Cutting blade stock device

Abstract

To provide a cutting blade stock device which enables simplification of management of cutting blades.SOLUTION: A cutting blade stock device stocks multiple cutting blades used for cutting a workpiece and includes: a case placement stage on which cases capable of housing the cutting blades are placed; a case transport unit which transports the cases placed on the case placement stage; a shelf in which the cases transported by the case transport unit are supported and stocked; a case identification information reading unit which reads case identification information provided to each case; a case opening unit which opens the case; a cutting blade transport unit which carries out the cutting blade from the case opened by the case opening unit; and an input interface into which information for designating the cutting blade carried out by the cutting blade transport unit is input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting blade stock device that stocks a plurality of cutting blades used for cutting a workpiece.

Background Art

[0002] Device chips including devices are manufactured by dividing a wafer on which a plurality of devices are formed into individual pieces. Further, a package substrate is obtained by mounting a plurality of device chips on a base substrate and covering the mounted device chips with a sealing material (mold resin) made of resin. A packaged device including a plurality of packaged device chips is manufactured by dividing this package substrate into individual pieces. Device chips and packaged devices are incorporated into various electronic devices such as mobile phones and personal computers.

[0003] A cutting device is used for dividing workpieces such as wafers and package substrates (see Patent Document 1). The cutting device includes a chuck table that holds the workpiece and a cutting unit that performs cutting on the workpiece. A spindle is built into the cutting unit, and an annular cutting blade is attached to the tip of the spindle. The workpiece is cut and divided by holding the workpiece with the chuck table and cutting into the workpiece while rotating the cutting blade.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The cutting blades mounted on the cutting device are replaced with different cutting blades at predetermined intervals. For example, the type of cutting blade used to cut a workpiece is selected according to the type of workpiece and the processing conditions. Therefore, the cutting blade is replaced each time the type of workpiece or processing conditions are changed. In addition, since the cutting blade gradually wears down as it cuts the workpiece, when the amount of wear on the cutting blade exceeds a certain amount, the used cutting blade is replaced with a new cutting blade.

[0006] Replacement cutting blades are stored together in a designated storage area, such as a storage room. When a cutting blade needs to be replaced, the operator selects the appropriate cutting blade for the type of workpiece and processing conditions from the storage area and attaches it to the cutting machine. However, the storage area contains many different types of cutting blades, requiring complex inventory management. Furthermore, if there are many types of cutting blades stocked in the storage area, there is a risk that the operator may select the wrong type of cutting blade when retrieving the required blade from storage. In this case, the workpiece may be processed with the unintended type of cutting blade, potentially leading to processing defects or damage to the cutting blade.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a cutting blade stock device that can simplify the management of cutting blades. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cutting blade stock device is provided for stocking a plurality of cutting blades used for cutting a workpiece, comprising: a case placement stage on which cases capable of housing the cutting blades are placed; a case transport unit for transporting the cases placed on the case placement stage; a shelf for supporting and stocking the cases transported by the case transport unit; a case identification information reading unit for reading case identification information attached to the cases; a case opening unit for opening the cases; a cutting blade transport unit for unloading the cutting blades from the cases opened by the case opening unit; and an input interface into which information specifying the cutting blades to be unloaded by the cutting blade transport unit is input.

[0009] Preferably, the case transport unit comprises a belt conveyor, a case moving unit that moves the cases placed on the case placement stage to the belt conveyor, a temporary placement area where the cases transported by the belt conveyor are temporarily placed, and a case transport unit that transports the cases temporarily placed in the temporary placement area to the shelf. Preferably, the case identification information reading unit is mounted on the case transport unit.

[0010] Preferably, the cutting blade transport unit also receives used cutting blades. Preferably, the cutting blade transport unit receives used cutting blades through a transport port. Preferably, the cutting blade transport unit also delivers designated cutting blades through the transport port.

[0011] Preferably, the cutting blade stock device further includes a blade identification information reading unit that reads blade identification information attached to the cutting blade.

[0012] Preferably, the cutting blade stock device comprises a plurality of case mounting stages. Preferably, the cases can be placed at any position on the case mounting stages.

[0013] Preferably, the cutting blade stock device further comprises a plurality of dedicated case placement stages on which a predetermined type of case is placed, and a display unit, the display unit indicating the dedicated case placement stage on which the case is to be placed based on the case identification information. Preferably, the display unit is a display or indicator light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, when information specifying a cutting blade is input, the cutting blade specified is retrieved from a case stocked on a shelf. Therefore, the operator does not need to search for and pick up a specific cutting blade from among many cutting blades. This simplifies the management of cutting blades, prevents the selection of the wrong cutting blade, and avoids machining defects and damage to the cutting blade caused by processing the workpiece with the wrong cutting blade. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a cutting blade stock device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a case capable of housing cutting blades. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a cutting blade stock device with a case placed on the case mounting stage. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the components of a cutting blade stock device. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a perspective view showing the case transfer unit, and Figure 5(B) is a perspective view showing the case transfer unit that transports the cases. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the case transport section. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the holding unit. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the shelves. [Figure 9]It is a perspective view showing a case opening unit and a cutting blade conveying unit. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing a case opening unit and a cutting blade conveying unit when the cutting blade is taken out of the case. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing a case opening unit and a cutting blade conveying unit when the cutting blade is conveyed to the second conveying section. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing a case opening unit and a cutting blade conveying unit when the transfer section of the second conveying section is erected. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing a case opening unit and a cutting blade conveying unit when the cutting blade is being transferred. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing a case opening unit and a cutting blade conveying unit when the cutting blade is being transferred. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing a case opening unit and a cutting blade conveying unit when the cutting blade is being carried out. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing a recovery unit. [Figure 17] It is a front view showing a first modification of the cutting blade stock device. [Figure 18] It is a front view showing a second modification of the cutting blade stock device.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments according to an aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a configuration example of a cutting blade stock device according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cutting blade stock device (cutting blade stocker) 2. The cutting blade stock device 2 stores and stocks a plurality of cutting blades which are processing tools used for cutting a workpiece.

[0017] In Figure 1, the X-axis direction (front-to-back direction, first horizontal direction) and the Y-axis direction (left-to-right direction, second horizontal direction) are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis direction (height direction, vertical direction, up and down direction) is perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions. Furthermore, the θ direction is parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions and corresponds to a rotational direction with the Z-axis as the axis of rotation.

[0018] The cutting blade stock device 2 includes a rectangular parallelepiped cover (housing) 4 that houses the various components constituting the cutting blade stock device 2. A transport opening 4a is provided on the upper side of the cover 4 through which the cutting blades pass when they are loaded and unloaded. However, there are no restrictions on the position of the transport opening 4a; for example, the transport opening 4a may be provided on the front, back, or side of the cover 4.

[0019] On the front side of the cover 4, there are multiple case mounting stages (case storage shelves) 6 on which cases capable of housing cutting blades are placed. The case mounting stages 6 are, for example, drawer-type storage sections formed in the shape of a rectangular box, and are housed in the cover 4 in a state that allows them to slide along the X-axis.

[0020] The case mounting stages 6 are arranged in multiple tiers at predetermined intervals along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cover 4. Figure 1 shows three case mounting stages 6, but there is no limit to the number of stages of the case mounting stages 6. The operator pulls out the case mounting stages 6 and places the cases containing the cutting blades onto the case mounting stages 6.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a case (blade case) 11 capable of housing the cutting blade 21. The case 11 comprises a columnar container 13 for housing the cutting blade 21 and a lid 15 for closing the container 13.

