Cutting machine

Abstract

To easily move a material to be cut toward a holding device.SOLUTION: A holding device 30 of a cutting machine 100 includes a first arm 101 and a second arm 102 which extend in an attaching / detaching direction D1. In the first arm 101 and the second arm 102, slid spaces 135 and 145 are formed between lower side slid sections 131 and 141 extending in the attaching / detaching direction D1, respectively, and upper side slid sections 133 and 143 which extend in the attaching / detaching direction D1 and are arranged above the lower side slid sections 131 and 141. An adapter 6 for holding a material 5 to be cut is arranged at each of both ends in a sandwiching direction D2 crossing the attaching / detaching direction D1 and has a first slide section 251 and a second slide section 252, which extend in the attaching / detaching direction D1. The first slide section 251 and the second slide section 252 of the adapter 6 for holding the material 5 to be cut enter the slid spaces 135 and 145, respectively, and can move slidably.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cutting machine that rotates a rod-shaped cutting tool around an axis to machine a workpiece. The cutting machine includes a spindle having a gripping portion that grips a cutting tool for machining the workpiece, and a holding device that holds an adapter for holding the workpiece.

[0003] The holding device includes a first arm extending in a first direction and a second arm arranged in a second direction and extending in the first direction. The adapter for holding the workpiece has a first guide projection slidable with respect to the first arm and a second guide projection slidable with respect to the second arm. When attaching the workpiece to the holding device, the first guide projection of the adapter is slid along the first arm and the second guide projection is slid along the second arm, whereby the workpiece can be attached to the holding device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned cutting machine, when attaching the workpiece to the holding device, the first guide protrusion of the adapter slides on the first arm, and the second guide protrusion slides on the second arm. Therefore, when the adapter slides, it may move upward with respect to the first arm and the second arm. It is preferable that the adapter holding the workpiece slides along the first arm and the second arm as much as possible.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide a cutting machine capable of appropriately moving a workpiece toward a holding device when attaching the workpiece to the holding device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The cutting machine according to the present invention includes a holding device that holds an adapter for holding a workpiece when machining the workpiece. The holding device is configured to be able to hold the workpiece when the workpiece is moved from one of the attachment / detachment directions to the other with respect to the holding device and the workpiece is disposed at the holding position. The holding device includes a first arm extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and a second arm disposed side by side with the first arm in a clamping direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction, extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and clamping the workpiece together with the first arm. The adapter has a first slide portion provided at a first end portion on one side in the clamping direction and extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and a second slide portion provided at a second end portion on the other side in the clamping direction and extending in the attachment / detachment direction. The first arm has a first lower slide portion to be slid on extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and a first upper slide portion to be slid on disposed above the first lower slide portion and extending in the attachment / detachment direction. The second arm has a second lower slide portion to be slid on extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and a second upper slide portion to be slid on disposed above the second lower slide portion and extending in the attachment / detachment direction. A first slide space to be slid on is formed between the first lower slide portion and the first upper slide portion, opening in the attachment / detachment direction and into which the first slide portion enters and is slidable. A second slide space to be slid on is formed between the second lower slide portion and the second upper slide portion, opening in the attachment / detachment direction and into which the second slide portion enters and is slidable.

[0008] According to the cutting machine, when moving the workpiece to the other side in the attachment / detachment direction and attaching it to the holding device, the first slide portion of the adapter enters the first slide space formed between the first lower slide portion and the first upper slide portion, and can easily move along the first slide space toward the holding position. Similarly, the second slide portion of the adapter enters the second slide space formed between the second lower slide portion and the second upper slide portion, and can easily move along the second slide space toward the holding position. Therefore, since the first slide space and the second slide space serve as guides when the adapter moves toward the holding position, the workpiece can be appropriately moved to the holding position.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cutting machine capable of appropriately moving a workpiece toward a holding device when attaching the workpiece to the holding device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of a machining machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described here are not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cutting machine 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cutting machine 100 as viewed from the left side. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cutting machine 100 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cutting machine 100 when the slide cover 60 is open. Here, in the drawings, reference signs F, Rr, L, R, U, and D respectively mean the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the cutting machine 100. Note that these directions are merely defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation mode of the cutting machine 100 in any way, nor do they limit the present invention in any way.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the cutting machine 100 manufactures an object by cutting a workpiece 5 (see FIG. 5). Here, the type of the object is not particularly limited, but it is a dental molded product, for example, a dental crown prosthesis, an artificial tooth, a denture base, etc. Examples of the dental crown prosthesis include a crown, a bridge, a coping, an inlay, an onlay, a veneer, a custom abutment, etc. In the present embodiment, the cutting machine 100 is used in the dental field and manufactures a dental molded product from the workpiece 5. However, the field in which the cutting machine 100 is used is not limited to the dental field.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting machine 100 includes a case body 10. The case body 10 is formed in a box shape and has a space inside. The space inside the case body 10 is partitioned into a plurality of areas.

[0015] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, inside the case body 10, as a plurality of areas, a cutting area A1 in which a workpiece holder 30 for holding a workpiece 5 (see FIG. 5) is accommodated and a housing area A2 in which a cutting device 20 is accommodated are provided. The cutting area A1 is an area for cutting the workpiece 5. The cutting area A1 is an example of the area of the present invention. A first opening 12a (see FIG. 4) is formed in front of the cutting area A1. The first opening 12a allows the cutting area A1 to communicate with the outside of the cutting machine 100. The housing area A2 is located above the cutting area A1.

[0016] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, inside the case body 10, there are provided a drive device area A3 in which a holder moving device 40 for moving the work holder 30 and a tool stocker 45 (see FIG. 2) are accommodated, and a tool exchange area A4 disposed in front of the accommodation area A2. The drive device area A3 is located on the right side of the cutting area A1. In front of the tool exchange area A4, a second opening 12b (see FIG. 4) is formed. The tool exchange area A4 communicates with the outside of the cutting machine 100 through the second opening 12b.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, a slide cover 60 is provided on the front surface of the case body 10 so as to be openable and closable. The case body 10 is provided with a slide rail 61 with which the slide cover 60 engages and which extends from the front and downward directions toward the rear and upward directions.

[0018] In the present embodiment, an operation panel 90 is provided below the slide cover 60. The operation panel 90 is for the user to perform operations related to cutting. For example, the operation panel 90 has input buttons 91 operated by the user.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the case body 10 has a bottom wall 11, a front wall 12, a left side wall 13 (see FIG. 1), a right side wall 14 (see FIG. 4), a top wall 15, and a rear wall 16. Each member constituting the case body 10 is formed of a steel plate or the like. The bottom wall 11 extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction and constitutes the bottom surface of the cutting machine 100. The left side wall 13 is connected to the left end of the bottom wall 11. The left side wall 13 extends upward from the left end of the bottom wall 11. The right side wall 14 is connected to the right end of the bottom wall 11. The right side wall 14 extends upward from the right end of the bottom wall 11. The rear wall 16 is connected to the rear end of the bottom wall 11. The rear wall 16 extends upward from the rear end of the bottom wall 11. The left end of the rear wall 16 is connected to the rear end of the left side wall 13. The right end of the rear wall 16 is connected to the rear end of the right side wall 14. The top wall 15 is provided above the bottom wall 11 in parallel with the bottom wall 11. The top wall 15 is connected to the upper ends of the left side wall 13, the right side wall 14, and the rear wall 16. The front wall 12 is connected to the front end of the bottom wall 11. In the present embodiment, the front wall 12 extends upward while inclining rearward from the front end of the bottom wall 11.

[0020] Hereinafter, the direction in which the front wall 12 extends is also referred to as the Z-axis direction. Also, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the upper side in the Z-axis direction is simply referred to as the upper side, and the lower side in the Z-axis direction is simply referred to as the lower side. The left end of the front wall 12 is connected to the front end of the left side wall 13, and the right end of the front wall 12 is connected to the front end of the right side wall 14. Also, the upper end of the front wall 12 is connected to the front end of the top wall 15. As shown in FIG. 4, a first opening 12a communicating with the cutting area A1 and a second opening 12b communicating with the tool exchange area A4 are formed in the front wall 12.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the work holder 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the cutting machine 100 includes a work holder 30, a holder moving device 40, a holder rotating device 50, a cutting device 20 (see FIG. 2), and a tool stocker 45 (see FIG. 2). The work holder 30 is a device for holding the workpiece 5. The work holder 30 is an example of a holding device. The details of the work holder 30 will be described later.

[0022] The holder moving device 40 supports and moves the work holder 30. In the present embodiment, the holder moving device 40 moves the work holder 30 in the front-rear direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the holder moving device 40 moves the work holder 30 in the diagonally front-rear direction. When the work holder 30 is moved forward by the holder moving device 40, it also moves upward. When the work holder 30 is moved rearward by the holder moving device 40, it also moves downward. Hereinafter, the direction in which the work holder 30 is moved by the holder moving device 40 is also referred to as the X-axis direction. The holder moving device 40 moves the work holder 30 in the X-axis direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the front in the X-axis direction is simply referred to as the front, and the rear in the X-axis direction is simply referred to as the rear. As shown in FIG. 5, the holder moving device 40 is connected to the holder rotating device 50.

[0023] The holder moving device 40 includes a support arm 41 that extends in the left-right direction and supports the work holder 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the holder moving device 40 includes an X-axis direction moving body 42 connected to the support arm 41, a pair of X-axis guide rails 43, and an X-axis direction drive motor 44. The holder moving device 40 moves the work holder 30 in the X-axis direction by moving the support arm 41 in the X-axis direction. Here, a part of the X-axis direction moving body 42, the pair of X-axis guide rails 43, the X-axis direction drive motor 44, and the support arm 41 of the holder moving device 40 are housed in the drive device area A3.

[0024] A pair of X-axis guide rails 43 extend in the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction moving body 42 is slidably engaged with the pair of X-axis guide rails 43. The X-axis direction moving body 42 is configured to be movable in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide rails 43. Although illustration is omitted, for example, the X-axis direction moving body 42 is connected to a ball screw. That is, the holder moving device 40 has a ball screw mechanism. The X-axis direction drive motor 44 rotates the ball screw. When the X-axis direction drive motor 44 is driven, the X-axis direction moving body 42 moves in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide rails 43. Note that the holder moving device 40 is not limited to having a ball screw mechanism, and for example, it may have a timing belt or a wire.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the support arm 41 includes a rotary shaft 41a that rotates around an axis Axb extending in the left-right direction, a first rotary arm 41b that is connected to the rotary shaft 41a so as to be orthogonal to the axis Axb and rotates in the front-rear direction together with the rotary shaft 41a, and a second rotary arm 41c that is connected to the first rotary arm 41b parallel to the axis Axb (in other words, orthogonal to the first rotary arm 41b). As shown in FIG. 3, a B-axis rotation motor 51B of a B-axis rotation device 50B, which will be described later, is connected to the X-axis direction moving body 42. By the B-axis rotation motor 51B, the rotary shaft 41a (see FIG. 5) rotates around the axis Axb (see FIG. 5).

