tool storage area 22 (in this embodiment, the positive Z-axis end) are interconnected to form a transfer path, and the second end 80 of the first tool storage area 21 and the second end 80 of the second tool storage area 22 (in this embodiment, the negative Z-axis end) are both open, and are respectively defined as the first exchange position 211 and the second exchange position 221.

[0036] Furthermore, the knife storage device 20 also includes a guide frame 24, which covers the periphery of the first knife storage area 21 and the second knife storage area 22. A first clearance groove 241 and a second clearance groove 242 are provided on both sides of the guide frame 24. The first clearance groove 241 corresponds to the first knife storage area 21, and the second clearance groove 242 corresponds to the second knife storage area 22. The guide frame 24 is provided with a partition 245 (as shown in Figure 7) to divide it into a first tool storage area 21 and a second tool storage area 22, thereby forming two independent accommodating spaces. The first end 70 of the first tool storage area 21 and the first end 70 of the second tool storage area 22 are interconnected, that is, the first end 70 of the guide frame 24 is a through space. The first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22 form a sliding gap with the geometric outer contour of the two symmetrical seats 31 of the tool holder 30. The first end 70 of the guide frame 24 is used to guide the tool holder 30 to move along the Y-axis direction, and the first tool storage area 21, the second tool storage area 22 and the first end 70 of the guide frame 24 are used to guide the tool holder 30 to move along the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The tool holder 30 includes two symmetrically arranged bases 31, a tool holder plate 33 connected between the two bases 31, and a tool clip 32 disposed on the tool holder plate 33. Each base 31 has a fitting portion 311, a locking hole 312, and a actuating portion 313 for the extension block 421 to abut against. The two ends of the base 31 in the Z-axis direction are defined as a first force-bearing surface 314 and a second force-bearing surface 315, respectively. A sliding gap is formed between the geometrical outer contour of the base 31 and the inner wall of the guide frame 24 to allow the tool holder 30 to move along the Y-axis or Z-axis direction. The fitting portion 311 protrudes outward along the X-axis direction in the upper middle section of the base 31, while the locking hole 312 and the actuating portion 313 protrude outward along the X-axis direction in the upper section of the base 31. The locking hole 312 is located between the two actuating portions 313.

[0038] At least one first transfer device 23 is disposed in the connecting area between the first end 70 of the first tool storage area 21 and the first end 70 of the second tool storage area 22, that is, the first end 70 of the guide frame 24 is a through space. The transfer device 23 includes a first drive mechanism 231 (preferably a double-acting buffer cylinder) and a pusher 232, used to drive the tool holder 30 to transfer along the trajectory. It is worth noting that before the first drive mechanism 231 is activated, it needs to detect that there is a used tool holder 30A at the first end 70 of the first tool storage area 21, and that the first end 70 of the second tool storage area 22 is in a tool holder-free state but there is a tool holder 30B to be used below it. During transfer, the first force-bearing surface 314 of the two seats 31 of the lower tool holder 30 is used as a sliding support surface, and combined with the physical constraints of the through space, a transfer path of the tool holder 30 is formed between the first end 70 of the first tool storage area 21 and the first end 70 of the second tool storage area 22.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cylinder diameter of the first drive mechanism 231 is selected according to the total weight of the tool holder 30 and the tool handle 90 to provide sufficient thrust to overcome friction. The effective stroke of the first drive mechanism 231 corresponds to the center distance between the first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22. When the piston rod of the first drive mechanism 231 retracts, the pusher 232 guides the tool holder 30 from the first tool storage area 21 across the first force-bearing surface 314 into the second tool storage area 22. To reduce mechanical impact, the first drive mechanism 231 is equipped with a throttle valve and a pneumatic buffer mechanism, giving the pusher 232 the characteristic of accelerating first and then decelerating, thereby ensuring a soft landing of the tool holder 30 and preventing the tool handle 90 from shaking or the base 31 from being damaged. In addition, a magnetic induction switch is provided on the outside of the first drive mechanism 231 to monitor the stroke. The position signal of the magnetic induction switch forms an action interlocking loop with the second transfer device 40 and the exchange device 50. Specifically, the system only allows the next wave of sequential lifting actions, or allows the exchange device 50 to perform a tool holder transfer across the XY plane, after confirming that the drive component of the second transfer device 40 has completed its reset in the Z-axis direction (i.e., returned to the origin). This interlocking design completely eliminates mechanical interference between the vertical movement of the Z-axis and the horizontal movement path of the XY plane.

