Blade Case

Abstract

To provide a blade case that is able to prevent damage to a cutting blade when the cutting blade is attached.SOLUTION: A blade case is configured to hold a cutting blade which includes: a hub base having an insertion hole provided in a central part thereof, into which a boss portion of a blade mount fixed to a spindle is inserted and a grip portion that is gripped by a worker; and a cutting blade provided on an outer peripheral portion of the hub base. The blade case includes: a reception body having a reception portion for receiving the cutting blade; and a lid body for closing and opening the reception portion. The reception body has: a projecting portion projecting from a bottom surface of the reception portion, formed so as to correspond to a contour of the boss portion, and that is inserted into an insertion hole of the cutting blade; a positioning projection which projects from a tip part of the projecting portion and is fitted in a recess provided in a spindle or the boss portion; and cut-off portions which are provided on a bottom surface side of the reception portion so as to penetrate through the reception body, and exposes a part of the grip portion of the cutting blade received in the reception portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a blade case that houses a cutting blade. [Background technology]

[0002] A wafer on which a plurality of devices are formed is divided and singulated to produce a plurality of device chips, each including a device. Furthermore, a package substrate is obtained by mounting a plurality of device chips on a mounting substrate and covering the device chips with a resin sealing material (mold resin). The package substrate is divided and singulated to produce a plurality of packaged devices, each including a plurality of packaged device chips. The device chips and packaged devices are incorporated into various electronic devices such as mobile phones and personal computers.

[0003] A cutting device is used to divide workpieces such as wafers and package substrates. The cutting device includes a chuck table that holds the workpiece and a cutting unit that performs cutting on the workpiece. The cutting unit includes a spindle and a blade mount fixed to the tip of the spindle, and an annular cutting blade that cuts the workpiece is attached to the blade mount.

[0004] For example, a cutting blade is attached to a blade mount using a blade attachment jig for guiding the cutting blade to the blade mount, and is fixed with a fixing nut (see Patent Document 1).Then, the spindle is rotated, and the cutting blade cuts into the workpiece held by the chuck table, thereby cutting the workpiece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-104086 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Cutting blades are stored in a dedicated storage case (blade case). When attaching a cutting blade to a blade mount, an operator first opens the blade case and removes the cutting blade from the blade case by grasping it with his or her fingers. The operator then transports the cutting blade and positions it in front of the blade mount, and attaches the cutting blade to the blade mount using, for example, a blade attachment jig.

[0007] However, when an operator removes a cutting blade from a blade case, the operator may accidentally drop the cutting blade, damaging the cutting edge. Furthermore, the components constituting the cutting device are densely packed inside, and many parts are located around the blade mount. Therefore, when an operator positions the cutting blade in front of the blade mount, the cutting blade may accidentally come into contact with a part of the processing device, damaging the cutting edge.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a blade case that can prevent damage to a cutting blade when the cutting blade is attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blade case for accommodating a cutting blade, the blade case comprising a hub base having a grip portion to be gripped by an operator and an insertion hole provided in the center thereof for inserting a boss portion of a blade mount fixed to a spindle, and a cutting blade provided on the outer periphery of the hub base, the blade case comprising: a housing body having a housing portion for accommodating the cutting blade; and a lid body for closing and opening the housing portion, the housing body protruding from the bottom surface of the housing portion. Corresponding to the contour of the bossand a cutout portion formed on the bottom side of the accommodating portion so as to penetrate the accommodating body and exposes a part of the gripping portion of the cutting blade accommodated in the accommodating portion, the cutout portion being sized to enable the operator to grip the gripping portion of the cutting blade accommodated in the accommodating portion through the cutout portion, and the positioning convex portion being fitted into the concave portion, thereby aligning the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion with the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion, thereby enabling the cutting blade to be moved from the protrusion to the boss portion.

[0010] Preferably, the container further includes a support portion that protrudes from the bottom surface of the container portion and supports the grip portion of the cutting blade. ,circle Preferably, the container is formed in a columnar shape. so as to protrude from the tip surface of the positioning protrusion a blade mount provided on a fixture that fixes the blade mount to the spindle; Located inside the recess The container further has a fitting portion that is fitted into the fitting hole. so as to protrude from the tip surface of the positioning protrusion The spindle the bottom side of the recess The connector further has a fitting portion that is fitted into a fitting hole provided in the connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] A blade case according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing including a protrusion inserted into an insertion hole of a cutting blade and a positioning protrusion projecting from the tip of the protrusion and fitting into a recess provided in a spindle or boss. An operator can then transport the cutting blade together with the housing and fit the positioning protrusion into the recess, thereby easily aligning the cutting blade with the boss and smoothly attaching the cutting blade to the blade mount.

[0012] As described above, by transporting the cutting blade together with the housing, it is not necessary to remove the cutting blade from the blade case before transport. This prevents the operator from accidentally dropping the cutting blade when removing it from the blade case, which could damage the cutting edge of the cutting blade. Furthermore, when the cutting blade is transported together with the housing, the cutting blade remains housed in the housing until it is positioned in front of the blade mount. This prevents the operator from accidentally bringing the cutting blade into contact with parts of the cutting device and damaging the cutting edge of the cutting blade. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(A) is a perspective view showing the front surface side of a cutting blade, and FIG. 1(B) is a perspective view showing the back surface side of the cutting blade. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cutting unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting unit, and FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting unit in a state where the blade mount is fixed to the spindle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view showing the blade case, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the blade case. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is a perspective view showing a blade case that houses a cutting blade, and FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the blade case that houses a cutting blade. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cutting blade housed in a blade case. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade and container positioned in front of the blade mount, and Figure 8(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade and container with the positioning protrusion fitted into the recess of the boss portion. [Figure 9]FIG. 9(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade and the container when the cutting blade is attached to the blade mount, and FIG. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade fixed to the blade mount. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a container according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade and container positioned in front of the blade mount, and Figure 11(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade and container with the fitting portion fitted into the screw fitting hole. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a cutting unit according to a modified example, and FIG. 12(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting unit according to the modified example in a state where the blade mount is fixed to the spindle. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a container according to a second modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade and container positioned in front of the blade mount, and Figure 14(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade and container with the positioning protrusion fitted into the recess of the spindle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an example of the configuration of a cutting blade that can be housed in the blade case according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1(A) is a perspective view showing the front side of the cutting blade 2, and Fig. 1(B) is a perspective view showing the back side of the cutting blade 2.

