Releasing arm and machine tool

Abstract

The invention provides a loosening arm and a machine tool capable of avoiding interference with other components. The release arm (50) includes a right fulcrum portion (63), a left fulcrum portion (64), a cam follower (54), and pressing portions (57, 58). The right fulcrum part 63 and the left fulcrum part 64 are rotatably supported in the spindle head. The cam follower 54 comes into contact with a cam surface provided on the column in accordance with the movement of the spindle head and receives an external force. When the cam follower 54 receives an external force and rotates about the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64, the pressing parts 57, 58 press or not press a pin of a pull rod provided in the main shaft. The pressing portions 57, 58 are located between the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 and the cam follower 54, the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 and the pressing portions 57, 58 are located on a straight line intersecting with the axial direction of the main shaft, and the cam follower 54 is located at a position away from the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 toward one side of the column.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a release arm and a machine tool. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an automatic tool changing device. The automatic tool changing device performs tool exchange of a machine tool. A release rod is rotatably provided in the spindle head of the machine tool. The release rod is in a straight line extending in the up-down direction, with a fulcrum portion at the lower part, a cam surface at the upper part, and a pressing portion between the fulcrum portion and the cam surface. The fulcrum portion is rotatably mounted on a support shaft provided in the spindle head. The pressing portion abuts against a pin of a pull rod provided in the spindle. The cam surface is located below a cam follower provided inside a column. When the spindle head rises, the distance between the spindle and the cam follower is shortened, and the cam surface of the release rod abuts against the cam follower. As the cam follower slides along the cam surface, the cam surface moves forward, and the release rod swings around the support shaft. The pressing portion of the release rod presses the pin of the pull rod forward. The pull rod moves forward against the spring force, and the pull rod releases the clamping state of the tool holder installed on the spindle.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-740 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The release lever described in Patent Document 1 is in the shape of a straight line extending in the vertical direction, so the fulcrum portion, the pressing portion, and the cam surface are arranged in the vertical direction. In the spindle head, the area opposite to the fulcrum portion relative to the spindle is narrow, and other components such as the ball screw that moves the spindle head are located in front of the cam surface. When the distance between the cam surface and other components is short, when the release lever swings toward the front side with the fulcrum portion as the center, the cam surface may interfere with other components.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a release arm and a machine tool capable of avoiding interference with other components.

[0009] Technical means of solving problems

[0010] The release arm of claim 1 is rotatably supported in a spindle head of a machine tool, the machine tool comprising a spindle for mounting a tool, a tool clamping mechanism arranged inside the spindle and fixing the tool to or releasing the tool from the spindle, the spindle head rotatably holding the spindle, and a column movably supporting the spindle head, the release arm operates the tool clamping mechanism to fix or release the tool, and the release arm is characterized in that it comprises: a fulcrum portion rotatably supported in the spindle head; a force point portion rotatably supported in the spindle head; and a force point portion rotatably supported in the spindle head. The spindle head moves to contact with the contact part provided on the column and receive external force; and the action point part, when the force point part receives the external force and rotates around the fulcrum part, the tool clamping mechanism is pressed or not pressed, and the tool clamping mechanism is operated to fix or release the tool, the action point part is located between the fulcrum part and the force point part, the fulcrum part and the action point part are located on a straight line intersecting the axial direction of the spindle, and the force point part is located at a position away from the fulcrum part toward one side of the column. The force point part of the release arm is arranged at a position away from the fulcrum part toward one side of the column. Therefore, when the release arm rotates with the movement of the spindle head, the force point part can avoid the interference area. The interference area refers to the area on the opposite side of the fulcrum part relative to the spindle, that is, the area that may interfere with other parts. The action point portion of the release arm is located between the fulcrum portion and the force point portion, so that the arm portion connecting the fulcrum portion and the force point portion and the arm portion connecting the fulcrum portion and the action point portion can be concentrated in one shape. Therefore, compared with a structure in which the two arm portions are formed in different shapes, the release arm can be designed more compactly. "Tool" is a concept including a tool handle that holds the tool. In addition, the force point portion may be located at a position away from the fulcrum portion toward one side of the column and away in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft.

[0011] The axial direction of the spindle of the machine tool to which the release arm of claim 2 is applicable may be in a horizontal direction. Since the axial direction is in a horizontal direction, the machine tool on which the release arm is provided is a horizontal machine tool. In a horizontal machine tool, the interference area may be located above the spindle. In this case, by arranging the fulcrum portion below the spindle, the force point portion can be arranged at a position away from the interference area toward one side of the column.

[0012] The contact portion of the machine tool to which the release arm of claim 3 is applied may be provided with a cam, and the force point portion may be provided with a roller sliding on the cam. As the spindle head moves, the roller provided at the force point portion of the release arm slides on the cam provided on one side of the column, so that the release arm can rotate well around the fulcrum portion.

