Tool driving device, tool feeding mechanism for tool rotating device, and hole processing method

Abstract

The objective of this invention is to enable hole machining, such as piercing and internal surface finishing of holes, to be performed on workpieces under more suitable conditions using an air-driven tool drive device. The tool feed mechanism for the tool rotating device according to the embodiment is mounted on a handheld tool rotating device, which includes: a holder for gripping and holding a rotating tool; and a first air motor for rotating the holder. The tool feed mechanism includes: a connecting device mounted on the tool rotating device; a fixing member directly or indirectly mounted on the workpiece to be machined by the rotating tool; a moving mechanism that moves the connecting device relative to the fixing member in the tool axis direction; and a second air motor that applies power to the moving mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a tool driving device, a tool feeding mechanism for a tool rotating device, and a hole machining method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, air (air pressure) type drill drive devices are known as one type of drill drive device (see, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3). In air type drill drive devices, there are structures that can not only realize the rotation of the drill bit using air pressure, but also realize the feed action in the tool axis direction relative to the drill bit.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-228049

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-039992

[0005] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-501227 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to enable hole machining, such as piercing and inner surface finishing of holes, to be performed on workpieces under more suitable conditions using an air-driven tool drive device.

[0007] The tool feed mechanism for a tool rotating device according to embodiments of the present invention is mounted on a handheld tool rotating device, which includes: a retainer for gripping and holding a rotating tool; and a first air motor for rotating the retainer. The tool feed mechanism includes: a connecting device mounted on the tool rotating device; a fixing member directly or indirectly mounted on a workpiece that is the object to be machined by the rotating tool; a moving mechanism for moving the connecting device relative to the fixing member in the tool axis direction; and a second air motor for applying power to the moving mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, the tool driving device according to the embodiments of the present invention includes: a retainer for gripping and holding a rotating tool; a first air motor for rotating the retainer; and a feed mechanism for moving the retainer in the tool axis direction, wherein a second air motor is provided in the feed mechanism to generate power for moving the retainer.

[0009] Furthermore, in the hole machining method according to the embodiments of the present invention, the workpiece is manufactured using the above-described tool driving device. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1This is a front view showing the structure of a tool drive device having the tool feed mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The top view of the tool drive device shown.

[0012] Figure 3 It means as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows an example of the structure of a planetary gear used in relation to the gears shown in the figure.

[0013] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figure shows an example of a second air motor, gear, and ball screw with their rotation axes configured to be parallel to the tool axis.

[0014] Figure 5 This indicates that it includes the use of air signals to... Figure 1 or Figure 4 The circuit diagram shown is an example of the circuit structure of an air signal circuit, including an air signal circuit unit that controls the tool drive device.

[0015] Explanation of the label

[0016] 1…Tool drive device, 2…Tool rotation device, 3…Feed mechanism, 4…Holding member, 5…First air motor, 6…Housing, 7…Handle, 8…Switch, 9…Linear movement mechanism, 9A…Ball screw, 10…Second air motor, 11…Gear, 12…Guide mechanism, 13…Nose component, 14…Connecting device, 14A…Annular connector, 14B…L-shaped connector, 14C…Connecting shaft, 14D…Connecting plate, 15…Housing, 16…Planetary gear Wheel, 16A…Sun gear (solar gear), 16B…Planetary pinion (planetary gear), 16C…Internal gear, 17…Internal thread, 18…Component, 19…Shaft, 20…Bushing joint, 20A…Bushing, 20B…Plate section, 21…Linear bushing, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H…Pipes, 23…First speed controller, 24A, 24B…Second speed controller, 25…Air signal circuit 25A…Air signal circuit unit, 30…Air connector, 31A, 31B, 31C…Branch element, 32…Manually operated control valve, 32A…Spring, 33…First air pressure operated control valve, 33A…Piston, 33B…Silencer, 34…Second air pressure operated control valve, 34A…Piston, 34B…Silencer, 35…Branch element, 36…Suppression device, 36A…Switch holding plate, 36B…Rotating shaft, 36C…Torque screw Rotary spring, 37… cylinder, 37A… cylinder barrel, 37B… piston, 37C… rod, 38… limit switch pressing part, 39… limit switch, 39A… bracket, 40… first mechanical operation control valve, 40A… spring, 41… plunger pressing part, 42… plunger, 43… second mechanical operation control valve, 43A… spring, AX… tool axis, J… clamp, J1… fixing screw, M1… first material, M2… second material, T… rotary tool, W… workpiece. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The tool driving device, the tool feed mechanism for the tool rotation device, and the hole machining method according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] (Structure and Function)

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the structure of a tool drive device having the tool feed mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The top view of the tool drive device shown.

[0020] The tool drive unit 1 is a handheld device (manual tool) used to mount a rotary tool T, such as a drill bit, reamer, or end mill, for hole machining of a workpiece W, including piercing and finishing of the inner surface of the hole. The tool drive unit 1 has the function of not only rotating the rotary tool T but also feeding the rotary tool T in the tool axis AX direction. Therefore, the tool drive unit 1 is configured such that a feed mechanism 3 is provided on a handheld tool rotation device 2.

[0021] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of manufacturing a tool drive unit 1 by modifying it as an accessory is shown, namely, by mounting a feed mechanism 3 onto a general-purpose tool rotary device 2. If the tool drive unit 1 is manufactured using a general-purpose tool rotary device 2, the manufacturing cost of the tool drive unit 1 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, a tool drive unit 1 with a feed action function for rotating a tool T can be easily manufactured using an existing tool rotary device 2. Therefore, the feed mechanism 3 can also be manufactured and sold as a tool feed mechanism mounted on a handheld tool rotary device 2.

[0022] Of course, the tool drive device 1 can also be composed of a dedicated tool rotation device 2 and a feed mechanism 3 that do not operate independently. In this case, the housing of the components constituting the tool rotation device 2 and all or part of the components constituting the feed mechanism 3 are shared.

[0023] The tool rotation device 2 can be composed of a retainer 4, a first air motor 5, a housing 6, a handle 7, and a switch 8. The retainer 4 is configured to grip and hold the rotating tool T while rotating using power applied from the first air motor 5. The first air motor 5 is a motor that rotates according to an air signal and can adjust its speed based on the airflow rate. A known power transmission mechanism that transmits the torque generated by the first air motor 5 to the retainer 4, along with the first air motor 5 itself, is housed in the housing 6. The handle 7 is a part for the user to grip and is connected to the housing 6. The switch 8 is provided for the user to operate at least the rotation of the first air motor 5.

[0024] The feed mechanism 3 is a device that moves the rotary tool T and the holder 4 back and forth relative to the workpiece W in the tool axis AX direction. That is, in order to perform hole machining on the workpiece W, the feed mechanism 3 can be used to move the rotary tool T and the holder 4, which are in the initial position, forward toward the front end of the rotary tool T. On the other hand, after the hole machining is completed, the rotary tool T and the holder 4, which are in the hole machining position, can be stopped and moved backward to the avoidance position.

