Tool post for machine tools

Abstract

This invention provides a tool post for a machine tool that allows the attachment of actuators driven by various fluids such as hydraulic oil, air, and coolant to the turret without increasing the size of the turret itself. [Solution] The ends 23a, 42 of a plurality of fluid connection passages 23, 42, which are capable of supplying fluid to each tool holder mounting surface 11 of the turret 2 house The openings are provided. Fluid supply mechanisms 20 and 40 are provided in the turret 2 and the tool post body 3 to supply fluid to the respective fluid connection passages 23 and 42. Actuators that use the fluid supplied through the respective fluid connection passages 23 and 42 as a power source can be attached to the turret 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tool post provided on a machine tool, such as a NC lathe.

Background Art

[0002] A general tool post has a rotary indexing turret capable of attaching a plurality of tools (including tool holders), and is a main component unit of a NC lathe that indexes the required tool and operates it in the X-axis and Z-axis directions to perform cutting of various shapes of workpieces. In addition, a flow path of a nozzle 1 for discharging cutting fluid toward the cutting edge of the tool is provided on each tool holder mounting surface. There are two types of such tool posts: a tool post dedicated to turning and a tool post compatible with rotary (milling) tools.

[0003] Recently, due to a shortage of human resources, there has been a significant increase in the demand for process integration and automation, and a multifunctional tool post that solves this problem is required.

[0004]

[0005]

[0006]

[0007] In the tool post disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to perform cleaning and the like, it is necessary to increase the paths for supplying fluids such as air and coolant.

[0007] As a tool post that allows for an increased number of fluid supply paths, Patent Document 2 discloses a tool post in which the turret axis is provided with axial through holes that communicate with the outer surface of the turret, and cutting fluid or hydraulic oil is supplied from the tool post body to the turret side through these through holes.

[0008] In the tool post disclosed in Patent Document 2, wiring and piping for a hydraulic cylinder that opens and closes the fingers of the workpiece holding device, a detector that confirms the operation of the fingers, and air for cleaning the rollers are supplied to the workpiece holding device from the front side of the turret, which leads to the problem of increasing the size of the turret.

[0009] The tool post disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a tool post specifically for turning (in which rotary tools cannot be attached) and is not applicable to tool posts that support rotary tools. Therefore, it is intended to be used in conjunction with conventional tool posts that support rotary tools. In other words, in a tool post equipped with a turret to which a rotary tool (tool holder for rotary tools) can be attached, the rotary drive shaft for the rotary tool is located near the center of the tool holder mounting surface, making it difficult to increase the fluid supply path. Consequently, there has been no conventional tool post that supports rotary tools and allows for an increase in the fluid supply path. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-205832 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-25403 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the object of this invention is to provide a tool post for a machine tool that allows an actuator driven by the pressure of various fluids such as hydraulic oil, air, and coolant to be attached to the turret without increasing the size of the turret.

[0012] Another object of this invention, in view of the above circumstances, is to provide a tool post for a machine tool that allows for an increased number of fluid supply paths in a tool post for a rotary tool in which a rotary drive shaft for a rotary tool is located near the center of the tool holder mounting surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the present invention comprises the following embodiments.

[0014] 1) A tool post comprising a turret having multiple tool holder mounting surfaces on its outer circumference for mounting multiple types of tool holders and which can be pivoted and indexed to a predetermined position, and a tool post body that pivotably supports the turret, Each tool holder mounting surface of the turret has an opening at one end of a plurality of fluid connection passages to which fluid can be supplied, and the turret and the tool post body are provided with a fluid supply mechanism to supply the fluid to each fluid connection passage. A tool post for a machine tool, characterized in that an actuator driven by the fluid supplied through each of the aforementioned fluid connection passages can be attached to the turret. Furthermore, various actuators can be attached that operate using hydraulic, water, or pneumatic power, such as rotational or linear mechanisms for rotating or moving tool holders and other components, work hand mechanisms, and ATC mechanisms.

