Rotating support device

Abstract

To provide a compact rotary support device, a rotary support device with reduced manufacturing effort or cost, or a highly reliable rotary support device. [Solution] In a rotary support device capable of supporting a workpiece so as to be rotatable around mutually orthogonal first and second axes, the second table is cantilevered to the first table so as to be rotatable around the first axis. A rotary joint constituting multiple fluid channels for supplying fluid to the second table is provided on the first table along the first axis. A second drive source that supplies driving force to rotate the support mechanism supporting the workpiece is assembled to the second table.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a rotational support device.

Background Art

[0002] Rotational support devices for rotatably supporting a workpiece have been conventionally known. Examples of such rotational support devices include those described in Utility Model Registration No. 2520519 (Patent Document 1) and Patent No. 4590244 (Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When using a rotational support device, effective utilization of space and improvement of reliability are required. Also, when manufacturing a rotational support device, reduction of labor or cost is required.

[0005] An object of the present technology is to provide a compact rotational support device from one viewpoint, to provide a rotational support device with reduced manufacturing labor or cost from another viewpoint, and to provide a highly reliable rotational support device from still another viewpoint.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present technology provides the following rotational support device.

[0007] [1] A rotary support device capable of supporting a workpiece so as to be rotatable around a first axis and a second axis which are orthogonal to each other, comprising: a fixed first table; a second table cantilevered to the first table so as to be rotatable around the first axis with respect to the first table; a first drive source that supplies a driving force to rotate the second table around the first axis; a support mechanism provided on the second table for supporting the workpiece; a rotation mechanism provided on the second table capable of rotating the support mechanism around the second axis; a second drive source that supplies a driving force to the rotation mechanism to rotate the support mechanism around the second axis; a plurality of fluid passages for supplying fluid to the second table; and a rotary joint provided on the first table along the first axis and constituting the plurality of fluid passages, wherein the first table is provided on a first side with respect to a first plane orthogonal to the first axis; the second table is provided on a second side opposite to the first side with respect to the first plane; and the second drive source is assembled to the second table so as to be located on the second side with respect to the first plane.

[0008] According to the embodiment described in [1] above, by adopting a cantilever structure for the second table, it becomes possible to omit the other table (support table) required in a double-support structure, thereby reducing the number of parts. In addition, the alignment work of the first axis can be omitted during the manufacturing of the rotary support device. As a result, the labor and cost in manufacturing the rotary support device can be reduced. Furthermore, the reliability of the rotary support device is improved.

[0009] Furthermore, it becomes possible to configure the rotary support device as a whole in a compact manner, and the interference area during workpiece loading or processing can be reduced, thereby expanding the usable space.

[0010] Furthermore, by assembling the second drive source for rotating the support mechanism into the second table, access to the second drive source becomes easier compared to when the second drive source is built into the first table, thereby improving maintainability. As a result, a highly reliable rotating support device can be obtained.

[0011] Furthermore, by providing a rotary joint in the first table, it is possible to configure a multi-circuit flow path leading to the second table without compromising ease of assembly.

[0012] [2] The rotational support device according to [1], further comprising a spacer member provided between the first table and the second table in the direction of the first axis, wherein the spacer member is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the first table together with the second table around the first axis, and the plurality of flow channels are formed inside the spacer member.

[0013] According to the embodiment described in [2] above, an appropriate distance can be secured between the first table and the second table by providing a spacer member. Here, by forming a flow path inside the spacer member, it is possible to configure a multi-circuit flow path leading to the second table without impairing ease of assembly.

[0014] [3] The rotational support device according to [2], wherein the second drive source is provided on the second side with respect to the spacer member.

[0015] According to the embodiment described in [3] above, compared to the case in which the second drive source is built into the first table, access to the second drive source becomes easier, and maintainability is improved. As a result, the reliability of the rotary support device is further improved.

[0016] [4] The rotary support device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the rotary mechanism and the second drive source are arranged to be aligned with each other in the direction of a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0017] According to the aspect [4], the rotation support device can be configured to be compact, particularly in the direction of the first axis.

[0018] [5] The rotation support device according to [4], wherein the second drive source includes a motor having a rotation axis, and the rotation axis is provided substantially parallel to the first axis.

[0019] According to the aspect [5], the rotation support device can also be configured to be compact in the direction of the third axis.

