Tool cleaning device

Abstract

To provide a tool cleaning device which is configured to remove foreign objects adhering to a surface of a cutting tool and enables improvement of maintainability for maintaining foreign object removal performance.SOLUTION: A tool cleaning device 1 cleans a cutting tool TL having a substantially circular shape and includes: a holding part 2 for holding the cutting tool TL; and a cleaning mechanism 3 for cleaning the cutting tool TL held by the holding part 2. The cleaning mechanism 3 has: a feeding part 32 which feeds a belt-like sheet 31 for wiping foreign objects adhering to a surface of the cutting tool TL; and a recovery part 33 for recovering the fed belt-like sheet 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool cleaning device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, foreign matter such as chips adheres to a substantially circular cutting tool (for example, a substantially circular blade or a substantially circular spacer) used in a cutting device that cuts a cutting object such as a metal plate during the cutting process. If the cutting process is continued with the foreign matter adhered, the cutting accuracy may decrease. Patent Document 1 discloses a dust removal device that removes foreign matter such as metal chips that adhere to the cutting tool. The dust removal device described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a dust remover that comes into contact with the peripheral surface and side surface of the cutting tool of the cutting device that cuts a traveling metal plate and wipes off the foreign matter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 58-157519 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the dust remover described in Patent Document 1 is made of felt, leather, cotton cloth, etc., and needs to be replaced periodically. Furthermore, when replacing the dust remover, the operation of the cutting device needs to be stopped. Therefore, the dust remover described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the dust remover is difficult to maintain, which is likely to lead to a decrease in productivity in the cutting process of the cutting device.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a tool cleaning device that removes foreign matter adhering to the surface of a cutting tool, and that can improve maintainability for maintaining foreign matter removal performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The tool cleaning device of the present invention is a tool cleaning device for cleaning an approximately circular cutting tool, and comprises a holding section for holding the cutting tool and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the cutting tool held in the holding section, and the cleaning mechanism has a feeding section for feeding out a strip-shaped sheet for wiping off foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool, and a recovery section for recovering the fed strip-shaped sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tool cleaning device that removes foreign matter adhering to the surface of a cutting tool, and that can improve maintainability for maintaining foreign matter removal performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cutting system in which a tool cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cutting tool is held by a holding part and the cleaning mechanism is retracted from the cutting tool in the tool cleaning device of the cutting system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cutting tool is held by a holding part and a brushing part of a cleaning mechanism is in contact with a surface of the cutting tool in the tool cleaning device of the cutting system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cutting tool is held by a holding part and a wiping part of a cleaning mechanism is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool in the tool cleaning device of the cutting system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5A] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a cutting tool has been removed from a temporary shaft assembly device by a handling robot in the cutting system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5B] 5B is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the cutting tool is attached to the tool cleaning device by the handling robot, which is changed from the state shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a handling robot, showing a state in which the handling robot is holding a cutting tool. [Figure 7A] 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a cutting tool is taken out of a storage unit by a handling robot in the cutting system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7B is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the cutting tool is attached to the tool cleaning device by the handling robot, which is changed from the state shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which a cleaning mechanism of the tool cleaning device illustrated in FIG. 1 is in contact with the surface of a cutting tool. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which a brushing part in a cleaning mechanism of the tool cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the surface of a cutting tool. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which a wiping part (first wiping part) of the cleaning mechanism illustrated in FIG. 1 is separated from the surface of the cutting tool. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a wiping part (first wiping part) of the cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which a wiping unit (second wiping unit) of the cleaning mechanism illustrated in FIG. 1 is separated from the surface of the cutting tool. FIG. [Figure 13] 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a wiping part (second wiping part) of the cleaning mechanism shown in FIG. 1 is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a modified example of the cleaning mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a tool cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the tool cleaning device of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0010] The tool cleaning device 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) according to this embodiment is a device for cleaning a substantially circular cutting tool TL (see FIGS. 2 to 4). The cutting tool TL is a member for cutting a workpiece W such as a metal plate. When the cutting tool TL cuts the workpiece W in the cutting process, foreign matter such as chips may adhere to the cutting tool TL. Furthermore, when a lubricant such as a lubricating oil is applied to the surface of the cutting tool TL, chips may become mixed with the lubricant. Furthermore, rust may occur on the surface of the cutting tool TL. As will be described later, the tool cleaning device 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) according to this embodiment is configured to remove foreign matter (e.g., chips, rust, etc.) present on the surface of the cutting tool TL. In this embodiment, the cutting tool TL is a blade BL for cutting a workpiece W such as a metal plate, and a case in which the cutting tool is the blade BL will be described as an example. However, the cutting tool TL is not limited to the blades BL, and may include an intermediate member ME (see FIG. 5A, etc.) such as a spacer that maintains the spacing between multiple blades BL in the cutting device. The cutting tool TL is formed in a cylindrical shape with a through hole that penetrates in the axial direction D1. As will be described later, the cutting tool TL can be held by a handling robot 202 (described later) at its inner circumferential surface facing the through hole, and by a holding unit 2 (described later) of the tool cleaning device 1.

[0011] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the tool cleaning device 1 is provided in a work area AR of a handling robot 202 that can grip a substantially circular cutting tool TL. In this embodiment, the handling robot 202 is a robot that constitutes a tool exchange device that exchanges the cutting tool TL of a cutting device. Specifically, the handling robot 202 is a tool exchange device configured to move the cutting tool TL between a shaft portion of the cutting device CD to which the cutting tool TL is attached and a storage portion 203 that stores the cutting tool TL removed from the shaft portion. In this embodiment, the handling robot 202 is configured to move the cutting tool TL between a shaft portion 201a (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), the storage portion 203, and a holding portion 203 of the tool cleaning device 1, which will be described later. In this manner, the handling robot 202 is configured to perform an exchange operation for the cutting tool TL within the work area AR. The "work area AR of the handling robot 202" is an area in which the handling robot 202 can perform its work.

