Band saw blade

Abstract

Efficient cutting is performed using a band saw blade. [Solution] The band saw machine 1 is equipped with a saw head 20 on which a band saw blade 100, having multiple teeth 121 having the same function arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, is mounted so as to be able to move freely, and which cuts the workpiece W with the band saw blade 100 while moving in the cutting direction F2, and a vibration mechanism that vibrates the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction F2. The vibration period of the band saw blade 100 due to the vibration mechanism satisfies the relationship T = k × (P / V). Here, T is the vibration period, P is the functional pitch, V is the travel speed at which the band saw blade 100 moves, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: natural number).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a band saw machine and a band saw blade.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a band saw machine provided with vibration applying means for applying vibration to a band saw blade in the cutting direction of a workpiece.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although efficient cutting can be performed by using the method of Patent Document 1, further efficient cutting is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of one or more embodiments is a band saw machine including a saw head that travels while a band saw blade having a plurality of teeth with the same function arranged at a predetermined functional pitch is mounted so as to be able to travel, and cuts a workpiece with the band saw blade while moving in the cutting direction, and a vibration mechanism that vibrates the band saw blade in the cutting direction. The vibration cycle of the band saw blade by the vibration mechanism satisfies the following mathematical formula. T = k × (P / V) Here, T is the vibration cycle, P is the functional pitch, V is the traveling speed at which the band saw blade travels, and k is a coefficient composed of a number including a decimal other than 1 / c (c: natural number).

[0006] A second aspect of one or more embodiments is a band saw machine comprising a saw head on which a band saw blade, having multiple teeth having the same function arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, is mounted to move freely and which cuts a workpiece with the band saw blade while moving in the cutting direction, and a vibration mechanism that vibrates the band saw blade in the cutting direction. When m is an integer of 2 or more, the vibration amplitude of the band saw blade by the vibration mechanism satisfies the following formula. A > m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3) A≧5D (m=2) Here, A is the vibration amplitude, and D is the distance the saw head moves in the cutting direction while the band saw blade moves the same distance as the functional pitch in the travel direction.

[0007] A third aspect of one or more embodiments is a band saw blade that is mounted movably on the saw head of a band saw machine and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, comprising a body portion extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the band width direction, and a saw tooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, wherein a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch. The saw back, which is the other edge of the body portion, comprises concave valleys and convex peaks arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the body portion. The distance Lpp between the peaks of the saw back satisfies the following formula. Lpp = k × P Here, P is the functional pitch, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: a natural number).

[0008] A fourth aspect of one or more embodiments is a band saw blade that is mounted movably on the saw head of a band saw machine and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, comprising a body portion extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the band width direction, and a saw tooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, wherein a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch. The saw back, which is the other edge of the body portion, comprises concave valleys and convex peaks arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the body portion. When m is an integer of 2 or more, the height H of the peaks and valleys of the saw back satisfies the following formula. H≧5D (m=2) H≧m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3) Here, D is the distance the saw head moves in the cutting direction while the band saw blade moves the same distance as the functional pitch in the traveling direction.

[0009] A fifth aspect of one or more embodiments is a band saw blade that is mounted movably on the saw head of a band saw machine and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, comprising a body portion extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the band width direction, and a saw tooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, wherein a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch. The saw back, which is the other edge of the body portion, comprises concave valleys and convex peaks arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the body portion. When m is an integer of 2 or more, the height H of the peaks and valleys of the saw back satisfies the following formula. H-(XR-XB)≧5D (m=2) H-(XR-XB)≧m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3) Here, D is the distance the saw head moves in the cutting direction while the band saw blade moves the same distance as the functional pitch in the travel direction, and XR and XB are given by the following equations. XR = ((1 / cosθh) - 1) × Rr XB = ((1 / cosθh) - 1) × Rb Here, Rr is the radius of the backup roller provided on the saw head and in contact with the back of the band saw blade, and Rb is the radius of curvature applied to the peaks and valleys of the back of the saw blade.

[0010] A sixth aspect of one or more embodiments is a band saw blade that is mounted movably on the saw head of a band saw machine and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, comprising a body portion extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the band width direction, and a saw tooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, wherein a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch. The body portion is marked with a code that can be read by a reading device provided on the band saw machine, and the band saw machine identifies the functional pitch from the code read by the reading device and vibrates the band saw blade in the cutting direction based on the vibration period determined from the functional pitch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the band sawing machine and band saw blade according to one or more embodiments, each tooth intermittently performs cutting while periodically leaving the workpiece, so that efficient cutting can be performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing a band sawing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing a main part of the band sawing machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view showing the reading of a two-dimensional code by a reading device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view showing vibration cutting by a band saw blade. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view showing the movement trajectories of the tips of the first to fourth teeth when cutting a workpiece. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view showing the movement trajectories of the tips of the first to fourth teeth when cutting a workpiece. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view showing the movement trajectories of the tips of the first to fourth teeth when cutting a workpiece. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view exemplifying an integer m and a natural number n for intermittent cutting. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view showing the movement trajectories of the tips of the first to third teeth when the integer m is 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing the relationship between the magnification of the vibration amplitude with respect to the depth of cut and the cutting distance reduction rate. [Figure 11] FIG. (should be FIG. 11 in the original) is a view showing the movement trajectories of the tips of the first to fourth teeth when the integer m is 3. [Figure 12] FIG. (should be FIG. 12 in the original) is a view showing the relationship between the magnification of the vibration amplitude with respect to the depth of cut and the cutting distance reduction rate. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a band saw blade provided with a saw blade group composed of a plurality of teeth having different functions. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view showing a registration screen of the band saw blade. It should be noted that in the translation, there is a small error in the original text where "図11は、整数mが3である場合の第1から第4歯の歯先の移動軌跡を示す図である。" and "図12は、切込量に対する振動振幅の倍率と切削距離減少率との関係を示す図である。" are numbered as "図9" and "図10" respectively in the original text, which may cause confusion. The translation is adjusted according to the correct figure numbers in the context. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the selection screen. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the band saw blade information recorded in the memory device's table. [Figure 17] Figure 17 illustrates the shape of the band saw blade and the saw blade back. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the movement trajectories of the tooth tips of the first to fourth teeth when cutting a workpiece. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows the relationship between the radius of curvature of the peaks and valleys set on the saw blade and the radius of the backup roller. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The band saw machine and band saw blade according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (First embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the band saw machine 1 according to the first embodiment. In this specification, directions are defined as left-right direction, front-back direction, and up-down direction. The left-right direction and front-back direction correspond to two orthogonal directions in the horizontal direction, and the up-down direction corresponds to the vertical direction. In Figure 1, the front-back direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper. These directions are used merely for convenience in explaining the band saw machine 1 according to this embodiment.

[0015] The band saw machine 1 comprises a base 10, a saw head 20, and a control device 50.

[0016] The base 10 is provided on the mounting surface 5. A vise device 15 for fixing the workpiece W is provided on the upper surface of the base 10. The workpiece W, which extends in the front-rear direction, is fixed by the vise device 15. The base 10 is provided with a columnar guide post (not shown) that extends in the vertical direction. The saw head 20 is supported on the guide post so that it can move up and down.

[0017] The saw head 20 includes a drive wheel 21, a driven wheel 22, a head drive unit (not shown), a first saw blade guide 25, and a second saw blade guide 26.

[0018] The sawhead 20 is equipped with a beam member 30 that extends in the left-right direction, and housing body portions 31 and 32 are provided on both sides of the beam member 30 in the left-right direction. A drive wheel 21, which is rotated by a drive motor 23, is rotatably mounted on one housing body portion 31. A driven wheel 22 is rotatably mounted on the other housing body portion 32.

[0019] An endless band saw blade 100 is stretched between the drive wheel 21 and the driven wheel 22. At least one of the drive wheel 21 and the driven wheel 22 is positioned such that a predetermined tension acts on the band saw blade 100. When cutting a workpiece W, the band saw blade 100 moves counterclockwise in Figure 1 as the drive wheel 21 rotates. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the movement of the band saw blade 100 refers to moving the band saw blade 100 in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 1, that is, in the direction of cutting the workpiece W.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the band saw blade 100 comprises a body portion 110 and a sawtooth portion 120. The body portion 110 is a band-shaped member having a constant width in the band width direction and extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the band width direction. The body portion 110 is made of a high-strength material, such as spring steel. The sawtooth portion 120 is provided on one edge of the body portion 110 that extends in the longitudinal direction. The sawtooth portion 120 consists of a plurality of teeth 121 arranged along the edge of the body portion 110. The sawtooth back 115, which is the other edge of the body portion 110 that extends in the longitudinal direction, is formed in a straight line.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the head drive unit is an actuator for moving the saw head 20 vertically. The saw head 20 moves downward when driven by the head drive unit. When the saw head 20 moves downward, the band saw blade 100 moves in a direction that approaches the workpiece W. The downward direction, one of the directions of movement of the saw head 20, corresponds to the cutting direction in which the band saw blade 100 cuts the workpiece W. The saw head 20 can also move upward when driven by the head drive unit. When the saw head 20 moves upward, the band saw blade 100 moves in a direction that moves away from the workpiece W.

[0022] The first saw blade guide 25 and the second saw blade guide 26 are supported by the beam member 30 and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The second saw blade guide 26 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction so as to move according to the size of the workpiece W. The first saw blade guide 25 is fixed to the beam member 30. When the band saw 1 is viewed from the front, the first saw blade guide 25 is located to the right of the workpiece W, and the second saw blade guide 26 is located to the left of the workpiece W.

