Tool stocker for cutting machines and cutting machines

Abstract

To provide a tool stocker of a cutting machine which can easily identify a storage hole.SOLUTION: A tool stocker 80 of a cutting machine includes a storage surface 80U that are provided with a plurality of storage holes 81 which each can store cutting tools and to which serial numbers are added. The plurality of storage holes 81 include a first storage hole group 81A where a part of a plurality of storage holes 81-1 to 81-5 with continuous serial numbers are aligned in order of the serial numbers, and a second storage hole group 81B where the other part of a plurality of storage holes 81-6 to 81-10 with continuous serial numbers are aligned in order of the serial numbers. The tool stocker 80 further includes a first display 82A displayed so as to connect the first storage hole group 81A in order of the serial numbers, and a second display 82B so as to connect the second storage hole group 81B in order of the serial numbers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool stocker of a cutting machine and a cutting machine equipped with the tool stocker.

Background Art

[0002] Cutting machines for producing, for example, dental molded products by cutting a workpiece have been conventionally known. Some cutting machines have a function of exchanging cutting tools according to the type of cutting or the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cutting machine provided with a tool magazine for storing a plurality of machining tools. In the cutting machine described in Patent Document 1, the tool magazine is arranged in a matrix in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction and has a plurality of storage holes capable of storing machining tools respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Each of the plurality of storage holes needs to store a predetermined cutting tool in advance. If the cutting tool stored in the storage hole is incorrect, there is a risk of failure in cutting or damage to the cutting device. One of the reasons for the user to misplace the cutting tool stored in the storage hole is that it is difficult to identify the plurality of storage holes at first glance.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a tool stocker for a cutting machine in which the storage holes are easy to identify. Another object is to provide a cutting machine equipped with such a tool stocker.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The tool stocker for a cutting machine disclosed herein has a storage surface formed with a plurality of storage holes, each capable of storing a cutting tool and having sequential numbers. The plurality of storage holes include a first group of storage holes in which some of the sequentially numbered storage holes are arranged in sequential order, and a second group of storage holes in which other sequentially numbered storage holes are arranged in sequential order. The tool stocker for a cutting machine further includes a first display that connects the first group of storage holes in sequential order, and a second display that connects the second group of storage holes in sequential order.

[0007] According to the tool stocker described above, the first indicator connects the first group of storage holes in sequential order. Therefore, it is easy to see how the storage holes are arranged within the first group of storage holes. The same applies to the second group of storage holes, which are connected in sequential order by the second indicator. Therefore, it is easy to see how the storage holes are arranged within the second group of storage holes. Furthermore, according to the tool stocker described above, the first group of storage holes and the second group of storage holes can be distinguished by the first and second indicators. Therefore, mistakes such as mistaking storage holes belonging to the first group of storage holes for storage holes belonging to the second group of storage holes with consecutive sequential numbers are suppressed. Thus, according to the tool stocker described above, it is easy to identify the storage holes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a cutting machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the workpiece and the adapter. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cutting machine, seen from the left. [Figure 4] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cutting machine, seen from the right. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the work holder. [Figure 6]This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a cutting machine during adapter replacement. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the cutting machine room and the drive machine room. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the tool stocker. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the cutting process. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of a tool stocker showing an example of misidentification of the serial numbers of the storage holes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A cutting machine according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment described herein is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for components and parts that perform the same function, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0010] [Configuration of a cutting machine] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cutting machine 10 according to one embodiment. In the following description, when the cutting machine 10 is viewed from the front, the direction away from the cutting machine 10 is considered the front, and the direction towards the cutting machine 10 is considered the rear. Left, right, up, and down refer to the left, right, up, and down of the cutting machine 10 when viewed from the front, respectively. Also, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawing refer to the front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively.

[0011] The cutting machine 10 according to this embodiment is a cutting machine that cuts a disc-shaped workpiece held in an adapter. Figure 2 is a plan view of the workpiece 1 and the adapter 5. The cutting machine 10 here is a device that cuts the workpiece 1 to produce dental molded products, such as crowns, bridges, copings, inlays, onlays, veneers, custom abutments and other dental prostheses, as well as artificial teeth, denture bases, etc. The cutting machine 10 according to this embodiment is a dry-type cutting machine that does not use coolant.

[0012] The workpiece 1 is composed of, for example, resins such as PMMA, PEEK, glass fiber reinforced resin, and hybrid resin; ceramic materials such as glass ceramics and zirconia; metallic materials such as cobalt-chromium sintered metal; wax; gypsum; etc. When zirconia is used as the material for the workpiece 1, for example, semi-sintered zirconia is used. Here, the shape of the workpiece 1 is disc-shaped (circular). However, the workpiece 1 may also be in other shapes, such as block-shaped (e.g., cubic or rectangular).

[0013] The adapter 5 holds the disc-shaped workpiece 1. In this case, the adapter 5 is a flat plate-shaped adapter with a substantially circular insertion hole 5a formed in the center, corresponding to the workpiece 1. The workpiece 1 is held by the adapter 5 by being inserted into the insertion hole 5a. The workpiece 1, while held by the adapter 5, is placed in the cutting machine 10 and processed.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the cutting machine 10 has a box-shaped housing 11. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cutting machine 10 seen from the left. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cutting machine 10 seen from the right. As shown in Figure 1, the interior of the housing 11 is divided into multiple spaces, including a processing chamber 120 (see also Figure 3) that houses a work holder 20 that holds the adapter 5, a drive unit chamber 130 that houses a holder moving device 30 (see Figure 4) that moves the work holder 20, a changer chamber 170 that houses a work changer 70, and a tool exchange chamber 180 for storing cutting tools 6 (see Figure 7) in a tool stocker 80 (see also Figure 7).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the processing chamber 120 is disposed in the lower left portion of the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing chamber 120 extends to the rear end portion of the housing 11. The changer chamber 170 is disposed above the front side portion of the processing chamber 120. The changer chamber 170 extends to the central portion in the front-rear direction of the housing 11. The drive device chamber 130 is disposed to the right of the processing chamber 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the drive device chamber 130 extends to the rear end portion of the housing 11. The tool exchange chamber 180 is disposed above the front side portion of the drive device chamber 130. The tool exchange chamber 180 extends to the central portion in the front-rear direction of the housing 11. Note that the drive device chamber 130 may be disposed to the left of the processing chamber 120. In that case, the tool exchange chamber 180 may be disposed to the left of the changer chamber 170.

