Tool Evaluation Device

Abstract

A tool evaluation device capable of cleaning and imaging a tool with a simple configuration that suppresses an increase in the number of feed axes is provided. [Solution] The tool evaluation device 10 has a first cleaning section 36 and a second cleaning section 38, a bottom side imaging section 42 that is arranged adjacent to the first cleaning section 36 and the second cleaning section 38 along the horizontal direction D1 and that images the tool 26 at a first imaging position TP1 and a side side imaging section 44 that images the tool 26 at a second imaging position TP2, a tool holding section 24, and a rotating section 22 that rotates the tool holding section 24, and is equipped with a tool transport device 20 that transports the tool 26 along the first direction D1, and a guide section 32 that moves the first cleaning section 36, the second cleaning section 38, the bottom side imaging section 42 and the side side imaging section 44 relative to the tool transport device 20 along the second direction D2, and is characterized in that the tool evaluation device 10 evaluates the wear of the cutting portion 50 using the captured images of the tool 26.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool evaluation device. [Background technology]

[0002] The tools used in machine tools for machining are mainly composed of a holder and a cutting edge, and the cutting edge that comes into contact with the workpiece wears out with repeated machining. As wear progresses, the precision required for machining cannot be achieved and the risk of tool breakage increases. For this reason, it is necessary to observe the appropriate progress of wear.

[0003] The progress of tool wear is generally observed and evaluated by an operator by removing the tool from the machine tool and visually inspecting it. For this reason, Patent Document 1 discloses a machine tool that includes a camera that captures an image of the tool located in an imaging area so that the state of the tool after machining can be confirmed, a tool holder to which the tool can be attached, and a machining control unit that controls the tool holder in accordance with a machining program and machines a workpiece with the tool.

[0004] To properly observe the progress of wear, imaging the cutting edge requires cleaning the cutting edge in advance to remove oil and chips adhering to the cutting edge surface. This requires incorporating a tool imaging mechanism and a tool cleaning mechanism into the machine tool, which can complicate the machine tool configuration. Specifically, the tool must be moved between the machining mechanism, the tool imaging mechanism, and the tool cleaning mechanism. As the number of moving points increases, the number of feed axes for feeding the tool also increases. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to locate the tool cleaning mechanism and the tool imaging mechanism outside the machining chamber so that the tool can be moved linearly from the machining position. However, cleaning the tool outside the machine tool requires the creation of a new cleaning chamber, and there are concerns about the risk of new chips and oil adhering to the tool as the tool travels longer. Furthermore, such a configuration may require a larger installation space for the entire machine tool than before. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2024-521981 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a tool evaluation device that can clean and image a tool with a simple configuration that suppresses an increase in the number of feed axes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a tool evaluation device for evaluating wear on a cutting edge of a tool, the tool evaluation device comprising: a cleaning unit that cleans the tool at an internal cleaning position; a first imaging unit that is arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit along a first direction and that images the tool from a second direction at a first imaging position; a second imaging unit that is arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit along the first direction at a position farther away from the first imaging unit and that images the tool from the first direction at a second imaging position; a first conveying device that has a tool holding unit that holds the tool and a rotating unit that rotates the tool holding unit and that conveys the tool along the first direction between the cleaning position, the first imaging position, and the second imaging position; and a second conveying device that moves the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit relative to the first conveying device along the second direction, and is characterized in that the tool evaluation device evaluates wear on the cutting edge of the tool using images of the tool taken by the first imaging unit and / or the second imaging unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first transport device transports a tool along a first direction, and a second transport device can move a cleaning unit relative to the tool along a second direction. This allows the tool to be transported to a cleaning position inside the cleaning unit and cleaned by the cleaning unit. Furthermore, the first transport device transports the tool from the cleaning position to a first imaging position and a second imaging position along the first direction, and the second transport device can move the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit relative to the tool along the second direction. This allows the first imaging unit to image the tool from the second direction at the first imaging position, and the second imaging unit to image the tool from the first direction at the second imaging position. The tool can be aligned with the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit simply by linearly moving along the first and second directions, thereby minimizing the need for an additional feed axis. This makes it possible to clean and photograph a tool using a tool evaluation device with a simple configuration, and to evaluate wear on the cutting edge of the tool using the photographed image of the tool. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] (a) shows a side view of the tool, (b) shows a side view of the tool in (a) rotated 90 degrees, and (c) shows a bottom view of the tool in (a). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] 10(a) shows a side view of a first imaging unit that images the bottom of the tool, and FIG. 10(b) is a view taken along the arrow A in FIG. 10(a) and shows a bottom view of the tool. [Figure 5] 10(a) shows a side view of the second imaging unit that images the side of the tool, and FIG. 10(b) is a view taken along arrow B in FIG. 10(a) and shows a bottom view of the tool. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the inside of the first cleaning section. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the inside of a first cleaning section according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the inside of the second cleaning section. [Figure 9] (a) shows the positional relationship between a tool with a large diameter and the cleaning unit, and (b) shows the positional relationship between a tool with a small diameter and the cleaning unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a plan view and a side view of the tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a plan view and a side view of a tool evaluation device that cleans a tool by a first cleaning unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a plan view and a side view of a tool evaluation device that cleans a tool by means of a second cleaning unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a plan view and a side view of a tool evaluation device that captures an image of the bottom of a tool using a first imaging unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a plan view and a side view of a tool evaluation device that captures an image of the side of a tool using a second imaging unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a plan view and a side view of a tool evaluation device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a tool evaluation device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. For ease of understanding, the scale of the drawings may be changed.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment. The tool evaluation device 10 is disposed adjacent to a tool magazine chamber (not shown) of a machining center or in a location other than a machining chamber (not shown). The tool evaluation device 10 includes a base unit 12 and a tool transport device 20 (a first transport device) attached to the base unit 12. The tool evaluation device 10 also includes an imaging device 40 for capturing images of a tool 26, and a first cleaning unit 36 ​​and a second cleaning unit 38 (see FIG. 13) for cleaning the tool 26 before capturing images (see FIG. 13). The imaging device 40 includes a bottom-side imaging unit 42 (a first imaging unit) for capturing images of the tool 26 from the tip side (bottom side) and a side-side imaging unit 44 (a second imaging unit) for capturing images of the side of the tool 26. The first cleaning section 36 is formed in a tub shape and is configured to clean the tool 26 using cleaning liquid or compressed air, as described below, and the second cleaning section 38 is formed in a tub shape and is configured to dry the tool 26 after cleaning using compressed air.