[0013] The fulcrum portion of the release arm of claim 4 can be arranged at a position away from the moving surface of the side where the spindle head of the column moves toward the side of the spindle, and the force point portion can contact the contact portion provided on the moving surface of the column and receive the external force as the spindle head moves. In the structure in which the contact portion is provided on the moving surface of the column, the release arm needs to be arranged on the outside of the column. By arranging the fulcrum portion at a position away from the moving surface of the column toward the side of the spindle, the force point portion can be brought into contact with the contact portion when the release arm is arranged on the outside of the column. Therefore, the release arm can receive external force through the contact between the force point portion and the contact portion, and can swing around the fulcrum portion, so that the force point portion can avoid the interference area.

[0014] An extension portion may be provided between the action point portion and the force point portion of the release arm of claim 5, and the extension portion extends from one side of the action point portion toward one side of the column in a direction intersecting the straight line. Therefore, since the release arm has the extension portion between the action point portion and the force point portion, the force point portion can be easily arranged at a position away from the fulcrum portion toward one side of the column.

[0015] The machine tool of claim 6 comprises a spindle for mounting a tool, a tool clamping mechanism arranged inside the spindle and fixing the tool to or releasing the tool from the spindle, a spindle head rotatably holding the spindle, a column movably supporting the spindle head, and a release arm rotatably supported in the spindle head and operating the tool clamping mechanism to fix or release the tool, wherein the machine tool is characterized in that the release arm comprises: a fulcrum portion rotatably supported in the spindle head; a force point portion rotatably supported in the spindle head; and a force point portion rotatably supported in the spindle head. The shaft head moves to contact with the contact part provided on the column and receive external force; and the action point part, when the force point part receives the external force and rotates around the fulcrum part, presses or does not press the tool clamping mechanism, and operates the tool clamping mechanism to fix or release the tool, the action point part is located between the fulcrum part and the force point part, the fulcrum part and the action point part are located on a straight line intersecting the axial direction of the spindle, and the force point part is located at a position away from the fulcrum part toward the column side. Therefore, the machine tool can obtain the same effect as claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] [ Figure 1 ] is a stereoscopic view of the machine tool 1.

[0017] [ Figure 2 ] is a stereoscopic view of the machine tool 1 (shutter 103: closed).

[0018] [ Figure 3 ] is a stereoscopic view of the machine tool 1 (shutter: open).

[0019] [ Figure 4 ] is a three-dimensional view of the machine tool 1 (the tool magazine cover is omitted).

[0020] [ Figure 5 ] is a right side view of the machine tool 1 (tool magazine cover omitted).

[0021] [ Figure 6 ] is a right side view of the periphery of the column 5 showing a portion of the spindle head 6 in cross section.

[0022] [ Figure 7 ] is displayed from Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the release arm 50 is swung forward.

[0023] [ Figure 8 ] is a three-dimensional view of the release arm 50.

[0024] [ Fig. 9 ] is a right side view of the release arm 50.

[0025] [ Fig.10 ] is a right side view of the machine tool 1 just after the processing is completed.

[0026] [ Fig.11 ] is displayed from Fig.10 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the spindle 7 is retreated.

[0027] [ Fig.12 ] is a diagram showing the state where the spindle 7 rises to the Y-axis ATC origin.

[0028] [ Fig.13 ] is a diagram showing the state where the main shaft 7 retracts to the ATC position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description uses left and right, up and down, and front and back directions indicated by arrows in the figures. The left and right directions, up and down directions, and front and back directions of the machine tool 1 are the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction of the machine tool 1, respectively. Figure 1 The machine tool 1 shown is a spindle 7 (see Figure 2 , Figure 6 ) is a horizontal machine tool extending in the front-to-back direction (Z-axis direction), and the column 5 described later moves in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 7 , the structure of the machine tool 1 is described. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the machine tool 1 has a base 2, a column 5, a spindle head 6, and a spindle 7 (see Figure 2 , Figure 6 )、control box 8、rotating table 9、X-axis moving mechanism 11、Z-axis moving mechanism 12、Y-axis moving mechanism 13 (see Figure 6 ), ATC device 30 (see Figure 4 ), tool magazine 10, etc. The base 2 is an iron base that is elongated in the Z-axis direction and is slightly rectangular in a plane view. The X-axis moving mechanism 11 is arranged at the rear of the upper surface of the base 2 and supports the slide 15 so that it can move in the X-axis direction. The Z-axis moving mechanism 12 is arranged on the upper surface of the slide 15 and supports the column 5 so that it can move in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] The column 5 is a column extending in the vertical direction. The column 5 has a through hole 5A (see Figure 4 The through hole 5A is in a longitudinally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and penetrates the front and rear surfaces of the column 5 in the front-to-back direction. The frame cover 20 is mounted on the front surface of the column 5. The frame cover 20 is a frame body in a longitudinally long rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and covers the gap between the column 5 and the spindle head 6 described later from the outside. The Y-axis moving mechanism 13 is arranged on the front surface 5B of the column 5 (see Figure 6 , Figure 7 ), the spindle head 6 can be supported movably along the front surface 5B of the column 5 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 6 ). Therefore, the column 5 can movably support the spindle head 6. The X-axis moving mechanism 11, the Z-axis moving mechanism 12, and the Y-axis moving mechanism 13 have, for example, guide rails, ball screws, and motors, and the target components (slide 15, column 5, spindle head 6) are moved along the guide rails by the power of the motor.