[0012] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the tool cleaning device 1 is used as a device for cleaning a cutting tool TL in a cutting system CS that cuts a workpiece W, such as a metal plate, with the cutting tool TL, such as a blade. In this embodiment, the tool cleaning device 1 is configured to clean at least parts of the cutting tool TL that may affect the cutting accuracy. In this embodiment, the tool cleaning device 1 is configured to clean the entire surface of the cutting tool TL (end faces BL4, inner circumferential surface BL8, and outer circumferential surface BL2 (see FIGS. 10 to 13) in an axial direction D5 (see FIGS. 10 to 13) perpendicular to the radial direction D4 (see FIGS. 10 to 13)). Note that the tool cleaning device 1 is not particularly limited to cleaning parts of the cutting tool TL, as long as it can clean parts that may affect the cutting accuracy. For example, the tool cleaning device 1 may be configured to clean only the cutting edge BL1 (see FIGS. 10 to 13) of the blade BL and a region near the cutting edge BL1. In addition, the installation location of the tool cleaning device 1 is not limited to the operating area of ​​the cutting system CS. The tool cleaning device 1 may be installed in, for example, a dedicated facility for cleaning cutting tools TL, or a recycling facility for cutting tools TL.

[0013] The workpiece W of the cutting system CS is not particularly limited as long as it can be cut by the substantially circular blade BL, and is, for example, a metal plate such as a steel plate. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the cutting system CS cuts a strip-shaped metal plate as the workpiece W to slit, i.e., to divide it in the strip width direction (cuts along the length direction). In the following explanation, a case will be described in which the workpiece W is a strip-shaped metal plate (hereinafter also referred to as strip W).

[0014] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the cutting system CS includes a cutting device CD that slits the strip W, a blade changing system ES that replaces blades BL, and a tool cleaning device 1 that cleans cutting tools TL such as the blades BL. The blade changing system ES includes a temporary shaft assembly device 201 having a shaft 201a (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) to which a set of cutting tools TL of a predetermined pattern is attached, a handling robot 202 that grasps and transports the cutting tools TL, and a storage unit 203 such as a storage shelf that stores the cutting tools TL. The handling robot 202 transports the cutting tools TL between the storage unit 203 and the shaft 201a, and the cutting tools TL are replaced. After the set of cutting tools TL of the predetermined pattern is attached to the shaft 201a, the temporary shaft assembly device 201 having the shaft 201a moves to the position of the cutting device CD, and the set of cutting tools TL of the predetermined pattern is attached to the cutting device CD. In addition, the set of used cutting tools TL used in the cutting device CD is collected by the shaft portion 201a of the temporary assembly shaft device 201, and when the temporary assembly shaft device 201 is positioned within the working area AR of the handling robot 202, the set of used cutting tools TL is moved to the storage portion 203 by the handling robot 202 and stored therein.

[0015] 5A and 5B, the handling robot 202 is configured to grip a cutting tool TL and transport the cutting tool TL. The handling robot 202 includes a base 202a, an arm 202b having multiple joints and rotatably fixed to the base 202a, and multiple fingers 202c provided at the tip of the arm 202b for gripping a blade BL. The handling robot 202 grips the blade BL with the multiple fingers 202c and transports the blade BL by the operation of the arm 202b.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 6, the handling robot 202 has three fingers 202c. As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, each finger 202c is arranged to extend in a substantially horizontal direction from the tip of the arm portion 202b. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the handling robot 202 has two fingers 202c that abut on the upper part of the inner circumferential surface of the blade BL and one finger 202c that abuts on the lower part. Specifically, when viewed from the tip side of each finger 202c, the handling robot 202 is arranged at a position corresponding to two vertices that sandwich the base of an inverted isosceles triangle, and at a position below the base that corresponds to the remaining vertex of the inverted isosceles triangle. When the three fingers 202c approach the tool cleaning device 1 and transfer the blade BL between them, as shown in Fig. 6, they are positioned so as not to interfere with an upper support portion 21 and a lower support portion 22 (described later) of the tool cleaning device 1. Specifically, for example, the upper two fingers 202c are positioned so that the upper support portion 21 is positioned between the two upper fingers 202c in the horizontal direction and the upper support portion 21 is spaced apart from the two upper fingers 202c. Furthermore, the lower finger 202c is positioned so that the lower finger 202c is positioned between the two lower support portions 22 in the horizontal direction and the lower finger 202c is spaced apart from the two lower support portions 22. The three fingers 202c are arranged in a through hole BL7 of the blade BL, and the upper two fingers 202c and the lower one finger 202c move in directions away from each other to press against the inner peripheral surface of the blade BL facing the through hole, thereby gripping the blade BL. When the blade BL is handed over, the three fingers 202c are arranged in the through hole BL7 of the blade BL, and the upper two fingers 202c and the lower one finger 202c move in directions toward each other to release the pressure on the inner peripheral surface BL8 of the blade BL facing the through hole BL7, thereby releasing the grip of the blade BL (releasing the blade BL).

[0017] The handling robot 202, for example, takes out the blade BL attached to the shaft portion 201a of the temporary shaft assembly device 201 (see FIG. 5A) and attaches the taken-out blade BL to a holding portion 2 (described later) of the tool cleaning device 1 (see FIG. 5B). The handling robot 202 also attaches the cleaned blade BL attached to the holding portion 2 of the tool cleaning device 1 to the shaft portion 201a of the temporary shaft assembly device 201. The handling robot 202 also takes out an uncleaned blade BL from the storage portion 203 (see FIG. 7A) and attaches the taken-out blade BL to the holding portion 2 of the tool cleaning device 1 (see FIG. 7B). The handling robot 202 also stores the cleaned blade BL attached to the tool cleaning device 1 in the storage portion 203 (see FIG. 1) (returns it to the storage portion 203).

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the tool cleaning device 1 includes a holder 2 and a cleaning mechanism 3. As shown in FIGS.

[0019] The holding unit 2 holds a cutting tool TL. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6, the holding unit 2 holds a blade BL. The holding unit 2 may hold an intermediate member ME instead of the blade BL. The configuration of the holding unit 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the cutting tool TL. In this embodiment, the holding unit 2 holds the cutting tool TL so that its axial direction is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the holding unit 2 holds the cutting tool TL in a suspended state while abutting against the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL, which is arranged so that its axial direction is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction. The holding unit 2 has an upper support part 21 that supports an upper inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface of the cutting tool TL (for example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper inner peripheral surface BL81 of the blade BL), and a lower support part 22 that supports a lower inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface of the cutting tool TL (for example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the lower inner peripheral surface BL82 of the blade BL). The upper support part 21 has a length longer than the thickness (axial length) of the cutting tool TL. The lower support part 22 has a length longer than the thickness of the cutting tool TL. The holding unit 2 can support the cutting tool TL by bringing the upper support part 21 into contact with the upper inner peripheral surface BL81 and the lower support part 22 into contact with the lower inner peripheral surface BL82. In this embodiment, the upper support part 21 and the lower support part 22 are configured in a cylindrical shape. As described below, the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 are configured to rotate (spin) around a central axis extending in the length direction. This allows the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 to rotate the cutting tool TL around the axis of the cutting tool TL, as described below. Note that in FIG. 6, the lower support portion 22 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL, and the lower finger 202c is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL. However, in reality, the lower support portion 22 and the lower finger 202c do not contact the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL at the same time. For example, when the lower support portion 22 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL, the lower finger 202c is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL. When the lower finger 202c is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL, the lower support portion 22 is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL.