[0012] The base unit 12 has four legs 14, two support columns 16 extending upward from the legs 14 in a vertical direction D2 (a second direction), and a beam 18 spanning between the two support columns 16 and extending in a horizontal direction D1 (a first direction). The tool transport device 20 is attached to the beams 18 and configured to be movable in the horizontal direction D1 along the beams 18. A rotating unit 22 having a drive unit such as a servo motor and configured to be rotatable around an axis (direction R1) along the vertical direction relative to the tool transport device 20 is disposed below the rotating unit 22, and a tool holder 24 for detachably mounting a tool 26 is disposed below the rotating unit 22.

[0013] 2(a) to 2(c) show side and bottom views of the tool 26. The tool 26 has a tapered shank 28 with a tapered shank 28a attached to the tool holder 24, and a cutting portion 50 attached to the tip (lower end) of the shank 28. The cutting portion 50 is used for milling, and when the tool 26 is attached to the tool holder 24, a ridgeline portion extending along the vertical direction D2 is a major cutting edge 50a, and a ridgeline portion extending along the horizontal direction D1 at the tip (bottom) side is a minor cutting edge 50b. The cutting portion 50 has a major flank 52 continuous with the major cutting edge 50a, a minor flank 54 continuous with the minor cutting edge 50b, and a rake face 56, and is formed in a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed from the bottom. The cutting portion 50 is provided at two locations, 180 degrees apart, on the tool 26 shown in FIGS. 2( a) to 2(c). Here, the length from the gauge line GL to the tip of the cutting portion 50 is defined as the tool length TL, and the length from the gauge line GL to the main imaging position of the cutting portion 50 is defined as the cutting portion imaging length BL. Furthermore, the tool diameter TR is defined as twice the radial length from the center of the shank 28 to the outer end of the cutting portion 50, and the cutting portion imaging diameter BR is defined as twice the radial length to the center of the rake face 56. Here, the tool 26 is described as being for milling and the cutting portion 50 extends in the vertical direction. However, this is not limiting, and a cutting portion extending in the horizontal direction may be attached to the shank, and the tool may be for turning.

[0014] 1, one end of the beam portion 18 is connected to a tool magazine 30 that stores a plurality of tools 26, and the tool 26 can be replaced between the tool holding portion 24 and the tool magazine 30. When replacing the tool 26, the tool transport device 20 is configured to move to a tool loading / unloading position HP (see FIG. 13) in the tool magazine 30 and hand over the tool 26.

[0015] The tool evaluation device 10 is attached to a base 12 and includes a guide unit 32 for vertically moving a first cleaning unit 36, a second cleaning unit 38, and an imaging device 40 (see FIG. 11 ) relative to the tool 26. The guide unit 32 is configured to use an internal feed shaft (not shown) to vertically move a bracket 34, on which the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 are disposed, along a vertical direction D2. The tool 26, the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 are disposed on the same plane along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Here, the bottom-side imaging unit 42 is disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1, and the side-side imaging unit 44 is disposed adjacent to the bottom-side imaging unit 42 on the side opposite the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1. This allows the tool 26, the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 to be aligned using only two linear feed axes.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the tool evaluation device 10. The tool evaluation device 10 includes a storage unit 46 for storing information about the tool 26 and its imaging. The storage unit 46 includes an imaging information storage unit 60 for storing information about imaging of the tool 26, a tool information storage unit 62 for storing information about the tool 26 itself, and a tool image storage unit 64 for storing images of the tool 26 captured by the imaging device 40. Specifically, the imaging information storage unit 60 is configured to store a phase interval and a time interval, which are the timing for capturing images of the tool 26 rotated by the rotation unit 22, as well as a phase range, which is the range of rotational phases for capturing one set of images. The imaging information storage unit 60 is also configured to store a tool phase, which is the rotational phase of the tool 26 when capturing a reference image. When there are multiple cutting portions 50 (number of blades n), multiple reference images are acquired for each of the cutting portions 50, and therefore multiple tool phases corresponding to the number of blades n are stored. If the types of the cutting portions 50 and the mounting positions and angles of the cutting portions 50 relative to the shank 28 are all the same, it is sufficient to store one reference image per tool 26. The tool phase, phase interval, time interval, and phase range are set in advance by an operator and stored in the image information storage unit 60. Instead of being set by the operator, the control unit 48 may automatically set them based on information about the tool 26. The tool information storage unit 62 is configured to store the number of blades n of the cutting portions 50 attached to the tool 26, the tool length TL, blade portion image length BL, tool diameter TR, and blade portion image diameter BR of the tool 26, as well as the set life, allowable wear amount, and wear state of the tool 26. The tool image storage unit 64 is configured to store the reference image and post-machining tool images, which will be described later.