[0026] The holder rotation device 50 rotates the work holder 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the holder rotation device 50 includes an A-axis rotation device 50A that rotates the work holder 30 in the left-right direction, and a B-axis rotation device 50B (see FIG. 3) that rotates the work holder 30 in the front-rear direction. The A-axis rotation device 50A has an A-axis rotation motor 51A and a rotation shaft 52A. The A-axis rotation motor 51A is fixed to the second rotation arm 41c. The rotation shaft 52A is connected to the A-axis rotation motor 51A (specifically, the drive unit including the A-axis rotation motor 51A) and extends in the X-axis direction along the axis AXa. Here, the rear end of the rotation shaft 52A is connected to the A-axis rotation motor 51A. The front end of the rotation shaft 52A is connected to the work holder 30 (specifically, the central portion of the connecting portion 103 of the work holder 30 described later). In the present embodiment, when the A-axis rotation motor 51A is driven, the rotation shaft 52A rotates around the axis Axa. Along with the rotation of the rotation shaft 52A, the work holder 30 rotates around the axis Axa, so that it can rotate in the left-right direction.

[0027] The B-axis rotation device 50B has a B-axis rotation motor 51B (see FIG. 3) and the above-described rotation shaft 41a (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 3, the B-axis rotation motor 51B is connected to the X-axis direction moving body 42 as described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation shaft 41a extends in the left-right direction. The right end of the rotation shaft 41a is connected to the B-axis rotation motor 51B. The left end of the rotation shaft 41a is connected to the work holder 30 via the first rotation arm 41b, the second rotation arm 41c, and the rotation shaft 52A. Here, when the B-axis rotation motor 51B is driven, the rotation shaft 41a rotates around the axis Axb. Along with the rotation of the rotation shaft 41a, the work holder 30 rotates around the axis Axb together with the first rotation arm 41b and the second rotation arm 41c, etc., so that it can rotate in the front-rear direction.

[0028] The cutting device 20 shown in Fig. 2 is a device for machining a workpiece 5. The cutting device 20 machines the workpiece 5 by bringing the machining tool 8 into contact with the workpiece 5 while rotating the machining tool 8. The cutting device 20 includes a spindle 21, a tool holding portion 22 that holds the machining tool 8, a spindle rotating device 23 that rotates the spindle 21, and a cutting movement device 24 that can move the spindle 21 in the left - right direction (here, the Y - axis direction) and the Z - axis direction. When not machining the workpiece 5, the cutting device 20 is arranged in the storage area A2.

[0029] The spindle 21 rotates the tool holding portion 22 and the machining tool 8 held by the tool holding portion 22 about the longitudinal axis. The spindle 21 extends, for example, in the Z - axis direction. A spindle rotating device 23 is connected to the spindle 21. When the spindle rotating device 23 is driven, the spindle 21 rotates about the central axis extending in the Z - axis direction. Note that the configuration of the spindle rotating device 23 is not particularly limited, and it may be, for example, an electric motor.

[0030] The tool holding portion 22 holds the machining tool 8 and is provided on the spindle 21. In the machining machine 100, a plurality of machining tools 8 having different diameters and tool - edge shapes are prepared in advance. The plurality of machining tools 8 are stored in the tool stocker 45. The tool holding portion 22 selectively holds one of the plurality of machining tools 8. When the spindle 21 rotates about the central axis extending in the Z - axis direction, the tool holding portion 22 and the machining tool 8 held by the tool holding portion 22 rotate about the central axis of the machining tool 8.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the cutting device 20 is provided with an air blow device 28. The air blow device 28 is provided on the side of the spindle 21. The air blow device 28 injects air downward in the Z-axis direction from the lower end. The supply source of the air injected by the air blow device 28 is not particularly limited. For example, the supply source may be a compressor installed outside the cutting machine 100. By the air blow device 28 injecting air during the cutting process of the workpiece 5, the cutting powder generated when cutting the workpiece 5 can be blown away. Also, although cutting heat is generated during the cutting process, since the air blow device 28 injects air toward the workpiece 5 and the cutting tool 8, the workpiece 5 and the cutting tool 8 can be cooled.

[0032] The cutting movement device 24 is a device that moves the spindle 21, the tool holding part 22, the spindle rotation device 23, and the air blow device 28 in the Z-axis direction and the left-right direction. Here, the left-right direction is a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Hereinafter, the left-right direction is also referred to as the Y-axis direction. The cutting movement device 24 is provided above the workpiece holder 30. By the cutting movement device 24 moving the spindle 21, the tool holding part 22, the spindle rotation device 23, and the air blow device 28 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and the holder movement device 40 moving the workpiece holder 30 in the X-axis direction, the positional relationship between the cutting tool 8 and the workpiece 5 changes three-dimensionally. The spindle 21, the tool holding part 22, the spindle rotation device 23, and the air blow device 28 appear in the cutting area A1 or retract to the accommodation area A2 by moving in the Z-axis direction. Here, the cutting area A1 and the accommodation area A2 communicate with each other through the opening A1U. The opening A1U has a size that allows the spindle 21, the tool holding part 22, the spindle rotation device 23, and the air blow device 28 to pass through. When performing cutting on the workpiece 5, the cutting movement device 24 moves the spindle 21, the tool holding part 22, the spindle rotation device 23, and the air blow device 28 to the cutting area A1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the cutting movement device 24 includes a left - right movement device 24Y and an up - down movement device 24Z. When the left - right movement device 24Y is driven, the spindle 21, the tool gripping portion 22, the spindle rotation device 23, and the air blow device 28 move in the Y - axis direction. When the up - down movement device 24Z is driven, the spindle 21, the tool gripping portion 22, the spindle rotation device 23, and the air blow device 28 move in the Z - axis direction. Note that the configuration of the cutting movement device 24 is not particularly limited. For example, the left - right movement device 24Y may be composed of a guide rail extending in the Y - axis direction, a left - right moving body slidably engaged with the guide rail, a ball screw connected to the left - right moving body, an electric motor for rotating the ball screw, and the like. Also, the up - down movement device 24Z may be, for example, a mechanism having a ball screw similar to the left - right movement device 24Y.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, an exhaust duct 80 is provided at the rear and lower part of the case body 10. The exhaust duct 80 extends from the cutting area A1 inside the case body 10 to the outside of the case body 10. A dust collector 85 is installed outside the case body 10. The dust collector 85 is connected to the end of the exhaust duct 80 on the outside of the case body 10. The configuration of the dust collector 85 is not particularly limited, but for example, it has a fan. When the fan rotates, the dust collector 85 can suck cutting powder together with the air inside the cutting area A1 through the exhaust duct 80.

[0035] The tool stocker 45 is housed in the drive unit area A3 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 2, the tool stocker 45 is a box-shaped member capable of storing a plurality of processing tools 8 formed in a rod shape. The plurality of processing tools 8 are used selectively, for example, according to the material of the workpiece 5 to be machined and the type of cutting. The tool stocker 45 is supported by the X-axis direction moving body 42 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the tool stocker 45 is fixed to the upper surface of the X-axis direction moving body 42. Therefore, the holder moving device 40 is configured to be able to move the tool stocker 45 to the tool gripping position P1 located below the opening A1U and the tool exchange position P2 set in front of the tool gripping position P1. The tool exchange position P2 is set below the tool exchange area A4 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, an opening A4d is formed in the bottom wall A4D of the tool exchange area A4, which is located above the tool exchange position P2 (see FIG. 2) and opens in the Z-axis direction. The opening A4d is for the user to insert and remove the processing tool 8 into and from the tool stocker 45. When the holder moving device 40 is driven to move the tool stocker 45 to the tool exchange position P2, the user can access the tool stocker 45 from the tool exchange area A4 through the opening A4d.

[0036] Next, a workpiece holder 30, which is an example of the holding device, will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the workpiece holder 30 holds the workpiece 5 when machining the workpiece 5. In the present embodiment, the workpiece 5 is held by the adapter 6. Therefore, the workpiece holder 30 indirectly holds the workpiece 5 by holding the adapter 6 that holds the workpiece 5. In the following description, when simply referring to the workpiece 5, it means the state in which the adapter 6 is attached to the workpiece 5, that is, the state in which the workpiece 5 is held by the adapter 6.

[0037] In this embodiment, the replacement of the workpiece 5 held by the workpiece holder 30 is manually performed by the user. The workpiece holder 30 is configured to detachably hold the workpiece 5. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the workpiece holder 30 is disposed at the cutting position P3 and the replacement position P4. In FIG. 6, the area to the left of the dashed line is the cutting area A1, and the area to the right of the dashed line is the area in front of the case body 10. Also, in FIG. 6, the illustration of the adapter 6 is omitted. Here, the holder moving device 40 in FIG. 3 is configured to be able to move the workpiece holder 30 to the cutting position P3 and the replacement position P4 as indicated by the arrow A10 in FIG. 6. The cutting position P3 is the position of the workpiece holder 30 when the workpiece 5 held by the workpiece holder 30 is machined by the cutting device 20 (see FIG. 2). The cutting position P3 is a position below the opening A1U (see FIG. 2) in the cutting area A1. The replacement position P4 is the position of the workpiece holder 30 when the user manually replaces the workpiece 5 held by the workpiece holder 30. The replacement position P4 is within the cutting area A1 and is located on the front side in the X-axis direction with respect to the cutting position P3.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the direction in which the workpiece 5 is moved with respect to the workpiece holder 30 when the user attaches or detaches the workpiece 5 to or from the workpiece holder 30 is referred to as the attachment / detachment direction D1. In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction D1 is a direction from the front end to the rear end of the workpiece holder 30 and is also a direction from the rear end to the front end of the workpiece holder 30. For example, in a state where the workpiece 5 is disposed in front of the workpiece holder 30, when the user moves the workpiece 5 from one side (here, the front) to the other side (here, the rear) in the attachment / detachment direction D1, the workpiece 5 is attached to the workpiece holder 30 and the workpiece holder 30 can hold the workpiece 5. On the other hand, in a state where the workpiece 5 is held by the workpiece holder 30, when the user moves the workpiece 5 from the other side to the one side in the attachment / detachment direction D1, the workpiece 5 can be removed from the workpiece holder 30. The attachment / detachment direction D1 is, for example, a direction extending in the X-axis direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the direction intersecting (here, orthogonal) to the attachment / detachment direction D1 is referred to as the clamping direction D2. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the clamping direction D2 and the attachment / detachment direction D1 are orthogonal. The clamping direction D2 is, for example, a direction extending in the Y-axis direction. The clamping direction D2 is the direction in which a later-described first arm 101 and a second arm 102 of the workholder 30 clamp the workpiece 5. Here, by clamping the workpiece 5 with the first arm 101 and the second arm 102, the workholder 30 can hold the workpiece 5 (specifically, the adapter 6 that holds the workpiece 5).

