Setup stations and machine tools
By introducing an adjustable first position adjustment mechanism in the tool magazine, the problem of difficulty in adjusting the tool rack installation posture is solved, and the smoothness and efficiency of tool transmission are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024066600
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-04-17
AI Technical Summary
The replacement tool holder in the existing tool magazine is difficult to easily adjust its installation posture during assembly, resulting in unsmooth tool transfer.
A tool magazine is designed, including a base, a contralateral portion, an extension portion and an adjustable first position adjustment mechanism. Through these components, the installation position and angle of the tool holder can be adjusted freely to ensure the smooth insertion and removal of the tool.
The tool rack is easy to adjust, ensuring the smoothness and efficiency of tool transmission, and avoiding tool transmission obstacles due to inappropriate installation.
Smart Images

Figure 0007669560000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to Setup Station and machine tools. [Background technology]
[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-141843 (Patent Document 1) discloses a tool magazine equipped with a tool replacement device that replaces an old tool in the tool magazine with a new tool outside the tool magazine. The tool replacement device has a fixed frame installed in an opening provided at a predetermined position of the tool magazine, a rotating frame arranged in the fixed frame so as to be rotatable about a vertical rotating axis, and a replacement tool rack fixed to the rotating frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-141843 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the tool magazine disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the replacement tool rack is provided with a plurality of notches through which tools are inserted and removed in one direction. In such a configuration, tools are transferred to and from the replacement tool rack in the tool magazine by a tool transport device, which is a robot. If the replacement tool rack is not installed in the correct position, the transfer of tools may not be performed smoothly. Therefore, a means for easily adjusting the installation position of the tool rack when assembling the tool magazine is required.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tool magazine in which the mounting posture of a tool rack can be easily adjusted, and a machine tool equipped with such a tool magazine. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The tool magazine according to the present invention comprises a tool rack having a base member, an opposing portion opposing the base member in a first direction, and an extension portion extending from the opposing portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and having a notch through which tools are inserted and removed along the second direction, the first direction corresponding to the thickness direction, a block opposing the extension portion in the first direction and attached to the base member, a screw member screwed into the opposing portion and extending in the first direction, and a first position adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the attachment position of the block relative to the base member in the first direction.
[0007] A machine tool according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned tool magazine, a tool spindle, and an automatic tool changer capable of exchanging a tool held by the tool spindle with a tool stored in the tool magazine. Effect of the Invention
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tool magazine in which the mounting attitude of a tool rack can be easily adjusted, and a machine tool equipped with such a tool magazine. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing a setup station in the tool magazine in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 3 is a side view showing the tool magazine as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the tool magazine as seen in the direction of the arrows on line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the tool magazine shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view showing the first position adjustment mechanism. [Figure 7]7 is a side view showing the tool magazine in the area surrounded by the two-dot chain line VII in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of tool transportation and tool replacement between a tool spindle and a tool magazine; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals.
[0011] Fig. 1 is a top view showing a machine tool. Referring to Fig. 1, machine tool 10 is a machining center that processes a workpiece by bringing a rotating tool into contact with the workpiece. Machine tool 10 is a horizontal machining center in which the rotation axis of the tool extends horizontally.
[0012] The machine tool 10 is an NC (Numerically Controlled) machine tool in which various operations for machining a workpiece are automated by numerical control using a computer.
[0013] The machine tool 10 has a cover body 80, a tool spindle 30, an automatic tool changer (ATC) 40, and a tool magazine 100.
[0014] The cover body 80 defines the machining area 20. The tool spindle 30 is provided in the machining area 20. The machining area 20 is a space where the machining of the workpiece is performed, and is sealed by the cover body 80 so that foreign matter such as cutting chips or cutting oil resulting from the machining of the workpiece does not leak out to the outside of the machining area.
[0015] The tool spindle 30 has a built-in clamping mechanism that is configured to removably hold a tool. The tool spindle 30 is capable of rotating the tool around a horizontally extending central axis of rotation 50 by being driven by a motor. The tool spindle 30 is capable of moving within the machining area 20 by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, servo motors, etc.