[0017] The tool evaluation device 10 also includes a control unit 48. The control unit 48 is configured to operate the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool holding unit 24 to which the tool 26 is attached, and to operate the first cleaning unit 36 ​​and the second cleaning unit 38 to clean the tool 26. The control unit 48 is also configured to operate the imaging device 40 to capture an image of the tool 26 in the tool phase and store the image as a reference image in the tool image storage unit 64. The tool phase at which the reference image is captured is determined visually by an operator, and the operator controls the control unit 48 via the input unit to index the tool 26 into the tool phase and capture the image. The reference image should be captured when the tool is free of any damage or wear, so it is desirable to capture the reference image when the tool is brand new and has not yet been used for machining. The control unit 48 is also configured to operate the imaging device 40 to capture an image of the machined tool 26 rotated by the rotating unit 22 at predetermined phase intervals or predetermined time intervals, and store the acquired multiple machined tool images in the tool image storage unit 64.

[0018] Furthermore, the tool evaluation device 10 is provided with a determination unit 66 that compares the reference image stored in the tool image storage unit 64 with the multiple post-machining tool images, and determines the post-machining tool image that has the highest degree of match with the reference image as the observation image from among the multiple post-machining tool images.

[0019] The tool evaluation device 10 also includes a tool evaluation unit 68 that performs image analysis on the determined observation image to evaluate the condition of the cutting edge 50. Specifically, the tool evaluation unit 68 is configured to evaluate the presence or absence of chipping or the amount of wear of the cutting edge 50. If the tool 26 has two or more cutting edges 50, the observation images of all cutting edges 50 may be evaluated, or only one cutting edge 50 may be evaluated. The tool evaluation unit 68 also transmits the evaluation results to the storage unit 46. At this time, the tool evaluation unit 68 can store the evaluation results in association with the cumulative number of machining operations performed by the tool 26 being evaluated. The tool evaluation device 10 also includes a notification unit 70 that issues an alarm to warn against continuing machining with the tool 26 if it is determined based on the evaluation result of the tool evaluation unit 68 that the cutting edge 50 is chipped or that the amount of wear of the cutting edge 50 exceeds a predetermined allowable amount of wear. The notification unit 70 is provided with a display screen (not shown), and when an alarm is issued, it can also display information such as the presence or absence of defects, the allowable amount of wear, and instructions for tool replacement.

[0020] 4(a) and 4(b) show a side view of the bottom-side imaging unit 42, which captures an image of the bottom side of the tool 26, and a bottom view of the tool 26. The control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to move it in the horizontal direction D1, thereby aligning the tool 26 with the bottom-side imaging unit 42 in the horizontal direction D1. Specifically, the tool 26 is positioned so that the radial end of the blade imaging diameter BR is at the center position of the bottom-side imaging unit 42. The movement distance of the tool transport device 20 in the horizontal direction D1 may be determined by the control unit 48 based on the tool diameter TR, or may be arbitrarily set by the operator for each tool 26. Next, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 in the vertical direction D2, thereby aligning the tool 26 with the bottom-side imaging unit 42 in the vertical direction D2. The movement distance of the guide unit 32 in the vertical direction D2 may be determined by the control unit 48 based on the tool length TL, or may be arbitrarily set by the operator for each tool 26. As a result, the position of the tool 26 is set to the first imaging position TP1 (see FIG. 14) of the bottom surface side imaging unit 42, and the imaging range IA is determined so as to include the tool 26. The rotational phase of the tool 26 at this time is set to the initial phase.

[0021] Once the alignment of the tool 26 and the bottom-side imaging unit 42 is complete, the bottom-side imaging unit 42 captures an image of the minor flank 54 of the tool 26. The captured image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a machined tool image associated with information on the phase of the tool 26 at the time of capture. When the machined tool image at a certain phase is stored in the tool image storage unit 64, the control unit 48 operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 by a predetermined phase interval θ (e.g., 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, etc.) and capture the next image. The image capture performed while rotating the tool 26 is repeated within a predetermined phase range PR. If the number of blades n is 2 or more, the phase range PR for one blade 50 may be set as 360 degrees / number of blades n. Here, while the rotating unit 22 continuously rotates the tool 26, the bottom-side imaging unit 42 may capture an image at every phase interval θ, or alternatively, after the tool 26 has rotated by the phase interval θ, the rotation of the tool 26 may be stopped and then the image may be captured. Note that imaging may be performed at a predetermined time interval T instead of the phase interval θ. In this case, the post-machining tool image associated with the elapsed time from the start of rotation of the tool 26 is stored in the tool image storage unit 64. The phase interval θ and the time interval T may be determined by the control unit 48 according to the shape and dimensions of the tool 26. For example, in the case of a tool 26 with a relatively large tool diameter TR, if the phase interval θ is large, imaging may not be performed at a rotation phase that allows for an observation image. In such a case, the control unit 48 sets the phase interval θ and the time interval T to be small.