[0020] [6] The rotation support device according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising a cable for supplying power to the second drive source, and a pipe member for housing the cable and guiding the cable in the vicinity of the first axis.

[0021] According to the aspect [6], by providing a pipe member for guiding the cable, the cable can be guided in the vicinity of the first axis and its position can be stabilized. As a result, the reliability of the rotation support device is further improved.

[0022] [7] The rotation support device according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a support device capable of supporting the second table from a direction orthogonal to the first axis when the second table does not rotate around the first axis.

[0023] According to the aspect [7], during the processing of the workpiece or the like, the second table can be supported more stably. As a result, the reliability of the rotation support device is further improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] Thus, according to this technology, as one effect, a compact rotation support device can be provided. Also, as another effect, a rotation support device with reduced manufacturing effort or cost can be provided. Further, as another effect, a highly reliable rotation support device can be provided. Note that the scope of this technology is not necessarily limited to those having all of the above-described effects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a machine tool including a rotational support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a rotational support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a state of the rotational support device according to an embodiment as viewed from the direction of arrow III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a state of the rotational support device according to an embodiment as viewed from the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a gear adjustment block for backlash adjustment in the rotational support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram (part 1) showing the configuration of a flow path through a rotary joint in the rotational support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram (part 2) showing the configuration of a flow path through a rotary joint in the rotational support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram (part 3) showing the configuration of a flow path through a rotary joint in the rotational support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a rotational support device according to a modification example.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described. In some cases, the same or corresponding parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0027] In the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, quantity, etc., unless otherwise specified, the scope of this technology is not necessarily limited to that number, quantity, etc. Also, in the embodiments described below, each component is not necessarily essential to this technology unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, this technology is not necessarily limited to achieving all of the effects and advantages mentioned in these embodiments.

[0028] In this specification, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are in open-ended form. That is, if a certain configuration is included, other configurations may or may not be included.

[0029] Furthermore, where geometric terms and terms describing positional and directional relationships are used in this specification, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "45° oblique," "coaxial," and "alongside," these terms allow for manufacturing tolerances or slight variations. Where terms describing relative positional relationships, such as "upper" and "lower," are used in this specification, these terms are used to indicate the relative positional relationship in a single state, and the relative positional relationship may be reversed or rotated to any angle depending on the installation direction of each mechanism (for example, by inverting the entire mechanism upside down).

[0030] Furthermore, the dimensions of each component illustrated in this specification, such as width, length, and diameter, are not limited to those shown and may be changed as appropriate. In this specification, each component may be assigned an ordinal number such as "1st" or "2nd," but these ordinal numbers do not limit priority, order, etc., unless explicitly specified.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a machine tool 10 (machining center) according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the machine tool 10 includes a rotary support device 1, a spindle 2, and a cutting tool 3. The rotary support device 1 is mounted on a base 4. The rotary support device 1 can hold a workpiece W. The spindle 2 can hold the cutting tool 3. The cutting tool 3 is a tool for performing cutting on the workpiece W (workpiece) held by the rotary support device 1.

[0032] The rotational support device 1 can change the orientation of the workpiece W. Therefore, cutting can be performed on the workpiece W supported by the rotational support device 1 using the cutting tool 3 from any angle.

[0033] Figure 2 shows the rotating support device 1, and Figures 3 and 4 show the rotating support device 1 as viewed from the directions of arrows III and IV in Figure 2, respectively.

[0034] The rotary support device 1 is capable of supporting a workpiece W so as to be rotatable around mutually orthogonal A-axis (first axis) and C-axis (second axis). As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the rotary support device 1 includes a first table 100, a second table 200, a support mechanism 300, a rotating member 400, motors 500, 600, rotary joints 700, 800, a flow path 900, and an axis support device 1000.

[0035] The first table 100 is fixed on the base 4. The second table 200 is rotatable around the A-axis relative to the first table 100. When the second table 200 rotates, it is cantilevered to the first table 100.

[0036] Pipelines 110 and 120 are connected to the first table 100. Various fluids necessary for the second table 200, which supports the workpiece W, can be supplied from the pipelines 110 and 120.

[0037] The second table 200 includes a main body 210 and a pipe connection plate 220. The main body 210 and the pipe connection plate 220 are connected to each other.

[0038] A piping block 200A (spacer member) is provided between the first table 100 and the second table 200. The piping block 200A is fixed to the second table 200. The piping block 200A, together with the second table 200, is rotatable about the A-axis relative to the first table 100.