[0022] Inside the container 13, there is a cylindrical storage section 13a that opens on the upper side of the container 13. Additionally, a recess 13b is provided at the bottom of the container 13 to support the case 11 during transport. The recess 13b is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the container 13, extending from the outer surface toward the center. The lid 15 is formed in a disc shape corresponding to the diameter of the container 13 and is attached to the upper side of the container 13. When the lid 15 is attached to the container 13, the storage section 13a is covered and closed.

[0023] The case 11 houses an annular cutting blade 21. The cutting blade 21 is a processing tool used for cutting workpieces such as semiconductor wafers and resin package substrates, and is used when performing cutting on a workpiece with a cutting device.

[0024] Specifically, the cutting device comprises a chuck table (holding table) for holding the workpiece and a cutting unit for performing cutting operations on the workpiece. The cutting unit has a built-in spindle, and a cutting blade 21 is attached to the tip of the spindle. The workpiece is held in place by the chuck table, and the cutting blade 21 is rotated to cut into the workpiece, thereby cutting and dividing the workpiece.

[0025] The cutting blade 21 mounted on the cutting device is replaced with a different cutting blade 21 at predetermined intervals. For example, the type of cutting blade 21 used to cut the workpiece is selected according to the type of workpiece and processing conditions. Therefore, the cutting blade 21 is replaced each time the type of workpiece or processing conditions are changed. Also, since the cutting blade 21 is gradually worn down by cutting the workpiece, when the amount of wear on the cutting blade 21 exceeds a certain amount, the used cutting blade 21 is replaced with a new cutting blade 21.

[0026] For example, the cutting blade 21 is a hub-type cutting blade (hub blade) comprising a disc-shaped hub base 23 and an annular cutting edge 25 formed along the outer edge of the hub base 23. The hub base 23 is an annular member made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, and a circular through hole 23a is provided in the center of the hub base 23, penetrating the hub base 23 in the thickness direction. In addition, an annular protrusion 23b is provided on the surface side of the hub base 23, protruding from the surface of the hub base 23. The protrusion 23b is formed concentrically with the hub base 23 in the region between the outer edge of the hub base 23 and the through hole 23a.

[0027] The cutting edge 25 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the hub base 23. For example, the cutting edge 25 is made of an electroformed grinding wheel containing abrasive grains made of diamond, cubic boron nitride (cBN), etc., and a binder such as a nickel plating layer that fixes the abrasive grains. However, the material and particle size of the abrasive grains and the material of the binder are appropriately selected according to the specifications of the cutting blade 21.

[0028] The cutting blade 21 may also be a washer-type cutting blade (washer blade). A washer blade consists only of an annular cutting edge containing abrasive grains and a binder that fixes the abrasive grains. For example, diamond may be used as the abrasive grain, and resin bond, metal bond, or vitrified bond may be used as the binder.

[0029] The container 13 is formed such that the diameter of the storage section 13a is larger than the diameter of the cutting blade 21. Multiple (for example, 10) cutting blades 21 are stacked and stored in the storage section 13a of the container 13. Furthermore, by closing the container 13 containing the multiple cutting blades 21 with a lid 15, it is prevented from the cutting blades 21 falling out of the container 13.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the cutting blade stock device 2 with cases 11 placed on the case placement stage 6. The case placement stage 6 is sized to accommodate multiple cases 11. After the operator places the cutting blades 21 into the cases 11 (see Figure 2), they pull out the designated case placement stage 6 and place the cases 11 into the case placement stage 6. This replenishes the cutting blade stock device 2 with cutting blades 21.

[0031] Furthermore, the case placement stage 6 supports multiple cases 11 on a flat support surface and does not have partitions to divide the inside of the case placement stage 6 into multiple areas where individual cases 11 are placed. Therefore, the cases 11 can be placed at any position on the case placement stage 6, and the operator does not need to position the cases 11 in a specific location within the case placement stage 6. This simplifies the case placement process.

[0032] An input interface 8 is provided on the front side of the cover 4, into which various types of information are input. For example, the input interface 8 is configured as a touch panel display. In this case, the input interface 8 displays an operation screen for inputting information into the cutting blade stock device 2, and the operator can input information into the cutting blade stock device 2 by touching the input interface 8.

[0033] Furthermore, the touch panel display also functions as a display unit (display device) that shows various types of information. In other words, the touch panel display is equivalent to a unit in which the input interface 8 and the display unit are integrated. The display unit displays information related to the cutting blade stock device 2 and information related to the cutting blades 21 stocked in the cutting blade stock device 2.

[0034] However, the input interface 8 and the display unit may be installed independently. For example, a display other than a touch panel display may be used as the display unit, and an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, which is installed separately from the display, may be used as the input interface 8.

[0035] Furthermore, the cutting blade stock device 2 includes a control unit (control unit, control device) 10 that controls the cutting blade stock device 2. The control unit 10 is connected to each component that makes up the cutting blade stock device 2. For example, the control unit 10 is made up of a computer. Specifically, the control unit 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 10 controls the operation of the cutting blade stock device 2 by outputting control signals to the components of the cutting blade stock device 2.

[0036] Figures 1 and 3 illustrate the functional configuration of the control unit 10. Specifically, the control unit 10 includes a processing unit 12 that processes information input to the control unit 10, a storage unit 14 that stores information (data, programs, etc.) used in the processing by the processing unit 12, and a transmitting / receiving unit 16 that transmits and receives information to and from the outside of the control unit 10. The transmitting / receiving unit 16 is connected to other devices (processing devices, control devices, etc.) by wire or wireless connection and functions as an input interface to receive information from other devices.

[0037] When a new cutting blade 21 is to be installed in the cutting device, or when a used cutting blade 21 installed in the cutting device is to be replaced with an unused cutting blade 21 (a new cutting blade 21), the operator inputs information specifying the desired cutting blade 21 from the cutting blade stock device 2 into the input interface 8 or the transmitting / receiving unit 16. The cutting blade stock device 2 then discharges the specified cutting blade 21 from the transport port 4a. This allows the operator to quickly obtain the desired cutting blade 21.

[0038] Next, we will describe the details of the cutting blade stock device 2. First, we will describe the specific configuration and operation for stocking the case 11 in the cutting blade stock device 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the components of the cutting blade stock device 2. For the sake of explanation, in Figure 4, the cover 4 and input interface 8 are shown with dashed lines, and only one case mounting stage 6 is shown.

[0039] The cutting blade stock device 2 includes a case transport unit 20 for transporting cases 11 placed on the case placement stage 6. The case transport unit 20 includes a case transport section 22 for transporting cases 11 placed (stored) on the case placement stage 6 to the outside of the case placement stage 6, and a case transport section 42 for transporting cases 11 transported by the case transport section 22 to a shelf 80 described later.

[0040] Figure 5(A) is a perspective view showing the case transfer unit 22. The case transfer unit 22 comprises a belt conveyor 24, a case transfer unit 30 that moves cases 11 placed on the case placement stage 6 to the belt conveyor 24, and a temporary storage area 36 where cases 11 transported by the belt conveyor 24 are temporarily placed.