[0015] The cutting blade 2 is an annular processing tool capable of cutting a workpiece, and includes an annular hub base 4 and an annular cutting edge 6 provided on the outer periphery of the hub base 4. The cutting blade 2 is also called a hub-type cutting blade (hub blade).

[0016] The hub base 4 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, and has a first surface (front surface) 4a and a second surface (back surface) 4b. A cylindrical gripping portion (protrusion) 4c is provided in the center of the hub base 4, protruding from the first surface 4a in the thickness direction of the hub base 4. The diameter of the gripping portion 4c is smaller than the diameter of the hub base 4, and the gripping portion 4c is formed concentrically with the hub base 4. The gripping portion 4c corresponds to the part that is gripped by an operator when transporting or attaching / detaching the cutting blade 2.

[0017] Furthermore, a cylindrical insertion hole (through hole) 4d is provided in the center of the hub base 4, penetrating the hub base 4 in the thickness direction. The diameter of the insertion hole 4d is smaller than the diameter of the grip portion 4c, and the insertion hole 4d is formed concentrically with the hub base 4 and the grip portion 4c.

[0018] An annular cutting edge 6 is provided along the outer periphery of the hub base 4 on the second surface 4b side of the outer periphery. The outer diameter of the cutting edge 6 is larger than the diameter of the hub base 4, and the cutting edge 6 protrudes from the outer periphery of the hub base 4 toward the outside in the radial direction of the hub base 4. For example, the cutting edge 6 is made of an electroformed grinding stone containing abrasive grains made of diamond or the like and a binder such as a nickel-plated layer that secures the abrasive grains in place. However, the material of the abrasive grains, the particle size of the abrasive grains, the material of the binder, etc. are selected appropriately depending on the material of the workpiece, etc.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the cutting device 10. The cutting blade 2 is attached to the cutting device 10 and cuts the workpiece. In Fig. 2, the X-axis direction (processing feed direction, first horizontal direction, left-right direction) and the Y-axis direction (indexing feed direction, second horizontal direction, front-rear direction) are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis direction (vertical direction, up-down direction, height direction) is perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0020] The cutting device 10 includes a base 12 that supports or houses each of the components that make up the cutting device 10. A rectangular parallelepiped opening 12a is provided at a corner on the front end side of the base 12. A cassette support table 14 that moves (lifts and lowers) along the Z-axis direction by an elevation mechanism (not shown) is provided inside the opening 12a. A cassette 16 that can house multiple workpieces 11 to be machined by the cutting device 10 is mounted on the cassette support table 14. Note that in FIG. 2, only the outline of the cassette 16 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0021] For example, the workpiece 11 is a disk-shaped wafer made of a semiconductor material such as silicon, and has a front surface and a back surface that are generally parallel to each other. The workpiece 11 is divided into a plurality of rectangular regions by a plurality of streets (planned division lines) that are arranged in a grid pattern so as to intersect with each other.

[0022] Devices such as ICs (Integrated Circuits), LSIs (Large Scale Integration), LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) devices, etc. are formed in each of the multiple regions partitioned by the streets of the workpiece 11. By cutting and dividing the workpiece 11 along the streets with the cutting device 10, multiple device chips each equipped with a device are manufactured.

[0023] However, there are no limitations on the material, shape, structure, size, etc. of the workpiece 11. For example, the workpiece 11 may be a wafer (substrate) made of a semiconductor other than silicon (GaAs, InP, GaN, SiC, etc.), sapphire, glass (quartz glass, borosilicate glass, etc.), resin, ceramics, metal, etc. Furthermore, there are no limitations on the type, number, shape, structure, size, arrangement, etc. of devices, and the workpiece 11 does not necessarily have to have any devices formed thereon.

[0024] Furthermore, the workpiece 11 may be a package substrate such as a CSP (Chip Size Package) substrate or a QFN (Quad Flat Non-leaded package) substrate. For example, a package substrate is formed by sealing a plurality of device chips mounted on a base substrate with a resin layer (mold resin). By dividing and singulating the package substrate using the cutting device 10, a plurality of package devices each including a plurality of packaged device chips are manufactured.

[0025] When the workpiece 11 is machined by the cutting device 10, the workpiece 11 is supported by an annular frame 13 for ease of handling (transporting, holding, etc.) the workpiece 11. The frame 13 is made of a metal such as SUS (stainless steel). A circular opening having a diameter larger than the workpiece 11 is provided in the center of the frame 13 so as to penetrate the frame 13 in the thickness direction. The workpiece 11 is placed inside the opening of the frame 13.

[0026] Tape 15 is attached to workpiece 11 and frame 13. Tape 15 includes a circular film-like substrate and an adhesive layer (glue layer) provided on the substrate. For example, the substrate is made of a resin such as polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, or polyethylene terephthalate. The adhesive layer is made of an epoxy-based, acrylic-based, or rubber-based adhesive. The adhesive layer may be an ultraviolet-curable resin that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light.

[0027] When the center of the tape 15 is attached to the back side of the workpiece 11 and the outer periphery of the tape 15 is attached to the frame 13, the workpiece 11 is supported by the frame 13 via the tape 15. Then, the workpiece 11 is housed in the cassette 16 while being supported by the frame 13.

[0028] A first transport mechanism (first transport unit) 18 that holds and transports the workpiece 11 is provided behind the opening 12a. The first transport mechanism 18 is configured to be movable along the Y-axis direction, and transports the workpiece 11 out of the cassette 16 and transports the workpiece 11 into the cassette 16. A gripper 18a that grips the frame 13 is provided at the end of the first transport mechanism 18 on the opening 12a side (cassette 16 side).

[0029] Between the opening 12a (cassette 16) and the first transport mechanism 18, there is provided a temporary placement area 20 where the workpiece 11 carried out from the cassette 16 or the workpiece 11 to be carried into the cassette 16 is temporarily placed. A pair of guide rails 22 arranged generally parallel to each other along the Y-axis direction is provided in the temporary placement area 20. The pair of guide rails 22 move toward and away from each other along the X-axis direction. The pair of guide rails 22 sandwich the frame 13, thereby aligning the workpiece 11.