[0025] Specifically, in addition to the linear motion mechanism 9 that causes the retainer 4 to move linearly in the tool axis AX direction, the feed mechanism 3 is also equipped with a second air motor 10 that generates power for the parallel movement of the retainer 4. That is, unlike the first air motor 5 that generates power for rotating the rotary tool T and the retainer 4, the feed mechanism 3 is also equipped with a second air motor 10 that applies power to the linear motion mechanism 9. The second air motor 10, like the first air motor 5, is a motor whose speed can be adjusted according to the airflow signal.

[0026] In addition, the feeding mechanism 3 can be constructed using gears 11, guide mechanisms 12, nose parts 13, and connecting devices 14.

[0027] The linear motion mechanism 9 is a mechanical element that converts the rotational motion of the output shaft of the second air motor 10 into linear motion, causing the rotary tool T and the holder 4 to move linearly in the tool axis AX direction. The linear motion mechanism 9 is configured such that, when the second air motor 10 rotates forward, the rotary tool T and the holder 4 advance in the tool axis AX direction and the hole machining direction; on the other hand, when the second air motor 10 rotates in reverse, the rotary tool T and the holder 4 retract in the direction opposite to the hole machining direction.

[0028] As a linear motion mechanism 9, tracks or rack and pinion pairs, such as chains that move by the rotation of sprockets or power transmission belts that move by the rotation of rollers, can also be used. However, if... Figure 1 and Figure 2 By using ball screw 9A as shown in the example, the output shaft of the second air motor 10 and the rotation axis of ball screw 9A can be aligned on the same straight line as the tool axis AX. As a result, the structure of the feed mechanism 3 can be simplified. Therefore, the following example uses ball screw 9A as the linear motion mechanism 9. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Please provide an explanation.

[0029] When the retainer 4 is moved in the tool axis AX direction using the ball screw 9A, arranging the ball screw 9A such that its rotational axis and length direction are both in the direction of the tool axis AX is related to structural simplification and efficient utilization of the force generated by the ball screw 9A. Furthermore, the ball screw 9A rotates using rotational power output from the second air motor 10. That is, one end of the ball screw 9A is connected to the output shaft of the second air motor 10, and torque is supplied from the second air motor 10 to the ball screw 9A as rotational power.

[0030] However, the torque that can typically be output from an air motor is less than that that can be output from an electric motor. Therefore, in order to overcome the cutting resistance during hole machining and feed the rotating tool T and the retainer 4, it is often difficult to output sufficient torque from the second air motor 10 to be applied to the ball screw 9A; this is common knowledge in current technology. Conversely, if the output shaft of the second air motor 10 is directly connected to the ball screw 9A to rotate it, hole machining under conditions of lower cutting resistance corresponding to the output torque of the second air motor 10 can only be performed.

[0031] Therefore, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, it is practical to provide a gear 11 in the feed mechanism 3 that increases the torque output from the second air motor 10 and transmits it to the linear motion mechanism 9 such as the ball screw 9A. That is, by connecting the gear 11 to the output shaft of the second air motor 10, the rotational speed of the output shaft of the second air motor 10 can be reduced, while the torque can be increased. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the second air motor 10 and gear 11 are housed in a shared housing 15.

[0032] Figure 3 It means as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows an example of the structure of the planetary gear 16 used in the gear 11 shown in the figure.

[0033] When the output shaft of the second air motor 10 and the rotation shaft of the ball screw 9A are coaxial, the gear 11, which reduces the rotational speed of the second air motor 10, can be used. Figure 3 The example is planetary gear 16. Planetary gear 16 is a gear in which one or more planetary pinions (planetary pinions) 16B, which are disc-shaped or cylindrical external gears, rotate around the sun gear 16A, which is a disc-shaped or cylindrical external gear, and an annular or cylindrical internal gear 16C rotates at a position further outward than planetary pinions 16B.

[0034] The input shaft of planetary gear 16 is fixed to the sun gear 16A, therefore the output shaft of the second air motor 10 is fixed to the sun gear 16A of planetary gear 16. Furthermore, the output shaft of planetary gear 16 is fixed to a planetary gear carrier (planetary gear holder) that is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft of internal gear 16C or multiple planetary pinions 16B. Moreover, the ball screw 9A is fixed to the output shaft of planetary gear 16.

[0035] Furthermore, by connecting multiple planetary gears 16 in series, the torque output from the output shaft of the second air motor 10 can be further increased. In practical applications, two-stage or three-stage planetary gears 16 can be connected to the output shaft of the second air motor 10.

[0036] If the ball screw 9A is connected to the second air motor 10 via the gear 11 as needed, the second air motor 10 can be moved parallel to the tool axis AX direction, which is the length direction of the ball screw 9A, relative to the component 18 provided with the internal thread 17 for fastening the ball screw 9A. Therefore, if the housing 15, which houses the second air motor 10, is fixed to the tool rotating device 2 side, which at least has the retainer 4, the first air motor 5, the housing 6, the handle 7, and the switch 8, using the connecting device 14, the tool rotating device 2 and the housing 15 that houses the second air motor 10 can move relative to the component 18 provided with the internal thread 17 in the tool axis AX direction.

[0037] Alternatively, the component 18, which has an internal thread 17 for fastening the ball screw 9A, can be fixed to the tool rotating device 2. Regarding the second air motor 10 and the housing 15 that houses the second air motor 10, they can be kept separate from moving with the tool rotating device 2. That is, the second air motor 10 and the housing 15 that houses the second air motor 10 can be kept separate from moving in the tool axis AX direction, and the tool rotating device 2 can be reciprocated in the tool axis AX direction using the ball screw 9A.

[0038] However, if the ball screw 9A is positioned between the second air motor 10 and the tool rotating device 2, the rotation axis of the ball screw 9A needs to be offset from and parallel to the tool axis AX, or a gap of sufficient length between the end of the ball screw 9A and the tool rotating device 2 is required to cover the stroke of the rotating tool T in the feed direction. Therefore, to ensure sufficient stroke, the length of the feed mechanism 3 is increased, which can sometimes cause inconvenience in carrying or become a source of interference.

[0039] In contrast, if one end of the ball screw 9A on the front end side of the rotating tool T is directly or indirectly connected to the second air motor 10 via the gear 11, so that the second air motor 10 and the retainer 4 move together in the direction of the tool axis AX, the rotation axis of the ball screw 9A can be configured to be on the same straight line as the tool axis AX of the rotating tool T, and a force on the same straight line as the tool axis AX can be applied to the tool rotation device 2 from the end of the ball screw 9A.

[0040] As a result, useless torque caused by the misalignment of the rotation axis of the ball screw 9A and the tool axis AX can be avoided, and the power of the second air motor 10 can be effectively used as energy for hole machining such as piercing. In addition, the force in the feed direction can be directed from the ball screw 9A in the opposite direction to the reaction force generated by the rotating tool T.

[0041] However, if the ball screw 9A is configured such that its rotation axis is on the same straight line as the tool axis AX, the length of the feed mechanism 3 and the length of the stroke of the rotating tool T and the holder 4 in the feed direction will increase accordingly. Therefore, in order to shorten the length of the tool drive device 1 including the feed mechanism 3, the feed mechanism 3, including the ball screw 9A and the second air motor 10, can also be configured such that the rotation axis of the ball screw 9A is parallel to the tool axis AX.

