Working machinery

Abstract

To install a space-saving imaging device for tool inspection in machine tools. [Solution] A machine tool in one embodiment comprises a machining chamber in which workpiece processing is performed, a tool support unit for supporting a tool in the machining chamber, a base movably arranged in the machining chamber, a work table provided on the base, an imaging unit attached to the base or the work table, an illumination unit for illuminating the tool supported by the tool support unit from the opposite side from the imaging unit, and a moving mechanism for moving the base and changing the position of the imaging unit relative to the tool supported by the tool support unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting tools used in machine tools.

Background Art

[0002] In machine tools such as machining centers and multitasking machines, a workpiece is attached to a table installed in a machining chamber. By relatively moving a spindle that holds a rotating tool and the table, the workpiece can be machined into a desired shape. Such machine tools are equipped with a tool changer called an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer), and the workpiece is machined while exchanging a plurality of types of tools during the machining process.

[0003] In such machine tools, if an abnormality such as a defect, breakage, or chip winding occurs in the tool after use, the tool (hereinafter also referred to as a "defective tool") cannot be used as it is for the next machining. For this reason, an imaging device for imaging the blade shape before and after tool use is provided, and a tool inspection for determining whether it is a defective tool based on the imaging images before and after use is performed (Patent Document 1).

[0004] In tool inspection, for example, illumination is applied from one side of the tool, and the tool is imaged with a camera installed on the other side. By using transmitted illumination, the silhouette of the tool is projected, and the contour of the tool is specified based on the silhouette. If a normal contour shape cannot be obtained, it can be determined that the tool is defective.

[0005] By the way, in order to fit the imaging target portion of the tool (for example, from the cutting edge base to the cutting edge tip) on one screen, it is necessary to set the distance between the camera and the tool (working distance) to a certain extent. However, if the working distance is increased, the imaging length per pixel increases, making it difficult to detect fine shapes.

[0006] Therefore, a device has been proposed that incorporates a moving mechanism to move the camera in the longitudinal direction of the tool, takes multiple images while moving the camera, and synthesizes the obtained multiple images (Patent Document 2). With such an imaging device, an overall image of the part to be imaged can be obtained regardless of the dimensions of the tool, and can be used for tool inspection. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-131357 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6991375 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] When introducing such imaging devices, it is conceivable that they may be retrofitted to existing machine tools. In that case, it is desirable that they do not create problems with installation space, that is, that they can be implemented in a space-saving manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a machine tool. This machine tool comprises a machining chamber in which a workpiece is machined; a tool support unit for supporting a tool in the machining chamber; a base movably arranged in the machining chamber; a work table provided on the base; an imaging unit attached to the base or the work table; an illumination unit for illuminating the tool supported by the tool support unit from the opposite side from the imaging unit; and a moving mechanism for moving the base and changing the position of the imaging unit relative to the tool supported by the tool support unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, an imaging device for tool inspection can be installed in a machine tool in a space-saving manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the machine tool according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a machine tool and information processing device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the processing equipment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a machine tool from above. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically represents the configuration of an imaging device used for tool inspection. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the structure of the lighting unit in detail. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the structure of the lighting unit in detail. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the structure of the lighting unit in detail. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the imaging unit and its surrounding area. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the imaging unit. [Figure 11] This is a functional block diagram of an information processing device. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates a method for imaging tools during tool inspection. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating the overview of the tool shape data acquisition process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The machine tool of this embodiment is configured as a machining center that processes a workpiece into a desired shape while appropriately changing the tools.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a machine tool according to an embodiment. When viewing the machine tool 1 from the front, the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions are defined as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively. The machine tool 1 includes a processing device 2 and a tool storage device 4. A cover 6 (housing) is provided to cover these devices. Inside the cover 6, a processing chamber 3 is provided on the right side when viewed from the front, and a storage chamber 5 is provided on the left side. Machining is performed by the processing device 2 in the processing chamber 3. In the storage chamber 5, a plurality of tools are stored by the tool storage device 4.