[0030] A second transport mechanism (second transport unit) 24 that holds and transports the workpiece 11 is provided near the temporary placement area 20. For example, the second transport mechanism 24 includes a plurality of suction pads that hold the upper surface of the frame 13 by suction.

[0031] A rectangular parallelepiped opening 12b is provided on the side of opening 12a, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the X-axis direction. A chuck table (holding table) 26 for holding workpiece 11 is provided inside opening 12b. A moving mechanism (moving unit) 28 for moving chuck table 26 along the X-axis direction is connected to chuck table 26.

[0032] Movement mechanism 28 is, for example, a ball screw type movement mechanism, and includes an X-axis ball screw (not shown) arranged along the X-axis direction, and an X-axis pulse motor (not shown) that rotates the X-axis ball screw. Movement mechanism 28 also includes a flat table cover 30 provided to surround chuck table 26. Bellows-shaped dust-proof and drip-proof covers 32 that are extendable and contractible along the X-axis direction are provided on both sides of table cover 30. Table cover 30 and dust-proof and drip-proof covers 32 are provided to cover the components of movement mechanism 28 (X-axis ball screw, X-axis pulse motor, etc.) that are arranged inside opening 12b.

[0033] The upper surface of the chuck table 26 is a flat surface that is roughly parallel to the horizontal direction (XY plane direction) and constitutes a holding surface 26a that holds the workpiece 11. The holding surface 26a is connected to a suction source (not shown) such as an ejector via a flow path (not shown), a valve (not shown), and the like that are provided inside the chuck table 26. In addition, a plurality of clamps 34 (four in FIG. 2) that grip and fix the frame 13 are provided around the periphery of the chuck table 26.

[0034] The moving mechanism 28 moves the chuck table 26 along the X-axis direction together with the table cover 30. The moving mechanism 28 positions the chuck table 26 between a transfer area A where the workpiece 11 is transferred and a processing area B where the workpiece 11 is processed. The chuck table 26 is also connected to a rotation drive source (not shown), such as a motor, that rotates the chuck table 26 around a rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The processing area B is provided with a cutting unit 36 ​​that performs cutting processing on the workpiece 11. As will be described later, a cutting blade 2 is attached to the cutting unit 36. The cutting unit 36 ​​cuts the workpiece 11 by rotating the cutting blade 2 and cutting into the workpiece 11 held by the chuck table 26.

[0036] A movement mechanism (movement unit, not shown) that moves the cutting unit 36 ​​along the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is connected to the cutting unit 36. For example, the movement mechanism is a ball screw type movement mechanism that includes a Y-axis ball screw arranged along the Y-axis direction, a Y-axis pulse motor that rotates the Y-axis ball screw, a Z-axis ball screw arranged along the Z-axis direction, and a Z-axis pulse motor that rotates the Z-axis ball screw. The movement mechanism adjusts the positions of the cutting unit 36 ​​and the cutting blade 2 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0037] An imaging unit 38 is provided at a position overlapping with the movement path (between the transport area A and the processing area B) of the chuck table 26. The imaging unit 38 is equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charged-Coupled Devices) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor, and captures an image of the workpiece 11 held by the chuck table 26. For example, the imaging unit 38 may be a visible light camera equipped with an imaging element that receives visible light and converts it into an electrical signal, or an infrared camera equipped with an imaging element that receives infrared light and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0038] A cleaning mechanism (cleaning unit) 40 for cleaning the workpiece 11 is provided behind the chuck table 26. For example, the cleaning mechanism 40 includes a spinner table that holds and rotates the workpiece 11, and a nozzle that supplies cleaning fluid toward the workpiece 11 held by the spinner table. The cleaning fluid may be a liquid such as pure water, or a mixed fluid obtained by mixing a liquid (such as pure water) with a gas (such as air).

[0039] A third transport mechanism (third transport unit) 42 is provided above the cleaning mechanism 40, which holds the workpiece 11 and transports it between the chuck table 26 and the cleaning mechanism 40. For example, the third transport mechanism 42 includes a plurality of suction pads that hold the upper surface of the frame 13 by suction.

[0040] A support stand 44 is provided behind the processing area B, and a display unit (display section, display device) 46 is mounted on the support stand 44. In addition, an input unit (input section, input device) 48 for inputting various information (processing conditions, etc.) to the cutting device 10 is provided at the front end of the base 12.

[0041] Various types of displays are used as the display unit 46. An operation panel with multiple operation keys, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like is used as the input unit 48. The cutting device 10 may be equipped with a touch panel display that functions as a user interface. In this case, the touch panel display functions as the display unit 46 and the input unit 48. The operator then inputs various types of information to the cutting device 10 by touching the touch panel display.

[0042] Each of the components that make up the cutting device 10 (such as the cassette support table 14, first transport mechanism 18, guide rails 22, second transport mechanism 24, chuck table 26, moving mechanism 28, clamps 34, cutting unit 36, imaging unit 38, cleaning mechanism 40, third transport mechanism 42, display unit 46, input unit 48, etc.) is connected to a control unit (control unit, control device) 50. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the cutting device 10 by generating and outputting control signals that control the operation of each component of the cutting device 10.

[0043] For example, the control unit 50 is configured by a computer and includes a calculation section that performs calculations necessary for the operation of the cutting device 10, and a storage section that stores various information (data, programs, etc.) necessary for the operation of the cutting device 10. The calculation section includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage section includes memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that function as a main storage device, auxiliary storage device, etc.

[0044] The workpiece 11 is machined by the cutting device 10. Specifically, first, the first transport mechanism 18 moves toward the cassette 16 and grips the end of the frame 13 housed in the cassette 16 with the gripping portion 18a. Then, the first transport mechanism 18 moves away from the cassette 16 along the Y-axis direction. As a result, the workpiece 11 is pulled out of the cassette 16 and placed on the pair of guide rails 22.

[0045] The pair of guide rails 22 move toward each other while supporting the frame 13 from below, sandwiching the frame 13. This aligns the position of the workpiece 11. The workpiece 11 is then sucked and held by the second transport mechanism 24, and transported to a chuck table 26 positioned in the transport area A.