[0016] A processing chamber door 122 is provided to be openable and closable at the front opening 121 (see FIG. 3) of the processing chamber 120. A drive device chamber cover 131 is provided at the front opening of the drive device chamber 130. A changer chamber door 171 is provided to be openable and closable at the front opening of the changer chamber 170. A tool exchange chamber door 182 is provided to be openable and closable at the front opening 181 (see FIG. 4) of the tool exchange chamber 180. Transparent window portions 122a, 171a, and 182a are provided on the processing chamber door 122, the changer chamber door 171, and the tool exchange chamber door 182, respectively, so that the interior can be visually recognized. An operation panel 110 is provided on the front surface of the drive device chamber cover 131. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front surface of the housing 11 (here, the front openings of the processing chamber 120, the drive device chamber 130, the changer chamber 170, and the tool exchange chamber 180) is formed obliquely with respect to the bottom surface. The front surface of the housing 11 is formed to incline rearward.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, above the processing chamber 120 and the drive device chamber 130 and behind the changer chamber 170 and the tool exchange chamber 180, there is arranged a cutting device chamber 150 that houses a cutting device 50 and a spindle moving device 60 that moves the cutting device 50 (as will be described later, the cutting device 50 has a spindle 51 provided with a rotating spindle unit 52). The cutting device chamber 150 here occupies substantially all of the lateral width of the housing 11.

[0018] The workpiece holder 20 is an example of a holding device that holds the workpiece 1. Here, the workpiece holder 20 holds the workpiece 1 via the adapter 5. However, the workpiece holder 20 may directly hold the workpiece 1 without using other members. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the workpiece holder 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the workpiece holder 20 includes a pair of left and right arms 21. The adapter 5 is held by the workpiece holder 20 by being inserted between the pair of arms 21. The operation of the cutting machine 10 when the adapter 5 is inserted between the pair of arms 21 will be described later.

[0019] The holder moving device 30 supports and moves the workpiece holder 20. In the present embodiment, the holder moving device 30 moves the workpiece holder 20 in the front-rear direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the holder moving device 30 moves the workpiece holder 20 obliquely in the front-rear direction so as to descend rearward. When the workpiece holder 20 is moved forward by the holder moving device 30, it also moves upward. When the workpiece holder 20 is moved rearward by the holder moving device 30, it also moves downward. As shown in FIG. 4, hereinafter, the direction in which the workpiece holder 20 is moved by the holder moving device 30 is also referred to as the X-axis direction. Also, hereinafter, when there is no particular need to specify, the front in the X-axis direction may simply be referred to as the front, and the rear in the X-axis direction may simply be referred to as the rear.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5, the holder moving device 30 includes a support arm 31 that extends in the left-right direction and supports the work holder 20. As shown in Figure 4, the holder moving device 30 includes an X-axis moving body 32 connected to the support arm 31, a pair of X-axis guide rails 33, an X-axis drive motor 34, and a ball screw 35. The holder moving device 30 moves the work holder 20 in the X-axis direction by moving the support arm 31 in the X-axis direction. The X-axis moving body 32, the pair of X-axis guide rails 33, the X-axis drive motor 34, the ball screw 35, and a portion of the support arm 31 of the holder moving device 30 are housed in the drive unit chamber 130.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, a pair of X-axis guide rails 33 extend in the X-axis direction. The X-axis moving body 32 is slidably engaged with the pair of X-axis guide rails 33. The X-axis moving body 32 can move in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide rails 33. A ball screw 35 extends in the X-axis direction. The ball screw 35 is engaged with a nut provided on the X-axis moving body 32. The X-axis drive motor 34 rotates the ball screw 35 around its axis. When the X-axis drive motor 34 is driven to rotate the ball screw 35, the X-axis moving body 32 moves in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide rails 33. Note that the holder moving device 30 is not limited to having a ball screw mechanism, and may have, for example, a timing belt or wire.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the support arm 31 includes a rotating shaft 31a that rotates around an axis Axb extending in the left-right direction, a first arm 31b connected to the rotating shaft 31a so as to be perpendicular to the axis Axb and rotating in the front-rear direction together with the rotating shaft 31a, and a second arm 31c connected to the first arm 31b parallel to the axis Axb (so as to be perpendicular to the first arm 31b). As shown in Figure 4, the X-axis moving body 32 is provided with a B-axis rotating motor 41B that rotates the rotating shaft 31a around the axis Axb. The support arm 31 and the B-axis rotating motor 41B constitute part of a rotating device 40 that changes the posture of the work holder 20 by rotating the work holder 20. When the B-axis rotating motor 41B is driven and the rotating shaft 31a rotates, the work holder 20 rotates in the front-rear direction. Hereinafter, the extension direction of the axis Axb will also be called the B-axis direction, and rotation around the axis Axb will also be called rotation around the B-axis. Furthermore, among the rotating devices 40, the device that rotates the work holder 20 around the B axis is also called the B-axis rotating device 40B.

[0023] The rotating device 40 also includes an A-axis rotating device 40A that rotates the work holder 20 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 5, the A-axis rotating device 40A includes an A-axis rotating motor 41A and a rotating shaft 42A. The A-axis rotating motor 41A is fixed to the second arm 31c. The rotating shaft 42A is connected to the A-axis rotating motor 41A and extends in the front-rear direction along the axis Axa. When the A-axis rotating motor 41A is driven, the rotating shaft 42A rotates around the axis Axa. Hereafter, the direction of extension of the axis Axa will also be referred to as the A-axis direction, and rotation around the axis Axa will also be referred to as rotation around the A-axis.

