Tool magazine device

Abstract

To provide a tool magazine device that is excellent in workability and can be downsized.SOLUTION: A tool replacement device 15 is provided with: a stationary frame 21 installed in an opening part provided at a predetermined position of a tool magazine; a turning frame 22 arranged in the stationary frame 21 to be turnable with a pivot in a vertical direction as a center; and a tool rack 23 for replacement fixed to the turning frame 22. The turning frame 22 turns to a deliverable position where the tool rack 23 for replacement can deliver the tool T with a tool conveying device, in parallel to a tool rack in the tool magazine and to a switchable position where the tool rack 23 for replacement is outside the tool magazine and can replace an old tool T with a new tool T.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool magazine device that is provided in a machine tool having an automatic tool changing function, such as a machining center, and that automatically changes tools between the machine tool and a spindle. [Background technology]

[0002] In this specification, the term "tool" may refer to either a single tool or a tool holder and the single tool attached thereto.

[0003] A machining center with an automatic tool changing function is equipped with a spindle, a tool magazine device that stores multiple tools, and an automatic tool changer that exchanges tools between the spindle and the tool magazine device.A known tool magazine device used in such a machining center is one that includes a tool magazine (multi-tool magazine) in which multiple tool racks that store tools are arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tools.

[0004] It is necessary to replace old tools, such as tools that have reached the end of their life, with new tools to be used in accordance with the workpiece to be machined or due to wear or damage, etc. Therefore, a tool magazine device used in a machining center with an automatic tool changing function is usually provided with, in addition to the automatic tool changing device, a tool replacement device that replaces the tools in the tool magazine at a tool replacement position separated from the tool changing position.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses an example of a tool replacement device used in such a tool magazine device, which is equipped with a movable table consisting of a first slider, a second slider, and a third slider, and upper and lower doors that open and close as the sliders move. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-66695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In machine tools equipped with a multi-tool magazine, tools must be replaced with new ones in preparation for long-term unmanned operation, and a tool replacement device is provided for this purpose. When an operator changes tools, they must stop the operation of the tool magazine device, open the door, and replace the tools. If a tool change is required during machining, machining may need to be interrupted.

[0008] Tool change devices are required to be able to perform change operations without interrupting machining, to be highly efficient in operation, and to be compact, but conventional devices have not yet been sufficient in this regard.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its object is to provide a tool magazine device that is easy to use and can be made compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The tool magazine device of the present invention comprises a tool magazine in which a plurality of tool racks for storing tools are arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tools, a tool transport device for transporting the tools in the tool magazine to a required position, and a tool replacement device for replacing an old tool in the tool magazine with a new tool outside the tool magazine. The tool replacement device comprises a fixed frame installed in an opening provided at a predetermined position in the tool magazine, a swivel frame arranged within the fixed frame so as to be rotatable about a vertical swivel axis, and a replacement tool rack fixed to the swivel frame, and the swivel frame has a transfer position where the replacement tool rack is parallel to the tool rack in the tool magazine and tools can be transferred between the tool magazine and the tool transport device, Rotate 180° from the delivery positionThe replacement tool rack is located outside the tool magazine and can be rotated to a replacement position where old and new tools can be replaced.

[0011] The tool axial direction can be horizontal or vertical, and correspondingly, the tool rack can be either one with multiple tool storage compartments arranged vertically or one with multiple tool storage compartments arranged horizontally. In either case, the pivot axis has a vertical (up-down) axis.

[0012] According to the tool magazine device of this invention, old and new tools can be swapped by rotating the swivel frame to the swap-enabled position (the swapping can be done manually by an operator or automatically using a swivel device, robot, etc.), and by rotating the swivel frame to the transfer-enabled position and enabling the tool transport device to operate, it is possible to continuously operate the tool magazine device while swapping multiple old and new tools. Here, because tools can be swapped by rotating the swivel frame, it is easy to work with and the device can be made more compact.

[0013] It is preferable that a swivel cover that covers the inside of the swivel frame from the outside of the tool magazine is provided so as to swivel integrally with the swivel frame.

[0014] In this way, when the swivel frame is in a transfer position, the safety of the worker outside the tool magazine is ensured because the replacement tool rack located inside the tool magazine is covered from the front side, and when the swivel frame is in a replacement position, the safety of the worker outside the tool magazine is ensured because the replacement tool rack located outside the tool magazine is covered from the back side.