[0046] The workpiece 11 is placed on the holding surface 26a of the chuck table 26 via the tape 15. In addition, the frame 13 is fixed by a plurality of clamps 34. In this state, when the suction force (negative pressure) of the suction source is applied to the holding surface 26a, the workpiece 11 is sucked and held by the chuck table 26 via the tape 15. Then, the chuck table 26 holding the workpiece 11 is positioned in the processing area B by the moving mechanism 28.

[0047] Next, the workpiece 11 is cut by the cutting blade 2 attached to the cutting unit 36. For example, with the lower end of the cutting blade 2 positioned below the lower surface of the workpiece 11 (the upper surface of the tape 15), the chuck table 26 is moved along the X-axis direction while rotating the cutting blade 2 (processing feed). As a result, the chuck table 26 and the cutting unit 36 ​​move relatively along the X-axis direction, and the rotating cutting blade 2 cuts into the workpiece 11. As a result, the workpiece 11 is cut and divided.

[0048] When cutting of the workpiece 11 is completed, the workpiece 11 is transported from the chuck table 26 to the cleaning mechanism 40 by the third transport mechanism 42, and is held by the spinner table of the cleaning mechanism 40. Then, the workpiece 11 is cleaned by supplying a cleaning fluid from a nozzle toward the workpiece 11 while the spinner table is rotating.

[0049] After cleaning, the workpiece 11 is transported onto the pair of guide rails 22 by the second transport mechanism 24, and the workpiece 11 is aligned by the pair of guide rails 22. Thereafter, the first transport mechanism 18 grips the frame 13 with the gripping portion 18a and transports the workpiece 11, and the workpiece 11 is stored in the cassette 16.

[0050] 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the cutting unit 36. The cutting unit 36 ​​includes a cylindrical housing 52. The housing 52 accommodates a columnar spindle 54 arranged along the Y-axis direction. The tip (one end) of the spindle 54 is exposed to the outside of the housing 52, and is provided with a threaded hole 54a. A rotary drive source (not shown), such as a motor, that rotates the spindle 54 is connected to the base end (the other end) of the spindle 54.

[0051] A blade mount 56 is fixed to the tip of the spindle 54. The blade mount 56 includes a disk-shaped flange portion 58 and a cylindrical boss portion (support shaft) 60 connected to the flange portion 58. The boss portion 60 is formed so as to protrude from the center of a surface 58a of the flange portion 58 in the thickness direction of the flange portion 58.

[0052] An annular protrusion 58b is provided on the outer periphery of the flange portion 58, protruding from a surface 58a of the flange portion 58. The tip surface of the protrusion 58b is a flat surface that is generally parallel to the surface 58a, and forms an annular support surface 58c that supports the cutting blade 2. In addition, a male thread portion (thread groove) 60a is provided on the outer periphery of the tip portion of the boss portion 60.

[0053] 4(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting unit 36. An insertion hole 56a into which the tip of the spindle 54 is inserted is provided on the back side of the blade mount 56. A cylindrical recess (groove) 60b is provided on the tip surface side of the boss portion 60. Furthermore, a through hole 60c that connects the insertion hole 56a and the recess 60b is provided on the bottom surface side of the recess 60b. The diameter of the through hole 60c is smaller than the diameter of the recess 60b, and the through hole 60c is formed concentrically with the recess 60b.

[0054] The blade mount 56 is attached to the spindle 54 so that the tip of the spindle 54 is inserted into the insertion hole 56a, thereby connecting the recess 60b of the boss portion 60 and the screw hole 54a of the spindle 54 via the through hole 60c.

[0055] The blade mount 56 is fixed to the tip of the spindle 54 by a screw (fixture) 62. The head of the screw 62 is provided with a fitting hole (recess) 62a into which a tool (such as a hexagonal wrench) for rotating the screw 62 is inserted.

[0056] The screw 62 is threaded into the threaded hole 54a of the spindle 54 through the recess 60b and through hole 60c of the boss portion 60 and tightened. As a result, the blade mount 56 is clamped between the spindle 54 and the screw 62, and the blade mount 56 is fixed to the spindle 54. FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting unit 36 ​​with the blade mount 56 fixed to the spindle 54.

[0057] 3, the cutting blade 2 is attached to the blade mount 56, and the cutting blade 2 is fixed to the blade mount 56 by an annular fixing nut (fixing device) 64. A cylindrical through-hole 64a is provided in the center of the fixing nut 64, penetrating the fixing nut 64 in the thickness direction. The through-hole 64a is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the boss portion 60. Furthermore, a female thread portion (thread groove) corresponding to the male thread portion 60a of the boss portion 60 is provided on the side surface (inner peripheral surface) of the fixing nut 64 exposed at the through-hole 64a.

[0058] When the boss portion 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 4d of the cutting blade 2, the cutting blade 2 is attached to the blade mount 56. Then, the fixing nut 64 is screwed onto the male thread portion 60a of the boss portion 60 and fastened. As a result, the cutting blade 2 is clamped between the support surface 58c of the flange portion 58 and the fixing nut 64, and fixed to the blade mount 56. Then, the cutting blade 2 rotates around a rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the Y-axis direction by power transmitted from the rotation drive source via the spindle 54 and the blade mount 56.

[0059] The cutting blade 2 that is not attached to the blade mount 56 is stored in a dedicated case (blade case). When cutting the workpiece 11 using the cutting blade 2, the worker opens the blade case and attaches the cutting blade 2 housed in the blade case to the blade mount 56. An example of the configuration of the blade case according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0060] Fig. 5(A) is a perspective view showing the blade case 70, and Fig. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the blade case 70. The blade case 70 includes a housing (main body) 72 that houses the cutting blade 2, and a lid (lid portion) 86 that closes and opens the housing 72.

[0061] The container 72 has a disk-shaped bottom plate 74 and an annular frame 76 provided on the upper surface side of the bottom plate 74. The frame 76 is formed in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the bottom plate 74 so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate 74.

[0062] The area surrounded by the frame body 76 corresponds to a cylindrical storage section 78 that stores the cutting blade 2. In other words, the storage section 78 is defined by the upper surface of the bottom plate 74 and the frame body 76. A bottom surface 78a of the storage section 78 corresponds to part of the upper surface of the bottom plate 74, and the side surface of the storage section 78 corresponds to the inner wall of the frame body 76. The frame body 76 is formed so that the diameter of the storage section 78 (the inner diameter of the frame body 76) is larger than the diameter of the cutting blade 2.