[0015] 2) The plurality of tool holders include at least one tool holder for a rotary tool, and a rotary drive shaft for a rotary tool is positioned near the center of the tool holder mounting surface for the rotary tool tool holder. The plurality of fluid connection passages consist of at least one front-side fluid connection passage and at least one rear-side fluid connection passage facing each other via the rotary drive shaft for the rotary tool. The tool post of a machine tool according to 1) above, characterized in that the fluid supply mechanism comprises a front fluid supply mechanism that supplies fluid from the front side of the turret to the at least one front fluid connection passage, and a rear fluid supply mechanism that supplies fluid from the rear side of the turret to the at least one rear fluid connection passage.

[0016] 3) The pivot axis of the turret is hollow, The tool post for a machine tool according to 2) above, characterized in that the front fluid supply mechanism comprises a multi-stage fluid distributor fixed to the tool post body so as to be located in front of the turret and having a required number of fluid distribution passages; a fluid introduction pipe inserted into the pivot shaft and introducing fluid to each of the fluid distribution passages of the multi-stage fluid distributor; and a fluid communication member having a turret-side end that communicates with each of the front fluid connection passages of the turret and a distributor-side end that communicates with each of the fluid distribution passages of the multi-stage fluid distributor when the turret stops at the indexing position, and which rotates integrally with the turret, forming a fluid communication passage.

[0017] 4) The tool post for a machine tool according to 3) above, characterized in that each fluid distribution passage of the multi-stage fluid distributor is arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction on the pivot axis, and a spool biased by an elastic member is slidably disposed on the edge of the distributor-side end of the fluid communication member in each fluid distribution passage of the multi-stage fluid distributor, opposite to the distributor-side end of the fluid communication member, and when the turret stops at the indexing position, the fluid is supplied to each front-side fluid connection passage, respectively, via each fluid introduction pipe, each fluid distribution passage of the multi-stage fluid distributor, each spool, and each fluid communication passage of the fluid communication member.

[0018] 5) The rear fluid supply mechanism comprises a cylinder-piston mechanism provided on the tool post body, the piston being able to move forward and backward, a required number of internal piston passages formed inside the piston so as to have a front end closer to the turret and a rear end farther from the turret, fluid introduction pipes for introducing fluid to the rear ends of the internal piston passages, and couplings connecting the rear fluid connection passage and the internal piston passages, respectively. The coupling consists of a turret-side coupling fixed to the turret so as to communicate with the ends of the rear fluid connection passage located outside the tool holder mounting surface, and a piston-side coupling fixed to the piston so as to communicate with the front ends of the piston internal passage. The tool post for a machine tool according to any one of 2) to 4) above, characterized in that when the turret stops at the indexing position, the piston moves forward to connect each piston-side coupling with each turret-side coupling, and when the turret rotates, the piston moves backward to release the connection between each piston-side coupling and each turret-side coupling. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the tool post of the machine tool described in 1) above, multiple fluid connection passages are provided on each tool holder mounting surface for supplying fluids (various fluids such as hydraulic oil, air, and coolant). Therefore, multiple actuators with various functions that use various fluids as driving sources can be attached to provide new functions. Here, since each fluid connection passage opens radially, the devices and components constituting the fluid supply mechanism can be arranged not only on the front side of the turret but also on the rear side, thus preventing the tool post from becoming too large.

[0020] According to the tool rest of the machine tool in 2) above, by supplying a plurality of fluids from the front side and the rear side of the tool holder mounting surface of the turret to the front side and the rear side of the turret respectively, the paths for supplying the fluids can be increased. In a tool rest equipped with a turret that can mount a rotary tool (tool holder for rotary tool) which could not be done conventionally, the effect of 1) above can be obtained. Here, it is possible to form, for example, six fluid paths by only the front side fluid connection passage and the front side fluid supply mechanism. However, by using the rear side fluid connection passage and the rear side fluid supply mechanism in combination to form, for example, three fluid paths each on the front and rear sides, the enlargement of the tool rest can be prevented.