[0016] The automatic tool changer 40 is a device for automatically changing the tool held by the tool spindle 30. The tool magazine 100 is a device for storing a plurality of tools so as to sequentially supply the tools to the machining area 20 according to the machining purpose.
[0017] When the automatic tool changer 40 automatically changes a tool, the tool spindle 30 is positioned at a tool change position J shown in FIG. 1 in the machining area 20. A tool pot 120 for holding a tool is disposed at a tool standby position K that is outside the machining area 20 and faces the tool spindle 30 across the automatic tool changer 40. The automatic tool changer 40 has a rotating arm (not shown) that can rotate about a rotation center axis 45 that is parallel to the rotation center axis 50 of the tool spindle 30 and can hold a tool. The rotating arm rotates 180° about the rotation center axis 45 while holding a tool held by the tool spindle 30 and a tool held in the tool pot 120, thereby changing a tool between the tool spindle 30 and the tool pot 120 at the tool standby position K.
[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a setup station in the tool magazine in Fig. 1. X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are a coordinate system in the tool magazine 100, are shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and in Figs. 3 to 7 described later.
[0019] The X-axis extends horizontally. The Y-axis extends vertically. The Z-axis extends horizontally perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction corresponds to the lateral direction of the tool magazine 100, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction of the tool magazine 100, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the depth direction of the tool magazine 100. The structure of the tool magazine 100 will be described below with reference to the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.
[0020] 1 and 2, the tool magazine 100 includes a tool storage section 110, a magazine cover 140, and a tool transport device .
[0021] The tool storage section 110 is capable of storing a plurality of tools. The tools are stored in the tool storage section 110 while being held in a tool pot 120. The tool storage section 110 is of a rack type, and stores a plurality of tools arranged in an X-axis-Y-axis plane that is parallel to an X-axis extending horizontally and a Y-axis extending vertically.
[0022] The tool storage unit 110 has a tool rack 115. The tool rack 115 is made of a plate whose thickness direction corresponds to the Z-axis direction. The tool rack 115 has a number of cutouts aligned in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and tool pots 120 for holding tools are inserted into and removed from the cutouts.
[0023] The magazine cover 140 defines an internal space 145 within the magazine. The magazine cover 140 is provided to prevent an operator from inadvertently entering the internal space 145 within the magazine. The tool storage section 110 is provided in the internal space 145 within the magazine.
[0024] The tool transport device 130 has a gripping portion (not shown) capable of gripping the tool pot 120. The tool transport device 130 can move in three directions, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, servo motors, etc., and can also rotate 90° around a rotation center axis 135 extending in the Y-axis direction (up and down direction) at a rotation position L adjacent to the tool standby position K.
[0025] A tool holding device 60 is installed at the tool standby position K. The tool holding device 60 can hold a tool in a position in which the rotation axis of the tool is parallel to the X-axis. The tool transport device 130 transports a tool between the tool storage unit 110 and the tool holding device 60.
[0026] Representatively, the operation of the tool transport device 130 when transporting a tool from the tool storage section 110 to the tool holding device 60 will be described. The tool transport device 130 moves to a position facing the tool to be transported in the X-axis direction. The tool transport device 130 grips the tool pot 120 by sliding in one direction along the X-axis direction, and further slides in the other direction along the X-axis direction to remove the tool pot 120 from the tool rack 115. The tool transport device 130 moves to a turning position L and turns 90° counterclockwise in FIG. 1 at the turning position L. The tool transport device 130 delivers the tool to the tool holding device 60.
[0027] The tool magazine 100 further includes a setup station 200. The setup station 200 is a device for setting up the tools T stored in the tool magazine 100 (tool storage section 110).
[0028] The tool magazine 100 (the setup station 200) has a rotating body 230. The rotating body 230 is rotatable about a predetermined axis 510 extending in the Y-axis direction (up-down direction). The rotating body 230 is manually rotated about the predetermined axis 510.