[0041] The belt conveyor 24 is installed to the side of the case placement stage 6 and comprises a closed-loop belt 26 and a pair of pulleys 28 that support the belt 26. The pair of pulleys 28 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. Each of the pair of pulleys 28 is connected to a rotational drive source (not shown), such as a motor, that rotates the pulley. The belt 26 is wrapped around the pair of pulleys 28 and is arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0042] The case movement section 30 comprises a columnar guide rail 32 arranged along the Y-axis and a moving member 34 mounted on the guide rail 32. For example, the moving member 34 is formed in a columnar shape and arranged along the X-axis. The moving member 34 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 32 via a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the moving member 34 along the Y-axis. A ball screw type moving mechanism or an air cylinder can be used as the moving mechanism.

[0043] When the case loading stage 6, on which multiple cases 11 are placed, is set on the cover 4 (see Figure 1), the guide rails 32 and the moving members 34 move inside the case loading stage 6. At this time, the moving members 34 are positioned in their initial position along the inner wall of the case loading stage 6, which is on the opposite side from the belt conveyor 24.

[0044] Figure 5(B) is a perspective view showing the case transfer unit 22 that transports the case 11. When the case placement stage 6 is set, the belt conveyor 24 and the case moving unit 30 are activated. Specifically, a pair of pulleys 28 rotate, and the upper layer of the belt 26 moves from front to back in the X-axis direction. In addition, the moving member 34 moves towards the belt conveyor 24 along the Y-axis direction.

[0045] When the belt conveyor 24 and the case moving unit 30 are activated, the multiple cases 11 placed on the case placement stage 6 are pushed out by the moving member 34. As a result, the multiple cases 11 are placed on the belt 26 through the opening 6a provided on the side of the case placement stage 6.

[0046] The length of the moving member 34 is adjusted as appropriate so that all the cases 11 placed on the case placement stage 6 can be pushed onto the belt conveyor 24. For example, the length of the moving member 34 is set to be greater than or equal to the depth (length in the X-axis direction) of the case placement stage 6. After the cases 11 have been pushed out of the case placement stage 6, the moving member 34 returns to its initial position.

[0047] Multiple cases 11 placed on the belt 26 are transported backward by the belt conveyor 24 and temporarily placed in the temporary storage area 36. For example, a restraining member 38 is provided at the rear end of the belt conveyor 24 to support and stop the cases 11. The cases 11 carried by the belt conveyor 24 come into contact with the restraining member 38 and stop in the temporary storage area 36.

[0048] Furthermore, the stopping member 38 is equipped with a sensor 40 (see Figure 5(A)) for detecting the case 11. For example, an optical sensor or a switch (touch switch, push button, etc.) can be used as the sensor 40. When the case 11 approaches or comes into contact with the sensor 40 and the sensor 40 detects the case 11, the belt conveyor 24 stops.

[0049] Furthermore, while the movable member 34 is not in its initial position (see Figure 5(A)), the case mounting stage 6 is locked in the cover 4, and the opening and closing (movement in the X-axis direction) of the case mounting stage 6 is restricted. This prevents the case mounting stage 6 from moving and hindering the transport of the case 11 while the case 11 is being moved from the case mounting stage 6 to the belt conveyor 24. Whether or not the movable member 34 is in its initial position is detected, for example, by a sensor (not shown) provided in the case moving unit 30.

[0050] Furthermore, the case transfer unit 22 may also have the function of placing cases 11 that are placed on the belt conveyor 24 or cases 11 that have protruded from the opening 6a of the case placement stage 6 back onto the case placement stage 6. For example, the case transfer unit 22 may be provided with a case re-movement unit (not shown) on the side of the belt conveyor 24 opposite to the case placement stage 6 to return the cases 11 onto the case placement stage 6.

[0051] The case repositioning unit is configured similarly to the case movement unit 30, for example, and includes a columnar repositioning member that pushes back cases 11 placed on the belt conveyor 24 or cases 11 that protrude from the opening 6a of the case placement stage 6 onto the case placement stage 6. Then, just before the case placement stage 6 is opened or closed, the repositioning member pushes the cases 11 back onto the case placement stage 6. This prevents cases 11 from being left on the belt conveyor 24.

[0052] In this way, the cases 11 placed (housed) on the case placement stage 6 are transferred to the temporary storage area 36. Then, the cases 11 temporarily placed in the temporary storage area 36 are transported one by one by the case transport unit 42 (see Figure 4).

[0053] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the case transport unit 42. The case transport unit 42 comprises a moving mechanism 44 and a holding unit 70 that holds the case 11. The moving mechanism 44 comprises an X-axis moving mechanism 46 and a Z-axis moving mechanism 58, which move the holding unit 70 along the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0054] The X-axis movement mechanism 46 comprises a flat support base 48 and a pair of X-axis guide rails 50 arranged along the X-axis direction on the upper surface of the support base 48. A flat X-axis movement plate 52 is mounted on the pair of X-axis guide rails 50 so as to be slidable along the X-axis guide rails 50.

[0055] A nut portion (not shown) is provided on the back (bottom) side of the X-axis moving plate 52. An X-axis ball screw 54, which is positioned along the X-axis direction between a pair of X-axis guide rails 50, is screwed into this nut portion. An X-axis pulse motor 56, which rotates the X-axis ball screw 54, is connected to the end of the X-axis ball screw 54. When the X-axis pulse motor 56 rotates the X-axis ball screw 54, the X-axis moving plate 52 moves along the X-axis guide rails 50 in the X-axis direction.

[0056] The Z-axis movement mechanism 58 includes a rectangular parallelepiped support structure 60 provided on the upper surface of the X-axis movement table. The support structure 60 is positioned along the Z-axis direction, and a pair of Z-axis guide rails 62 are provided on the front surface of the support structure 60 along the Z-axis direction. A flat Z-axis movement plate 64 is slidably mounted on the pair of Z-axis guide rails 62 so as to be along the Z-axis guide rails 62.

[0057] A nut (not shown) is provided on the back (rear) side of the Z-axis moving plate 64. A Z-axis ball screw 66, which is positioned along the Z-axis direction between a pair of Z-axis guide rails 62, is screwed into this nut. A Z-axis pulse motor 68, which rotates the Z-axis ball screw 66, is connected to the end of the Z-axis ball screw 66. When the Z-axis pulse motor 68 rotates the Z-axis ball screw 66, the Z-axis moving plate 64 moves along the Z-axis guide rails 62 in the Z-axis direction.

[0058] Although the above description assumes that the X-axis movement mechanism 46 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 58 are ball screw type movement mechanisms, there are no restrictions on the types of X-axis movement mechanism 46 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 58. For example, the X-axis movement mechanism 46 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 58 may each be equipped with an endless belt (timing belt) stretched over a drive pulley and a driven pulley. In this case, the X-axis movement plate 52 is fixed to the belt of the X-axis movement mechanism 46, and the position of the X-axis movement plate 52 in the X-axis direction is controlled by the movement of the belt. Similarly, the Z-axis movement plate 64 is fixed to the belt of the Z-axis movement mechanism 58, and the position of the Z-axis movement plate 64 in the Z-axis direction is controlled by the movement of the belt.

[0059] A holding unit 70 is connected to the moving mechanism 44. The holding unit 70, while holding the case 11 (see Figure 7), moves along the X-axis and Z-axis directions by the moving mechanism 44. Specifically, when the X-axis moving mechanism 46 moves the X-axis moving plate 52, the holding unit 70 moves (advances and retracts) along the X-axis direction. Also, when the Z-axis moving mechanism 58 moves the Z-axis moving plate 64, the holding unit 70 moves (ups and downs) along the Z-axis direction.