[0021] According to the tool rest of the machine tool in 3) above, a front side fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid from the front side of the turret to the front side fluid connection passage can be obtained without enlarging the tool rest.

[0022] According to the tool rest of the machine tool in 4) above, the sealing mechanism between the fixed multi-stage fluid distributor and the fluid communication member that rotates relative to it can be simplified, so the enlargement of the tool rest can be prevented.

[0023] According to the tool rest of the machine tool in 5) above, a rear side fluid supply mechanism for supplying fluid from the rear side of the turret to the rear side fluid connection passage can be obtained without enlarging the tool rest.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a vertical cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the tool rest of the machine tool of this invention. [Figure 2] It is the same horizontal cross-sectional view and is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is the same front view. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing an enlarged main part of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing an enlarged main part of FIG. 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The tool post of the machine tool according to an embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In this specification, the front and rear will be defined as the left side of Figure 1 being the front and the right side being the rear.

[0026] The tool post (1) comprises a turret (2) which has multiple tool holder mounting surfaces (11) on its outer circumference for mounting multiple types of tool holders (10A) (10B) and which is pivotally indexed to a predetermined position, and a tool post body (3) which pivotably supports the turret (2).

[0027] The tool post (1) is a tool post compatible with rotary (milling) tools, and a rotary drive shaft (12) for rotating a rotary tool is positioned near the center of the tool holder mounting surface (11) to rotate the rotary tool holder (10A). The tip of a bevel gear shaft (13), which has a bevel gear (13a) formed at its base end, is connected to the rotary drive shaft (12) for the rotary tool. The bevel gear (13a) of this bevel gear shaft (13) meshes with a bevel gear (4a) provided at the front end of the swivel shaft (4).

[0028] This tool post (1) is designed to accommodate a fluid-powered, multi-functional actuator in order to achieve process consolidation and automation. To this end, as shown in Figure 2, one end (21a)(22a)(23a)(41a)(42a)(43a) of multiple fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) to which fluids (various fluids such as hydraulic oil, air, and coolant) for driving the actuators can be supplied is provided on each tool holder mounting surface (11) of the turret (2), and fluid supply mechanisms (20)(40) that supply fluid to each fluid connection passage (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) are provided on the turret (2) and the tool post body (3).

[0029] In this embodiment, the multiple fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) are multiple (three in Figure 2, but the number is not limited) front-side fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23) (i.e., the front-side first connection passage (21), the front-side second connection passage (22), and the front-side third connection passage (23)) facing each other via the rotary drive shaft (12) for the rotary tool, and multiple (three in Figure 2, but the number is not limited, and does not need to be the same as the front-side) It consists of rear fluid connection passages (41)(42)(43) (i.e., a first rear connection passage (41), a second rear connection passage (42), and a third rear connection passage (43)), and correspondingly, a front fluid supply mechanism (20) is provided that supplies fluid to the three front fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23) from the front side of the turret (2), and a rear fluid supply mechanism (40) is provided that supplies fluid to the three rear fluid connection passages (41)(42)(43) from the rear side of the turret (2). Furthermore, tool holder mounting holes (11a) are provided at the four corners of the tool holder mounting surface (11).

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the front fluid supply mechanism (20) includes a multi-stage fluid distributor (24) fixed to the tool post body (3) so as to be located in front of the turret (2), fluid introduction pipes (25a)(25b)(25c) for introducing fluid into the multi-stage fluid distributor (24), and flanges (fluid communication members) (26) that rotate integrally with the turret (2) to connect the fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23) on each front side of the turret (2) with the fluid distribution passages (24a)(24b)(24c) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24).