[0014] An operation panel 8 is provided on the right side surface of the cover 6. An information processing device 100 is connected to the operation panel 8. The user can remotely monitor the working status of the machine tool 1 by the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 may be a general laptop PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet computer. In a modified example, the function of the information processing device may be incorporated into the operation panel 8.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the machine tool 1 and the information processing device 100. In addition to the above-described processing device 2 and tool storage device 4, the machine tool 1 includes a processing control device 102, an operation control device 104, and an ATC 106. The processing control device 102 functions as a numerical control device (NC) and outputs a control signal to the processing device 2 according to a machining program. The processing device 2 drives a tool spindle (hereinafter simply referred to as "spindle") according to an instruction from the processing control device 102 to machine a workpiece.

[0016] The operation control device 104 includes the operation panel 8 and controls the processing control device 102. The ATC 106 takes out a tool from the tool storage device 4 according to an exchange instruction from the processing control device 102, and exchanges the used tool held by the tool spindle with the unused tool taken out from the tool storage device 4. The information processing device 100 executes various processes including image processing such as tool shape recognition. The information processing device 100 may be configured as a part of the operation control device 104.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the processing device 2. The processing apparatus 2 comprises a bed 10, a column 12 erected on the bed 10, a spindle head 14 movably mounted on the front side of the column 12, and a table 16 movably mounted on the bed 10. The spindle head 14 has an axis in the horizontal direction (Z-axis direction) and supports the spindle 18 so that it can rotate around that axis. The spindle head 14 incorporates a spindle motor for rotationally driving the spindle 18. The spindle 18 functions as a "tool support" to which a tool T held in a tool holder 20 can be coaxially mounted. The workpiece W is fixed to the table 16.

[0018] A guide rail 22 is provided on the front of the column 12, and a saddle 24 is supported so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. A guide rail 26 is provided on the front of the saddle 24, and a spindle head 14 is supported so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The movement of the saddle 24 and the spindle head 14 is achieved by a feed mechanism (not shown) and a servo motor that drives it. This feed mechanism is, for example, a screw feed mechanism using a ball screw. The spindle 18 is movable in the X and Y axes as the spindle head 14 and the saddle 24 are driven.

[0019] Meanwhile, a guide rail 32 is provided on the upper surface of the bed 10, and a saddle 34 is supported so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. A table 16 is provided on the saddle 34. A pallet 17 is detachably attached to the table 16, and the workpiece W is placed and fixed on the pallet 17. The saddle 34 functions as a "base" that is movable in the processing chamber 3. The table 16 functions as a "worktable" that supports the pallet 17 on which the workpiece W is placed. The movement of the saddle 34 is achieved by a moving mechanism 35 and a servo motor that drives it. The moving mechanism 35 is, for example, a screw feed mechanism using a ball screw, and functions as a "first moving mechanism" that moves the saddle 34 in the longitudinal direction of the tool. The workpiece W is freely movable in the Z-axis direction as the saddle 34 is driven. In other words, with the above configuration, the relative position between the workpiece W and the tool T can be adjusted in three dimensions.

[0020] The table 16 is movable in the axial direction of the spindle 18 and can also rotate in the horizontal plane. By rotating the table 16, the workpiece on the pallet 17 can be rotated. By linearly driving the table 16, the workpiece W moves closer to or further away from the tool T. In other words, by controlling the rotation and movement of the table 16 and the movement of the spindle 18, the workpiece can be machined into a desired shape.

[0021] An imaging unit 30 is fixed to the saddle 34. The imaging unit 30 includes a camera equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and images the tool T when performing tool inspection. The imaging unit 30 outputs the captured image to the information processing device 100. During tool inspection, the imaging unit 30 moves integrally with the table 16 in the longitudinal direction of the tool T, and during this movement, it images the target portion of the tool T (details will be described later).

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of machine tool 1 from above. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device used for tool inspection, and shows the inside and outside of the machining chamber 3 as viewed from the right side. As shown in Figure 4, a lighting unit 40 is installed on the upper surface of the cover 6 of the machine tool 1 (the ceiling 36 of the machining chamber 3). The lighting unit 40 has a lighting section 50 that illuminates the tool T from above and is activated during tool inspection.