[0063] A protrusion 80 is provided in the center of the storage section 78. For example, the protrusion 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to protrude upward from the bottom surface 78a of the storage section 78 along the thickness direction of the bottom plate 74. The height of the protrusion 80 is equal to or greater than the height of the frame body 76, and the diameter of the protrusion 80 is equal to or less than the diameter of the insertion hole 4d of the cutting blade 2 (see FIG. 1(A) etc.). As will be described later, when the cutting blade 2 is stored in the storage section 78, the protrusion 80 is inserted into the insertion hole 4d of the cutting blade 2 (see FIG. 7).

[0064] A positioning protrusion 82 is provided at the tip (upper end) of the protrusion 80. For example, the positioning protrusion 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to protrude upward from the tip of the protrusion 80 along the height direction of the protrusion 80. The diameter of the positioning protrusion 82 is smaller than the diameter of the protrusion 80, and the positioning protrusion 82 is formed concentrically with the protrusion 80. This forms a step at the tip of the protrusion 80. As will be described later, when the cutting blade 2 is attached to the blade mount 56, the positioning protrusion 82 is fitted into a recess 60b provided in the boss portion 60 of the blade mount 56 (see FIG. 8(B)).

[0065] The storage section 78 is also provided with a pair of support portions 84 that support the grip portion 4c of the cutting blade 2 (see FIG. 1(A) and other figures). The pair of support portions 84 are formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface 78a of the storage section 78 along the thickness direction of the bottom plate 74. For example, the pair of support portions 84 are formed in an arc shape that follows the frame body 76, and are arranged so that the protrusion portion 80 is sandwiched between the frame body 76 and the protrusion portion 80. The upper surfaces of the support portions 84 form a flat support surface that supports the grip portion 4c of the cutting blade 2.

[0066] The dimensions of the frame body 76 and the support portion 84 are set according to the dimensions of the cutting blade 2. Specifically, the heights of the frame body 76 and the support portion 84 are set so that the difference in height between the upper surface of the frame body 76 and the upper surface of the support portion 84 is greater than the thickness of the cutting blade 2.

[0067] There is no limitation on the number, size, or shape of the support parts 84 as long as the grip part 4c of the cutting blade 2 can be supported by the support parts 84. Furthermore, the housing body 72 does not need to be equipped with the support parts 84. In this case, the bottom surface 78a of the housing part 78 (the upper surface of the bottom plate 74) forms the support surface that supports the grip part 4c of the cutting blade 2.

[0068] Furthermore, a pair of cutouts (through holes) 74a penetrating the container 72 is provided on the bottom surface 78a side of the container 78. Specifically, the pair of cutouts 74a penetrating the bottom plate 74 in the thickness direction are formed in an area of ​​the bottom plate 74 where the protruding portion 80 and the supporting portion 84 are not provided. For example, the pair of cutouts 74a are formed in an arch shape along the frame body 76 and are arranged so as to sandwich the protruding portion 80 and the supporting portion 84 therebetween.

[0069] The lid 86 is a member that closes and opens the storage section 78 of the storage body 72, and is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape with approximately the same diameter as the bottom plate 74 of the storage body 72. A cylindrical recess 86b (see FIG. 5(B)) is provided on the underside 86a of the lid 86. For example, the diameter of the recess 86b is equal to the outer diameter of the frame 76, and the depth of the recess 86b is equal to the height of the frame 76.

[0070] A cylindrical through-hole 86c is provided in the center of the bottom side of the recess 86b, penetrating the lid 86 in the thickness direction. The diameter of the through-hole 86c is equal to or greater than the diameter of the protrusion 80 of the container 72, and the tip of the protrusion 80 is inserted into the through-hole 86c (see FIG. 7).

[0071] There are no limitations on the materials used for the container 72 (bottom plate 74, frame 76, protrusions 80, positioning protrusions 82, and support portions 84) and the lid 86. For example, the container 72 and the lid 86 may be made of resin such as transparent plastic.

[0072] 6(A) is a perspective view showing the blade case 70 that houses the cutting blade 2, and FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the blade case 70 that houses the cutting blade 2. When housing the cutting blade 2 in the blade case 70, first, the grip portion 4c side of the cutting blade 2 is faced to the housing body 72. Then, the cutting blade 2 is placed in the housing portion 78 so that the protrusion 80 is inserted into the insertion hole 4d of the cutting blade 2. As a result, the cutting blade 2 is housed in the housing portion 78, and a part of the grip portion 4c is supported by the support portion 84.

[0073] As described above, the support portion 84 may not be provided on the housing 72, and the grip portion 4c of the cutting blade 2 may be supported by the bottom surface 78a of the housing portion 78. However, if the support portion 84 is provided, the contact area between the cutting blade 2 and the housing 72 will be reduced. This will prevent foreign matter such as dust or debris from adhering to the cutting blade 2 if it is attached to the bottom surface 78a of the housing portion 78.

[0074] Next, the lid 86 is placed over the housing 72 so that the frame 76 of the housing 72 fits inside the recess 86b of the lid 86. As a result, the housing section 78 of the housing 72 is closed by the lid 86, and the cutting blade 2 is covered by the housing 72 and the lid 86. In this way, the cutting blade 2 is housed in the blade case 70.

[0075] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cutting blade 2 housed in a blade case 70. A pair of cutouts 74a are provided in the housing 72, and the pair of cutouts 74a expose a part of the gripping portion 4c (the part overlapping with the cutouts 74a) of the cutting blade 2 housed in the housing portion 78 from the housing 72. In addition, by inserting the tip of the protrusion 80 of the housing 72 into the through-hole 86c of the lid 86, interference between the protrusion 80 and the lid 86 is avoided.

[0076] Next, a cutting blade mounting method will be described, in which the cutting blade 2 housed in the blade case 70 is mounted on the blade mount 56 of the cutting unit 36. When mounting the cutting blade 2, the cover 86 is removed from the housing 72 housing the cutting blade 2. This opens the housing section 78 of the housing 72, exposing the second surface 4b side (cutting edge 6 side) of the cutting blade 2.