[0022] 5(a) and 5(b) show a side view of the side imaging unit 44, which captures the side of the tool 26, and a bottom view of the tool 26. The control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to move it in the horizontal direction D1, thereby aligning the tool 26 with the side imaging unit 44 in the horizontal direction D1. The control unit 48 may determine the movement distance of the tool transport device 20 in the horizontal direction D1 based on the tool diameter TR, or the operator may set it arbitrarily for each tool 26. Next, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 in the vertical direction D2, thereby aligning the tool 26 with the side imaging unit 44 in the vertical direction D2. Specifically, the tool 26 is positioned so that the lower end of the blade imaging length BL coincides with the center position of the side imaging unit 44. The movement distance of the guide unit 32 in the vertical direction D2 may be determined by the control unit 48 based on the tool length TL, or the operator may set it arbitrarily for each tool 26. As a result, the position of the tool 26 is set to the second imaging position TP2 (see FIG. 15) of the side imaging unit 44, and an imaging range IA is determined so as to include the tool 26. The rotational phase of the tool 26 at this time is set to the initial phase. Alternatively, the rotational phase of the tool 26 may be set to the same as the initial phase when the tool 26 was set to the first imaging position TP1 of the bottom imaging unit 42.

[0023] Once the alignment of the tool 26 and the side-side imaging unit 44 is complete, the side-side imaging unit 44 captures an image of the main flank face 52 of the tool 26. The captured image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a machined tool image associated with information on the phase of the tool 26 at the time of capture. When the machined tool image at a certain phase is stored in the tool image storage unit 64, the control unit 48 operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 by a predetermined phase interval θ (e.g., 2 degrees, 3 degrees, etc.) and capture the next image. The image capture performed while rotating the tool 26 is repeated within a predetermined phase range PR. If the number of blades n is 2 or more, the phase range PR for one blade 50 may be set as 360 degrees / number of blades n. Here, images may be captured at every phase interval θ while the rotating unit 22 continuously rotates the tool 26, or the rotation of the tool 26 may be stopped once the tool 26 has rotated by the phase interval θ before capturing the image. In addition, imaging may be performed at a predetermined time interval T instead of the phase interval θ, in which case the post-machining tool image associated with the elapsed time since the start of rotation of the tool 26 is stored in the tool image storage unit 64.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the interior of the first cleaning unit 36. Note that FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate a solid end mill as the tool 26 to clearly illustrate the effects. Needless to say, this is not a limitation, and the cleaning device can also clean a milling tool such as that shown in FIG. 2 and other turning tools. The first cleaning unit 36 ​​is configured to immerse the tool 26 in cleaning liquid WL, and the cleaning liquid is contained within the tub-shaped first cleaning unit 36. The control unit 48 can operate the guide unit 32 to raise the first cleaning unit 36, which is disposed on the bracket 34, and immerse the tool 26 in the cleaning liquid WL. This allows the tool 26 to be cleaned in the first cleaning unit 36. The control unit 48 can also operate the rotation unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 immersed in the cleaning liquid WL. This makes it easier to remove chips, if any, from the tool 26, improving the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with an air nozzle 72, which can inject compressed air CA into the cleaning liquid WL inside. Therefore, bubbles BB generated by the compressed air CA from the air nozzle 72 also make it easier to remove chips adhering to the tool 26, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0025] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the first cleaning section 36. The first cleaning section 36 includes a mixer 74 for mixing compressed air CA and cleaning liquid WL, and can spray the cleaning liquid WL in a high-pressure mist onto the surface of the tool 26 via a plurality of air nozzles 72 arranged within the first cleaning section 36. This improves the cleaning effect of the tool 26. Furthermore, the first cleaning section 36 includes a mist suction device 76 at its bottom for suctioning the cleaning liquid WL mist that is sprayed onto the tool 26 and drips downward along the tool 26 or that floats within the first cleaning section 36. This prevents the cleaning liquid WL mist from evaporating and diffusing outside the first cleaning section 36, thereby preventing the atmosphere inside the machine tool or factory from deteriorating.

[0026] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the interior of the second cleaning unit 38. The second cleaning unit 38 is configured to blow compressed air onto the tool 26 to remove droplets from the surface of the tool 26 cleaned in the first cleaning unit 36 ​​and dry it. The second cleaning unit 38 is equipped with a pulsed air generator 78 for discharging pulsed compressed air CA. The pulsed compressed air CA discharged from multiple air nozzles 72 arranged inside the second cleaning unit 38 can be blown onto the surface of the tool 26. This reduces the amount of compressed air CA used, enabling efficient cleaning and improving the cleaning effect of the tool 26. Furthermore, the second cleaning unit 38 is equipped with a mist suction device 76 at its bottom for suctioning the mist-like cleaning liquid WL that is sprayed onto the tool 26 and drips downward along the tool 26 or floats within the first cleaning unit 36. This prevents the mist-like cleaning liquid WL from evaporating and diffusing outside the second cleaning unit 38, thereby preventing the atmosphere inside the machine tool or factory from deteriorating.