[0023] More specifically, a maintenance opening 42 is provided in the ceiling 36, and a ceiling cover 44 is installed to close the opening 42. The lighting unit 40 is mounted on the upper surface of the ceiling cover 44. The lighting unit 40 has an LED light as the lighting section 50. This LED light emits relatively directional parallel light downwards. An opening 46 is provided in the area below the lighting section 50 in the ceiling cover 44 to allow light from the lighting section 50 to pass through.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the imaging unit 30 is located below the tool T supported by the spindle 18, and the illumination unit 50 is located above it. The illumination unit 50 is located on the opposite side of the tool T from the imaging unit 30. The illumination unit 40 has a moving mechanism 52 that moves the illumination unit 50 parallel to the axis L of the tool T. The moving mechanism 52 includes a linear guide and a feed mechanism. The feed mechanism is driven by a servo motor. The moving mechanism 52 functions as a "second moving mechanism".

[0025] During tool inspection, a first movement mechanism that moves the imaging unit 30 together with the saddle 34 and a second movement mechanism that moves the illumination unit 50 are linked. This causes the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50 to be moved in parallel while being positioned on the opposite side of the tool T supported by the main spindle 18. The imaging unit 30 uses the transmitted illumination of the illumination unit 50 to capture the silhouette of the tool T.

[0026] Figures 6 to 8 show the structure of the lighting unit 40 in detail. Figure 6(A) is a perspective view from above, and Figure 6(B) is a perspective view showing the internal structure. As shown in Figure 6(A), the lighting unit 40 is constructed by housing a movable mechanism 52 in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped case 54. The case 54 has a base member 56 that forms the bottom surface and a cover 58 assembled to the base member 56. A maintenance opening 60 is provided on the top surface of the cover 58 and is closed by a lid 62. A cable gland 64 for routing the power cable is attached to the side of the cover 58.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6(B), the moving mechanism 52 is composed of a linear guide 66. The linear guide 66 is provided on the base member 56. The linear guide 66 includes a rail 68 extending in the longitudinal direction of the base member 56 and a carriage 70 slidably attached to the rail 68. The lighting unit 50 is supported downward by the carriage 70. The base member 56 is provided with a feed mechanism that constitutes the moving mechanism 52 and a motor 72 that drives it. In this embodiment, the feed mechanism is a belt feed mechanism, but it may be a screw feed mechanism or other feed mechanism. The power cable connected to the lighting unit 50 is housed in a cable carrier 74 (protective tube) and is drawn out from the cable gland 64 (Figure 6(A)). The base member 56 is provided with an opening 46 that extends parallel to the rail 68. The opening 46 is rectangular in plan view and is closed by glass 76. The glass 76 is tempered glass.

[0028] Figure 7(A) is a side view of the lighting unit 40. Figures 7(B) and (C) illustrate the operation of the lighting unit 40. As shown in Figure 7(A), the glass 76 is mounted from below the base member 56. As also shown in Figure 7(B), the lighting unit 50 always faces the glass 76 and moves in the direction of extension of the glass 76 (horizontal direction: Z-axis direction) by the drive of the linear guide 66. At this time, the cable carrier 74 deforms to protect the power cable. The light emitted from the lighting unit 50 is guided downwards through the glass 76.

[0029] Figure 8(A) is a perspective view of the lighting unit 40 from below. Figure 8(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 7(A). As shown in Figure 8(A), the opening 46 of the base member 56 is closed by a rectangular cover 78 in plan view. The glass 76 constitutes the cover 78. The peripheral edge of the cover 78 is screwed to the base member 56.

[0030] As shown in Figure 8(B), the glass 76 is sandwiched at its periphery between an annular plate 80 and an annular retaining member 82 to form the lid 78. The retaining member 82 has a recess (step) that is complementary in shape to the glass 76. The glass 76 is assembled to the retaining member 82 so as to fit into the recess. A flange portion 82a is provided at the upper end of the lid 78, protruding outward from the recess. The upper surface of the flange portion 82a and the upper surface of the glass 76 are almost flush. The plate 80 is assembled from above.

