Machine tool provided with detachable workpiece support, setting method of machine tool, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

A machine tool has a spindle device having a through-hole extending in an axial direction along a rotation axis, a tubular shaft movable in the axial direction through the through-hole, and a workpiece support body configured to be detachable with respect to one end of the through-hole and to support a workpiece so as to be movable in the axial direction, the tubular shaft having a first end toward the one end of the through-hole and a second end opposite to the first end in the axial direction, the workpiece support body being detachable from the one end and a probe being mountable to the first end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to machine tools, and more particularly to Swiss-type machine tools. Background Technology

[0002] Swiss-type machine tools include a spindle that rotates a workpiece about an axis, and cutting tools that contact the rotating workpiece to machine it. The spindle of a Swiss-type machine tool includes an axis that holds one end of the workpiece as a free end and fixes the other end to the opposite side. A spindle motor of the Swiss-type machine tool rotates the axis and the workpiece fixed to the axis. The Swiss-type machine tool moves the workpiece axially by moving the axis axially. Thus, the Swiss-type machine tool can position a portion of the workpiece to be machined by the cutting tools. Typically, a Swiss-type machine tool includes a tool holder that arranges multiple cutting tools mounted on a tool holder. This tool holder moves relative to the spindle holding the workpiece in the X and Y axes for machining the workpiece. Additionally, the spindle holding the workpiece moves relative to the tool holder with the multiple tools arranged in the Z-axis direction.

[0003] The spindle assembly includes a guide bush for supporting the workpiece while it rotates and moves axially. The tool post is located near the guide bush along the workpiece's axis of rotation. Therefore, even with relatively long workpieces, only a portion of the workpiece protrudes beyond the guide bush supporting it, with the portion being machined positioned near the guide bush. This makes Swiss-type machine tools particularly effective for machining long, narrow components.

[0004] Before machining a workpiece on a Swiss-type machine tool, the user configures the machine, including programming the positions of the cutting tools that make up the tool holder. One method involves the user mounting the cutting tools onto a tool holder with multiple tools arranged in an array, and mounting the simulated workpiece onto the machine tool's spindle assembly. The user inputs information about the simulated workpiece (e.g., diameter and length) via the keyboard, and the spindle assembly rotates the simulated workpiece, bringing one of the cutting tools close to and in contact with it. After the cutting tool creates a kerf in the simulated workpiece, the user stops the spindle rotation. The depth of the kerf in the simulated workpiece is then measured, and the measured value is input to the machine tool via the keyboard.

[0005] The machine tool learns the tool's position relative to the spindle by simulating the kerf depth and tool travel distance on the workpiece. The user then repeatedly performs the machining operation using other tools within the tool holder used for machining the workpiece. Previously, Swiss-type machine tools, with more than 20 tool holders, required significant time for setup, resulting in reduced manufacturing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a Swiss-type machine tool is provided, comprising a tubular shaft, an outer tubular shaft, and a tool holder for holding at least one tool capable of machining a workpiece supported by the outer tubular shaft. The machine tool includes a drive mechanism for rotating the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft about an axis. The tubular shaft includes a workpiece clamp such as a chuck configured to hold the workpiece. The tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft are axially movable relative to each other to adjust the position of the workpiece relative to the outer tubular shaft. The machine tool also includes a workpiece support such as a guide sleeve that is detachably mounted to the outer tubular shaft and mounted to rotate therewith. The workpiece support is slidably in contact with the workpiece, enabling axial movement of the workpiece relative to the workpiece support. A user can access the tubular shaft by removing the workpiece support from the outer tubular shaft. Furthermore, with the workpiece support removed from the outer tubular shaft, moving the tubular shaft to a position extending axially relative to the outer tubular shaft allows a probe to be mounted onto the tubular shaft. By doing so, even when the outer tubular shaft is close to the tool holder in the axial direction, the probe can be used to automate the machine tool's preset operations.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a machine tool comprising a spindle, at least one tool holder for holding a tool capable of machining a workpiece mounted on the spindle, and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the spindle about an axis. The spindle includes a hollow portion and a workpiece fixture. The machine tool further includes a probe mounted to the workpiece fixture on the spindle and of a size consistent with the hollow portion of the spindle. The workpiece fixture has: a second position in which the workpiece fixture is configured to mount the probe; and a first position in which at least a portion of the probe is located within the hollow portion of the spindle assembly. The workpiece fixture in the second position allows for easy mounting of the probe to the workpiece fixture. When the probe is connected to the workpiece fixture, the workpiece fixture retracts, and at least a portion of the probe is located within the spindle. By inserting at least a portion of the probe into the hollow portion of the spindle, the axial distance by which the probe protrudes forward from the spindle is minimized, and the sensing portion of the probe is aligned radially with respect to the tool holder, which is adjacent to the spindle along the axis.

[0009] In other embodiments, a machine tool comprising a tubular shaft, an outer tubular shaft, and a workpiece fixture of the tubular shaft is disclosed. The machine tool includes at least one drive device for rotating the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft about an axis. The drive device is also capable of actuating to move the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft axially relative to each other. The machine tool includes: a tool holder for holding at least one tool capable of machining a workpiece supported by the outer tubular shaft; and a tool holder drive device for moving the tool holder. The machine tool has a user interface for receiving setting instructions, such as when a user wants to set the machine tool to use a specific tool for machining a workpiece. The machine tool also includes a controller that, upon receiving a setting instruction via the user interface, instructs the drive device to move the tubular shaft to a second position, connecting a probe to the tubular shaft 501. The controller is further configured to cause the tool holder drive device to move the tool holder, bringing the tool into contact with the probe. Then, the controller determines tool setting data based on signals from the probe and movement information of the tool holder. In this way, the machine tool autonomously learns the relative position of the tool holder and the probe by moving the tool to contact the probe. After removing the probe and replacing it with a workpiece, the machine tool can be set up to machine the workpiece. Therefore, in machine tools using more than 20 tools, rapid preset settings are easy to perform.

[0010] This invention also targets a method for operating a machine tool having a tubular shaft and an outer tubular shaft capable of rotating about an axis during machining operations. The method includes: moving the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft axially relative to each other to position the tubular shaft in a second position extending axially relative to the outer tubular shaft. The tubular shaft includes a workpiece fixture configured to receive a probe when the tubular shaft is in the second position. The method further includes: moving the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft axially relative to each other while the probe is connected to the workpiece fixture to position the tubular shaft in a first position retracted axially relative to the outer tubular shaft. The machine tool's tool holder is moved so that a tool supported by the tool holder contacts a sensing portion of the probe. Furthermore, the method includes: determining tool setting data based on at least a portion of a signal from the probe and the movement of the tool holder. Since the probe is connected to the workpiece fixture, the probe moves together with the tubular shaft to the first position. By retracting the probe to the first position, even when the axial length of the probe is more than twice the radial length of the probe, the sensing part of the probe can be positioned at a shorter distance beyond the tubular axis.