[0024] The processing chamber 120 is partitioned by multiple walls and houses the work holder 20. As shown in Figure 3, the multiple walls include a bottom wall 120D, a left side wall 120L (see Figure 1), a right side wall 120R, a rear wall 120Rr, a front wall 120F, and a top wall 120U. The multiple walls 120D, 120L, 120R, 120Rr, 120F, and 120U are formed here from metal plates. The bottom wall 120D is located below the work holder 20 and forms the bottom surface of the processing chamber 120. A front opening 121 is formed in the front wall 120F of the processing chamber 120. As mentioned above, a processing chamber door 122 is provided in the front opening 121 so that it can be opened and closed.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the top wall 120U partitions the machining chamber 120 and the changer chamber 170, as well as the machining chamber 120 and the cutting device chamber 150. The top wall 120U has a front opening 124 that connects the machining chamber 120 and the changer chamber 170, and a rear opening 125 that connects the machining chamber 120 and the cutting device chamber 150. The front portion of the top wall 120U of the machining chamber 120 is also the bottom wall of the changer chamber 170. The front opening 124 is formed below the changer chamber 170. The front opening 124 is an opening through which the workpiece 1, which is transported by the transport device 72 of the work changer 70, can pass. As will be described later, here the transport device 72 transports the adapter storage section 71, which houses the adapter 5, from the front opening 124 to the machining chamber 120.

[0026] The rear portion of the top wall 120U of the machining chamber 120 is also the left portion of the bottom wall of the cutting device chamber 150. The rear opening 125 is formed below the cutting device chamber 150. The rear opening 125 is an opening through which the lower portion of the spindle 51 can pass. The rear opening 125 is an opening through which the cutting tool 6 and the spindle 51 pass when the spindle 51 is moved in the Z-axis direction (see Figure 3) by the Z-axis direction moving device 60Z, which will be described later. As will be described in more detail later, the rear opening 125 extends above the drive device chamber 130 so as to connect the drive device chamber 130 and the cutting device chamber 150 (see Figure 7).

[0027] The work changer 70 is configured to accommodate multiple workpieces 1 and is used to change the workpieces 1 to be machined. As shown in Figure 3, the work changer 70 includes an adapter storage section 71 capable of accommodating multiple workpieces 1 (here, adapters 5 on which the workpieces 1 are mounted, see Figure 2), and a transport device 72 for transporting the adapter storage section 71 to the machining chamber 120. Except in cases such as when changing workpieces 1, the adapter storage section 71 is housed in the changer chamber 170. As shown in Figure 1, the adapter storage section 71 is provided with multiple shelf-like storage spaces 71a, each capable of accommodating one adapter 5. The multiple storage spaces 71a are arranged vertically. More specifically, the multiple storage spaces 71a are arranged in a diagonal vertical direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (hereinafter also referred to as the L-axis direction, see Figure 3).

[0028] The transport device 72 includes a slide arm 72A extending in the L-axis direction, an L-axis drive motor 72B, and a ball screw 72C. The slide arm 72A is fixed to an adapter housing 71 and can be extended and retracted in the L-axis direction. The ball screw 72C engages with the adapter housing 71. The L-axis drive motor 72B is connected to the ball screw 72C and rotates the ball screw 72C. When the ball screw 72C rotates due to the drive of the L-axis drive motor 72B, the slide arm 72A extends and retracts, and the adapter housing 71 moves in the L-axis direction.

[0029] Figure 6 shows the adapter housing 71 in the lowered state within the machining chamber 120. The adapter housing 71 moves into the machining chamber 120 through the front opening 124 of the machining chamber 120. As shown in Figure 6, the adapter 5 is held by the work holder 20 when the work holder 20 moves forward in the X-axis direction and enters the adapter housing space 71a (see Figure 1).

[0030] The cutting device 50 and its moving device (spindle moving device 60) are housed in the cutting device chamber 150. The cutting device 50 cuts the workpiece 1 held in the work holder 20. As shown in Figure 3, the cutting device 50 and the spindle moving device 60 are located above the work holder 20. The cutting device 50 includes a spindle 51 that grips and rotates the cutting tool 6. The spindle 51 includes a spindle unit 52 and a gripping portion 53 provided at the lower end of the spindle unit 52. The spindle unit 52 extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (here, parallel to the L-axis direction). Hereinafter, this direction will also be referred to as the Z-axis direction. The spindle unit 52 rotates the gripping portion 53 around an axis parallel to the Z-axis direction. The gripping portion 53 is configured to grip each cutting tool 6 stored in a plurality of storage holes 81 of the tool stocker 80, which will be described later. The spindle unit 52 is, in this case, a unit with a built-in motor. However, the spindle unit 52 may be connected to an external motor by a belt or the like, for example. The gripping section 53 is, for example, an air-driven collet chuck. However, the type of gripping section 53 is not particularly limited.

[0031] The spindle moving device 60 moves the cutting device 50 in the Z-axis direction and the left-right direction. The left-right direction is perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions. Hereafter, the left-right direction will also be referred to as the Y-axis direction. As the spindle moving device 60 moves the cutting device 50 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and the holder moving device 30 moves the work holder 20 in the X-axis direction, the positional relationship between the cutting tool 6 and the workpiece 1 changes in three dimensions. The Z-axis direction is the direction that intersects (in this case is perpendicular to) the top wall 120U of the machining chamber 120, and as the cutting device 50 moves in the Z-axis direction, it appears in the machining chamber 120 or retracts into the cutting device chamber 150.