[0042] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows an example where the rotation axes of the second air motor 10, gear 11, and ball screw 9A are arranged parallel to the tool axis AX. Furthermore, Figure 4 The path of the air signal is omitted.

[0043] It can also be like Figure 4 As shown in the example, the rotation axes of the second air motor 10, gear 11, and ball screw 9A are configured to be parallel to the tool axis AX, i.e., the rotation axis of the rotating tool T, retainer 4, and the first air motor 5. In this case, torque is generated because the rotation axis of the ball screw 9A and the tool axis AX are not on the same straight line, but the length of the tool drive unit 1, including the feed mechanism 3, can be shortened. Therefore, the tool drive unit 1 can be carried to a smaller working area for use.

[0044] Similarly, even when the tool rotation device 2 is a corner drill, the feed mechanism 3 can be mounted on the corner drill to form the tool drive device 1. For a corner drill, the tool axis AX and the rotation axis of the first air motor 5 that rotates the tool T are not on the same straight line. Moreover, since the purpose of a corner drill is to machine holes in narrow sections, it is important to construct the tool drive device 1 in a way that does not interfere with the workpiece W.

[0045] Therefore, the second air motor 10, gear 11 and ball screw 9A can be arranged relative to each other at appropriate positions relative to the tool rotation device 2 to form a tool drive device 1, so that the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 can move in the tool axis AX direction without interfering with the workpiece W.

[0046] For a typical angle drill, the rotation axis of the first air motor 5, which rotates the rotary tool T, is perpendicular to the tool axis AX, i.e., the rotation axis of the rotary tool T and the retainer 4. In this case, if the rotation axes of the second air motor 10, gear 11, and ball screw 9A are configured to be parallel to the rotation axis of the rotary tool T and the retainer 4, then the rotation axes of the second air motor 10, gear 11, and ball screw 9A are perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first air motor 5.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 For example, two or more shafts 19 are fixed to a component 18 with internal threads 17, which allows the ball screw 9A to move relative to it in the longitudinal direction, with the longitudinal direction parallel to the tool axis AX. Furthermore, a nose component 13 is fixed to the other end of the shafts 19.

[0048] The nose component 13 is a nozzle-shaped housing mounted on the front end of the tool drive unit 1, serving as a fixing component for the workpiece W, which is directly or indirectly mounted on the rotating tool T for hole machining. A bushing tip 20 is typically mounted on the nose component 13. Furthermore, sometimes the bushing tip 20 is integrated with the front end of the nose component 13. Moreover, the nose component 13, together with the bushing tip 20, serves as a fixing component for securing the tool drive unit 1 to the workpiece W or to a fixture J for hole machining, such as a perforated plate mounted on the workpiece W.

[0049] The bushing connector 20 has a structure in which a plate-shaped portion 20B with varying thickness is provided in the bushing 20A. On the other hand, a fixing screw J1 can be pre-installed near the hole in the fixture J (such as a perforated plate) or the bottom hole in the workpiece W, with a gap approximately equal to the thickness of the plate-shaped portion 20B of the bushing connector 20, so as to allow it to slide into the bushing 20A of the bushing connector 20. Thus, if the bushing 20A of the bushing connector 20 is inserted into the hole in the fixture J or the bottom hole in the workpiece W and the bushing connector 20 is rotated, the fixing screw J1 can be used to clamp and fix the plate-shaped portion 20B of the bushing connector 20.

[0050] Therefore, the tool drive device 1, including the nose member 13, can be fixed to the workpiece W and the fixture J with an appropriate orientation using the bushing joint 20. That is, the tool drive device 1 can be positioned relative to the workpiece W and the fixture J such that the tool axis AX direction is the depth direction of the hole to be drilled, and the tool drive device 1 can be fixed to the workpiece W and the fixture J. Therefore, the linear motion mechanism 9 such as the ball screw 9A is configured to move the tool rotation device 2, including the retainer 4, relative to the nose member 13 and the bushing joint 20, which act as fixing members of the tool drive device 1 relative to the workpiece W or the fixture J, in the tool axis AX direction.

[0051] When a workpiece W is hole-machined using a rotary tool T, the resulting perforation reaction force and other machining reaction forces are borne by the bushing joint 20 and the nose member 13. The machining reaction force borne by the nose member 13 is transmitted to the member 18, which is provided with internal threads 17, via multiple shafts 19. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preventing the generation of unwanted torque by evenly distributing the machining reaction force, it is preferable that the multiple shafts 19, which are arranged parallel to the tool axis AX direction, are symmetrically and equally spaced about the tool axis AX.

[0052] The multiple shafts 19 also serve as guides for the parallel movement of the tool rotating device 2 in the tool axis AX direction. Specifically, a ring-shaped connector 14A is used to fix linear bushings 21, which act as guides and allow the multiple shafts 19 to slide linearly in the tool axis AX direction, to the tool rotating device 2. Furthermore, the multiple shafts 19 and the multiple linear bushings 21 that allow the multiple shafts 19 to slide linearly form a guide mechanism 12 for the parallel movement of the tool rotating device 2 in the tool axis AX direction. In the illustrated example, the second air motor 10 and gear 11 are configured to also move parallel to each other in the tool axis AX direction along with the tool rotating device 2; therefore, linear bushings 21 are also fixed to the housing 15 that houses the second air motor 10 and gear 11.

[0053] Therefore, the housing 15, which houses the second air motor 10 and gear 11, can be moved parallel to the tool rotation device 2 in the tool axis AX direction by means of multiple linear bushings 21 that allow multiple shafts 19 to slide. Thus, when machining a hole using the force in the tool axis AX direction acting from the ball screw 9A, even if a component force perpendicular to the tool axis AX direction is generated in the tool rotation device 2 due to the machining reaction force acting on the rotating tool T, the misalignment of the rotating tool T and the tool rotation device 2 in the direction perpendicular to the tool axis AX direction can be suppressed by means of the linear bushings 21 that can only slide relative to the multiple shafts 19 in the tool axis AX direction.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the relative positions of the two shafts 19 and the tool axis AX are determined such that the centers of the two shafts 19 are parallel to each other on the same plane. Therefore, in addition to simplifying the construction of the feed mechanism 3 by minimizing the number of parts, it is also possible to reduce the useless friction between the shafts 19 and the linear bushing 21 caused by the accuracy errors of the shafts 19 and the linear bushing 21.

[0055] The connecting device 14 is a metal part (bracket) or other component used to mount the feed mechanism 3 to the tool rotation device 2. Therefore, the connecting device 14 is mounted on the tool rotation device 2. Moreover, the linear motion mechanism 9, such as the ball screw 9A constituting the feed mechanism 3, is configured such that the tool rotation device 2 and the connecting device 14 move relative to the nose member 13 and the bushing joint 20 that fix the tool drive device 1 to the workpiece W and the fixture J in the direction of the tool axis AX.