[0023] The first and second saw blade guides 25 and 26 guide the lower band saw blade 100 as it travels from the driven wheel 22 toward the drive wheel 21. Between the first and second saw blade guides 25 and 26, the band saw blade 100 is vertically twisted upright so that the tips of each tooth 121 face downward. In this embodiment, the lower band saw blade 100 extends parallel to the left-right direction, and the travel direction F1 corresponds to the left-right direction. However, the travel direction of the lower band saw blade 100 does not need to be parallel to the left-right direction and may be inclined with respect to the left-right direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the first and second saw blade guides 25 and 26 function as vibration mechanisms for vibrating the band saw blade 100, and are equipped with excitation mechanisms 25a and 26a. The configuration of the excitation mechanisms 25a and 26a is the same for both the first saw blade guide 25 and the second saw blade guide 26. The excitation mechanism 25a provided in the first saw blade guide 25 will be described below.

[0025] The vibration excitation mechanism 25a is in contact with the saw blade 115 of the body 110 of the band saw blade 100. The vibration excitation mechanism 25a imparts vibration to the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction (band width direction). In this embodiment, the vibration excitation mechanism 25a vibrates the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction by applying vibration to it. The vibration excitation mechanism 25a is equipped with an actuator for applying vibration to the band saw blade 100 and operates under the control of the control device 50. The point at which the vibration excitation mechanism 25a applies vibration to the band saw blade 100 is called the excitation point.

[0026] The vibration mechanism 25a of the first saw blade guide 25 contacts the saw blade 115 to the right of the workpiece W. The vibration mechanism 26a of the second saw blade guide 26 contacts the saw blade 115 to the left of the workpiece W. The vibration points of the vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a are set on the outside of the workpiece W in the left-right direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 50 controls the band saw 1 based on a machining program or the like. The control device 50 is a computer and has a storage device for storing the machining program and the like, and a processor such as a CPU for executing the machining program. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a to control the vibration period applied to the band saw blade 100.

[0028] A control panel 51 is connected to the control device 50. The control panel 51 is equipped with a display and an input device. The display is controlled by the control device 50 and displays information necessary for operating the band saw blade 100. The input device consists of a touch panel and operation switches located on the display, and the operation information entered by the operator into the input device is output to the control device 50. The operator can operate the band saw machine 1 through the operation of the input device.

[0029] A reader 60 is connected to the control device 50. The reader 60 is positioned near the upper band saw blade 100, which travels from the drive wheel 21 toward the driven wheel 22. The reader 60 can obtain the information embodied in the two-dimensional code 130 by reading the two-dimensional code 130 written on the band saw blade 100. The information obtained by the reader 60 is output to the control device 50.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the reader 60 is located inside the cover 35 of the band saw blade 100. An opening 36 is provided in part of the cover 35, allowing the reader 60 to read the two-dimensional code 130 inscribed on the band saw blade 100 through the opening 36. The cover 35 is provided with a sliding lid 37 for opening and closing the opening 36. When reading the two-dimensional code 130 by the reader 60 is not required, the opening 36 is closed by the lid 37. This helps to prevent contamination of the reader 60.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, in the band saw machine 1, once the workpiece W is positioned in the front-rear direction, the workpiece W is fixed by the vise device 15. Under the control of the control device 50, the drive wheel 21 is rotated to move the band saw blade 100, and the saw head 20 is moved downward to cut the workpiece W. During cutting of the workpiece W, vibration is applied to the band saw blade 100 by the vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a (vibration cutting).

[0032] Referring to Figure 4, the concept of vibratory cutting according to this embodiment will be explained. In the following explanation, it is assumed that all teeth 121 constituting the sawtooth section 120 are of the same type. Having the same type of teeth 121 means that the shape of the teeth 121, i.e., the function of the teeth 121, is the same. When multiple teeth 121 with the same function are used to cut a workpiece W from the same position under the same cutting conditions, the cutting marks left by each tooth 121 on the workpiece W will be exactly the same. Furthermore, it is assumed that the tooth tip spacing of each tooth 121 (hereinafter referred to as "functional pitch") is also the same (equal pitch).

[0033] For the sake of explanation, four consecutive teeth 121 are selected from the multiple teeth 121 that make up the sawtooth portion 120, and these teeth 121 are referred to as the first tooth Tf1, the second tooth Tf2, the third tooth Tf3, and the fourth tooth Tf4. The first tooth Tf1 is the preceding tooth 121, and the second tooth Tf2, the third tooth Tf3, and the fourth tooth Tf4 are arranged in order after the first tooth Tf1.

[0034] When cutting the workpiece W, the band saw blade 100 moves in the travel direction F1 and the cutting direction F2. First, the first tooth Tf1 starts cutting the workpiece W, and as the band saw blade 100 moves in the travel direction F1 and the cutting direction F2, the second tooth Tf2 starts cutting the workpiece W. Similarly, the third tooth Tf3 and the fourth tooth Tf4 also start cutting the workpiece W in sequence.

[0035] Figures 5 to 7 show the tooth tip movements of the first to fourth teeth Tf1 to Tf4 when cutting the workpiece W. In actual machining, the movement in the cutting direction F2 is small compared to the movement in the traveling direction F1, but in the figures, the amount of movement in the cutting direction F2 is shown as larger than the amount of movement in the traveling direction F1.

[0036] Figure 5 shows the tooth tip movement trajectory when cutting is performed under normal conditions, that is, when cutting is performed without applying vibration to the band saw blade 100. In the case of normal cutting, if movement in the cutting direction F2 is ignored, the tooth tip movement trajectory of the first tooth Tf1 and the subsequent second tooth Tf2 are the same. Similarly, the tooth tip movement trajectory of the second tooth Tf2 and the subsequent third tooth Tf3 are the same, and the tooth tip movement trajectory of the third tooth Tf3 and the subsequent fourth tooth Tf4 are also the same. In normal cutting, all teeth Tf1 to Tf4 are cut continuously from the left end to the right end of the workpiece W.

[0037] Next, we will explain the tooth tip movement trajectory in vibratory cutting. As shown in Figure 4, in vibratory cutting, excitation points are set on the left and right. The left and right excitation points vibrate with the same period. At this time, the left and right excitation points may vibrate with the same phase, or with a phase difference of 1 / 2 period. Also, the left and right excitation points may vibrate in a state that is neither in phase nor out of phase. The band saw blade 100 will move in the vertical direction in accordance with the vibration period of the excitation points. The vertical movement of the band saw blade 100 due to vibration is determined by the superposition of the vibration waveforms of the left and right excitation points. In this explanation, we will assume that the left and right excitation points vibrate with the same phase. In this case, the vibration of the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction will be the same as the vibration of the left and right excitation points in the cutting direction.

[0038] First, let the functional pitch be "P" and the vibration period that vibrates the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction be "T". If the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel the same distance (=P) as the functional pitch in the travel direction F1 is the same as the vibration period, then the band saw blade 100 vibrates for one cycle while it travels the same distance as the functional pitch.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, when the first tooth Tf1 begins cutting the workpiece W, it is assumed that the first tooth Tf1 is located at the left end of the workpiece W. If the band saw blade 100 is located at the upper peak of the vibration amplitude when the first tooth Tf1 is located at the left end of the workpiece W, the trajectory of the tooth tip of the first tooth Tf1 is as shown in Figure 6. After one vibration period has elapsed since the first tooth Tf1 began cutting the workpiece W, the second tooth Tf2 is located at the left end of the workpiece W. Since the band saw blade 100 has also vibrated for one period, when the second tooth Tf2 reaches the left end of the workpiece W, the band saw blade 100 will be located at the upper peak of the vibration amplitude. Therefore, if movement in the cutting direction is ignored, the trajectories of the tooth tips of the first tooth Tf1 and the second tooth Tf2 on the workpiece W will be the same. In this specification, the relationship between teeth that have the same trajectory of their tooth tips on the workpiece W is called "in-phase". The first tooth Tf1 is in phase with the third tooth Tf3, and similarly, it is in phase with the fourth tooth Tf4.

[0040] Next, let's assume that the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance equal to the functional pitch (=P) in the travel direction F1 is half the vibration period. The band saw blade 100 vibrates for one period while traveling a distance twice the functional pitch (=2P) in the travel direction F1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, when the first tooth Tf1 begins cutting the workpiece W, it is assumed that the first tooth Tf1 is located at the left end of the workpiece W. If the band saw blade 100 is located at the lower peak of the vibration amplitude when the first tooth Tf1 is located at the left end of the workpiece W, the trajectory of the tooth tip of the first tooth Tf1 is as shown in Figure 7. When half the vibration period (=(1 / 2)T) has elapsed since the first tooth Tf1 began cutting the workpiece W, the second tooth Tf2 is located at the left end of the workpiece W. Since the band saw blade 100 is also vibrating for half a period, when the second tooth Tf2 reaches the left end of the workpiece W, the band saw blade 100 will be located at the upper peak of the vibration amplitude. Therefore, if movement in the cutting direction is ignored, the trajectories of the tooth tips of the second tooth Tf2 and the first tooth Tf1 on the workpiece W are inverse. In this specification, the relationship between teeth whose tooth tip trajectories on the workpiece W are inverse is called "out of phase".

[0042] When half the vibration period has elapsed since the second tooth Tf2 began cutting the workpiece W, the third tooth Tf3 is located at the left edge of the workpiece W. Since the band saw blade 100 is also vibrating for half a period, when the third tooth Tf3 reaches the left edge of the workpiece W, the band saw blade 100 will be located at the lower peak of the vibration amplitude. Therefore, if movement in the cutting direction is ignored, the tooth tip movement trajectories of the third tooth Tf3 and the first tooth Tf1 on the workpiece W are the same, and thus the third tooth Tf3 and the first tooth Tf1 are in phase. Similarly, the tooth tip movement trajectories of the fourth tooth Tf4 and the second tooth Tf2 on the workpiece W are the same. Therefore, the second tooth Tf2 and the fourth tooth Tf4 are in phase, and the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4 are out of phase.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, when the first tooth Tf1 and the second tooth Tf2, which is located after the first tooth Tf1, are in phase, the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel the same distance as the functional pitch (=P) is the same as the vibration period of the band saw blade 100. If the travel speed of the band saw blade 100 (hereinafter referred to as "saw speed") is "V", then the following equation 1 holds true. T = P / V ·····(1)

[0044] When the band saw blade 100 is vibrated at the vibration period of Equation 1, the preceding tooth 121 and the next tooth 121 move along the same trajectory. In this case, all teeth 121 perform continuous cutting from the left end to the right end of the workpiece W. In effect, this results in the same cutting pattern as normal cutting, and the effects of reducing cutting resistance and cutting distance cannot be expected.

