Angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post

Abstract

To accurately position and hold an angle of rotation of a rotating body such as a swivel tool in an angle positioning mechanism.SOLUTION: An angle positioning mechanism 60 provided on a base plate 21 to position the angle position of rotation of a tool holder 24 (rotating body) rotating about an axis C2 includes: a plurality of countersinks 61 (recesses) formed at intervals of angle θ1 (first angle) along a circumferential direction of a predetermined radius of the base plate 21 around the axis C2 and recessed toward the tool holder 24; and a plurality of plungers 62 (convex members) protruding toward the base plate 21, arranged at intervals of an angle θ2 (second angle) along a circumferential direction of a predetermined radius around the axis C2 of the tool holder 24. The angle positioning mechanism positions the angle position of the rotation of the tool holder 24 by the angle of resolution of the difference between angles θ1 and θ2, with the plungers 62 plunging into the countersinks 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an angular positioning mechanism and a turret tool post. [Background Art]

[0002] A turret tool post used for machine tools such as automatic lathes may sometimes be provided with a swiveling tool that rotates within a plane parallel to the turret surface of the turret. The swiveling tool rotates within a plane parallel to the turret surface by rotating about an axis orthogonal to the turret surface.

[0003] Here, on either one of the turret surface side and the swiveling tool side, an angular scale indicating the rotation angle is displayed, and an indicator line is displayed on the other. When manually rotating the swiveling tool, a user manually rotates the swiveling tool about the axis. Then, when the user visually recognizes that the indicator line matches the angular scale corresponding to a desired rotation angle, the user manually stops the rotation of the swiveling tool to position the rotation angle.

[0004] However, as described above, in operations relying only on visual inspection, variations in positioning accuracy of the rotation angle may occur depending on an individual's skill level and other factors.

[0005] As a method for detecting a rotation angle, a rotary encoder using a rotating plate and a photodetection sensor is known. For example, the rotating plate has a large number of slits arranged along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of a circular plate. The rotary encoder detects the rotation angle of the rotating plate by counting pulses of light transmitted through the slits with the photodetection sensor.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to improve the detection resolution of the rotation angle of a rotating plate, a rotary encoder has been proposed in which a slit pattern is formed at different radial positions on the rotating plate, with slits arranged at different angles along the circumferential direction, and the rotation angle of the rotating plate is detected according to the detection pattern of light detected by multiple optical sensors installed corresponding to the different radial positions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This rotary encoder can improve the detection resolution of the rotation angle of the rotating plate by setting the angles of the slits formed at different radial positions to be relative to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-177426 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The techniques described in the aforementioned prior art documents improve the accuracy of detecting the rotation angle of a rotating plate using optical sensors, etc. However, if it is necessary to hold the rotating body by hand until it is fixed in the angular position after rotation, the angular position may shift while being held by hand.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an angle positioning mechanism and a turret tool post that can accurately position and hold the rotation angle of a rotating body such as a swivel tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention is an angle positioning mechanism for positioning the angular position of rotation of a rotating body provided on a base plate and rotating about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the base plate, comprising: a plurality of recesses formed on the base plate at first angular intervals along the circumferential direction of a predetermined radius centered on the axis, recessed toward the rotating body; and a plurality of convex members arranged on the rotating body at second angular intervals along the circumferential direction of a predetermined radius centered on the axis, projecting toward the base plate, wherein the angular position of rotation of the rotating body relative to the base plate is positioned by the convex members protruding into the recesses, with a resolution angle of the difference between the first angle and the second angle.

[0011] The second aspect of the present invention is a turret tool rest comprising a swivel tool having a base plate fixed to the turret surface and a tool holder rotatable with respect to the base plate about an axis perpendicular to the turret surface, and an angle positioning mechanism according to the present invention that positions the tool holder at a predetermined angular position about the axis, with the tool holder acting as the rotating body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post of the present invention, the rotation angle of a rotating body such as a swivel tool can be precisely positioned and held. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the turret tool post. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing the angle positioning mechanism provided on the turret of the turret tool post. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the rotating tool along the axis C2 direction. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the angle indicator unit on a rotary tool. [Figure 5A]It is a cross-sectional view showing the angular positioning mechanism, illustrating a cross-section in the thickness direction of the housing and the base plate, showing a state where the ball is not aligned with the countersink. [Figure 5B] It is a cross-sectional view showing the angular positioning mechanism, illustrating a cross-section in the thickness direction of the housing and the base plate, showing a state where the ball is aligned with the countersink. [Figure 6A] It is a schematic view showing the arrangement of plungers. [Figure 6B] It is a schematic view showing the arrangement of countersinks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodiments of the angular positioning mechanism and the turret tool post according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a turret tool post 100, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an angular positioning mechanism 60 provided on a turret 10 of the turret tool post 100, and FIG. 3 is a plan view seen along the axis C2 direction of a rotary tool 20.