[0060] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the holding unit 70. The holding unit 70 includes a movable part (moving block) 72 mounted on the Z-axis moving plate 64. The movable part 72 is connected to the Z-axis moving plate 64 via a Y-axis moving mechanism (not shown). The Y-axis moving mechanism is, for example, a ball screw type moving mechanism, and a nut (not shown) provided on the movable part 72 is screwed onto the ball screw of the Y-axis moving mechanism. When the Y-axis moving mechanism is activated, the movable part 72 moves along the Y-axis direction.

[0061] A rotating part (rotating block) 74 is attached to the underside of the front end of the movable part 72. The rotating part 74 is connected to the movable part 72 via a rotating mechanism (not shown). The rotating mechanism is, for example, a motor built into the movable part 72, and the rotating part 74 is fixed to the output shaft (rotating shaft) of the rotating mechanism. When the rotating mechanism is activated, the rotating part 74 rotates in the θ direction.

[0062] A holding portion (holding member) 76 for holding the case 11 is fixed to the lower surface of the rotating portion 74. For example, the holding portion 76 is formed in a flat plate shape and is fixed so as to protrude forward from the lower end of the rotating portion 74. The front end of the holding portion 76 is bifurcated, forming a pair of support portions 76a that support the case 11. When the pair of support portions 76a are inserted into the recess 13b formed in the container 13 of the case 11, the case 11 is held by the pair of support portions 76a.

[0063] As described above, the holding part 76 is connected to the moving mechanism 44 via the rotating part 74 and the moving part 72. Therefore, the holding part 76 can be moved along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions by the X-axis moving mechanism 46, the Y-axis moving mechanism, and the Z-axis moving mechanism 58, and can also be rotated in the θ direction by the rotating mechanism. This makes it possible to position the holding part 76 at any position and at any angle.

[0064] The cases 11 (see Figure 5(B)) temporarily placed in the temporary placement area 36 are transported by the case transport unit 42. Specifically, first, the holding unit 76 is positioned behind the case placement stage 6 (see Figure 5(B)). The holding unit 76 then rotates so that a pair of support units 76a face the cases 11 temporarily placed in the temporary placement area 36 in the Y-axis direction.

[0065] Next, the holding portion 76 moves toward the case 11 along the Y-axis direction, and the pair of support portions 76a are inserted into the recesses 13b of the case 11. As a result, the temporarily placed case 11 is held by the holding portion 76. Subsequently, the holding portion 76, holding the case 11, moves along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and rotates in the θ direction, transporting the case 11 to the shelf 80 (see Figure 4) provided inside the cover 4.

[0066] Case 11 is also marked with identification information (case identification information) indicating its type. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, Case 11 is equipped with a tag 17. The tag 17 includes case identification information assigned according to the type of cutting blade 21 (see Figure 2) housed in Case 11.

[0067] For example, a barcode or two-dimensional code containing case identification information is attached to case 11 as tag 17. However, there are no restrictions on the type of tag 17 as long as it allows for the identification of case 11. For example, tag 17 may be an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag or an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​tag containing case identification information.

[0068] Furthermore, the case transport unit 20 is equipped with a reading unit (case identification information reading unit) 78 that reads the case identification information attached to the case 11. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the reading unit 78 is attached to the tip of the movable part 72 of the holding unit 70. The reading unit 78 recognizes the tag 17 and reads the case identification information while the case 11 is being held by the holding part 76.

[0069] The type of reading unit 78 is appropriately selected according to the type of tag 17. For example, if the tag 17 is a barcode or a two-dimensional code, a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader is used as the reading unit 78. If the tag 17 is an IC tag or an RFID tag, an IC reader or an RFID reader is used as the reading unit 78.

[0070] The reading unit 78 may be installed on a component other than the case transport unit 20, as long as it is capable of reading the case identification information. However, if the reading unit 78 is attached to the case transport unit 20, the case identification information can be read while the case 11 is being transported, which improves work efficiency.

[0071] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing shelf 80. Shelf 80 is a stock stand that supports and stores cases 11 transported by case transport unit 20 (see Figure 4). Multiple shelves 80 are arranged in the Z-axis direction along the inner wall of cover 4 (see Figure 4). Although Figure 4 shows only one shelf 80 as a representative example, in reality, multiple shelves 80 are provided as shown in Figure 8.

[0072] The shelf 80 includes a support base 82 that supports the case 11. The support base 82 is a rectangular (strip-shaped) plate-like member, and its length is aligned with the X-axis direction. The upper surface of the support base 82 is a flat surface that is generally parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane), and constitutes the support surface 82a that supports the case 11. In addition, a plurality of protrusions (protrusions) 84 are fixed to the support surface 82a side of the support base 82. The plurality of protrusions 84 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the length of the support base 82, and the interval between the protrusions 84 is greater than the diameter of the case 11.

[0073] A groove (recess) into which the projection 84 is inserted is formed on the lower surface of the case 11 (not shown). When the case 11 is placed on the support base 82 so as to overlap with the projection 84, the projection 84 is inserted into the groove of the case 11, and the case 11 is fixed in place.

[0074] A case unloading area 86 is provided at the rear end of the support base 82, on which a predetermined case 11 is placed. Multiple rollers 88 are arranged in a row in the case unloading area 86. For example, an empty case 11 that does not contain a cutting blade 21, or a case 11 filled with used cutting blades 21, is placed in the case unloading area 86. When the case 11 is placed in the case unloading area 86, the weight of the case 11 causes the multiple rollers 88 to rotate, and the case 11 is unloaded from the cover 4 through the transport opening 4b of the cover 4. The unloaded case 11 is stocked and recovered in the recovery unit 180, which will be described later. Note that a specific case 11 designated by the operator may be placed in the case unloading area 86.

[0075] The cases 11 temporarily placed in the temporary storage area 36 (see Figure 5(B)) are transported to the shelf 80 by the case transport unit 42 (see Figure 6). While the cases 11 are being transported from the temporary storage area 36 to the shelf 80, the case identification information contained in the tag 17 (see Figure 7) attached to the cases 11 is read by the reading unit 78. The case identification information is then input from the reading unit 78 to the control unit 10 (see Figure 4).

[0076] The control unit 10 stores the case identification information input from the reading unit 78 in the storage unit 14 along with the storage location of the case 11. Specifically, the storage location of the case 11 from which the case identification information was read is determined by the processing unit 12, and the processing unit 12 links the case identification information with information indicating the storage location of the case 11 (case storage location information) and stores it in the storage unit 14. For example, the case storage location information includes a code indicating a specific shelf 80 (shelf number 80, etc.) and a code indicating a specific position on shelf 80 (protrusion number 84, etc.).

[0077] Furthermore, the processing unit 12 outputs a control signal to the case transport unit 42, controlling the case transport unit 42 so that the case 11 is transported to the location specified by the case storage location information. As a result, the case 11 is stored in a predetermined position on a predetermined shelf 80, and the case identification information and case storage location information are recorded in the control unit 10.

[0078] In this way, the cases 11 that the worker has replenished on the case placement stage 6 are stocked on the shelf 80. Then, when the worker specifies a particular cutting blade 21, the cutting blade stocking device 2 takes the specified cutting blade 21 from the cases 11 stocked on the shelf 80 and carries it out of the cutting blade stocking device 2.

[0079] Next, the specific configuration and operation for unloading a predetermined cutting blade 21 from the cutting blade stock device 2 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the cutting blade stock device 2 includes a case opening unit 90 that opens the case 11, and a cutting blade transport unit 110 that unloads the cutting blade 21 from the case 11 opened by the case opening unit 90.