[0056] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the feed mechanism 3 is mounted on the tool rotation device 2 using a connecting device 14, including an annular connector 14A, an L-shaped connector 14B, a connecting shaft 14C, and a connecting plate 14D. Specifically, the rear end of the housing 6 is connected to the annular connector 14A, which holds the housing 6 of the tool rotation device 2 and fixes the linear bushing 21, and two connecting shafts 14C using the L-shaped connector 14B. The two connecting shafts 14C are similarly configured to be parallel to the tool axis AX in the length direction and symmetrical about the tool axis AX, just like the shaft 19 that guides the linear bushing 21. Moreover, the other end of each connecting shaft 14C, the housing 15 of the second air motor 10, and another linear bushing 21 are fixed to a common connecting plate 14D. Therefore, each connecting shaft 14C is connected to the ball screw 9A via the connecting plate 14D.

[0057] Therefore, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, the force in the tool axis AX direction generated by the rotation of the ball screw 9A is transmitted to the housing 6 and retainer 4 of the tool rotation device 2 via the connecting plate 14D and the two connecting shafts 14C. Therefore, similar to the shaft 19 that guides the linear bushing 21, from the viewpoint of avoiding the generation of useless torque, it is preferable that the two connecting shafts 14C that transmit the force generated by the rotation of the ball screw 9A are also symmetrically arranged and evenly distributed around the tool axis AX.

[0058] On the other hand, Figure 4In the example shown, the feed mechanism 3 is mounted to the tool rotating device 2 using a connecting device 14, including an annular connector 14A and a connecting plate 14D. Specifically, the feed mechanism 3 is mounted to the tool rotating device 2 using the annular connector 14A and the connecting plate 14D. The annular connector 14A is used to hold the housing 6 of the tool rotating device 2 and the housing 15 of the second air motor 10, thereby fixing the linear bushing 21. The connecting plate 14D is used to fix the linear bushing 21 to the rear ends of both the housing 6 of the tool rotating device 2 and the housing 15 of the second air motor 10. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the force in the AX direction of the tool axis generated by the rotation of the ball screw 9A is mainly transmitted to the housing 6 and the retaining member 4 of the tool rotation device 2 through the connecting plate 14D.

[0059] Thus, if the feed mechanism 3 driven by the second air motor 10 is installed on the tool rotation device 2 driven by the first air motor 5 using the connecting device 14, the rotational speed (rotational speed) of the rotating tool T and the feed speed of the rotating tool T in the tool axis AX direction can be adjusted independently by controlling the first air motor 5 for rotating the rotating tool T and the second air motor 10 for feeding the rotating tool T in the tool axis AX direction.

[0060] That is, by adjusting the flow rate of the air signal supplied to the first air motor 5, the rotational speed of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 can be variably set. On the other hand, by adjusting the flow rate of the air signal supplied to the second air motor 10, the feed speed of the tool rotation device 2, including the rotary tool T and the holder 4, in the tool axis AX direction can be variably set.

[0061] Therefore, a first speed controller 23 is connected to pipe 22B, which branches off from pipe 22A supplying compressed air and supplies the air signal to the first air motor 5. This first speed controller 23 is used to variably set the rotational speed of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 by adjusting the flow rate of the first air signal input to the first air motor 5. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the example shown, a first speed controller 23 is fixed below the handle 7.

[0062] On the other hand, second speed controllers 24A and 24B are connected to the pipes 22F and 22G that supply the air signal to the second air motor 10. These second speed controllers 24A and 24B are used to variably set the feed speed of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 in the tool axis AX direction by adjusting the flow rate of the second air signal input to the second air motor 10. The second speed controllers 24A and 24B can be installed in the hoses constituting the pipes 22F and 22G, or in the housing that houses the pipes 22F and 22G.

[0063] As described above, the rotary cutter T and the retaining member 4 are configured such that if the second air motor 10 is rotated forward, it moves forward; conversely, if the second air motor 10 is rotated in reverse, it moves backward. Therefore, the second air motor 10 is connected to a pipe 22F supplying an air signal for forward rotation and a pipe 22G supplying an air signal for reverse rotation. Thus, as... Figure 1 As shown, if the second speed controllers 24A and 24B are connected to the pipe 22F that supplies the air signal for the forward rotation of the second air motor 10 and the pipe 22G that supplies the air signal for the reverse rotation of the second air motor 10, respectively, the feed speed when the rotary tool T and the holding member 4 move forward and the feed speed when they move backward can be adjusted respectively.

[0064] Of course, the second speed controller 24B, which is connected to the piping 22G supplying the air signal for reversing the second air motor 10, can be omitted, and only the feed rate when the rotary tool T and the holder 4 move forward can be adjusted. Alternatively, a single second speed controller can be connected to the piping 22C upstream of the branch of the piping 22F supplying the air signal for forward rotation of the second air motor 10 and the piping 22G supplying the air signal for reversing the second air motor 10, and the feed rate when the rotary tool T and the holder 4 move forward and backward can be adjusted using a shared second speed controller.

[0065] The first speed controller 23 and the second speed controllers 24A and 24B can be provided to the user as components constituting the tool drive device 1, or the user can use separately prepared components as spares equipped in the factory, etc.

[0066] The rotation and stopping of the rotary tool T and the holder 4, i.e., the rotation and stopping of the first air motor 5, can be switched by operating a mechanical switch 8 located near the handle 7 of the tool rotation device 2 as described above. On the other hand, the start and stop of the feed action of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 in the forward direction when performing hole machining on the workpiece W using the rotary tool T, and the start and stop of the feed action of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 in the backward direction when the rotary tool T moves away after hole machining, can also be switched by the user manually using the required switch.

[0067] However, if the rotation and feed actions of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 are linked, the user's operation of the tool drive device 1 becomes simple, and the hole machining of the workpiece W can be easily performed under appropriate machining conditions. Therefore, the following explanation will take the case where the air signal circuit 25 for linking the rotation and feed actions of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 is provided in the tool drive device 1 as an example.

[0068] The air signal circuit 25 is a circuit that causes the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 to rotate in conjunction with each other based on the switching state of the switch 8 of the tool rotation device 2. Furthermore, the air signal circuit 25 can be used as a whole as a component of the tool drive device 1, or a spare part provided in the factory can be used as part of the air signal circuit 25. The valves and other circuit elements required to construct the air signal circuit 25 can be installed as air signal circuit unit 25A in the housing 15 of the second air motor 10, etc. Moreover, various automatic control functions can be provided to the tool drive device 1 through the circuit structure of the air signal circuit 25.

[0069] For example, a simple air signal circuit 25 can be set in the tool drive device 1 such that if the switch 8 of the tool rotation device 2 is switched to the on state, the air signal circuit 25 causes the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 to rotate; if the switch 8 is switched to the off state, the air signal circuit 25 causes the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 to stop.

[0070] As another specific example, a complex air signal circuit 25 can be configured such that, when the switch 8 of the tool rotation device 2 is switched to the on state, the air signal circuit 25, after causing the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 to rotate forward at a preset speed for a certain period, changes to another speed and rotates forward for a certain period. Then, regarding the first air motor 5 that rotates the rotating tool T and the holder 4, the rotation of the first air motor 5 is stopped. On the other hand, regarding the second air motor 10 that applies feed action to the rotating tool T and the holder 4, it is reversed, causing the rotating tool T and the holder 4 to return to their initial position. In other words, in the cutting of the workpiece W using the rotating tool T, an air signal circuit 25 that automatically changes the rotational speed and feed rate of the rotating tool T can be configured. This air signal circuit 25 can be constructed using an air timer such as a delay valve.