[0031] The periphery of plate 80 and the periphery of retaining member 82 are overlapped and fastened together to base member 56 with screws 83. Sealing packings 84a to 84c are interposed between the lower periphery of glass 76 and retaining member 82, between the upper periphery of glass 76 and plate 80, and between plate 80 and base member 56, respectively. As shown in the figure, because the openings of plate 80 and retaining member 82 are large, most of the glass 76 is exposed in the lid 78.

[0032] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the imaging unit 30 and its surrounding area. The imaging unit 30 is detachably attached to a saddle 34 that supports the table 16. The saddle 34 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and the table 16 is mounted in its center. The saddle 34 has a rotation mechanism directly below the table 16, and supports the table 16 so that it can rotate around an axis L1 extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The rotation mechanism is implemented, for example, by a spindle motor.

[0033] A pallet 17 is detachably attached to the table 16, and a workpiece is fixed to the pallet 17. By having multiple pallets 17 with workpieces fixed to them, the workpiece can be changed by changing the pallet 17, thereby improving time efficiency.

[0034] The imaging unit 30 is mounted on the corner of the saddle 34, away from the table 16. A mounting hole 86 is provided on the upper surface of the corner of the saddle 34, and the lower part of the imaging unit 30 is assembled to be inserted coaxially. The imaging unit 30 is fixed to the saddle 34 so that the optical axis of the camera points upward.

[0035] Figure 10 shows the structure of the imaging unit 30. Figure 10(A) is a perspective view, and Figure 10(B) is a cross-sectional view. As shown in Figure 10(A), the imaging unit 30 has a secondary illumination unit 92 that is integrally provided with the camera 90. The camera 90 has a stepped cylindrical body 94, and a lens cover 96 is provided at the upper end of the body 94. The lens cover 96 is attached to the body 94 via a hinge and opens or closes the light-receiving surface of the camera 90. A small-diameter mounting portion 98 is provided at the lower end of the body 94. The imaging unit 30 is fixed to the saddle 34 by coaxially inserting the mounting portion 98 into the mounting hole 86 (see Figure 9).

[0036] The auxiliary illumination unit 92 is supported by a support portion 110 that extends radially outward from the side of the main body 94. The auxiliary illumination unit 92 is used when imaging the tool T in bright-field mode, illuminating the target area of ​​the tool T from below. However, bright-field imaging generates a large amount of image information, making robust processing difficult, so it is performed only in limited cases, such as when observing the cutting edge of the tool T.

[0037] As shown in Figure 10(B), the camera 90 has an image sensor 112, a telecentric lens 114, and a shutter 116 inside the main body 94. The optical axis L2 of the camera 90 coincides with the axis of the main body 94. When performing bright-field imaging, the position of the saddle 34 is controlled so that the optical axis L2 of the camera 90 and the optical axis L3 of the auxiliary illumination unit 92 are directed towards the imaging target part of the tool T.

[0038] The shutter 116 operates perpendicular to the optical axis L2. In this embodiment, the shutter 116 is driven by an air cylinder, but it goes without saying that other driving means may be used.

[0039] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram of the information processing device 100. Each component of the information processing device 100 is realized by hardware including arithmetic units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various computer processors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and software stored in the storage devices that supplies processing instructions to the arithmetic units. The computer program may consist of device drivers, an operating system, various application programs located at a higher layer, and libraries that provide common functions to these programs. The blocks described below represent functional units, not hardware units.

[0040] The information processing device 100 includes a user interface processing unit 120, a data processing unit 122, a data storage unit 124, and a communication unit 126. The user interface processing unit 120 accepts user input and is responsible for processing related to the user interface, such as displaying images and outputting sound. The communication unit 126 is responsible for communication with the operation control device 104. The data processing unit 122 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the user interface processing unit 120 and the data stored in the data storage unit 124. The data processing unit 122 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing unit 120, the data storage unit 124, and the communication unit 126. The data storage unit 124 stores various programs and setting data.

[0041] The user interface processing unit 120 includes an input unit 130 and an output unit 132. The input unit 130 receives input from the user via a hardware device such as a touch panel or handle. The output unit 132 provides the user with various information via image display or audio output. The output unit 132 includes a display unit 134. The display unit 134 displays (notifies) a predetermined abnormal condition, such as an abnormality in the tool to be replaced (a defective tool has been detected), on a display device (notification) notified.