[0031] The multi-stage fluid distributor (24) is a three-stage type corresponding to the number of front-side fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23), and has three fluid distribution passages (24a)(24b)(24c) (i.e., a minimum diameter distribution passage (24a), an intermediate diameter distribution passage (24b), and a maximum diameter distribution passage (24c)). Note that the fluid distribution passages (24a), (24b), and (24c) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24) are offset in the circumferential direction as shown in Figure 3, but for convenience, they are depicted as being in the same cross-sectional position in Figures 1 and 4. For the front-side fluid connection passages (21), (22), and (23) of the turret (2), the front-side second connection passage (22), which communicates with the intermediate diameter distribution passage (24b), is shown at the bottom of the figure, while the front-side first connection passage (21) and front-side third connection passage (23), which communicate with the minimum diameter distribution passage (24a) and the maximum diameter distribution passage (24c), are shown superimposed at the top of the figure.

[0032] Three fluid inlet pipes (25a), (25b), and (25c) are provided (i.e., the first inlet pipe (25a) located at the back and indicated by a dashed line, the second inlet pipe (25b) located at the front and lower and indicated by a solid line, and the third inlet pipe (25c) located at the front and upper and indicated by a solid line). To accommodate these three fluid inlet pipes (25a), (25b), and (25c), the pivot axis (4) of the tool post (1) is made a hollow axis.

[0033] The front ends of each fluid introduction pipe (25a), (25b), and (25c) are connected to the respective fluid distribution passages (24a), (24b), and (24c) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24). The rear ends of each fluid introduction pipe (25a), (25b), and (25c) are connected to fluid introduction hoses (30a), (30b), and (30c) via passage blocks (29) in which connecting passages (not shown) are formed.

[0034] The flange (26) is positioned to surround the multistage fluid distributor (24) from the front and radially inside and outside, and is fixed to the turret (2) so as to be rotatable relative to the multistage fluid distributor (24). Fluid communication passages (26a)(26b)(26c) are formed in the flange (26) that connect the fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23) on each front side of the turret (2) to the fluid distribution passages (24a)(24b)(24c) of the multistage fluid distributor (24).

[0035] The fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) of the turret (2), the fluid distribution passages (24a)(24b)(24c) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24), and the fluid connection passages (26a)(26b)(26c) of the flange (26) can be obtained, for example, by drilling holes from the surface side of each block-shaped body portion so that L-shaped passages are formed.

[0036] As shown in detail in Figure 4, the fluid communication passages (26a)(26b)(26c) of the flange (26) include a first fluid communication passage (26a) having a turret-side end (261a) that communicates with the first connection passage (21) on the front side of the turret (2) and a distributor-side end (262a) that communicates with the minimum diameter distribution passage (24a) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24) when the turret (2) stops at the indexing position, and a turret-side end (261b) that communicates with the second connection passage (22) on the front side of the turret (2) and The system consists of a second fluid communication passage (26b) having a distributor-side end (262b) that communicates with the intermediate diameter distribution passage (24b) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24) when the turret (2) stops at the indexing position, and a third fluid communication passage (26c) having a turret-side end (261c) that communicates with the front-side third connection passage (23) of the turret (2), and a distributor-side end (262c) that communicates with the maximum diameter distribution passage (24c) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24) when the turret (2) stops at the indexing position.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, spools (27a)(27b)(27c), biased by springs (elastic members) (28a)(28b)(28c), are slidably positioned on the edges of the flange (26) at the distributor-side ends (262a)(262b)(262c) of the fluid communication member (26) in each fluid distribution passage (24a)(24b)(24c) of the multi-stage fluid distributor (24). The flange (26), which is integrated (e.g., fastened) to the turret (2), pivots relative to the multi-stage fluid distributor (24) and slides in close contact with each of the spools (27a)(27b)(27c). The spools (27a), (27b), and (27c) are always in contact with the flange (26), and at the indexing position, they are biased by the springs (elastic members) (28a), (28b), and (28c) to prevent fluid leakage.