[0040] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the workpiece 5 and the workholder 30 when the workpiece 5 is located at the non-holding position P12. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the position of the workpiece 5 with respect to the workholder 30 when the workholder 30 holds the workpiece 5 is referred to as the holding position P11. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the position of the workpiece 5 with respect to the workholder 30 when the workholder 30 does not hold the workpiece 5 is referred to as the non-holding position P12. The non-holding position P12 is a position in front of the holding position P11. Here, the non-holding position P12 means that the workpiece 5 has been removed from the workholder 30 and is at a position in front of the workholder 30.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the workpiece 5 held by the adapter 6. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the workpiece 5 and the adapter 6 taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the workpiece 5 held by the workholder 30 is, for example, plate-shaped and extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and the clamping direction D2. Here, the workpiece 5 has a disk shape. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the workpiece 5 is circular. As shown in FIG. 9, the workpiece 5 has a disk-shaped workpiece body 5a to be machined and an annular convex portion 5b. The workpiece body 5a is the portion to be machined. By machining the workpiece body 5a, an object is produced. The annular convex portion 5b is the portion held by the adapter 6. The annular convex portion 5b is provided on the circumferential surface of the workpiece body 5a and protrudes outward from the workpiece body 5a. Here, the annular convex portion 5b is thinner than the workpiece body 5a and is provided at the central portion of the workpiece body 5a in the Z-axis direction. However, the configuration and shape of the workpiece 5 are not particularly limited.

[0042] Also, the material of the workpiece 5 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the workpiece 5 is formed of materials such as zirconia, polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA), hybrid resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone resin), and gypsum, depending on the type of material. When zirconia is used as the type of material of the workpiece 5, for example, semi-sintered zirconia is used.

[0043] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 6 that holds the workpiece 5 is, for example, plate-shaped and extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and the clamping direction D2. Here, the end portion on one side (here, the left side) in the clamping direction D2 of the adapter 6 is referred to as the first end portion 6a. The end portion on the other side (here, the right side) in the clamping direction D2 of the adapter 6 is referred to as the second end portion 6b. The first end portion 6a and the second end portion 6b face each other.

[0044] The adapter 6 includes an adapter body 200 extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and the clamping direction D2. The first end portion 6a constitutes the left end portion of the adapter body 200. The second end portion 6b constitutes the right end portion of the adapter body 200. Here, the first end portion 6a and the second end portion 6b typically extend in the X-axis direction, that is, the attachment / detachment direction D1.

[0045] A fitting hole 201 is formed in the adapter body 200. The fitting hole 201 is a hole that penetrates the adapter body 200 vertically and is formed in the central portion of the adapter body 200. The workpiece 5 is fitted into the fitting hole 201. By fitting the workpiece 5 into the fitting hole 201, the adapter 6 can hold the workpiece 5. The fitting hole 201 has a shape corresponding to the workpiece 5. Here, the fitting hole 201 is circular.

[0046] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the adapter body 200 has a frame 210, a first plate 211, and a second plate 212. Here, the frame 210 is sandwiched between the first plate 211 and the second plate 212. The first plate 211 is disposed above the frame 210. The second plate 212 is disposed below the frame 210. They are arranged so as to overlap in the order of the first plate 211, the frame 210, and the second plate 212 from above. The fitting hole 201 is formed in the adapter body 200 so as to penetrate the frame 210, the first plate 211, and the second plate 212 vertically.

[0047] In this embodiment, the annular convex portion 5b of the workpiece 5 is sandwiched between the first plate 211 and the second plate 212, so that the adapter 6 can hold the workpiece 5. At this time, the frame 210 is disposed outside the annular convex portion 5b of the workpiece 5. Here, the workpiece 5 is fitted into the fitting hole 201 of the adapter 6, and the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 are fastened by the screw 220 in a state where the annular convex portion 5b of the workpiece 5 is sandwiched between the first plate 211 and the second plate 212. By this, the workpiece 5 is fixed to the adapter 6. Note that the position and number of the screws 220 are not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the number of the screws 220 is four, and they are disposed at the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear of the adapter body 200.

[0048] The adapter 6 has a first convex portion 301, a second convex portion 302, a first fixed concave portion 311, a second fixed concave portion 312, a first non-fixed concave portion 321, and a second non-fixed concave portion 322. The first convex portion 301, the first fixed concave portion 311, and the first non-fixed concave portion 321 are provided at the first end portion 6a of the adapter 6. In this embodiment, the adapter 6 has a front side portion 6c and a rear side portion 6d when the adapter 6 is divided into two parts (here, equally divided) in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The first convex portion 301, the first fixed concave portion 311, and the first non-fixed concave portion 321 are provided at the rear side portion 6d of the adapter 6. In this embodiment, the first non-fixed concave portion 321, the first convex portion 301, and the first fixed concave portion 311 are arranged side by side in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Here, the first fixed concave portion 311 is located on one side (here, the front side) of the first convex portion 301 in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The first non-fixed concave portion 321 is located on the other side (here, the rear side) of the first convex portion 301 in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The first convex portion 301, the first fixed concave portion 311, and the first non-fixed concave portion 321 are provided on the second plate 212 of the adapter body 200.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first convex portion 301 protrudes on one side (here, the left side) in the clamping direction D2, that is, on the side opposite to the second end portion 6b. The first convex portion 301 protrudes to the left of the first end portion 6a of the adapter body 200. The first fixed concave portion 311 and the first non-fixed concave portion 321 are recessed on the second end portion 6b side of the adapter 6. Note that the amount of recess of the first fixed concave portion 311 toward the second end portion 6b may be the same as or different from the amount of recess of the first non-fixed concave portion 321 toward the second end portion 6b. The first fixed concave portion 311 may or may not be recessed more toward the second end portion 6b side than the first non-fixed concave portion 321.

[0050] The second convex portion 302, the second fixed concave portion 312, and the second non-fixed concave portion 322 are provided at the second end portion 6b of the adapter 6. In this embodiment, the second convex portion 302, the second fixed concave portion 312, and the second non-fixed concave portion 322 are provided at the rear portion 6d of the adapter 6. The second non-fixed concave portion 322, the second convex portion 302, and the second fixed concave portion 312 are arranged side by side in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Here, the second fixed concave portion 312 is located on one side (here, the front side) in the attachment / detachment direction D1 with respect to the second convex portion 302. The second non-fixed concave portion 322 is located on the other side (here, the rear side) in the attachment / detachment direction D1 with respect to the second convex portion 302. The position of the second convex portion 302 in the attachment / detachment direction D1 is the same as that of the first convex portion 301. The position of the second fixed concave portion 312 in the attachment / detachment direction D1 is the same as that of the first fixed concave portion 311. Similarly, the position of the second non-fixed concave portion 322 in the attachment / detachment direction D1 is the same as that of the first non-fixed concave portion 321. The second convex portion 302, the second fixed concave portion 312, and the second non-fixed concave portion 322 are provided on the second plate 212 of the adapter body 200.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the second convex portion 302 protrudes on the other side (here, the right side) in the clamping direction D2, that is, on the side opposite to the first end portion 6a. The second convex portion 302 protrudes to the right of the second end portion 6b of the adapter body 200. The second fixed concave portion 312 and the second non-fixed concave portion 322 are recessed on the first end portion 6a side of the adapter 6. Note that the amount of recess of the second fixed concave portion 312 toward the first end portion 6a may be the same as or different from the amount of recess of the second non-fixed concave portion 322 toward the first end portion 6a. The second fixed concave portion 312 may or may not be recessed on the first end portion 6a side with respect to the second non-fixed concave portion 322.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 6 has a first slide portion 251, a second slide portion 252, a first locking projection 261, a second locking projection 262, a first upper slide portion 255, and a second upper slide portion 256. The first slide portion 251, the first locking projection 261, and the first upper slide portion 255 are provided at the first end portion 6a of the adapter 6. Here, the first slide portion 251 and the first locking projection 261 are provided on the frame 210 (see FIG. 9) of the adapter body 200. The first slide portion 251 is provided at the central portion in the attachment / detachment direction D1 at the first end portion 6a and extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The first slide portion 251 is disposed on the front side of the first fixed concave portion 311. The first slide portion 251 protrudes to the left side in the clamping direction D2 from the first end portion 6a. Here, the first slide portion 251 protrudes to the left side in the clamping direction D2 from the first convex portion 301.

[0053] The first locking projection 261 is provided on the front portion 6c of the adapter 6. Here, the first locking projection 261 is disposed on the front side of the first sliding portion 251 and is continuous with the first sliding portion 251. The first locking projection 261 protrudes to the left side in the clamping direction D2 from the first end portion 6a, that is, on the side opposite to the second end portion 6b. Here, the first locking projection 261 protrudes to the left side in the clamping direction D2 from the first convex portion 301 and also protrudes to the left side in the clamping direction D2 from the first sliding portion 251. Note that the thickness of the first locking projection 261 is the same as the thickness of the first sliding portion 251. However, the first locking projection 261 may be thinner or thicker than the first sliding portion 251.

[0054] The first upper sliding portion 255 is provided at the central portion in the attachment / detachment direction D1 at the first end portion 6a. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the first upper sliding portion 255 is disposed above the first sliding portion 251 and is disposed at a position overlapping the first sliding portion 251 in plan view. The first upper sliding portion 255 is separated from the first sliding portion 251. Here, the first upper sliding portion 255 is provided on the first plate 211 of the adapter main body 200. The first upper sliding portion 255 extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1 at the first end portion 6a. The first upper sliding portion 255 protrudes to the left side in the clamping direction D2 from the first end portion 6a. Here, the first upper sliding portion 255 protrudes to the left side in the clamping direction D2 from the first convex portion 301. In the present embodiment, the first sliding portion 251 protrudes more to the left side in the clamping direction D2 than the first upper sliding portion 255.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the second slide portion 252 and the second locking projection 262 are provided at the second end portion 6b of the adapter 6 and are provided on the frame 210 (see FIG. 9) of the adapter body 200. The second slide portion 252 is provided at the central portion in the attachment / detachment direction D1 at the second end portion 6b and extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The second slide portion 252 is disposed on the front side of the second fixing recess 312. The position of the second slide portion 252 in the attachment / detachment direction D1 is the same as the position of the first slide portion 251 in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The second slide portion 252 protrudes to the right side in the clamping direction D2 from the second end portion 6b. Here, the second slide portion 252 protrudes to the right side in the clamping direction D2 from the second convex portion 302.