[0045] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, when the preceding tooth 121 and the following tooth 121 are in opposite phases, intermittent cutting occurs, where each tooth 121 periodically moves away from the workpiece W while cutting intermittently. In the case of intermittent cutting, the number of teeth 121 involved in cutting at any given moment decreases. Therefore, in addition to the average cutting resistance decreasing compared to normal cutting, the actual cutting distance of each tooth 121 decreases, thus suppressing tooth tip wear.

[0046] Therefore, we will now examine the vibration period that results in intermittent cutting.

[0047] In intermittent cutting, the depth of cut per tooth is larger than in normal cutting without vibration, so the depth of cut for each tooth 121 should be kept as small as possible. If any tooth 121 and a tooth 121 m positions later with the same function are in phase, the depth of cut per tooth will be m times that of cutting without vibration. In other words, the smaller m is, the smaller the depth of cut, and therefore the less load on the tooth tip. Below, the first tooth Tf1 is used as an example of any tooth 121.

[0048] When m=1, the tooth 121 that follows the first tooth Tf1, i.e., the second tooth Tf2, is in the same phase as the first tooth Tf1, resulting in continuous cutting and making it unsuitable.

[0049] When m=2, the tooth two positions after the first tooth Tf1, i.e., the third tooth Tf3, which has the same function as the first tooth Tf1, is in the same phase as the first tooth Tf1. Since the functional pitch P of each tooth is equal, the tooth one position after the first tooth Tf1, i.e., the second tooth Tf2, is in the opposite phase to the tooth one position after the first tooth Tf1, i.e., the second tooth Tf2 and the third tooth Tf3, and the third tooth Tf3 and the fourth tooth Tf4 are also in the opposite phase to each other.

[0050] The fact that the first tooth Tf1 and the third tooth Tf3, which has the same function, are in phase means that when the band saw blade 100 travels a distance twice the functional pitch in the travel direction F1, the band saw blade 100 will vibrate for one period. The time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance twice the functional pitch (=2P) in the travel direction F1 (=2P / V) is one vibration period (=T). T = (2P) / V ·····(2)

[0051] As shown in Equation 2, the vibration period can be defined as a function of the functional pitch and saw speed of the band saw blade 100. Using the relationship that the first tooth Tf1 and the second tooth Tf2 are in opposite phase, the time (=P / V) for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance (=P) equal to the functional pitch in the travel direction F1 is half the vibration period (=(1 / 2)T). This relationship can be expressed by the same equation as in Equation 2.

[0052] When m=3, the first tooth Tf1 and the third tooth 121, i.e., the fourth tooth Tf4, which has the same function, are in phase. The time (=3P / V) for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance three times the functional pitch (=3P) in the travel direction F1 is one oscillation period (=T). T = (3P) / V ·····(3)

[0053] In this case, there is no tooth 121 that is in the opposite phase to the first tooth Tf1. The second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3, whose tooth tip movement trajectories are shifted by 1 / 3 of the vibration period phase with respect to the preceding tooth 121, are included between the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4. Even in this case, each tooth Tf1 to Tf4 undergoes intermittent cutting.

[0054] As the teeth that are in phase with the first tooth Tf1 are shifted two, three, or four teeth behind the first tooth Tf1, the time during which cutting does not occur increases. Therefore, the cutting distance per tooth decreases, but the depth of cut per tooth increases to two, three, or four times that of normal cutting. In other words, it is desirable to set m according to the tooth tip strength of the band saw blade 100.

[0055] In this way, by satisfying the conditions that two or more teeth 121 with the same function as any tooth 121 are in phase, and that one tooth 121 with the same function as any tooth 121 is not in phase, it becomes possible to operate each tooth 121 in intermittent cutting mode. In other words, any tooth 121 and m teeth 121 (m: an integer of 2 or more) with the same function are in phase. In this case, the time (=(m×P) / V) for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance of m times the functional pitch (=m×P) in the travel direction F1 becomes one oscillation period (=T). T = (m × P) / V ·····(4)

[0056] In this case, between any tooth 121 and m teeth 121 with the same function, there will be (m-1) teeth 121 whose tooth tip movement trajectory is shifted by 1 / m in vibration period phase relative to the preceding tooth 121. Increasing m increases the depth of cut per tooth, but shortens the cutting distance, thus suppressing tooth tip wear. If a large load on each tooth 121 is not a problem, it is also possible to increase m to shorten the cutting distance.

[0057] Equation 4 above defines one oscillation period (=T) as the time (=(m×P) / V) for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance of m times the functional pitch (=m×P) in the travel direction F1 when any tooth 121 and the m-th tooth 121 with the same function are in phase. However, it is not necessarily one oscillation period. However, the oscillation period must not be such that any tooth 121 and the next tooth 121 with the same function are in phase.

[0058] For example, in the above example where m=2, the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance twice the functional pitch was defined as one oscillation period. If the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance twice the functional pitch is defined as two oscillation periods, then 2T = (2P) / V, and T = P / V. In this relationship, since the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel the same distance as the functional pitch is defined as one oscillation period, any tooth 121 and the next tooth 121 with the same function will be in phase. Similarly, in the example where m=3, if the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance three times the functional pitch is defined as three oscillation periods, then 3T = 3P / V, that is, the equation becomes T = P / V. In other words, the condition for T = P / V must be removed.

[0059] The relationship between the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance m times the functional pitch (= m × P) in the travel direction F1 (= (m × P) / V) and the n vibration period (= n × T) is given by the following equation 5. n × T = (m × P) / V ·····(5)

[0060] From Equation 5, the general formulas relating to intermittent cutting can be derived as shown in Equations 6 and 7. T = k × (P / V) ... (6) k = m / n ·····(7)

[0061] In equation 7, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and n is a natural number other than the product of a natural number c and m (= c × m). n ≠ c × m ·····(8)

[0062] Therefore, the coefficient k can be expressed as a natural number c, as shown in Equation 9. That is, the coefficient k is a number that includes decimals other than 1 / c. k≠1 / c ·····(9)

[0063] Figure 8 shows typical values ​​for integer m and natural number n that result in intermittent cutting. Figure 8 shows the combinations of integer m and natural number n in a matrix. "○" indicates a combination of integer m and natural number n that results in intermittent cutting, and "×" indicates a combination of integer m and natural number n that does not result in intermittent cutting.

[0064] In accordance with this concept, the control device 50 controls the vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a based on the vibration period determined by equation 6, thereby controlling the vibration period applied to the band saw blade 100. As a result, the band saw machine 1 cuts the workpiece W under conditions of intermittent cutting.

[0065] As described above, the band saw machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a saw head 20 on which a band saw blade 100, having multiple teeth 121 having the same function arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, is mounted so as to be able to move freely, and which cuts the workpiece W with the band saw blade 100 while moving in the cutting direction F2, and a vibration mechanism that vibrates the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction F2. The vibration period of the band saw blade 100 due to the vibration mechanism satisfies the following formula. Hereinafter, T is the vibration period, P is the functional pitch, V is the travel speed at which the band saw blade 100 moves, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: natural number). T = k × (P / V)

[0066] According to the band saw machine 1 of this embodiment, when focusing on any tooth 121 among the multiple teeth 121, as the tooth 121 passes from one end (left end) to the opposite end (right end) of the workpiece along the running direction F1 of the band saw blade 100, intermittent cutting occurs, with periods of time when the tooth tip is cutting the workpiece W and periods when the tooth tip is away from the workpiece W.

[0067] In this way, since the vibration period, which is a vibration condition, is set to an optimal range, intermittent cutting can be performed regardless of the machining conditions. As a result, the number of teeth 121 involved in cutting at any given moment is reduced compared to continuous cutting, so cutting resistance can be reduced, and the cutting distance of each tooth 121 is shortened, so tooth tip wear can be suppressed. In addition, intermittent cutting can break up the chips. This allows for more efficient cutting.

[0068] Generally, the appropriate number of teeth involved in machining is considered to be 20 to 30. For example, when machining a workpiece W, conventional cutting may involve approximately 60 teeth, which is twice the appropriate number. On the other hand, in vibratory cutting, if the phase of the left and right excitation points is shifted by half a period, the number of teeth 121 involved in machining at any given moment decreases. Therefore, even when machining the same workpiece W as with conventional cutting, the number of teeth 121 involved in machining can be reduced to half, or 30 teeth. As a result, even if a band saw blade 100 does not have the appropriate number of teeth in conventional cutting, it can be brought down to the appropriate number of teeth by applying vibratory cutting with the left and right excitation points shifted by half a period. This expands the range of applications for band saw blades.

[0069] In this embodiment, the coefficient k satisfies the following formula. Note that m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and n is a natural number excluding the product of a natural number c and an integer m. k = m / n

[0070] With this configuration, the vibration period, which is a vibration condition, is set within an optimal range, making it possible to perform intermittent cutting regardless of the machining conditions. As a result, the effects of vibration cutting can be obtained, and cutting can be performed efficiently.

[0071] In this embodiment, the vibration mechanism includes excitation mechanisms 25a and 26a that apply vibration to the saw blade 115 of the band saw blade 100. The saw blade 115 of the band saw blade 100 has a straight shape.