[0016] (Turret Tool Post) The turret tool post 100 is an embodiment of the turret tool post according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the turret tool post 100 includes a turret 10 formed in a polygonal column shape. The illustrated turret 10 is, for example, formed as a regular decagonal prism. Therefore, the peripheral surface of the decagonal prism of the turret 10 has 10 flat surfaces (turret surfaces 11). The turret 10 is not limited to a regular decagonal prism, and may be another regular polygonal prism such as a regular octagonal prism or a regular hexagonal prism, or may be a polygonal prism in which the width of the turret surface 11 is not constant.

[0017] Each turret surface 11 is attached with a stationary tool such as a cutting bit that does not move, and a rotary tool such as a drill bit that rotates about its axis. The stationary tool turns the workpiece by being pressed against the workpiece such as a round bar that is gripped by a spindle (not shown) and rotates about its axis, while the rotary tool turns the workpiece by rotating while being pressed against the workpiece such as a round bar gripped by a spindle (not shown).

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the turret 10 includes a swing tool 20, an angle display section 65, and an angle positioning mechanism 60, in addition to stationary tools and rotary tools whose relative positional relationship with respect to the turret surface 11 does not change.

[0019] The swing tool 20 is rotatable about an axis C2 orthogonal to the turret surface 11, and the angular position of the rotation can be adjusted. The swing tool 20 has a rotary tool 27 that rotates about an axis C3 within a plane orthogonal to the axis C2. By adjusting the angular position of rotation about the axis C2, the swing tool 20 can change the inclination angle (posture) of the rotary tool 27 relative to the axis of the workpiece.

[0020] The swing tool 20 comprises a tool mounting base plate 21 (hereinafter referred to as the base plate 21) and a tool holder 24.

[0021] The base plate 21 is formed into a substantially flat plate shape. With the lower surface 21b thereof in contact with the turret surface 11, the base plate 21 is fixed to the turret surface 11 by, for example, a plurality of hexagon socket head cap bolts 31. By being fixed with the hexagon socket head cap bolts 31, the base plate 21 does not move relative to the turret surface 11. A hole (not shown) penetrating through the base plate in the thickness direction of the flat plate is formed in the base plate 21. In addition, a convex surface 21c with a portion protruding upward is formed on the upper surface 21a of the base plate 21. The outer peripheral edge 21d of the convex surface 21c is formed into an arc centered on the axis C2 about which the tool holder 24 described later rotates. The upper surface 21a and the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21 are parallel to the turret surface 11.

[0022] The tool holder 24 is positioned on the base plate 21 and is rotatably supported around the axis C2. The tool holder 24 comprises a housing 25, a rotary tool 27, and a rotation transmission mechanism 26. The lower surface 25b of the housing 25 has a concave surface 25c formed thereon, which is partially recessed upward. The outer edge 25d of the concave surface 25c is formed in the shape of a circular arc centered on the axis C2.

[0023] With the lower surface 25b of the housing 25 facing the upper surface 21a of the base plate 21, the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21 is in contact with the concave surface 25c of the housing 25. When the tool holder 24 is rotated around axis C2 relative to the base plate 21, the outer edge 25d of the concave surface 25c of the housing 25 follows the outer edge 21d of the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21 with a small gap between them, as the tool holder 24 rotates around axis C2.

[0024] The rotary tool 27 is positioned to protrude outward from the housing 25. The rotary tool 27 is, for example, a drill bit that rotates around axis C3. The rotational transmission mechanism 26 is located inside the housing 25. The rotational transmission mechanism 26 transmits the rotational driving force output by the rotational drive mechanism provided in the turret 10 to the rotary tool 27. The rotational transmission mechanism 26 includes a rotating shaft that passes through the aforementioned hole (not shown) formed in the base plate 21 and engages with the rotational drive mechanism in the turret 10. The rotary tool 27 rotates around axis C3, receiving the rotational driving force output from the rotational drive mechanism via the rotational transmission mechanism 26.