[0038] Thus, according to the front fluid supply mechanism (20) of the above embodiment, when the turret (2) stops at the indexing position, the fluid supplied from each fluid introduction hose (30a)(30b)(30c) (3 paths in the illustrated example) is supplied to the fluid connection passages (3 paths in the illustrated example) (21)(22)(23) provided on the front side of the tool holder mounting surface (11) of the turret (2) via the passage block (29), each fluid introduction pipe (25a)(25b)(25c), each fluid distribution passage (24a)(24b)(24c) of the multi-stage distributor (24), each spool (27a)(27b)(27c) and each fluid connection passage (26a)(26b)(26c) of the flange (26). Each fluid passage (26a), (26b), and (26c) of the flange (26) is provided for each tool holder mounting surface (11) of the turret (2), and by indexing the turret (2), fluid is supplied to only one tool holder mounting surface (11) that is in communication with the spool (27a), (27b), and (27c). While it is common practice to supply fluid to the tool holder mounting surface (11) that is indexed during machining, by changing the phase at which the spools (27a), (27b), and (27c) are attached, fluid can be supplied to actuators attached to the tool holder mounting surface (11) that is not indexed during machining, allowing for functions such as conveying, cleaning, and machining assistance to be performed by these actuators.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the rear fluid supply mechanism (40) includes a cylinder-piston mechanism (44) provided on the tool post body (3) and capable of moving a piston (45) forward and backward, and three internal piston passages (45a)(45b)(45c) formed inside the piston (45) (the same number as the rear fluid connection passages (41)(42)(43) (the first internal piston passage (45a) which communicates with the first rear connection passage (41), and the second rear connection passage (42) which communicates with the first rear connection passage (41)). The device includes a second piston internal passage (45b) and a third piston internal passage (45c) communicating with a rear-side third connecting passage (43), fluid introduction pipes (46a)(46b)(46c) for introducing fluid into each piston internal passage (45a)(45b)(45c), and couplers (fittings) (47a)(47b)(47c) for connecting the rear-side fluid connecting passages (41)(42)(43) with the piston internal passages (45a)(45b)(45c).

[0040] The piston internal passages (45a), (45b), and (45c) have a front end (451a), (451b), and (451c) on the side closer to the turret (2), and a rear end (452a), (452b), and (452c) on the side further away from the turret (2). Each fluid introduction pipe (46a), (46b), and (46c) is configured to introduce fluid into the rear end (452a), (452b), and (452c) of the piston internal passages (45a), (45b), and (45c), respectively.

[0041] The couplers (47a)(47b)(47c) consist of turret-side couplers (connectors) (471a)(471b)(471c) fixed to the rear of the turret (2) so as to communicate with the ends (41b)(42b)(43b) of the rear fluid connection passages (41)(42)(43) that are outside the tool holder mounting surface (11), and piston-side couplers (connectors) (472a)(472b)(472c) fixed to the piston (45) so as to communicate with the front ends (451a)(451b)(451c) of the piston internal passages (45a)(45b)(45c).

[0042] The piston (45) is housed in a cylinder (48) fastened to the tool post body (3), and moves forward and backward by the supply of pressure such as hydraulics. The tool post body (3) is provided with a hydraulic hose (48) for moving the piston (45) forward and a hydraulic hose (49) for moving the piston (45) backward.

[0043] According to the rear fluid supply mechanism (40) of the above embodiment, when the turret (2) stops at the indexing position (Figure 2 shows this state), the piston (45) moves forward, connecting the piston-side couplers (472a)(472b)(472c) and the turret-side couplers (471a)(471b)(471c). As a result, the fluid supplied by each fluid introduction pipe (46a)(46b)(46c) is supplied to the rear fluid connection passages (41)(42)(43) provided on the rear side of the tool holder mounting surface (11) of the turret (2) via the piston internal passages (45a)(45b)(45c), the piston-side couplers (472a)(472b)(472c) and the turret-side couplers (471a)(471b)(471c).