[0040] In this application, the controlled displacement of the tool holder 30 performed by the first transfer device 23 is primarily characterized by the controllability of the displacement process and the constraint of its trajectory. Specifically, the first drive mechanism 231 is not limited to a power cylinder and can adopt the following equivalent alternatives:

[0041] 1. Active drive: Active drive is achieved through electric cylinders, rotary shift forks, belt and chain drives, or gear and rack mechanisms.

[0042] 2. Magnetic and fluid drive: The tool holder 30 is combined with a rolling element, and the displacement of the tool holder 30 is driven by the mutual repulsion or attraction between magnetic poles (magnetic drive) or by high-pressure airflow (pneumatic filling).

[0043] 3. Gravity and energy dissipation drive: If the tool storage device 20 adopts an inclined layout, the displacement can be achieved by the weight of the tool holder 30 combined with the rolling element, and the kinetic energy can be absorbed and the displacement speed can be controlled by the buffer, elastic element or friction damping element.

[0044] In all the above solutions, the movement trajectory of the tool holder 30 is defined by the through space and the sliding support surface, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy. Any structural changes that produce displacement with coordinate axis components in space, or adjustments to the motion vector based on the same linkage logic, should be considered equivalent substitutions of this application and fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0045] At least one second transfer device 40 is disposed on the side of the tool storage device 20 to controllably guide the tool holder 30 from the first exchange position 211 to the first tool storage area 21, or to transport the tool holder 30 from the second tool storage area 22 to the second exchange position 221, thereby causing the tool holders 30 arranged in sequence in the first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22 to undergo linked displacement. Here, "arranged in sequence" means that multiple tool holders 30 are arranged along the Z-axis direction in the first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22.

[0046] In one embodiment, the tool holders 30 abut against each other. The starting tool holder 30 is guided by the second transfer device 40, and the driving force is transmitted along the Z-axis direction via the direct contact between the first force-bearing surfaces 314 of adjacent tool holders 30, causing the tool holders 30 to exhibit a sequential, linked state of pushing and pushing, thus driving the remaining tool holders 30 to move synchronously. The constraint on the motion trajectory is achieved through the sliding gap formed between the first and second tool storage areas 21 and 22 of the tool storage device 20 and the tool holder 30, thereby limiting the degrees of freedom of the tool holders 30 in non-displacement directions.

[0047] In this application, although the sequential arrangement is preferably mutually abutting to achieve gapless stacking, a specific gap can also be maintained between each tool holder 30. For example, when an independent limiting cylinder is configured for a preset number of tool holders 30 to bear the weight, there will be a gap between the tool holders 30. When the cylinder is released in a controlled manner and driven by the second transfer device 40 to generate a linkage displacement, the displacement amount is still transmitted through the sequence logic; or a multi-stage parallel four-bar mechanism based on cylinder drive and linear guide rail is used. When the cylinder pushes the main drive rod, it drives multiple driven short connecting rods to rotate synchronously, achieving the sequential displacement of the tool holders 30, there will also be a gap between the tool holders. Any method that achieves the equivalent function of sequential linkage displacement by changing the structure or adjusting the distance between the tool holders 30 (such as setting a small gap, elastic buffer, or intermediate medium) falls within the protection scope of this application.

[0048] Furthermore, the second transfer device 40 includes a second drive mechanism 41 and a transfer seat 42 disposed on the side of the guide frame 24. The transfer seat 42 is disposed adjacent to the first clearance groove 241 and the second clearance groove 242, and is driven by the second drive mechanism 41 to move back and forth along the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the transfer seat 42 is provided with an extension block 421 corresponding to the first clearance groove 241. The extension block 421 can extend from the first clearance groove 241 into the first tool storage area 21 to abut against the actuating part 313 of the used tool holder 30A along the Z-axis direction, thereby driving the used tool holder 30A to perform a Z-axis upward movement and transporting the used tool holder 30A from the first exchange position 211 into the first tool storage area 21. In particular, the extension block 421 is provided with a positioning pin 422 to constrain the position of the used tool holder 30A in the X-axis direction and ensure the accuracy of its displacement trajectory.