[0011] In other embodiments, the invention includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions, when executed by a machine tool's processor, to cause the machine tool to perform actions including axially moving the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft relative to each other to position the tubular shaft in a second position extending relative to the outer tubular shaft. The tubular shaft includes a workpiece fixture configured to receive a probe when the tubular shaft is in the second position. Furthermore, with the probe connected to the workpiece fixture, axially moving the tubular shaft relative to the outer tubular shaft moves the tubular shaft to a first position retracted relative to the outer tubular shaft. The machine tool's tool holder is moved, bringing the tool of the tool holder into contact with the probe. The actions also include determining tool setting data based on at least a portion of signals from the probe and the movement of the tool holder. Axial movement of the tubular shaft to the first position enables the probe to move rearward relative to the tool holder from the forward second position, aligning the sensing portion of the probe with the tool holder. The machine tool can use macros to automatically move the tool to contact the sensor part of the probe, and can store the movement parameters used to make the tool contact the sensor part of the probe. The automatic tool learning process can avoid the time-consuming methods previously used to set up Swiss-type machine tools for using simulated workpieces, as described above.

[0012] The present invention also provides a machine tool comprising a tubular shaft, an outer tubular shaft, and a tool holder corresponding to the outer tubular shaft for holding at least one tool. The machine tool includes a drive mechanism for rotating either the tubular shaft or the outer tubular shaft about an axis. The machine tool further includes a ball spline coupling between the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft, configured to transmit rotation of one of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft to rotation of the other. The ball spline coupling enables relative axial movement of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft, adjusting the position of the workpiece relative to the outer tubular shaft in the axial direction, and accurately positioning the workpiece in the rotational direction. Accurate rotational positioning of the workpiece is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 It is a 3D view of a high-speed Swiss-type machine tool.

[0014] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The dashed box shows the whole thing. Figure 1 The diagram shows the interior of the machining area of ​​a Swiss-type machine tool, which includes a first and a second spindle table that receive the workpiece, rotate it relative to the first and second tool posts.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The front view of the first tool post of the machine tool shows the tool used for machining a workpiece supported by the first spindle table.

[0016] Figure 4 This refers to the cutting tool of the second tool post used for machining a workpiece supported by the second spindle table. Figure 1 The front view of the second tool post of the machine tool.

[0017] Figure 5A It is a side view of a probe 30 having an adapter that connects to the chuck of the first spindle table. The probe 30 has a stylus with a ball front end for contacting the tool of the first tool holder during a preset tool action. Figure 5B Is with Figure 5A A side view of the other components of the stylus used with the probe.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the first spindle table of a machine tool, showing a spindle including the first spindle table, a removable guide sleeve connected to the spindle, a splined shaft of the spindle that can move axially relative to the spindle and rotate with the spindle, and a spindle with a chuck for the splined shaft.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the removable guide sleeve shows whether the check mechanism can be changed to fix the guide sleeve to the spindle or not.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The flowchart of the preset actions of the machine tool.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the flower-shaped key shaft in the retracted position and a portion of the main shaft, including the guide sleeve fixed to the main shaft.

[0022] Figure 10 Is with Figure 9 The same diagram shows the spindle after the guide sleeve has been removed in order to access the inside of the spindle.

[0023] Figure 11 This indicates the splined shaft in the second position and the splined shaft connected to it. Figure 5A The probe and Figure 10 Same diagram.

[0024] Figure 12 Is with Figure 11 The same diagram shows the splined shaft retracted from the second position to the first position, the probe retracted into the spindle, and the ball tip of the stylus protruding from the spindle in the radial direction, aligned with the cutting tool of the first tool holder.

[0025] Figure 13 Is with Figure 12The same diagram shows the state in which the cutting tool moves radially downward relative to the central axis of the spindle and contacts the ball tip of the probe.

[0026] Figure 14 yes Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the first spindle table is a diagram of the spindle motor of the first spindle table that directly rotates the spindle and indirectly rotates the spline shaft via a spline adapter between the spindle and the spline shaft.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another spindle table for a Swiss-type machine tool, which has a first gear connection between the spindle and the sleeve of the spindle table in order to convert the rotation of the spindle into the rotation of the sleeve.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another spindle table for a Swiss-type machine tool, which has a second gear connection between the spindle and the sleeve of the spindle table in order to convert the rotation of the spindle into the rotation of the sleeve.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another spindle table for a Swiss-type machine tool, which has a first spindle motor that drives the spindle table and a second spindle motor that drives the sleeve of the spindle table.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a ball spline connection that is intended to show the spline nut, ball bearing, and spline shaft of the ball spline connection, but does not show the part of the connection.

[0031] Figure 19 It is a cross-sectional view of the ball spline engagement of the spline nut, the spline shaft, and the ball bearing that engages with the side of the spline of the spline nut and the spline shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 The image shows a machine tool, such as a high-speed Swiss-type machine tool 10, with a machining area. The machine tool 10 includes a controller 11, which is operablely connected to various spindle motors and components of the machine tool 10 to actuate the machine tool. The machine tool 10 includes a user interface 13, such as a screen, keyboard, microphone, and / or speaker, for receiving input from the user and transmitting information to the user. The controller 11 includes a memory 115 storing one or more macro instructions and other instructions for actuating the machine tool; and a processor 17 executing the instructions. The machine tool 10 is capable of rapid preset or set of mechanical cutting tools, and in some embodiments, automatic setting of the machine tool cutting tools is possible. The machine tool 10 includes a first spindle assembly 14, which includes a spindle 102 (see reference 102) of the first spindle assembly 14 for connecting a probe 30 to a splined shaft 104 of the first spindle assembly 14. Figure 6 The removed guide sleeve 70 (refer to) Figure 7 The machine tool 10 uses a probe 30 to determine the position of the workpiece engagement portion of the tool relative to the rotation axis of the first spindle assembly 14, and detects the moment when the tool corresponding to the first spindle assembly 14 contacts the probe 30.