[0032] The spindle moving device 60 comprises a Y-axis moving device 60Y and a Z-axis moving device 60Z. The Y-axis moving device 60Y is a device that moves the cutting device 50 in the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis moving device 60Z is a device that moves the cutting device 50 in the Z-axis direction. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cutting device chamber 150 and the drive device chamber 130. In Figure 7, some components are omitted from the illustration so that the interiors of the cutting device chamber 150 and the drive device chamber 130 are visible. As shown in Figure 7, the Y-axis moving device 60Y comprises a pair of Y-axis guide rails 61Y extending in the Y-axis direction, a Y-axis moving body 62Y slidably engaged with the Y-axis guide rails 61Y, a Y-axis drive motor 63Y, and a ball screw 64Y. The pair of Y-axis guide rails 61Y are provided on the bottom wall of the cutting device chamber 150. The Y-axis guide rails 61Y extend above the drive device chamber 130. The Y-axis moving body 62Y is movable in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis guide rail 61Y. The Y-axis moving body 62Y can move along the Y-axis guide rail 61Y up to above the drive chamber 130. The Y-axis moving body 62Y supports the Z-axis moving device 60Z. The Z-axis moving device 60Z supports the cutting device 50 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the ball screw 64Y extends in the Y-axis direction. The ball screw 64Y is engaged with the Y-axis moving body 62Y. The Y-axis drive motor 63Y rotates the ball screw 64Y. When the Y-axis drive motor 63Y is driven and the ball screw 64Y rotates, the Y-axis moving body 62Y moves in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis guide rail 61Y. This causes the Z-axis moving device 60Z and the cutting device 50 to move in the Y-axis direction.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the Z-axis moving device 60Z comprises a pair of Z-axis guide shafts 61Z extending in the Z-axis direction, a Z-axis moving body 62Z that slidably engages with the Z-axis guide shafts 61Z and supports the cutting device 50, a Z-axis drive motor 63Z, and a ball screw (not shown). The Z-axis moving device 60Z moves the cutting device 50 in the Z-axis direction in a similar manner to how the Y-axis moving device 60Y moves the Z-axis moving device 60Z.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the tool stocker 80 is housed in the drive unit chamber 130. The tool stocker 80 is configured to accommodate multiple cutting tools 6. The multiple cutting tools 6 can be used, for example, depending on the material of the workpiece 1 and the type of cutting. As shown in Figure 7, the tool stocker 80 is supported by the X-axis moving body 32. More specifically, the tool stocker 80 is fixed to the upper surface of the X-axis moving body 32. Conventionally, the tool stocker was supported by the support arm of the holder moving device. Therefore, in conventional cutting devices, the support arm was prone to bending, and it was not possible to apply much load to the workpiece 1 during cutting. Specifically, the amount of material removed per unit time was limited in consideration of the load caused by cutting. In this embodiment, by supporting the tool stocker 80 on the X-axis moving body 32, the load on the support arm 31 is reduced.

[0036] Figure 8 is a plan view of the tool stocker 80. As shown in Figure 8, the tool stocker 80 has a plurality of storage holes 81, each capable of storing a cutting tool 6. The plurality of storage holes 81 are formed on the upper surface of the tool stocker 80 (hereinafter also referred to as the storage surface 80U). Each of the plurality of storage holes 81 is recessed downward in the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 8, the plurality of storage holes 81 are numbered sequentially. The sequential number is displayed on the side of each storage hole 81. Here, there are 15 storage holes 81, and each of the plurality of storage holes 81 is numbered sequentially from 1 to 15. Hereafter, the reference numerals for the storage holes 81 with sequential numbers 1, 2, ..., 15 will be 81-1, 81-2, ..., 81-15, respectively.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, the multiple storage holes 81 include a first storage hole group 81A, which consists of a subset of storage holes 81-1 to 81-5 with consecutive serial numbers arranged in sequential order. The first storage hole group 81A as a whole forms a row of storage holes 81 extending in the X-axis direction. The multiple storage holes 81 also include a second storage hole group 81B, which consists of another subset of storage holes 81-6 to 81-10 with consecutive serial numbers arranged in sequential order. The second storage hole group 81B also forms a row of storage holes 81 extending in the X-axis direction as a whole. The second storage hole group 81B is located to the right of the first storage hole group 81A. Furthermore, the multiple storage holes 81 include a third storage hole group 81C, which consists of yet another subset of storage holes 81-11 to 81-15 with consecutive serial numbers arranged in sequential order. The third storage hole group 81C also forms a row of storage holes 81 that extends in the X-axis direction. The third storage hole group 81C is located further to the right than the second storage hole group 81B. The first storage hole group 81A, the second storage hole group 81B, and the third storage hole group 81C are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the first group of storage holes 81A are arranged in a zigzag pattern on the storage surface 80U. Here, storage hole 81-2 is located further back and to the right in the X-axis direction than storage hole 81-1, and storage hole 81-3 is located further back and to the left in the X-axis direction than storage hole 81-2. The left-right position of storage hole 81-3 is aligned with the left-right position of storage hole 81-1. Storage holes 81-4 and 81-5 are similarly arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0039] The second group of storage holes 81B is arranged in a zigzag pattern, corresponding to the arrangement of the first group of storage holes 81A. Storage hole 81-6, belonging to the second group of storage holes 81B, is located to the right of storage hole 81-1, belonging to the first group of storage holes 81A. The position of storage hole 81-6 in the X-axis direction is aligned with the position of storage hole 81-1 in the X-axis direction. Storage hole 81-7 is located further back and to the right of storage hole 81-6 in the X-axis direction. The position of storage hole 81-7 in the X-axis direction is aligned with the position of storage hole 81-2 in the X-axis direction. The lateral distance between storage holes 81-2 and 81-7 is the same as the lateral distance between storage holes 81-1 and 81-6. Storage holes 81-8 to 81-10 are similarly arranged in a zigzag pattern. The zigzag line connecting the multiple storage holes 81-1 to 81-5 of the first storage hole group 81A and the zigzag line connecting the multiple storage holes 81-6 to 81-10 of the second storage hole group 81B are separated by the same distance in the left-right direction everywhere. Hereafter, this will also be referred to as the first storage hole group 81A and the second storage hole group 81B being "parallel". The third storage hole group 81C is parallel to the first storage hole group 81A and the second storage hole group 81B.