[0077] Then, the operator first holds the cutting blade 2 together with the container 72 and positions it in front of the blade mount 56. Figure 8(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 and container 72 positioned in front of the blade mount 56.

[0078] The pair of cutouts 74a provided in the housing 72 are sized to allow an operator's fingers to be inserted therein. Then, for example, the operator inserts two fingers (e.g., thumb and index finger) into the pair of cutouts 74a and grips the grip portion 4c of the cutting blade 2 housed in the housing 78 with the two fingers. Then, the operator transports the cutting blade 2 together with the housing 72 to the front of the cutting unit 36 ​​and faces the second surface 4b side (cutting edge 6 side) of the cutting blade 2 to the blade mount 56.

[0079] Next, the worker brings the cutting blade 2 and the container 72 close to the blade mount 56 and inserts the positioning protrusion 82 of the container 72 into the recess 60b of the boss 60. This causes the positioning protrusion 82 to fit into the recess 60b of the boss 60. FIG. 8(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 and the container 72 in a state where the positioning protrusion 82 is fitted into the recess 60b of the boss 60.

[0080] Here, the positioning protrusion 82 is formed to correspond to the contour of the recess 60b of the boss portion 60. Specifically, the diameter of the recess 60b of the boss portion 60 and the diameter of the positioning protrusion 82 are approximately equal. For example, the difference between the diameter of the recess 60b of the boss portion 60 and the diameter of the positioning protrusion 82 is 1 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less. Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 82 is formed concentrically with the protrusion 80, and the recess 60b is formed concentrically with the boss portion 60. Therefore, when the positioning protrusion 82 is fitted into the recess 60b of the boss portion 60, the boss portion 60 and the protrusion 80 are arranged concentrically.

[0081] Note that the shape of the positioning protrusion 82 can be changed as appropriate, as long as the positioning protrusion 82 can be fitted into the recess 60b of the boss portion 60. For example, the positioning protrusion 82 may be formed in a quadrangular prism shape. In this case, the dimensions of the positioning protrusion 82 are set so that the length of the diagonal of the tip surface (quadrangle) of the positioning protrusion 82 and the diameter of the recess 60b of the boss portion 60 are approximately equal. The positioning protrusion 82 may also be formed in a triangular prism shape. In this case, the dimensions of the positioning protrusion 82 are set so that the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the tip surface (triangle) of the positioning protrusion 82 and the diameter of the recess 60b of the boss portion 60 are approximately equal.

[0082] Furthermore, the protrusion 80 is formed to correspond to the contour of the boss portion 60. Specifically, the diameter of the boss portion 60 and the diameter of the protrusion 80 are approximately equal, and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 80 corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 60. For example, the difference between the diameter of the boss portion 60 and the diameter of the protrusion 80 is 2 mm or less, preferably 1 mm or less. Therefore, when the positioning protrusion 82 is fitted into the recess 60b of the boss portion 60, the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 80 are arranged on approximately the same plane. This allows the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 80 to be aligned.

[0083] The shape of the protrusion 80 can be changed as appropriate, as long as the contour of the protrusion 80 corresponds to the contour of the boss portion 60. For example, the protrusion 80 may be formed in a quadrangular prism shape. In this case, the dimensions of the protrusion 80 are set so that the length of the diagonal of the tip surface (quadrangle) of the protrusion 80 and the diameter of the boss portion 60 are approximately equal. The protrusion 80 may also be formed in a triangular prism shape. In this case, the dimensions of the protrusion 80 are set so that the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the tip surface (triangle) of the protrusion 80 and the diameter of the boss portion 60 are approximately equal.

[0084] Next, the worker moves the cutting blade 2 toward the blade mount 56 and attaches the cutting blade 2 to the blade mount 56. FIG. 9(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 and the container 72 when the cutting blade 2 is attached to the blade mount 56.

[0085] While holding the container 72 between the hand and the tip of the boss portion 60, the operator moves the two fingers gripping the grip portion 4c of the cutting blade 2 toward the flange portion 58. This causes the cutting blade 2 to slide along the protrusion 80 and the boss portion 60, reach the support surface 58c of the flange portion 58, and be attached to the blade mount 56. In other words, the protrusion 80 functions as a guide that leads the cutting blade 2 to the boss portion 60.

[0086] If the diameter of the boss portion 60 and the diameter of the protrusion 80 do not completely match, but there is a slight difference between them (for example, 2 mm or less), it is preferable that the diameter of the protrusion 80 is larger than the diameter of the boss portion 60. This prevents the sliding of the cutting blade 2 from being hindered by a step formed in the contact area between the boss portion 60 and the protrusion 80.

[0087] After attaching the cutting blade 2 to the blade mount 56, the operator moves the housing 72 away from the front of the blade mount 56. Then, the operator secures the cutting blade 2 to the blade mount 56 with the securing nut 64 (see FIG. 3). FIG. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 secured to the blade mount 56.

[0088] The fixing nut 64 is screwed onto and fastened to the male thread portion 60a of the boss portion 60. As a result, the cutting blade 2 is clamped between the support surface 58c of the flange portion 58 and the fixing nut 64, and fixed to the blade mount 56.

[0089] Through the above procedure, the cutting blade 2 housed in the blade case 70 is attached to the blade mount 56. Although the above describes the case where the cutting blade 2 is manually attached by a person, the cutting blade 2 can also be automatically attached to the blade mount 56 using a conveying mechanism or the like. For example, the worker may be an articulated robot equipped with a robotic hand.

[0090] As described above, the blade case 70 according to this embodiment includes a housing 72 including a protrusion 80 that is inserted into the insertion hole 4d of the cutting blade 2, and a positioning protrusion 82 that protrudes from the tip of the protrusion 80 and fits into the recess 60b of the boss 60. The worker can then transport the cutting blade 2 together with the housing 72 and fit the positioning protrusion 82 into the recess 60b of the boss 60, thereby easily aligning the cutting blade 2 with the boss 60 and smoothly attaching the cutting blade 2 to the blade mount 56.

[0091] As described above, by transporting the cutting blade 2 together with the container 72, it is not necessary to remove the cutting blade 2 from the blade case 70 before transport. This prevents the worker from dropping the cutting blade 2 and damaging the cutting edge 6 of the cutting blade 2 when removing it from the blade case 70.