[0033] More specifically, the machine tool 10 receives tool data, for example, related to the tool associated with its controller 11 and the first spindle assembly 14, via a user interface 13 or communication line 19 of the machine tool 10 and its controller 11. The communication line 19 may include, for example, one or more of the following: a network connection for connecting to a local wired or wireless network; a short-range wireless interface such as an RFID reader for reading RFID tags on the tool; a wired interface for receiving data from the memory of each tool; and / or an optical reader capable of mechanically reading display information such as a barcode for detecting the tool. The controller 11 can actuate one or more tool holder drive units 18A to move the tool holder 18B corresponding to the first spindle assembly 14 from its initial position as a tool retraction position until the tool 18C on the tool holder 18B contacts the probe 30 located at or near the machining position of the workpiece mounted on the first spindle assembly 14. The controller 11 learns the tool setting data associated with moving the tool 18C from its initial position to contact the probe 30, and then returns the tool to its initial position. For machining operations, machine tool 10 repeatedly advances and learns processes for one or more other tools corresponding to the first spindle assembly 14. If controller 11 determines the tool setting data, guide sleeve 70 is reinstalled onto splined shaft 104. Machine tool 10 receives workpiece-related data such as material and diameter, as well as machining instructions for machining the workpiece. Controller 11 executes the machining instructions using the tool setting data to machine the workpiece.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 The interior of the machining area 12 is shown. The machine tool 10 includes a first spindle assembly 14 and a second spindle assembly 16. The first spindle assembly 14 houses an elongated workpiece, typically a rod, and rotates the workpiece so that it can pass through a first tool post 18 (also see...). Figure 3 The second spindle assembly 16 can support and hold the end of the workpiece held in the first spindle assembly 14 to assist in machining, or it can be machined independently of the first spindle assembly 14. The workpiece housed in the second spindle assembly 16 can be machined by the second tool holder 20 (see reference 14). Figure 4 The cutting tools are used for machining. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The front view of the first and second tool holders 18 and 20 is shown.

[0035] Reference Figure 2The machine tool 10 includes a probe 32 for machining a workpiece within the second spindle assembly 16 using a tool from the second tool holder 20. The controller 11 operates similarly to the preset processing of the first spindle assembly 14, moving the tool holder 20B via the tool holder drive device 20A, causing the tool 20C to contact the front ball 40 of the probe 30. If the tool contacts the front ball 40, the processor determines the setting data based on the movement of the tool holder 20B and the signal from the probe 32.

[0036] Probes 30 and 32 are similar; refer to... Figure 5A The probes 30 and 32 each include: a body 36, including sensing and communication lines; a probe 38; and a probe adapter 42, configured to be fixed by the chuck of the first or second spindle assembly 14, 16. The probe 38 is elongated and has a front ball 40 at its front end. The body 36 and the probe 38 can also be detachably connected. (See reference...) Figure 5B It is equipped with different probes 38A for different applications. Probes 30 and 32 can also be finished products such as Renishaw RLP 40.

[0037] In the machine tool 10 setup, probes 30 and 32 are connected to the first and second spindle units 14 and 16. Tool holder drive units 18A and 20A are operable to move the first and second tool holders 18 and 20 in their respective planes in the X1, Y1 and X2, Y2 directions. In some embodiments, the tool holder drive units 18A and 20A pivot one or more tool holders 18B to position the tools of the tool holders 18B in contact with the workpiece. The controller 11 is programmed to automatically move the first and second tool holders 18 and 20 so that the tools of the first and second tool holders 18 and 20 contact the front ball 40 of the probes 30 and 32, respectively. If the tool contacts the front ball 40, the probes 30 and 32 transmit wireless communication indicating contact to the communication line 19. In one embodiment, the wireless communication is performed using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) protocol.

[0038] The controller 11 calculates the change in the contact position between the tool and the front ball 40. Then, if a workpiece is inserted into the first or second spindle assembly 14, 16, the controller uses this change to determine the position required for the tool to contact the workpiece (setting up means the user inputs workpiece material, workpiece length, and outer diameter of the probe, etc.). Using parameters from the probes 30, 32, such as the outer diameter of the front ball 40, the controller 11 determines how much the tool must move in the X and Y directions to contact a ball with a specific diameter. The controller 11 can then determine how much the tool should move in the X and Y directions to contact a workpiece with an outer diameter different from that of the front ball 40. The parameters of the probes 30, 32, including the diameter of the sensor ball, are transmitted to the controller 11 by the user inputting the manufacturer and model of the probes 30, 32 and / or by the probes 30, 32 communicating these parameters wirelessly.

[0039] More specifically, refer to Figure 6 The first spindle assembly 14 includes at least one drive device for rotating and axially moving a workpiece. In one embodiment, the at least one drive device includes a first drive device 97 equipped with a motor 100. The first spindle assembly 14 also includes: a spindle assembly 99 comprising a workpiece support shaft (outer tubular shaft) in the form of a spindle 102 and a workpiece retaining shaft (tubular shaft) in the form of a spline shaft 104; and a chuck assembly 106 engaging with the inner surface of the spline shaft 104. The portion of the spline shaft 104 engaging with the chuck assembly 106 is referred to as a first end, and the end opposite to the first end along the axial direction of the rotation axis 15 is referred to as a second end. The chuck assembly 106 includes: an adapter such as a chuck adapter 107 for engaging with the radially inner surface of the spline shaft 104; and a workpiece clamp such as a chuck 1109 for engaging with a workpiece. The spline shaft 104 has an inner sleeve 108 for receiving a workpiece. The motor 100 is capable of rotating the spindle 102 and the splined shaft 104 at high speeds of 10,000 RPM or higher.

[0040] Machine tool 10 includes a rotary position sensor 199 (see reference) configured to detect the position of spindle assembly 99, such as spindle 102 and splined shaft 104. Figure 1 As examples, the rotary position sensor 199 may be an integral part of the motor 100 or a separate component. The controller 11 uses data from the rotary position sensor 199 to determine the workpiece's rotational position, causing the motor 100 to actuate and adjust the workpiece's rotational position. Therefore, the machine tool 10 actuates the motor 100 to rotate the workpiece at high speed relative to the tool of the first tool holder 18 during automatic operation, and provides high-precision rotational positioning of the workpiece relative to the tool of the first tool holder 18.

[0041] In one embodiment, the rotary position sensor 199 includes an encoder such as an absolute encoder and / or an incremental encoder. As examples, the encoder may also include an angle encoder and / or a rotary encoder. The rotary position sensor 199 can include more than one sensor. For example, the rotary position sensor 199 can include an encoder and a laser measuring device. The laser measuring device includes an indexer of the spindle 102, a laser source, and a laser detector. The laser source directs the laser beam toward the indexer, the laser beam is reflected from the indexer, and the reflected laser beam is received by the laser detector.

[0042] In one embodiment, the controller 11 determines the input value using data from the laser source and the laser detector. The controller 11 determines the position of the spindle assembly 99 and the workpiece fixed therein based on at least a portion of data from the encoder and the input correction value. As examples, the input correction value can be calculated continuously or periodically based on mechanical setting actions, tool changes, or changes in the rotation direction of the spindle assembly 99.

[0043] The first spindle assembly 14 includes a support assembly 110 having a bearing assembly 112 capable of rotating the splined shaft 104. The support assembly 110 also includes a support body such as a carriage 114. The machine tool 10 includes a second drive unit 109 operable to move the carriage 114 axially along the track 122 of the frame 124 of the machine tool 10 in directions 118 and 120. As an example, the second drive unit 109 may include a motor and a ball screw drive. The splined shaft 104 is rotatably mounted on the support assembly 110, but the splined shaft 104 is mounted on the support assembly 110 in a manner that allows the support assembly 110 to also move along the rotation axis 15 in directions 118 and 120. Therefore, if the support assembly 110 moves in directions 118 and 120, the splined shaft 104, the chuck 109, and the workpiece held therein also move in directions 118 and 120.