[0025] The tool holder 24 is rotatable around axis C2 relative to the base plate 21, and even when the tool holder 24 is rotated around axis C2, the engagement between the rotation transmission mechanism 26 and the rotation drive mechanism is maintained.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the housing 25 has an arc-shaped elongated hole 28 formed at a predetermined radial position centered on axis C2, extending circumferentially and penetrating through the thickness direction. On the other hand, five screw holes 22 are formed on the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21 at the same radial positions as the elongated hole 28 centered on axis C2, along the circumferential direction.

[0027] A socket head cap screw 29 is fastened through an elongated hole 28 in the housing 25 to at least one of these five screw holes 22. In the example shown in Figure 3, socket head cap screws 29 are fastened to two of the screw holes 22. Note that in Figure 3, only one screw hole 22 is shown, and two of the other four screw holes 22, which are not shown, are formed in positions that overlap with the two socket head cap screws 29.

[0028] When the hex socket head bolt 29 is loosened (unfastened), the tool holder 24 can be rotated around axis C2 at any angular position θ within the angular range in which the outer surface of the hex socket head bolt 29 abuts against each end face in the circumferential direction of the elongated hole 28 of the tool holder 24. Therefore, by changing the selection of the screw hole 22 into which the hex socket head bolt 29 is fastened from among the three screw holes 22, the angular range of rotation of the tool holder 24 around axis C2 can be changed.

[0029] In the state in which the socket head cap screws 29 are fastened at any angular position θ within the angular range in which the outer surface of the socket head cap screws 29 abuts against each end face in the circumferential direction of the elongated hole 28 of the tool holder 24 (fastened state), the housing 25 is sandwiched between the head of the socket head cap screw 29 and the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21, preventing the tool holder 24 from rotating around axis C2, and thus fixing the swivel tool 20 in that angular position.

[0030] (Angle display) Next, the angle indicator unit 65 provided on the swivel tool 20 of the turret tool post 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the angle indicator unit 65 provided on the swivel tool 20. As shown in Figure 4, the swivel tool 20 has an angle indicator unit 65 formed thereon. The angle indicator unit 65 includes an angle scale 64 and an indicator line 63. The angle scale 64 is displayed on the side surface 25e of the housing 25. The portion of the side surface 25e of the housing 25 on which the angle scale 64 is displayed is formed by a circumferential surface whose contour in plan view is an arc centered on axis C2.

[0031] The angle scale 64 indicates the rotation angle of the housing 25 around axis C2, with scale lines spaced at 1-degree intervals from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, arranged along the circumference of the housing 25. Meanwhile, a single vertical line, the indicator line 63, is displayed on the side surface 21e of the base plate 21.

[0032] Then, when the tool holder 24 is rotated around axis C2 within an angular range in which the outer surface of the hex socket head bolt 29 abuts against each end face in the circumferential direction of the elongated hole 28 of the tool holder 24, the angle display unit 65 displays the angle corresponding to the angular position θ rotated with respect to the reference line of the tool holder 24 (see Figure 3). Here, the reference line is the orientation in which the axis C3 of the rotary tool 27 is parallel to axis C1, which is the rotation center of the turret 10.

[0033] The angle indicator unit 65 is set such that when the axis C3 of the rotary tool 27 is aligned with the reference line, the indicator line 63 points to the 0-degree mark on the angle scale 64, and when the axis C3 of the rotary tool 27 is perpendicular to the axis C1 (reference line) and the axis C2, which is the rotation center of the swivel tool 20, the indicator line 63 points to the 90-degree mark on the angle scale 64.

[0034] (Angle positioning mechanism) The angle positioning mechanism 60 provided on the swivel tool 20 of the turret tool post 100 will now be described. Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the angle positioning mechanism 60, specifically the housing 25 and base plate 21 in the thickness direction. Figure 5A shows the state where the ball 62c is not aligned with the countersunk hole 61, and Figure 5B shows the state where the ball 62c is aligned with the countersunk hole 61.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the angle positioning mechanism 60 precisely positions the tool holder 24 of the rotary tool 20 at a desired angle position θ within the angular range in which the outer surface of the hex socket head bolt 29 abuts against each end face in the circumferential direction of the elongated hole 28 of the tool holder 24, when the tool holder 24 of the rotary tool 20 is rotated around axis C2.