[0029] The rotating body 230 includes a shaft 220, a base member 310 (310A, 310B), and a rotating cover 231 (231A, 231B).
[0030] The shaft 220 extends in the Y-axis direction along a predetermined axis 510. The shaft 220 is supported so as to be rotatable about the predetermined axis 510.
[0031] The base member 310 is made of a pillar extending in the Y-axis direction. When cut along the X-axis-Z-axis plane, the base member 310 has a rectangular cross section. The base member 310 is provided at a position away from the specified axis 510 (shaft 220) on the radially outer side of the specified axis 510.
[0032] The base member 310A is provided at one end of the rotating body 230 radially outside the specified axis 510. The base member 310B is provided at the other end of the rotating body 230 radially outside the specified axis 510. The distance between the specified axis 510 and the base member 310A in the radial direction of the specified axis 510 is the same as the distance between the specified axis 510 and the base member 310B in the radial direction of the specified axis 510. The base member 310A and the base member 310B form the framework of the rotating body 230 at one end and the other end of the rotating body 230 radially outside the specified axis 510, respectively.
[0033] The swivel cover 231 is composed of a cover body arranged parallel to the Y-axis direction. The swivel cover 231 is attached to the base member 310. The swivel cover 231A and the swivel cover 231B face each other across the shaft 220. The swivel cover 231A and the swivel cover 231B are attached to the base member 310A at one end of the swivel body 230 radially outward from the specified axis 510. The swivel cover 231A and the swivel cover 231B are attached to the base member 310B at the other end of the swivel body 230 radially outward from the specified axis 510.
[0034] The swivel cover 231 separates a space in which a tool T held by a first setup unit 260A (described later) is placed, from a space in which a tool T held by a second setup unit 260B (described later) is placed.
[0035] The rotating body 230 further includes a first setup unit 260A and a second setup unit 260B. Each of the first setup unit 260A and the second setup unit 260B is capable of holding a plurality of tools T.
[0036] The first setup unit 260A is provided at one end of the rotating body 230 on the radially outer side of the predetermined axis 510. The tool T held by the first setup unit 260A faces the rotating cover 231A.
[0037] The second setup unit 260B is provided at the other end of the rotating body 230 radially outward of the specified axis 510. The second setup unit 260B is provided at a position shifted 180° from the first setup unit 260A around the specified axis 510. The tool T held by the second setup unit 260B faces the rotating cover 231B.
[0038] The setup station 200 further includes a lock pin 240 and a detection unit 245. The lock pin 240 is provided so as to be insertable into and removable from the revolving body 230 by an actuator such as an air cylinder. When the lock pin 240 is inserted into the revolving body 230, the revolving movement of the revolving body 230 about the predetermined axis 510 is restricted, and when the lock pin 240 is removed from the revolving body 230, the revolving movement of the revolving body 230 about the predetermined axis 510 is permitted.
[0039] The detection unit 245 is configured to be able to detect the insertion and removal of the lock pin 240 into the revolving body 230. When the detection unit 245 detects the insertion of the lock pin 240 into the revolving body 230, the machine tool 10 allows the operation of the tool transportation device 130, and when the detection unit 245 detects the removal of the lock pin 240 from the revolving body 230, the machine tool 10 restricts the operation of the tool transportation device 130.
[0040] 1, the first setup unit 260A is disposed in a space outside the magazine space 145, and the second setup unit 260B is disposed in the magazine space 145. The rotating cover 231, together with the magazine cover 140, defines the magazine space 145. In the second setup unit 260B, a tool rack 320 (described later) is disposed on the same X-Y plane as the tool rack 115 in the tool storage section 110. The lock pin 240 is inserted into the rotating body 230.
[0041] In this case, outside the magazine space 145, a worker performs setup work such as removing a used tool T from the first setup unit 260A and mounting a new tool T to the first setup unit 260A. Meanwhile, in the magazine space 145, the tool transport device 130 switches tools between the second setup unit 260B, to which the new tool T has been mounted, and the tool storage section 110.