[0044] The spindle 102 and the splined shaft 104 have a sliding connection 130 between them, which allows the splined shaft 104 to move axially relative to the spindle 102 in directions 118 and 120. However, both the spindle 102 and the splined shaft 104 include splines extending axially. Through the splines of the spindle 102 and the splined shaft 104, the spindle 102 and the splined shaft 104 are engaged in a manner that allows them to slide axially against each other, and are fixed in a manner that allows them to rotate integrally. In doing so, rotation of the spindle 102 causes rotation of the splined shaft 104. Therefore, the splined shaft 104 can rotate together with the spindle 102 while moving axially in directions 118 and 120 via the movement of the support assembly 110.

[0045] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As can be seen, the guide sleeve 70 includes a body 140 of such size that it fits into the through hole 142 of the spindle 102. The guide sleeve 70 has a locking member 144 that protrudes radially outward and detachably secures the guide sleeve 70 within the spindle 102. The locking member 144 includes a check mechanism 145, which includes one or more check components such as a ball 146. The locking member 144 has a fixed position in which the ball 146 is forced radially outward to secure the guide sleeve 70 within the spindle 102, and a fixed release position in which the ball 146 is moved radially inward to pull the guide sleeve 70 out of the spindle 102 and remove it. When the ball 146 is in the fixed position radially outward, the ball 146 is in contact with an annular groove 204 (see reference) facing radially inward toward the spindle 102. Figure 9 The guide sleeve 70 is secured to the spindle 102 by engaging, preventing movement relative to their relative axial movement. The check mechanism 145 includes a retaining screw (pressing member) 148 for tightening the ball 146 in a fixed position radially outward. In one embodiment, the retaining screw 148 has a front end with a tapered cam surface 148A. As a result, when the retaining screw 148 is tightened, the tapered cam surface 148A engages with the outer surface of the ball 146, pushing the ball 146 radially outward. Within the groove 204 of the spindle 102, the ball presses against the tapered cam surface 148A of the retaining screw 148 and the spindle 102, respectively, securing the guide sleeve 70. Loosening the retaining screw 148 allows the ball 146 to move radially inward to a released position, enabling the guide sleeve 70 to be removed from the spindle 102.

[0046] The guide sleeve 70 also includes a guide chuck 150, which has a hollow portion 152 for receiving the workpiece. The chuck 109 of the splined shaft 104 is used to fix the workpiece to the splined shaft 104 against opposing axial and rotational movements. The guide chuck 150 of the guide sleeve 70 allows the workpiece to move axially within the hollow portion 152 by the axial movement of the splined shaft 104, so that a workpiece of the desired length is exposed from the guide sleeve 70 and can be machined by the tool of the first tool holder 18.

[0047] Before machining the workpiece using machine tool 10, the user sets up machine tool 10 to machine the workpiece. Initially, the user removes the guide sleeve 70 from the spindle 102. Next, the user operates the user interface 13 of machine tool 10 to slightly move the support assembly 110 relative to the second spindle assembly 16 in direction 120 until the chuck 109 in the spline shaft 104 is adjacent to the front end 210 (one end of the through hole 142) of the spindle 102. Direction 120 can also be referred to as forward, direction 118 as rearward, moving in direction 120 as forward movement, and moving in direction 118 as backward movement. Next, the user inserts and installs the probe adapter 42 of the probe 30 into the chuck 109. The user also connects the probe 32 to the second spindle assembly 16.

[0048] If the probe adapter 42 is fixed to the splined shaft 104 via the chuck 109, the user begins setting the process, and the controller 11 of the machine tool 10 causes the support assembly 110 and the splined shaft 104 to retract in the direction 118 until the front ball 40 of the probe 30 reaches the target. Figure 13 Up to the position shown, the front ball 40 is radially aligned with the cutting tool of the first tool post 18. Then, the controller 11 of the machine tool 10 automatically moves the first tool post 18 in the X and Y directions, bringing each cutting tool into contact with the front ball 40. While moving the first tool post 18 to bring each cutting tool into contact with the front ball 40 and determining the distance between each cutting tool and the outer surface of the probe 30, specifically the front ball 40, the controller monitors the changes in the position of the first tool post 18. The controller performs the same procedure to determine the relative position of the cutting tool of the second tool post 20 and the front ball 40 of the probe 32. By automating the controller's process of determining the relative positions of the cutting tools of the first and second tool posts 18, 20 and the probes 30, 32, as described above, considerable time can be saved for the user.

[0049] The body 36 of the probe 30 has a larger diameter than the hollow portion 152 of the guide sleeve 70 (which has the same dimensions as the hollow portion of a conventional guide sleeve). As a result, the probe 30 cannot engage with the chuck 109 through the hollow portion 152 of the guide sleeve 70, and cannot move within the through hole 142 of the spindle 102. However, by removing the guide sleeve 70, the body 36 of the probe 30 can be retracted into the through hole 142 of the spindle 102 until the front ball 40 of the probe 30 aligns radially with the cutting tool 206 of the first tool holder 18. Therefore, the removable guide sleeve 70 allows the probe 30 to be installed on the first spindle assembly 14, facilitating the automated preset settings of the machine tool 10.

[0050] Reference Figure 8 A method 200 for preset settings of machine tool 10 is provided, the method combining Figures 9-13The following explanation is provided. Method 200 includes a step 202 of receiving tool data and probe data. Step 202 of receiving data may include a user inputting data related to one or more tools and probes 30 to the controller 11 of the machine tool 10 using the user interface 13. Tool data may include, for example, information identifying the type, size, material, and manufacturer of the tool. Probe data may include, for example, information related to the manufacturer, model, stylus, and / or wireless communication protocol of the probe 30. In some embodiments, the machine tool 10 or its controller 11 receives tool data and probe data via wired or wireless communication. For example, tool data may be received from an RFID tag on the tool, or probe data may be received by pairing with the probe 30 using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection, etc.

[0051] Reference Figure 9 The guide sleeve 70 is shown as fixed to the main shaft 102. The check valve mechanism 145 of the guide sleeve 70 is in a fixed state such that the ball 146 is partially protruded radially outward relative to the guide sleeve 70 by a force applied radially outward, partially entering the groove 204 of the main shaft 102, and is pressed in from both the main shaft 102 and the guide sleeve 70, fixing the main shaft 102 and the guide sleeve 70. The upper half of the ball 146 overlaps radially with the radially extending groove side surface 215 of the groove 204. The groove side surface 215 is the surface that extends radially from the through hole 142 in the surface constituting the annular groove 204. The guide sleeve 70 is inserted into the through hole 142 such that its axial inner end 217 rests on the sitting surface 219 of the spindle 102. When the locking member 144 is in a fixed position with the ball 146 engaged with the radially extending groove side 215 of the groove 204, the guide sleeve 70 is fixed so as not to move relative to the axial movement of the spindle 102. In addition, the tool 206 of the first tool holder 18 is configured such that its workpiece engaging or cutting portion 208 is close to the front end 210 of the spindle 102.