[0040] The tool stocker 80 further includes a first indicator 82A that connects the first group of storage holes 81A in sequential order, a second indicator 82B that connects the second group of storage holes 81B in sequential order, and a third indicator 82C that connects the third group of storage holes 81C in sequential order. As shown in Figure 8, the first indicator 82A includes a first group of wires 82A-1 to 82A-4 that extend to connect two storage holes in the first group of storage holes 81A that have consecutive sequential numbers. For example, one wire 82A-1 from the first group of wires 82A-1 to 82A-4 connects storage holes 81-1 and 81-2. One wire 82A-2 from the first group of wires 82A-1 to 82A-4 connects storage holes 81-2 and 81-3. Similarly, of the first group of wires 82A-1 to 82A-4, wire 82A-3 connects storage holes 81-3 and 81-4, and wire 82A-4 connects storage holes 81-4 and 81-5.

[0041] Similarly, the second indicator 82B includes a second group of wires 82B-1 to 82B-4 that extend to connect two consecutively numbered storage holes 81 from the second group of storage holes 81B. The third indicator 82C includes a third group of wires 82C-1 to 82C-4 that extend to connect two consecutively numbered storage holes 81 from the third group of storage holes 81C.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, the tool stocker 80 is equipped with a flat decorative plate 85 that covers the storage surface 80U from above. The decorative plate 85 has a plurality of tool holes 86, each provided at a position corresponding to the location of the plurality of storage holes 81. Each tool hole 86 penetrates the decorative plate 85 in the thickness direction (in this case, the Z-axis direction). The storage holes 81 are exposed on the outer surface of the tool stocker 80 through the tool holes 86.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first to third displays 82A to 82C are formed on the decorative panel 85. Here, the decorative panel 85 includes a first group of through holes 87A that forms the first display 82A, a second group of through holes 87B that forms the second display 82B, and a third group of through holes 87C that forms the third display 82C. The first group of through holes 87A connects the first group of storage holes 81A in sequential order and penetrates in the vertical direction (in this case, the Z-axis direction) so that the storage surface 80U below is visible. As a result, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the area of ​​the first group of through holes 87A exhibits the color of the storage surface 80U, and the area surrounding the first group of through holes 87A exhibits the color of the decorative panel 85. The specific colors are not particularly limited, but the colors of the storage surface 80U and the decorative panel 85 are different. As a result, the first group of through-holes 87A forms a first marking 82A (specifically, the first group of lines 82A-1 to 82A-4) of a different color from its surroundings.

[0044] Similarly, the second group of through holes 87B connects the second group of storage holes 81B in numerical order and penetrates the lower storage surface 80U in a vertical direction so that it is visible, forming the second marking 82B. The third group of through holes 87C connects the third group of storage holes 81C in numerical order and penetrates the lower storage surface 80U in a vertical direction so that it is visible, forming the third marking 82C. The first markings 82A to the third markings 82C are formed by through holes in this way so that they will not be erased by friction of the main shaft 51 or the like.

[0045] In this case, the serial numbers of the storage holes 81 are printed on the decorative panel 85. The first line group 82A-1 to 82A-4, the second line group 82B-1 to 82B-4, and the third line group 82C-1 to 82C-4 may also be formed by means such as printing or engraving. The first line group 82A-1 to 82A-4, the second line group 82B-1 to 82B-4, and the third line group 82C-1 to 82C-4 may be formed on the storage surface 80U by printing, engraving, or other means, rather than on the decorative panel.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, the cutting machine 10 further includes a tool length sensor 90 for measuring the length of the cutting tool 6, and position correction projections 91 for correcting the position of the spindle 51 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The tool length sensor 90 and position correction projections 91 are located behind the multiple storage holes 81. Therefore, the multiple storage holes 81 are located in front of the tool length sensor 90 and position correction projections 91. Furthermore, behind the multiple storage holes 81 in the X-axis direction, there is a dummy pin storage hole 88 for housing a dummy pin 7 (see Figure 3). The dummy pin 7 is a pin that is basically held in the gripping part 53 except when the cutting tool 6 is being held. The dummy pin 7 is held in the gripping part 53 to prevent dust from entering the inside of the gripping part 53 when not cutting. The length of the dummy pin 7 is shorter than the cutting tool 6. In this embodiment, components that the user rarely or never uses, namely the tool length sensor 90, the position correction projection 91, and the dummy pin storage hole 88, are grouped together behind the multiple storage holes 81. This makes it easier for the user to access the multiple storage holes 81. As will be described later, the user opens the tool exchange chamber door 182 and accesses the tool stocker 80 from the front opening 181 of the tool exchange chamber 180.

[0047] The tool length sensor 90 detects when the cutting tool 6 makes contact. The tool length sensor 90 is provided so as to be exposed on the storage surface 80U of the tool stocker 80. Here, the tool length sensor 90 is provided so as to protrude above the storage surface 80U of the tool stocker 80. Here, the tool length sensor 90 detects when the cutting tool 6 makes contact from above in the Z-axis direction. The tool length sensor 90 includes, for example, a switch that switches between ON / OFF states when pressed by the cutting tool 6, and is configured to measure the coordinates when the ON / OFF state of the switch is switched. However, the detection method of the tool length sensor 90 is not limited to the above. The tool length sensor 90 may also include, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the pressing force of the cutting tool 6. The tool length sensor 90 can then detect if the cutting tool 6 is incorrect or broken and its length is different from the registered length.