[0044] When the turret (2) rotates, the piston (45) retracts, disengaging the connection between the piston-side couplers (472a)(472b)(472c) and the turret-side couplers (471a)(471b)(471c), thereby enabling the turret (2) to rotate to the next indexing position.

[0045] According to the tool post (1) of the above embodiment, one end (21a)(22a)(23a)(41a)(42a)(43a) of a plurality of fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) to which fluid can be supplied is opened on each tool holder mounting surface (11) of the turret (2), and a fluid supply mechanism (20)(40) that supplies fluid to each fluid connection passage (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) is provided on the tool post body (3). For example, if a gripper that can be opened and closed by hydraulic or pneumatic means is attached to the tool post (1), it becomes possible to grip and remove chips wrapped around the workpiece, and if a work hand capable of gripping a workpiece is attached to the tool post (1), the automatic attachment and detachment of the workpiece becomes easier. Furthermore, if a rotation mechanism is added to the work hand, it becomes possible to continuously machine both sides of the workpiece. Furthermore, it becomes possible to add a vibration suppression function that contacts and presses against the workpiece to suppress machining chatter, especially for thin-walled or elongated workpieces. In addition, by adding a clamping function operated by hydraulics or pneumatics that allows for the attachment and detachment of tools, it becomes possible to perform ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) in cooperation with robots and other devices.

[0046] The ATC function can be obtained, for example, as follows. The functions required on the tool post (1) side for a typical tool ATC include hydraulic supply for tool clamping, hydraulic supply for tool unclamping, air blow supply to the tool mounting surface when attaching or detaching the tool, seat confirmation air supply to detect the tool clamping state, through-type cutting fluid supply, and external cutting fluid supply. These six fluid pathways are supplied to the automatic tool clamping unit from the front and rear fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) of the tool holder mounting surface (11) of the turret (2), enabling tool ATC.

[0047] There are generally two types of tool posts. One is a tool post specifically for turning, and the tool holder mounting surface of this turret only has tool holder mounting holes and cutting fluid supply holes. There is relatively sufficient space to add the fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) of the above embodiment, and there is a high degree of freedom for implementation. The other is the tool post (1) for rotary tools shown in the above embodiment. In addition to the tool holder mounting holes and cutting fluid supply holes, the rotary drive shaft (12) for rotary tools is laid out near the center of the tool holder mounting surface (11) of this tool post (1). Therefore, it is difficult to add multiple fluid connection passages (21)(22)(23)(41)(42)(43) in the limited space while maintaining the size of a conventional turret, and there are constraints such as reducing the number of fluid connection passages or reducing the diameter of the passages. The tool post (1) of the above embodiment is characterized by supplying multiple fluids from the front side and rear side of the turret to the front side and rear side of the tool holder mounting surface (11) of the turret (2), respectively, enabling the supply of multiple fluids without changing the conventional turret size and avoiding interference with the rotary drive shaft (12). In the above embodiment, fluid is supplied to the tool holder mounting surface through a total of six pathways, but the number of pathways can be increased or decreased as appropriate depending on the available space on the tool post. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] (1): Tool post (2): Turret (3): Main body of the blade post (4): Swivel axis (10A)(10B): Tool holder (10A): Tool holder for rotary tools (11): Tool holder mounting surface (12): Rotary drive shaft for rotary tools (20): Front fluid supply mechanism (21)(22)(23): Front side fluid connection passage (24):Multi-stage fluid distributor (24a)(24b)(24c):Fluid distribution passage (25a)(25b)(25c):Fluid introduction pipe (26): Flange (fluid communication member) (261a)(261b)(261c): Turret side end (262a)(262b)(262c):Distributor side end (26a)(26b)(26c): Flange internal passage (fluid communication passage) (27a)(27b)(27c): Spool (28a)(28b)(28c): Spring (elastic member) (40): Rear fluid supply mechanism (41)(42)(43): Rear side fluid connection passage (41a)(42a)(43a): Ends that open onto the tool holder mounting surface (41b)(42b)(43b): Ends located outside the tool holder mounting surface (44): Cylinder-piston mechanism (45): Piston (45a)(45b)(45c): Piston internal passage (451a)(451b)(451c): Front end (452a)(452b)(452c): Rear end (46a)(46b)(46c):Fluid introduction pipe (47a)(47b)(47c): Coupler (connector) (471a)(471b)(471c): Turret-side coupler (connector) (472a)(472b)(472c): Piston-side coupler (connector)