[0092] Furthermore, when the cutting blade 2 is transported together with the housing 72, the cutting blade 2 remains housed in the housing 72 until it is positioned in front of the blade mount 56. This prevents the operator from accidentally bringing the cutting blade 2 into contact with parts of the cutting device 10 and damaging the cutting edge 6 of the cutting blade 2.

[0093] The housing 72 of the blade case 70 may have a portion (fitting portion) that fits into a hole (fitting hole) other than the recess 60b of the boss portion 60. For example, the housing 72 may include a fitting portion that fits into a fitting hole provided in the spindle 54, the blade mount 56, or a fastener (screw, fixing nut, etc.) that fixes the blade mount 56 to the spindle 54.

[0094] 10 is a perspective view showing a housing body 72A that is a modified example of the housing body 72. The housing body 72A has a fitting portion 90 provided at the tip of the protrusion 80. The configuration of the housing body 72A is the same as that of the housing body 72 (see FIG. 5(A)), except that the housing body 72A has the fitting portion 90.

[0095] For example, the fitting portion 90 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to protrude upward from the tip surface of the positioning protrusion 82. The dimensions of the fitting portion 90 are set so that the contour of the fitting portion 90 corresponds to the contour of the fitting hole 62a (see FIG. 3, etc.) provided in the head of the screw 62. For example, if the fitting hole 62a is formed in a hexagonal shape, the diameter of the fitting portion 90 is set to be equal to the diameter of the inscribed circle of the hexagon.

[0096] However, there are no limitations on the shape of the fitting portion 90 as long as it is possible to fit the fitting portion 90 into the fitting hole 62a of the screw 62. For example, the fitting portion 90 may be formed in the shape of a hexagonal prism, which is roughly the same shape as the fitting hole 62a.

[0097] 11(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 and container 72A positioned in front of the blade mount 56. When attaching the cutting blade 2 to the blade mount 56, the cutting blade 2 is transported together with the container 72A, and the second surface 4b side (cutting edge 6 side) of the cutting blade 2 faces the blade mount 56. In this state, when the cutting blade 2 and container 72A are brought close to the blade mount 56, the positioning protrusion 82 is fitted into the recess 60b of the boss portion 60. Furthermore, the fitting portion 90 is fitted into the fitting hole 62a of the screw 62.

[0098] 11(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 and the container 72A with the fitting portion 90 fitted into the fitting hole 62a of the screw 62. By fitting the fitting portion 90 into the fitting hole 62a of the screw 62, the container 72A is securely fixed to the blade mount 56 when the cutting blade 2 is attached. This makes it less likely that the container 72A will shift out of position or fall off.

[0099] The configuration of the cutting unit 36 ​​to which the cutting blade 2 is attached can be modified as needed. Fig. 12(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a cutting unit 36A, which is a modified example of the cutting unit 36. In the cutting unit 36A, the blade mount 56 is fixed to the spindle 54 by a fixing nut (fixing tool) 66.

[0100] 12A, the same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the cutting unit 36 ​​and the cutting unit 36A. Except for the matters described below, the configuration of the cutting unit 36A is the same as that of the cutting unit 36.

[0101] The blade mount 56 of the cutting unit 36A is provided with a cylindrical insertion hole 56b that penetrates the center of the blade mount 56. The spindle 54 is inserted into the insertion hole 56b so as to penetrate the blade mount 56. As a result, the tip of the spindle 54 protrudes from the tip surface of the boss portion 60.

[0102] A male thread portion (thread groove) 54b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the spindle 54. A cylindrical recess (groove) 54c is provided on the tip surface side of the spindle 54. Furthermore, a cylindrical fitting hole (recess) 54d is provided on the bottom surface side of the recess 54c.

[0103] The blade mount 56 is fixed to the spindle 54 by an annular fixing nut 66. A cylindrical through-hole 66a is provided in the center of the fixing nut 66, penetrating the fixing nut 66 in the thickness direction. The through-hole 66a is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the boss portion 60. In addition, a female thread portion (thread groove) that corresponds to the male thread portion 54b of the spindle 54 is provided on the side surface (inner peripheral surface) of the fixing nut 66 exposed at the through-hole 66a.

[0104] 12(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting unit 36A with the blade mount 56 fixed to the spindle 54. The fixing nut 66 is threaded onto the male thread portion 54b of the spindle 54 and fastened. As a result, the blade mount 56 is clamped between the fixing nut 66 and a support member (not shown) such as a rotary joint attached to the housing 52 (see FIG. 3), and is fixed to the tip of the spindle 54.

[0105] The fixing nut 66 is provided with a plurality of (for example, four) cylindrical fitting holes (through holes) 66b that penetrate the fixing nut 66 in the thickness direction. The fitting holes 66b are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the fixing nut 66.

[0106] 13 is a perspective view showing a container 72B that corresponds to another modified example of the container 72. A positioning protrusion 92, a first fitting portion 94, and a plurality of second fitting portions 96 are provided at the tip of the protrusion 80 of the container 72B. The configuration of the container 72B is the same as that of the container 72 (see FIG. 5(A)), except that the positioning protrusion 82 is replaced by the positioning protrusion 92, the first fitting portion 94, and a plurality of second fitting portions 96.

[0107] For example, the positioning protrusion 92 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to protrude upward from the tip of the protrusion 80 along the height direction of the protrusion 80. The diameter of the positioning protrusion 92 is smaller than the diameter of the protrusion 80, and the positioning protrusion 92 is formed concentrically with the protrusion 80. This forms a step at the tip of the protrusion 80. As will be described later, when the cutting blade 2 is attached to the blade mount 56, the positioning protrusion 92 is fitted into a recess 54c (see FIG. 12(A) etc.) provided in the spindle 54.

[0108] The first fitting portion 94 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to protrude upward from the tip surface of the positioning protrusion 92. The dimensions of the first fitting portion 94 are set so that the contour of the first fitting portion 94 corresponds to the contour of the fitting hole 54d of the spindle 54 (see FIG. 12(A) and the like). For example, the diameter of the first fitting portion 94 is equal to the diameter of the fitting hole 54d of the spindle 54.