[0027] 9(a) and 9(b) show the positional relationship between the tool 26 and the air nozzle 72 disposed in the first cleaning section 36 and the second cleaning section 38. As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 is relatively large, simply aligning the center of the tool 26 with the center of the first cleaning position WP1 or the second cleaning position WP2 (see FIG. 11) in the first direction D1 and then aligning the tool 26 in the second direction D2 brings the outer diameter of the tool 26 closer to the air nozzle 72, thereby achieving high cleaning efficiency. However, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 is relatively small, aligning the center of the tool 26 with the center of the first cleaning position WP1 or the second cleaning position WP2 (see FIG. 11) in the first direction D1 results in the tool 26 being positioned far from the air nozzle 72 (the tool 26 represented by the dotted line in FIG. 9(b)), thereby reducing the cleaning efficiency of the tool 26. This must be prevented. Therefore, the control unit 48 is configured to refer to the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62 and control the transportation of the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 of the tool transport device 20 so as to ensure a horizontal cleaning distance HWD (first cleaning distance) between the tip of the air nozzle 72 opening along the horizontal direction D1 and the outer circumferential surface of the tool 26. Furthermore, the control unit 48 is configured to refer to the tool length TL of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62 and control the up-and-down movement of the guide unit 32 along the vertical direction D2 so as to ensure a vertical cleaning distance VWD (second cleaning distance) between the tip of the air nozzle 72 opening upward and the tip of the tool 26. This allows the tool 26 to be appropriately brought close to the air nozzle 72, thereby improving cleaning efficiency. Note that, in a typical tool, the tool diameter TR and tool length TL are defined by the dimensions from the outer end to the tip of the cutting portion 50 as shown in FIG. 2 . However, in some tools, the outer end and tip that protrude most may be provided on the shank 28, not the cutting portion 50. When ensuring the horizontal cleaning distance HWD and vertical cleaning distance VWD mentioned above, it is necessary to avoid interference between the tool 26 and the inside of the cleaning section, such as the tip of the nozzle 72, so this should be done with reference to the dimensions of the shaft 28, but the dimensions of the cutting edge 50 are also essential for offsetting the cutting process.In this case, the tool diameter TRX and tool length TLX for the outer end and tip end that protrude most from the shank 28 may be stored in the tool information storage unit 62 separately from the tool diameter TR and tool length TL for the cutting portion 50.

[0028] 16 shows another embodiment of the tool evaluation device 10. Here, the side imaging unit 44 is disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1, and the bottom imaging unit 42 is disposed adjacent to the side imaging unit 44 on the opposite side from the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1. This arrangement shortens the range of movement required for the tool transport device 20 in the first direction D1, making it possible to reduce the overall space required for the tool evaluation device 10.

[0029] The effects of the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment will be described below through a flowchart of the tool evaluation device 10 shown in FIG. 10 and an explanation of cleaning and imaging of the tool 26 using FIGS. 11 to 15.

[0030] As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 10, the tool evaluation process starts in step S10. Next, the process proceeds to step S20, in which the tool transportation device 20 moves to the tool carry-in / out position HP (see Fig. 11) in the tool magazine 30, and the tool holder 24 holds the tapered shank portion 28a of the tool 26 to be imaged and evaluated. Note that instead of the tool holder 24 holding the tool 26, an operator may manually attach the tool to the tool holder at the tool carry-in / out position.

[0031] Once the tool holding unit 24 holds the tool 26, the process proceeds to step S30, where the control unit 48 activates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 to a position where the central axis of the tool 26 and the center of the first cleaning unit 36 ​​are aligned in the horizontal direction D1. Next, as shown in FIG. 12 , the control unit 48 activates the guide unit 32 to lift the bracket 34 along the vertical direction D2 until the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 is positioned within the first cleaning unit 36. At this time, the amount of lift of the bracket 34 is determined based on the tool length TL stored in the tool information storage unit 62. Once the blade portion 50 is positioned within the first cleaning unit 36, the process proceeds to step S40, where the first cleaning unit 36 ​​sprays cleaning fluid onto the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 housed therein to clean the tool 26. When cleaning of the tool 26 is completed, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to lower the bracket 34 in the up-down direction D2, and removes the tool 26 from the inside of the first cleaning unit 36.

[0032] Here, once the bracket 34 is lowered and the tool 26 is removed from the first cleaning section 36, step S30 is executed again, and the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 to a position where the central axis of the tool 26 and the center of the second cleaning section 38 are aligned in the horizontal direction D1. Next, as shown in FIG. 13 , the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to lift the bracket 34 along the vertical direction D2 until the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 is positioned within the second cleaning section 38. At this time, the amount of lift of the bracket 34 is determined based on the tool length TL stored in the tool information storage unit 62. Once the blade portion 50 is positioned within the second cleaning section 38, step S40 is executed again, and the second cleaning section 38 sprays compressed air onto the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 housed therein to dry the tool 26 after cleaning. When the drying of the tool 26 is completed, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to lower the bracket 34 in the up-down direction D2, and removes the tool 26 from the inside of the second cleaning unit 38.

[0033] After the bracket 34 descends and the tool 26 is removed from the second cleaning unit 38, the process proceeds to step S50. As shown in FIG. 14 , the control unit 48 activates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 to a first imaging position TP1 along the horizontal direction D1. The first imaging position TP1 is positioned so that the radial end of the blade imaging diameter BR of the tool 26 coincides with the center position of the bottom-side imaging unit 42. When the tool 26 moves to the first imaging position TP1, the control unit 48 activates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 up and down along the vertical direction D2 to adjust the focal length of the bottom-side imaging unit 42, which images the tool 26. The amount of movement of the bracket 34 to adjust the focal length may be determined based on the tool length TL stored in the tool information storage unit 62, or an automatic focus adjustment function of the bottom-side imaging unit 42 may be used. At this time, the phase of the blade 50 is set to the initial phase.