[0049] Furthermore, the transfer seat 42 is equipped with a power locking device 44 and a connected shaft end 441 corresponding to the second clearance groove 242. The shaft end 441 can extend into the second clearance groove 242 along the X-axis and movably engage with the locking hole 312 of the tool holder 30 near the second end 80 in the second tool storage area 22, thereby driving the tool holder 30B to perform a Z-axis descent action and transporting the tool holder 30 from the second tool storage area 22 to the second exchange position 221. When the tool holder 30 runs to the preset position near the second end 80, the shaft end 441 is controlled to retract to disengage from the locking hole 312, thereby disengaging the transfer seat 42 from the tool holder 30 and ensuring that the tool holder 30B is accurately positioned at the second end 80 without being disturbed by subsequent displacement.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second drive mechanism 41 is preferably a three-axis buffer cylinder, symmetrically installed on both sides of the guide frame 24 and connected to the transfer seat 42. By means of the three-axis rigid structure and the sliding gap between the extension block 421 and the first clearance groove 241, the lateral torque generated by the stacking of multiple tool holders 30 can be effectively resisted, ensuring the smooth Z-axis displacement under heavy load.

[0051] The effective stroke of the second drive mechanism 41 corresponds to the dimension of the tool holder 30 in the Z-axis direction. When the piston rod of the second drive mechanism 41 extends or retracts, the transfer seat 42 drives the extension block 421 and the shaft end 441 to move synchronously, guiding the tool holder 30 sequence to move along the sliding space, so that the driving energy is efficiently transmitted through the force-bearing surface. With the help of the proportional pressure valve and the built-in buffer function, the transfer seat 42 can achieve a soft landing when driving the tool holder 30 to the target position, avoiding hard impact on the force-bearing surface, thereby reducing operating noise and extending component life.

[0052] Furthermore, the second drive mechanism 41 is equipped with multiple magnetic induction switches (such as origin and end point sensors) on its side to detect the real-time position of the transfer seat 42. The real-time position signal is transmitted back to the controller, forming an action interlock logic with the first transfer device 23 and the exchange device 50. For example, the first transfer device 23 can only be triggered to perform a cross-zone transfer action when the sensor confirms that the tool holder 30 sequence has moved to a preset Z-axis position, so as to ensure the timing of the tool change cycle is safe and accurate.

[0053] In this embodiment, the extension block 421, the power locking device 44, and the locking device 43 are preferably disposed on the side of a specific tool storage area as shown in the figure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the configuration positions of the above components between the first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22 can be mirrored, swapped, or repeated according to actual mechanism requirements (e.g., locking devices are provided in both areas). Such equivalent changes to the component installation positions, since they achieve the same mechanical principle of sequential linkage and spatial reference alignment, should all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] In this application, the controlled guided displacement of the tool holder 30 performed by the second transfer device 40 is primarily characterized by process controllability and trajectory constraint. The second drive mechanism 41 is not limited to a power cylinder and can employ the following equivalent alternatives:

[0055] 1. Active or linkage drive: Active drive is achieved by means of electric cylinder, rotary shift fork, belt chain or gear rack mechanism; or mechanical linkage is achieved by means of the thrust of the exchange device when it is 50 displacement, through the follower of the inclined block, steel rope pulley or linkage mechanism.

[0056] 2. Gravity and energy dissipation drive: The displacement is generated by the self-weight of the tool holder 30, and is balanced by a counterweight assembly, or the displacement speed and impact are controlled by a buffer, elastic element, or friction damping component.