[0015] It is more preferable that the control device be capable of stopping the tool transport device outside the rotation area of ​​the swivel frame, and that a lock switch be provided that can lock and unlock the swivel frame at each of the interchangeable position and the transferable position.

[0016] In this way, when the tool transport device is in operation, the swivel frame can be locked with the lock switch to prevent it from rotating, ensuring the operational state of the tool magazine device. When replacing tools, the lock switch can be released to manually rotate the swivel frame, and the replacement tool rack can be moved outside the tool magazine to manually replace the old tool with a new tool. After this, the control device stops the tool transport device outside the rotation area of ​​the swivel frame, the lock switch is released, and the swivel frame is manually rotated to a position where the tool can be transferred, thereby returning the tool magazine device to an operational state.

[0017] The pivot shaft is preferably formed so as to connect the middle positions of the upper and lower horizontal members of the pivot frame.

[0018] In this way, the rotation area of ​​the rotation frame can be made small, and the space required for installing the tool magazine device can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the tool magazine device of the present invention, tools can be replaced by rotating the rotating frame, which provides excellent workability and also allows the device to be made more compact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a machining center showing an example of a machine tool in which a tool magazine device of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tool rack used in the tool magazine device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover of a tool changing device in a tool magazine device of the present invention is removed, showing a state in which the tool magazine device is in operation. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rotating frame has been rotated from the state shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the swivel frame has been further swiveled from the state of FIG. 4, making it possible to change tools. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cover of the tool changing device, illustrating the state when the tool magazine device is in operation. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing the cover in a state where the swivel frame has been swung from the state in FIG. 6 to enable tool replacement. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of the swivel frame of the tool changing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left and right sides of Fig. 1 will be referred to as left and right, the lower side of the figure will be referred to as the front (front side), the upper side will be referred to as the back (rear side), the front side of the paper in the figure will be referred to as the top, and the back side of the paper will be referred to as the bottom.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a horizontal machining center 1 having an automatic tool changing function, which is an example of a machine tool in which a tool magazine device according to the present invention is used.

[0023] The machining center (1) includes a spindle (3) movably arranged within a machining chamber (2), a tool magazine device (4) that stores a plurality of tools (T), and an automatic tool changer (5) that changes the tools (T) between the spindle (3) and the tool magazine device (4).

[0024] The tool magazine device (4) includes a tool magazine (11) in which a plurality of tool racks (12) are arranged to hold various tools (T) of different lengths and diameters, a tool transport device (13) that transports the tools (T) held in the tool racks (12) to required positions, an in-magazine tool change device (14) that exchanges the tools (T) with the automatic tool change device (5), and a tool replacement device (15) that replaces old tools (T) such as tools that have reached the end of their life or broken tools in the tool magazine (11) with new tools (T) that are prepared outside the tool magazine (11) and are to be used.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the tool rack 12 has tool storage sections 12a arranged in parallel in the vertical direction, and stores the tools T in parallel in the vertical direction perpendicular to the left-right direction (the axial direction of the tools T). The tool racks 12 are arranged in two rows: one on the front side with the openings of the tool storage sections 12a facing backward, and the other on the rear side with the openings of the tool storage sections 12a facing forward.

[0026] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the tool transport device 13 moves left and right between the two rows of tool racks 12 (where the tools T are indicated by the two-dot chain lines) and moves up and down along the tool racks 12 to transport the tools T, and can transport the tools T stored in the required tool storage section 12a of the required tool rack 12 to the in-magazine tool changer 14, or transport the old tools T from the in-magazine tool changer 14 to the tool replacement device 15.

[0027] The in-magazine tool changer (14) can receive a tool (T) from the tool transporter (13) and transfer it to the automatic tool changer (5) as the next tool (T) to be used, or can receive an old tool (T) from the automatic tool changer (5) and transfer it to the tool transporter (13).

[0028] The tool changer (15) is provided in a square opening provided on the front left side (any suitable position, not limited to this) of the tool magazine (11) shown in FIG. 1, and an operator can use this tool changer (15) to move an old tool (T) indicated by a solid line at position A (inside the tool magazine (11)) to position B indicated by a two-dot chain line (outside the tool magazine (11)), change this old tool (T) to a new tool (T), and then move this new tool (T) to position A (inside the tool magazine (11)), thereby exchanging the old and new tools (T).