[0052] Method 200 includes step 212 of removing the guide sleeve 70. For example, step 212 of removing the guide sleeve 70 includes the user loosening the retaining screw 148 to disengage it from the ball, allowing the ball 146 to move radially inward and exit the groove 204. To further suppress relative rotation between the guide sleeve 70 and the spindle 102, the spindle 102 may include an axial keyway 216 (see reference) with the guide sleeve 70. Figure 7 The key 214 is engaged. Therefore, step 212 of removing the guide sleeve 70 can also include disengaging the key 214 from the axial keyway 216. See reference. Figure 10 The spindle 102 and splined shaft 104 are shown in a state where the guide sleeve 70 has been removed.

[0053] like Figure 11As shown, method 200 includes step 220 of moving spline shaft 104 to a second position extending relative to main shaft 102. In the second position, spline shaft 104 has a front end 222 at the same height as the front end 210 of main shaft 102 or slightly axially outward or inward.

[0054] Method 200 includes step 224 of connecting the probe 30 to the splined shaft 104. Step 224 of connecting the probe 30 may include the step of mounting the probe adapter 42 of the probe 30 into the chuck 109 of the splined shaft 104. Figure 11 This refers to the splined shaft 104 after the probe adapter 42 is fixed inside the chuck 109.

[0055] like Figure 12 As shown, method 200 includes step 230 of retracting the splined shaft 104 from a second position back to a first position. In the first position, the splined shaft 104 is positioned such that the probe 30 mounted on the splined shaft 104 is partially retracted into the through-hole 142 of the spindle 102. Figure 12 As shown, the main body 36 of the probe 30 is entirely housed within the through hole 142 of the spindle 102, and the front portion 232 of the stylus 38, including the front ball 40, protrudes forward toward the front end 210 of the spindle 102. With the splined shaft 104 in the first position, the front ball 40 of the probe 30 engages with the workpiece of the tool 206 or the cutting portion 208 is radially aligned.

[0056] Method 200 includes step 240, which involves moving the tool 206 forward from its retracted position (initial position) to contact the front ball 40 of the probe 30. The user can also use a user interface to instruct the first tool holder 18 to move so that the tool 206 contacts the probe 30, thereby performing step 240. In one embodiment, the tool holder supporting the tool 206 is configured to move together with the first tool holder 18 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions (see reference). Figure 2 As a result, the tool 206 contacts the probe 30 by moving the first tool holder 18 in the X and / or Y directions. If the tool 206 contacts the probe 30, the probe 30 transmits wireless communication 242 (see reference 19) received via communication line 19. Figure 13 The communication indicates that the probe 30 has detected the tool 206 in contact with the front ball 40.

[0057] Method 200 includes a step 250 of determining tool setting data. Step 250 of determining tool setting data utilizes changes in the X, Y, and / or Z coordinates received by the tool holder 18B when the tool 206 is moved forward in the machine tool 10 and comes into contact with the probe 30.

[0058] Method 200 optionally includes step 252 of returning the tool 206 to its initial position. Step 252 of returning the tool 206 is performed in a manner that does not obstruct the tool 206, thereby enabling another tool of the first tool holder 18 to contact the probe 30.

[0059] Method 200 includes a step 254 of deciding whether to set another tool. In this case, method 200 performs the actions of forward movement step 240, decision step 250, and return step 252 together with the next tool of the first tool holder 18.

[0060] If a tool is set for the first tool holder 18 used to machine the workpiece, then method 200 includes moving the spline shaft 104 to... Figure 11 Step 256 shows the position of the second position relative to the main spindle 102. For example, by moving the splined shaft 104 until the body 36 of the probe 30 passes the front end 210 of the main spindle 102, the splined shaft 104 can be moved to the second position, making it easy to remove the probe 30 from the splined shaft 104.

[0061] Method 200 also includes step 258 of separating the probe 30 from the splined shaft 104 and step 260 of reinstalling the guide sleeve 70 onto the spindle 102. If method 200 is completed, the machine tool 10 is ready to receive machining instructions to machine the workpiece.

[0062] One or more steps or actions of method 200 can be executed by the controller 11 of the machine tool 10 to automate the preset settings of the machine tool 10. In one embodiment, the controller 11 executes the actions of method 200, notifying the user to intervene in steps 212, 224, 258, and 260. These steps include removing and installing the guide sleeve 70 and installing and removing the probe 30. The remaining actions can be performed automatically or autonomously without user intervention, which can shorten the preset settings time of the machine tool 10. In some embodiments, the controller 11 can also execute steps 212, 224, 258, and 260 by adjusting the movement of the robotic arm, removing / installing the guide sleeve 70, connecting / disconnecting the probe 30, etc.

[0063] Reference Figure 14A spindle assembly 300, similar in many respects to the first spindle assembly 14 described above, is shown. The spindle assembly 300 includes a spindle 302, which comprises a spindle 304 and a splined shaft 306. The spindle 302 includes a splined adapter 308 fixed to the spindle 304 by fasteners or the like. The splined adapter 308 has a hollow portion 314 through which the splined shaft 306 passes. The splined adapter 308 has an inner spline 310 that engages with the outer spline 312 of the splined shaft 306. Through the engagement between the inner spline 310 and the outer spline 312, the splined shaft 306 is axially movable in a direction 316 retracting axially inward relative to the spindle 304 and in a direction 318 extending axially outward. The engagement between the inner spline 310 and the outer spline 312 prevents relative rotational movement between the splined shaft 306 and the splined adapter 308. The spindle assembly 300 includes a drive unit 301, which includes a motor 320. The motor 320 is connected to the spindle 304 by heat-mounting its rotor onto the spindle 304. The motor 320 rotates the spindle 304, and the spindle 304 rotates the spline shaft 306 via a spline adapter 308.

[0064] The spindle assembly 300 includes a guide sleeve 322, identical to the guide sleeve 70 described above, mounted on and rotating with the spindle 304. The guide sleeve 70 cooperates with the chuck assembly 324 to support the workpiece 32. The chuck assembly 324 includes a chuck adapter 328 that engages with the inner surface of the spline shaft 306, and a chuck 330 that engages with the workpiece 326. The guide sleeve 322 also includes a guide sleeve adapter (workpiece support adapter) 332 and a guide chuck 334, among other workpiece fixtures. The chuck assembly 324 holds the workpiece 326 in both the axial and rotational directions, while the guide chuck 334 is slidable axially relative to the guide sleeve 322. The spindle assembly 300 includes bearings 340 and 342 supporting the spindle 304; and a support assembly 350 that is axially movable in directions 316 and 318 to allow the splined shaft 306 and the workpiece 326 fixed thereto to move in the axial directions 316 and 318. The support assembly 350 includes a bearing 352 that allows the splined shaft 306 to rotate.