[0057] In the above scheme, the movement trajectory of the tool holder 30 is constrained by the guide frame 24 and its associated guide support structure. Specifically, the tool holder 30 is spatially limited by the stop part 243 and the limiting part 244, and the driving force is transmitted by the abutment pin 422 of the extension block 421 and its axial contact with the tool holder 30, thereby ensuring positioning accuracy. Any structural changes that produce displacement with coordinate axis components in space, or motion vector adjustments based on the same linkage logic, should be considered equivalent substitutions of this application and fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0058] The guide frame 24 is provided with at least one locking device 43 on the side of the first tool storage area 21, which is used to movably engage with the locking hole 312 of the tool holder 30 near the second end 80 in the first tool storage area 21. The locking device 43 can be an elastic wedge block or a power cylinder, and its end is provided with a wedge-shaped inclined surface, which faces the negative Z-axis direction and is normally popped outward. In this way, when the used tool holder 30A is displaced in the positive Z-axis direction, the wedge-shaped inclined surface is forcefully retracted to allow the used tool holder 30A to pass; conversely, when the used tool holder 30A wants to be displaced in the negative Z-axis direction, the locking device 43 is locked in the locking hole 312, so as to realize the unidirectional axial constraint function of the used tool holder 30A in the first tool storage area 21.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, the guide frame 24 is provided with a stop 243 and a limiting part 244 at the second exchange position 221. When the transfer seat 42 delivers the tool holder 30B to the second exchange position 221, the stop 243 is used to allow the actuating part 313 of the tool holder 30B to be hooked and fixed to define its height reference in the Z-axis direction; at the same time, the inner sidewall of the guide frame 24 provides geometric constraints in the X-axis direction, so that the tool holder 30B is maintained in a preset lateral position.

[0060] Specifically, the stop 243 provides a physical reference along the Z-axis to define the reference height of the ready-to-use tool holder 30B within the tool storage device 20. In particular, the height of the extension block 421 in the Z-axis direction is adjustable, thereby allowing for flexible fine-tuning of the height of the used tool holder 30A when the transfer seat 42 moves the extension block 421, so that it spatially aligns with the ready-to-use tool holder 30B constrained by the stop 243.

[0061] The Y-axis direction is used to define the displacement endpoint. When the exchange device 50 pushes the used tool holder 30A against the tool holder 30B to the limiting part 244, the tool holder 30B is precisely positioned at the second exchange position 221. In addition, the extension block 421 is provided with a positioning pin 422 to perform position constraint in the X-axis direction when the used tool holder 30A returns, which, together with the positioning of the tool holder 30B by the inner wall of the guide frame 24, ensures that the deviation of the two tool holders in the X-axis is maintained within a preset allowable range.

[0062] Since the tool holder 30 has been pre-aligned in terms of Z-axis height, Y-axis endpoint, and X-axis position through the aforementioned structure, it ensures that the fitting frame 54 of the exchange device 50 can synchronously perform the entry and disengagement actions of the tool holder 30 in a subsequent single linear movement path, thereby achieving synchronous switching. All equivalent modifications or substitutions made in accordance with the spirit of this application shall be covered within the scope of patent protection of this application.

[0063] Furthermore, at least one exchange device 50 (preferably a gantry dual-drive module) is equipped with a sliding seat 51, and the sliding seat 51 has fitting frames 54 on both sides for movably fitting into the fitting part 311 of the tool holder 30. The fitting frame 54 is equipped with a snap-fit ​​cylinder 542, a U-shaped fastener 544, and a cover plate assembly 541. The snap-fit ​​cylinder 542 is controlled to drive the U-shaped fastener 544 to perform a reciprocating extension and retraction action to lock both ends of the fitting part 311, ensuring that the fitting part 311 can be stably locked within the fitting frame 54, thereby ensuring that the tool holder 30 can stably perform tool changing operations. Through this structure, utilizing the high rigidity support of the gantry dual-drive module and the mechanical locking of the snap-fit ​​cylinder 542, the dynamic accuracy of the tool holder 30 during Y-axis displacement can be ensured, and the cover plate assembly 541 works in conjunction to achieve safety protection and alarm detection functions.

[0064] With the above configuration, the cover plate assembly 541 can be a deformable elastic pressure plate, used to elastically pre-press and engage with the fitting portion 311 of the tool holder 30, thereby preventing the tool holder 30 from accidentally slipping out when it is not locked by the U-shaped fastener 544. When performing the tool holder change operation, when the used tool holder 30A reaches the first exchange position 211, the second drive mechanism 41 drives the used tool holder 30A to forcibly disengage from the engaging state of the cover plate assembly 541 along the Z-axis direction; after the used tool holder 30A disengages from the cover plate assembly 541, the cover plate assembly 541 automatically resets, thereby shortening the cycle of the tool holder change operation 30.

[0065] Furthermore, during tool changing operations, if the spindle 13 does not fully release the tool holder 90 or other factors generate abnormal tension on the tool holder 30, and the tension has a component along the Z-axis, the tool holder 30 can disengage from the mounting frame 54 along the direction of force, thereby providing overload safety protection for the tool holder 30 and the tool changing device 50.