[0032] The spindle head 6 extends in the Z-axis direction, and the front end side is roughly cylindrical, and the rear end side is roughly rectangular. The machine tool 1 has a processing area and an ATC area (see Figure 5 ). In the Y-axis direction, the spindle head 6 can move between the processing area and the ATC area. The processing area is set in a space that is closer to the base 2 side (lower side) than the Y-axis origin. The Y-axis origin refers to the position where the mechanical coordinate of the Y-axis is 0. The processing area is an area for processing the workpiece fixed on the upper surface of the rotary table 9. The ATC area is set in a space on the opposite side (upper side) of the processing area relative to the Y-axis origin. The ATC area is an area for tool exchange through the ATC device 30. The ATC area is set on the upper side of the processing area and overlaps with the processing area in the Z-axis direction.

[0033] The spindle head 6 has an upper cover 28 and an armor cover 85. The upper cover 28 is a metal plate that is roughly rectangular when viewed from the front. The lower end of the upper cover 28 is fixed to the rear end of the upper surface of the spindle head 6. The upper cover 28 extends upward from the rear end of the upper surface of the spindle head 6. The upper cover 28 moves up and down integrally with the spindle head 6, thereby always covering the area of ​​the front surface of the column 5 that is above the spindle head 6 from the front. The armor cover 85 is fixed to the rear end of the lower surface of the spindle head 6 in a hanging state. The armor cover 85 has a plurality of metal plates arranged in the up-down direction, and can be telescopically extended and retracted in the up-down direction according to the height of the spindle head 6, thereby always covering the area of ​​the front surface of the column 5 that is below the spindle head 6 from the front.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, the spindle 7 is arranged in the spindle head 6, coaxial with the spindle head 6 and extending in the Z-axis direction. The spindle head 6 rotatably supports the spindle 7. The spindle head 6 holds the spindle motor 26. The output shaft 26A of the spindle motor 26 extends forward and is coaxially connected to the rear end of the spindle 7 through the coupling 25. A release arm 50 is arranged in the spindle head 6. The release arm 50 clamps (clamps) and fixes and releases the tool holder 90 mounted on the spindle. The specific shape and action of the release arm 50 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The spindle 7 has a tool mounting hole 40, a tool holder clamping portion 41, and a pull rod 42. The tool mounting hole 40 is provided at the front end portion of the spindle 7 (see Figure 1 , Figure 6 ). The tool mounting hole 40 is a tapered hole that is roughly conical and expands in diameter toward the front end of the spindle 7. The tool holder clamping portion 41 is arranged on the inner side (rear end side) of the tool mounting hole 40. The pull rod 42 is coaxially inserted into the axial hole of the spindle 7 and is arranged to be able to move freely in the front and rear directions. A guide hole 44 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rear end side of the spindle 7. The guide hole 44 is a long hole extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the spindle 7 and penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The pull rod 42 has a pin 43 at the rear end. The pin 43 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pull rod 42 and protrudes to the outside of the spindle 7 through the guide hole 44 of the spindle 7. The guide hole 44 guides the pin 43 parallel to the axial direction.