[0072] With this configuration, the vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a apply vibration to the saw blade 115, causing the band saw blade 100 to vibrate at an appropriate vibration period. This enables vibratory cutting.

[0073] In the above explanation, the left and right excitation points are vibrated in the same phase, but the left and right excitation points may also be vibrated in opposite phases (a phase difference of 1 / 2 period). If the phase is shifted by 1 / 2 period, the movement of the band saw blade 100 will change depending on the distance from the excitation point. Alternatively, the left and right excitation points may be vibrated in neither the same phase nor opposite phase. The vertical movement of the band saw blade 100 due to the application of vibration to the excitation points is determined by the superposition of the vibration waveforms of the left and right excitation points.

[0074] The intermittent cutting method described in the first embodiment above is applicable regardless of the width of the workpiece W, that is, the distance from one end (left end) to the other end (right end) of the workpiece W in the traveling direction F1 of the band saw blade 100. However, if the width of the workpiece W is smaller than the distance the band saw blade 100 travels in the traveling direction F1 in one vibration period, there may be an uneven distribution of teeth 121 that cut an extremely large proportion of the workpiece W and teeth 121 that cut an extremely small proportion of the workpiece W.

[0075] Therefore, if the width of the workpiece W is smaller than the distance the band saw blade 100 travels in the travel direction F1 in one vibration period, vibration cutting may not be performed. In other words, if the width of the workpiece W is greater than or equal to the distance the band saw blade 100 travels in the travel direction F1 in one vibration period, vibration cutting may be performed. For example, the control device 50 may perform vibration cutting when the width of the workpiece W is greater than or equal to the distance the band saw blade 100 travels in the travel direction F1 in one vibration period, while performing normal cutting when the width of the workpiece W is smaller than the distance the band saw blade 100 travels in the travel direction F1 in one vibration period.

[0076] Thus, in this embodiment, the band saw machine 1 may vibrate the band saw blade 100 using the vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a when the width of the workpiece W is greater than or equal to the distance the band saw blade 100 travels in the direction of travel in one vibration period.

[0077] This configuration allows for a clear definition of the range in which vibration is applied to the band saw blade 100, thereby preventing the application of vibration cutting to machining outside the applicable range. This reduces the load acting on the tooth tip and shortens machining time by increasing the cutting rate.

[0078] (Second Embodiment) A band saw machine 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described. In the first embodiment, the vibration period applied to the band saw blade 100 was examined, but in the second embodiment, the vibration amplitude applied to the band saw blade 100 will be examined.

[0079] In intermittent cutting, areas that are not cut are intentionally created, so the area processed by any tooth 121 is the area that was not processed by the teeth 121 preceding that tooth 121. Therefore, in intermittent cutting, the workpiece W is cut with a larger depth of cut per tooth compared to normal cutting.

[0080] In the case of vibratory cutting, depending on the combination of cutting conditions and vibration conditions, the depth of cut can be several times greater than in normal cutting. This increases the load on tooth 121, potentially causing tooth 121 to break. For example, if m=5 and n=1, the sixth tooth, which has the same function as the first tooth but is five teeth later, will operate along the same trajectory as the first tooth. The sixth tooth will machine the area that the first tooth has machined and that the second through fifth teeth have not machined. Therefore, the sixth tooth will machine the depth of cut equivalent to five teeth, resulting in a depth of cut five times greater than in normal cutting.

[0081] Below, we will consider the vibration amplitude suitable for intermittent cutting. Here, we will explain using an arbitrary tooth 121 as the first tooth Tf1, as shown in Figure 4.

[0082] First, consider the case where m = 2, that is, the first tooth Tf1 and the third tooth Tf3 two teeth later are in the same phase. Assuming that the tips of the first to third teeth Tf1 to Tf3 move along a linear trajectory, the movement trajectory of the tip of the first tooth Tf1 is as shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the trajectory of the tooth tip is represented assuming that there is no movement of the tooth tip in the cutting direction F2.

[0083] In FIG. 9, "mP" is the distance that the third tooth Tf3 advances in the running direction F1 in one vibration cycle. "P" is the functional pitch, and "A" is the vibration amplitude. "D" is the cutting depth in normal cutting, that is, the amount of movement of the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction while moving the same distance as the functional pitch. The cutting depth is the same as the distance that the saw head 20 moves downward while the band saw blade 100 moves the same distance as the functional pitch.

[0084] When the angle at the upper peak of the vibration amplitude in the movement trajectory of the tooth tip is 2θ, θ and La shown in FIG. 9 satisfy the following equations 10 and 11. tanθ=(mP / 2) / A ·····(10) La=Dtanθ=PD / 2A ·····(11)

[0085] The sum of the distances LL and LR is the distance that the third tooth Tf3 actually performs machining. Each distance LL and LR is given by the following equations 12 and 13. LL=(2AP+mPD) / 4A ·····(12) LR=(2AP+mPD) / 4A ·····(13)

[0086] For intermittent cutting to occur, it is necessary that LR < P. Therefore, the vibration amplitude must satisfy the following relationship of equation 14. A>mD / 2 ·····(14)

[0087] FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the magnification of the vibration amplitude with respect to the cutting depth (= A / D) and the cutting distance reduction rate. The cutting distance reduction rate is the ratio of the reduced cutting distance compared to normal cutting and is represented by the following equation 15. Cutting distance reduction rate = (mP-(LL+LR)) / mP ·····(15)

[0088] Point I in the figure represents the minimum vibration amplitude (>mD / 2) at which intermittent cutting occurs. Point II represents the vibration amplitude (>m(m-1)D / 2) at which the second tooth Tf2, located between the first tooth Tf1 and the third tooth Tf3, contributes to the reduction in cutting distance. When m=2, point II is the same as point I. Point III represents the lower limit of the cutting distance reduction rate (=1-(1 / m)).

[0089] When m=2, points I and II are the same, so the condition for intermittent cutting is that A>D. In other words, intermittent cutting requires that the vibration amplitude exceeds the depth of cut. On the other hand, in the region where the vibration amplitude slightly exceeds the depth of cut, the reduction in cutting distance is small.

[0090] Therefore, we consider a more favorable range for the conditions of intermittent cutting. As will be described later, when m≧3, the cutting distance reduction rate will be 40% or more in the region beyond point II. Therefore, even when m=2, if we use a cutting distance reduction rate of 40% or more as a benchmark, the appropriate range in which the cutting distance reduction rate is 40% or more occurs when the magnification ratio (=A / D) is 5 or more. Accordingly, the more favorable conditions for the vibration amplitude related to intermittent cutting are as shown in Equation 16 below. A>5D (m=2)···(16)

[0091] Next, let's consider the case where m=3. That is, let's consider the case where the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4, three teeth later, are in phase. Assuming that the tooth tips of the first to fourth teeth Tf1~Tf4 move along a linear trajectory, the movement trajectories of the tooth tips of the first to fourth teeth Tf1~Tf4 are related as shown in Figure 11. Note that in Figure 11, for the sake of explanation, the tooth tip trajectories are represented assuming that there is no movement of the tooth tip in the cutting direction F2.

[0092] If the angle of the vertex in the tooth tip's movement trajectory is 2θ, then θ, La, and Lb shown in Figure 11 satisfy the following equations 17, 18, and 19. tanθ=(mP / 2) / A ·····(17) La=Dtanθ=mPD / 2A (18) Lb=2Dtanθ=mP(2D) / 2A (19)

[0093] The sum of distances LL and LR is the distance that the fourth tooth Tf4 actually processes. Distances LL and LR are given by the following equations 20 and 21. LL=(2AP+mP(2D)) / 4A (20) LR=(2AP+mPD) / 4A (21)

[0094] Incidentally, the cutting distance of the fourth tooth Tf4 is affected by the second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3, which are located between the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4. As shown in Figure 11, if the vibration amplitude is above a certain value, the fourth tooth Tf4 is affected by all the teeth involved (the second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3 in between), but as the vibration amplitude falls below a certain value, the number of affected teeth decreases. As the vibration amplitude decreases, the influence of the second tooth Tf1 and then the third tooth Tf3 disappears in that order.

[0095] The condition in which the influence of the second tooth Tf2 disappears is when the distance LL is equal to or greater than the functional pitch, as shown in Equation 22. Rearranging Equation 22 yields Equation 23. (2AP+mP(2D)) / 4A≧P (22) A ≤ mD ·····(23)

[0096] Therefore, when m=3, the involvement of the second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3 in cutting is shown by the following equation 24. A>mD ·····(24)

[0097] However, the formula for distance LR remains unchanged regardless of the vibration amplitude. Therefore, the conditions for intermittent cutting are the same as for m=2, as given by formula 25. A>mD / 2 ·····(25)

[0098] Figure 12 shows the relationship between the ratio of vibration amplitude to depth of cut (=A / D) and the rate of reduction in cutting distance. Point I in the figure is the minimum vibration amplitude (>mD / 2) at which intermittent cutting occurs. Point II is the minimum vibration amplitude (>mD) at which the second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3, located between the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4, contribute to the reduction in cutting distance. Point III is the lower limit of the rate of reduction in cutting distance (=1-(1 / m)).

[0099] To perform intermittent cutting, the cutting distance must exceed point I. Therefore, the condition for vibratory cutting is at least A > mD / 2. However, between points I and II, although intermittent cutting occurs, the reduction in cutting distance is small because the second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3 do not contribute to the reduction in the cutting distance of the fourth tooth Tf4. On the other hand, when the magnification exceeds point II, the second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3 contribute to the reduction in the cutting distance of the fourth tooth Tf4, so the reduction in cutting distance also increases. As the magnification approaches point III, the cutting distance decreases, but it approaches the lower limit of the reduction in cutting distance, and the decrease in the reduction in cutting distance becomes smaller. Thus, when the magnification is small, the reduction in cutting distance is small, but the amplitude generated in the band saw blade 100 can be small. Conversely, when the magnification is large, the reduction in cutting distance is large, but the amplitude generated in the band saw blade 100 also increases.