[0109] The multiple second fitting portions 96 are formed in a cylindrical shape so as to protrude upward from the tip surface of the protruding portion 80. For example, the number of second fitting portions 96 provided is the same as the number of fitting holes 66b of the fixing nut 66 (see FIG. 12(A) etc.). Furthermore, the dimensions of the second fitting portions 96 are set so that the contours of the second fitting portions 96 correspond to the contours of the fitting holes 66b of the fixing nut 66. For example, the diameter of the second fitting portions 96 is equal to the diameter of the fitting holes 66b of the fixing nut 66.

[0110] 14(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 and the container 72B positioned in front of the blade mount 56. First, the worker transports the cutting blade 2 housed in the container 72B together with the container 72B to the front of the cutting unit 36, and positions the second surface 4b side (cutting edge 6 side) of the cutting blade 2 facing the blade mount 56.

[0111] Next, the worker brings the cutting blade 2 and the container 72B close to the blade mount 56 and inserts the positioning protrusion 92 of the container 72B into the recess 54c of the spindle 54. This causes the positioning protrusion 92 to fit into the recess 54c of the spindle 54. FIG. 14(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the cutting blade 2 and the container 72B in a state where the positioning protrusion 82 is fitted into the recess 54c of the spindle 54.

[0112] Here, the positioning protrusion 92 is formed to correspond to the contour of the recess 54c of the spindle 54. Specifically, the diameter of the recess 54c of the spindle 54 and the diameter of the positioning protrusion 92 are approximately equal. For example, the difference between the diameter of the recess 54c of the spindle 54 and the diameter of the positioning protrusion 92 is set to 1 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less. Furthermore, the positioning protrusion 92 is formed concentrically with the protrusion 80, and the recess 54c is formed concentrically with the spindle 54.

[0113] When the positioning protrusion 92 is fitted into the recess 54c of the spindle 54, the outer peripheral surface of the boss 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 80 are positioned on approximately the same plane. This allows the outer peripheral surfaces of the boss 60 and the protrusion 80 to be aligned.

[0114] Furthermore, when the positioning protrusion 92 is fitted into the recess 54c of the spindle 54, the first fitting portion 94 is fitted into the fitting hole 54d provided at the tip of the spindle 54, and the multiple second fitting portions 96 are each fitted into the fitting holes 66b of the fixing nut 66. This ensures that the container 72B is securely fixed to the blade mount 56 when the cutting blade 2 is attached, making it less likely that the container 72B will shift position or fall off.

[0115] The housing 72B may not be provided with either or both of the first fitting portion 94 and the second fitting portion 96. The housing 72B may also be provided with a fitting portion other than the first fitting portion 94 and the second fitting portion 96.

[0116] In addition, the structure, method, etc. according to this embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 11 Workpiece 13 frames 15 Tape 2 cutting blades 4 Hub Base 4a 1st side (front) 4b Side 2 (back) 4c Grip part (convex part) 4d insertion hole (through hole) 6 cutting edge 10 Cutting equipment 12 Foundation 12a,12b opening 14 Cassette support stand 16 cassettes 18 First transport mechanism (first transport unit) 18a Gripping part 20 Temporary Storage Area 22 Guide rail 24 Second transport mechanism (second transport unit) 26 Chuck table (holding table) 26a Holding surface 28 Mobile mechanism (mobile unit) 30 Table Cover 32 Dustproof / waterproof cover 34 Clamp 36,36A Cutting Unit 38 Imaging unit 40 Cleaning mechanism (cleaning unit) 42 Third transport mechanism (third transport unit) 44 Support stand 46 Display unit (display unit, display device) 48 Input unit (input section, input device) 50 Control unit (control unit, control device) 52 Housing 54 Spindle 54a screw hole 54b Male thread (thread groove) 54c Recess (groove) 54d Fitting hole (recess) 56 Blade Mount 56a, 56b Insertion holes 58 Flange 58a surface 58b Convex part 58c support surface 60 Boss part (support shaft) 60a male thread (thread groove) 60b Recess (groove) 60c through hole 62 Screws (fixing devices) 62a Fitting hole (recess) 64 Fixing nut (fixing device) 64a through hole 66 Fixing nut (fixing device) 66a Through hole 66b Fitting hole (through hole) 70 Blade Case 72, 72A, 72B Housing (main body) 74 Bottom plate 74a Notch (through hole) 76 Frame 78 Storage unit 78a Bottom 80 Protrusion 82 Positioning protrusion 84 Support part 86 Lid body (lid part) 86a Bottom side 86b Recess 86c through hole 90 Fitting part 92 Positioning protrusion 94 First fitting part 96 Second fitting part

Claims

1. A blade case for accommodating a cutting blade, the blade case comprising: a hub base having a grip portion to be held by an operator and an insertion hole provided in the center thereof into which a boss portion of a blade mount fixed to a spindle is inserted; and a cutting blade provided on an outer periphery of the hub base, a housing having a housing portion for housing the cutting blade, and a lid for closing and opening the housing portion; The container is a protrusion that protrudes from a bottom surface of the housing portion and is formed to correspond to the contour of the boss portion, and is inserted into the insertion hole of the cutting blade; a positioning protrusion protruding from a tip end of the protrusion and fitted into a recess provided in the spindle or the boss; a cutout portion provided on the bottom surface side of the housing portion so as to penetrate the housing body and exposing a part of the grip portion of the cutting blade housed in the housing portion; the cutout portion is formed to a size that allows the operator to grip the grip portion of the cutting blade housed in the housing portion through the cutout portion; A blade case characterized in that the positioning convex portion is fitted into the concave portion, thereby aligning the outer surface of the protrusion with the outer surface of the boss portion, making it possible to move the cutting blade from the protrusion to the boss portion.

2. 2. The blade case according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a support portion that projects from the bottom surface of the housing portion and supports the grip portion of the cutting blade.

3. 3. The blade case according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is formed in a cylindrical shape.

4. 4. A blade case according to claim 1, wherein the housing further has a fitting portion that protrudes from the tip surface of the positioning protrusion and is fitted into a fitting hole that is provided in a fixture that fixes the blade mount to the spindle and is positioned inside the recess.

5. A blade case as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container further has a fitting portion that protrudes from the tip surface of the positioning protrusion and is fitted into a fitting hole provided on the bottom side of the recess of the spindle.

Images