[0066] In this embodiment, the exchange device 50 is preferably a gantry dual-drive module, located at the second end 80 adjacent to the first exchange position 211 and the second exchange position 221. The exchange device 50 includes fitting frames 54 at both ends of the unit to carry the used tool holder 30A and the tool holder 30B to be used. This structural design allows it to cooperate simultaneously with the tool storage device 20 and the spindle 13 of the machine tool 10, integrating the cyclic exchange of the tool holder 30 and the spindle tool holder 90 into a synchronous dual-cycle system.

[0067] In more detail, each of the said fitting frames 54 is provided with a deformable cover plate assembly 541. The cover plate assembly 541 has guide ramps on both sides. When the tool holder 30 is driven into the second exchange position 221 by the second transfer device 40, the fitting part 311 of the seat 31 slides in along the guide ramps by displacement energy and is automatically positioned by the elastic pre-compression of the cover plate assembly 541. This instantaneous engagement mechanism does not require additional power locking action, greatly shortening the docking time of the tool holder 30B into the exchange device 50, achieving efficient and rapid tool changing.

[0068] It should be further noted that the elastic preload strength of the cover plate assembly 541 is set according to a preset threshold. When an unexpected pulling force occurs during tool changing and this abnormal pulling force exceeds the preset threshold, the cover plate assembly 541 will undergo elastic deformation and be forcibly disengaged. This mechanism allows the tool holder 30 to disengage from the fitting frame 54 along the direction of force, thereby acting as a mechanical safety device to prevent permanent structural damage to the spindle 13 or the exchange device 50. The system is also equipped with a position proximity sensor to detect the presence status of the tool holder 30; the controller determines whether the actual position of the tool holder 30 matches the preset logic. When the tool holder 30 is detected to be missing or a foreign object is detected in a non-preset position, the system will issue an alarm signal.

[0069] In equivalent embodiments of this application, the disengagement and repositioning of the cover assembly 541 are not limited to an elastic pressure plate made of deformable material. A pivotal gravity block, a magnetic fastener, or a sloping slider with a repositioning element can also be used. Any physical mechanism that utilizes "axial displacement force triggering and has an automatic repositioning function," whether it utilizes material elasticity, gravitational energy, magnetic energy, or the energy stored in an elastic element, or achieves the opening and closing effect through power coordination between the exchange device 50 and a cam timing and follow-up bearing, should fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0070] In a feasible embodiment, the exchange device 50 is equipped with a lateral displacement device 55 (preferably a linear module). The lateral displacement device 55 is provided with a sliding seat 51, and each side of the sliding seat 51 is provided with a fitting bracket 54 for driving the tool holder 30 to perform lateral displacement. Thus, when the exchange device 50 carries the tool holder 30 to the tool changing position 16, the lateral displacement device 55 can be controlled to move back and forth along the X-axis to switch different tool clips 32 to align with the spindle 13, thereby facilitating the spindle 13 to take out or return the tool holder 90 from the corresponding tool clip 32.

[0071] Having understood the detailed structure of the present invention described above, the following is an explanation of the operating principle of the present invention: The tool changing cycle of this mechanism is divided into two main actions: "external exchange" and "internal cycle". As shown in Figure 4 and referring to Figures 1 to 3, in a preferred embodiment, the tool changing position 16, the first exchange position 211, and the second exchange position 221 are at the same preset height in the Z-axis direction. By using the coplanar arrangement between the tool changing position 16 and the first exchange position 211 and the second exchange position 221, the orientation adjustment stroke in the Z-axis direction can be effectively eliminated, thereby shortening the displacement time; at the same time, this arrangement is conducive to the tool holder 30 maintaining a horizontal sliding state along the Y-axis direction during the exchange process, thereby improving the smoothness and response speed of the tool changing action.

[0072] 1. Initial state confirmation:

[0073] Spindle 13 end: The spindle 13 carries the used tool holder 90 and is stopped at the tool change position 16.

[0074] Exchange device 50 end: The U-shaped fastener 544 of the fitting frame 54 is fastened to the used knife holder 30A, and the fastening cylinder 542 is in the extended state.

[0075] Tool storage device 20 end: The second drive mechanism 41 drives the transfer seat 42 to send the standby tool holder 30B to the second exchange position 221 to be ready.