[0039] A support mechanism 300 for supporting the workpiece W is provided on the second table 200. The support mechanism 300 includes a table 310, a clamping device 320, and a nozzle 330. The workpiece W is supported by the rotating support device 1 when the clamping device 320 clamps the workpiece W. Coolant is discharged from the nozzle 330 toward the workpiece W.

[0040] The rotating member 400 (rotating mechanism) is supported by a roller bearing 410 so as to be rotatable about the C axis relative to the second table 200. The support mechanism 300 is fixed to the rotating member 400. The rotating member 400 can rotate the support mechanism 300 about the C axis. By rotating the support mechanism 300 about the C axis while supporting the workpiece W, the workpiece W supported by the rotating support device 1 can be rotated about the C axis.

[0041] The motor 500 (first drive source) shown in Figure 4 supplies the driving force to rotate the second table 200 around the A axis. The power of the motor 500 is transmitted to the rotating member 520 via the roller gear cam 510. The rotating member 520 is supported via the roller bearing 530 so as to be rotatable around the A axis relative to the first table 100. The rotating member 520 is fixed to the second table 200. Therefore, the rotating member 520 can rotate the first table 100 and the second table 200 relative to each other around the A axis. That is, the second table 200 can be rotated around the A axis relative to the first table 100.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the roller gear cam 510 includes an input shaft 511 and a cam follower 512. By using the roller gear cam 510, torque can be transmitted by rolling contact, resulting in a highly durable rotary support device 1 that enables high-precision and stable operation.

[0043] The motor 600 (second drive source) shown in Figure 4 is mounted on the second table 200. The motor 600 supplies the rotating member 400 with the driving force to rotate the support mechanism 300 around the C axis. The power from the motor 600 is transmitted to the rotating member 400 via the input shaft 610 (rotating shaft), the reduction mechanism 620, and the roller gear cam 630, causing the rotating member 400 to rotate around the C axis.

[0044] The reduction mechanism 620 is a single-stage reduction mechanism consisting of a small-diameter gear 621 and a large-diameter gear 622. When the gear ratio of gears 621 and 622 is "1:X", X is preferably greater than 1 and less than or equal to 10. However, the scope of this technology is not limited to this numerical range.

[0045] The roller gear cam 630 includes an input shaft 631 and a cam follower 632. By using the roller gear cam 630, high-precision and stable operation is possible even during C-axis rotation.

[0046] The rotating member 400 and the motor 600 are arranged so as to be aligned with each other in the direction of the Y-axis (third axis), which is perpendicular to the A-axis and C-axis. The input shafts 610 and 631 are arranged approximately parallel to the A-axis.

[0047] The motor 600 is supplied with power via the cable 640. The cable protection tube 650 (tube member) houses the cable 640 and guides it near the axis of the A-axis. The cable protection tube 650 is connected to the connecting member 660. The connecting member 660 is assembled to the shaft member 230 of the second table 200 via the bearing 670. Therefore, even when the shaft member 230 of the second table 200 rotates around the A-axis, the rotation of the cable protection tube 650 and the connecting member 660 is suppressed.

[0048] In this way, by using the cable protection tube 650 to guide the cable 640 near the axis of the A-axis and by adopting a structure that suppresses the rotation of the cable protection tube 650, the protection of the cable 640 can be effectively achieved.

[0049] Rotary joint 700 is provided on the first table 100 along the A axis. Rotary joint 800 is provided on the inner circumference of the rotating member 400 along the C axis. Rotary joints 700 and 800 are built into the first table 100 and the second table 200, respectively. Multiple flow channels 900 are formed within the rotary joints 700 and 800.

[0050] The rotary joints 700 and 800 each have shafts 710 and 810 and housings 720 and 820, respectively. Shaft 710 rotates about the A axis together with the piping block 200A and the rotating member 520. Shaft 810 rotates about the C axis together with the support mechanism 300 and the rotating member 400. The housings 720 and 820 are fixed to the first table 100 and the second table 200, respectively.

[0051] The flow channels 900 can be formed along the axes of the shafts 710 and 810, as well as between the shafts 710 and 810 and the housings 720 and 820. The rotary joints 700 and 800 can rotate the shafts 710 and 810 and the housings 720 and 820 relative to each other while connecting the respective flow channels 900.