[0100] Figures 11 and 12 show the case where m=3, but the same applies when m is 4 or greater. The condition for intermittent cutting is the same as for m=3, given by equation 25. Furthermore, the condition in which all teeth 121 between the preceding tooth 121 and the m-th subsequent tooth 121 with the same function are involved in cutting is derived as follows.

[0101] In equation 20, the term that changes with m is mP(2D), which becomes mP((m-1)D). Therefore, equation 20 becomes equation 26, and equation 22 becomes equation 27. LL=(2AP+mP((m-1)D)) / 4A ····(26) (2AP+mP((m-1)D)) / 4A≧P ·····(27)

[0102] From Equation 27, the condition under which all teeth 121 between the preceding tooth 121 and the m subsequent teeth 121 with the same function are involved in cutting is shown in Equation 28. A>m(m-1)D / 2 ·····(28)

[0103] Therefore, the more favorable conditions for the vibration amplitude related to intermittent cutting are as shown in Equation 29 below. A>m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3) ·····(29)

[0104] The control device 50 controls the vibration amplitude applied to the band saw blade 100 by controlling the excitation mechanisms 25a and 26a based on the vibration amplitude determined from equation 16 or equation 29. As a result, the band saw machine 1 cuts the workpiece W under conditions of intermittent cutting.

[0105] As described above, the band saw machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a saw head 20 that moves freely and cuts the workpiece W with the band saw blade 100, which has multiple teeth 121 having the same function arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, and a vibration mechanism that vibrates the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction F2. When m is an integer of 2 or more, the vibration amplitude of the band saw blade 100 due to the vibration mechanism satisfies the following formula. Hereinafter, A is the vibration amplitude, and D is the distance the saw head 20 moves in the cutting direction F2 while the band saw blade 100 moves in the travel direction F1 by a distance equal to the functional pitch. A > m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3) A≧5D (m=2)

[0106] According to the band saw machine 1 of this embodiment, when focusing on any tooth 121 among the multiple teeth 121, as the tooth 121 passes from one end (left end) to the opposite end (right end) of the workpiece along the running direction F1 of the band saw blade 100, intermittent cutting occurs, with periods of time when the tooth tip is cutting the workpiece W and periods when the tooth tip is away from the workpiece W.

[0107] In this way, since the vibration amplitude, which is a vibration condition, is set to an optimal range, intermittent cutting can be performed regardless of the machining conditions. As a result, the number of teeth 121 involved in cutting at any given moment is reduced compared to continuous cutting, so cutting resistance can be reduced, and the cutting distance of each tooth 121 is shortened, so tooth tip wear can be suppressed. In addition, intermittent cutting can break up the chips. This allows for more efficient cutting. Furthermore, even if the band saw blade 100 does not have an appropriate number of teeth under normal cutting conditions, it can be brought to an appropriate number of teeth by applying vibration cutting. This expands the range of use for band saw blades.

[0108] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the increase in the amount of cutting due to the application of vibration. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of tooth 121 damage due to excessive cutting depth.

[0109] In the embodiments described above, it is assumed that the tooth tips of each tooth 121 move linearly. However, the concept of vibration amplitude described above is also applicable when the tooth tips of each tooth 121 move curvilinearly, like a sine wave.

[0110] The vibration amplitude conditions shown in the second embodiment can be used independently, regardless of the vibration period conditions shown in the first embodiment.

[0111] However, the vibration amplitude conditions shown in the second embodiment may be used in combination with the vibration period conditions shown in the first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the vibration period of the band saw blade 100 due to the vibration mechanism of the band saw machine 1 may satisfy the following formula. Hereinafter, P is the functional pitch, V is the travel speed at which the band saw blade travels, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: natural number). T = k × (P / V)

[0112] With this configuration, both the vibration amplitude and the vibration period are set to an optimal range, making it possible to perform intermittent cutting regardless of the machining conditions. This allows the aforementioned effects associated with vibratory cutting to be obtained.

[0113] In this case, the coefficient k may satisfy the following formula. Note that m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and n is a natural number excluding the product of a natural number c and an integer m. k = m / n

[0114] With this configuration, the vibration period, which is a vibration condition, is set within an optimal range, making it possible to perform intermittent cutting regardless of the machining conditions. As a result, the effects of vibration cutting can be obtained, and cutting can be performed efficiently.

[0115] In this embodiment, the vibration mechanism includes excitation mechanisms 25a and 26a that apply vibration to the saw blade 115 of the band saw blade 100. The saw blade 115 of the band saw blade 100 has a straight shape.

[0116] With this configuration, the vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a apply vibration to the saw blade 115, causing the band saw blade 100 to vibrate with an appropriate vibration amplitude. This enables vibratory cutting.

[0117] (Modifications of the first and second embodiments) As shown in Figure 4, the first and second embodiments assume that all of the teeth 121 constituting the sawtooth portion 120 of the band saw blade 100 have the same function. However, the sawtooth portion 120 may be configured such that sawtooth groups, each combining multiple functional teeth 121, are arranged repeatedly along the longitudinal direction (travel direction F1) of the body portion 110. Figure 13 illustrates a sawtooth portion 120 composed of sawtooth groups combining two teeth 121 with different functions. To distinguish between the two teeth 121 with different functions, one functional tooth is referred to as an H tooth, and the other functional tooth as an L tooth. In addition, to identify multiple H teeth, they are numbered in ascending order starting from the preceding H tooth (the same applies to the L teeth).

[0118] In Figure 13, "P1" is the tooth tip spacing between an H tooth and the next L tooth, and "P2" is the tooth tip spacing between an L tooth and the next H tooth. "PH" is the tooth tip spacing between an H tooth and the next H tooth with the same function, i.e., the functional pitch of the H teeth. "PL" is the tooth tip spacing between an L tooth and the next L tooth with the same function, i.e., the functional pitch of the L teeth. When P1 and P2 are equal, the tooth tip spacing is equal for all teeth 121 (equal pitch). In an equal-pitch band saw blade, the functional pitch of the H teeth and the functional pitch of the L teeth are equal.

[0119] Thus, when a sawtooth group consists of multiple functional teeth, the vibration period can be determined by focusing on the functional pitch of any one of the functional teeth. This ensures that the functional pitch of all functional teeth satisfies the vibration period conditions described above.

[0120] On the other hand, the case where P1 and P2 are different is called an unequal pitch. In the case of an unequal pitch, there are as many functional pitches as there are functional teeth included in the sawtooth group. Therefore, the vibration period described above can be determined by focusing on the functional pitch related to at least one of the multiple functional teeth included in the sawtooth group. In other words, in the case of an unequal pitch, it is sufficient that the functional pitch related to at least one of the multiple functional teeth included in the sawtooth group satisfies the vibration period described above.

[0121] However, in the case of unequal pitch, when determining the vibration period using Equation 6 described above, the functional pitch applied to Equation 6 may be selected as follows in order for all functional teeth to satisfy the vibration period of Equation 6. The method for calculating the functional pitch may be, as described above, to use the functional pitch for a specific functional tooth, or to use twice the functional pitch of a specific functional tooth, or to take the average value of the functional pitches of each specific functional tooth. Only a unique method must be used for the band saw blade 100.

[0122] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, a method for reflecting functional pitch information to the band saw machine 1 using a reading device 60 in order to derive appropriate vibration conditions to be applied to the band saw blade 100 will be described. The third embodiment can be applied to either the first or second embodiment.

[0123] As shown in Figure 1, the band saw machine 1 is used with the band saw blade 100 attached. The band saw blade 100 is replaceable depending on the material, size, and shape of the workpiece W to be cut. The operator can attach a new band saw blade 100 to the band saw machine 1 or attach a band saw blade 100 that has been used in the past.

[0124] First, let's explain the process of attaching a new band saw blade 100 to the band saw machine 1. As shown in Figure 3, the band saw blade 100 has a two-dimensional code 130, which contains band saw blade information, inscribed on it by methods such as printing or engraving.

[0125] As shown in Figure 1, the operator attaches the band saw blade 100 to the band saw machine 1 by stretching the band saw blade 100 between the drive wheel 21 and the driven wheel 22. At this time, the operator positions the band saw blade 100 so that the two-dimensional code 130 written on the band saw blade 100 coincides with a mark M located at a predetermined position on the band saw machine 1. The mark M is located near the reading device 60 and downstream of the reading device 60 in the direction of travel of the upper band saw blade 100 as it travels from the drive wheel 21 toward the driven wheel 22.

[0126] When an operator requests registration of a band saw blade 100 using the input device on the control panel 51, the control device 50 displays the band saw blade 100 registration screen on the display of the control panel 51. As shown in Figure 14, the band saw blade 100 registration screen includes an operator 52a for new registration and an operator 52b for reuse. When the operator selects the new registration operator 52a, the control device 50 displays a selection screen on the display of the control panel 51. As shown in Figure 15, the selection screen includes an operator 53a for reading a 2D code and an operator 53b for manual input.

[0127] When the operator selects the 2D code reading operator 53a, the control device 50 opens the cover 37, as shown in Figure 3. The control device 50 moves the band saw blade 100 at a low speed for a certain distance in the opposite direction to when cutting the workpiece. When the 2D code 130 of the band saw blade 100 passes below the reader 60, the reader 60 reads the 2D code 130. After reading the 2D code 130, the reader 60 acquires the band saw blade information embodied in the 2D code 130.

[0128] The band saw blade information includes the type of band saw blade 100, the serial number of the band saw blade 100, and the functional pitch information of the band saw blade 100. The band saw blade information acquired by the reading device 60 is output to the control device 50. As shown in Figure 16, the control device 50 records the band saw blade information in the table of the storage device. Then, the control device 50 closes the lid 37.