[0048] The position correction projection 91 detects when the dummy pin 7 and the detection pin 8 (see Figure 7), which are used during automatic position correction of the spindle 51, come into contact. As shown in Figure 7, the detection pin 8 is housed in a storage hole 81 at the rear right of the tool stocker 80. As shown in Figure 8, the position correction projection 91 is also provided so as to be exposed on the storage surface 80U of the tool stocker 80. Here, the position correction projection 91 is provided so as to protrude above the storage surface 80U of the tool stocker 80. The position correction projection 91 is configured to detect the dummy pin 7 or the detection pin 8 by, for example, energizing the dummy pin 7 or the detection pin 8. During automatic position correction of the spindle 51, the cutting machine 10 acquires the coordinates when the dummy pin 7 comes into contact with the position correction projection 91. The cutting machine 10 uses these acquired coordinates to detect the position of the tool stocker 80 relative to the spindle 51. This makes it possible to grip the detection pin 8 with the cutting device 50. The position of the main spindle 51 is corrected by detecting contact between the detection pin 8 and the position correction projection 91.

[0049] The cutting device 50 is configured to grip each cutting tool 6 stored in the tool stocker 80, and cuts the workpiece 1 held in the work holder 20 using the gripped cutting tools 6. To enable this, the spindle moving device 60 moves the cutting device 50 between the drive chamber 130 and the machining chamber 120. In addition, the holder moving device 30 moves the tool stocker 80 below the cutting device chamber 150.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, in this embodiment, the cutting device 50 is positioned above the work holder 20 and the tool stocker 80. The Y-axis movement device 60Y of the spindle movement device 60 moves the cutting device 50 in the Y-axis direction so that the cutting device 50 moves between above the drive chamber 130 and above the machining chamber 120. The Z-axis movement device 60Z of the spindle movement device 60 moves the cutting device 50 in the Z-axis direction. The holder movement device 30 is configured to move the tool stocker 80 to a tool gripping position P1 (see Figure 7) which is set below the movement path of the cutting device 50 by the Y-axis movement device 60Y. The tool gripping position P1 is located below the rear opening 125. By moving the tool stocker 80 to the tool gripping position P1, and moving the cutting device 50 to a position above the tool gripping position P1, the Z-axis movement device 60Z is driven to lower the cutting device 50, thereby allowing the cutting device 50 to grip the cutting tool 6 of the tool stocker 80.

[0051] The holder moving device 30 is configured to move the tool stocker 80 to a tool exchange position P2, which is set forward of the tool gripping position P1. As shown in Figure 7, the tool exchange position P2 is set below the bottom wall 183 of the tool exchange chamber 180. The bottom wall 183 of the tool exchange chamber 180 separates the tool exchange chamber 180 from the drive unit chamber 130. As shown in Figure 7, the bottom wall 183 of the tool exchange chamber 180 has an opening 184 that opens above the tool exchange position P2. The opening 184 is an opening for the user to insert and remove cutting tools 6 into and from the tool stocker 80. The opening 184 penetrates the bottom wall 183 in the Z-axis direction. When the holder moving device 30 is driven to move the tool stocker 80 to the tool exchange position P2, the user can access the tool stocker 80 through the opening 184. As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 11 has a front opening 181 of the tool exchange chamber 180 that opens forward. The front opening 181 is positioned in front of the tool stocker 80 and opens to allow access to the tool stocker 80. By providing the tool exchange chamber 180, it is prevented from the user touching the holder moving device 30 when changing the cutting tool 6. Furthermore, this configuration prevents foreign objects from entering the drive device chamber 130 when changing the cutting tool 6.

[0052] In this embodiment, the moving device that moves the position of the gripping portion 53 relative to the tool stocker 80 to a position in which each cutting tool 6 can be gripped is realized by a holder moving device 30 that moves the tool stocker 80 in the X-axis direction and a spindle moving device 60 that moves the gripping portion 53 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. However, the moving device does not need to be limited in its configuration, as it only needs to move the position of the gripping portion 53 relative to the tool stocker 80 to a position in which each cutting tool 6 can be gripped by moving at least one of the cutting device 50 and the tool stocker 80. The moving device may be configured, for example, to move the spindle 51 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0053] The control device 100 (see Figure 1) is connected to the X-axis drive motor 34 of the holder moving device 30, the A-axis rotation motor 41A and B-axis rotation motor 41B of the rotating device 40, the spindle unit 52 and gripping unit 53 of the cutting device 50, the Y-axis drive motor 63Y and Z-axis drive motor 63Z of the spindle moving device 60, the L-axis drive motor 72B of the work changer 70, and the operation panel 110, and controls their operation.

[0054] The configuration of the control device 100 is not particularly limited. The control device 100 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, but for example, it includes an interface (I / F) for receiving cutting data etc. from an external device such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions for the control program, a ROM (read-only memory) that stores the program executed by the CPU, a RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a storage device such as memory that stores the above program and various data.

[0055] [Cutting process] The following describes the cutting process, including setting the workpiece 1 and cutting tool 6 on the cutting machine 10. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the cutting process. As shown in Figure 9, in step S10 of the cutting process for workpiece 1, the cutting tool 6 is stored in the tool stocker 80. Step S10 is performed by the user. The user opens the tool changer chamber door 182 and stores the cutting tool 6 in the storage hole 81 of the tool stocker 80. In step S20, the adapter 5 with the workpiece 1 attached (the step of attaching the workpiece 1 to the adapter 5 is omitted from the description) is stored in the storage space 71a of the adapter storage section 71. Step S20 is also performed by the user. The user opens the changer chamber door 171 and stores the adapter 5 in the adapter storage section 71. Steps S10 and S20 may be performed in the reverse order.

[0056] In the following step S30, one of the adapters 5 stored in the work changer 70 is mounted on the work holder 20. In step S30, the adapter storage unit 71 is transported into the machining chamber 120 by the transport device 72. Then, the work holder 20 is moved forward in the X-axis direction by the holder moving device 30, and the adapter 5 is mounted on the work holder 20. Once the adapter 5 is mounted on the work holder 20, the work holder 20 moves backward in the X-axis direction. As a result, the workpiece 1 mounted on the work holder 20 is moved below the cutting device chamber 150. After that, the adapter storage unit 71 is returned to the changer chamber 170.