[0036] The tool holder 90 is detachably mounted in the tool mounting hole 40. The tool holder 90 holds the tool 91 at one end and has a tapered portion 92 and a traction bolt 93 at the other end. The tapered portion 92 is roughly in a conical shape corresponding to the tool mounting hole 40, and gradually decreases in diameter toward the opposite side away from the tool 91. The traction bolt 93 protrudes from the top of the tapered portion 92 toward the direction away from the tapered portion 92. The tapered portion 92 is tightly mounted in the tool mounting hole 40 of the spindle 7. When the tapered portion 92 is mounted in the tool mounting hole 40, the tool holder clamping portion 41 clamps the traction bolt 93. In this state, the tool holder clamping portion 41 is pulled backward by a spring (not shown), thereby locking the clamping of the traction bolt 93. When the pull rod 42 presses the tool holder clamping portion 41 toward the front in the shaft hole of the spindle 7, the tool holder clamping portion 41 moves toward the front against the spring force, thereby releasing the clamping of the traction bolt 93.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the base 2 has a pair of support members 17 and 18 at the rear. The support members 17 and 18 are separated from each other in the left-right direction and extend upward to support the control box 8 from below. The control box 8 contains a control panel (not shown) inside. The control panel controls the operation of the machine tool 1. Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a fixed table 16 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the base 2. The rotary table 9 is rotatably supported on the fixed table 16. The rotary table 9 is located in front of the spindle head 6. The rotary table 9 fixes the workpiece (not shown) on the upper surface through a clamp (not shown), and can be rotated and positioned 360° around a rotation axis parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the base 2 has a pair of support columns 21 and 22 on the front side and on the left and right sides of the upper surface. The support column 21 extends upward from the right side of the upper surface of the base 2 and the upper part is bent about 90 degrees to the left. The support column 22 extends upward from the left side of the upper surface of the base 2 and the upper part is bent about 90 degrees to the right. The connecting plate 23 is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from the front, and is fixed between the upper parts of the support columns 21 and 22 that face each other.

[0039] The ATC device 30 is fixed to the front surface of the connecting plate 23. The ATC device 30 is supported above the spindle head 6 by the support columns 21 and 22. Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the ATC device 30 has a tool magazine 31, a speed reducer 32, a tool magazine motor 33, etc. The tool magazine 31 has a tool magazine base 37 and a plurality of clamping arms 38. The tool magazine base 37 is roughly disc-shaped and is rotatably supported on the front surface of the connecting plate 23 with an axis parallel to the Z-axis direction as the center. The speed reducer 32 and the tool magazine motor 33 are mounted on the tool magazine base 37. The output shaft (not shown) of the tool magazine motor 33 is connected to the rotating shaft (not shown) of the tool magazine base 37 through the speed reducer 32. Therefore, the power of the tool magazine motor 33 is transmitted to the rotating shaft of the tool magazine base 37 through the speed reducer 32. A plurality of clamping arms 38 are arranged along the outer periphery of the tool magazine base 37 and extend radially toward the radial outside. The front end of the clamping arm 38 clamps the tool handle 90 from a direction perpendicular to the tool handle 90 in a posture that the tool handle 90 is placed horizontally. The tool exchange position of the tool magazine 31 is the lowest position of the tool magazine 31. The gripper arm 38 for tool exchange with the spindle 7 is indexed to the tool exchange position by the rotation of the tool magazine 31.

[0040] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the tool magazine cover 10 is fixed to the front surface of the upper part of each of the support columns 21 and 22. The tool magazine cover 10 is box-shaped and covers the periphery of the tool magazine 31. The tool magazine cover 10 prevents the chips and the splashes of the cutting fluid from adhering to the tool magazine 31. An opening 102 is provided on the bottom wall 101 of the tool magazine cover 10. The opening 102 is rectangular in shape when viewed from the bottom surface and is located directly below the tool exchange position of the tool magazine 31. A shutter 103 is provided at the opening 102. The shutter 103 opens and closes the opening 102 according to the control of the control panel.

[0041] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 , explaining the shape of the release arm 50. The release arm 50 is formed into a substantially upside-down L shape when viewed from the right side, and has two legs 51, an arm 52, a cam follower support portion 53, and a cam follower 54 in order from bottom to top.

[0042] The two-legged portion 51 is in the shape of two legs separated to the left and right sides downward when viewed from the front. The two-legged portion 51 has a central portion 60, a right side portion 61 and a left side portion 62. The central portion 60 forms the upper portion of the two-legged portion 51 and extends in the left-right direction. The right side portion 61 hangs down from the right end of the central portion 60 and has a right fulcrum portion 63 at the lower portion. The right fulcrum portion 63 protrudes in a semicircular arc shape from the lower portion of the right side portion 61 at the front side obliquely downward when viewed from the right side. The right fulcrum portion 63 has a support hole 631. The support hole 631 is circular when viewed from the right side and penetrates the center of the right fulcrum portion 63 in the left-right direction. The right side portion 61 has a section 611 on the upper side of the front surface. The section 611 protrudes toward the front, and its front surface has a pressing portion 57 that is circular when viewed from the front.