[0042] The communication unit 126 includes a receiving unit 140 that receives data from the operation control device 104, and a transmitting unit 142 that sends data and commands to the operation control device 104.

[0043] The data processing unit 122 includes a movement control unit 150, an imaging processing unit 152, a shape reproduction unit 154, a tool management unit 156, and a determination processing unit 158. The movement control unit 150 drives the feed mechanism to control the movement of the saddle 24 and the spindle head 14 (i.e., the position of the tool T). The movement control unit 150 also drives the movement mechanism 35 to control the movement of the imaging unit 30 (i.e., the position of the imaging unit 30). It also drives the movement mechanism 52 to control the movement of the illumination unit 50 (i.e., the position of the illumination unit 50). In other words, it controls the respective positions of the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50 relative to the tool T supported by the spindle 18, and the relative position of the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50. The imaging processing unit 152 controls the imaging unit 30 to image the tool T. The shape reproduction unit 154 generates "tool shape data," which is data indicating the shape of the tool T, based on the captured image. The tool management unit 156 associates the tool ID and tool shape data for each tool T and registers them in the data storage unit 124.

[0044] The determination processing unit 158 ​​determines whether the tool T has any abnormalities such as defects, breakage, or chip entanglement (i.e., whether it is a defective tool) based on the captured image of the tool T or on the tool shape data. When the determination processing unit 158 ​​determines that there is an abnormality in the tool T, the display unit 134 displays that fact on the display device. The determination processing unit 158 ​​may also instruct the operation control device 104 to display that fact on the operation panel 8. If a used tool T is determined to be a defective tool, the tool management unit 156 associates the information that it is a defective tool with the tool ID and registers it as tool information in the data storage unit 124.

[0045] The data storage unit 124 includes a tool information storage unit 160 and a shape data storage unit 162. The tool information storage unit 160 stores information (tool information) for each tool T stored in the tool storage device 4, associating it with a tool ID. The tool information includes, for example, information such as the type, shape, size, and length of the tool. It may also include information such as cumulative usage time and cumulative number of uses. The data storage unit 124 also temporarily stores captured images.

[0046] The tool information storage unit 160 updates the tool information each time a tool is changed. If tool T is determined to be a defective tool as described above, that fact is added to the tool information. The tool management unit 156 prohibits the use of tool T, i.e., prevents it from being replaced by the ATC 106, after that determination.

[0047] The shape data storage unit 162 stores the tool shape data generated by the shape reproduction unit 154 in association with the tool ID. In this embodiment, tool shape data is created before and after tool replacement. Therefore, for each tool T, the tool shape data of the tool T before use (hereinafter also referred to as "pre-use tool shape data") and the tool shape data of the tool T after use (hereinafter also referred to as "used tool shape data") are stored in association with the tool ID. The determination processing unit 158 ​​can determine whether a used tool T is a defective tool by comparing the pre-use tool shape data and the used tool shape data for the same tool.

[0048] Next, we will explain the method for imaging tools. Figure 12 shows a diagram illustrating the method of imaging tools during tool inspection. In this embodiment, the part of the tool T from the base end supported by the spindle 18 to the cutting edge is used as the imaging target. Therefore, as shown in the figure, when the tool T becomes long enough, the imaging unit 30 is moved parallel to the axis L of the tool T to take multiple images, and the shape of the entire imaging target is recognized by combining the multiple images. In the illustrated example, three images are taken.

[0049] Specifically, with the tool T fixed in a predetermined inspection position, the imaging unit 30 and illumination unit 50 are moved to sequentially capture a first image P1 including the tip of the tool T, a second image P2 including the central part of the tool T, and a third image P3 including the base end of the tool T. The resulting images are silhouette images of the tool T illuminated by transmitted light. The movement control unit 150 links the movement mechanism 35 and the movement mechanism 52 to move the imaging unit 30 and illumination unit 50 so that the optical axis L2 of the imaging unit 30 and the optical axis L4 of the illumination unit 50 coincide. In this embodiment, the movement of the imaging unit 30 and illumination unit 50 is temporarily stopped after each image is captured.