[0042] The operator removes the lock pin 240 from the rotating body 230 by operating an operation unit such as an operation button (not shown). The operator applies a force to the rotating body 230 in the circumferential direction of the specified axis 510, thereby rotating the rotating body 230 180° around the specified axis 510. The operator inserts the lock pin 240 into the rotating body 230 by operating an operation unit such as an operation button (not shown). As a result, the first setup unit 260A is placed in the magazine space 145, and the second setup unit 260B is placed in the space outside the magazine space 145. The operator can perform setup work for the tool T in the second setup unit 260B.
[0043] 1, the machine tool 10 further has an ATC shutter 70. An opening 82 is provided in a cover body 80 that defines the machining area 20. The opening 82 is open between the tool holding device 60 installed at the tool standby position K and the tool spindle 30 positioned at the tool changing position J. The ATC shutter 70 is provided in the opening 82. The ATC shutter 70 is operable by an actuator such as an air cylinder (not shown) between an open position where the opening 82 is opened and a closed position where the opening 82 is closed.
[0044] The ATC shutter 70 is operated from the closed position to the open position when tool change by the automatic tool changer 40 starts, and is operated from the open position to the closed position when tool change by the automatic tool changer 40 is completed. When tool change by the automatic tool changer 40 starts, the machine tool 10 allows the operation of the ATC shutter 70 if the detection unit 245 detects that the lock pin 240 has been inserted into the revolving body 230, and restricts the operation of the ATC shutter 70 if the detection unit 245 detects that the lock pin 240 has been removed from the revolving body 230.
[0045] With this configuration, the opening operation of the ATC shutter 70 is not permitted unless each of the setup units 260, the first setup unit 260A and the second setup unit 260B, is located at a predetermined position inside or outside the magazine internal space 145. In addition, when each of the setup units 260, the first setup unit 260A and the second setup unit 260B, is in the middle of rotating about the predetermined axis 510 or is stopped in the middle of rotating, the opening operation of the ATC shutter 70 is not permitted.
[0046] Fig. 3 is a side view showing the tool magazine (setup station) as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the tool magazine (setup station) as viewed in the direction of the arrows on the line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the tool magazine (setup station) shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an exploded assembly diagram showing the first position adjustment mechanism. Fig. 7 is a side view showing the tool magazine (setup station) in the range surrounded by the two-dot chain line VII in Fig. 3.
[0047] Next, a detailed description will be given of the structure of the setup unit 260. The first setup unit 260A and the second setup unit 260B have the same structure. In Fig. 3 to Fig. 7, the first setup unit 260A is representatively shown.
[0048] 2 to 7, the setup unit 260 has a tool rack 320. The tool rack 320 is arranged parallel to the Y-axis direction. The X-axis direction of the tool rack 320 corresponds to the thickness direction, and the tool rack 320 is made of a plate arranged parallel to the Y-axis-Z axis plane. The tool rack 320 has an elongated shape with the Y-axis direction being the longitudinal direction and the Z-axis direction being the lateral direction. The X-axis direction (the "first direction" in the present invention) corresponds to the radial direction of the specified axis 510. The Y-axis direction (the "third direction" in the present invention) corresponds to the axial direction of the specified axis 510. The Z-axis direction (the "second direction" in the present invention) corresponds to the tangential direction of the circumference centered on the specified axis 510.
[0049] 3 and 4, the tool rack 320 has a facing portion 322 and an extending portion 323. The facing portion 322 faces the base member 310 in the X-axis direction. The facing portion 322 is superimposed on the base member 310 in the X-axis direction. The extending portion 323 extends from the facing portion 322 in the Z-axis direction. The extending portion 323 does not face the base member 310 in the X-axis direction.
[0050] The extending portion 323 is provided with a notch 321. The notch 321 has a notch shape that penetrates the extending portion 323 in the X-axis direction and is open in one direction in the Z-axis direction. The notch 321 has a notch shape that can receive the tool pot 120. A tool (tool pot 120) is inserted into and removed from the notch 321 along the Z-axis direction. The tool is held in the tool rack 320 by inserting the tool pot 120 into the notch 321.