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the tool exchange device (15) includes a square fixed frame (21) fitted into a square opening provided in the tool magazine (11), a square swivel frame (22) arranged within the fixed frame (21) so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, a tool exchange rack (23) fixed to the swivel frame (22), and covers (24) and (25).

[0030] The swivel frame (22) is supported by the fixed frame (21) so as to be rotatable about an axis in the up-down direction (vertical direction) via upper and lower bearings (26) and (27) provided between approximately the center of the upper and lower cross members (21a) and (21b) of the fixed frame (21) and approximately the center of the upper and lower cross members (22a) and (22b) of the swivel frame (22), respectively, and rotates about the vertical rotation axis. The swivel frame (22) can be rotated manually by an operator.

[0031] Lock switches (28) and (29) are provided on the left and right undersides of the upper and lower cross members (21a) and (21b) of the fixed frame (21) to lock and unlock the rotation of the swivel frame (22) relative to the fixed frame (21).

[0032] 3 shows the tool exchange device 15 in the state shown in FIG. 1A with the covers 24 and 25 removed. In this state, the tool exchange rack 23 is parallel to the other tool racks 12 in the tool magazine 11, and the tools T stored in the tool exchange rack 23 can be transported by the tool transport device 13.

[0033] Figure 5 shows the tool changer 15 in the state shown in Figure 1B with the covers 24 and 25 removed. In this state, the swivel frame 22 is rotated 180° from the state shown in Figure 3, and the tool change rack 23 faces outward from the tool magazine 11, allowing the tool T to be changed.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a state in which the swivel frame (22) has been rotated by about 120° from the state in FIG. 3, that is, a state in the middle of changing from the state in FIG. 3 to the state in FIG.

[0035] Figure 6 shows the covers (24) and (25) in the state shown in Figure 3. The covers (24) and (25) are made up of a square-shaped swivel cover (24) that is fixed to the swivel frame (22) and swivels integrally with the swivel frame (22), and a square-frame-shaped fixed cover (25) that is fixed to the fixed frame (21) so as to surround the swivel cover (24).

[0036] The swivel cover (24) is provided with a rectangular window (24a) and a handle portion (24b) (including an opening through which a hand can be inserted to grasp the handle).

[0037] In the tool changer (15) in the state shown in A of FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 6, the fixed frame (21) and the swivel frame (22) are covered with the fixed cover (25) and the swivel cover (24), and the tool change rack (23) in the tool magazine (11) and the tools (T) stored therein can be seen through the window (24a).

[0038] Figure 7 shows the covers (24) and (25) in the state shown in Figure 5. That is, the swivel cover (24) rotates together with the swivel frame (22) and moves to the rear side, and the tool replacement rack (23) fixed to the swivel frame (22) moves to the front side.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, a U-shaped reinforcing frame (30) is fixed to the back side of the swivel frame (22), and is composed of upper and lower horizontal members (30a) and (30b) that support the upper and lower ends of the replacement tool rack (23) and a vertical member (30c) that connects the upper and lower horizontal members (30a) and (30b) so as to face the replacement tool rack (23).

[0040] In the tool changer (15) in the state shown in B of Figure 1, as shown in Figure 7, when work is performed on the tool changer rack (23) from the front side, the rotating cover (24) covers the rotating frame (22) from the back side, ensuring safety in the work space, and also allowing the user to check the tool changer rack (23) and the tools (T) stored therein in the tool magazine (11) through the window (24a).

[0041] According to the tool magazine device (4) of the above embodiment, when the tool exchange device (15) is in the state shown in FIG. 3 (position A in FIG. 1), the lock switch (28) is turned on to lock the swivel frame (22), and the tool transport device (13) moves freely between the tool rack (12) and the replacement tool rack (23) in the tool magazine (11) and the in-magazine tool exchange device (14) to transport the required tool (T) to the required position.

[0042] When it becomes necessary to replace the old and new tools T, the worker first stops the tool transport device 13 outside the rotation area of ​​the swivel frame 22, turns off the lock switch 28 in this state to enable the swivel frame 22 to rotate, and rotates it through the state shown in Figure 4 to the state shown in Figure 5 (position B in Figure 1). In this state, the swivel frame 22 is locked by turning on the lock switch 29, and the tool transport device 13 can then move freely between the tool racks 12 in the tool magazine 11 other than the replacement tool rack 23 and the in-magazine tool changer 14 to transport the required tool T to the required position, ensuring the operation of the tool magazine device 4.