[0080] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110. Although Figure 9 shows two sets of case opening units 90 and one set of cutting blade transport units 110, the cutting blade stock device 2 may have one or three or more sets of case opening units 90, or two or more sets of cutting blade transport units 110.

[0081] The case opening unit 90 comprises a support base 92 for supporting the case 11 and an opening / closing unit 94 for opening and closing the lid 15 of the case 11. The support base 92 is a member capable of supporting the case 11 and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The upper surface of the support base 92 is a flat surface that is generally parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and constitutes a support surface for supporting the case 11.

[0082] An opening / closing unit 94 is provided above the support base 92. The opening / closing unit 94 comprises a cylindrical support shaft 96 and a disc-shaped support member 98 fixed to the lower end of the support shaft 96. Multiple clamps (gripping claws) 100 for gripping the lid 15 of the case 11 are provided on the outer circumference of the support member 98. For example, three clamps 100 are arranged at approximately equal intervals (120° intervals) along the circumferential direction of the support member 98.

[0083] A lifting mechanism (not shown) is connected to the support shaft 96 to move (raise and lower) the opening / closing unit 94 along the Z-axis direction. For example, an air cylinder or a ball screw type lifting mechanism can be used. In addition, each clamp 100 is connected to an actuator (not shown) that moves the tip of the clamp 100 along the radial direction of the support member 98.

[0084] A cutting blade transport unit 110 is provided in front of the opening / closing unit 94. The cutting blade transport unit 110 includes a first transport section 120 that inserts and removes the cutting blade 21 from the case 11 and transports the cutting blade 21, and an identification unit 130 that identifies the cutting blade 21.

[0085] The first conveying unit 120 comprises a cylindrical support shaft 122 and a disc-shaped support member 124 fixed to the lower end of the support shaft 122. Multiple clamps (gripping claws) 126 for gripping the cutting blade 21 are provided on the outer circumference of the support member 124. For example, three clamps 126 are arranged at approximately equal intervals (120° intervals) along the circumferential direction of the support member 124.

[0086] A moving mechanism (not shown) is connected to the support shaft 122 to move the first transport unit 120 along the X-axis and Z-axis directions. For example, a ball screw type moving mechanism is used. In addition, an actuator (not shown) is connected to each clamp 126 to move the tip of the clamp 126 along the radial direction of the support member 124.

[0087] The identification unit 130 comprises a support base 132 for supporting the cutting blade 21 and a reading unit (blade identification information reading unit) 134 for reading blade identification information. The support base 132 is a member capable of supporting the cutting blade 21 and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The upper surface of the support base 132 is a flat surface that is generally parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane) and constitutes a support surface for supporting the cutting blade 21.

[0088] The reading unit 134 is located below the support base 132 and reads the blade identification information attached to the cutting blade 21. The blade identification information is identification information indicating the type of cutting blade 21, and is attached as a tab to the hub base 23 (see Figure 2) of the cutting blade 21, for example. An example of the type of tab is the same as the tag 17 attached to the case 11 (Figure 7). For example, the support base 132 is made of a transparent material such as quartz glass, borosilicate glass, sapphire, calcium fluoride, lithium fluoride, or magnesium fluoride. The reading unit 134 then reads the blade identification information attached to the cutting blade 21 via the support base 132.

[0089] However, the support base 132 may be provided with a through hole that penetrates through the support base 132 in the thickness direction. In this case, the reading unit 134 can read the blade identification information through the through hole in the support base 132, so there are no restrictions on the material of the support base 132.

[0090] Furthermore, an annular light (not shown) may be provided on the support base 132. In this case, the outer circumference of the cutting blade 21 is supported by the annular light. By turning on the light and illuminating the cutting blade 21, it becomes easier for the reading unit 134 to read the blade identification information.

[0091] In front of the identification unit 130, there are a second transport section 140, a third transport section 150, and a fourth transport section 160 for transporting the cutting blades 21. The second transport section 140 transports the cutting blades 21 that have been transported from the identification unit 130 by the first transport section 120. The third transport section 150 transports the cutting blades 21 to the outside of the cutting blade stock device 2. The fourth transport section 160 handles the transfer of the cutting blades 21 between the second transport section 140 and the third transport section 150.

[0092] Specifically, the second transport unit 140 comprises a support base 142 and a transport unit 144 for transporting the cutting blade 21. The support base 142 is a rectangular (strip-shaped) plate-like member, and its length is aligned with the Y-axis direction. The upper surface of the support base 142 is a flat surface that is generally parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the transport unit 144 is mounted on the upper surface side of the support base 142 so as to be slidable along the support base 142. The transport unit 144 is connected to a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the transport unit 144 along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the support base 142.

[0093] The transfer section 144 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape and supports the cutting blade 21. A cylindrical projection (protrusion) 144a is provided in the center of the transfer section 144, protruding from the surface of the transfer section 144. When the cutting blade 21 is placed on the transfer section 144, the projection 144a is inserted into the through hole 23a (see Figure 2) of the cutting blade 21. This prevents the cutting blade 21 from shifting position.

[0094] The third transport unit 150 comprises a support base 152 and a transport unit 154 for transporting the cutting blade 21. The support base 152 is a rectangular (strip-shaped) plate-like member, and is positioned so that its length aligns with the Z-axis direction. The side surface of the support base 152 is a flat surface generally parallel to the YZ plane, and the transport unit 154 is mounted on the side surface of the support base 152 so as to be slidable along the support base 152. The transport unit 154 is connected to a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the transport unit 154 along the length direction (Z-axis direction) of the support base 152.

[0095] The transfer section 154 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape and supports the cutting blade 21. A cylindrical projection (protrusion) 154a is provided in the center of the transfer section 154, protruding from the surface of the transfer section 154. When the cutting blade 21 is brought close to the transfer section 154, the projection 154a is inserted into the through hole 23a (see Figure 2) of the cutting blade 21. As a result, the cutting blade 21 is supported by the transfer section 154.

[0096] The fourth transport unit 160 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 162. The housing 162 houses a cylindrical rotating shaft 164 arranged along the X-axis direction. One end of the rotating shaft 164 is exposed from the housing 162. The other end of the rotating shaft 164 is connected to a rotational drive source (not shown), such as a motor, which is housed in the housing 162. When the rotational drive source is activated, the rotating shaft 164 rotates bidirectionally around a rotation axis that is roughly parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0097] A support member 166 is fixed to the tip of the rotating shaft 164. The support member 166 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape and is positioned approximately parallel to the YZ plane. A pair of blade holding units 168A and 168B for holding the cutting blade 21 are attached to both ends of the support member 166.

[0098] The blade holding units 168A and 168B each comprise a cylindrical holding portion 170 and a plurality of clamps (gripping claws) 172 mounted on the outer circumference of the holding portion 170. For example, three clamps 172 are arranged at approximately equal intervals (120° intervals) along the circumferential direction of the holding portion 170. However, there is no limit to the number of clamps 172.

[0099] The fourth transport section 160 is connected to a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the fourth transport section 160 along the X-axis direction. For example, a ball screw type moving mechanism is used. In addition, each clamp 172 is connected to an actuator (not shown) that moves the tip of the clamp 172 along the radial direction of the holding section 170.