[0043] The left side portion 62 hangs down from the left end portion of the central portion 60, and has a left fulcrum portion 64 at the lower portion. The left fulcrum portion 64 protrudes in a semicircular arc shape from the lower portion of the left side portion 62 at the front side obliquely downward. The left fulcrum portion 64 has a support hole 641. The support hole 641 is circular when viewed from the left side, and penetrates the left fulcrum portion 64 in the left-right direction. The left side portion 62 has a section 621 on the upper side of the front surface. The section 621 protrudes forward, and its front surface has a pressing portion 58 that is circular when viewed from the front. The material of the pressing portions 57 and 58 is not limited, for example, elastic components such as resin and rubber can be used. In the support holes 631 and 641, the fulcrum shaft 45 (refer to Figure 6 The width of the interval between the left side surface of the right side portion 61 and the right side surface of the left side portion 62 in the left-right direction is longer than the outer diameter of the main shaft 7 .

[0044] The arm portion 52 extends from the upper portion of the central portion 60 of the two-branch portion 51 toward the rear (toward the column 5 side). The arm portion 52 is bent at an obtuse angle in a V-shape at the approximately middle portion in the front-rear direction as viewed from the right side. The arm portion 52 has an oblique portion 65, a transverse portion 66, a corner column portion 55, and a stop pin 56. The oblique portion 65 extends obliquely upward from the upper portion of the central portion 60 of the two-branch portion 51 at the rear side. The transverse portion 66 extends approximately horizontally toward the rear from the rear end portion of the oblique portion 65. The corner column portion 55 is provided on the upper side of the connection portion between the oblique portion 65 and the transverse portion 66, and protrudes toward the left and right sides from the left and right surfaces of the connection portion. The stop pin 56 protrudes toward the left from the left end surface of the corner column portion 55. One end of a tension spring 72 is fixed to the stop pin 56. The other end of the tension spring 72 is fixed in the spindle head 6. The tension spring 72 always pulls the stop pin 56 toward the rear. The tension spring 72 may also be a coil spring.

[0045] The cam follower support portion 53 protrudes obliquely upward from the rear end portion of the transverse portion 66 at the rear side. The cam follower support portion 53 rotatably supports the cam follower 54. The cam follower support portion 53 is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the front, and has a lower side portion 67, a right support portion 68, and a left support portion 69. The lower side portion 67 is inclined obliquely upward from the rear end portion of the transverse portion 66 of the arm portion 52 at the rear side and extends in the left-right direction. The right support portion 68 protrudes obliquely upward from the right end portion of the lower side portion 67. The right support portion 68 has a support hole 681 at the upper portion. The support hole 681 is circular when viewed from the right side, and penetrates the upper portion of the right support portion 68 in the left-right direction. The left support portion 69 protrudes obliquely upward from the left end portion of the lower side portion 67. The left support portion 69 has a support hole (not shown) at the upper portion. The support hole has the same shape as the support hole 681 of the right support portion 68. The right support portion 68 and the left support portion 69 face each other in the left-right direction.

[0046] The cam follower 54 has a rotating shaft 541. The rotating shaft 541 passes through a shaft hole (not shown) in the center of the cam follower 54 in the left-right direction. The right end of the rotating shaft 541 is inserted and fixed in the support hole 681 of the right support part 68, and the left end of the rotating shaft 541 is inserted and fixed in the support hole (not shown) of the left support part 69. The cam follower 54 is arranged between the right support part 68 and the left support part 69, and rotates around the rotating shaft 541.

[0047] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 , which explains the configuration of the release arm 50 in the spindle head 6. The spindle head 6 has a fulcrum shaft 45 at the inner bottom. The fulcrum shaft 45 is a round rod extending below the spindle 7 in the X-axis direction. The right side portion 61 and the left side portion 62 of the two-branch portion 51 are arranged on the right and left sides of the spindle 7. The right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 are arranged below the spindle 7. The fulcrum shaft 45 passes through the support hole 631 of the right fulcrum portion 63 and the support hole 641 of the left fulcrum portion 64 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the release arm 50 can swing freely around the fulcrum shaft 45. The pressing portions 57 and 58 are located above the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64. The pressing portions 57 and 58 contact the two end portions of the pin 43 protruding from the guide hole 44 of the spindle 7 from the rear.

[0048] The oblique portion 65 is inclined upward from the upper portion of the two-branch portion 51 and extends to the interference region M (see Figure 6 , Fig. 9 ). The interference area M is a space located above the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64 with respect to the main shaft 7, and is an area that may interfere with other components such as the upper cover 28, the ATC device 30, and the upper parts of the support columns 21 and 22. The lateral portion 66 extends from directly below the interference area M toward the front surface side of the column 5. Therefore, the arm portion 52 can avoid the interference area M (see Figure 6 ).