[0034] Once the alignment of the tool 26 and the bottom-side imaging unit 42 is complete, the process proceeds to step S60, where the bottom-side imaging unit 42 starts imaging the minor flank 54 of the tool 26. The captured image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a machined tool image associated with information on the phase of the tool 26 at the time of imaging. Once imaging has started, the process proceeds to step S70, where the control unit 48 activates the rotation unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 at a predetermined phase interval θ to change the phase, repeatedly capturing images of the minor flank 54 and storing the machined tool image associated with the phase in the tool image storage unit 64. Imaging is repeated within a predetermined phase range PR. If the number of blades n is 2 or more, the phase range PR for one blade 50 may be set to 360 degrees / number of blades n. Here, while the rotating unit 22 continuously rotates the tool 26, the bottom-side imaging unit 42 may capture images at every phase interval θ. Alternatively, after the tool 26 has rotated by the phase interval θ, the rotation of the tool 26 may be stopped and then an image may be captured. The imaging may be performed at a predetermined time interval T instead of the phase interval θ. In this case, the captured image of the minor flank 54 is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a machined tool image associated with the rotation time from the start of rotation of the tool 26. The phase interval θ and the time interval T may be determined by the control unit 48 according to the shape and dimensions of the tool 26. For example, for a tool 26 with a relatively large tool diameter TR, if the phase interval θ is long, an image may not be captured at a rotation phase suitable for an observation image. Therefore, the control unit 48 sets the phase interval θ and the time interval T to be small. The imaging of the cutting edge 50 in step S70 is repeated the number of times equal to the number n of cutting edges by shifting the phase range PR. When the rotating unit 22 rotates the tool 26 into the phase range PR, the process proceeds to step S80, where the imaging of the secondary flank 54 is completed, and then the process proceeds to step S90.

[0035] In step S90, the determination unit 66 compares the captured images of the minor flanks 54 with a pre-stored reference image of the minor flanks 54 before machining. When the image with the highest degree of match is identified based on the difference between the image of the minor flanks 54 and the reference image, the process proceeds to step S100, where the determination unit 66 determines this image as the observation image of the minor flanks 54. Steps S90 and S100 are repeated the number of times equal to the number n of blades, and observation images of the minor flanks 54 are determined. Note that if there are multiple blades 50 and the phase range is 360 degrees / n number of blades, steps S70 to S100 may be performed for the first blade 50 to determine the observation image. After that, for the second and subsequent blades 50, observation images may be captured at phases that are increased by the phase range (360 degrees / n number of blades) from the phase associated with capturing the observation image of the first blade 50. 2, if the tool has two blades, the phase range is 360 degrees / number of blades 2=180 degrees, and therefore, after determining the observation image of the first blade portion 50, the rotation unit 22 rotates to a phase obtained by adding 180 degrees from the phase associated with capturing the post-machining tool image that serves as the observation image of the first blade portion 50, thereby placing the tool 26 in a phase suitable for capturing the observation image of the second blade portion 50 relative to the bottom surface imaging unit 42. As a result, observation images can be efficiently determined for a tool 26 in which the blade portions 50 are evenly arranged.

[0036] Once the observation images of the minor flank faces 54 for the number n of blades have been determined, the process proceeds to step S110. As shown in FIG. 15 , the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1. Furthermore, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 up and down along the vertical direction D2 to position the tool 26 at the second imaging position TP2. The second imaging position TP2 is positioned so that a position below the gauge line GL, which is the primary imaging position of the blade portion 50, by the blade imaging length BL coincides with the center position of the side imaging unit 44 in the vertical direction D2. Furthermore, the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to move the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 to adjust the focal length of the side imaging unit 44 that images the tool 26. The amount of movement of the tool 26 to adjust the focal length may be determined based on the tool diameter TR stored in the tool information storage unit 62, or an automatic focus adjustment function provided in the side imaging unit 44 may be used. At this time, the phase of the blade portion 50 is set to the initial phase.

[0037] When the alignment of the tool 26 and the side image capturing unit 44 is complete, the process proceeds to step S120, where the control unit 48 operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 and position the phase of the tool 26 to the phase where the observed image of the minor flank 54 was acquired. After positioning the phase, the control unit 48 operates the side image capturing unit 44 to capture an image of the major flank 52, and determines this post-machining tool image as the observed image of the major flank 52. Step S120 is repeated by changing the phase a number of times equal to the number n of teeth, and a plurality of observed images of the major flank 52 are determined. Note that, like the secondary flank 54, the primary flank 52 may also be imaged at phase intervals θ or time intervals T; however, since the phases in the rotational direction to be imaged of the primary flank 52 and the secondary flank 54 are basically the same, the initial phase before imaging begins can be made the same, and the primary flank 52 can be imaged only at the same phase or rotation time as the phase or rotation time associated with when the post-machining tool image that became the observation image of the secondary flank 54 was imaged, thereby reducing the labor required for imaging the primary flank 52.