[0129] In the selection screen shown in Figure 15, if the operator selects the manual input operator 53b, the control device 50 displays an input screen for entering band saw blade information on the display of the control panel 51. This allows the user to record the band saw blade information in the storage device table through their own input.

[0130] Once the recording of band saw blade information in the storage device table is complete, the control device 50 displays the multiple band saw blade information recorded in the storage device table on the display of the control panel 51. By operating the input device on the control panel 51, the operator can select the band saw blade information mounted on the band saw machine 1 from among the multiple band saw blade information registered in the storage device table. Based on the band saw blade information specified by the operator, the control device 50 can acquire the functional pitch of the band saw blade 100 mounted on the band saw machine 1. Then, based on the acquired functional pitch, the control device 50 can set the vibration period required for intermittent cutting.

[0131] Next, we will explain the process of mounting a previously used band saw blade 100 onto the band saw machine 1. First, the operator uses the input device on the control panel 51 to register the band saw blade 100, and the band saw blade 100 registration screen is displayed on the control panel 51's display (Figure 14). When the operator selects the reuse operator 52b, the control device 50 displays multiple band saw blade information recorded in the storage device's table on the control panel 51's display. By operating the input device on the control panel 51, the operator can specify the band saw blade information mounted on the band saw machine 1 from among the multiple band saw blade information registered in the storage device's table. Based on the band saw blade information specified by the operator, the control device 50 can acquire the functional pitch of the band saw blade 100 mounted on the band saw machine 1. Then, based on the acquired functional pitch, the control device 50 can set the vibration period required for intermittent cutting.

[0132] In the above description, the 2D code 130 is written on the band saw blade 100. However, the 2D code 130 only needs to be associated with the band saw blade 100. For example, the 2D code 130 may be written on a sheet of paper attached to the band saw blade 100. In this case, the band saw machine 1 may also be equipped with a portable reader 60. This allows the band saw blade information of the band saw blade 100 to be obtained by reading the 2D code written on the sheet of paper with the portable reader 60.

[0133] As described above, the band saw machine 1 according to this embodiment includes a reader 60 that reads a code associated with the band saw blade 100, and a control device 50 which is a controller that identifies the functional pitch from the code read by the reader 60. The control device 50 controls the vibration mechanism based on at least one of the vibration period and vibration amplitude determined from the functional pitch.

[0134] With this configuration, the operator does not need to input the functional pitch each time the band saw blade 100 is replaced. This prevents machining from being performed under inappropriate vibration conditions due to input errors.

[0135] (Fourth Embodiment) The band saw machine 1 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the band saw machine 1 of the first and second embodiments in the method of vibrating the band saw blade 100. Hereinafter, we will omit explanations of matters common to the first and second embodiments and describe the band saw machine 1 focusing on the differences from the first to third embodiments.

[0136] As shown in Figure 17, the first and second saw blade guides 25 and 26 are equipped with backup rollers 25b and 26b instead of vibration mechanisms 25a and 26a. Note that Figure 17 omits the description of the first and second saw blade guides 25 and 26 shown in Figure 1. Since the backup roller 25b of the first saw blade guide 25 and the backup roller 26b of the second saw blade guide 26 are the same, the backup roller 25b of the first saw blade guide 25 will be described below.

[0137] The backup roller 25b is supported by the first saw blade guide 25 and its movement in the cutting direction is restricted. The backup roller 25b is in contact with the saw blade 115 of the body 110 of the band saw blade 100. The backup roller 25b vibrates the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction according to the shape of the saw blade 116 of the band saw blade 100, which will be described later.

[0138] In this embodiment, the second saw blade guide 26 is fixed at a position a certain distance away from the first saw blade guide 25 in the left-right direction. That is, the distance between the left and right backup rollers 25b and 26b is kept constant regardless of the size of the workpiece W.

[0139] The band saw blade 100 comprises a body portion 110 and a sawtooth portion 120. The body portion 110 is a strip-shaped member having a constant width in the band width direction. The body portion 110 is made of a high-strength material, such as spring steel. The sawtooth portion 120 is provided on one edge of the body portion 110. The sawtooth portion 120 consists of a plurality of teeth 121 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the body portion 110. On the other edge of the body portion 110, the sawtooth 116, concave valleys and convex peaks are periodically formed along the extending direction of the body portion 110. In this embodiment, the valleys and peaks are composed of curves with a constant curvature.

[0140] The concept of vibratory cutting according to this embodiment will now be explained. In the following explanation, all teeth 121 constituting the sawtooth portion 120 are of the same type (function), and the functional pitch of each tooth 121 is also the same (equal pitch). For the sake of explanation, four consecutive teeth 121 will be referred to as the first tooth Tf1, the second tooth Tf2, the third tooth Tf3, and the fourth tooth Tf4. The first tooth Tf1 is the preceding tooth, and the second tooth Tf2, the third tooth Tf3, and the fourth tooth Tf4 are arranged in order after the first tooth Tf1.

[0141] In Figure 17, "Ld" is the distance between backup rollers 25b and 26b. "Lpp" is the distance between the peaks of the saw blade 116, and "Lpb" is the distance between the peaks and valleys of the saw blade 116. "Rr" is the radius of the backup roller, and "Rb" is the radius of curvature of the peaks and valleys. Although not shown in Figure 17, "LF" is the total length of the band saw blade 100.

[0142] In this embodiment, the operation of the band saw blade 100 at the excitation point in vibratory cutting is reproduced by the shape (saw blade shape) provided on the backup rollers 25b and 26b and the saw blade 116 of the band saw blade 100. The basic concept is the same as in vibratory cutting using an excitation point.

[0143] First, we consider the sawtooth shape required for the vibration period resulting in intermittent cutting. That is, we set the sawtooth shape so that any tooth 121 and two or more subsequent teeth 121 with the same function are in phase, and any tooth 121 and the tooth 121 immediately following it with the same function are not in phase. Below, we use the first tooth Tf1 as an example of any tooth 121.

[0144] First, let's consider the case where m=2. When m=2, the first tooth Tf1 and the third tooth Tf3, two teeth later, are in phase. In this case, when the band saw blade 100 travels a distance twice the functional pitch in the travel direction F1, the band saw blade 100 will vibrate for one vibration period. The time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance twice the functional pitch (=2P) in the travel direction F1 is one vibration period (=T), and the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel the same distance as the functional pitch (=P) in the travel direction F1 is half a vibration period (=(1 / 2)T). The shape of the saw blade 116 is such that the time it takes to travel the distance from peak to trough (=Lpb) is half a vibration period, and the time it takes to travel the distance from peak to peak (=Lpp) is one vibration period. Equations 30 and 31 satisfy this condition. Lpb=P ·····(30) Lpp=2P ·····(31)

[0145] As shown in Figure 18, when the first tooth Tf1 begins cutting the workpiece W, assume that the first tooth Tf1 is located at the left edge of the workpiece W. If the band saw blade 100 is located at the lower peak of the vibration amplitude when the first tooth Tf1 is located at the left edge of the workpiece W, the trajectory of the tooth tip of the first tooth Tf1 is as shown in Figure 18. When half a vibration period has elapsed since the first tooth Tf1 began cutting the workpiece W, the second tooth Tf2 is located at the left edge of the workpiece W. Since the band saw blade 100 has also vibrated for half a period, when the second tooth Tf2 reaches the left edge of the workpiece W, the band saw blade 100 will be located at the upper peak of the vibration amplitude. Therefore, if movement in the cutting direction is ignored, the trajectories of the tooth tips of the second tooth Tf2 and the first tooth Tf1 on the workpiece W will be opposite (out of phase).

[0146] When half a vibration period has elapsed since the second tooth Tf1 began cutting the workpiece W, the third tooth Tf3 is located at the left edge of the workpiece W. Since the band saw blade 100 is also vibrating for half a period, when the third tooth Tf3 reaches the left edge of the workpiece W, the band saw blade 100 will be located at the lower peak of the vibration amplitude. Therefore, if movement in the cutting direction is ignored, the movement trajectories of the tooth tips of the third tooth Tf3 and the first tooth Tf1 on the workpiece W will be the same (in phase). Similarly, the fourth tooth Tf4 and the second tooth Tf2 are in phase, and the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4 are out of phase.

[0147] As shown in Figure 17, when the radius of curvature of the peaks and valleys of the saw blade 116 is greater than or equal to the radius of the backup rollers 25b and 26b (Rb ≥ Rr), the height of the peaks and valleys of the saw blade 116 becomes the tooth tip movement amplitude (vibration amplitude). In Figure 17, "H" is the height of the peaks and valleys of the saw blade 116.

[0148] Let's consider the case where m=3. When m=3, the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4, three teeth later, are in phase. In this case, when the band saw blade 100 travels a distance three times the functional pitch in the travel direction F1, the band saw blade 100 will vibrate for one period. Therefore, the shape of the saw blade 116 is set such that the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance three times the functional pitch (=3P) in the travel direction F1 is one vibration period, and the time it takes to travel a distance 3 / 2 times the functional pitch (=(3 / 2)P) is half an vibration period. In other words, by making the distance from peak to trough equal to the distance from trough to peak, a sinusoidal motion is achieved. The above relationship is expressed in equations 32 and 33. Lpp=3P ·····(32) Lpb=(3 / 2)P=(1 / 2)Lpp ·····(33)

[0149] In this case, there are no teeth that are in opposite phase to the first tooth Tf1. The second and third teeth Tf2 and Tf3, whose tooth tip movement trajectories are shifted by 1 / 3 of the vibration period phase with respect to the preceding tooth, are included between the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4. Even in this case, the cutting of the first tooth Tf1 and the fourth tooth Tf4 is intermittent.