[0056] Similar to the first locking projection 261, the second locking projection 262 is provided at the front side portion 6c of the adapter 6. The position of the second locking projection 262 in the attachment / detachment direction D1 is the same as the position of the first locking projection 261 in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Here, the second locking projection 262 is disposed on the front side of the second slide portion 252 and is continuous with the second slide portion 252. The second locking projection 262 protrudes to the right side in the clamping direction D2 from the second end portion 6b, that is, on the side opposite to the first end portion 6a. Here, the second locking projection 262 protrudes to the right side in the clamping direction D2 from the second convex portion 302 and the second slide portion 252. Note that the thickness of the second locking projection 262 may be the same as the thickness of the second slide portion 252, or may be thinner or thicker than the thickness of the second slide portion 252.

[0057] The second upper slide portion 256 is provided at the central portion of the detachment direction D1 at the second end portion 6b. As shown in FIG. 9, the second upper slide portion 256 is disposed above the second slide portion 252 and is disposed at a position overlapping the second slide portion 252 in plan view. Further, the second upper slide portion 256 is separated from the second slide portion 252. In the present embodiment, the second upper slide portion 256 is provided on the first plate 211 and extends in the detachment direction D1. Here, the second upper slide portion 256 protrudes to the right side in the clamping direction D2 from the second end portion 6b. The second upper slide portion 256 protrudes to the right side in the clamping direction D2 from the second convex portion 302. In the present embodiment, the second slide portion 252 protrudes more to the right side in the clamping direction D2 than the second upper slide portion 256.

[0058] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 6 has a first locking recess 271 and a second locking recess 272. The first locking recess 271 and the second locking recess 272 are arranged side by side in the clamping direction D2. Here, the first locking recess 271 is arranged to the left of the second locking recess 272. The first locking recess 271 and the second locking recess 272 are provided in the rear side portion 6d of the adapter 6, and more specifically, are provided at the rear end portion of the adapter body 200. Here, the first locking recess 271 and the second locking recess 272 are provided on the second plate 212 of the adapter body 200. The first locking recess 271 and the second locking recess 272 are arranged on the rear side in the detachment direction D1 than the first non-fixed recess 321 and are arranged on the rear side in the detachment direction D1 than the second non-fixed recess 322. The first locking recess 271 and the second locking recess 272 are recessed from the rear end of the adapter body 200 toward the front side. The shapes of the first locking recess 271 and the second locking recess 272 are not particularly limited, but are, for example, semi-circular shapes.

[0059] FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are plan views showing the workpiece 5 and the workholder 30 when the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11, and are views showing a state in which the workholder 30 holds the workpiece 5. In FIG. 10B, the first upper member 139 and the second upper member 149 are omitted. Also, in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first upper member 139 and the second upper member 149 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 10B, the workholder 30 according to the present embodiment holds the adapter 6 having the above-described configuration, and thereby holds the workpiece 5 held by the adapter 6. The workholder 30 is configured such that the user can manually move the workpiece 5 from the front to the rear in the attachment / detachment direction D1 with respect to the workholder 30, and the workholder 30 can hold the workpiece 5 when the workpiece 5 is disposed at the holding position P11. Next, the configuration of the workholder 30 will be described in detail.

[0060] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the workholder 30 includes a first arm 101, a second arm 102, and a connecting portion 103. The first arm 101 and the second arm 102 extend in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Also, the first arm 101 and the second arm 102 are arranged side by side in the clamping direction D2. Here, the first arm 101 is arranged to the left of the second arm 102. As shown in FIG. 10B, the workpiece 5 is disposed between the first arm 101 and the second arm 102 and is clamped by the first arm 101 and the second arm 102.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting portion 103 connects the first arm 101 and the second arm 102. The connecting portion 103 extends in the clamping direction D2. Here, the left end portion of the connecting portion 103 is connected to the rear end portion of the first arm 101. The right end portion of the connecting portion 103 is connected to the rear end portion of the second arm 102. Here, the first arm 101, the second arm 102, and the connecting portion 103 are formed in a U shape. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the workpiece 5 is disposed at the holding position P11, the adapter 6 that holds the workpiece 5 abuts against the connecting portion 103.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the first arm 101 is provided with a first clamping mechanism 110. The second arm 102 is provided with a second clamping mechanism 120. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, the workpiece 5 is held by clamping the workpiece 5 with the first clamping mechanism 110 and the second clamping mechanism 120. The first clamping mechanism 110 and the second clamping mechanism 120 are arranged at the same position in the attaching / detaching direction D1. Here, the first clamping mechanism 110 and the second clamping mechanism 120 are arranged, for example, in the rear portion when the workholder 30 is bisected in the attaching / detaching direction D1. The first clamping mechanism 110 and the second clamping mechanism 120 face each other. Here, the first clamping mechanism 110 and the second clamping mechanism 120 have corresponding configurations.

[0063] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the first clamping mechanism 110 includes a first rotating shaft 111, a first swinging member 112, a first fixed rotating shaft 113, a first clamping portion 114, a first lever 116, and a first elastic member 118. The first rotating shaft 111 extends in the Z-axis direction. The first rotating shaft 111 is provided on the first arm 101 and extends upward in the Z-axis direction from the upper surface of the first arm 101. The first swinging member 112 is provided on the first rotating shaft 111 and is rotatable about the first rotating shaft 111. Here, the first swinging member 112 is a plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction. One end (here, the front end) of the first swinging member 112 is provided on the first rotating shaft 111. The first swinging member 112 extends obliquely rearward and rightward from the first rotating shaft 111. The first swinging member 112 is rotatable about the first rotating shaft 111 on the first arm 101.

[0064] The other end (here, the rear end) of the first swing member 112 is provided with a first fixed rotation shaft 113. The first fixed rotation shaft 113 extends in the Z-axis direction. The first clamping portion 114 is rotatable about the first rotation shaft 111, and as shown in FIG. 10B, it is a portion that clamps the adapter 6 holding the workpiece 5. In the present embodiment, the first clamping portion 114 is provided at the other end of the first swing member 112. Specifically, the first clamping portion 114 is provided on the first fixed rotation shaft 113 and is provided at the other end of the first swing member 112 via the first fixed rotation shaft 113. The first clamping portion 114 is configured to be rotatable about the first rotation shaft 111 together with the first swing member 112.

[0065] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the first clamping portion 114 is configured to be rotatable about the first fixed rotation shaft 113. Here, the first clamping portion 114 is rotatable between a first fixed rotation position R11 (see FIG. 10B) and a first non-fixed rotation position R12 (see FIG. 7) about the first fixed rotation shaft 113. In the present embodiment, the first clamping portion 114 has a shape eccentric with respect to the first fixed rotation shaft 113. Here, the amount of protrusion toward the second arm 102 side of the first clamping portion 114 is different between the time of the first fixed rotation position R11 and the time of the first non-fixed rotation position R12.

[0066] The first clamping portion 114 has a first fixed portion 115a and a first non-fixed portion 115b. As shown in FIG. 10B, the first fixed portion 115a is the portion of the first clamping portion 114 that protrudes from the first fixed rotation axis 113 toward the second arm 102 when the first clamping portion 114 is at the first fixed rotation position R11. As shown in FIG. 7, the first non-fixed portion 115b is the portion of the first clamping portion 114 that protrudes from the first fixed rotation axis 113 toward the second arm 102 when the first clamping portion 114 is at the first non-fixed rotation position R12. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the first clamping portion 114 is at the first fixed rotation position R11, the first non-fixed portion 115b protrudes forward from the first fixed rotation axis 113. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, when the first clamping portion 114 is at the first non-fixed rotation position R12, the first fixed portion 115a protrudes rearward from the first fixed rotation axis 113. Here, the protruding amount of the first fixed portion 115a is larger than that of the first non-fixed portion 115b.

[0067] The first lever 116 is grasped by the user. The first lever 116 is provided on the first clamping portion 114 and rotates the first clamping portion 114 around the first fixed rotation axis 113. The first lever 116 is rod-shaped. In the present embodiment, the first lever 116 is integrally formed with the first clamping portion 114. As shown in FIG. 7, when the first clamping portion 114 is at the first non-fixed rotation position R12, the first lever 116 extends obliquely rearward from the first clamping portion 114 and away from the second arm 102 (leftward here). As shown in FIG. 10B, when the first clamping portion 114 is at the first fixed rotation position R11, the first lever 116 extends obliquely rearward from the first clamping portion 114 and toward the second arm 102 (rightward here). Therefore, by the user rotating the first lever 116 from left to right, the rotation position of the first clamping portion 114 can be switched from the first non-fixed rotation position R12 to the first fixed rotation position R11. On the other hand, by the user rotating the first lever 116 from right to left, the rotation position of the first clamping portion 114 can be switched from the first fixed rotation position R11 to the first non-fixed rotation position R12.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, the adapter 6 includes a first stopper 281 provided at the first end portion 6a. The first stopper 281 is provided at the rear portion 6d of the adapter 6 and is disposed rearward of the first non-fixed recess 321. The first stopper 281 has a flat surface that faces rearward and leftward and extends in the Z-axis direction. Here, when the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11 and the rotational position of the first clamping portion 114 of the first arm 101 is the first fixed rotational position R11, the first lever 116 is configured to contact the first stopper 281.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10B, the first elastic member 118 is a member that applies a pressing force to the first clamping portion 114 toward the second arm 102 side. The type of the first elastic member 118 is not particularly limited, but here it is a leaf spring. The first elastic member 118 is provided on the left side surface of the first arm 101 and applies a pressing force to the first clamping portion 114 from the left side. Here, the pressing force refers to the elastic force of the first elastic member 118. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the first clamping portion 114, the first lever 116, and the first pressed portion 119. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the first clamping portion 114 is provided with a first pressed portion 119. The pressed portion 119 extends downward from the first clamping portion 114, for example, and is sandwiched between the first elastic member 118 and the first swing member 112 as shown in FIG. 7. The first elastic member 118 presses the pressed portion 119 toward the second arm 102 side, so that the first clamping portion 114 rotates around the first rotation axis 111 together with the first swing member 112 and is pressed toward the second arm 102 side. When a force in the direction opposite to the pressing force of the first elastic member 118 and larger than the pressing force is applied to the first clamping portion 114, the first clamping portion 114 rotates around the first rotation axis 111 against the pressing force and moves to the side opposite to the second arm 102 side. Then, when the force in the direction opposite to the pressing force is no longer applied to the first clamping portion 114, the first clamping portion 114 moves toward the second arm 102 side by the pressing force.