[0071] As another example of the air signal circuit 25 using an air timer, a circuit can be given for performing step-by-step processing, in which the rotating tool T and the holding member 4 are intermittently and repeatedly moved forward and backward by intermittently and repeatedly rotating the second air motor 10 in the first air motor 5.

[0072] In addition, an air signal circuit 25 can be provided in the tool drive device 1 such that if the cutting resistance in the AX direction of the tool axis reaches its upper limit, the air signal circuit 25 stops the rotation of the first air motor 5 and reverses the second air motor 10, causing the rotating tool T and the holder 4 to return to their initial positions. Whether the cutting resistance has reached its upper limit can be determined, for example, by detecting whether the pressure of the air signal used to make the second air motor 10 rotate forward has reached its upper limit. Therefore, the air signal circuit 25 can be constructed using circuit elements such as a piston-operated pneumatic control valve that opens and closes at a predetermined pressure, such that when the cutting resistance reaches its upper limit, the air signal circuit 25 automatically stops the rotation of the rotating tool T and the holder 4 and returns them to their initial positions. Furthermore, if the pressure used to open and close the pneumatic control valve can be adjusted, the upper limit of the cutting resistance can be variably set.

[0073] Here, as an example, the circuit structure of the air signal circuit 25 is described below. That is, if the switch 8 of the tool rotation device 2 is switched to the on state, the air signal circuit 25 causes the rotating tool T and the holding member 4 to start rotating and moving forward. If the hole machining using the rotating tool T is completed, the air signal circuit 25 causes the rotation of the rotating tool T to stop automatically, and causes the rotating tool T and the holding member 4 to retract and return to the initial position.

[0074] Figure 5 This indicates that it includes the use of air signals to... Figure 1or Figure 4 The circuit diagram shows an example of the circuit structure of the air signal circuit 25, including the air signal circuit unit 25A that controls the tool drive device 1.

[0075] An air pipe 22A, which has an air connector 30 at one end connected to a compressed air supply source such as an air box containing compressed air for receiving compressed air supply, branches into four pipes 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E via a first branch element 31A, a second branch element 31B, and a third branch element 31C.

[0076] Pipe 22B, branching from the first branch element 31A, leads into the housing 6 of the tool rotating device 2 to supply input signals to the first air motor 5 installed within the tool rotating device 2. Pipe 22B supplying input signals to the first air motor 5 is equipped with: a first speed controller 23 for adjusting the airflow rate; and a normally closed (normally closed) manually operated control valve 32, which is opened and closed by operation of a switch 8 consisting of a push-button. The manually operated control valve 32 is a valve switched using the spring force of a spring 32A.

[0077] Therefore, if the air flow rate is set using the first speed controller 23 and the switch 8 (which is a button) is pressed, the manual operation control valve 32 opens, allowing the set air flow rate to be input to the first air motor 5. That is, the required rotational speed can be set, and the first air motor 5 can be used to rotate the rotary cutter T and the retainer 4.

[0078] The output side of pipe 22C, branching off from the second branch element 31B, is connected to a first air pressure operated control valve 33, which switches the output target of the air signal between two pipes 22F and 22G. The first air pressure operated control valve 33 is a valve that utilizes a piston 33A driven by air pressure and switches according to the air signal input to the air pressure operating port.

[0079] The output side of pipe 22F, connected to one output port of the first air pressure operated control valve 33, is connected to the input port for forward rotation of the second air motor 10. Furthermore, the output side of pipe 22G, connected to the other output port of the first air pressure operated control valve 33, is connected to the input port for reverse rotation of the second air motor 10 via the second air pressure operated control valve 34. The second air pressure operated control valve 34 is a normally closed valve that utilizes a piston 34A driven by air pressure and is switched according to an air signal input to the air pressure operated port.

[0080] Furthermore, a second forward speed controller 24A is provided on the pipe 22F connected to the input port for forward rotation of the second air motor 10. Similarly, a second backward speed controller 24B can be provided on the pipe 22G connected to the input port for reverse rotation of the second air motor 10. As described above, if a second speed controller 24B is also provided on the pipe 22G connected to the input port for reverse rotation of the second air motor 10, the rotational speed of the second air motor 10 when it reverses can be adjusted. Therefore, in addition to the forward speed of the rotating tool T and the holding member 4, the backward speed can also be adjusted.

[0081] On the other hand, a branch element 35, which connects to the manual operation control valve 32 and the first air motor 5, branches off and leads to a pipe 22B inside the housing 6 of the tool rotating device 2. The output side of the branch pipe 22H is connected to the air pressure operation port for switching the first air pressure operation control valve 33. That is, the air signal flowing in the branch pipe 22H inside the housing 6 of the tool rotating device 2 is used as an operation signal for switching the output target of the pipe 22C connected to the input port of the first air pressure operation control valve 33.

[0082] When no air signal is input to the air pressure operation port of the first air pressure operation control valve 33, the pipe 22C branching from the second branch element 31B is connected to the pipe 22G connected to the reverse input port of the second air motor 10. On the other hand, if an air signal is input to the air pressure operation port of the first air pressure operation control valve 33, the output target of the first air pressure operation control valve 33 is switched, and the pipe 22C branching from the second branch element 31B is connected to the pipe 22F connected to the forward input port of the second air motor 10.

[0083] Therefore, if the switch 8, which is composed of a button, is pressed to switch the manually operated control valve 32 to the open state, an air signal flows through the pipe 22H branching out from the tool rotation device 2, and the air signal is input to the air pressure operation port of the first air pressure operation control valve 33. Thus, the output target of the first air pressure operation control valve 33 is switched, and the pipe 22C branching out from the second branch element 31B is connected to the pipe 22F used to supply the air signal for forward rotation of the second air motor 10. As a result, the air signal for forward rotation can be input from the compressed air supply source to the second air motor 10 via pipes 22C and 22F.

[0084] Therefore, if the rotation of the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 are linked to start the rotation of the rotating tool T and the retaining member 4, the feed action of the rotating tool T and the retaining member 4 can also be started. That is, when the single and shared switch 8, which is composed of buttons, is switched on, both the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 can start to rotate forward.

[0085] Furthermore, the feed rates of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 can be set independently of the rotational speeds of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 by operating the second speed controller 24A for forward movement. Therefore, the feed rate in the tool axis AX direction per revolution of the rotary tool T can be variably set. In other words, the feed rate per cutting edge of the rotary tool T, which is crucial in cutting operations, can be adjusted.

[0086] In hole machining, the rotational speed and feed rate of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 can be changed independently. That is, during the rotation of the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10, the rotational speeds of the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 can also be changed. This is because, during the forward rotation of the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10, the rotational speeds of each of the first air motor 5 and the second air motor 10 can be changed independently by operating the first speed controller 23 and the second forward speed controller 24A.

[0087] Therefore, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 For example, if a workpiece is manufactured by machining a hole in a workpiece W formed by overlapping a first material M1 and a second material M2 using a tool drive device 1, then the hole machining can be performed under the following hole machining conditions: the feed rate in the tool axis AX direction per revolution of the rotary tool T when machining the first material M1 and the feed rate in the tool axis AX direction per revolution of the rotary tool T when machining the second material M2 are different feed rates.