[0038] Once the observation images of the main flank faces 52 for the number n of blades have been determined, the process proceeds to step S130, where the control unit 48 activates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 to the tool loading / unloading position HP and unload the tool 26. Next, the process proceeds to step S140, where the determination unit 66 transmits the observation images for the number n of blades to the tool evaluation unit 68. After the observation images have been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S150, where the tool evaluation unit 68 performs image recognition on the received observation images to evaluate the condition of the blades. Specifically, the tool evaluation unit 68 checks for the presence or absence of chipping or the amount of wear of the blades 50 and acquires this information. When the tool 26 has two or more blades 50, the observation image of only one representative blade 50 may be evaluated, or all of the observation images of all of the blades 50 may be evaluated. Once the evaluation is complete, the process proceeds to step S160, where the tool evaluation unit 68 transmits the evaluation results to the storage unit. At this time, the evaluation result associated with the cumulative number of times the imaged tool 26 is machined may be stored in the tool information storage unit 62.

[0039] After transmitting the evaluation results to the storage unit, the tool evaluation unit 68 proceeds to step S170, where it determines whether or not the cutting edge 50 is damaged. If no damage is detected, it proceeds to step S180, where it determines whether or not the wear on the cutting edge 50 exceeds a predetermined allowable wear amount. If the wear on the cutting edge 50 does not exceed the predetermined allowable wear amount, it proceeds to step S200, where the tool evaluation process ends. Here, if the tool 26 has two or more cutting edges 50, only one representative cutting edge 50 may be evaluated, or all cutting edges 50 may be evaluated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S170 that a cutting edge 50 is damaged, or if it is determined in step S180 that the wear on the cutting edge 50 exceeds the predetermined allowable wear amount, the control unit 48 determines that the tool 26 cannot continue machining any further and activates the notification unit 70 to issue an alarm. The alarm may include information such as whether or not the cutting edge 50 is damaged, the allowable wear amount, and a tool replacement instruction. Once the alarm is issued, the process proceeds to step S200, where the tool evaluation process ends.

[0040] In the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 48 can operate the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1, and can also operate the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34, on which the first cleaning unit 36 ​​and the second cleaning unit 38 are arranged, along the vertical direction D2 relative to the tool 26. This allows the tool 26 to be transported to a first cleaning position WP1 inside the first cleaning unit 36, where the tool 26 can be cleaned by the first cleaning unit 36. Furthermore, the tool 26 can be transported from the first cleaning unit 36 ​​to a second cleaning position WP2 inside the second cleaning unit 38, where the surface of the tool 26 cleaned by the first cleaning unit 36 ​​can be dried.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the tool evaluation device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 48 can operate the tool transportation device 20 to transport the tool 26 from the second cleaning position WP2 to the first imaging position TP1 along the horizontal direction D1. The control unit 48 can also operate the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 on which the imaging device 40 is disposed relative to the tool 26 along the vertical direction D2, thereby adjusting the focal length of the bottom-side imaging unit 42. The control unit 48 can also operate the tool transportation device 20 to transport the tool 26 from the first imaging position TP1 to the second imaging position TP2 along the horizontal direction D1, and can also operate the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 on which the imaging device 40 is disposed relative to the tool 26 along the vertical direction D2. The control unit 48 can also operate the tool transportation device 20 to move the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1, thereby adjusting the focal length of the side-side imaging unit 44. According to the tool evaluation device 10 of this embodiment, the tool 26 can be cleaned and imaged by moving the tool 26, the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the image capturing device 40 relative to each other within the same plane along the horizontal direction D1 and the up-down direction D2. Therefore, the tool evaluation device 10 can be simply configured with only two linear feed axes, and the wear of the cutting edge 50 of the tool 26 can be evaluated using an image of the tool 26 captured after cleaning.

[0042] Furthermore, in the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is configured to immerse the tool 26 in the cleaning liquid WL, and the cleaning liquid WL is contained within the bucket-shaped first cleaning unit 36. The control unit 48 can operate the guide unit 32 to raise the first cleaning unit 36, which is disposed on the bracket 34, and immerse the tool 26 in the cleaning liquid WL therein. This allows the tool 26 to be cleaned in the first cleaning unit 36. The control unit 48 can also operate the rotation unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 immersed in the cleaning liquid WL. This makes it easier to remove chips adhering to the tool 26, thereby improving the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with an air nozzle 72, which can inject compressed air CA into the cleaning liquid WL therein. This makes it easier to remove chips adhering to the tool 26 by bubbles BB generated by the compressed air CA from the air nozzle 72, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0043] Furthermore, in the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​may include a mixer 74 for mixing compressed air CA with cleaning liquid WL, and the cleaning liquid WL may be sprayed onto the surface of the tool 26 in a high-pressure mist form via a plurality of air nozzles 72 arranged within the first cleaning unit 36. This improves the cleaning effect of the tool 26. The first cleaning unit 36 ​​further includes a mist suction device 76 at its bottom for suctioning the cleaning liquid WL mist that has been sprayed onto the tool 26 and dripped downward along the tool 26 or that has floated within the first cleaning unit 36. This prevents the cleaning liquid WL mist from evaporating and diffusing outside the first cleaning unit 36, thereby preventing the atmosphere within the machine tool or factory from deteriorating.

[0044] Furthermore, in the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment, the second cleaning unit 38 is configured to blow compressed air onto the tool 26 to remove droplets from the surface of the tool 26 cleaned in the first cleaning unit 36 ​​and dry it. The second cleaning unit 38 includes a pulsed air generator 78 for discharging pulsed compressed air CA. The pulsed compressed air CA can be sprayed onto the surface of the tool 26 from a plurality of air nozzles 72 arranged inside the second cleaning unit 38. This reduces the amount of compressed air CA used, enabling efficient cleaning and improving the cleaning effect of the tool 26. Furthermore, the second cleaning unit 38 includes a mist suction device 76 at its bottom for suctioning the mist-like cleaning liquid WL that is sprayed onto the tool 26 and drips downward along the tool 26 or floats within the first cleaning unit 36. This prevents the mist-like cleaning liquid WL from evaporating and diffusing outside the second cleaning unit 38, thereby preventing the atmosphere inside the machine tool or factory from deteriorating.