[0076] 2. Tool holder 90 return and preparation for switching: The exchange device 50 moves to the tool changing position 16, and the spindle 13 returns the tool holder 90 to the used tool holder 30A.

[0077] Release of lock: The latching cylinder 542 retracts with the U-shaped fastener 544, releasing the rigid connection, and the power locking device 44 is released. At this time, the tool holder 30A is maintained in position only by the friction of the cover plate assembly 541, preparing for the subsequent "passive disengagement".

[0078] 3. Dual-position linkage exchange:

[0079] The exchange device 50 slides along the Y-axis toward the first knife storage area 21.

[0080] Disengagement action: When the used tool holder 30A reaches the first exchange position 211, it is mechanically blocked by the standby tool holder 30B, and the standby tool holder 30B is mechanically blocked by the limiting part 244. The exchange device 50 continues to move, forcing the used tool holder 30A to overcome the friction of the cover plate assembly 541 and slide out of the fitting frame 54, stopping at the first exchange position 211.

[0081] Engagement action: The exchange device 50 continues to slide to the second exchange position 221, and the empty fitting frame 54 is inserted into the fitting part 311 of the tool holder 30B along the Y-axis direction.

[0082] Secondary locking: As shown in Figure 5, the latching cylinder 542 extends again, and the U-shaped fastener 544 locks the tool holder 30B in place.

[0083] 4. Closed-loop circulation within the blade storage area:

[0084] Axial loading: As shown in Figure 6, when the used tool holder 30A arrives at the first exchange position 211, the second drive mechanism 41 drives the transfer seat 42 to move along the positive Z-axis direction, and the extension block 421 forces the used tool holder 30A into the first tool storage area 21 along the Z-axis direction, triggering the anti-return function of the locking device 43.

[0085] Cross-area transfer: As shown in Figure 7, after the tool holder 30 in the first tool storage area 21 is displaced along the positive Z-axis, it forms a preset height difference with the second tool storage area 22. At this time, the first end 70 tool holder in the first tool storage area 21 is pushed by the pusher 232 of the first transfer device 23 and moves along the X-axis to the first end 70 of the second tool storage area 22.

[0086] Replacement: As shown in Figure 8, the tool holder 30 near the second end 80 of the second tool storage area 22 is secured by the power locking device 44, and the transfer seat 42 is displaced in the negative Z-axis direction to send the tool holder 30 to the second exchange position 221, thus completing the closed loop cycle.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in FIG9, in another optional embodiment, the fitting frame 54 of the exchange device 50 can also be directly disposed on the worktable 15, and guided to move between predetermined positions by the driving displacement of the worktable 15, so as to achieve the purpose of exchanging the tool holder 30 and the tool handle 90.

[0088] In addition, the spatial layout of the present invention has several equivalent transformation forms: the positions of the first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22 can be interchanged, so that the second tool storage area 22 is closer to the spindle 13 than the first tool storage area 21. In other embodiments, an inverted design with the exchange device 50 above and the tool storage device 20 below can also be adopted, or the cylindrical tool magazine mechanism can be rotated to a horizontal configuration. In the above modified embodiments, the same technical objective can be achieved by only adjusting the movement trajectory and related structures of the exchange device 50.

[0089] With the above structure, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0090] 1. High efficiency and simplification: Through the sequential arrangement of the first tool storage area 21 and the second tool storage area 22, combined with the horizontal sliding exchange logic of the exchange device 50, high-density storage and ultra-fast exchange of the tool holder 30 are achieved while maintaining a simplified structure.

[0091] 2. Reduced non-cutting time: The number of tool holders 32 on the tool post 30 can be configured as a multiple of the number of spindles 13. Combined with the adjustment of the transverse displacement device 55, the spindles 13 can sequentially switch and engage different tool holders 32. This design requires only one tool retrieval action to meet the needs of multiple tool changes by the spindles 13, significantly shortening the tool change cycle.

[0092] 3. Maximizing Space Utilization: By staggering the upper and lower tool holders 30, the overall height of the tool storage device can be effectively reduced, increasing the tool storage capacity per unit space. Simultaneously, the first exchange position 211 and the second exchange position 221 can also be used as tool storage space, further increasing the tool storage capacity.

[0093] 4. Multi-directional tool changing adaptability: Thanks to the addition of a rotary drive device on the fitting frame 54, the tool changing device is equipped with a tool changing function at more than 50 angles. This technical feature allows it to flexibly adapt to various complex machine tool structures 10, expanding the application range of this mechanism.