[0070] Note that the second clamping mechanism 120 provided on the second arm 102 has a configuration corresponding to that of the first clamping mechanism 110. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the second clamping mechanism 120 includes a second rotating shaft 121, a second swinging member 122, a second fixed rotating shaft 123, a second clamping portion 124, a second lever 126, and a second elastic member 128. The second rotating shaft 121 extends upward in the Z-axis direction from the upper surface of the second arm 102. The second swinging member 122 is provided on the second rotating shaft 121 and is rotatable about the second rotating shaft 121. Here, the second swinging member 122 is a plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction, and one end portion (here, the front end portion) is provided on the second rotating shaft 121. The second swinging member 122 extends obliquely rearward and leftward from the second rotating shaft 121 on the second arm 102.

[0071] A second fixed rotating shaft 123 extending in the Z-axis direction is provided at the other end portion (here, the rear end portion) of the second swinging member 122. The second clamping portion 124 is rotatable about the second rotating shaft 121. As shown in FIG. 10B, the second clamping portion 124, together with the first clamping portion 114, is a portion that clamps the adapter 6 holding the workpiece 5. In the present embodiment, the second clamping portion 124 is provided on the second fixed rotating shaft 123 and is provided at the other end portion of the second swinging member 122 via the second fixed rotating shaft 123. The second clamping portion 124 is configured to be rotatable about the second rotating shaft 121 together with the second swinging member 122.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the second clamping portion 124 is configured to be rotatable between a second fixed rotation position R21 (see FIG. 10B) and a second non-fixed rotation position R22 (see FIG. 7) about the second fixed rotating shaft 123. In the present embodiment, the second clamping portion 124 has a shape eccentric with respect to the second fixed rotating shaft 123. Here, the protruding amount of the second clamping portion 124 toward the first arm 101 side is different depending on whether it is at the second fixed rotation position R21 or at the second non-fixed rotation position R22.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the second clamping portion 124 has a second fixed portion 125a and a second non-fixed portion 125b. As shown in FIG. 10B, the second fixed portion 125a is the portion of the second clamping portion 124 that protrudes from the second fixed rotation axis 123 toward the first arm 101 when the second clamping portion 124 is at the second fixed rotation position R21. As shown in FIG. 7, the second non-fixed portion 125b is the portion of the second clamping portion 124 that protrudes from the second fixed rotation axis 123 toward the first arm 101 when the second clamping portion 124 is at the second non-fixed rotation position R22. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the second clamping portion 124 is at the second fixed rotation position R21, the second non-fixed portion 125b protrudes forward from the second fixed rotation axis 123. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, when the second clamping portion 124 is at the second non-fixed rotation position R22, the second fixed portion 125a protrudes rearward from the second fixed rotation axis 123. Here, the protruding amount of the second fixed portion 125a is larger than that of the second non-fixed portion 125b.

[0074] The second lever 126 is what the user grips. The second lever 126 is provided on the second clamping portion 124 and rotates the second clamping portion 124 around the second fixed rotation axis 123. The second lever 126 is rod-shaped, similar to the first lever 116. In the present embodiment, the second lever 126 is integrally formed with the second clamping portion 124. As shown in FIG. 7, when the second clamping portion 124 is at the second non-fixed rotation position R22, the second lever 126 extends obliquely rearward from the second clamping portion 124 and away from the first arm 101 (rightward here). As shown in FIG. 10B, when the second clamping portion 124 is at the second fixed rotation position R21, the second lever 126 extends obliquely rearward from the second clamping portion 124 and toward the first arm 101 (leftward here). Thus, for example, when the user rotates the second lever 126 from right to left, the rotation position of the second clamping portion 124 can be switched from the second non-fixed rotation position R22 to the second fixed rotation position R21.

[0075] In addition, in the present embodiment, the adapter 6 includes a second stopper 282 provided at the second end portion 6b. The second stopper 282 is provided at the rear side portion 6d of the adapter 6 and is disposed rearward of the second non-fixed recess 322. The second stopper 282 has a flat surface that faces rearward and rightward and extends in the Z-axis direction. Here, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11 and the rotational position of the second clamping portion 124 of the second arm 102 is the second fixed rotational position R21, the second lever 126 is configured to contact the second stopper 282.

[0076] The second elastic member 128 is a member that applies a pressing force to the second clamping portion 124 toward the first arm 101 side. The type of the second elastic member 128 is not particularly limited, but here, like the first elastic member 118, it is a leaf spring. The second elastic member 128 is provided on the right side surface of the second arm 102 and applies a pressing force to the second clamping portion 124 from the right side. In the present embodiment, the second clamping portion 124 is provided with a second pressed portion 129 (see FIG. 7) similar to the first pressed portion 119 (see FIG. 11). The second pressed portion 129 extends downward from the second clamping portion 124, for example, and is sandwiched between the second elastic member 128 and the second swing member 122. The second elastic member 128 presses the second pressed portion 129 toward the first arm 101 side, so that the second clamping portion 124 rotates around the second rotation axis 121 together with the second swing member 122 and is pressed against the first arm 101 side. When a force in the direction opposite to the pressing force of the second elastic member 128 and larger than the pressing force is applied to the second clamping portion 124, the second clamping portion 124 rotates around the second rotation axis 121 against the pressing force and moves to the side opposite to the first arm 101 side. Then, when the force in the direction opposite to the pressing force is no longer applied to the second clamping portion 124, the second clamping portion 124 moves toward the first arm 102 side by the pressing force.

[0077] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, in a state where the adapter 6 is not held by the workpiece holder 30 (that is, a state where the workpiece 5 is located at the non-holding position P12), the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124 is referred to as the first distance D11. The first distance D11 is the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the right end of the first clamping portion 114 and the left end of the second clamping portion 124. The first distance D11 is the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the first non-fixed portion 115b (specifically, the right end of the first non-fixed portion 115b) of the first clamping portion 114 and the second non-fixed portion 125b (specifically, the left end of the second non-fixed portion 125b) of the second clamping portion 124 when the first clamping portion 114 is at the first non-fixed rotation position R12 and the second clamping portion 124 is at the second non-fixed rotation position R22.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, in the adapter 6, the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the first convex portion 301 and the second convex portion 302 is referred to as the second distance D12. Specifically, the second distance D12 is the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the left end of the first convex portion 301 and the right end of the second convex portion 302. Here, the first distance D11 is shorter than the second distance D12. Here, the first distance D11 is slightly shorter than the second distance D12.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, in the adapter 6, the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the first non-fixed concave portion 321 and the second non-fixed concave portion 322 is referred to as a third distance D13. The third distance D13 is the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the right end of the first non-fixed concave portion 321 and the left end of the second non-fixed concave portion 322. Further, in the adapter 6, the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the first fixed concave portion 311 and the second fixed concave portion 312 is referred to as a fourth distance D14. The fourth distance D14 is the distance in the clamping direction D2 between the right end of the first fixed concave portion 311 and the left end of the second fixed concave portion 312. In the present embodiment, the third distance D13 is shorter than the first distance D11. The fourth distance D14 is shorter than the first distance D11. Here, the third distance D13 and the fourth distance D14 are each slightly shorter than the first distance D11. Also, the third distance D13 and the fourth distance D14 are each shorter than the second distance D12. The third distance D13 and the fourth distance D14 are the same. However, the third distance D13 may be different from the fourth distance D14. For example, it may be shorter than the fourth distance D14 or longer than the fourth distance D14.

[0080] FIG. 12A is a plan view of the workholder 30. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the workholder 30 taken along XIIB-XIIB of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12C is a front view showing the workholder 30 holding the adapter 6. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, the first arm 101 includes a first driven slide mechanism 130. The second arm 102 includes a second driven slide mechanism 140. The first driven slide mechanism 130 and the second driven slide mechanism 140 are mechanisms for sliding the workpiece 5 in the attachment / detachment direction D1 with respect to the workholder 30. The first driven slide mechanism 130 is disposed forward of the first clamping mechanism 110. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first driven slide mechanism 130 includes a first lower driven slide portion 131, a first upper driven slide portion 133, a first connecting portion 134, and a first guide roller 132 (see FIG. 7).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 12A, the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133 extend in the attachment / detachment direction D1. As shown in FIG. 12C, the first upper slidable portion 133 is disposed above the first lower slidable portion 131 and is arranged to be spaced apart from the first lower slidable portion 131. As shown in FIG. 12A, the first upper slidable portion 133 is arranged to overlap the first lower slidable portion 131 in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the first lower slidable portion 131 protrudes on one side (here, the front side) of the attachment / detachment direction D1 with respect to the first upper slidable portion 133. That is, the front end of the first lower slidable portion 131 is located in front of the front end of the first upper slidable portion 133.

[0082] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12C, a first slidable space 135 is formed between the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133. The first slidable space 135 is a space into which the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 can enter and slide. The first slidable space 135 is symmetric with respect to the second slidable space 145 in FIG. 12B described later and has a configuration corresponding to the second slidable space 145. Here, the first slidable space 135 is a space extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The first slidable space 135 is open in the attachment / detachment direction D1, or in other words, is open toward the front side and the rear side. Further, the first slidable space 135 is open toward the other side in the clamping direction D2, here, the right side.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 12C, the first connecting portion 134 connects the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133 and is connected to the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133. The first connecting portion 134 extends in the Z-axis direction. The lower end portion of the first connecting portion 134 is connected to the left end portion of the first lower slidable portion 131, and the upper end portion of the first connecting portion 134 is connected to the left end portion of the first upper slidable portion 133. Here, the first connecting portion 134 is disposed on the side opposite to the second arm 102 in the first slidable space 135 and is disposed on the left side of the first slidable space 135.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first upper sliding portion 133 and the first connecting portion 134 are integrally formed by the first upper member 139. The first upper member 139 has the first upper sliding portion 133 and the first connecting portion 134. Here, when the first upper member 139 is attached to the upper surface of the first lower sliding portion 131, the first sliding space 135 is formed.