[0050] More specifically, the imaging positions are set so that each image slightly overlaps in the longitudinal direction of the tool T, ensuring that the boundaries between the combined images are smoothly connected. The imaging processing unit 152 extracts sub-images with sufficiently high contrast from the first image P1, the second image P2, and the third image P3, and combines the extracted sub-images to generate an overall image of the tool T.

[0051] Specifically, the silhouette of the tool T projected by the illumination unit 50 is displayed as the overall image of the area to be imaged. The imaging processing unit 152 sets a scan line in the Y-axis direction and detects points located at the boundary between the dark area (the silhouette area where the tool T exists) and the bright area (the area where the tool T does not exist) as edge points. The imaging processing unit 152 detects multiple edge points while shifting the scan line at a constant pitch in the Z-axis direction and identifies the contour of the tool T by connecting these edge points. The shape reproduction unit 154 generates tool shape data based on the identified contour.

[0052] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the overview of the tool shape data acquisition process. When acquiring shape data of the tool T to be inspected, the movement control unit 150 drives the feed mechanism to move the tool T to the inspection position (S10). It also drives the movement mechanisms 35 and 52 to move the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50 to the imaging start position (S12). At this time, the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50 are positioned on opposite sides of the tool T.

[0053] Then, with the tool T illuminated by the illumination unit 50 (S14), the imaging processing unit 152 captures an image of the tool T using the imaging unit 30 (S16). The image acquired at this time is stored as the first image P1. Subsequently, the movement control unit 150 moves the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50 to the next imaging position (S18), after which the imaging processing unit 152 captures an image of the tool T (S20).

[0054] Once the set number of imaging cycles (3 in this embodiment) are completed (Y in S22), the imaging processing unit 152 generates an overall image by combining the multiple images P1 to P3 described above (S24). The shape reproduction unit 154 generates tool shape data based on this overall image (S26). The tool management unit 156 stores this tool shape data in the shape data storage unit 162, associating it with the tool ID (S28).

[0055] The generation of tool shape data as described above is performed for both the pre-use tool and the used tool. The judgment processing unit 158 ​​compares the pre-use tool shape data and the used tool shape data for the same tool. When the similarity between the pre-use tool shape and the used tool shape, in particular the similarity of the contours, is below a predetermined value, the judgment processing unit 158 ​​determines that there is a defect or other issue with the tool T, that is, the tool T is a defective tool.

[0056] The machine tool has been described above based on the embodiments. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 30 used for tool inspection is attached to the saddle 34 and configured to be movable together with the table 16. The saddle 34, together with the table 16, is an existing configuration in the machine tool 1 as a "workpiece holding unit," and the imaging unit 30 is attached using the available space on the saddle 34. Since the movement mechanism 35 of the table 16 can be used as the movement mechanism for the imaging unit 30, it can be realized in a space-saving manner.

[0057] Furthermore, since the lighting unit 50 and its moving mechanism 52 are located above the ceiling 36 (in the ceiling space), there is no need to separately secure space for the processing room 3. In addition, since tool inspection can be performed in the processing room 3, there is no need to provide space for tool inspection in the storage room 5 of the tool storage device 4. These points also contribute to space saving within the machine tool 1.

[0058] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the machine tool 1 was described as a machining center, but it may also be a multi-tasking machine that combines turning and additive manufacturing functions. Additive manufacturing is a technique (additive manufacturing) in which an object is processed while melting material powder with a laser.

[0059] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50 are moved in the longitudinal direction of the tool T to inspect the entire cutting edge of the tool T. In a modified example, the inspection area may be limited to a small area, for example, when precisely inspecting the tip shape of the tool. In that case, the imaging unit and the illumination unit may be moved in the short direction (radial direction) of the tool to acquire the image. In that case, it would also be effective to select illumination with higher directionality.

[0060] In the above embodiment, in order to enhance the contrast of the captured image, a highly directional LED light is used as the illumination unit 50, and the illumination unit 50 is moved parallel to the tool T. If a light with a large illumination angle is used as the illumination unit, the illumination unit may be fixed in place.