[0065] If reference Figure 15 The following describes a spindle assembly 400 that is similar to the spindle assembly 300 described above in many respects, but with differences. The spindle assembly 400 includes a drive unit 401 comprising a motor 402, a spindle 404, and a sleeve 406 that is axially movable relative to the spindle 404. The motor 402 rotates the spindle 404.

[0066] The sleeve 406 has a chuck assembly 408 that engages with the workpiece 410, and the spindle 404 has a removable guide sleeve 412 similar to the guide sleeve 70 described above. The spindle assembly 400 has a support assembly 414, which has a bearing 416 for rotatably supporting the sleeve 406. The support assembly 414 is axially movable, so that the sleeve 406 can move in axial directions 420, 422.

[0067] To convert the rotation of the spindle 404 into the rotation of the sleeve 406, the spindle assembly 400 includes a spindle gear 424, which is mounted on the end (second end) of the spindle 404 and rotates together with it. The spindle assembly 400 also includes a sleeve gear 430 mounted on the outer surface of the sleeve 406; and an intermediate gear assembly or intermediate transmission gear assembly 432 connecting the spindle gear 424 and the sleeve gear 430. In one embodiment, the intermediate gear assembly 432 includes a first gear 434, a second gear 436, and a rotating gear shaft 438 that connects the first and second gears 434 and 436 to each other in a manner that they rotate together.

[0068] Motor 402 rotates spindle 404, which in turn rotates spindle gear 424 mounted on spindle 404. The rotation of spindle gear 424 is transmitted to first gear 434, shaft 438, second gear 436, sleeve gear 430, and sleeve 406, causing these components to rotate. Sleeve gear 430 and second gear 436 are configured to maintain the engagement between their teeth while simultaneously allowing sleeve gear 430 with sleeve 406 to move axially in directions 420 and 422.

[0069] If reference Figure 16 The following describes a spindle assembly 500, which is identical to the spindle assembly 400 described above, but with differences. The spindle assembly 500 includes a drive unit 501 comprising a motor 502 that rotates the spindle 504; and a spindle gear 506 mounted at one end (second end) of the spindle 504. The spindle assembly 500 also includes a sleeve 508 mounted on the inner side of a sleeve gear 510. The spindle 504 includes a chuck assembly 512 comprising a chuck adapter 514 and a chuck 516. The chuck 516 engages with the workpiece 518 to hold the workpiece 518 in a manner that prevents it from rotating relative to the spindle 504 in the direction of rotation and axially. The spindle assembly 500 adjusts the axial position of the workpiece 518 by moving the motor 502 and the spindle 504 in axial directions 520 and 522.

[0070] The spindle assembly 500 includes a sleeve 508, which has a guide sleeve 530 similar to the guide sleeve 70 described above. The guide sleeve 530 has a guide chuck 534. The guide sleeve 530 can support the workpiece while allowing the workpiece 518 to move axially relative to the sleeve 508.

[0071] To enable the sleeve 508 to rotate together with the main shaft 504, the main shaft assembly 500 includes: a first gear 542 engaging with the main shaft gear 506; a second gear 544 engaging with the sleeve gear 510; and an intermediate gear assembly or intermediate transmission gear assembly 540, including a rotating gear shaft 546 connecting the first gear 542 and the second gear 544. In doing so, the rotation of the main shaft 504 is transmitted to the main shaft gear 506, the first gear 542, the rotating gear shaft 546, the second gear 544, the sleeve gear 510, and the sleeve 508, causing these components to rotate. The second gear 544 and the sleeve gear 510 are configured such that if the main shaft 504 moves in directions 520 and 522, the second gear 544 can move axially relative to the sleeve gear 510. Figure 16 In the support assembly 550, there is a bearing 552 that can be stationary and is capable of rotating the sleeve 508.

[0072] If reference Figure 17 The following describes a spindle assembly 600, which is similar to the aforementioned spindle assembly in many respects, but with differences. The spindle assembly 600 includes a spindle 604 and a sleeve 610. The spindle assembly 600 includes a drive unit 605, which includes a first motor 602 operable to rotate the spindle 604, which includes a chuck assembly 606. The chuck assembly 606 holds a workpiece 608 and fixes it relative to the spindle 604 in the rotational direction and axially. The first motor 602 and the spindle 604 are axially movable in axial directions 607 and 609 for adjusting the axial position of the workpiece 608.

[0073] The drive unit 605 of the spindle assembly 600 includes a second motor 612, which has a drive pulley 614 that engages with a timing belt 616 of a pulley 618. The pulley 618 is mounted on a sleeve 610. Therefore, the second motor 612 rotates the sleeve 610, and the first motor 602 rotates the spindle 604. The first and second motors 602 and 614 can operate at the same or different speeds as required for a specific application.

[0074] Sleeve 610 supports guide sleeve 630, which is the same as the guide sleeve 70 described above. Guide sleeve 630 allows workpiece 608 to move axially relative to sleeve 610. Spindle assembly 600 includes support assembly 632, which includes bearing 634 that remains stationary and rotatably supports sleeve 610.

[0075] If reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 18 Therefore, the sliding connection 130 between the spindle 102 and the splined shaft 104 can have various configurations. In one embodiment, the sliding connection 130 includes a ball spline coupling 700, which includes a splined nut 702 for the splined shaft 104 and the spindle 102. For example, the splined nut 702 can be mounted on a tubular component of the spindle 102.

[0076] The spline nut 702 includes a spline 704 formed on the inner wall portion of the spline nut 702. The spline shaft 104 has a spline 708 on its outer circumferential surface. The ball spline coupling 700 includes a plurality of roller components such as ball bearings 710 received within a pocket 712 formed between the spindle 102 and the spline nut 702. The ball bearings 710 rotate within the pocket 712, enabling axial movement of the spindle 102 and the spline shaft 104 relative to each other.

[0077] The spline nut 702 applies a compressive force radially inward to the ball bearing 710. In one method, the spline nut is heated to expand, and then cooled after the spline shaft and ball bearing are assembled. Subsequently, if it reaches room temperature, the spline nut contracts slightly (e.g., a few micrometers), thus generating a compressive force on the ball bearing.

[0078] If the splined shaft 104, ball bearing 710, and splined nut 702 are securely engaged, the splined shaft 104 and splined nut 702 are firmly fixed in a non-relative rotational manner. This secure engagement allows the rotation of the spindle 102 to be transmitted to the splined shaft 104 without backlash via the ball spline coupling 700. Although the splined shaft 104 and splined nut 702 are securely engaged, the ball bearing 710 can rotate along the surface of the recess 712, enabling the splined shaft 104 and splined nut 702 to move axially relative to each other. The backlash-free ball spline coupling 700 allows for a very precise determination of the rotational position of the workpiece fixed to the splined shaft 104.