[0057] In step S40, one of the cutting tools 6 stored in the tool stocker 80 is gripped by the gripping part 53 of the cutting device 50. In step S50, the length of the cutting tool 6 is measured by the tool length sensor 90. This verifies whether the length of the cutting tool 6 is the same as the registered length. If the length of the cutting tool 6 is different from the registered length (if the result of step S50 is NO), the cutting process is stopped and an error message is issued in step S70. If the length of the cutting tool 6 is the same as the registered length (if the result of step S50 is YES), the cutting process is performed in step S60.

[0058] Once the gripping and length confirmation of the cutting tool 6 is complete, the Z-axis movement device 60Z moves the spindle 51 above the rear opening 125. This allows the cutting device 50 to move in the Y-axis direction. Subsequently, the cutting device 50 is moved above the machining chamber 120.

[0059] In step S60, the workpiece 1 is machined, and the workpiece is cut out. In step S60, the holder moving device 30, the Y-axis moving device 60Y, and the Z-axis moving device 60Z are driven to change the relative position between the cutting tool 6 and the workpiece 1, and the rotating device 40 is driven to change the orientation of the workpiece 1. The cutting tool 6 is replaced with the specified one as appropriate, following the same procedure as in steps S40 to S50. This completes the workpiece.

[0060] [Effects of the Embodiment] The following describes the operation and effects of the cutting machine 10 according to this embodiment.

[0061] The tool stocker 80 according to this embodiment includes a storage surface 80U having a plurality of storage holes 81 formed thereon, each capable of storing a cutting tool 6 and assigned sequential numbers. The plurality of storage holes 81 include a first storage hole group 81A in which a portion of storage holes 81-1 to 81-5 with consecutive sequential numbers are arranged in sequential order, and a second storage hole group 81B in which another portion of storage holes 81-6 to 81-10 with consecutive sequential numbers are arranged in sequential order. In the above embodiment, the plurality of storage holes 81 also includes a third storage hole group 81C in which a portion of storage holes 81-11 to 81-15 with consecutive sequential numbers are arranged in sequential order. The tool stocker 80 includes a first display 82A that connects the first storage hole group 81A in sequential order, and a second display 82B that connects the second storage hole group 81B in sequential order. In the embodiment described above, the tool stocker 80 also includes a third indicator 82C that is displayed so as to connect the third group of storage holes 81C in numerical order.

[0062] With this configuration, the first display 82A indicates that the first storage hole group 81A is connected in sequential order. Therefore, it is easy to see how the storage holes 81 are arranged inside the first storage hole group 81A. The same applies to the second storage hole group 81B and the third storage hole group 81C. Furthermore, with the tool stocker 80 according to this embodiment, the first display 82A, the second display 82B, and the third display 82C allow the first storage hole group 81A, the second storage hole group 81B, and the third storage hole group 81B to be distinguished from each other. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent user errors such as mistaking a storage hole 81 belonging to the first storage hole group 81A for a storage hole 81 belonging to the second storage hole group 81B, which are consecutively numbered storage holes 81.

[0063] If a user misidentifies the serial number of the storage hole 81, and as a result the wrong cutting tool 6 is stored in the storage hole 81, an error will occur at best in step S50. If the length of the wrong cutting tool 6 is the same as the length of the correct cutting tool 6, the cutting of the workpiece 1 will fail. At worst, the wrong cutting tool 6 may collide with the cutting machine 10. Therefore, it is preferable that the tool stocker 80 has good serial number identification.

[0064] Figure 10 is a plan view of the tool stocker 80 showing an example of misidentification of the serial numbers of the storage holes 81. As shown in Figure 10, arrow R1, which indicates a misreading in one example, shows a case where storage hole 81-1 belonging to the first storage hole group 81A, storage hole 81-6 belonging to the second storage hole group 81B, and storage hole 81-11 belonging to the third storage hole group 81C are mistakenly identified as storage holes 81 with consecutive serial numbers. In the tool stocker 80 according to this embodiment, the first indicator 82A, the second indicator 82B, and the third indicator 82C indicate the direction of reading the serial numbers. Therefore, misidentification as shown by arrow R1 is less likely to occur.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, arrow R2, which indicates another example of misinterpretation, shows a case where storage hole 81-5 and dummy pin storage hole 88, both belonging to the first storage hole group 81A, are mistakenly identified as storage holes 81 with consecutive serial numbers. In the tool stocker 80 according to this embodiment, the first display 82A is not connected to the dummy pin storage hole 88. Therefore, misinterpretations like the one shown by arrow R2 are less likely to occur.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first display 82A includes a first group of lines 82A-1 to 82A-4 that extend to connect two storage holes 81 with consecutive serial numbers from the first group of storage holes 81A. The second display 82B and the third display 82C are configured similarly. With this configuration, since two storage holes 81 with consecutive serial numbers are connected by lines, the user can intuitively understand that the serial numbers are consecutive.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first group of storage holes 81A is arranged in a zigzag pattern on the storage surface 80U. The second group of storage holes 81B is arranged alongside the first group of storage holes 81A on the storage surface 80U and is also arranged in a zigzag pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the first group of storage holes 81A. With this configuration, the storage holes 81 can be arranged more densely than if multiple storage holes 81 were arranged in a matrix. This makes it possible to make the tool stocker 80 smaller or to increase the number of cutting tools 6 that can be stored in the tool stocker 80. Also, when the storage holes 81 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, it becomes difficult for the user to understand how the storage holes 81 are arranged, so the first display 82A and the second display 82B are more effective. The same applies to the third display 82C.

[0068] The first group of storage holes 81A to the third group of storage holes 81C may be arranged in a straight line on the storage surface 80U.