[0020] In this embodiment, the holding unit 2 includes a drive mechanism (not shown) that moves the upper support unit 21 and / or the lower support unit 22. The upper support unit 21 and the lower support unit 22 are configured to be movable by the drive mechanism between a gripping position where the cutting tool TL is gripped and a grip release position where the grip of the cutting tool TL is released. The drive mechanism is configured to move the upper support unit 21 and / or the lower support unit 22 using power from a drive source such as a cylinder device or a motor. Specifically, for example, the drive mechanism is configured to move the upper support unit 21 and the lower support unit 22 in directions that move them closer to and away from each other in the vertical direction. When the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 move in a direction in which they approach each other, the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 are positioned at the grip release position, and the cutting tool TL can be supported by only the upper support portion 21 of the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22. When the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 move in a direction in which they move away from each other, the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 are positioned at the grip position, and both the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 press against the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL (for example, the inner circumferential surface BL8 of the blade BL) in opposite directions. This allows the cutting tool TL (for example, the blade BL) to be fixed and supported by the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22.

[0021] The number of upper support parts 21 and the number of lower support parts 22 are not particularly limited as long as they can hold the cutting tool TL and do not interfere with the handling robot 202 when transferring the cutting tool TL to and from the handling robot 202. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, there is one upper support part 21 and two lower support parts 22. Furthermore, the positions of the upper support part 21 and the lower support parts 22 are not particularly limited as long as they can hold the cutting tool TL and do not interfere with the handling robot 202 when transferring the cutting tool TL to and from the handling robot 202. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, when viewed from the direction along the length direction (axial direction D1) of the upper support part 21, one of the two lower support parts 22 is located diagonally below the one upper support part 21, and the other of the two lower support parts 22 is located diagonally below the upper support part 21 on the opposite side to the one lower support part 22. The two lower support parts 22 are arranged at positions corresponding to the two vertices that sandwich the base of an isosceles triangle, and the one upper support part 21 is arranged at a position corresponding to the remaining vertex of the isosceles triangle.

[0022] When the cutting tool TL is transferred from the handling robot 202 to the holder 2, the transfer can be performed, for example, as follows. Here, it is assumed that the handling robot 202 is holding the cutting tool TL as the state before the transfer. From this state, for example, first, the distance between the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 of the holder 2 is narrowed to be smaller than the support distance (the distance at which the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 can support the blade BL). In this state, the handling robot 202 moves the blade BL held by the fingers 202c of the handling robot 202 so that it is positioned outside the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22. As a result, the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 are inserted into the through hole BL7 of the blade BL. Next, the distance between the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 is widened to the support distance. As a result, the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 can hold the blade BL. Next, the upper and lower fingers 202c release the blade BL, and the handling robot 202 retreats. This allows the upper and lower fingers 202c to leave the through-hole BL7 of the blade BL. Through the above steps, the cutting tool TL can be transferred from the handling robot 202 to the holder 2.

[0023] The cleaning mechanism 3 is configured to clean the cutting tool TL. The cleaning mechanism 3 (see FIGS. 2 to 4 and 8) has a feed-out section 32 that feeds out a strip-shaped sheet 31 that wipes off foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL, and a collection section 33 that collects the fed-out strip-shaped sheet 31. The strip-shaped sheet 31, the feed-out section 32, and the collection section 33 form a wiping section 3A. The wiping section 3A is configured to feed the strip-shaped sheet 31 from the feed-out section 32 to the collection section 33, thereby shifting the contact position of the strip-shaped sheet 31 with the cutting tool TL in the feed direction. Specifically, the feed-out section 32 is configured to unwind the strip-shaped sheet 31 that is wound in a roll shape. The collection section 33 is configured to wind up the unwound strip-shaped sheet 31.

[0024] The wiping unit 3A is configured to wipe away foreign matter by moving the strip-shaped sheet 31 relative to the cutting tool TL while the strip-shaped sheet 31 is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL. The configuration for moving the strip-shaped sheet 31 relative to the cutting tool TL is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the tool cleaning device 1 further includes a rotation mechanism 4 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) that rotates the cutting tool TL along the circumferential direction D3 to cause the strip-shaped sheet 31 to wipe away foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL. In this embodiment, by rotating the cutting tool TL in the circumferential direction D3 using the rotation mechanism 4, the cutting tool TL can be cleaned without moving the cleaning mechanism 3. In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 4 includes the holding unit 2 (the upper support unit 21 and the lower support unit 22) and a rotation drive unit 41 that rotates the holding unit 2. Specifically, the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 of the holding unit 2 are configured to rotate (spin) around a center line extending in the longitudinal direction (a center line passing through the radial center). The rotation drive unit 41 can drive the upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 to rotate. The upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 rotate around their axes while in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL, thereby rotating the cutting tool TL in a circumferential direction (for example, the circumferential direction D3 shown in FIG. 8). The upper support portion 21 and the lower support portion 22 are configured to rotate in the same direction. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 8, the cutting tool TL rotates in a counterclockwise direction relative to the paper, but may also rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the paper. The rotation of the cutting tool TL in the circumferential direction can move the strip-shaped sheet 31 relative to the cutting tool TL. This allows the strip-shaped sheet 31 to wipe away foreign matter present on the surface of the cutting tool TL. The configuration of the rotation mechanism 4 is not limited to the above example. For example, the rotation mechanism 4 may be configured to include the above-mentioned holding unit 2 (the upper support unit 21 and the lower support unit 22), a rotating body (not shown) having a cylindrical surface provided so as to come into contact with the end face (the end face in the axial direction) of the cutting tool TL, and a rotation drive unit (not shown) that drives the rotating body to rotate in the axial direction.The rotating body is arranged to rotate the cutting tool TL in the circumferential direction. By rotating the rotating body, the cutting tool TL can be rotated in the circumferential direction of the cutting tool TL in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body.