[0036] Specifically, the angle positioning mechanism 60 stops the rotation of the tool holder 24 when it is rotated around axis C2 so that the indicator line 63 shown in Figure 4 coincides with each of the 1-degree markings on the angle scale 64. In other words, the angle position θ of the rotation of the tool holder 24 is positioned in 1-degree increments so that the rotation of the tool holder 24 does not stop at a position where the indicator line 63 points between two adjacent markings on the angle scale 64.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the angular positioning mechanism 60 has, for example, a plurality of plungers 62 (an example of a convex member) and a number of countersunk holes 61 (an example of a concave member) that are greater than the number of plungers 62. The plungers 62 are fixed to the housing 25 of the tool holder 24 (an example of a rotating body). The countersunk holes 61 are formed as recessed holes in the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the plunger 62 consists of a case 62a, a coil spring 62b, and a ball 62c. The case 62a houses the coil spring 62b and the ball 62c. When the coil spring 62b is compressed, its end is in contact with the case 62a and the ball 62c.

[0039] The coil spring 62b exerts a restoring force (elastic force) due to its compression, which causes a portion of the ball 62c to protrude downward in the height direction H from the lower end of the case 62a. The ball 62c is still able to rotate even when a pressing force (biasing force) is acting on it from the coil spring 62b.

[0040] When an upward load is applied from below to the ball 62c, which is partially protruding from the case 62a due to the pressing force of the coil spring 62b, the ball 62c is displaced upward in the height direction H against the pressing force (biasing force) of the coil spring 62b.

[0041] Specifically, the plunger 62 is positioned such that the case 62a is fixed to the housing 25 of the tool holder 24, with the ball 62c protruding downward from the concave surface 25c of the housing 25.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5A, when the ball 62c of the plunger 62 is not in a position aligned with the countersunk hole 61, the ball 62c is pressed upward by the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21 and is displaced upward against the pressing force (biasing force) of the coil spring 62b. When the housing 25 moves in the in-plane direction of the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21, the ball 62c remains displaced upward and rotates in accordance with contact with the convex surface 21c.

[0043] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5B, when the ball 62c of the plunger 62 is in a position that coincides with the countersunk hole 61, the elastic force of the coil spring 62b causes the ball 62c to plunge into the countersunk hole 61. Then, in order for the ball 62c to escape from the state in which it has plunged into the countersunk hole 61, a load is required that displaces the ball 62c upward against the pressing force of the coil spring 62b.

[0044] Therefore, the tool holder 24 holds the ball 62c in a position aligned with the countersunk hole 61, as long as the load acting on it does not exceed the load that displaces the ball 62c upward against the pressing force of the coil spring 62b. In other words, the tool holder 24 is positioned so that the in-plane movement of the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21 is restricted, and the ball 62c is aligned with the countersunk hole 61.

[0045] When the ball 62c is positioned in the countersunk hole 61 (see Figure 5B), if a load greater than the load required to displace the ball 62c upward against the pressing force of the coil spring 62b is applied, the ball 62c will be displaced upward and disengage from the countersunk hole 61, allowing the tool holder 24 to move in the in-plane direction of the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21.

[0046] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the plungers 62, and Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the countersunk holes 61. In the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment, the plungers 62 are arranged in a row of three on the circumference along a radius R1 centered on axis C2, as shown in Figure 6A, and in a row of three on the circumference along a radius R2 (>R1) centered on axis C2. In other words, the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment is equipped with six plungers 62, and the plungers 62, divided into two groups of three, are arranged on two different rows of circumferences.

[0047] The six plungers 62 are arranged alternately on the circumference along radius R1 and on the circumference along radius R2, as the angular position of rotation around axis C2 increases. In the following description, when distinguishing between the individual plungers 62, they may be referred to as plungers 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, 62E, and 62F.

[0048] Three plungers 62 (plungers 62A, 62C, 62E) arranged on the circumference of a circle along radius R1 are positioned at equal angles of 2θ2, and three plungers 62 (plungers 62B, 62D, 62F) arranged on the circumference of a circle along radius R2 are also positioned at equal angles of 2θ2. Furthermore, the plungers 62 arranged on the circumference of the circle along radius R1 and the plungers 62 arranged on the circumference of the circle along radius R2 are positioned with an angular displacement of θ2 (an example of a second angle).

[0049] Therefore, the six plungers 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D, 62E, and 62F are arranged at equal angular intervals of θ2. In this embodiment, the angle θ2 is set to, for example, 5 degrees.