[0085] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first upper sliding portion 133 has a first inner protruding portion 133a and a first upper protruding portion 133b. The first inner protruding portion 133a is a portion that protrudes toward the second arm 102 side of the first upper sliding portion 133. The first upper protruding portion 133b is a portion that protrudes upward of the first upper sliding portion 133. As shown in FIG. 12A, the first inner protruding portion 133a and the first upper protruding portion 133b extend in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Here, the first inner protruding portion 133a protrudes toward the second arm 102 side more than the first upper protruding portion 133b. As shown in FIG. 12C, the right end of the first inner protruding portion 133a has the same position in the clamping direction D2 as the right end of the first lower sliding portion 131. However, the positions of the first inner protruding portion 133a and the first lower sliding portion 131 in the clamping direction D2 at the right end may be different. The first upper protruding portion 133b protrudes above the first inner protruding portion 133a in the Z-axis direction.

[0086] Here, the first step portion 136 is constituted by the first inner protruding portion 133a and the first upper protruding portion 133b. When the first sliding portion 251 of the adapter 6 slides in the first sliding space 135, the first upper sliding portion 255 of the adapter 6 enters and slides in the first step portion 136. At this time, the first inner protruding portion 133a is disposed below the first upper sliding portion 255, and the first upper protruding portion 133b is disposed on the left side in the clamping direction D2 of the first upper sliding portion 255. The first inner protruding portion 133a is disposed between the first sliding portion 251 and the first upper sliding portion 255 and is sandwiched between the first sliding portion 251 and the first upper sliding portion 255.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the first guide roller 132 is provided on the first lower slidable portion 131. The first guide roller 132 is disposed between the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133, and is disposed in the first sliding space 135. The first guide roller 132 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133, and guides the sliding movement of the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6. Here, when the first slide portion 251 slides in the first sliding space 135, the first guide roller 132 is disposed on the left side of the first slide portion 251 and is capable of contacting the first slide portion 251. At this time, the first guide roller 132 is rotatable as the first slide portion 251 moves. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the workpiece 5 is disposed at the holding position P11, the first locking projection 261 of the adapter 6 locks by contacting the first guide roller 132.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 12A, the second sliding mechanism 140 has a configuration corresponding to that of the first sliding mechanism 130, and is a mechanism symmetric with the first sliding mechanism 130 about the left and right. The second sliding mechanism 140 is disposed in front of the second clamping mechanism 120, and the positions in the attachment / detachment direction D1 are the same as those of the first sliding mechanism 130. As shown in FIG. 12C, the second sliding mechanism 140 includes a second lower slidable portion 141, a second upper slidable portion 143, a second connecting portion 144, and a second guide roller 142 (see FIG. 7).

[0089] As shown in Fig. 12A, the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143 extend in the attachment / detachment direction D1. As shown in Fig. 12C, the second upper slidable portion 143 is disposed above the second lower slidable portion 141 and is arranged to be separated from the second lower slidable portion 141. As shown in Fig. 12A, the second upper slidable portion 143 overlaps the second lower slidable portion 141 in a plan view. The second lower slidable portion 141 protrudes on one side (here, the front side) of the attachment / detachment direction D1 with respect to the second upper slidable portion 143. The front end of the second lower slidable portion 141 is located in front of the front end of the second upper slidable portion 143.

[0090] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12B, a second slidable space 145 is formed between the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143. The second slidable space 145 has a configuration that is symmetric with the first slidable space 135 as described above. As shown in Fig. 12C, the second slidable space 145 is a space into which the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 can enter and slide. Here, as shown in Fig. 12B, the second slidable space 145 extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The second slidable space 145 is open in the attachment / detachment direction D1, in other words, it is open toward the front side and the rear side. As shown in Fig. 12C, further, the second slidable space 145 is open toward one side of the clamping direction D2, here, the left side.

[0091] The second connecting portion 144 connects the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143, and is connected to the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143. The second connecting portion 144 extends in the Z-axis direction. The lower end portion of the second connecting portion 144 is connected to the right end portion of the second lower slidable portion 141, and the upper end portion of the second connecting portion 134 is connected to the right end portion of the second upper slidable portion 143. Here, the second connecting portion 144 is disposed on the side opposite to the first arm 101 in the second slidable space 145, and is disposed on the right side of the second slidable space 145.

[0092] In this embodiment, the second upper slidable portion 143 and the second connecting portion 144 are integrally formed by the second upper member 149. The second upper member 149 has the second upper slidable portion 143 and the first connecting portion 144. Here, when the second upper member 149 is attached to the upper surface of the first lower slidable portion 141, the second sliding space 145 is formed.

[0093] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12C, the second upper slidable portion 143 has a second inner protruding portion 143a and a second upper protruding portion 143b. The second inner protruding portion 143a is a portion protruding toward the first arm 101 side in the second upper slidable portion 143. The second upper protruding portion 143b is a portion protruding upward in the second upper slidable portion 143. As shown in FIG. 12A, the second inner protruding portion 143a and the second upper protruding portion 143b extend in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Here, the second inner protruding portion 143a protrudes toward the first arm 102 side more than the second upper protruding portion 143b. As shown in FIG. 12C, the left end of the second inner protruding portion 143a has the same position in the clamping direction D2 as the left end of the second lower slidable portion 141. However, the positions of the second inner protruding portion 143a and the second lower slidable portion 141 in the clamping direction D2 at the left end may be different. The second upper protruding portion 143b protrudes above the second inner protruding portion 143a in the Z-axis direction.

[0094] Here, the second inner protruding portion 143a and the second upper protruding portion 143b constitute the second step portion 146. When the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 slides in the second sliding space 145, the second upper slide portion 256 of the adapter 6 enters and slides in the second step portion 146. At this time, the second inner protruding portion 143a is disposed below the second upper slide portion 256, and the second upper protruding portion 143b is disposed on the right side in the clamping direction D2 of the second upper slide portion 256. The second inner protruding portion 143a is disposed between the second slide portion 252 and the second upper slide portion 256 and is sandwiched by the second slide portion 252 and the second upper slide portion 256.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, the second guide roller 142 is provided on the second lower slidable portion 141. As shown in FIG. 12B, the second guide roller 142 is disposed between the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143 and is disposed in the second slidable space 145. The second guide roller 142 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143, and guides the sliding movement of the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6. Here, when the second slide portion 252 slides in the second slidable space 145, the second guide roller 142 is disposed on the right side of the second slide portion 252 and can contact the second slide portion 252. At this time, the second guide roller 142 is rotatable as the second slide portion 252 moves. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the workpiece 5 is disposed at the holding position P11, the second locking projection 262 of the adapter 6 locks by contacting the second guide roller 142.

[0096] In the present embodiment, when the adapter 6 holding the workpiece 5 is inverted, the workpiece holder 30 is configured such that the adapter 6 does not enter the first slidable space 135 and the second slidable space 145 from one side (here, the front side) in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Here, the workpiece holder 30 is configured such that the inverted adapter 6 does not enter the first slidable space 135 and the second slidable space 145 and slide. The first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 is configured not to enter the second slidable space 145, or the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 is configured not to enter the first slidable space 135. Here, the inversion of the adapter 6 is the same as the inversion of the workpiece 5 held by the adapter 6. The inversion of the adapter 6 includes the up / down inversion of the adapter 6 (for example, the inversion in the Z-axis direction), the left / right inversion of the adapter 6 (for example, the inversion in the clamping direction D2), and the front / back inversion of the adapter 6 (for example, the inversion in the attachment / detachment direction D1).

[0097] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the thickness L31 of the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 is different from the thickness L32 of the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6. Here, the thickness L31 of the first slide portion 251 is thinner than the thickness L32 of the second slide portion 252. Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, the vertical length L41 of the first slide space 135 of the first arm 101 is different from the vertical length L42 of the second slide space 145. Here, the length L41 of the first slide space 135 is shorter than the length L42 of the second slide space 145.

[0098] In this embodiment, the larger thickness of the first slide portion 251 and the second slide portion 252 (here, the thickness L32 of the second slide portion 252 (see FIG. 9)) is larger than the vertical length of the shorter one of the first slide space 135 and the second slide space 145 (here, the length L41 of the first slide space 135 (see FIG. 12C)). Therefore, the second slide portion 252 is configured not to be able to enter the first slide space 135. Thus, for example, when the adapter 6 holding the workpiece 5 is inverted (for example, reversed left and right) and the adapter 6 is inserted into the first slide space 135 and the second slide space 145 and slid, the second slide portion 252 abuts against the front end portion of the first arm 101. Therefore, since the inverted adapter 6 cannot enter the first slide space 135 and the second slide space 145, the inverted adapter 6 cannot be slid within the first slide space 135 and the second slide space 145.

[0099] Also, in this embodiment, when the workpiece 5 is inverted upside down, the vertical positions of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 of the adapter 6 are inverted. Therefore, in the case of the workpiece 5 inverted upside down, the first plate 211 or the second plate 212 abuts against the first arm 101 and the second arm 102, so that the adapter 6 cannot be slid within the first slide space 135 and the second slide space 145. As described above, it is possible to prevent the inverted workpiece 5 from being attached to the workpiece holder 30.

[0100] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting portion 103 of the workpiece holder 30 has a first fitting portion 151 and a second fitting portion 152. The first fitting portion 151 and the second fitting portion 152 are provided on the upper surface of the connecting portion 103. The first fitting portion 151 and the second fitting portion 152 are arranged side by side in the clamping direction D2. In this embodiment, the first fitting portion 151 and the second fitting portion 152 are rollers rotatable with respect to the connecting portion 103. However, the types of the first fitting portion 151 and the second fitting portion 152 are not particularly limited. Here, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the workpiece 5 is disposed at the holding position P11, the first fitting portion 151 fits into the first locking recess 271 of the adapter 6. At this time, the second fitting portion 152 fits into the second locking recess 272 of the adapter 6.

[0101] The configuration of the workpiece holder 30 has been described above. Next, the procedure for the user to manually attach and hold the workpiece 5 to the workpiece holder 30 or remove it from the workpiece holder 30 will be described. Here, when attaching the workpiece 5 to the workpiece holder 30, the workpiece holder 30 is disposed at the replacement position P4 (see FIG. 6) in the cutting area A1. As shown in FIG. 4, the user first slides the slide cover 60 upward to open the first opening 12a formed in the case body 10. At this time, through the first opening 12a, the cutting area A1 and the outside of the cutting machine 100 are in communication. The user can put the hand holding the workpiece 5 into the cutting area A1 through the first opening 12a and attach the workpiece 5 to the workpiece holder 30.