[0088] That is, not only can metals such as aluminum alloys and titanium alloys be machined, but also workpieces W can be machined using appropriate hole machining conditions corresponding to materials such as glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Furthermore, it is not limited to workpieces W made of a single material; even workpieces W consisting of overlapping parts of different materials can be machined while simultaneously changing the feed rate in the tool axis AX direction per revolution of the rotary tool T according to the material.

[0089] Similar to typical tool rotating devices, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown in the example, the switch 8 of the tool rotation device 2 is constituted by a button that applies force to the manually operated control valve 32. In a typical current tool rotation device, the user needs to continuously press the button with their finger in order to keep the tool rotating. In other words, in a typical current tool rotation device, if the user removes their finger from the button, the manually operated control valve closes due to the spring force, and thus the rotation of the tool stops.

[0090] However, during hole machining of workpiece W, continuous pressing of switch 8 by the user not only increases labor intensity, but also, if switch 8 is switched off during hole machining of workpiece W, it may lead to an undesirable situation where the rotary tool T advances at insufficient speed. Therefore, the air signal circuit 25 can be configured such that switch 8 remains locked in the on state during the period when the second air motor 10 rotates forward and the rotary tool T and the retaining member 4 move forward in the tool axis AX direction.

[0091] In this case, for example, a suppression device 36 that physically suppresses the movement of switch 8 can be provided in the tool rotation device 2; on the other hand, a circuit for driving the suppression device 36 using an air signal can be provided in the air signal circuit 25. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the suppression device 36, which is composed of a switch holding plate 36A, is provided on the tool rotation device 2. When the button constituting the switch 8 is pressed, the switch holding plate 36A presses the head of the button at the pressed position.

[0092] The switch retaining plate 36A is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 36B, and is held against the head of the switch 8 by the force of the torsion coil spring 36C. Therefore, if the user temporarily presses the switch 8 with their finger, the head of the switch 8 is pressed down by the switch retaining plate 36A, thus inhibiting the movement of the switch 8. That is, when the switch 8 is pressed, it can be locked in a manner that prevents the manual operation of the control valve 32 from being closed by the force of the spring 32A. This allows the rotation and feed of the rotary tool T and the retaining member 4 to continue automatically, allowing the user to focus on adjusting the rotational speed and feed rate of the rotary tool T.

[0093] When the hole in workpiece W is machined, switching the locked switch 8 to open quickly stops the rotation of the rotary tool T and the retainer 4, which reduces the energy loss of compressed air. Therefore, the following circuit can be set in the air signal circuit 25: the completion status of the hole machining of workpiece W is detected, and when the hole machining of workpiece W is detected to be completed, the switch retainer plate 36A is removed from the head of switch 8.

[0094] As a specific example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a cylinder 37 can be provided to remove the switch retaining plate 36A by pushing it upwards from the head of the switch 8. More specifically, the cylinder 37 can be installed in any part of the tool rotating device 2 or the connecting device 14, which moves forward together with the switch 8 in the tool axis AX direction. With this cylinder 37, if the piston 37B is inserted into the cylinder 37A and an air signal is input into the cylinder 37A, the rod 37C connected to the piston 37B protrudes and presses the end of the switch retaining plate 36A. For example, as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in the example, the suppression device 36 and the cylinder 37 can be mounted on the annular connector 14A that connects the housing 6 of the tool rotating device 2 and the feed mechanism 3.

[0095] Thus, it can be configured such that if an air signal is input to cylinder 37, rod 37C extends and presses the end of switch holding plate 36A, causing switch holding plate 36A to rotate around rotation axis 36B against the elastic force of torsion coil spring 36C. That is, the lock of switch 8 can be released using an air signal.

[0096] On the other hand, the completion status of hole machining on workpiece W can be detected by detecting whether the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 have reached the stop position. In this case, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4For example, a push-button type limit switch 39 can be provided on a part that does not move in the tool axis AX direction, such as the nose member 13, the member 18 with internal thread 17, or the shaft 21. That is, when the rotating tool T and the holding member 4 reach the position where they should stop, the limit switch 39 contacts the limit switch pressing member 38 connected to the tool rotating device 2 and is pressed.

[0097] Alternatively, the limit switch 39 can be installed on the portion of the housing 15, which houses the second air motor 10 and gear 11, that moves in the AX direction of the tool axis, while the limit switch pressing member 38 is provided on the portion that does not move in the AX direction of the tool axis.

[0098] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the limit switch 39 is mounted on one of the multiple shafts 21 using bracket 39A. Furthermore, the connecting plate 14D, which is used to mount the linear bushing 21 and the like to the housing 15 that houses the second air motor 10 and gear 11, also serves as the limit switch pressing member 38 that contacts the limit switch 39.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, a limit switch 39 can be connected to the first mechanically operated control valve 40, which is normally closed and opened and closed by a spring 40A, as a mechanical switch for switching the valve. The first mechanically operated control valve 40 is provided on a pipe 22D branching off from the third branch element 31C. The pipe 22D, which is opened and closed by the first mechanically operated control valve 40, is connected to a cylinder 37 for releasing the lock of the switch 8 based on the switch holding plate 36A.

[0100] Before the second air motor 10 rotates forward, causing the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 to reach the stop position, the limit switch 39 is not pressed, thus the first mechanical operation control valve 40 is in the closed state. Therefore, the air signal flowing from the compressed air supply source through the third branch element 31C and into the piping 22D is not supplied to the cylinder 37. Therefore, the locking of the switch 8 based on the switch retaining plate 36A is maintained.

[0101] Conversely, if the second air motor 10 rotates forward, causing the rotating tool T and the retaining member 4 to advance to the stop position, the limit switch pressing member 38 connected to the tool rotating device 2 side contacts the limit switch 39 and presses the limit switch 39. This switches the first mechanical operation control valve 40 from the off state to the on state. That is, the first mechanical operation control valve 40 opens, and an air signal is input from the piping 22D to the cylinder 37.

[0102] As a result, the rod 37C, connected to the piston 37B, protrudes from the cylinder 37A and presses against the end of the switch retaining plate 36A. Therefore, the switch retaining plate 36A overcomes the force of the torsion coil spring 36C and rotates around the rotation axis 36B, disengaging from the head of the switch 8. Thus, the switch 8 is returned to the open state by the force of the spring 32A of the manually operated control valve 32. Therefore, the air supply from the pipe 22B to the first air motor 5 is cut off, and the rotation of the first air motor 5 stops.

[0103] Thus, by means of the operation of the switch holding plate 36A for locking the switch 8 in the on state and the cylinder 37 driven by the pressing of the limit switch 39, any one of the following actions can be automatically performed: unlocking the switch 8, switching the switch 8 to the off state, and stopping the rotation of the first air motor 5.

[0104] Furthermore, if the distance between the limit switch 39 and the limit switch pressing member 38 can be adjusted, the stop position of the rotary tool T and the retainer 4, i.e., the stroke (range of movement), can be variably set. In this case, the distance by which the rotary tool T and the retainer 4 advance can be adjusted according to the hole machining depth of the workpiece W. Therefore, for example, the limit switch 39 can be fixed to the desired position on the shaft 21 using the bracket 39A. That is, if the bracket 39A for mounting the limit switch 39 is mounted on the shaft 21 in a detachable manner using fixing screws or the like, the position of the limit switch 39 can be changed.