Claims

1. A tool post comprising a turret having multiple tool holder mounting surfaces on its outer circumference for attaching multiple types of tool holders and which can be pivoted and indexed to a predetermined position, and a tool post body that pivotably supports the turret, Each tool holder mounting surface of the turret has an opening at one end of a plurality of fluid connection passages to which fluid can be supplied, and the turret and the tool post body are provided with a fluid supply mechanism to supply the fluid to each fluid connection passage. A tool post for a machine tool, characterized in that an actuator driven by the fluid supplied through each of the aforementioned fluid connection passages can be attached to the turret.

2. The aforementioned multiple types of tool holders include at least one tool holder for rotary tools, and a rotary drive shaft for rotary tools is positioned near the center of the tool holder mounting surface for the rotary tool tool holder. The plurality of fluid connection passages consist of at least one front-side fluid connection passage and at least one rear-side fluid connection passage facing each other via the rotary drive shaft for the rotary tool. The tool post of a machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid supply mechanism comprises a front fluid supply mechanism that supplies fluid from the front side of the turret to the at least one front fluid connection passage, and a rear fluid supply mechanism that supplies fluid from the rear side of the turret to the at least one rear fluid connection passage.

3. The pivot axis of the aforementioned turret is hollow. The tool post of a machine tool according to claim 2, characterized in that the front fluid supply mechanism comprises a multi-stage fluid distributor fixed to the tool post body so as to be located in front of the turret and having a required number of fluid distribution passages; a fluid introduction pipe inserted into the pivot shaft and introducing fluid to each of the fluid distribution passages of the multi-stage fluid distributor; and a fluid communication member having a turret-side end that communicates with each of the front fluid connection passages of the turret and a distributor-side end that communicates with each of the fluid distribution passages of the multi-stage fluid distributor when the turret stops at the indexing position, and having a fluid communication passage that rotates integrally with the turret.

4. The tool post for a machine tool according to claim 3, characterized in that each fluid distribution passage of the multi-stage fluid distributor is arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction on the pivot axis, and a spool biased by an elastic member is slidably disposed on the edge of the distributor-side end of the fluid communication member in each fluid distribution passage of the multi-stage fluid distributor, facing the distributor-side end of the fluid communication member, and when the turret stops at the indexing position, the fluid is supplied to each front-side fluid connection passage via each fluid introduction pipe, each fluid distribution passage of the multi-stage fluid distributor, each spool, and each fluid communication passage of the fluid communication member.

5. The rear fluid supply mechanism comprises a cylinder-piston mechanism provided on the tool post body, the piston being able to move forward and backward, a required number of internal piston passages formed inside the piston so as to have a front end closer to the turret and a rear end farther from the turret, fluid introduction pipes for introducing fluid to the rear ends of the internal piston passages, and couplings connecting the rear fluid connection passage and the internal piston passages, respectively. The coupling consists of a turret-side coupling fixed to the turret so as to communicate with the ends of the rear fluid connection passage located outside the tool holder mounting surface, and a piston-side coupling fixed to the piston so as to communicate with the front ends of the piston internal passage. The tool post for a machine tool according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that when the turret stops at the indexing position, the piston moves forward to connect each piston-side coupling with each turret-side coupling, and when the turret rotates, the piston moves backward to disengage the connection between each piston-side coupling and each turret-side coupling.

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