[0025] The configuration of the strip-shaped sheet 31 (see FIGS. 1, 8, and 10 to 13) is not particularly limited as long as it can wipe away foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL. The strip-shaped sheet 31 is a flexible sheet configured to be able to trap chips generated during the cutting process of the workpiece W (see FIG. 1) with the cutting tool TL. The strip-shaped sheet 31 is also configured to be able to absorb lubricating oil applied to the surface of the cutting tool TL. In this embodiment, the strip-shaped sheet 31 is made of a rag. The rag is a fabric capable of trapping chips generated during the cutting process of the workpiece W. The rag is also capable of absorbing lubricants such as lubricating oil. By being configured to be able to absorb lubricants, the strip-shaped sheet 31 can absorb the lubricant and also absorb foreign matter such as chips mixed in the lubricant. Therefore, the wiping unit 3A can use the strip-shaped sheet 31 to wipe away foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL.

[0026] When the strip sheet 31 becomes soiled by the wiping operation, the wiping unit 3A (see FIGS. 1, 8, 10 to 13) uses a drive source such as a motor to feed the strip sheet 31 from the feed unit 32 and collects the fed length of the strip sheet 31 in the collection unit 33. The length fed by the feed unit 32 is, for example, a length corresponding to the area of ​​the strip sheet 31 that is in contact with the cutting tool TL. The wiping unit 3A feeds the strip sheet 31 and collects the length of the strip sheet 31 corresponding to the fed length, so that the soiled portion of the strip sheet 31 moves toward the collection unit 33. As a certain length of the strip sheet 31 moves toward the collection unit 33, the soiled portion of the strip sheet 31 is collected in the collection unit 33. Therefore, the unsoiled portion (clean portion) of the strip sheet 31 comes into contact with the cutting tool TL. This allows the wiping unit 3A to maintain its foreign matter removal performance with a simple configuration.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the tool cleaning device 1 further includes a guide unit 5 that guides the strip sheet 31 so that the strip sheet 31 is positioned along the surface of the cutting tool TL. This allows the guide unit 5 to position the flexible strip sheet 31 so that the shape of the strip sheet 31 conforms to the portion of the cutting tool TL that is to be cleaned. Furthermore, the guide unit 5 can sandwich the strip sheet 31 between the guide unit 5 and the portion of the cutting tool TL that is to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the guide unit 5 is composed of a first guide unit 5A (see FIGS. 10 and 11) and a second guide unit 5B (see FIGS. 12 and 13). The first guide unit 5A positions the strip-shaped sheet 31 so that the shape follows the inner circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL (inner circumferential surface BL8 of the blade BL in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) and one end face of the cutting tool TL in the axial direction D5 perpendicular to the radial direction D4 (right end face BL4 in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). The second guide unit 5B positions the strip-shaped sheet 31 so that the shape follows the outer circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL (outer circumferential surface BL2 of the blade BL in the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) and the other end face of the cutting tool TL in the axial direction D5 (left end face BL4 in the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0028] The guide unit 5 includes a first portion 51 that brings the strip-shaped sheet 31 into contact with the circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL (the inner circumferential surface BL8 of the blade BL in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , and the outer circumferential surface BL2 of the blade BL in the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 ), and a second portion 52 that brings the strip-shaped sheet 31 into contact with an end face of the cutting tool TL in an axial direction D5 perpendicular to the radial direction D4 (the right end face BL4 in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , and the left end face BL4 in the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 ). The first portion 51 presses the strip-shaped sheet 31 against the circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL by sandwiching the strip-shaped sheet 31 between the first portion 51 and the circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL. In this state, the strip-shaped sheet 31 and the circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL move relatively (for example, by the rotation mechanism 4), allowing the strip-shaped sheet 31 to wipe away foreign matter present on the circumferential surface of the cutting tool TL. The second part 52 presses the strip-shaped sheet 31 against the end surface of the cutting tool TL by sandwiching the strip-shaped sheet 31 between the second part 52 and the end surface of the cutting tool TL. In this state, the strip-shaped sheet 31 and the end surface of the cutting tool TL move relatively to each other (for example, by the rotation mechanism 4), so that the strip-shaped sheet 31 can wipe away foreign matter present on the end surface of the cutting tool TL. The relative movement between the strip-shaped sheet 31 and the cutting tool TL can be achieved by moving at least one of the strip-shaped sheet 31 and the cutting tool TL. For example, the cutting tool TL can move relative to the strip-shaped sheet 31 by rotating due to a rotational force received from the rotation mechanism 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, the tool cleaning device 1 includes a moving mechanism 6 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) that moves the strip sheet 31 between a cleaning position (see FIGS. 2, 3, 10, and 12) where the strip sheet 31 is in contact with the cutting tool TL, and a retracted position (see FIGS. 4, 11, and 13) where the strip sheet 31 is separated (retracted) from the cutting tool TL. The retracted position P2 is a position retracted from the movement path of the cutting tool TL when the cutting tool TL is attached to or detached from the holder 2 (when the cutting tool TL is handed over between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2).

[0030] Specifically, the moving mechanism 6 is configured to move the guide unit 5, for example. The moving mechanism 6 can move the strip-shaped sheet 31 in conjunction with the movement of the guide unit 5. The moving mechanism 6 is configured to move the guide unit 5 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 of the cutting tool TL, for example. The configuration of the moving mechanism 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the strip-shaped sheet 31 between the cleaning position (see FIGS. 2, 3, 10, and 12) and the retracted position (see FIGS. 4, 11, and 13). The moving mechanism 6 can be configured, for example, with a moving mechanism such as a cylinder device that moves the guide unit 5 along the radial direction D4 of the cutting tool TL, and another moving mechanism such as a cylinder device that moves the guide unit 5 along the axial direction D5 of the cutting tool TL. In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the guide unit 5 is retracted in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 of the cutting tool TL relative to the cutting tool TL. From this state, the movement mechanism 6 moves the guide unit 5 in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 toward the portion of the cutting tool TL to be cleaned. As a result, the guide unit 5 moves to a position (cleaning position) where the strip sheet 31 is sandwiched between the portion of the cutting tool TL to be cleaned and the guide unit 5 (see FIGS. 11 and 13). The movement mechanism 6 may move the guide unit 5 in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 in this order, or may move the guide unit 5 in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 simultaneously. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 6 moves the guide unit 5 along a path opposite to the movement path from the retracted position to the cleaning position described here. As a result, the movement mechanism 6 can move the cutting tool TL from the cleaning position to the retracted position. The tool cleaning device 1 can switch modes between a state in which the strip sheet 31 is in contact with the cutting tool TL (cleaning mode) and a state in which the strip sheet 31 is retracted from the cutting tool TL (retraction mode) by moving the strip sheet 31 between a cleaning position and a retraction position. In the retraction mode, the handling robot 202 can attach and detach the cutting tool TL to and from the tool cleaning device 1.That is, in the retraction mode, the strip-shaped sheet 31 is retracted from the cutting tool TL, so that the handling robot 202 can easily attach and detach the cutting tool TL to and from the tool cleaning device 1.