[0052] The multiple flow channels 900 are independent of each other. Different types of fluids can flow through the multiple flow channels 900. The working fluid for the clamping device 320 (hydraulic or pneumatically driven) of the support mechanism 300, and coolant discharged from the nozzle 330 can be supplied through the multiple flow channels 900. However, the fluids flowing through the flow channels 900 are not limited to these. The fluids flowing through the flow channels 900 may be liquids or pressurized air.

[0053] The axial support device 1000 (support device) can support the second table 200 from a direction perpendicular to the A-axis when the second table 200 is not rotating around the A-axis. The axial support device 1000 has a plunger 1010. The working fluid for driving the plunger 1010 forward and backward is supplied and discharged through the conduit 1020.

[0054] The second table 200 is rotated around the A-axis and, after coming to a rest in a predetermined position, the plunger 1010 is extended and brought into contact with the shaft member 230 of the second table 200. By locking the plunger 1010 in this state, the second table 200 (shaft member 230) can be supported from a direction perpendicular to the A-axis. Therefore, when cutting a workpiece W, the second table 200 can be supported more stably from both sides of the workpiece W in the A-axis direction.

[0055] The shaft support device 1000 may also support the second table 200 at a position other than the shaft member 230.

[0056] In the direction shown in Figure 2, the support mechanism 300 is provided in a region P formed between planes P1 (first plane) and P2 (second plane), which are perpendicular to the A-axis. By widening region P (making it longer in the A-axis direction), the space for machining the workpiece W can be increased. In the example in Figure 2, plane P1 coincides with the stepped surface 200A1 formed on the piping block 200A. However, plane P1 is a virtual plane, and as long as it is perpendicular to the A-axis, plane P1 can be set at any position between the first table 100 and the second table 200.

[0057] In the rotary support device 1 according to this embodiment, the first table 100 is provided on the left side (first side) with respect to the plane P1, and the second table 200 is provided on the right side (second side) with respect to the plane P1. The motor 600 is provided on the right side (second side) with respect to the plane P1. That is, the first table 100 and the second table 200 are provided on opposite sides of the plane P1, and the motor 600 is provided on the same side as the second table 200 with respect to the plane P1. More specifically, the motor 600 is provided on the right side with respect to the piping block 200A.

[0058] According to the rotary support device 1 of this embodiment, by making the second table 200 a cantilever structure, the support table required in a double-support structure can be omitted, thereby reducing the number of parts. In addition, the A-axis alignment work can be omitted during the manufacturing of the rotary support device 1. As a result, the effort and cost in manufacturing the rotary support device 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the reliability of the operation of the rotary support device 1 is improved.

[0059] Furthermore, the rotary support device 1 can be configured to be compact as a whole, and the interference area during loading or processing of the workpiece W can be reduced, thereby expanding the usable space.

[0060] Furthermore, since the motor 600 that rotates the support mechanism 300 is assembled to the second table 200, access to the motor 600 is easier compared to when the motor 600 is built into the first table 100, improving maintainability such as replacement of the motor 600. As a result, a highly reliable rotating support device 1 is obtained.

[0061] Furthermore, by providing a rotary joint 700 on the first table 100, a multi-circuit (preferably between 2 and 24 circuits, but not limited to this) flow path 900 leading to the second table 200 can be configured without compromising ease of assembly. By configuring a multi-circuit flow path 900, it becomes possible to use many automated devices on the second table 200.

[0062] Furthermore, by providing a piping block 200A between the first table 100 and the second table 200, an appropriate distance can be secured between the first table 100 and the second table 200. Here, by forming a flow path 900 inside the piping block 200A, a multi-circuit flow path 900 leading to the second table 200 can be configured without compromising ease of assembly.

[0063] Figure 5 illustrates the mechanism for adjusting the backlash of the reduction mechanism 620. By moving the gear adjustment block 620A shown in Figure 5 (and Figure 4) in the Y-axis direction, the input shaft 610 and gear 621 can be moved in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the positions of the input shaft 631 and gear 622 are fixed. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the distance between gears 621 and 622 and adjust the backlash of gears 621 and 622. In this embodiment, since the reduction mechanism 620 is a single-stage reduction mechanism, backlash can be reduced and precise C-axis rotation control can be performed.