[0100] When a cutting blade 21 is to be removed from the cutting blade stock device 2, the operator first inputs information specifying the cutting blade 21 to be removed by the cutting blade transport unit 110 to the input interface 8 shown in Figure 4 or the transmitting / receiving unit 16 of the control unit 10. Then, the processing unit 12 of the control unit 10 accesses the storage unit 14 and identifies the location of the shelf 80 where the case 11 containing the specified cutting blade 21 is stored. The processing unit 12 then outputs a control signal to the case transport unit 42, causing the case 11 stored at the identified location to be transported to the case opening unit 90.

[0101] Then, the case 11 is opened by the case opening unit 90, and the cutting blade 21 is unloaded from the case 11 through the transport opening 4a of the cover 4 by the cutting blade transport unit 110 from the cutting blade stock device 2. This allows the operator to quickly obtain the desired cutting blade 21 without having to search for a specific cutting blade 21 from among many cutting blades 21.

[0102] Next, the operation of the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110 when the cutting blade 21 is unloaded will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 15. As an example, the following explanation will describe the case in which an unused (new) cutting blade 21 (cutting blade 21A) is unloaded from the cutting blade stock device 2, and a used cutting blade 21 (cutting blade 21B) is loaded into the cutting blade stock device 2.

[0103] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110 when the cutting blade 21A is removed from the case 11. As described above, when a specific cutting blade 21A is selected by the operator, the case 11 containing the cutting blade 21A is transported onto the support base 92 of the case opening unit 90. The lower part of the case 11 is then fixed to the support base 92 by a fixing mechanism (not shown), such as a clamp, provided on the support base 92.

[0104] Next, the opening / closing unit 94 descends, and the multiple clamps 100 grip the outer circumference of the lid 15 of the case 11. Then, the opening / closing unit 94 rises while holding the lid 15. As a result, the lid 15 separates from the container 13, and the case 11 is opened. This makes it possible to remove the cutting blade 21A housed in the case 11.

[0105] Next, the first transport unit 120 is positioned directly above the open case 11. Then, the first transport unit 120 descends and enters the container 13, and the lower surface of the support member 124 comes into contact with the cutting blade 21A housed in the container 13. At the same time, multiple clamps 126 move toward the center of the support member 124 and grip the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 23b (see Figure 2) of the cutting blade 21A. After that, the first transport unit 120 rises, and the cutting blade 21A is removed from the container 13.

[0106] Next, the first transport unit 120, which holds the cutting blade 21A, is positioned directly above the support base 132 of the identification unit 130. Then, the first transport unit 120 descends, and the cutting blade 21A is placed on the support base 132. In this state, the multiple clamps 126 move radially outward from the support member 124, and the gripping of the cutting blade 21 by the multiple clamps 126 is released. As a result, the cutting blade 21A is supported by the support base 132.

[0107] Next, the blade identification information attached to the cutting blade 21A is read by the reading unit 134. For example, the cutting blade 21A has a tag attached to it that contains blade identification information. The reading unit 134 then reads the blade identification information from the tag and outputs it to the control unit 10 (see Figure 4).

[0108] The control unit 10 compares the cutting blade information input by the operator to the input interface 8 or the transmit / receive unit 16 of the control unit 10 with the blade identification information read by the reading unit 134 to determine whether the cutting blade 21A is a predetermined type of cutting blade specified by the operator. This allows for a final confirmation of whether the type of cutting blade 21A is correct before the cutting blade 21A is discharged. At this time, the read blade identification information may be displayed on the input interface 8 (display).

[0109] Furthermore, when the cutting blade 21B is to be loaded simultaneously with the loading of the cutting blade 21A, the cutting blade 21B is set in the transfer unit 154 of the third transport unit 150. The transfer unit 154 then passes through the transport opening 4a of the cover 4 (see Figure 4) and descends along the support base 152, and is positioned at the lower end of the support base 152. As a result, the cutting blade 21B is loaded into the cutting blade stock device 2 via the transport opening 4a. The cutting blade 21B is then positioned to face the blade holding unit 168B.

[0110] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110 when the cutting blade 21A is transported to the second transport unit 140. After the blade identification information is read and the correctness of the cutting blade 21A is determined, the cutting blade 21A is transported by the first transport unit 120 from the support base 132 onto the transport unit 144 of the second transport unit 140. At this time, the projection 144a of the transport unit 144 is inserted into the through hole 23a (see Figure 2) of the cutting blade 21A.

[0111] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110 when the transport unit 144 of the second transport unit 140 is raised. The transport unit 144 is connected to a rotational drive source (not shown), such as a motor, which rotates the transport unit 144 around a rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the Y-axis direction. When the rotational drive source is activated, the transport unit 144 is switched from a lying position (supported position, see Figure 11) to an upright position (transported position, see Figure 12), and the cutting blade 21A is positioned along the YZ plane.

[0112] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110 when the cutting blade 21A is being transported. When the transport unit 144 supporting the cutting blade 21A switches from the support state to the transport state, the transport unit 144 slides along the support base 142 and is transported from one end of the support base 142 (the side with the identification unit 130) to the other end (the side with the third transport unit 150 and the fourth transport unit 160). As a result, the cutting blade 21A is positioned to face the blade holding unit 168A.

[0113] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110 when the cutting blades 21A and 21B are being transferred. When the cutting blades 21A and 21B are positioned in front of the blade holding units 168A and 168B, respectively, the fourth transport unit 160 moves along the X-axis toward the transport units 144 and 154. As a result, the tips of the blade holding units 168A and 168B come into contact with the cutting blades 21A and 21B, respectively.

[0114] Next, the multiple clamps 172 provided by the blade holding units 168A and 168B move toward the center of the holding portion 170. As a result, the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 23b (see Figure 2) of the cutting blade 21A is gripped by the clamps 172 of the blade holding unit 168A. Similarly, the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 23b (see Figure 2) of the cutting blade 21B is gripped by the clamps 172 of the blade holding unit 168B.

[0115] Next, the fourth transport unit 160 moves along the X-axis so that it moves away from the transfer units 144 and 154. This removes the cutting blades 21A and 21B from the transfer units 144 and 154. Then, the rotation axis 164 rotates 180°, and the positions of the cutting blades 21A and 21B are swapped. As a result, the unused cutting blade 21A faces the transfer unit 154 of the third transport unit 150, and the used cutting blade 21B faces the transfer unit 144 of the second transport unit 140.

[0116] Next, the fourth transport unit 160 moves along the X-axis towards the transport units 144 and 154. As a result, the projection 154a of the transport unit 154 is inserted into the through hole 23a of the cutting blade 21A (see Figure 2), and the projection 144a of the transport unit 144 is inserted into the through hole 23a of the cutting blade 21B (see Figure 2).

[0117] Furthermore, the multiple clamps 172 provided by the blade holding units 168A and 168B move radially outward from the holding portion 170. This releases the gripping of the cutting blades 21A and 21B by the multiple clamps 172. As a result, the unused cutting blade 21A is held by the transfer portion 154 of the third transport portion 150, and the used cutting blade 21B is held by the transfer portion 144 of the second transport portion 140.

[0118] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the case opening unit 90 and the cutting blade transport unit 110 when the cutting blade 21A is being discharged. When an unused cutting blade 21A is supported by the transport unit 154, the transport unit 154 rises along the support base 152 and is discharged outside the cover 4 through the transport opening 4a (see Figure 4). This allows the operator to obtain the cutting blade 21A they have specified.

[0119] Furthermore, when a used cutting blade 21B is supported by the transfer unit 144, the transfer unit 144 slides along the support base 142 and moves towards the identification unit 130, switching from an upright position (transfer state) to a lying position (support state).