[0031] In this embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 3 further includes a brushing unit 3B (see FIGS. 2 to 4, 8, and 9) that removes foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL. The brushing unit 3B is configured to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL by brushing with a brush 35. The configuration of the brush 35 is not particularly limited as long as it can remove foreign matter present on the surface of the cutting tool TL. In this embodiment, the brush 35 is configured with multiple bristles implanted around a core material. The material of the bristles is not particularly limited as long as it can remove foreign matter. The bristles can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin that is flexible and has a certain degree of rigidity. The brush 35 can also be configured, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape. The brush 35 is arranged so that the axial direction of the brush 35 is aligned with the radial direction of the cutting tool TL when in contact with the surface (end face) of the cutting tool TL (see FIG. 3). 2 to 4, the brushing unit 3B is configured with a first brushing unit that cleans one end face in the axial direction of the cutting tool TL and a second brushing unit that cleans the other end face in the axial direction of the cutting tool TL, thereby allowing the brushing unit 3B to clean both end faces in the axial direction of the cutting tool TL.

[0032] The brushing unit 3B can scrape off foreign matter (such as rust) stuck to the surface of the cutting tool TL. The brushing unit 3B can remove foreign matter that is difficult to remove with the above-mentioned belt-shaped sheet 31 due to the strength of the bristles of the brush 35. Furthermore, when recesses (such as grooves configured to represent letters or figures) are formed in advance on the surface of the cutting tool TL, the brushing unit 3B can scrape out foreign matter that has entered the recesses using the bristles of the brush 35.

[0033] The rotation mechanism 4 is configured to rotate the cutting tool TL, thereby causing the brushing unit 3B to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL. By rotating the cutting tool TL while the brush 35 of the brushing unit 3B is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL, the cutting tool TL rotates relative to the brush 35. This allows the brush 35 to remove foreign matter present on the surface of the cutting tool TL. In this embodiment, the brushing unit 3B includes a brush rotation mechanism 36 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) that rotates the brush 35 while the brush 35 is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL. The rotation mechanism 36 includes, for example, a rotation shaft 361 connected to the brush 35 and a drive unit 362 such as a motor that rotates the rotation shaft. The brush rotation mechanism 36 is configured to rotate the brush 35 at the contact position between the brush 35 and the cutting tool TL so that the brush 35 rotates in a direction D6 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) opposite to the cutting tool TL. 8 and 9, the brush 35 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 361 extending along the radial direction of the cutting tool TL. This increases the relative speed of the circumferential surface of the brush 35 with respect to the surface of the cutting tool TL compared to when the brush 35 is not rotated. This improves the foreign matter removal performance of the brushing part 3B.

[0034] In this embodiment, the brushing unit 3B (see FIG. 3) is configured to contact the surface of the cutting tool TL to remove foreign matter before the strip sheet 31 wipes away foreign matter adhering to the cutting tool TL (see FIG. 4). As described above, the brushing unit 3B can roughly clean the surface of the cutting tool TL using the brush 35. In contrast, the wiping unit 3A can finely clean the surface of the cutting tool TL. Therefore, after rough cleaning by the brushing unit 3B, finishing cleaning can be performed by the wiping unit 3A. In this case, the wiping unit 3A and the brushing unit 3B can be configured not to contact the surface of the cutting tool TL at the same time. When the brushing unit 3B is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL, the wiping unit 3A does not contact the surface of the cutting tool TL. When the wiping unit 3A is in contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL, the brushing unit 3B does not contact the surface of the cutting tool TL. Specifically, while the wiping unit 3A is spaced apart from the surface of the cutting tool TL, the brushing unit 3B is brought into contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL to perform cleaning (see FIG. 3). Next, the brushing unit 3B is spaced apart from the surface of the cutting tool TL, and the wiping unit 3A is brought into contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL to perform cleaning (see FIG. 4). In this case, the wiping unit 3A does not come into contact with the cutting tool TL during cleaning by the brushing unit 3B. This prevents foreign matter (e.g., relatively large foreign matter) removed by the rough cleaning by the brushing unit 3B from adhering to the strip-shaped sheet 31 of the wiping unit 3A. This reduces contamination of the strip-shaped sheet 31 compared to when cleaning by the brushing unit 3B and cleaning by the wiping unit 3A are performed simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 8, the wiping part 3A and the brushing part 3B may be brought into contact with the surface of the cutting tool TL, and cleaning by the wiping part 3A and cleaning by the brushing part 3B may be performed simultaneously.

[0035] In this embodiment, the tool cleaning device 1 further includes a brush moving mechanism 7 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) that moves the brush 35 so that the brush 35 contacts the surface of the cutting tool TL. The brush moving mechanism 7 is configured to move the brush 35 between a cleaning position (see FIG. 3) where the brush 35 contacts the cutting tool TL and a retracted position (see FIG. 2) where the brush 35 is retracted from the cutting tool TL. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the brush 35 is retracted so as to be separated from the cutting tool TL in the thickness direction and radial direction of the cutting tool TL. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the brush 35 is located at an intermediate position between the retracted position shown in FIG. 2 and the cleaning position shown in FIG. 3. At the intermediate position, the brush 35 is separated from the cutting tool TL in the thickness direction of the cutting tool TL. The intermediate position is the position of the brush 35 when cleaning is performed by the wiping unit 3A.

[0036] The configuration of the brush moving mechanism 7 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is not particularly limited as long as it can move the brush 35 between a cleaning position (see FIG. 3) and a retracted position (see FIG. 2). The brush moving mechanism 7 is configured to move the brush 35, for example, between a cleaning position where the brush 35 faces the end face of the cutting tool TL and a retracted position where the brush 35 is spaced from the cutting tool TL radially outward of the cutting tool TL. The retracted position is a position retracted from the movement path of the cutting tool TL when the cutting tool TL is attached to or detached from the holder 2 (when the cutting tool TL is transferred between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2).