[0045] Furthermore, in the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 48 is configured to refer to the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62 and control the transport of the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 of the tool transport device 20 so as to ensure a horizontal cleaning distance HWD as a first cleaning distance between the tip of the air nozzle 72 opening along the horizontal direction D1 and the outer circumferential surface of the tool 26. Furthermore, the control unit 48 is configured to refer to the tool length TL of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62 and control the up-down movement of the guide unit 32 along the up-down direction D2 so as to ensure a vertical cleaning distance VWD as a second cleaning distance between the tip of the air nozzle 72 opening upward and the tip of the tool 26. This allows the tool 26 to be appropriately brought close to the air nozzle 72, improving cleaning efficiency.

[0046] As described above, the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment can clean and image the tool 26 with a simple configuration of only two linear feed axes and one rotation axis, which suppresses the increase in the number of feed axes.

[0047] Although the embodiment of the tool evaluation device 10 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In addition to the above, those skilled in the art would understand that various modifications of the above embodiment are possible. For example, the tool transport device 20 may be provided with a second transport device, which can move in the vertical direction D2 in addition to the horizontal direction D1, and the bracket 34 may be fixed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 Tool evaluation device 20 Tool transport device (first transport device) 22 Rotating part 24 Tool holding part 26 Tools 32 Guide unit (second conveying device) 36 First cleaning section (cleaning section) 38 Second cleaning section (cleaning section) 42 bottom side imaging unit (first imaging unit) 44 Side imaging unit (second imaging unit) 46 Memory section 48 Control Unit 50 Blade D1 Horizontal direction (first direction) D2 Up / Down direction (second direction) HWD Horizontal cleaning distance (first cleaning distance) TL tool length TP1 First imaging position TP2 Second imaging position TR tool diameter VWD Vertical cleaning distance (secondary cleaning distance) WP1 First cleaning position WP2 Second cleaning position

Claims

1. A tool evaluation device that evaluates wear of a cutting edge of a tool, a plurality of cleaning units for cleaning the tools at internal cleaning positions; a first imaging unit disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit along a first direction and configured to capture an image of the tool from a second direction at a first imaging position; a second imaging unit that is disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit at a position farther away from the first imaging unit along the first direction and that captures an image of the tool from the first direction at a second imaging position; a first conveyance device including a tool holding unit that holds the tool and a rotation unit that rotates the tool holding unit, and that conveys the tool along the first direction between the cleaning position, the first imaging position, and the second imaging position; a second transport device that moves the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit relative to the first transport device along the second direction; Equipped with A tool evaluation device characterized by evaluating wear of the cutting edge of the tool using images of the tool captured by the first imaging unit and / or the second imaging unit.

2. 2. The tool evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cleaning units include a first cleaning unit configured to immerse the cutting edge in a cleaning liquid, and a second cleaning unit configured to blow compressed air onto the cutting edge.

3. The tool evaluation device according to claim 2 , wherein the first cleaning unit is configured to rotate the cutting edge immersed in the cleaning liquid.

4. The tool evaluation device according to claim 2 , wherein the compressed air in the second cleaning section is generated by a pulse air method.

5. The tool evaluation device according to claim 2 , wherein the first cleaning unit is configured to supply compressed air to the cleaning liquid in which the cutting edge is immersed.

6. The tool evaluation device according to claim 2 , wherein the second cleaning unit is configured to spray mist, which is a mixture of compressed air and cleaning liquid, at high pressure, and includes a mist suction device for sucking the mist.

7. a storage unit for storing a tool diameter, which is the diameter of the tool; a control unit that is disposed inside the cleaning unit and controls the transport of the tool by the first transport device along the first direction, with reference to the tool diameter, so as to ensure a first cleaning distance between a tip of a nozzle that opens along the first direction and an outer circumferential surface of the tool transported to the cleaning position. The tool evaluation device according to claim 1 .

8. a storage unit for storing a tool length, which is the length of the tool; a control unit that is disposed inside the cleaning unit and controls relative movement of the second transport device along the second direction with respect to the first transport device, referring to the tool length, so as to ensure a second cleaning distance between a tip of a nozzle that opens along the second direction and an outer circumferential surface of the tool transported to the cleaning position. The tool evaluation device according to claim 1 .

9. A tool evaluation device that evaluates wear of a cutting edge of a tool, a plurality of cleaning units for cleaning the tools at internal cleaning positions; a first imaging unit disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit along a first direction and configured to capture an image of the tool from a second direction at a first imaging position; a second imaging unit that is disposed adjacent to the cleaning unit at a position closer than the first imaging unit along the first direction and that captures an image of the tool from the first direction at a second imaging position; a first conveyance device including a tool holding unit that holds the tool and a rotation unit that rotates the tool holding unit, and that conveys the tool along the first direction between the cleaning position, the first imaging position, and the second imaging position; a second transport device that moves the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit relative to the first transport device along the second direction; Equipped with A tool evaluation device characterized by evaluating wear of the cutting edge of the tool using images of the tool captured by the first imaging unit and / or the second imaging unit.

Images