[0102] When the user manually attaches the workpiece 5 to the workpiece holder 30, as shown in FIG. 7, the workpiece 5 held by the adapter 6 is placed at a position in front of the workpiece holder 30, here at the non-holding position P12. At this time, while the first end portion 6a of the adapter 6 is positioned on the first arm 101 side and the second end portion 6b is positioned on the second arm 102 side, the first clamping mechanism 110 and the second clamping mechanism 120 are in a position behind the first slide portion 251 and the second slide portion 252 with respect to the orientation of the workpiece 5. Also, in the workpiece holder 30, the rotational position of the first clamping portion 114 is the first non-fixed rotational position R12, and the rotational position of the second clamping portion 124 is the second non-fixed rotational position R22. In such a state, the user moves the workpiece 5 along the rearward direction of the attachment / detachment direction D1, as indicated by the arrow A20 in FIG. 7, toward the space between the first arm 101 and the second arm 102. Here, the user moves the workpiece 5 from the non-holding position P12 toward the holding position P11 (see FIG. 10B).

[0103] FIGS. 13A and 13B are plan views showing a state in which the workpiece 5 is sliding relative to the workpiece holder 30. In FIG. 13B, the first upper member 139 and the second upper member 149 are omitted. When the workpiece 5 moves rearward in the attachment / detachment direction D1 toward the holding position P11, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 enters from the front into the first slide space 135 formed between the first lower slide portion 131 and the first upper slide portion 133, and slides rearward within the first slide space 135. At this time, the first upper slide portion 255 of the adapter 6 is disposed on the first inner protruding portion 133a of the first upper slide portion 133 of the first arm 101, and slides rearward along the first inner protruding portion 133a.

[0104] Similarly, when the workpiece 5 moves rearward in the attachment / detachment direction D1 toward the holding position P11, the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 enters the second slide space 145 formed between the second lower slidable portion 141 and the first upper slidable portion 143 from the front and slides rearward within the second slide space 145. At this time, the second upper slide portion 256 of the adapter 6 is disposed on the second inner protruding portion 143a of the second upper slidable portion 143 and slides rearward along the second inner protruding portion 143a.

[0105] When the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 slides within the first slide space 135, as shown in FIG. 13B, the first slide portion 251 may contact the first guide roller 132. By moving while the first slide portion 251 contacts the first guide roller 132, the first guide roller 132 can guide the movement of the first slide portion 251. Similarly, when the second slide portion 252 slides within the second slide space 145, the second slide portion 252 may slide while contacting the second guide roller 142. As a result, the second guide roller 142 can guide the movement of the second slide portion 252.

[0106] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the workpiece 5 and the workholder 30 when the workpiece 5 is located at the intermediate position P13. In FIG. 14, the first upper member 139 and the second upper member 149 are omitted. As described above, when the workpiece 5 slides rearward in the attachment / detachment direction D1 in the first sliding space 135 and the second sliding space 145 of the workholder 30, as shown in FIG. 14, the first convex portion 301 of the adapter 6 contacts the first clamping portion 114 of the first arm 101, and the second convex portion 302 contacts the second clamping portion 124 of the second arm 102. As described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the first distance D11 in the clamping direction D2 between the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124 is shorter than the second distance D12 in the clamping direction D2 between the first convex portion 301 and the second convex portion 302 of the adapter 6. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the adapter 6 contacts the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124. Specifically, the first non-fixed portion 115b of the first clamping portion 114 contacts the first convex portion 301, and the second non-fixed portion 125b of the second clamping portion 124 contacts the second convex portion 302. This restricts the movement of the workpiece 5 in the attachment / detachment direction D1.

[0107] Thus, the position of the workpiece 5 with respect to the workholder 30 when the adapter 6 holding the workpiece 5 contacts the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124 is referred to as the intermediate position P13. The intermediate position P13 is a position during the movement of the workpiece 5 along the attachment / detachment direction D1 toward the holding position P11. The intermediate position P13 is located behind the non-holding position P12 and in front of the holding position P11.

[0108] When the workpiece 5 is located at the intermediate position P13, the first non-fixed recess 321 of the adapter 6 is arranged to the right of the first clamping portion 114 of the first arm 101, and the second non-fixed recess 322 of the adapter 6 is arranged to the left of the second clamping portion 124 of the second arm 102. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the third distance D13 in the clamping direction D2 between the first non-fixed recess 321 and the second non-fixed recess 322 is shorter than the first distance D11 described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the workpiece 5 is located at the intermediate position P13, the first clamping portion 114 does not contact the first non-fixed recess 321, and the second clamping portion 124 does not contact the second non-fixed recess 322.

[0109] The user applies an additional force to the workpiece 5 in the rearward direction of the attachment / detachment direction D1 at the intermediate position P13, so that the workpiece 5 passes through the intermediate position P13. At this time, the first clamping portion 114 is pushed by the first convex portion 301 and rotates leftward about the first rotation axis 111 as shown by the arrow A21 against the pressing force applied by the first elastic member 118. The second clamping portion 124 is pushed by the second convex portion 302 and rotates rightward about the second rotation axis 121 as shown by the arrow A22 against the pressing force applied by the second elastic member 128. At this time, as the distance between the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124 widens, the first convex portion 301 and the second convex portion 302 of the adapter 6 pass between the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124 while contacting the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124, respectively.

[0110] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the workpiece 5 and the workpiece holder 30 when the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11, and shows a state where the rotational position of the first clamping portion 114 is the first non-fixed rotational position R12 and the rotational position of the second clamping portion 124 is the second non-fixed rotational position R22. In FIG. 15, the first upper member 139 and the second upper member 149 are omitted. In this way, when the workpiece 5 passes through the intermediate position P13, as shown in FIG. 15, the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11. At this time, the rotational position of the first clamping portion 114 is the first non-fixed rotational position R12, and the rotational position of the second clamping portion 124 is the second non-fixed rotational position R22. Therefore, when the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11, the first fixed recess 311 of the adapter 6 is disposed to the right of the first clamping portion 114 (specifically, the first non-fixed portion 115b), and the second fixed recess 312 of the adapter 6 is disposed to the left of the second clamping portion 124 (specifically, the second non-fixed portion 125b). Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the fourth distance D14 in the clamping direction D2 between the first fixed recess 311 and the second fixed recess 312 is shorter than the first distance D11 described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the first fixed recess 311 does not contact the first clamping portion 114 (here, the first non-fixed portion 115b), and the second fixed recess 312 does not contact the second clamping portion 124 (here, the second non-fixed portion 125b).

[0111] As shown in FIG. 15, when the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11, the first locking projection 261 of the adapter 6 abuts against the first guide roller 132 of the first arm 101, and the second locking projection 262 of the adapter 6 abuts against the second guide roller 142 of the second arm 102. Further, when the workpiece 5 is located at the holding position P11, the first fitting portion 151 and the second fitting portion 152 of the connecting portion 103 are respectively fitted into the first locking recess 271 and the second locking recess 272 of the adapter 6. By these, it is possible to restrict the movement so that the workpiece 5 does not move rearward from the holding position P11.

[0112] In this way, after the workpiece 5 is positioned at the holding position P11, the user operates the first lever 116 as indicated by the arrow A23 in FIG. 15 so that the first clamping portion 114 rotates from the first non-fixed rotation position R12 to the first fixed rotation position R11 (see FIG. 10B). Similarly, the user operates the second lever 126 as indicated by the arrow A24 in FIG. 15 so that the second clamping portion 124 rotates from the second non-fixed rotation position R22 to the second fixed rotation position R21 (see FIG. 10B). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the first fixed portion 115a of the first clamping portion 114 contacts the first fixed recess 311 of the adapter 6 and is pressed against the first fixed recess 311. Similarly, the second fixed portion 125a of the second clamping portion 124 contacts the second fixed recess 312 of the adapter 6 and is pressed against the second fixed recess 312. Thus, the workpiece 5 is clamped by the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124, and the position of the workpiece 5 relative to the workpiece holder 30 is fixed. Therefore, the workpiece holder 30 can hold the workpiece 5. When the rotation position of the first clamping portion 114 is at the first fixed rotation position R11, the first lever 116 contacts the first stopper 281 of the adapter 6, and the movement to the right is restricted. When the rotation position of the second clamping portion 124 is at the second fixed rotation position R21, the second lever 126 contacts the second stopper 282 of the adapter 6, and the movement to the left is restricted.

[0113] When removing the workpiece 5 from the workpiece holder 30, it is advisable to perform the procedure opposite to the procedure of attaching the workpiece 5 to the workpiece holder 30 described above. Although detailed description is omitted, when removing the workpiece 5 from the workpiece holder 30, as shown in FIG. 15, while the workpiece 5 is positioned at the holding position P11, the user operates the first lever 116 and the second lever 126 to rotate the first clamping portion 114 from the first fixed rotation position R11 to the first non-fixed rotation position R12 and rotate the second clamping portion 124 from the second fixed rotation position R21 to the second non-fixed rotation position R22. This releases the clamping state of the workpiece 5 by the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124.

[0114] Thereafter, the user pulls out the workpiece 5 forward in the attachment / detachment direction D1 so that the workpiece 5 moves from the holding position P11 to the non-holding position P12. Here, when the workpiece 5 passes through the intermediate position P13, the first convex portion 301 and the second convex portion 302 of the adapter 6 come into contact with the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124, respectively. At this time, the user applies a further force to the workpiece 5 forward in the attachment / detachment direction D1. As a result, the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124 are pushed by the first convex portion 301 and the second convex portion 302, respectively, so that the distance between the first clamping portion 114 and the second clamping portion 124 widens. Therefore, the workpiece 5 can pass through the intermediate position P13.

[0115] After the workpiece 5 passes through the intermediate position P13, as shown in FIG. 13A, the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 slides forward within the first sliding space 135. Also, the first upper slide portion 255 slides forward on the first inner protruding portion 133a of the first upper sliding portion 133. Similarly, the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 slides forward within the second sliding space 145, and the second upper slide portion 256 slides forward on the second inner protruding portion 143a of the second upper sliding portion 143. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the workpiece 5 is positioned at the non-holding position P12, the workpiece 5 is disposed in front of the workholder 30. As a result, the user can manually remove the workpiece 5 from the workholder 30.

[0116] As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when machining the workpiece 5, the machining machine 100 includes a workholder 30 which is an example of a holding device that holds an adapter 6 for holding the workpiece 5. The workholder 30 is configured such that the user can manually move the workpiece 5 from one side (here, the front) to the other side (here, the rear) in the attachment / detachment direction D1 with respect to the workholder 30, and the workpiece 5 can be held when it is disposed at the holding position P11 with respect to the workholder 30 as shown in FIG. 10B. The workholder 30 includes a first arm 101 and a second arm 102. The first arm 101 extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1. The second arm 102 is arranged side by side with the first arm 101 in the clamping direction D2 intersecting the attachment / detachment direction D1, extends in the attachment / detachment direction D1, and clamps the workpiece 5 together with the first arm 101. As shown in FIG. 8, the adapter 6 is provided at a first end portion 6a on one side in the clamping direction D2 and has a first slide portion 251 extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1, and is provided at a second end portion 6b on the other side in the clamping direction D2 and has a second slide portion 252 extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1. As shown in FIG. 12A, the first arm 101 has a first lower slidable portion 131 extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and a first upper slidable portion 133 disposed above the first lower slidable portion 131 and extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1. As shown in FIG. 12C, a first slidable space 135 is formed between the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133, which opens in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and into which the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 can enter and slide. As shown in FIG. 12B, the second arm 102 has a second lower slidable portion 141 extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and a second upper slidable portion 143 disposed above the second lower slidable portion 141 and extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1. A second slidable space 145 is formed between the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143, which opens in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and into which the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 can enter and slide.