[0051] A plurality of notches 321 (seven notches 321 in this embodiment) are provided in the extending portion 323. The plurality of notches 321 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction.
[0052] The length of extension portion 323 in the Z-axis direction is greater than the length of facing portion 322 in the Z-axis direction. The length between facing portion 322 and notch 321 in the Z-axis direction is greater than the length of facing portion 322 in the Z-axis direction.
[0053] The setup unit 260 further includes a block 330. The block 330 extends in the Y-axis direction while having a rectangular cross section when cut along the X-axis-Z-axis plane. The length of the block 330 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the length of the base member 310 in the Y-axis direction. The cross-sectional area of the block 330 when cut along the X-axis-Z-axis plane is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the base member 310 when cut along the X-axis-Z-axis plane. The length of the block 330 in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the length of the base member 310 in the Z-axis direction. The length of the block 330 in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the length of the block 330 in the X-axis direction.
[0054] The block 330 faces the extending portion 323 in the X-axis direction. The block 330 faces the base member 310 in the Z-axis direction. The block 330 is attached to the base member 310.
[0055] The setup unit 260 has a plurality of blocks 330 (three blocks 330 in this embodiment). The plurality of blocks 330 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. When the tool rack 320 is divided into three equal parts in the Y-axis direction to define an upper area, a middle area, and a lower area of the tool rack 320, the plurality of blocks 330 are provided so as to face the extension parts 323 in the upper area, the middle area, and the lower area, respectively.
[0056] The setup unit 260 further includes a screw member 340. The screw member 340 is screwed into the facing portion 322. The screw member 340 extends in the X-axis direction.
[0057] The screw member 340 is made of a hollow set (a screw with a hexagonal hole in the head). An internal thread 326 is provided in the facing portion 322. The internal thread 326 penetrates the facing portion 322 in the X-axis direction. The internal thread 326 opens facing the base member 310 in the X-axis direction. The screw member 340 is screwed into the internal thread 326.
[0058] 3, when viewed in the X-axis direction, the screw member 340 is provided at a position shifted in the Z-axis direction from the block 330. The block 330 is provided in a height region H in the Y-axis direction. The screw member 340 is provided in a height region H in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG 4, the length between the screw member 340 and the block 330 in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the length between the block 330 and the notch 321 in the Z-axis direction.
[0059] The setup unit 260 has a plurality of screw members 340. The plurality of screw members 340 are provided at intervals from one another in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of screw members 340 are provided corresponding to the plurality of blocks 330, respectively.
[0060] In such a configuration, by inserting a tool such as a wrench into the hexagonal hole provided in the head of the screw member 340 and turning the tool, the length of the screw member 340 protruding from the opposing portion 322 toward the base member 310 can be freely changed.
[0061] The setup unit 260 further includes a first position adjustment mechanism 350. The first position adjustment mechanism 350 is provided on the block 330. The first position adjustment mechanism 350 is capable of adjusting the mounting position of the block 330 relative to the base member 310 in the X-axis direction.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the base member 310 is provided with a female screw 316. The female screw 316 extends in the Z-axis direction and opens facing the block 330. The first position adjustment mechanism 350 is composed of a bolt 331 and a long hole 336. The long hole 336 is provided in the block 330. The long hole 336 extends in the Z-axis direction while forming a long hole-shaped (track-shaped) opening with the X-axis direction being the longitudinal direction and the Y-axis direction being the lateral direction. The bolt 331 is inserted into the long hole 336 and screwed into the female screw 316, whereby the block 330 is attached to the base member 310.
[0063] The setup unit 260 has a plurality of first position adjustment mechanisms 350. The plurality of first position adjustment mechanisms 350 are provided corresponding to the plurality of blocks 330, respectively. In this embodiment, two pairs of bolts 331 and elongated holes 336 are provided for each block 330 with an interval in the Y-axis direction.
[0064] In such a configuration, by shifting the position of the elongated hole 336 into which the bolt 331 is inserted in the X-axis direction, the attachment position of the block 330 relative to the base member 310 can be freely changed in the X-axis direction.