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the cam fixing platform 501 is arranged on the upper front surface of the column 5. The cam fixing platform 501 has a fixing surface parallel to the Y-axis direction on the front side. The cam component 80 is fixed to the fixing surface with screws. The cam surface 81 of the cam component 80 is arranged to face the front. The cam surface 81 is an inclined surface that gradually inclines from the bottom to the top toward the front. When the spindle head 6 is located in the processing area, the cam follower 54 supported by the cam follower support portion 53 is located behind the interference area M and below the cam surface 81. The tension spring 72 (refer to Figure 8 ) always pulls the stopper pin 56 toward the front surface side of the column 5. Therefore, the release arm 50 is always biased in the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side with the fulcrum shaft 45 as the center.

[0050] Next, the ATC operation of the machine tool 1 will be described. Figure 10 to Figure 13 The tool holder 90 and the support column 21 are omitted. In order to explain the position of the spindle 7 during the ATC operation, the movement of the spindle head 6 is used as the movement of the spindle 7. Fig.10 As shown, during workpiece processing, the spindle 7 is located in the processing area. The shutter 103 of the tool magazine 10 is in a closed state (refer to Figure 2 The tool mounting hole 40 of the spindle 7 is provided with a tapered portion 92 for clamping the tool holder 90 of the current tool. The tool holder clamping portion 41 clamps the traction bolt 93 of the tool holder 90 and locks it by spring force (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0051] The CPU of the control panel reads the tool change instructions of the NC program. Fig.11 As shown, the spindle 7 retreats in the Z-axis direction to a position where the tool 91 does not contact the workpiece and fixture (not shown) on the rotary table 9. The shutter 103 of the tool magazine 10 is opened (see Figure 3 ). The clamp arm 38 located at the tool exchange position is exposed from below through the opening 102. The clamp arm 38 located at the tool exchange position is in an empty state without clamping the tool holder 90.

[0052] The spindle 7 starts to rise and moves toward the Y-axis ATC origin. The Y-axis ATC origin is a position with the same coordinates as the ATC origin in the Y-axis direction and is located in front of the ATC origin. The ATC origin is a reference point for tool exchange set in the ATC area and is a position where the tool magazine 31 can rotate. Fig.12 As shown, as the spindle 7 rises, the tool holder 90 mounted on the spindle 7 is pressed from below into the clamping arm 38 at the tool exchange position through the opening 102 of the tool magazine 10. When the spindle 7 reaches the Y-axis ATC origin, the clamping arm 38 clamps the tool holder 90.

[0053] On the other hand, as the main shaft 7 rises, the cam follower 54 contacts the lower portion of the cam surface 81 and slides upward along the cam surface 81 (see FIG. Figure 7). The tension spring 72 always applies force to the release arm 50 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the right side. Therefore, the cam follower 54 is in close contact with the cam surface 81. As the cam follower 54 slides upward along the cam surface 81, it moves forward. Therefore, the release arm 50 swings counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, with the fulcrum shaft 45 as the center, resisting the elastic force of the tension spring 72. The pressing parts 57 and 58 contact the two ends of the pin 43 of the pull rod 42 from the rear and press the pull rod 42 toward the front. In this embodiment, when observing the clamping arm 38 from the right side, the fulcrum center of the right fulcrum part 63 and the left fulcrum part 64 and the right surface of the pin 43 (i.e., the front surface of each of the pressing parts 57 and 58) are arranged on a straight line extending in the up-down direction, so that the pressing parts 57 and 58 can press the two ends of the pin 43 parallel to the main shaft 7. The pull rod 42 applies force to the tool holder clamping part 41 toward the front. The tool holder clamping portion 41 releases the lock on the draw bolt 93 . The tool holder 90 becomes detachable from the tool mounting hole 40 of the spindle 7 .

[0054] In the state where the clamp arm 38 clamps the tool holder 90 mounted on the spindle 7, the spindle 7 retreats from the Y-axis ATC origin to the ATC position (refer to Fig.13 ). The tool holder 90 is disengaged from the tool mounting hole 40. After that, the tool magazine 31 rotates and indexes the clamping arm 38 holding the tool holder of the next tool to the tool exchange position. The next tool is the next tool to be mounted on the spindle 7 specified by the tool exchange instruction. The tapered portion 92 of the tool holder 90 of the next tool is located in front of the tool mounting hole 40 of the spindle 7.

[0055] Spindle 7 moves from the ATC position toward the Y-axis ATC origin (refer to Fig.12 ). The tapered portion 92 of the tool holder 90 is inserted into the tool mounting hole 40, and the tool holder clamping portion 41 clamps the traction bolt 93. The cam follower 54 slides along the cam surface 81 from top to bottom. As the cam follower 54 moves toward the rear, the release arm 50 swings clockwise around the fulcrum shaft 45 as viewed from the right side. The pressing portions 57 and 58 move away from both ends of the pin 43 toward the rear, releasing the pressure on the pull rod 42 toward the front. The pull rod 42 releases the force applied to the tool holder clamping portion 41 toward the front, so that the tool holder clamping portion 41 locks the clamping of the traction bolt 93. At this point, the ATC action is completed, and the spindle 7 descends to the processing area to process the next workpiece.