[0105] Regarding this, the air circuit element used to detect whether the retaining member 4 has moved forward to the stop position is not limited to the use of the limit switch 39 and the limit switch pressing member 38, but can also be configured to adjust the stop position of the retaining member 4 according to the air circuit element.

[0106] After the rotary tool T and the holder 4 reach the stop position and their rotation stops, the rotary tool T and the holder 4 need to be retracted to return to the initial position. However, when the rotary tool T and the holder 4 return to the initial position, the retracting feed action of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 needs to be stopped.

[0107] Therefore, in order to detect whether the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 have retracted to their initial positions, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4For example, the plunger 42 can be positioned on a part of the component 18, which has the internal thread 17 and does not move in the tool axis AX direction. When the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 reach their initial positions, the plunger 42 contacts and is pressed by the plunger pressing member 41 connected to the tool rotating device 2 side. Conversely, the plunger pressing member 41 can be positioned on a part of the component 18, which has the internal thread 17 and does not move in the tool axis AX direction, while the plunger 42 can be positioned on a part that moves in the tool axis AX direction.

[0108] Moreover, such as Figure 5 As shown, the plunger 42 can be connected to the second mechanically operated control valve 43 as a mechanical switch for switching the normally open (normally open) second mechanically operated control valve 43 opened and closed by the spring 43A.

[0109] That is, the second mechanical operation control valve 43 can be set in the air signal circuit 25 such that, during the period when the rotating tool T and the holder 4 reach the initial position and contact the plunger pressing member 41 to press the plunger 42, the second mechanical operation control valve 43 becomes closed, and during the period when the rotating tool T and the holder 4 leave the initial position and do not press the plunger 42, the second mechanical operation control valve 43 becomes open.

[0110] The second mechanical operation control valve 43 is disposed on another pipe 22E branching off from the third branch element 31C. Furthermore, the output side of pipe 22E, which is connected to the output port of the second mechanical operation control valve 43, is connected to the air pressure operation port of the second air pressure operation control valve 34. Therefore, when the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 are in their initial positions, the plunger 42 is pressed down, closing the second mechanical operation control valve 43 and preventing the input of an air signal to the air pressure operation port of the second air pressure operation control valve 34. As a result, the second air pressure operation control valve 34 also becomes closed. That is, pipe 22G, which is connected to the input port for reversing the second air motor 10, is disconnected.

[0111] Conversely, when the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 are not in their initial positions, the plunger 42 is not pressed, the second mechanical operation control valve 43 opens, and thus the air signal flowing through pipe 22E is input to the air pressure operation port of the second air pressure operation control valve 34. Therefore, the second air pressure operation control valve 34 opens, and pipe 22G, connected to the input port for reversing the second air motor 10, is opened.

[0112] That is, by using the second mechanical operation control valve 43 and the second air pressure operation control valve 34, which switch the plunger 42 as a mechanical switch, a circuit can be formed that turns on the piping 22G for supplying the air signal for reversing the second air motor 10, only when the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 are not in the initial position.

[0113] As described above, if the rotating tool T and the retainer 4 move forward to the stop position, the limit switch 39 is pressed, causing the switch 8 to switch to the open state. If the switch 8 returns to the open state, not only is the air signal supplied to the first air motor 5 cut off, but the air signal input to the air pressure operation port of the first air pressure operation control valve 33 is also cut off. Therefore, the first air pressure operation control valve 33 switches to the initial state, and the pipes 22C and 22G connected to the input port of the first air pressure operation control valve 33 are connected, and the pipe 22G is connected to the reverse input port of the second air motor 10.

[0114] Furthermore, after the rotary tool T and the holder 4 advance, the plunger 42 is not pressed, so the second air pressure operation control valve 34, which is located on the pipe 22G connected to the input port for reversing the second air motor 10, becomes open. Therefore, the air signal supplied to the pipe 22G from the pipe 22C connected to the compressed air supply source via the first air pressure operation control valve 33 passes through the second air pressure operation control valve 34 and is input to the input port for reversing the second air motor 10. As a result, the second air motor 10 reverses, and the rotary tool T and the holder 4 retract. That is, the rotation direction of the second air motor 10 becomes reversed, and the retraction feed action of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 automatically begins.

[0115] The rotating tool T and the holder 4 retract due to the reverse rotation of the second air motor 10. Upon reaching the initial position, the plunger pressing member 41 presses the plunger 42. Consequently, the second mechanical operation control valve 43 switches to the closed state, cutting off the input of the air signal used to open the second air pressure operation control valve 34, thus also switching the second air pressure operation control valve 34 to the closed state. As a result, the supply of air signal to the input port for the reverse rotation of the second air motor 10 is cut off, and the reverse rotation of the second air motor 10 stops. That is, the backward movement of the rotating tool T and the holder 4 stops.

[0116] In this way, apart from the switch holding plate 36A used to lock the switch 8 in the on state and the cylinder 37 driven by the pressing of the limit switch 39, by combining circuit elements such as the second mechanical operation control valve 43 equipped with the plunger 42, the first air pressure operation control valve 33 and the second air pressure operation control valve 34, the air signal circuit 25 can be configured to have the following functions: if the rotating tool T and the holder 4 move forward to the stop position, the rotating tool T and the holder 4 will automatically move backward in the tool axis AX direction by automatically reversing the second air motor 10; or if the holder 4 moves backward to the initial position due to the reversal of the second air motor 10, the rotation of the second air motor 10 will automatically stop.

[0117] In addition, as silencers, silencers 33B and 34B can be connected to the first air pressure operating control valve 33 and the second air pressure operating control valve 34 respectively. The first air pressure operating control valve 33 can be connected to the forward input port of the second air motor 10 via piping 22F, and the second air pressure operating control valve 34 can be connected to the reverse input port of the second air motor 10 via piping 22G.

[0118] The tool feed mechanism and hole machining method for the tool drive device 1 and tool rotation device 2 described above are different from those provided with a first air motor 5, which is a power source for rotating the rotating tool T and the holder 4. A second air motor 10 is also provided as a power source for moving the rotating tool T and the holder 4 forward and backward in the tool axis AX direction.

[0119] (Effect)

[0120] Based on the tool feed mechanism of the tool drive device 1 and the tool rotation device 2, as well as the hole machining method, the rotational speed and feed rate of the rotating tool T and the holder 4 can be controlled separately. Therefore, hole machining of the workpiece W can be performed with a feed rate per cutting edge and a feed rate per revolution that are suitable for the characteristics of the tool T and the material of the workpiece W. As a result, the quality of hole machining can be improved. Furthermore, although the feed rate of the rotating tool T can be increased, the increase in hole machining time that would otherwise occur due to the inability to increase the feed rate can be avoided.

[0121] In current tool drive systems with feed functions, a shared air motor is used for both the rotation and feed of the rotary tool. Therefore, it has the characteristic that the rotary tool's rotational speed and feed rate are linked; increasing the rotary tool's rotational speed increases the feed rate, and vice versa. Consequently, current tool drive systems cannot adjust the feed per revolution of the rotary tool, necessitating the development of multiple tool drive systems that adjust for different hole machining conditions, such as the size of the rotary tool and the material of the workpiece.