[0065] The setup unit 260 further has a plurality of second position adjustment mechanisms 360. The plurality of second position adjustment mechanisms 360 are provided on the tool rack 320 (extension portion 323). The plurality of second position adjustment mechanisms 360 are provided at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The second position adjustment mechanisms 360 are capable of adjusting the mounting position of the tool rack 320 relative to the block 330 in the Z-axis direction.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, the base member 310 is provided with a female screw 317. The female screw 317 extends in the X-axis direction and opens facing the tool rack 320. The second position adjustment mechanism 360 is composed of a bolt 327 and an elongated hole 328. The elongated hole 328 is provided in the tool rack 320. The elongated hole 328 extends in the X-axis direction while forming an elongated hole-shaped (track-shaped) opening with the Z-axis direction being the longitudinal direction and the Y-axis direction being the lateral direction. The bolt 327 is inserted into the elongated hole 328 and screwed into the female screw 317, whereby the tool rack 320 is attached to the block 330.
[0067] The multiple second position adjustment mechanisms 360 are provided corresponding to the multiple blocks 330, respectively. In this embodiment, two pairs of bolts 327 and elongated holes 328 are provided for each block 330 at intervals in the Y-axis direction.
[0068] In this configuration, by shifting the position of the elongated hole 328 into which the bolt 327 is inserted in the Z-axis direction, the mounting position of the tool rack 320 relative to the block 330 can be freely changed in the Z-axis direction.
[0069] To summarize the configuration of the tool magazine 100 in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the tool magazine 100 in the present embodiment is equipped with: a base member 310; an opposing portion 322 opposing the base member 310 in a first direction (X-axis direction); and an extension portion 323 extending from the opposing portion 322 in a second direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction) and provided with a notch 321 through which a tool is inserted and removed along the second direction (Z-axis direction). The tool rack 320 is made of a plate whose thickness direction corresponds to the first direction (X-axis direction); a block 330 opposing the extension portion 323 in the first direction (X-axis direction) and attached to the base member 310; a screw member 340 screwed into the opposing portion 322 and extending in the first direction (X-axis direction); and a first position adjustment mechanism 350 capable of adjusting the attachment position of the block 330 relative to the base member 310 in the first direction (X-axis direction). The setup station 200 includes a rotating body 230 that can rotate around a predetermined axis 510 extending in the vertical direction, and a setup unit 260 provided at an end of the rotating body 230 radially outward of the predetermined axis 510. The rotating body 230 is made of a column extending in the vertical direction, and includes a base member 310 that forms the framework of the rotating body 230 at the end of the rotating body 230. The setup unit 260 includes a facing portion 322 that faces the base member 310 in a first direction (X-axis direction), and an extension portion 323 that extends from the facing portion 322 in a second direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction) and has a notch 321 through which a tool is inserted and removed along the second direction (Z-axis direction), and includes a tool rack 320 made of a plate whose thickness direction corresponds to the first direction (X-axis direction), and a tool rack 320 that faces the extension portion 323 in the first direction (X-axis direction) and has a notch 321 through which a tool is inserted and removed along the second direction (Z-axis direction). the block 330 abutting against the block 320 and attached to the base member 310, a screw member 340 screwed into the facing portion 322, extending in a first direction (X-axis direction), and abutting the base member 310 at its tip, capable of changing the length of protrusion from the facing portion 322 toward the base member 310, and a first position adjustment mechanism 350 provided on the block 330 and capable of adjusting the attachment position of the block 330 relative to the base member 310 in the first direction (X-axis direction). The first direction (X-axis direction) corresponds to the radial direction of the specified axis 510, and the second direction (Z-axis direction) corresponds to the tangential direction of a circumference centered on the specified axis 510.