[0094] 5. High compatibility: The tool holder 30 can be flexibly configured with the same or different specifications of tool clips according to processing requirements, so as to stably support tool holders 90 of various specifications, thereby improving the process flexibility of the processing system.

[0095] 6. Modular Expansion: Adopting a modular architecture design, it facilitates rapid machine tool development and tool magazine expansion. The tool storage device can be expanded to more than three tool storage zones based on the same operating principle, or through modular combinations of multiple dual / triple zone units, combined with the height adjustment of the guide frame 24, to achieve seamless expansion of tool storage capacity.

[0096] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cylindrical tool magazine mechanism, applied to a machine tool, the machine tool being provided with at least one spindle and at least one worktable, characterized in that, The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism includes: A tool storage device internally defines at least one first tool storage area and at least one second tool storage area for accommodating multiple tool holders arranged in sequence; the first ends of the first tool storage area and the second tool storage area are interconnected to form a connection point for the tool holders to perform cross-area displacement; and the second ends of the first tool storage area and the second tool storage area are respectively defined as a first exchange position and a second exchange position. At least one first transfer device is used to controllably guide the tool holder to perform a path transfer between the first tool storage area and the second tool storage area at the connection point; At least one second transfer device is used to controllably guide the tool holder to move between the first exchange position and the first tool storage area, or between the second exchange position and the second tool storage area, thereby causing the tool holder in the first tool storage area or the second tool storage area to generate sequential linkages; and At least one exchange device is used to perform a take-up and return operation on the tool holder at the first exchange position or the second exchange position, and to drive the tool holder to circulate within the tool storage device in coordination with the first transfer device and the second transfer device. The exchange device works in conjunction with the spindle to complete the tool holder exchange, thereby constructing a dual-cycle operation system for the cylindrical tool magazine mechanism.

2. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool holder includes two symmetrically arranged bases, a tool holder plate connected between the two bases, and a tool clip disposed on the tool holder plate; The base is provided with a fitting part for connecting with the exchange device, a locking hole for positioning, and a toggle part; The two ends of the seat in the Z-axis direction are defined as the first force-bearing surface and the second force-bearing surface, respectively.

3. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: When multiple tool holders are arranged in sequence, the first force-bearing surface and the second force-bearing surface of two adjacent tool holders can selectively abut against each other to transmit driving force and form the sequence linkage.

4. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transfer device includes a first drive mechanism and a pusher driven by the first drive mechanism. The pusher is controlled to drive the tool holder to move along the Y-axis direction to perform path transfer of the tool holder between the first tool storage area and the second tool storage area.

5. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tool storage device includes a guide frame with a sliding space inside to guide the displacement of the tool holder. A first clearance groove and a second clearance groove are provided on both sides of the guide frame. The first clearance groove corresponds to the first tool storage area, and the second clearance groove corresponds to the second tool storage area.

6. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second transfer device includes a second drive mechanism and a transfer base driven by it; The transfer seat is located adjacent to the first clearance groove and the second clearance groove, and passes through the first clearance groove and the second clearance groove to controllably drive the tool holder to perform displacement along the Z-axis direction.

7. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transfer seat is equipped with an extension block and a power locking device; The extension block passes through the first clearance groove and abuts against the actuating part of the tool holder located at the first exchange position; The power locking device drives one end of a shaft through the second clearance groove and engages with the locking hole of the tool holder adjacent to the second exchange position.

8. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The guide frame and the extension block together define a three-axis spatial reference to limit the spatial alignment position of the used tool holder and the tool holder to be used, so that the exchange device can simultaneously perform the disengagement and entry actions of the two tool holders relative to the exchange device within a single movement path.

9. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide frame is provided with a locking device, which includes a resiliently retractable wedge block for movably engaging with the locking hole of the tool holder adjacent to the second exchange position.

10. The cylindrical tool magazine mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switching device includes a fitting frame, the fitting frame being provided with a resilient cover plate assembly, the cover plate assembly being resiliently pre-pressed against the blade holder in the fitting portion; The cover plate assembly is configured to allow the tool holder to shift or disengage from the mounting frame when the force exceeds a preset critical value, and simultaneously trigger a detection device to indicate the abnormal state of the tool holder.

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