[0117] Thus, when the user manually moves the work piece 5 rearward in the attachment / detachment direction D1 and attaches the work piece 5 to the work holder 30, the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 can enter the first sliding space 135 formed between the first lower slidable portion 131 and the first upper slidable portion 133, and can easily move along the first sliding space 135 toward the holding position P11. Further, the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 can enter the second sliding space 145 formed between the second lower slidable portion 141 and the second upper slidable portion 143, and can easily move along the second sliding space 145 toward the holding position P11. Therefore, since the first sliding space 135 and the second sliding space 145 serve as guides when the adapter 6 moves toward the holding position P11, the user can appropriately move the work piece 5 manually to the holding position P11.

[0118] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, the first lower slidable portion 131 protrudes on one side (here, the front side) in the attachment / detachment direction D1 from the first upper slidable portion 133. The second lower slidable portion 141 protrudes on one side in the attachment / detachment direction D1 from the second upper slidable portion 143. Thus, with the first slide portion 251 of the adapter 6 placed on the front end portion of the first lower slidable portion 131, by moving the work piece 5 rearward in the attachment / detachment direction D1, the first slide portion 251 can easily enter the first sliding space 135 from the front. Similarly, with the second slide portion 252 of the adapter 6 placed on the front end portion of the second lower slidable portion 141, by moving the work piece 5 rearward, the second slide portion 252 can easily enter the second sliding space 145 from the front.

[0119] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first arm 101 is disposed on the side opposite to the second arm 102 in the first sliding space 135, and has a first connecting portion 134 connected to the first lower sliding portion 131 and the first upper sliding portion 133. By this, when the first sliding portion 251 enters the first sliding space 135, the first sliding portion 251 can be made less likely to enter on the side opposite to the second arm 102 than the first lower sliding portion 131 (or the first upper sliding portion 133). Further, in this embodiment, the second arm 102 is disposed on the side opposite to the first arm 101 in the second sliding space 145, and has a second connecting portion 144 connected to the second lower sliding portion 141 and the second upper sliding portion 143. By this, when the second sliding portion 252 enters the second sliding space 145, the second sliding portion 252 can be made less likely to enter on the side opposite to the first arm 101 than the second lower sliding portion 141 (or the second upper sliding portion 143).

[0120] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the adapter 6 has a first upper slide portion 255 disposed above the first slide portion 251 at the first end portion 6a and extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1, and a second upper slide portion 256 disposed above the second slide portion 252 at the second end portion 6b and extending in the attachment / detachment direction D1. As shown in FIG. 12C, the first upper slidable portion 133 protrudes toward the second arm 102 side and has a first inner protruding portion 133a disposed between the first slide portion 251 and the first upper slide portion 255 when the first slide portion 251 slides in the first slidable space 135. The second upper slidable portion 143 protrudes toward the first arm 101 side and has a second inner protruding portion 143a disposed between the second slide portion 252 and the second upper slide portion 256 when the second slide portion 252 slides in the second slidable space 145. Thus, since the first upper slide portion 255 can be slid along the first arm 101 together with the first slide portion 251, the workpiece 5 can be appropriately moved toward the rear side in the attachment / detachment direction D1. Similarly, since the second upper slide portion 256 can be slid along the second arm 102 together with the second slide portion 252, the workpiece 5 can be appropriately moved toward the rear side in the attachment / detachment direction D1.

[0121] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first upper slidable portion 133 protrudes upward and has a first upper protrusion 133b disposed on the side opposite to the second arm 102 side rather than the first upper slidable portion 255 when the first slidable portion 251 is slidingly moving in the first slidable space 135. The second upper slidable portion 143 protrudes upward and has a second upper protrusion 143b disposed on the side opposite to the first arm 101 side rather than the second upper slidable portion 256 when the second slidable portion 252 is slidingly moving in the second slidable space 145. By this, when the first upper slidable portion 255 slides rearward on the first inner protrusion 133a, it can be made difficult to move toward the first upper protrusion 133b side. Also, when the second upper slidable portion 256 slides rearward on the second inner protrusion 143a, it can be made difficult to move toward the second upper protrusion 143b side. Thus, the workpiece 5 can be easily and appropriately moved along the attachment / detachment direction D1.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first arm 101 is disposed in the first slidable space 135 and has a first guide roller 132 (see FIG. 7) for guiding the sliding movement of the first slidable portion 251. As shown in FIG. 12B, the second arm 102 is disposed in the second slidable space 145 and has a second guide roller 142 for guiding the sliding movement of the second slidable portion 252. By this, the first slidable portion 251 and the second slidable portion 252 can be easily and appropriately slid rearward in the attachment / detachment direction D1 while being guided by the first guide roller 132 and the second guide roller 142, respectively.

[0123] In this embodiment, the workpiece holder 30 is configured such that when the adapter 6 is in an inverted state, the adapter 6 does not enter the first slidable space 135 and the second slidable space 145 from one side (here, the front side) of the attachment / detachment direction D1. By this, it can be prevented that the workpiece 5 held by the inverted adapter 6 is attached to the workpiece holder 30.

[0124] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the thickness L31 of the first slide portion 251 and the thickness L32 of the second slide portion 252 are different. As shown in FIG. 12C, the vertical length L41 of the first sliding space 135 and the vertical length L42 of the second sliding space 145 are different. Here, the larger thickness of the first slide portion 251 and the second slide portion 252 (here, the thickness L32 of the second slide portion 252 (see FIG. 9)) is larger than the vertical length of the shorter one of the first sliding space 135 and the second sliding space 145 (here, the vertical length L41 of the first sliding space 135 (see FIG. 12C)). Therefore, for example, when trying to insert the adapter 6 into the first sliding space 135 and the second sliding space 145 with the workpiece 5 reversed left and right, the second slide portion 252 abuts against the first arm 101, so that it can be prevented from entering the first sliding space 135. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the workpiece 5 held by the reversed adapter 6 (especially the adapter 6 reversed left and right) from being attached to the workpiece holder 30.

Explanation of Signs

[0125] 5 Workpiece 6 Adapter 6a First end 6b Second end 30 Workpiece holder (holding device) 100 Machine tool 101 First arm 102 Second arm 131 First lower sliding portion 132 First guide roller 133 First upper sliding portion 134 First connecting portion 135 First sliding space 141 First lower sliding portion 142 Second guide roller 143 Second upper sliding portion 144 Second connecting portion 145 Second sliding space 251 First slide portion 252 Second slide part 255 First upper slide part 256 Second upper slide part

Claims

1. When machining a workpiece, a holding device is provided for holding an adapter that holds the workpiece, the holding device is configured to move the workpiece from one of the attachment / detachment directions to the other with respect to the holding device, and to be able to hold the workpiece when the workpiece is disposed at the holding position, the holding device is a first arm extending in the attachment / detachment direction, a second arm disposed side by side with the first arm in a clamping direction intersecting the attachment / detachment direction, extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and clamping the workpiece together with the first arm, and includes the adapter is a first slide portion provided at a first end on one side of the clamping direction and extending in the attachment / detachment direction, a second slide portion provided at a second end on the other side of the clamping direction and extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and has the first arm is a first lower slidable portion extending in the attachment / detachment direction, a first upper slidable portion disposed above the first lower slidable portion and extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and has the second arm is a second lower slidable portion extending in the attachment / detachment direction, a second upper slidable portion disposed above the second lower slidable portion and extending in the attachment / detachment direction, and has a first slidable space is formed between the first lower slidable portion and the first upper slidable portion, opening in the attachment / detachment direction and allowing the first slide portion to enter and slide therein, a second slidable space is formed between the second lower slidable portion and the second upper slidable portion, opening in the attachment / detachment direction and allowing the second slide portion to enter and slide therein, a machining machine.

2. the first lower slidable portion protrudes to one side of the attachment / detachment direction more than the first upper slidable portion, the second lower slidable portion protrudes to one side of the attachment / detachment direction more than the second upper slidable portion, the machining machine according to claim 1.

3. the first arm is disposed on the side opposite to the second arm in the first slidable space and has a first connecting portion connected to the first lower slidable portion and the first upper slidable portion, the second arm is disposed on the side opposite to the first arm in the second slidable space and has a second connecting portion connected to the second lower slidable portion and the second upper slidable portion, the machining machine according to claim 1.

4. the adapter is At the first end portion, a first upper slide portion disposed above the first slide portion and extending in the attaching / detaching direction; At the second end portion, a second upper slide portion disposed above the second slide portion and extending in the attaching / detaching direction; and having The first upper slidable portion protrudes toward the second arm side and has a first inner protruding portion disposed between the first slide portion and the first upper slide portion when the first slide portion is slidingly moving in the first slidable space. The second upper slidable portion protrudes toward the first arm side and has a second inner protruding portion disposed between the second slide portion and the second upper slide portion when the second slide portion is slidingly moving in the second slidable space. The machining tool according to claim 1.

5. The first upper slidable portion protrudes upward and has a first upper protruding portion disposed on a side opposite to the second arm side with respect to the first upper slide portion when the first slide portion is slidingly moving in the first slidable space. The second upper slidable portion protrudes upward and has a second upper protruding portion disposed on a side opposite to the first arm side with respect to the second upper slide portion when the second slide portion is slidingly moving in the second slidable space. The machining tool according to claim 4.

6. The first arm is disposed in the first slidable space and has a first guide roller for guiding the sliding movement of the first slide portion. The second arm is disposed in the second slidable space and has a second guide roller for guiding the sliding movement of the second slide portion. The machining tool according to claim 1.

7. The holding device is configured such that when the adapter is in an inverted state, the adapter does not enter the first slidable space and the second slidable space from one side in the attaching / detaching direction. The machining tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The thickness of the first slide portion and the thickness of the second slide portion are different. The vertical length of the first slidable space and the vertical length of the second slidable space are different. The larger thickness of the first slide portion and the second slide portion is larger than the vertical length of the shorter one of the first slidable space and the second slidable space. The machining tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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