[0122] In addition, there are tool drive devices on the market that can change the feed rate of a rotary tool by changing the chuck, but changing the chuck requires labor and time.

[0123] In contrast, if tool drive unit 1 is used, the rotational speed and feed rate of the rotary tool T and the holder 4 can be continuously and independently changed easily by operating only the first speed controller 23 and the second speed controller 24A for forward movement. Therefore, hole machining with different rotary tools T and different materials can be performed using only one tool drive unit 1. As a result, not only are tool costs and the number of tool drive units reduced, but the preparation time for hole machining is also reduced because there is no need to change tool drive units.

[0124] Furthermore, if tool drive device 1 is used, the feed rate of each cutting edge of the rotating tool and the feed rate per revolution can be changed during hole machining. Therefore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 4 For example, when machining holes in a workpiece W made of overlapping materials M1 and M2, it is possible to continuously machine holes for each material M1 and M2 under different machining conditions.

[0125] As a specific example, when machining holes in a workpiece composed of overlapping aluminum alloy and titanium alloy using current tool drive devices, the following methods can be considered: Method 1: Machining the aluminum alloy layer using a tool drive device adjusted for machining holes in aluminum alloy, and machining the titanium alloy layer using another tool drive device adjusted for machining holes in titanium alloy; Method 2: Machining both the aluminum alloy layer and the titanium alloy layer using only a tool drive device adjusted for machining holes in aluminum alloy; Method 3: Machining both the aluminum alloy layer and the titanium alloy layer using only a tool drive device adjusted for machining holes in titanium alloy.

[0126] However, if the first method is used, two types of tool drive devices are required, and the tool drive devices need to be changed midway through hole machining. This increases the cost of hole machining. Furthermore, titanium alloys are known to be stronger than aluminum alloys and are therefore difficult to cut. Therefore, if the second method, which uses the same hole machining conditions as for aluminum alloys, is used, the feed rate per cutting edge of the rotary tool may be too high when machining holes in titanium alloys, potentially causing the titanium alloy to burn or the rotary tool to break. This results in deterioration of hole machining quality and increased tool wear. Conversely, if the third method, which uses the same hole machining conditions as for titanium alloys, is used, although the feed rate per cutting edge of the rotary tool can be increased when machining holes in aluminum alloy layers, the feed rate per cutting edge of the rotary tool itself does not increase. Therefore, the hole machining time increases.

[0127] In contrast, if the tool drive device 1 is used, holes can be machined in both the aluminum alloy layer and the titanium alloy layer under different machining conditions. That is, for the titanium alloy layer, which is a difficult-to-cut material, the feed rate of each cutting edge of the rotary tool T can be sufficiently reduced to maintain the hole machining quality. On the other hand, for the easily machinable aluminum alloy layer, the feed rate of each cutting edge of the rotary tool T can be increased to shorten the machining time.

[0128] Alternatively, a cylinder could be used to feed the rotary tool T instead of an air motor. However, the thrust obtained using a cylinder is achieved by using air pressure to push the piston out, which has its limitations. Therefore, when the workpiece has high strength, it may not be possible to obtain a thrust sufficient to overcome the reaction force during hole machining using a cylinder.

[0129] In contrast, if the tool drive device 1 is configured such that a linear motion mechanism 9, such as a ball screw 9A that moves linearly due to the rotation of the second air motor 10, mechanically transmits force to the rotary tool T, a larger thrust that is difficult to obtain using a cylinder can be achieved. Therefore, the rotary tool T can be fed with a thrust capable of overcoming the reaction force of hole machining, and the feed rate can be adjusted. In particular, if the gear 11 is connected to the second air motor 10, a thrust capable of overcoming the reaction force of hole machining can be generated even when the workpiece has high strength.

[0130] (Other implementation methods)

[0131] The above description describes specific embodiments, but these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The novel methods and apparatus described herein can be implemented in various other ways. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the methods and apparatus described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are included within the scope and spirit of the invention and encompass such various methods and modifications.

[0132] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the tool drive device 1 is a manual tool was described as an example. However, in a non-air-type handheld drilling machine or machine tool that has the function of feeding the rotating tool T in the tool axis AX direction, a second air motor 10, which is the power source for moving the rotating tool T and the holder 4 forward and backward in the tool axis AX direction, may be provided instead of the first air motor 5, which is the power source for rotating the rotating tool T and the holder 4. This constitutes the tool drive device 1.

Claims

1. A tool driving device, wherein the tool driving device has: a holding member for gripping and holding a rotary tool; a first air motor that rotates the holding member; and a feed mechanism that moves the holding member in a tool axis direction, a second air motor that generates a power for moving the holding member is provided in the feed mechanism, the tool driving device is a hand-held tool driving device, the tool driving device has: a housing that houses the first air motor; a handle that is linked with the housing for being gripped by a user's hand; a switch that is operated by the user; and an air signal circuit that rotates the first air motor and the second air motor according to an on-off state of the switch, the air signal circuit is configured in such a manner that, if the second air motor is rotated forward so that the holding member moves forward to a stop position, the holding member is moved backward in the tool axis direction by automatically reversing the second air motor, the tool driving device further has: a first speed controller for variably setting a rotational speed of the holding member by adjusting a flow rate of a first air signal input to the first air motor; and a second speed controller for variably setting a feed speed of the holding member in the tool axis direction by adjusting a flow rate of a second air signal input to the second air motor, the air signal circuit is configured in such a manner that, during the second air motor is rotated forward so that the holding member moves forward in the tool axis direction, the switch is locked in an on state, and on the other hand, if the holding member moves forward to the stop position, the lock of the switch is released to automatically switch to an off state, the air signal circuit is configured in such a manner that, if the second air motor is rotated forward so that the holding member moves forward to the stop position, the rotation of the first air motor is automatically stopped, the air signal circuit is configured in such a manner that, if the second air motor is reversed so that the holding member moves backward to an initial position, the rotation of the second air motor is automatically stopped, the air signal circuit has an air circuit element that detects a case where the holding member moves forward to the stop position and is capable of adjusting the stop position, the feed mechanism has: a fixed member for fixing the tool driving device to a workpiece that is a subject of hole machining by the rotary tool, or a jig for the hole machining that is attached to the workpiece; and a ball screw that relatively moves the holding member in the tool axis direction with respect to the fixed member, the second air motor is configured to apply a rotational power to the ball screw, ​ ​ ​ The rotation axis of the ball screw is arranged to be in line with the tool axis of the rotary tool, and one end of the ball screw on the front end side of the rotary tool is directly or indirectly coupled to the second air motor, so that the second air motor moves together with the holding member in the tool axis direction.

2. A hole processing method, wherein A workpiece is manufactured by using the tool driving device according to claim 1.

3. The hole processing method according to claim 2, wherein The workpiece is manufactured by hole processing a cut workpiece in which a first material and a second material overlap, under hole processing conditions such that the feed amount in the tool axis direction per one rotation of the rotary tool when hole processing the first material and the feed amount in the tool axis direction per one rotation of the rotary tool when hole processing the second material are different from each other.

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