[0070] According to this configuration, by rotating the screw member 340, the protruding length of the screw member 340 from the facing portion 322 is changed, and the first position adjustment mechanism 350 , the mounting position of the block 330 relative to the base member 310 is adjusted in the X-axis direction, Tool rack 320 relative to block 330 Contact Position X axis By changing the direction , engineering The inclination of tool rack 320 (the inclination of tool rack 320 with respect to the Z-axis when viewed in the Y-axis direction) can be adjusted to match the insertion and removal direction of tools along the Z-axis direction. This makes it possible to easily adjust the mounting posture of tool rack 320 and facilitate the insertion and removal of tools into and from notches 321.
[0071] Further, the extension portion 323 is provided with a plurality of notches 321 arranged at intervals in a third direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction) and the second direction (Z-axis direction). The tool magazine 100 includes a plurality of blocks 330 arranged at intervals in the third direction (Y-axis direction), a plurality of screw members 340 arranged at intervals in the third direction (Y-axis direction) and respectively provided at positions shifted in the second direction (Z-axis direction) from the plurality of blocks 330 when viewed in the first direction (X-axis direction), and a plurality of first position adjustment mechanisms 350 respectively provided in the plurality of blocks 330.
[0072] According to this configuration, the inclination of the tool rack 320 can be adjusted at each position in the Y-axis direction where the screw member 340 and the first position adjustment mechanism 350 are provided. This allows tools to be smoothly inserted and removed from each of the multiple notches 321 arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction.
[0073] Moreover, the tool rack 320 is attached to a plurality of blocks 330. The tool magazine 100 includes a plurality of second position adjustment mechanisms 360 that are provided on the tool rack 320 at intervals in the third direction (Y-axis direction) and each of which is capable of adjusting the attachment position of the tool rack 320 relative to the block 330 in the second direction (Z-axis direction).
[0074] According to this configuration, by changing the mounting position of the tool rack 320 relative to the block 330 in the Z-axis direction at each position in the Y-axis direction where the second position adjustment mechanism 360 is provided, the inclination of the tool rack 320 (the inclination of the tool rack 320 relative to the Y-axis when viewed in the X-axis direction) can be adjusted to match the tool insertion / removal direction along the Z-axis direction. This makes it possible to further smoothly insert and remove tools.
[0075] In the present embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to the attachment of the tool rack 320 provided in the setup station 200, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied to the attachment of the tool rack 115 provided in the tool storage unit 110. In the present invention, the tools may be held directly in the tool rack without using a tool pot. The machine tool to which the tool magazine of the present invention is applied is not limited to a horizontal machining center, and may be, for example, a vertical machining center or a multi-tasking machine having a turning function and a milling function.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of tool transfer and tool exchange between the tool spindle and the tool magazine.
[0077] 1 and 8, in an initial state, after automatic tool exchange is performed on the tool spindle 30, the ATC shutter 70 performs a closing operation (S201). The tool spindle 30 holds a tool A, and the tool holding device 60 holds a used tool B.
[0078] After the ATC shutter 70 is closed, in the machining area 20, the tool spindle 30 starts machining the workpiece using the tool A (S101), and at the tool standby position K outside the machining area 20, the tool B is transferred from the tool holding device 60 to the tool transport device 130 (S301). In step S301, the tool transport device 130 holds the tool B held by the tool holding device 60 by its gripping portion, and the tool holding device 60 releases its hold on the tool B.
[0079] Next, the tool transport device 130 moves from the tool standby position K to the tool rack 115 in which the tool B is to be stored (S302). Next, the tool transport device 130 carries the tool B into the tool rack 115 (S303). In this step, the tool transport device 130 causes the tool B held by the gripper to enter the tool rack 115 and releases the grip of the tool B by the gripper. Next, the tool transport device 130 moves to the tool rack 115 in which the tool C to be used in the next process is stored (S304). Next, the tool transport device 130 carries the tool C out from the tool rack 115 (S305). In this step, the tool transport device 130 causes the gripper to enter toward the tool rack 115 and grips the tool C by the gripper.