[0079] In some embodiments, the ball spline coupling 700 includes spacers such as a snap ring 720, a seal 722, and a cage 724. The cage 724 restricts contact between the ball bearings 710.

[0080] Reference Figure 19 The cross-section of a ball spline coupling 800, which is identical in many respects to the ball spline coupling 700 described above and can be used with machine tool 10 or another machine tool disclosed in this specification, is shown. The ball spline coupling 800 includes a spline nut 802, a spline shaft 804, and a ball bearing 806. The spline nut 802 has splines 810 on its inner circumferential surface, and the spline shaft 804 has splines 812 with protrusions provided between recesses 814 in the spline shaft 804. A recess 816 is provided between the inner circumference of the spline nut 802 and the outer circumference of the spline shaft 804, wherein the ball bearing 806 rolls during relative axial movement of the spline nut 802 and the spline shaft 804.

[0081] The spline 810 of the spline nut 802 has tapered side portions 820 such as 820A and 820B, and the spline 812 of the spline shaft 804 has a surface portion 824. The ball bearing 806 has an outer surface 822 that rolls along the tapered side portions 820A, 820B and the surface portion 820 as the spline shaft 804 and the spline nut 802 move axially along the axis of rotation relative to each other.

[0082] If the spline nut 802 rotates in direction 830, the tapered side portion 820A engages with the outer surface 822 of the ball bearing 806A. The tapered side portion 820A, using a cam action, applies a radially inward force to the ball bearing 806A, engaging with the spline shaft 804 without any clearance. The ball bearing 806A strongly resists the cam action, causing the spline shaft 804 and the spline nut 802 to rotate together in direction 830. Conversely, if the spline nut 802 rotates in direction 832, the tapered side portion 820B engages with the ball bearing 806B, applying a radially inward force to the ball bearing 806B using a cam action, engaging with the spline shaft 804 without any clearance. The ball bearing 806B strongly resists the cam action, causing the spline shaft 804 and the spline nut 802 to rotate together in direction 832.

[0083] Unless otherwise indicated or provided that it does not clearly contradict the context, the use of singular forms in this specification includes both the singular and plural forms. Terms such as “including,” “having,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms. In the context of this specification, phrases such as “at least one of” are interpreted individually. For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” means including A, B, or both A and B.

[0084] In the above embodiments, specific embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and explained. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention includes all modifications and corrections to the appended claims that lead to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A machine tool, characterized by Possessing: a spindle device having a through-hole extending in an axial direction along a rotation axis; a tubular shaft capable of moving in the axial direction through the through-hole; and a workpiece support body configured to be detachable with respect to one end of the through-hole and to support a workpiece so as to be movable in the axial direction, the tubular shaft has a first end toward the one end of the through-hole and a second end opposite to the first end in the axial direction, the workpiece support body is capable of being detached from the one end and a probe is capable of being attached to the first end.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the tubular shaft is capable of moving in the axial direction with respect to the spindle device to a first position and a second position, a first distance of the first end from the axial direction of the one end at the first position is longer than a second distance of the first end from the axial direction of the one end at the second position, the first end at the first position is located inside the through-hole, the tubular shaft is capable of being set at the second position to remove the workpiece support body from the spindle device and to attach the probe to the tubular shaft, the tubular shaft is capable of being set at the first position to position the probe in contact with a tool.

3. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein the machine tool further possesses the probe capable of being detachable with respect to the tubular shaft, the probe has a probe adapter connected to the tubular shaft and a sensing portion, the probe adapter is located inside the through-hole and the sensing portion is located outside the through-hole when the tubular shaft is set at the first position.

4. The machine tool according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the machine tool further possesses: a workpiece clamp configured to be connected to the tubular shaft to fix the workpiece to the tubular shaft; and the probe configured to be connected to the workpiece clamp and sized to be consistent with the through-hole, the workpiece clamp is capable of moving with the tubular shaft, the workpiece clamp is capable of receiving the probe when the tubular shaft is set at the second position, at least a portion of the probe is located inside the through-hole when the tubular shaft is set at the first position.

5. The machine tool according to claim 4, wherein the probe includes a probe adapter configured to be connected to the workpiece clamp, a stylus, and a main body sandwiched between the probe adapter and the stylus, at least a portion of the probe adapter and the main body is located inside the through-hole when the tubular shaft is set at the first position.

6. The machine tool according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the stylus is located inside the through-hole when the tubular shaft is set at the first position.

7. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool further possesses: a driving device configured to rotate the tubular shaft around the rotation axis; and a workpiece clamp configured to be connected to the tubular shaft to fix a workpiece to the tubular shaft, the spindle device includes an outer tubular shaft including the through-hole to support the tubular shaft so as to be slidable, ​ The drive device is configured to rotate the outer tubular shaft about the rotation axis, The workpiece support body is configured to be detachably connected to the outer tubular shaft and rotate with the outer tubular shaft.

8. The machine tool according to claim 7, wherein The workpiece support body includes: a workpiece support adapter sized to fit within the through hole; and a check member movable between an unsecured position and a secured position, In the unsecured position, the check member is configured to position the workpiece support adapter within the through hole of the outer tubular shaft, In the secured position, the check member secures the workpiece support body to the outer tubular shaft.

9. The machine tool according to claim 8, wherein The workpiece support body further includes a press member configured to secure the check member in the secured position.

10. The machine tool according to claim 7, wherein The outer tubular shaft and the workpiece support body include a keyway and a key configured to resist rotation of the workpiece support body relative to the outer tubular shaft.

11. The machine tool according to claim 7, wherein The tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft include a spline coupling between the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft, the spline coupling configured to transmit rotation of one of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft to the other of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft.

12. The machine tool according to claim 7, wherein The tubular shaft includes a first gear, The outer tubular shaft includes a second gear, a rotary gear shaft engaged with the first gear and the second gear, the rotary gear shaft configured to transmit rotation of one of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft to the other of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft.

13. The machine tool according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The workpiece support body includes a recess, In the secured position, the check member extends into the recess, limiting movement of the workpiece support body relative to the spindle device, In the unsecured position, the check member does not extend into the recess, the check member allowing movement of the workpiece support body relative to the spindle device.

14. The machine tool according to claim 7, wherein One of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft includes an internal spline, The other of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft includes an external spline engaged with the internal spline.

15. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein The machine tool includes: a tool holder configured to hold a tool; a workpiece clamp configured to be connected to the tubular shaft and secure a workpiece to the tubular shaft; at least one drive device configured to actuate rotation of the tubular shaft about the rotation axis and actuate movement of the tubular shaft relative to the spindle device in the axial direction to adjust a position of the workpiece relative to the spindle device; a tool holder drive device configured to actuate movement of the tool holder; a user interface configured to receive a setup instruction; and ​ a controller operatively coupled to the at least one drive device, the tool holder drive device, and the user interface, the controller, when receiving the setting instruction via the user interface, causing the at least one drive device to move the tubular shaft to the second position to connect the probe with the tubular shaft, causing the tool holder drive device to move the tool holder to bring the tool into contact with the probe, determining tool setting data from a signal from the probe and movement of the tool holder.

16. The machine tool according to claim 15, wherein the user interface is operable to notify a user of removal of the workpiece support and receive a user input indicating that the workpiece support is removed, the controller is configured to cause the at least one drive device to move the tubular shaft to the second position when the user input indicating that the workpiece support is removed is present.

17. The machine tool according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the controller is configured to cause the at least one drive device to move the tubular shaft to the first position to position the probe to contact the tool with the probe.

18. The machine tool according to claim 15, wherein the user interface is operable to receive a user input indicating that the probe contacts the tool, the controller is configured to cause the at least one drive device to move the tubular shaft from the second position to the first position.

19. The machine tool according to claim 15, wherein the machine tool further comprises the probe having a sensing portion, the controller is configured to cause the at least one drive device to move the tubular shaft to the first position in which the sensing portion of the probe and the tool are aligned in a radial direction with respect to the rotation axis.

20. The machine tool according to claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to cause the tool holder drive device to move the tool holder, the movement of the tool holder includes moving the tool holder in a plane intersecting the sensing portion of the probe with the tubular shaft positioned at the first position.

21. The machine tool according to claim 15, wherein the spindle device includes an outer tubular shaft including the through hole, the tubular shaft being supported so as to be slidable, the at least one drive device is configured to rotate the outer tubular shaft about the rotation axis, the at least one drive device includes: a first drive device operable to rotate the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft; and a second drive device to move the tubular shaft in an axial direction forward and backward along the guide.

22. The machine tool according to claim 7, wherein the machine tool further comprises a ball spline coupling of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft configured to transmit rotation of one of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft to rotation of the other of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft, The ball spline coupling enables the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft to move relatively in the axial direction, to adjust the position of the workpiece relative to the outer tubular shaft in the axial direction, and to determine the accurate rotational position of the workpiece.

23. The machine tool according to claim 22, characterized in that, the machine tool further comprises: a rotational position sensor; a tool holder for holding at least one tool; a tool holder driving device configured to move the tool holder; and a controller operatively associated with the driving device, the rotational position sensor, and the tool holder driving device, the controller is configured to, determine the position of the workpiece based on at least a portion of the data from the rotational position sensor, cause the tool holder driving device to move the tool holder based on at least a portion of the position of the workpiece determined based on at least a portion of the data from the rotational position sensor, to bring the at least one tool into contact with the workpiece.

24. The machine tool according to claim 22, characterized in that, the machine tool further comprises: a rotational position sensor; a tool holder for holding at least one tool; and a controller operatively associated with the driving device and the rotational position sensor, the controller is configured to, determine the position of the workpiece based on at least a portion of the data from the rotational position sensor, cause the driving device to rotate the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft to determine the position of the workpiece relative to the at least one tool of the tool holder.

25. The machine tool according to claim 22, characterized in that, the ball spline coupling comprises: a spline of one of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft; and a spline nut of the other of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft, the ball spline coupling comprises a ball bearing engaged with the spline and the spline nut.

26. The machine tool according to claim 25, characterized in that, the spline nut comprises a spline, the ball bearing is engaged with the spline of one of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft and the spline of the spline nut.

27. The machine tool according to claim 22, characterized in that, the ball spline coupling comprises a first spline of one of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft, and a spline nut of the other of the tubular shaft and the outer tubular shaft, the spline nut has a second spline, the first spline and the second spline have tapered side portions, the ball spline coupling comprises a ball bearing cam-engaged by the tapered side portions when the spline nut is rotated.

28. A method, which is a setting method of a machine tool, characterized by, comprises: bringing a first end of a tubular shaft inserted into a through hole of a spindle device extending in an axial direction along a rotational axis to an end of the through hole, thereby moving the tubular shaft in the axial direction to a second position; separating the first end of the tubular shaft from the end of the through hole in the axial direction to position the first end of the tubular shaft inside the through hole, thereby positioning the tubular shaft at a first position at which a probe mounted to the tubular shaft contacts a tool; and Based on data obtained by said positioning, determining setup data for said tool.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, positioning said tubular shaft in said first position comprises moving a tool holder of said machine tool such that said tool of said tool holder is in contact with said probe, determining said setup data based on at least part of said movement of said tool holder and a signal from said probe.

30. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein, positioning said tubular shaft in said first position comprises positioning a probe adapter of said probe inside said through hole and positioning a sensing portion of said probe outside said through hole.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein, positioning said tubular shaft in said first position comprises moving a portion of said probe into said through hole.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein, said method further comprises causing removal of a workpiece support configured to support a workpiece movable in said axial direction prior to moving said tubular shaft to said second position.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, causing removal of said workpiece support comprises notifying a user interface of said machine tool.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein, moving said tubular shaft to said second position comprises moving said tubular shaft in a first direction in said axial direction, positioning said tubular shaft in said first position comprises moving said tubular shaft in an axial direction in a second direction in said axial direction opposite said first direction.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein, positioning said tubular shaft in said first position comprises positioning a sensing portion of said probe in a plane in which said tool is movable, said plane is parallel to an X direction and a Y direction.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein, said method further comprises receiving a signal from said probe indicative of contact of said tool with said probe.

37. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein, said method further comprises: after said positioning, moving said tubular shaft to said second position, causing removal of said probe, causing setup of said workpiece support.

38. The method of claim 28, wherein, said method further comprises receiving tool data and probe data via at least one of a communication line and a user interface, positioning said tubular shaft in said first position comprises moving said tool such that said tool is in contact with said probe, determining said setup data for said tool based on at least part of said movement of said tool, said signal from said probe and said tool data.

39. The method of claim 28, wherein, said method further comprises: after contact with said probe, moving said tool to a standby position, moving a tool holder of said machine tool such that another tool is in contact with said probe, According to at least a part of said movement of another tool holder, setting data for said another tool is determined.

40. The method of claim 28, wherein, the method further comprises: removing, from said one end of said through-hole, a workpiece support body configured to support a workpiece so as to be movable in said axial direction, mounting said probe to said tubular shaft when said tubular shaft is in said second position.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein, mounting said probe to said tubular shaft includes coupling said probe to a workpiece clamp configured to connect to said tubular shaft and secure said workpiece to said tubular shaft.

42. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising: the computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a processor of a machine tool, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 28 to 39.

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