[0120] Next, the cutting blade 21B is held by the first transport unit 120 and transported to the identification unit 130. Then, the blade identification information attached to the cutting blade 21B is read by the reading unit 134 and output to the control unit 10. In this way, the type of cutting blade 21B that has been delivered is recognized by the control unit 10.

[0121] Next, the control unit 10 outputs a control signal to the case transport unit 42 (see Figure 4, etc.), causing the case 11, in which the cutting blade 21B is to be housed, to be transported from the shelf 80 to the support base 92 of the case opening unit 90. At the same time, the opening / closing unit 94 removes the lid 15 from the container 13, and the case 11 is opened.

[0122] The cutting blade 21B is held by the first transport unit 120 and housed in the open case 11. Once the cutting blade 21B is housed in the case 11, the lid 15 is closed by the case opening unit 90. The case 11 containing the cutting blade 21B is then transported by the case transport unit 42 (see Figure 4, etc.) to a predetermined position on a predetermined shelf 80.

[0123] In this manner, cutting blades 21A are removed from the cutting blade stock device 2, and cutting blades 21B are loaded into the cutting blade stock device 2. However, as the loading and unloading of cutting blades 21 is repeated, some cases 11 may become empty, or filled with used cutting blades 21. Such cases 11 may be removed from the cutting blade stock device 2 and collected by an operator.

[0124] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a recovery unit 180 provided in the cutting blade stock device 2. The recovery unit 180 is mounted on the outer wall of the cover 4 and recovers cases 11 (empty cases 11, cases 11 filled with used cutting blades 21, etc.) discharged from the transport port 4b of the cover 4. For example, the same number of recovery units 180 as the number of shelves 80 (see Figure 8) are provided and connected to the shelves 80 via the transport port 4b. However, there is no limit to the number of levels of recovery units 180.

[0125] The recovery unit 180 comprises a columnar support base 182 and a plurality of cylindrical rollers 184 supported by the support base 182. The rollers 184 are arranged so that their length is aligned with the Y-axis direction and are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the length of the support base 182. A restraining member 186 for supporting and stopping the case 11 is provided at the front end of the support base 182. The support base 182 is positioned along the XZ plane and is slightly inclined with respect to the X-axis direction so that its front end (the side with the restraining member 186) is positioned lower than its rear end (the transport opening 4b).

[0126] If there are empty cases 11 that do not contain cutting blades 21, or cases 11 filled with used cutting blades 21, in the cutting blade stock device 2, such cases 11 are placed in the case unloading area 86 (see Figure 8) of the shelf 80 by the case transport unit 42 (see Figure 4). In addition, specific cases 11 designated by the operator may be placed in the case unloading area 86.

[0127] When case 11 is placed in the case discharge area 86, the roller 88 rotates, and case 11 is transported to the recovery unit 180 via the transport opening 4b. Then, as shown in Figure 16, case 11 is moved to the front end of the support base 182 by the rotation of the roller 184 and is stopped by the restraining member 186. As a result, case 11 is accumulated in the recovery unit 180, and the worker can collect the cases 11 all at once at a predetermined timing.

[0128] Furthermore, a transport path for transporting the cutting blades 21 may be provided on the cover 4 of the cutting blade stock device 2. The transport path is installed so as to span the cutting blade stock device 2 and the cutting device that cuts the workpiece with the cutting blades 21 stocked in the cutting blade stock device 2. The cutting blades 21 are then transported along the transport path by an unmanned transport vehicle that can be remotely operated.

[0129] Specifically, when attaching the cutting blade 21 to the cutting machine, the cutting blade 21A (see Figure 15), which has been specified by the operator and transported from the cutting blade stock device 2, is loaded onto a transport vehicle. The transport vehicle then travels along a transport path to the cutting machine and transfers the cutting blade 21 to the cutting machine. In this way, the transport of the cutting blade 21A from the cutting blade stock device 2 to the cutting machine is performed automatically.

[0130] On the other hand, when retrieving the cutting blade 21 attached to the cutting device, the cutting blade 21 removed from the cutting device is loaded onto a transport vehicle. The transport vehicle then travels along a transport path to the cutting blade stock device 2, and the cutting blade 21B (see Figure 10) is passed to the cutting blade stock device 2 via the transport opening 4a of the cover 4. This automatically transports the cutting blade 21B to the cutting blade stock device 2.

[0131] As described above, when information specifying a cutting blade 21 is input to the cutting blade stocking device 2 according to this embodiment, the specified cutting blade 21 is retrieved from the case 11 stocked on the shelf 80. Therefore, the operator does not need to search for and pick up a specific cutting blade 21 from among a large number of cutting blades 21. This simplifies the management of cutting blades 21, prevents the mis-selection of cutting blades 21, and avoids the occurrence of processing defects and damage to cutting blades caused by processing workpieces with the wrong cutting blade 21.

[0132] Furthermore, some of the case mounting stages 6 provided in the cutting blade stock device 2 may be dedicated case mounting stages 6 on which only a predetermined type of case 11 (a predetermined type of cutting blade 21) is mounted. Modified examples of the cutting blade stock device 2 equipped with a dedicated case mounting stage 6 are shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0133] Figure 17 is a front view showing a cutting blade stock device 2A, which corresponds to a first modified example of the cutting blade stock device 2. The cutting blade stock device 2A includes a reading unit (case identification information reading unit) 200 that reads case identification information attached to the case 11. The reading unit 200 is installed outside the cover 4 and reads the case identification information of the case 11 before it is placed (housed) on the case placement stage 6. The type and function of the reading unit 200 are the same as those of the reading unit 78 (Figure 7).

[0134] Furthermore, the cutting blade stock device 2A includes dedicated case placement stages (dedicated case storage shelves) 6A and 6B. Dedicated case placement stages 6A and 6B each correspond to a dedicated case placement stage 6 on which only cases of a predetermined type 11 are placed. For example, dedicated case placement stage 6A accommodates only cases 11 classified as type A, and dedicated case placement stage 6B accommodates only cases 11 classified as type B.

[0135] A stage indicator 202 is provided on or around the dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B to indicate the type of case mounting stage. For example, letters, symbols, figures, etc., indicating the dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B are attached as the stage indicator 202 on or around the dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B. Figure 17 illustrates an example in which the letters "A" and "B" representing the dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B are attached to the left of the dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B, respectively.

[0136] When stocking case 11 in the cutting blade stocking device 2A, the operator first has the reading unit 200 read the case identification information contained in the tag 17 (see Figure 7) attached to case 11. The reading unit 200 then outputs the case identification information to the control unit 10.

[0137] The control unit 10 has pre-stored the types of cases 11 that should be stocked on the dedicated case loading stages 6A and 6B. The control unit 10 then determines whether or not a case 11 should be stocked on the dedicated case loading stages 6A and 6B based on the case identification information input from the reading unit 200, and displays the determination result on the display unit.

[0138] For example, if case 11 is to be placed in the dedicated case placement stage 6A, information indicating the dedicated case placement stage 6A (e.g., the letter "A") is displayed on the touch panel display, which functions as both an input interface 8 and a display unit. In this case, the operator opens the dedicated case placement stage 6A and places case 11 on it. This stores case 11 in the dedicated case placement stage 6A.

[0139] On the other hand, when using a cutting blade 21 stored in the cutting blade stock device 2A, the operator inputs the desired type of cutting blade 21 into the input interface 8. The reading unit 200 then determines whether a case 11 containing the input type of cutting blade 21 is stocked on the dedicated case placement stages 6A and 6B, and displays the determination result on the display unit.