[0037] In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the brush moving mechanism 7 is configured to swing the brush 35 between a cleaning position and a retracted position. The center of the swing is located radially outside the cutting tool TL. By moving the brush 35 between the cleaning position and the retracted position, the tool cleaning device 1 can switch modes between a state in which the brush 35 contacts the cutting tool TL (cleaning mode) and a state in which the brush 35 is separated from the cutting tool TL (retracted mode). In the retracted mode, the handling robot 202 can attach and detach the cutting tool TL to and from the tool cleaning device 1. That is, in the retracted mode, the brush 35 is retracted from the cutting tool TL, so that the handling robot 202 can easily attach and detach the cutting tool TL to and from the tool cleaning device 1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the brushing unit 3B further includes a foreign matter removal unit 37 (see FIG. 9) that removes foreign matter adhering to the brush 35. The foreign matter removal unit 37 is configured to be able to remove foreign matter adhering to the brush 35 when the brush 35 is used. The configuration of the foreign matter removal unit 37 is not particularly limited as long as it can remove foreign matter adhering to the brush 35. In this embodiment, the foreign matter removal unit 37 is configured as a comb-shaped unit having multiple teeth. The foreign matter removal unit 37 is arranged with the multiple teeth inserted into the bristles of the brush 35. This allows the multiple teeth to scrape out foreign matter from the bristles as the brush 35 rotates. Therefore, the foreign matter removal unit 37 can remove foreign matter adhering to the brush 35.

[0039] In this embodiment, the brushing unit 3B further includes a cover unit 38 that covers the periphery of the brush 35. The cover unit 38 is configured so as not to interfere with the cutting tool TL when the brush 35 is in contact with the cutting tool TL. Specifically, the cover unit 38 is configured so as not to cover the portion of the brush 35 that faces the cutting tool TL (the area corresponding to this portion is open). The cover unit 38 can prevent foreign matter scattered by brushing with the brushing unit 3B from adhering again to the cutting tool TL.

[0040] In this embodiment, the brushing unit 3B further includes a container 39 that collects foreign matter removed by brushing. The container 39 is provided below the brush 35 and the cover unit 38. Foreign matter removed from the cutting tool TL by the brushing unit 3B falls into the container 39. Therefore, the container 39 can collect the foreign matter removed by brushing.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 3 is configured to move between a cleaning position (see Figures 3, 11 and 13) where it comes into contact with the cutting tool TL held by the holding portion 2, and a retracted position (see Figures 2, 10 and 12) where it is outside the path of the cutting tool TL when the handling robot 202 moves the cutting tool TL.

[0042] The "path of the cutting tool TL when moving the cutting tool TL" refers to the path of movement of the cutting tool TL when the cutting tool TL is handed over between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2. The path of movement of the cutting tool TL when handed over is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a path along the length direction of the holder 2 (the upper support part 21 and the lower support part 22) (for example, a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6, the axial direction D5 in FIGS. 10 and 12). When the cleaning mechanism 3 is located at the cleaning position, it comes into contact with the cutting tool TL held by the holder 2 to clean the cutting tool TL. When the cleaning mechanism 3 is located at the retracted position, it is retracted from the path of movement of the cutting tool TL. Therefore, when the cutting tool TL is handed over between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2, the cleaning mechanism 3 does not interfere with the cutting tool TL. This allows the cutting tool TL to be handed over smoothly between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2.

[0043] 2 to 4 and 10 to 12, the tool cleaning device 1 includes a moving mechanism 6 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) that moves the strip sheet 31 between a cleaning position (see FIGS. 2, 3, 10, and 12) where the strip sheet 31 is in contact with the cutting tool TL, and a retracted position (see FIGS. 4, 11, and 13) where the strip sheet 31 is separated (retracted) from the cutting tool TL. The retracted position is a position retracted from the movement path of the cutting tool TL when the cutting tool TL is attached to or detached from the holder 2 (when the cutting tool TL is handed over between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2).

[0044] Specifically, the moving mechanism 6 is configured to move the guide unit 5, for example. The moving mechanism 6 can move the strip-shaped sheet 31 in conjunction with the movement of the guide unit 5. The moving mechanism 6 is configured to move the guide unit 5 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 of the cutting tool TL, for example. The configuration of the moving mechanism 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the strip-shaped sheet 31 between the cleaning position (see FIGS. 2, 3, 10, and 12) and the retracted position (see FIGS. 4, 11, and 13). The moving mechanism 6 can be configured, for example, with a moving mechanism such as a cylinder device that moves the guide unit 5 along the radial direction D4 of the cutting tool TL, and another moving mechanism such as a cylinder device that moves the guide unit 5 along the axial direction D5 of the cutting tool TL. In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the guide unit 5 is retracted in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 of the cutting tool TL relative to the cutting tool TL. From this state, the movement mechanism 6 moves the guide unit 5 in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 toward the portion of the cutting tool TL to be cleaned. As a result, the guide unit 5 moves to a position (cleaning position) where the strip sheet 31 is sandwiched between the portion of the cutting tool TL to be cleaned and the guide unit 5 (see FIGS. 11 and 13). The movement mechanism 6 may move the guide unit 5 in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 in this order, or may move the guide unit 5 in the radial direction D4 and the axial direction D5 simultaneously. Furthermore, the movement mechanism 6 moves the guide unit 5 along a path opposite to the movement path from the retracted position to the cleaning position described here. As a result, the movement mechanism 6 can move the cutting tool TL from the cleaning position to the retracted position. The tool cleaning device 1 can switch modes between a state in which the strip sheet 31 is in contact with the cutting tool TL (cleaning mode) and a state in which the strip sheet 31 is retracted from the cutting tool TL (retraction mode) by moving the strip sheet 31 between a cleaning position and a retraction position. In the retraction mode, the handling robot 202 can attach and detach the cutting tool TL to and from the tool cleaning device 1.That is, in the retraction mode, the strip-shaped sheet 31 is retracted from the cutting tool TL, so that the handling robot 202 can easily attach and detach the cutting tool TL to and from the tool cleaning device 1.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cleaning device 1 is provided within the work area AR of the handling robot 202. Therefore, the handling robot 202 can attach a cutting tool TL to the tool cleaning device 1 and clean the cutting tool TL. This allows the tool cleaning device 1 to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool TL without requiring heavy physical labor by an operator. Furthermore, the handling robot 202 can automate the cleaning work. Particularly in this embodiment, the handling robot 202 is configured to move the cutting tool TL between the shaft 201a, the storage unit 203, and the holder 2 of the tool cleaning device 1. In this case, a used, soiled cutting tool TL can be moved directly from the shaft 201a or the storage unit 203 to the holder 2 of the tool cleaning device 1, and then returned directly to the shaft 201a or the storage unit 203 after cleaning. Furthermore, because the cleaning work is completed within the work area AR of the handling robot 202, no extra space is required for cleaning other than the work area AR of the handling robot 202, allowing for a space-saving design. Furthermore, the tool cleaning device 1 is configured to bring the cleaning mechanism 3 into contact with the cutting tool TL held by the holder 2 to perform cleaning. Therefore, even if the cutting tool TL is heavy, the cutting tool TL can be cleaned in a stable state. Furthermore, the tool cleaning device 1 is configured so that the cleaning mechanism 3 retreats to a retreat position outside the path of the cutting tool TL when the handling robot 202 moves the cutting tool TL. Therefore, when the cutting tool TL is transferred between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2, interference between the cutting tool TL and the cleaning mechanism 3 is prevented. This allows the cutting tool TL to be transferred smoothly between the handling robot 202 and the holder 2. Furthermore, even when the cutting tool TL is removed from the cutting device CD to be cleaned, the time for which the cutting device CD is stopped can be shortened.That is, since the transportation of the cutting tool TL between the temporary assembly shaft device 201 and the tool cleaning device 1 and the cleaning of the cutting tool TL are performed by the handling robot 202, even if the cutting tool TL is heavy, the transportation and cleaning of the cutting tool TL can be performed quickly. Therefore, the time during which the cutting device CD is stopped can be shortened.