[0061] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the imaging unit 30 is positioned below and the illumination unit 50 is positioned above the tool T supported by the spindle 18 during tool inspection. In a modified example, the imaging unit and the illumination unit may be arranged so as to sandwich the tool T supported by the spindle 18 horizontally. For example, the imaging unit may be positioned at a predetermined height in the workpiece holding unit, and the illumination unit and its moving mechanism may be positioned on the rear side of the device housing (cover) (outside the machining chamber 3). In this case, both the imaging unit and the illumination unit are moved parallel to the tool so that their optical axes align.

[0062] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the imaging unit 30 and the illumination unit 50 are stopped after each image capture. In a modified example, imaging may be performed while both the imaging unit and the illumination unit are moving. Imaging may be performed with both the imaging unit and the illumination unit stopped at the imaging start position and the final imaging position, and imaging may be performed while both are moving at intermediate positions. Movement of both the imaging unit and the illumination unit may be switched according to the length of the tool, for example, when the tool length exceeds a predetermined value.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the imaging unit 30 is attached to a saddle 34 that supports the table 16 is illustrated. In a modified example, the imaging unit may be attached to a table (work table) supported by a saddle.

[0064] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the lighting unit 50 and its moving mechanism 52 are installed in the ceiling space of the processing room 3. In a modified example, they may be installed inside the processing room 3. The lighting unit 40 may also be installed on the inner wall of the ceiling 36.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the glass 76 that closes the opening of the lighting unit 40 is made of tempered glass, but ordinary float glass (plate glass) may also be used. Alternatively, a transparent acrylic sheet may be used. Considering the possibility of breakage or damage due to scattering of metal shavings, etc., it is preferable to use tempered glass.

[0066] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and the components can be modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments and modifications described above. In addition, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments and modifications described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1 Machine tool, 2 Machining device, 3 Machining chamber, 4 Tool storage device, 6 Cover, 14 Spindle head, 16 Table, 18 Spindle, 20 Tool holder, 30 Imaging unit, 34 Saddle, 35 Moving mechanism, 36 Ceiling, 40 Lighting unit, 46 Opening, 50 Lighting unit, 52 Moving mechanism, 56 Base member, 58 Cover, 66 Linear guide, 68 Rail, 70 Carriage, 72 Motor, 76 Glass, 78 Lid, 80 Plate, 82 Retaining member, 86 Mounting hole, 90 Camera, 92 Sub-lighting unit, 96 Lens cover, 98 Mounting unit, 100 Information processing device, 102 Machining control device, 104 Operation control device, 122 Data processing unit, 124 Data storage unit, 150 Movement control unit, 152 Imaging processing unit, 158 Judgment processing unit, P1 First image, P2 Second image, P3. Third image, T tool, W workpiece.

Claims

1. The machining room where the workpiece is processed, The aforementioned machining chamber includes a tool support section for supporting the tool, A base that is movable in the aforementioned processing chamber, A work table provided on the base, An imaging unit attached to the base or the work table, An illumination unit that illuminates the tool supported by the tool support unit from the opposite side of the imaging unit, A machine tool comprising a moving mechanism that moves the base and changes the position of the imaging unit relative to the tool supported by the tool support.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece is machined by moving the base and the tool support relative to each other.

3. The first moving mechanism, which is the aforementioned moving mechanism, The system includes a second moving mechanism that moves the illumination unit and changes the position of the illumination unit relative to the tool supported by the tool support unit, The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are linked to move the imaging unit and the illumination unit in parallel while positioning them on the opposite side from the tool supported by the tool support unit.

4. The imaging unit is located below the tool supported by the tool support unit. The machine tool according to claim 3, wherein the lighting unit is located above the tool supported by the tool support unit.

5. The machine tool according to claim 4, wherein the lighting unit is installed above the ceiling of the processing room and transmits light through an opening provided in the ceiling.

6. The opening extends parallel to the axis of the tool supported by the tool support portion, The machine tool according to claim 5, wherein the lighting unit moves in the longitudinal direction of the opening.

7. The aforementioned opening is closed by tempered glass. The machine tool according to claim 6, wherein the lighting unit is positioned above the tempered glass.

Images