[0056] In the above description, the tool holder clamping portion 41 and the pull rod 42 are examples of the tool clamping mechanism of the present invention. The right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 are examples of the fulcrum portion of the present invention. The cam follower 54 is an example of the force point portion of the present invention, and an example of a roller. The pressing portions 57 and 58 are examples of the action point portion of the present invention. The cam component 80 fixed to the upper front surface of the column 5 is an example of the contact portion of the present invention. The front surface 5B of the column 5 is an example of the moving surface of the present invention.

[0057] As described above, the machine tool 1 of the present embodiment includes the spindle 7, the tool holder clamping portion 41, the draw bar 42, the spindle head 6, the column 5, and the release arm 50. The column 5 movably supports the spindle head 6. The spindle head 6 rotatably holds the spindle 7. The tool holder 90 is mounted on the spindle 7. The tool holder clamping portion 41 and the draw bar 42 are disposed inside the spindle 7 and fix the tool holder 90 to or release it from the spindle 7. The release arm 50 is rotatably supported inside the spindle head 6, and the tool holder clamping portion 41 is operated to fix or release the tool holder 90 by pressing or not pressing the pin 43 of the draw bar 42 as the spindle head 6 moves. The release arm 50 includes a right fulcrum portion 63, a left fulcrum portion 64, a cam follower 54, and pressing portions 57 and 58. The right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 are rotatably supported on a fulcrum shaft 45 disposed inside the spindle head 6. The cam follower 54 contacts the cam surface 81 provided on the column 5 as the spindle head 6 moves and receives an external force. When the cam follower 54 receives an external force and rotates around the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64, the pressing parts 57 and 58 press or do not press the pin 43 of the pull rod 42. In such a release arm 50, the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64, the pressing parts 57 and 58, and the cam follower 54 are arranged in this order, and the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64 and the pressing parts 57 and 58 are arranged on a straight line intersecting the axial direction of the spindle 7, and the cam follower 54 is arranged at a position away from the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64 toward the column 5.

[0058] Therefore, when the release arm 50 rotates with the movement of the spindle head 6, the cam follower 54 can avoid the interference area M, thereby reducing the possibility of interference with other components. The release arm 50 is sequentially configured from bottom to top with the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64, the pressing portions 57 and 58, and the cam follower 54, so that the arm portion from the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 to the cam follower 54 and the arm portion from the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 to the pressing portions 57 and 58 can be concentrated in one shape. Therefore, compared with a structure in which these two arm portions are configured in different shapes, the release arm 50 can be designed more compactly.

[0059] The machine tool 1 is horizontal, so the axial direction of the spindle 7 is horizontal. The interference area M is an area including other components such as the ATC device 30 and the upper cover 28 located on the upper side of the spindle 7. The right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 of the release arm 50 are arranged below the spindle 7. Therefore, the release arm 50 can be provided with the pressing parts 57 and 58 above the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64, and the cam follower 54 can be arranged at a position away from the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 toward the side of the column 5. Therefore, the cam follower 54 can avoid the interference area M.

[0060] As the spindle head 6 moves up and down, the cam follower 54 slides on the cam surface 81. Since the cam follower 54 slides on the cam surface 81, the external force is applied to the cam follower 54, so that the release arm 50 can swing smoothly and stably around the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64.

[0061] The right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64 are arranged at positions away from the front surface of the column 5 toward the front. The cam follower 54 slides on the cam surface 81 provided on the front surface of the column 5 and receives external force as the spindle head 6 moves up and down. Therefore, the release arm 50 can swing around the right fulcrum 63 and the left fulcrum 64 as the center by contacting the cam surface 81 and receiving external force through the cam follower 54.