[0064] Figures 6 to 8 show the configuration of the flow path 900 via the rotary joints 700 and 800. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, by drilling holes in the piping block 200A and the piping connecting plate 220, the rotary joints 700 and 800 can be connected, and a flow path 900 that is not exposed to the outside can be formed. Here, by drilling holes from multiple directions, it is possible to form a flow path 900 with a bent section. The piping block 200A and the piping connecting plate 220 are fastened to each other with bolts 240.

[0065] In the rotary support device 1 according to this embodiment, since the flow path 900 is built into the second table 200, the piping block 200A, and the rotary joints 700 and 800, the effects of interference or chip accumulation can be suppressed. Furthermore, there is no need to expose the hose for the flow path 900 outside the first table 100 and the second table 200, and the exposed hose will not interfere with the first table 100 and the second table 200. As a result, the reliability of the rotary support device 1 can be further improved.

[0066] Figure 9 shows a modified version of the rotary support device 1. In the example shown in Figure 9, a support mechanism 300A, which is partially embedded in the second table 200, is used instead of the support mechanism 300 shown in Figure 2.

[0067] The support mechanism 300A includes a claw member 310A and a plunger 320A. As the plunger 320A moves back and forth in the C-axis direction (up and down direction in Figure 9), the claw member 310A opens and closes, allowing the workpiece W to be fixed or released. The working fluid for driving the plunger 320A is supplied and discharged through the flow path 900.

[0068] However, the support mechanism in this technology is not limited to the form of the support mechanisms 300 and 300A exemplified in this embodiment.

[0069] While embodiments of the present technology have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present technology is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1 Rotating support device, 2 Spindle, 3 Cutting tool, 4 Base, 10 Machine tool, 100 First table, 110, 120 Pipeline, 200 Second table, 200A Pipe block, 200A1 Stepped surface, 210 Main body, 220 Pipe connecting plate, 230 Shaft member, 240 Bolt, 300, 300A Support mechanism, 310 Table, 310A Claw member, 320 Clamping device, 320A Plunger, 330 Nozzle, 400 Rotating member, 410 Roller bearing, 500 Motor, 510 Roller gear cam, 511 Input shaft, 512 Cam follower, 520 Rotating member, 530 Roller bearing, 600 Motor, 610 Input shaft, 620 Reduction mechanism, 620A Gear adjustment block, 621, 622 Gear, 630 Roller gear cam, 631 Input shaft, 632 Cam follower, 640 Cable, 650 Cable protection tube, 660 Connecting member, 670 Bearing, 700, 800 Rotary joint, 710, 810 Shaft section, 720, 820 Housing, 900 Flow path, 1000 Shaft support device, 1010 Plunger, 1020 Conduit.

Claims

1. A rotary support device capable of supporting a workpiece so as to be rotatable around a first axis and a second axis that are orthogonal to each other, A fixed first table, A second table is cantilevered to the first table so as to be rotatable about the first axis and supported on the first table, A first drive source that supplies a driving force to rotate the second table around the first axis, A support mechanism provided on the second table for supporting the workpiece, A rotating mechanism provided on the second table, capable of rotating the support mechanism around the second axis, A second drive source supplies a driving force to the rotation mechanism that rotates the support mechanism around the second axis, Multiple channels for supplying fluid to the second table, The device comprises a rotary joint provided on the first table along the first axis and constituting the plurality of flow paths, The first table is provided on the first side with respect to the first plane perpendicular to the first axis, The second table is provided on the second side opposite to the first side with respect to the first plane, A rotary support device, wherein the second drive source is mounted on the second table so as to be located on the second side with respect to the first plane.

2. The system further includes a spacer member provided between the first table and the second table in the direction of the first axis, The spacer member is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the first table together with the second table around the first axis, The rotational support device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow channels are formed inside the spacer member.

3. The rotational support device according to claim 2, wherein the second drive source is provided on the second side with respect to the spacer member.

4. The rotary support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotary mechanism and the second drive source are arranged to be aligned with each other in the direction of a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

5. The rotary support device according to claim 4, wherein the second drive source includes a motor having a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is provided substantially parallel to the first shaft.

6. A cable that supplies power to the second drive source, The rotary support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a tubular member for housing the cable and for guiding the cable near the first axis.

7. The rotational support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a support device capable of supporting the second table from a direction perpendicular to the first axis when the second table is not rotating about the first axis.

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