[0046] The guide unit 5 and the wiping unit 3A are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be configured as follows, for example (see FIG. 14). In the example shown in FIG. 14, the guide unit 5 is configured to prevent the position of the strip sheet 31 from shifting in the width direction of the strip sheet 31 during cleaning by the wiping unit 3A. Furthermore, the wiping unit 3A is configured to prevent the position of the strip sheet 31 from shifting in the width direction of the strip sheet 31 during cleaning. This will be explained in detail below.

[0047] When the wiping unit 3A cleans the cutting tool TL, the strip-shaped sheet 31 is in contact with the cutting tool TL. Specifically, the strip-shaped sheet 31 is sandwiched between the cutting tool TL and the guide unit 5 and is in contact with the cutting tool TL. When the wiping unit 3A cleans the cutting tool TL, the cutting tool TL is rotated in the circumferential direction D3 (see FIG. 8 ) by the rotation mechanism 4. When the cutting tool TL rotates, frictional force generated between the cutting tool TL and the strip-shaped sheet 31 causes the strip-shaped sheet 31 to be dragged by the rotation of the cutting tool TL and to move (become displaced) in the width direction of the strip-shaped sheet 31. In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the guide unit 5 is configured to prevent such displacement of the strip-shaped sheet 31. The wiping unit 3A is also configured to prevent such displacement of the strip-shaped sheet 31.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the contact surface of the guide portion 5 with the strip sheet 31 (hereinafter also referred to as the sheet contact surface) is configured to increase the frictional force with the strip sheet 31. For example, the guide portion 5 includes a contact layer 5a including the sheet contact surface and a support layer 5b supporting the contact layer 5a. The configuration of the contact layer 5a is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to increase the frictional force with the strip sheet 31. The contact layer 5a includes, for example, an elastic layer (hereinafter also referred to as the elastic layer; specifically, a layer made of a spongy synthetic resin). The elasticity of the contact layer 5a allows the contact layer 5a to adhere closely to the strip sheet 31, thereby increasing the frictional force. Furthermore, the contact layer 5a may include a layer made of a material with a high friction coefficient (hereinafter also referred to as the high-friction layer) instead of or in addition to the elastic layer. When the contact layer 5a includes an elastic layer and a high-friction layer, the high-friction layer can be provided on the surface of the elastic layer. The high-friction layer can be made of, for example, a sheet member having a high coefficient of friction (such as sandpaper). The contact layer 5a having a high-friction layer can increase the frictional force. Increasing the frictional force between the strip sheet 31 and the guide part 5 can prevent the strip sheet 31 from being dragged by the rotation of the cutting tool TL and shifting in position in the width direction of the strip sheet 31. Furthermore, the contact layer 5a having an elastic layer and a high-friction layer can further increase the frictional force.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the guide unit 5 includes a regulating member 5c that regulates movement of the strip sheet 31 in the width direction of the strip sheet 31. The configuration and number of the regulating member 5c are not particularly limited as long as they can regulate movement of the strip sheet 31 in the width direction of the strip sheet 31. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the regulating member 5c is configured in a substantially C-shape so as to straddle the strip sheet 31 in the width direction. In addition, the guide unit 5 includes one or more (four in the example shown in FIG. 14) regulating members 5c. The multiple regulating members 5c are provided at intervals along the length direction of the strip sheet 5c. The regulating member 5c includes a portion (first regulating portion) that regulates movement of the strip sheet 31 to one side in the width direction, a portion (second regulating portion) that regulates movement of the strip sheet 31 to the other side in the width direction, and a portion (third regulating portion) that regulates movement of the strip sheet 31 in the thickness direction. In the example shown in Figure 14, the first restricting portion is connected to one end of the third restricting portion, and the second restricting portion is connected to the other end of the third restricting portion. The restricting portion 5c is configured in a substantially C-shape by the first restricting portion, the second restricting portion, and the third restricting portion. The restricting portion 5c allows movement of the strip-shaped sheet 31 in the length direction, while restricting movement of the strip-shaped sheet 31 in the width direction and the thickness direction. Therefore, the restricting portion 5c can prevent the strip-shaped sheet 31 from shifting in position in the width direction and can also prevent the strip-shaped sheet 31 from shifting in position in the thickness direction, and can prevent the strip-shaped sheet 31 from falling off the guide portion 5.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the delivery section 32 of the wiping unit 3A includes a shaft 32a around which the strip sheet 31 is wound and a pair of flanges 32b provided on both ends of the shaft 32a. One of the flanges 32b is configured to restrict the strip sheet 31 from moving to one side in the width direction. The other flange 32b is configured to restrict the strip sheet 31 from moving to the other side in the width direction. Therefore, the pair of flanges 32b can prevent the strip sheet 31 from shifting in the width direction and from falling off the delivery section 32 in the width direction. The pair of flanges 32b may be biased toward each other. By biasing the pair of flanges 32b toward each other, the pair of flanges 32b can elastically sandwich the strip sheet 31 in the width direction. In this case, the pair of flanges 32b can further enhance the function of preventing the strip sheet 31 from falling off. Similar to the delivery section 32, the collection section 33 of the wiping section 3A includes a shaft 33a around which the strip sheet 31 is wound and a pair of flanges 33b provided on both ends of the shaft 33a. Therefore, similar to the delivery section 32, the collection section 33 can prevent the strip sheet 31 from falling off the collection section 33 in the width direction.