[0140] For example, if a case 11 containing a cutting blade 21 designated by the operator is stocked on the dedicated case placement stage 6A, the touch panel display will show information indicating the dedicated case placement stage 6A (for example, the letter "A"). In this case, the operator opens the dedicated case placement stage 6A and takes out the case 11. This allows the operator to quickly obtain the desired cutting blade 21 from the cutting blade stocking device 2A.

[0141] Figure 18 is a front view showing a cutting blade stock device 2B, which corresponds to a second modified example of the cutting blade stock device 2. Similar to the cutting blade stock device 2A, the cutting blade stock device 2B includes a reading unit 200 and dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B.

[0142] The dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B, or their surrounding areas, are equipped with indicator units 204 to show that the dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B have been designated (selected). For example, indicator lights such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps are used as indicator units 204. Figure 17 illustrates an example in which indicator units 204 are mounted on the front of the dedicated case mounting stages 6A and 6B, respectively.

[0143] When stocking case 11 in the cutting blade stocking device 2B, the operator first has the reading unit 200 read the case identification information contained in the tag 17 (see Figure 7) attached to case 11. The reading unit 200 then outputs the case identification information to the control unit 10.

[0144] The control unit 10 has pre-stored the types of cases 11 that should be stocked on the dedicated case placement stages 6A and 6B. The control unit 10 then determines whether or not a case 11 should be stocked on the dedicated case placement stages 6A and 6B based on the case identification information input from the reading unit 200, and lights up the display unit 204 according to the determination result.

[0145] For example, if case 11 is to be placed on the dedicated case placement stage 6A, the indicator unit 204 located on or around the dedicated case placement stage 6A lights up. In this case, the worker opens the dedicated case placement stage 6A and places case 11 on it. As a result, case 11 is stored on the dedicated case placement stage 6A.

[0146] On the other hand, when removing a cutting blade 21 from the cutting blade stock device 2B, the operator inputs the desired type of cutting blade 21 into the input interface 8. The reading unit 200 then determines whether a case 11 containing the input type of cutting blade 21 is stocked on the dedicated case placement stages 6A and 6B, and illuminates the display unit 204 according to the determination result.

[0147] For example, if a case 11 containing a cutting blade 21 designated by the operator is stocked on the dedicated case mounting stage 6A, the indicator unit 204 provided on or around the dedicated case mounting stage 6A lights up. In this case, the operator opens the dedicated case mounting stage 6A and takes out the case 11. This allows the operator to quickly obtain the desired cutting blade 21 from the cutting blade stocking device 2B.

[0148] The configuration and functions of the cutting blade stock devices 2A and 2B, which were omitted from the explanation above, are the same as those of the cutting blade stock device 2. For example, if case 11 should not be stocked on the dedicated case placement stages 6A and 6B, the operator stocks case 11 on the case placement stage 6. Also, if case 11 containing the cutting blade 21 specified by the operator is not stocked on the dedicated case placement stages 6A and 6B, the cutting blade stock devices 2A and 2B will unload the cutting blade 21 in the same manner as the cutting blade stock device 2.

[0149] Furthermore, the structures, methods, etc., according to the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the objectives of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0150] 11 Cases (Blade Cases) 13 Container 13a Storage area (opening) 13b Recess 15 Lid 17 tags 21, 21A, 21B Cutting Blades 23 Hub base 23a Through hole 23b Convex part 25 cutting blades 2,2A,2B Cutting Blade Stocker (Cutting Blade Stocker) 4. Cover (casing) 4a, 4b Conveyor opening 6 Case placement stage (case storage shelf) 6A, 6B Dedicated case mounting stage (dedicated case storage shelf) 6a aperture navigator input interface 10. Control Unit (Control Unit, Control Device) 12 Processing Units 14 Storage section 16 Transmitter / Receiver Unit (Input Interface) 20 Case Transport Unit 22 Case transfer section 24 Belt conveyor 26 belts 28 Pulley 30 Case Movement Unit 32 Guide Rails 34 Movable member 36 Temporary placement area 38. Retaining member 40 sensors 42 Case transport section 44 Moving mechanism 46 X-axis movement mechanism 48 Support base 50 X-axis guide rail 52 X-axis moving plate 54 X-axis ball screw 56 X-axis pulse motor 58 Z-axis movement mechanism 60 Support structure 62 Z-axis guide rails 64 Z-axis moving plate 66 Z-axis ball screw 68 Z-axis pulse motor 70 Holding Unit 72. Movable parts (movable blocks) 74. Rotating part (rotating block) 76 Holding part (holding member) 76a Support part 78 Reading Unit (Case Identification Information Reading Unit) 80 shelves 82 Support stand 82a Support surface 84. Protrusion (convex part) 86 Case Loading Area 88 Rollers 90 Case Opening Unit 92 Support stand 94 Opening / Closing Unit 96 Support shaft 98 Support Member 100 Clamps (gripping claws) 110 Cutting Blade Transport Unit 120 First Conveyor Unit 122 Support shaft 124 Support Member 126 Clamp (gripping claw) 130 Identification Units 132 Support stand 134 Reading Unit (Cutting Blade Identification Information Reading Unit) 140 Second Conveyor Unit 142 Support stand 144 Transfer section 144a Projection (convex part) 150 Third Conveyor Unit 152 Support stand 154 Transfer section 154a Projection (convex part) 160 Fourth Conveyor Unit 162 Housing 164 Rotation axis 166 Support Member 168A, 168B Blade holding unit 170 Holding part 172 Clamp (gripping claw) 180 Recovery Units 182 Support stand 184 Rollers 186 Restraining member 200 Reading Unit (Case Identification Information Reading Unit) 202 Stage display section 204 Display section

Claims

1. A cutting blade stocking device for stocking multiple cutting blades used for cutting a workpiece, A case mounting stage on which a case capable of housing the cutting blade is placed, A case transport unit that transports the case placed on the case placement stage, A shelf for supporting and storing the cases transported by the case transport unit, A case identification information reading unit that reads the case identification information attached to the case, A case opening unit for opening the case, A cutting blade transport unit that transports the cutting blade out of the case opened by the case opening unit, A cutting blade stock device characterized by comprising: an input interface into which information specifying the cutting blade to be discharged by the cutting blade transport unit is input.

2. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 1, characterized in that the case transport unit comprises a belt conveyor, a case transport unit for moving the cases placed on the case placement stage to the belt conveyor, a temporary placement area for temporarily placing the cases transported by the belt conveyor, and a case transport unit for transporting the cases temporarily placed in the temporary placement area to the shelf.

3. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 2, characterized in that the case identification information reading unit is mounted on the case transport section.

4. The cutting blade storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting blade transport unit is used to transport the cutting blades.

5. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cutting blade transport unit transports used cutting blades through a transport port.

6. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cutting blade transport unit transports the designated cutting blade through the transport port.

7. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 1, further comprising a blade identification information reading unit for reading blade identification information attached to the cutting blade.

8. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a plurality of case mounting stages.

9. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 1, characterized in that the case can be placed at any position on the case mounting stage.

10. The system further comprises a plurality of dedicated case mounting stages on which a predetermined type of case is placed, and a display unit, The cutting blade stock device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit indicates the dedicated case placement stage on which the case should be placed, based on the case identification information.

11. The cutting blade stock device according to claim 10, characterized in that the display unit is a display or an indicator light.

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