[0080] Next, the tool transporting device 130 moves from the tool rack 115 toward the tool standby position K (S306). Next, the tool transporting device 130 delivers the tool C to the tool holding device 60 (S307). In this step, the tool transporting device 130 causes the tool C held by the gripping unit to enter the tool holding device 60, releases the gripping of the tool C by the gripping unit, and the tool holding device 60 holds the tool C.
[0081] The tool spindle 30 completes the workpiece machining using the tool A (S102). The tool spindle 30 moves to a tool exchange position J in the machining area 20. Typically, the step of S307 is completed before the step of S102. After the step of S102, the ATC shutter 70 performs an opening operation (S202). Next, the automatic tool changer 40 exchanges tools between the tool spindle 30 and the tool holding device 60 (S203). With this step, the tool spindle 30 holds the tool C, and the tool holding device 60 holds the used tool A. Next, the ATC shutter 70 performs a closing operation (S204). After the ATC shutter 70 is closed, the tool spindle 30 starts the workpiece machining using the tool C (S103).
[0082] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]
[0083] 10 machine tool, 20 machining area, 30 tool spindle, 40 automatic tool changer, 45, 135 swivel center axis, 50 rotation center axis, 60 tool holding device, 100 tool magazine, 110 tool storage section, 115, 320 tool rack, 120 tool pot, 130 tool transport device, 140 magazine cover, 145 magazine space, 200 setup station, 220 shaft, 230 rotating body, 231, 231A, 231B rotating cover, 240 lock pin, 245 detection section, 260 setup unit, 260A first setup unit, 260B second setup unit, 310, 310A, 310B base member, 316, 317, 326 female thread, 322 opposing portion, 323 extension portion, 327, 331 Bolt, 328, 336 oblong hole, 330 block, 340 screw member, 350 first position adjustment mechanism, 360 second position adjustment mechanism, 510 specified axis, H height area, J tool change position, K tool standby position, L turning position, T tool.
Claims
1. A setup station for setting up tools stored in a tool magazine, comprising: A rotating body that can rotate around a predetermined axis extending in the vertical direction; a setup unit provided at an end of the rotating body radially outward of the predetermined axis, The rotating body includes a column extending in a vertical direction and a base member that forms a skeleton of the rotating body at the end portion, The setup unit includes: a tool rack including a plate having a thickness direction of the plate, the plate having a facing portion facing the base member in a first direction, and an extension portion extending from the facing portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and having a notch through which a tool is inserted and removed along the second direction; and a block that faces the extension portion in the first direction, abuts against the tool rack, and is attached to the base member; a screw member that is screwed into the facing portion, extends in the first direction, and abuts the base member at a tip end thereof, and is capable of changing a length that protrudes from the facing portion toward the base member; a first position adjustment mechanism provided on the block and capable of adjusting a mounting position of the block relative to the base member in the first direction; A setup station, wherein the first direction corresponds to a radial direction of the predetermined axis, and the second direction corresponds to a tangential direction of a circumference about the predetermined axis.
2. The extension portion is provided with a plurality of the notches arranged at intervals in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, The rotating body includes a plurality of the blocks arranged at intervals in the third direction, The setup unit includes: a plurality of the screw members arranged at intervals in the third direction and each of the screw members being provided at a position shifted in the second direction from a plurality of the blocks when viewed in the first direction; The setup station according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of said first position adjustment mechanisms provided in a plurality of said blocks, respectively.
3. The tool rack is attached to a plurality of the blocks, The setup unit includes:
3. The setup station according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of second position adjustment mechanisms provided on the tool rack at intervals in the third direction, each of which is capable of adjusting an attachment position of the tool rack relative to the block in the second direction.
4. The setup station includes, as the setup unit, A first setup unit provided at one end of the rotating body radially outwardly of the predetermined axis; The setup station according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second setup unit provided at the other end of the rotating body at a position shifted 180° from the first setup unit around the specified axis and radially outward from the specified axis.
5. a tool magazine having the setup station according to claim 1 or 2 and storing a plurality of tools; A tool spindle; a machine tool including an automatic tool changer capable of exchanging a tool held by the tool spindle with a tool stored in the tool magazine;
Citation Information
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