[0150] Thus, by satisfying two conditions—that any tooth 121 and two or more subsequent teeth 121 with the same function are in phase, and that any tooth 121 and the tooth 121 immediately following it with the same function are not in phase—each tooth 121 can be operated in intermittent cutting mode. In other words, any tooth 121 and the m subsequent tooth 121 (m: an integer of 2 or more) with the same function are in phase. The shape of the saw blade 116 should be set such that the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to move a distance m times the functional pitch (=mP) in the travel direction F1 is one vibration period, and the time it takes to move a distance (m / 2) times the functional pitch (=(m / 2)P) is half an vibration period. This relationship can be expressed as equations 34 and 35. Lpp=mP ·····(34) Lpb = (m / 2)P = (1 / 2)Lpp (m: an integer greater than or equal to 2) ... (35)

[0151] At this time, between any tooth 121 and a tooth 121 m positions later with the same function, there will be (m-1) teeth 121 whose tooth tip movement trajectory is shifted by 1 / m in vibration period phase relative to the preceding tooth 121. Increasing m increases the depth of cut per tooth, but shortens the cutting distance, thus reducing wear. If a large load on each tooth 121 is not a problem, it is also possible to increase m to shorten the cutting distance.

[0152] The above relationship defines one oscillation period (=T) as the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance of m times the functional pitch (=mP) in the travel direction F1 when any tooth and the m teeth after it that have the same function are in phase. However, it is not necessarily one oscillation period. However, it must not be the oscillation period in which any tooth and the tooth immediately after it that has the same function are in phase.

[0153] For example, in the above example where m=2, the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance twice the functional pitch was defined as one oscillation period. If the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance twice the functional pitch is defined as two oscillation periods, then 2Lpp=2P, i.e., Lpp=P. This relationship means that since the time it takes for the band saw blade 100 to travel a distance equal to the functional pitch is one oscillation period, any tooth 121 with the same function and the next tooth 121 will be in phase. Similarly, in the example where m=3, if the oscillation period is set to three, then 3Lpp=3P, i.e., Lpp=P. In other words, the condition for Lpp=P must be removed.

[0154] Based on the above reasoning, we can derive the general formulas shown in equations 36, 37, and 38. Lpp = k × P ·····(36) Lpb = (1 / 2)Lpp ·····(37) k = m / n ·····(38)

[0155] In equation 34, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and n is a natural number other than the product of a natural number c and m (= c × m). n ≠ c × m ·····(39)

[0156] Therefore, the coefficient k can be expressed as a natural number c, as shown in Equation 40. That is, the coefficient k is a number that includes decimals other than 1 / c. k≠1 / c ·····(40)

[0157] Furthermore, satisfying both equations 36 and 37 is preferable because it results in approximately the same cutting distance for each tooth 121. However, intermittent cutting is possible if equation 36 is satisfied. Therefore, the saw blade shape of the band saw blade 100 only needs to satisfy at least equation 36.

[0158] In the above description, as shown in Figure 17, the backup rollers 25b and 26b are located at either the peak or trough of the sawtooth 116. In this case, the operation is the same as when vibration is applied in phase to the left and right excitation points as shown in the first embodiment. Alternatively, one of the backup rollers 25b and 26b may be located at the peak (or trough) of the sawtooth 116, and the other backup roller 25b or 26b may be located at the trough (or peak) of the sawtooth 116. In this case, the operation is the same as when vibration is applied in opposite phase to the left and right excitation points as shown in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the arrangement of the backup rollers 25b and 26b may be other than the two forms described above. In this case, the operation is the same as when vibration is applied to the left and right excitation points as shown in the first embodiment, neither in phase nor in opposite phase.

[0159] Since the band saw blade 100 is supported in the upward position by backup rollers 25b and 26b, the operation of the band saw blade 100 changes depending on the shape of the saw blade as it passes over the backup rollers 25b and 26b. The shape of the saw blade 116 is determined by the functional pitch of the band saw blade 100, and therefore the operation of the band saw blade 100 is determined by the positional relationship between the backup rollers 25b and 26b and the band saw blade 100 (saw blade shape).

[0160] The distance between backup rollers 25b and 26b (=Ld) and the total length of the band saw blade 100 (=LF) are given by equations 41 and 42. Ld = x × Lpb (x: a number greater than 0) ... (41) LF = y × Lpp (y: natural number) ... (42)

[0161] When x is an odd number, the operation is the same as when vibrations are applied in opposite phases at the left and right excitation points as shown in the first embodiment. When x is an even number, the operation is the same as when vibrations are applied in the same phase at the left and right excitation points as shown in the first embodiment.

[0162] Next, the sawback shape required for the preferred vibration amplitude in interrupted cutting is examined. When the radii of curvature of the peaks and valleys are greater than or equal to the radius of the backup roller (Rb≧Rr), the height of the peaks and valleys (=H) of the sawback 116 becomes the vibration amplitude (=A). Therefore, from the formulas 16 and 29 shown in the second embodiment, the required shape of the sawback 116, that is, the height of the peaks and valleys, is given by the following formulas 43 and 44. H≧5D (m=2) ·····(43) H≧m(m - 1)D / 2 (m≧3) ·····(44)

[0163] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 19, when the radii of curvature of the peaks and valleys are smaller than the radius of the backup roller (Rb < Rr), the following applies. From the formulas 16 and 29 shown in the first embodiment, the required shape of the sawback 116, that is, the height of the peaks and valleys, is given by the following formulas 45 and 46. H-(XR - XB)≧5D (m=2) ·····(45) H-(XR - XB)≧m(m - 1)D / 2 (m≧3) ·····(46)

[0164] In formulas 45 and 46, XR and XB are given by the following formulas 47 and 48, respectively. XR=((1 / cosθh)-1)×Rr ·····(47) XB=((1 / cosθh)-1)×Rb ·····(48)

[0165] Thus, in the band saw machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the vibration mechanism includes backup rollers 25b, 26b that are fixed to the saw head 20 and contact the sawback 116 of the band saw blade 100 in a state where movement in the cutting direction F2 is restricted. The sawback 116 of the band saw blade 100 has a concavo-convex shape corresponding to at least one of the vibration period defined in the first embodiment and the vibration amplitude defined in the second embodiment.

[0166] According to this configuration, the band saw blade 100 can be vibrated by the backup rollers 25b, 26b and the concavo-convex shape of the sawback 116. As a result, vibration cutting can be realized without using a vibration mechanism that applies vibration to the sawback 116.

[0167] In addition, since at least one of the vibration conditions, the vibration period and vibration amplitude, is set to an optimal range, intermittent cutting can be performed regardless of the machining conditions. As a result, the number of teeth 121 involved in cutting at any given moment is reduced compared to continuous cutting, thereby reducing cutting resistance, and the cutting distance of each tooth 121 is shortened, thereby suppressing tooth tip wear. Furthermore, intermittent cutting allows for the fragmentation of chips. This enables efficient cutting. In addition, even band saw blades 100 that would not have the appropriate number of teeth under normal cutting conditions can be brought to the appropriate number of teeth by applying vibration cutting. This expands the range of use for band saw blades.

[0168] In the fourth embodiment, the sawtooth shape is a sinusoidal shape, but it is not limited to this. For example, the sawtooth shape may be such that the peaks and valleys are connected by straight lines. In this case, the peaks of the mountains and valleys may be such that they are angles, curves drawn with a predetermined radius of curvature, or straight lines extending for a certain distance along the longitudinal direction of the body portion 110.

[0169] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 17, the saw blade shape is set so that the tooth tip and the peaks and valleys of the saw blade 116 coincide, but it is not always necessary for the tooth tip and the peaks and valleys to coincide.

[0170] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, a band saw blade 100 with equal pitch was exemplified. However, the band saw blade 100 applicable to this embodiment may have an unequal pitch. In the case of an unequal pitch, the saw blade shape can be set based on the functional pitch of at least one of the multiple functional teeth 121 that make up the saw tooth group.

[0171] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the distance between the left and right backup rollers 25b and 26b was kept constant. However, if the condition is not limited to the vibration of the band saw blade 100 at the left and right backup rollers 25b and 26b being in phase or out of phase, it is not necessary to keep the distance between the left and right backup rollers 25b and 26b constant. Also, even when the band saw blade 100 is subjected to vibrations in phase or out of phase, it is possible to change the distance between the left and right backup rollers 25b and 26b as long as the relationship in Equation 41 is satisfied.

[0172] In this specification, not only the band saw machine 1 described above, but also the band saw blade 100 applied to the band saw machine 1 itself functions as part of this embodiment.

[0173] In other words, the band saw blade 100 according to this embodiment is mounted so as to be able to move on the saw head 20 of the band saw machine 1, and cuts the workpiece W as the saw head 20 moves in the cutting direction F2. The band saw blade 100 comprises a body portion 110 extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the band width direction, and a saw tooth portion 120 provided on one edge of the body portion 110, on which a plurality of teeth 121 having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch. The saw back 116, which is the other edge of the body portion 110, has concave valleys and convex peaks that are alternately provided along the longitudinal direction of the body portion 110. The band saw blade 100 can take the following first to third forms.