[0069] The tool stocker 80 according to this embodiment further includes a decorative plate 85 that covers the storage surface 80U from above. The color of the storage surface 80U and the color of the decorative plate 85 are different. The decorative plate 85 has a first group of through holes 87A that connects the first group of storage holes 81A in sequential order and penetrates the lower storage surface 80U in the vertical direction so that it is visible, forming the first display 82A. The second display 82B and the third display 82C are similarly composed of the second group of through holes 87B and the third group of through holes 87C, respectively. With this configuration, even if subjected to stimuli that would cause printing to disappear, such as friction from the spindle 51, the first display 82A to the third display 82C will not disappear.

[0070] In this embodiment, a dummy pin storage hole 88 is formed on the storage surface 80U, which houses a dummy pin 7 that is configured to be grippable by the gripping portion 53 and has a different length from the cutting tool 6. Here, the dummy pin 7 is shorter in length than the cutting tool 6. Therefore, if the cutting tool 6 is mistakenly stored in the dummy pin storage hole 88, the cutting tool 6 and the cutting device 50 will collide. In this embodiment, the visibility of the storage hole 81 for the cutting tool 6 is improved, making it less likely for the above-mentioned mistaken insertion to occur. However, if the dummy pin 7 is longer than the cutting tool 6, there is a possibility that the cutting device 50 will collide with the dummy pin 7 that has been mistakenly stored in the storage hole 81 for the cutting tool 6.

[0071] The cutting machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a housing 11 that is positioned in front of the tool stocker 80 and has a front opening 181 that allows access to the tool stocker 80. The multiple storage holes 81 are located in front of the dummy pin storage holes 88. With this configuration, since the dummy pin storage holes 88 are located further from the front opening 181 than the storage holes 81 for the cutting tools 6, it is even less likely that the dummy pins 7 will be mistakenly stored in the storage holes 81 for the cutting tools 6.

[0072] [Other embodiments] The above describes a cutting machine according to one embodiment. However, the technology disclosed herein can also be implemented in other forms. For example, in the above embodiment, the tool stocker 80 was provided in the drive unit chamber 130, which is separated from the machining chamber 120. However, the tool stocker may be provided in the machining chamber where the cutting of the workpiece is performed.

[0073] In the embodiment described above, the first storage hole group 81A to the third storage hole group 81C each formed a row extending in the front-to-back direction. That is, the sequential numbers of the storage holes 81 were assigned consecutively to multiple storage holes 81 arranged in the front-to-back direction. However, the sequential numbers of the storage holes may also be assigned consecutively to multiple storage holes arranged in the left-to-right direction, for example.

[0074] The markings connecting multiple storage holes are not limited to lines. They may also be, for example, a single dot or a series of connected dots. The shape, color, and method of forming the markings connecting multiple storage holes are not limited.

[0075] The configuration of the cutting machine is not particularly limited. For example, the cutting machine does not need to have a workpiece changer. Also, for example, the interior of the cutting machine does not need to be partitioned as in the embodiment described above.

[0076] Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments are not limiting to the present invention. For example, the cutting machine does not have to be a dental cutting machine for producing dental molded products. The workpiece does not have to be held by the cutting machine via an adapter, but may be held directly by the cutting machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Workpiece 6 Cutting Tools 7 Dummy pins 10 Cutting machine 30. Holder moving device (moving device) 50 Cutting equipment 51 Spindle 52 Spindle Unit (Spindle) 53 Gripping part 60 Spindle moving device (moving device) 80 Tool Stocker 80U storage space 81 storage holes 81A First group of storage holes 81B Second group of storage openings 81C Third storage hole group 82A First display 82A-1~82A-4 First Line Group 82B Second display 82B-1~82B-4 Second line group 82C Third display 82C-1~82C-4 Third Line Group 85 decorative panel 87A First group of through holes 87B Second group of through holes 87C Third group of through holes 88 Dummy pin storage holes 180 Tool Changing Room 181 Front opening

Claims

1. Each storage surface is equipped with multiple storage holes, each with a sequential number, that can accommodate a cutting tool. The aforementioned plurality of storage holes are A first group of storage holes in which some of the storage holes with consecutive serial numbers are arranged in order of serial numbers, It includes a second group of storage holes in which several other storage holes with consecutive serial numbers are arranged in order of serial numbers, The first display, which is arranged so as to connect the first group of storage holes in numerical order, It further comprises a second display arranged so as to connect the second group of storage holes in numerical order, Tool stocker for cutting machines.

2. The first indication includes a first group of lines extending to connect two consecutive storage holes in the first group of storage holes, The second indication includes a second group of lines extending to connect two consecutive storage holes in the second group of storage holes. A tool stocker for a cutting machine according to claim 1.

3. The first group of storage holes is arranged in a zigzag pattern on the storage surface. The second group of storage holes is arranged on the storage surface alongside the first group of storage holes, and is arranged in a zigzag pattern such that it is separated from the first group of storage holes by a certain distance with respect to the direction in which the first group of storage holes and the second group of storage holes are aligned. A tool stocker for a cutting machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The storage surface is further covered by a decorative panel from above, The color of the storage surface and the color of the decorative panel are different. The aforementioned decorative panel is The first group of storage holes is connected in sequential order, and the first group of through holes penetrates vertically so that the lower storage surface is visible, forming the first display. The second group of storage holes is connected in sequential order, and the second group of through holes penetrates vertically so that the lower storage surface is visible, forming the second display. A tool stocker for a cutting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A tool stocker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A cutting device comprising: a gripping part configured to grip each cutting tool stored in the plurality of storage holes; and a spindle for rotating the gripping part. The system includes a moving device that moves at least one of the cutting device and the tool stocker to move the position of the gripping portion relative to the tool stocker to a position in which each cutting tool can be gripped, Cutting machine.

6. The storage surface has a dummy pin storage hole formed therein, which houses a dummy pin that is configured to be grippable by the gripping portion and has a different length from the cutting tool. The cutting machine according to claim 5.

7. The housing is further positioned in front of the tool stocker and has a front opening that allows access to the tool stocker, The aforementioned plurality of storage holes are provided in front of the dummy pin storage holes. The cutting machine according to claim 6.

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