[0043] When the tool replacement device (15) is in the state shown in Figure 5, the worker can easily replace the old tool (T) with the new tool (T) by removing the old tool (T) from the replacement tool rack (23) and storing the new tool (T) in the replacement tool rack (23).

[0044] This completes the replacement operation, so the worker first stops the tool transport device 13 outside the rotation area of ​​the swivel frame 22 (this step must always be performed because the tool transport device 13 transports the tool T even during the replacement operation), and in this state, turns off the lock switch 29 to enable the swivel frame 22 to rotate, and then rotates it 180 degrees in the opposite direction to return it to the state shown in Figure 3 via the state shown in Figure 4. Then, by turning on the lock switch 28, the swivel frame 22 is locked, and the tool magazine device 4 returns to an operating state in which the tool transport device 13 can freely move between the tool rack 12 and replacement tool rack 23 in the tool magazine 11 and the in-magazine tool changer 14.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the tool magazine device (4) is shown in which the axial direction of the tool (T) is horizontal. However, the above tool magazine device (4) can also be applied to a device in which the axial direction of the tool (T) is vertical. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the tool exchange device (31) is similar to that of the above embodiment, and includes a square fixed frame (not shown) fitted into a square opening provided in the tool magazine, a square swivel frame (32) arranged within the fixed frame so as to be rotatable around a vertical swivel axis, a tool exchange rack (33) fixed to the swivel frame (32), and a cover (not shown). The swivel frame (32) is rotatable around a vertical (vertical) axis at the center portions of its upper and lower cross members (32a) and (32b) supported by the fixed frame via bearings.

[0046] The difference from the above embodiment is that the replacement tool rack (33) has tool storage sections (33a) arranged in parallel in the left-right direction (the other tool racks in the tool magazine also have tool storage sections (33a) arranged in parallel in the left-right direction), and the tools (T) are stored in parallel in the left-right direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (the axial direction of the tools (T)).

[0047] When replacing the old and new tools (T) using the tool exchange devices (15) (31), the operator can manually perform the operation including the rotation of the rotation frames (22) (32). Alternatively, the operation can be performed automatically using a rotation device, a robot, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] (4): Tool magazine device (11): Tool magazine (12): Tool rack (12a): Tool storage section (13): Tool transport device (14): Tool changer in magazine (15): Tool exchange device (21): Fixed frame (21a)(21b): Upper and lower horizontal members (22): Swivel frame (22a)(22b): Upper and lower horizontal members (23): Replacement tool rack (24): Swivel cover (25): Fixed cover (26)(27):Bearings (28)(29): Lock switch (T):Tool (31): Tool exchange device (32): Swivel frame (33): Replacement tool rack

Claims

1. A tool magazine device including a tool magazine in which a plurality of tool racks for storing tools are arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tools, a tool transport device for transporting the tools in the tool magazine to a required position, and a tool replacement device for replacing an old tool in the tool magazine with a new tool outside the tool magazine, The tool exchange device includes a fixed frame installed in an opening provided at a predetermined position of the tool magazine, a swivel frame disposed within the fixed frame so as to be swivelable about a vertical swivel axis, and a tool exchange rack fixed to the swivel frame, The tool magazine device is characterized in that the swivel frame rotates between a transfer position in which the replacement tool rack is parallel to the tool rack in the tool magazine and tools can be transferred between the tool magazine and the tool transport device, and a swap position in which the replacement tool rack is rotated 180 degrees from the transfer position and is outside the tool magazine, allowing new and old tools to be swapped.

2. 2. The tool magazine device according to claim 1, further comprising a swivel cover for covering the interior of said swivel frame from the outside of said tool magazine, said swivel cover being provided so as to swivel integrally with said swivel frame.

3. 3. The tool magazine device according to claim 1, wherein a control device can stop the tool transport device outside the rotation area of ​​the rotating frame, and a lock switch is provided that can lock and unlock the rotating frame at each of the exchangeable position and the transferable position.

4. 3. The tool magazine device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot shaft is formed so as to connect intermediate positions of the upper and lower horizontal members of the pivot frame.

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