[0051] 14, the delivery section 32 and the recovery section 33 are configured to deliver and recover the strip sheet 31, respectively, while applying tension to the strip sheet 31. Specifically, for example, the delivery section 32 and the recovery section 33 are configured to rotate while adjusting the rotation speed so as to apply tension to the strip sheet 31. Therefore, by applying tension to the strip sheet 31, it is possible to prevent the strip sheet 31 from falling off the delivery section 32 and the recovery section 33 in the width direction.

[0052] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Note that the above-described embodiments mainly describe the invention having the following configurations.

[0053] (1) A tool cleaning device for cleaning a substantially circular cutting tool, a holding portion that holds the cutting tool; a cleaning mechanism that cleans the cutting tool held by the holding part, The cleaning mechanism is a tool cleaning device having a feeder that feeds out a strip-shaped sheet that wipes off foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool, and a recovery unit that recovers the fed strip-shaped sheet.

[0054] (2) The tool cleaning device The tool cleaning device according to (1), further comprising a rotation mechanism that rotates the cutting tool in a circumferential direction to wipe foreign matter adhering to a surface of the cutting tool onto the band-shaped sheet.

[0055] (3) The tool cleaning device a guide portion for guiding the strip sheet so that the strip sheet is disposed along a surface of the cutting tool; The tool cleaning device according to (1) or (2), wherein the guide portion has a first portion that brings the strip sheet into contact with the peripheral surface of the cutting tool, and a second portion that brings the strip sheet into contact with an end surface of the cutting tool in an axial direction perpendicular to the radial direction.

[0056] (4) The cleaning mechanism Further provided is a brushing unit for removing foreign matter adhering to a surface of the cutting tool, the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the cutting tool with the brushing part in contact with the surface of the cutting tool, thereby causing the brushing part to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool; The tool cleaning device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the brushing unit is configured to contact the surface of the cutting tool to remove foreign matter before the strip-shaped sheet wipes off the foreign matter adhering to the cutting tool.

[0057] (5) The tool cleaning device is provided within a working area of ​​a handling robot capable of holding the cutting tool, The tool cleaning device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the cleaning mechanism is configured to move between a cleaning position where it contacts the cutting tool held in the holding part and a retracted position where it is outside the path of the cutting tool when the handling robot moves the cutting tool.

[0058] (6) The handling robot is a tool exchange device configured to move the cutting tool between a shaft part of the cutting device to which the cutting tool is attached and a storage part that stores the cutting tool detached from the shaft part, The tool cleaning device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the handling robot is configured to be able to move the cutting tool between the shaft part, the storage part, and a holding part of the tool cleaning device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Tool cleaning device 2 Holding part 21 Upper support part 22 Lower support part 3 Cleaning mechanism 3A Wiping section 31 Strip Sheet 32 Delivery section 32a Shaft 32b flange 33 Recovery Department 33a Shaft 33b Flange 3B Brushing section 35 Brushes 36 Brush rotation mechanism 361 Rotational Axis 362 Drive Unit 37 Foreign matter removal section 38 Cover 39 Container 4 Rotation mechanism 41 Rotation drive unit 5 Information Department 5A First guide 5B Second guide section 5a contact layer 5b Support layer 6 Moving mechanism 7 Brush moving mechanism 201 Temporary assembly shaft device 201a Shaft 202 Handling Robot 202a Pedestal 202b Arm part 202c Finger 203 Storage Department AR handling robot work area BL Cutlery BL1 cutting edge BL2 outer surface BL4 end face BL7 through hole BL8 Inner surface BL81 Upper inner surface BL82 Lower inner surface CD cutting device CS Cutting System D1 Axial direction of sleeve D3 Circumferential direction of cutting tool (Rotation direction of cutting tool) D4 Radial direction of cutting tool D5 Axial direction of cutting tool D6 Brush rotation direction ES Blade Change System TL Cutting Tool W Cutting object (strip plate)

Claims

1. A tool cleaning device for cleaning a substantially circular cutting tool, comprising: a holding portion that holds the cutting tool; a cleaning mechanism that cleans the cutting tool held by the holding part, The cleaning mechanism is a tool cleaning device having a feeder that feeds out a strip-shaped sheet that wipes off foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool, and a recovery unit that recovers the fed strip-shaped sheet.

2. The tool cleaning device The tool cleaning device according to claim 1 , further comprising a rotation mechanism that rotates the cutting tool in a circumferential direction to wipe foreign matter adhering to a surface of the cutting tool with the band-shaped sheet.

3. The tool cleaning device a guide portion for guiding the strip sheet so that the strip sheet is disposed along a surface of the cutting tool; 2. The tool cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion includes a first portion that brings the strip sheet into contact with a peripheral surface of the cutting tool, and a second portion that brings the strip sheet into contact with an end surface of the cutting tool in an axial direction perpendicular to a radial direction.

4. The cleaning mechanism includes: Further provided is a brushing unit for removing foreign matter adhering to a surface of the cutting tool, the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the cutting tool with the brushing part in contact with the surface of the cutting tool, thereby causing the brushing part to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface of the cutting tool; The tool cleaning device according to claim 2 , wherein the brushing unit is configured to contact a surface of the cutting tool to remove foreign matter before the band-shaped sheet wipes off the foreign matter adhering to the cutting tool.

5. the tool cleaning device is provided within a working area of ​​a handling robot capable of holding the cutting tool, 2. The tool cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning mechanism is configured to move between a cleaning position where the cleaning mechanism contacts the cutting tool held by the holding part and a retracted position where the cleaning mechanism is out of a path of the cutting tool when the handling robot moves the cutting tool.

6. the handling robot is a tool exchange device configured to move a cutting tool between a shaft portion of a cutting device to which the cutting tool is attached and a storage portion that stores the cutting tool detached from the shaft portion, The tool cleaning device according to claim 5 , wherein the handling robot is configured to be able to move the cutting tool between the shaft part, the storage part, and a holding part of the tool cleaning device.

Images