[0174] (First aspect) The spacing between peaks of the sawtooth 116 satisfies the following formula Lpp. Here, P is the functional pitch, and k is a coefficient consisting of decimal numbers other than 1 / c (c: natural number). Lpp = k × P

[0175] (Second aspect) When m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the height H between the peaks and valleys of the saw blade satisfies the following formula. Note that D is the distance the saw head 20 moves in the cutting direction F2 while the band saw blade 100 moves in the travel direction F1 by a distance equal to the functional pitch. H≧5D (m=2) H≧m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3)

[0176] (Third aspect) When m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the height H between the peaks and valleys of the saw blade 116 satisfies the following formula. Note that D is the distance the saw head 20 moves in the cutting direction F2 while the band saw blade 100 moves in the travel direction F1 by a distance equal to the functional pitch. H-(XR-XB)≧5D (m=2) H-(XR-XB)≧m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3)

[0177] In this third embodiment, XR and XB are given by the following equations: Rr is the radius of the backup rollers 25b and 26b provided on the sawhead 20 and in contact with the saw blade 116 of the band saw blade 100, and Rb is the radius of curvature applied to the peaks and valleys of the saw blade 116. XR = ((1 / cosθh) - 1) × Rr XB = ((1 / cosθh) - 1) × Rb

[0178] In the band saw blade 100 of the second or third embodiment described above, the spacing Lpp between teeth of the saw blade 116 satisfies the following formula. Here, P is the functional pitch, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: natural number). Lpp = k × P

[0179] In this case, the distance Lpb between the peaks and valleys of the sawtooth 116 satisfies the following formula. Lpb = (1 / 2)Lpp

[0180] In the band saw blade 100 of the first to third embodiments, the coefficient k satisfies the following formula. Hereinafter, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and n is a natural number excluding the product of a natural number c and an integer m. k = m / n

[0181] The uneven shape of the saw blade 116, which the backup rollers 25b and 26b contact, allows the band saw blade 100 to vibrate. This enables vibratory cutting.

[0182] In addition, since at least one of the vibration conditions, the vibration period and vibration amplitude, is set to an optimal range, intermittent cutting can be performed regardless of the machining conditions. As a result, the number of teeth 121 involved in cutting at any given moment is reduced compared to continuous cutting, thereby reducing cutting resistance, and the cutting distance of each tooth 121 is shortened, thereby suppressing tooth tip wear. Furthermore, intermittent cutting allows for the fragmentation of chips. This enables efficient cutting. In addition, even band saw blades 100 that would not have the appropriate number of teeth under normal cutting conditions can be brought to the appropriate number of teeth by applying vibration cutting. This expands the range of use for band saw blades.

[0183] Furthermore, in this specification, the band saw blade 100 shown below also functions as part of this embodiment. That is, the band saw blade 100 according to this embodiment is mounted so as to be able to move on the saw head 20 of the band saw machine 1, and cuts the workpiece W as the saw head 20 moves in the cutting direction F2. The band saw blade 100 comprises a body portion 110 extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the band width direction, and a saw tooth portion 120 provided on one edge of the body portion 110, on which a plurality of teeth 121 having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch. The body portion 110 is marked with a code 130 that can be read by a reading device 60 provided in the band saw machine 1. The band saw machine 1 identifies the functional pitch from the code read by the reading device 60, and vibrates the band saw blade 100 in the cutting direction F2 based on the vibration period determined from the functional pitch.

[0184] Although this embodiment has been described, the discussion and drawings that constitute part of this embodiment should not be understood as limiting this embodiment. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 1 bandsaw machine 20 sawheads 21 drive wheels 22 Driven wheels 25. First saw blade guide 26. Second saw blade guide 25a, 26a Vibration mechanism 25b, 26b Backup Roller 30 Beam members 31, 32 Housing main body 50 Control device (controller) 51 Control panel 60 Reader 100 band saw blades 110 Torso 115, 116 Sawback 120 serrated part 121 teeth 130 2D code (code)

Claims

1. A saw head is equipped with a band saw blade, which has multiple teeth with the same function arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, and which moves in the cutting direction while cutting the workpiece with the band saw blade. The band saw blade is vibrated in the cutting direction, The vibration period of the band saw blade due to the vibration mechanism satisfies the following equation: T = k × (P / V) Here, T is the vibration period, P is the functional pitch, V is the travel speed of the band saw blade, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: a natural number). Band saw machine.

2. A saw head is equipped with a band saw blade, which has multiple teeth with the same function arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, and which moves in the cutting direction while cutting the workpiece with the band saw blade. The band saw blade is vibrated in the cutting direction, When m is an integer of 2 or more, the vibration amplitude of the band saw blade due to the vibration mechanism satisfies the following formula: A>m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3) A ≥ 5D (m = 2) Here, A is the vibration amplitude, and D is the distance the saw head moves in the cutting direction while the band saw blade moves the same distance as the functional pitch in the traveling direction. Band saw machine.

3. The vibration period of the band saw blade due to the vibration mechanism satisfies the following equation: T = k × (P / V) Here, P is the functional pitch, V is the travel speed of the band saw blade, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: a natural number). The band saw machine according to claim 2.

4. The coefficient k satisfies the following equation: k = m / n Here, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and n is a natural number excluding the product of the natural number c and the integer m. The band saw machine according to claim 1 or 3.

5. When focusing on any of the aforementioned multiple teeth, As the arbitrary tooth passes from one end to the opposite end of the workpiece along the direction of travel of the band saw blade, intermittent cutting occurs, with periods of time during which the tooth tip is cutting the workpiece and periods during which the tooth tip is away from the workpiece. The band saw machine according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When the width of the workpiece is greater than or equal to the distance the band saw blade travels in the direction of travel in one vibration period, the vibration mechanism vibrates the band saw blade. The band saw machine according to claim 1 or 3.

7. A reading device for reading the code attached to the aforementioned band saw blade, The device comprises a controller that identifies the function pitch from the code read by the reader, The controller controls the vibration mechanism based on the vibration period determined from the functional pitch. The band saw machine according to claim 1 or 3.

8. The vibration mechanism includes an excitation mechanism that applies vibration to the saw blade of the band saw blade, The back of the band saw blade has a straight shape. The band saw machine according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The vibration mechanism includes a backup roller that is fixed to the saw head, thereby restricting its movement in the cutting direction, and which contacts the back of the saw blade of the band saw. The back of the band saw blade has an uneven shape corresponding to the vibration period. The band saw machine according to claim 1.

10. The vibration mechanism includes a backup roller that is fixed to the saw head, thereby restricting its movement in the cutting direction, and which contacts the back of the saw blade of the band saw. The back of the band saw blade has an uneven shape corresponding to the vibration amplitude. The band saw machine according to claim 2.

11. The vibration mechanism includes a backup roller that is fixed to the saw head, thereby restricting its movement in the cutting direction, and which contacts the back of the saw blade of the band saw. The back of the band saw blade has an uneven shape corresponding to the vibration amplitude and vibration period. The band saw machine according to claim 3.

12. A band saw blade that is mounted so as to be able to move on the saw head of a band saw machine, and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, A body section extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction of the band, The body portion comprises a sawtooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, in which a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, The sawtooth, which is the other edge of the body, is provided with alternating concave valleys and convex peaks along the longitudinal direction of the body. The distance Lpp between the peaks of the sawtooth satisfies the following equation: Lpp = k × P Here, P is the functional pitch, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: a natural number). Band saw blade.

13. The distance Lpb between the peaks and valleys of the sawtooth satisfies the following formula. Lpb=(1 / 2)Lpp The band saw blade according to claim 12.

14. A band saw blade that is mounted so as to be able to move on the saw head of a band saw machine, and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, A body section extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction of the band, The body portion comprises a sawtooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, in which a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, The sawtooth, which is the other edge of the body, is provided with alternating concave valleys and convex peaks along the longitudinal direction of the body. When m is an integer of 2 or more, the height H between the peaks and valleys of the sawtooth satisfies the following formula: H ≥ 5D (m = 2) H≧m (m-1) D / 2 (m≧3) Here, D is the distance the saw head moves in the cutting direction while the band saw blade moves in the traveling direction by a distance equal to the functional pitch. Band saw blade.

15. A band saw blade that is mounted so as to be able to move on the saw head of a band saw machine, and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, A body section extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction of the band, The body portion comprises a sawtooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, in which a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, The sawtooth, which is the other edge of the body, is provided with alternating concave valleys and convex peaks along the longitudinal direction of the body. When m is an integer of 2 or more, the height H between the peaks and valleys of the sawtooth satisfies the following formula: H-(XR-XB)≧5D (m=2) H-(XR-XB)≧m(m-1)D / 2 (m≧3) Here, D is the distance the saw head moves in the cutting direction while the band saw blade moves the same distance as the functional pitch in the traveling direction, and XR and XB are shown by the following equations: XR=((1 / cosθh)-1)×Rr XB=((1 / cosθh)-1)×Rb Here, Rr is the radius of the backup roller provided on the saw head and in contact with the back of the saw blade of the band saw, and Rb is the radius of curvature applied to the peaks and valleys of the back of the saw blade. Band saw blade.

16. The distance Lpp between the peaks of the sawtooth satisfies the following equation: Lpp = k × P Here, P is the functional pitch, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: a natural number). The band saw blade according to claim 14.

17. The distance Lpb between the peaks and valleys of the sawtooth satisfies the following equation: Lpb=(1 / 2)Lpp The band saw blade according to claim 16.

18. The distance Lpp between the peaks of the sawtooth satisfies the following equation: Lpp = k × P Here, P is the functional pitch, and k is a coefficient consisting of a decimal number other than 1 / c (c: a natural number). The band saw blade according to claim 15.

19. The distance Lpb between the peaks and valleys of the sawtooth satisfies the following equation: Lpb=(1 / 2)Lpp The band saw blade according to claim 18.

20. The coefficient k satisfies the following equation: k = m / n Here, m is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and n is a natural number excluding the product of the natural number c and the integer m. A band saw blade according to any one of claims 12, 16, and 18.

21. A band saw blade that is mounted so as to be able to move on the saw head of a band saw machine, and cuts a workpiece as the saw head moves in the cutting direction, A body section extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction of the band, The body portion comprises a sawtooth portion provided on one edge of the body portion, in which a plurality of teeth having the same function are arranged at a predetermined functional pitch, The body of the aforementioned machine is marked with a code that can be read by the reading device provided by the band saw machine. The band saw machine identifies the functional pitch from the code read by the reading device, and vibrates the band saw blade in the cutting direction based on the vibration period determined from the functional pitch. Band saw blade.

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