[0062] The release arm 50 is provided with an arm portion 52 between the pressing portions 57 and 58 and the cam follower 54. The arm portion 52 has an oblique portion 65 and a transverse portion 66. The oblique portion 65 extends obliquely upward from one side of the pressing portions 57 and 58 toward the front surface of the column 5, and the transverse portion 66 extends from the upper end of the oblique portion 65 toward one side, that is, the rear of the column 5. Therefore, the release arm 50 can easily arrange the cam follower 54 at a position away from the right fulcrum portion 63 and the left fulcrum portion 64 toward the side of the column 5.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The machine tool 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment is horizontal, but the axial direction of the main axis can also be vertical in the up-down direction. The machine tool 1 is provided with a Z-axis moving mechanism 12 on the X-axis moving mechanism 11, but the up-down positions of the X-axis moving mechanism 11 and the Z-axis moving mechanism 12 can also be reversed. The machine tool 1 can be a column 5 that moves in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, or the position of the column 5 can be fixed relative to the base 2, and the worktable supporting the workpiece can move in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0064] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a cam follower 54 is provided at the force point of the release arm 50, and a cam component 80 is provided on the upper front surface of the column 5. As the spindle head 6 moves up and down, the cam follower 54 slides on the cam surface 81 of the cam component 80. However, for example, a structure in which the cam follower and the cam component are interchangeable can also be adopted.

[0065] The release arm 50 is provided with two branches 51 at the lower side, but it is not necessary to be divided into two branches. The two branches 51 are provided with two right fulcrums 63 and left fulcrums 64 at the lower part of the right side 61 and the left side 62, respectively, and two pressing parts 57 and 58 are provided on the full surface of each, but the number of the fulcrums and the pressing parts can be one or more.

[0066] The arm portion 52 of the release arm 50 is composed of two parts, namely, the oblique portion 65 and the transverse portion 66. However, as long as it extends from the upper part of the central portion 60 of the two-legged portion 51 toward the rear (toward the pillar 5 side), its shape is not limited. For example, the arm portion 52 is bent at an obtuse angle in a V shape at about the middle part, but it can also be bent smoothly. It can also be bent from the upper part of the central portion 60 of the two-legged portion 51 toward the rear and then directly extend to the pillar 5 side.

[0067] Explanation of symbols

[0068] 1: Machine tools

[0069] 5: Column

[0070] 5B: Front surface

[0071] 6: Spindle head

[0072] 7: Spindle

[0073] 41: Tool holder clamping part

[0074] 42: Pull rod

[0075] 43: Pin

[0076] 50: Release the arm

[0077] 52: Arm

[0078] 54: Cam follower

[0079] 57, 58: Pressing part

[0080] 63: Right fulcrum part

[0081] 64: Left fulcrum part

[0082] 65: Direction Department

[0083] 66: Horizontal section

[0084] 80: Cam parts

[0085] 90: Handle

[0086] 91: Knife

Claims

1. A release arm rotatably supported in a spindle head of a machine tool, the machine tool comprising a spindle on which a tool is mounted, a tool clamping mechanism disposed inside the spindle and fixing or releasing the tool to or from the spindle, the spindle head rotatably holding the spindle, and a column movably supporting the spindle head, the release arm operates the tool clamping mechanism to fix or release the tool, and the release arm is characterized in that it comprises: A fulcrum portion rotatably supported in the spindle head; A force point portion, which contacts with a contact portion provided on the column and receives an external force as the spindle head moves; and The action point part presses or does not press the tool clamping mechanism when the force point part receives the external force and rotates around the fulcrum part, thereby operating the tool clamping mechanism to fix or release the tool. The action point portion is located between the fulcrum portion and the force point portion, The fulcrum portion and the action point portion are located on a straight line intersecting the axial direction of the main shaft, The force point portion is located at a position away from the fulcrum portion toward one side of the column.

2. The release arm according to claim 1, characterized in that The axial direction is a horizontal direction.

3. The release arm according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The contact portion is provided with a cam, The force point portion is provided with a roller sliding on the cam.

4. The release arm according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fulcrum portion is arranged at a position away from a moving surface of the column on a side where the spindle head moves toward one side of the spindle, The force point portion contacts the contact portion provided on the moving surface of the column as the spindle head moves and receives the external force.

5. The release arm according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An extension portion is provided between the action point portion and the force point portion, and the extension portion extends from one side of the action point portion toward one side of the column in a direction intersecting the straight line.

6. A machine tool, comprising a spindle on which a tool is mounted, a tool clamping mechanism disposed inside the spindle and fixing or releasing the tool to or from the spindle, a spindle head rotatably holding the spindle, a column movably supporting the spindle head, and a release arm rotatably supported in the spindle head and operating the tool clamping mechanism to fix or release the tool, wherein the machine tool is characterized in that: The release arm comprises: A fulcrum portion rotatably supported in the spindle head; A force point portion, which contacts with a contact portion provided on the column and receives an external force as the spindle head moves; and The action point part presses or does not press the tool clamping mechanism when the force point part receives the external force and rotates around the fulcrum part, thereby operating the tool clamping mechanism to fix or release the tool. The action point portion is located between the fulcrum portion and the force point portion, The fulcrum portion and the action point portion are located on a straight line intersecting the axial direction of the main shaft, The force point portion is located at a position away from the fulcrum portion toward one side of the column.

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