[0050] In the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment, the countersunk holes 61 are arranged in a row of 19 on a circumference along a radius R1 centered on axis C2, and in a row of 19 on a circumference along a radius R2 centered on axis C2, as shown in Figure 6B, for example. In other words, the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment has 38 countersunk holes 61, with 19 countersunk holes 61 arranged on two different rows of circumferences.

[0051] The countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of a circle with radius R1 are spaced at equal angles θ1 (an example of a first angle), and the countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of a circle with radius R2 are also spaced at equal angles θ1. Furthermore, the 18 countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of a circle with radius R1, excluding one at one end, and the 18 countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of a circle with radius R2, excluding one at the other end, are each positioned at the same angular position.

[0052] Furthermore, one countersunk hole 61 located at one end of the countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of radius R1 (on the inner circumference) is positioned at an angle θ1 apart from one countersunk hole 61 located at one end of the countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of radius R2 (on the outer circumference), and one countersunk hole 61 located at the other end of the countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of radius R2 is positioned at an angle θ1 apart from one countersunk hole 61 located at the other end of the countersunk holes 61 arranged along the circumference of radius R1.

[0053] Therefore, the angular range α from the countersunk hole 61 located at one end of the inner circumference to the countersunk hole 61 located at the other end of the outer circumference is an angle 19θ1. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 is set to, for example, 6 degrees.

[0054] Furthermore, the countersunk holes 61 located at one end of the inner circumference within the angular range α, and the countersunk holes 61 located at the other end of the outer circumference, are formed within the range through which the plunger 62 passes when the tool holder 24 is rotated around axis C2 within the angular range in which the outer surface of the hex socket head bolt 29 abuts against each end face in the circumferential direction of the elongated hole 28 of the tool holder 24.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle positioning mechanism 60 is set such that when the ball 62c of any of the six plungers 62 is in a position that coincides with the countersunk hole 61, that is, when the ball 62c of any one of the plungers 62 has entered any one of the countersunk holes 61 and the tool holder 24 is positioned, the indicator line 63 points to one of the scale lines displayed at 1-degree intervals on the angle scale 64.

[0056] (action) With respect to the angle positioning mechanism 60 and turret tool post 100 of this embodiment configured as described above, we will now explain the state in which the tool holder 24 is rotated by an angle θ from the reference line relative to the base plate 21, as shown in Figure 3.

[0057] The angle positioning mechanism 60 is configured such that when the ball 62c of any one plunger 62 enters any one countersunk hole 61 and the tool holder 24 is positioned, the indicator line 63 points to one of the scale lines displayed at 1-degree intervals on the angle scale 64.

[0058] Furthermore, in the angle positioning mechanism 60, since the six plungers 62 are spaced at an angle θ2 = 6 degrees and the countersunk holes 61 are spaced at an angle θ1 = 5 degrees, for every 1 degree rotation of the tool holder 24, the ball 62c of any one of the plungers 62 aligns with any one of the countersunk holes 61 of the base plate 21.

[0059] For example, when the angle θ shown in Figure 3 is, for example, 56 degrees, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points to the scale line representing 56 degrees among the scale lines displayed at 1-degree intervals on the angle scale 64, and at this time, one plunger 62, for example, plunger 62A shown in Figure 6A, coincides with the position of the countersunk hole 61. In this state, the ball 62c of plunger 62A enters the countersunk hole 61, and the tool holder 24 is positioned at the angular position of angle θ = 56 degrees. At this time, none of the other plungers 62B, 62C, 62D, 62E, and 62F coincide with the countersunk hole 61.

[0060] In order to rotate the tool holder 24 from a position where it is positioned at an angle θ = 56 degrees, it is necessary to apply a strong torque to the tool holder 24 that generates a load greater than the load required to push the ball 62c onto the convex surface 21c against the pressing force of the coil spring 62b.

[0061] Therefore, when the user manually rotates the tool holder 24, the resistance (sense of detour) transmitted to the hand allows the user to recognize that the tool holder 24 is positioned so that the indicator line 63 coincides with one of the scale lines of the angle scale 64. Furthermore, by visually checking the display on the angle display unit 65, the user can recognize that the tool holder 24 is positioned at an angle of θ = 56 degrees.

[0062] When the tool holder 24 is positioned at an angle θ = 56 degrees, applying a strong torque to the tool holder 24 to rotate it causes the plunger 62A to disengage from the countersunk hole 61 and ride up onto the convex surface 21c. At this time, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points between the scale line representing 56 degrees and the scale line representing 57 degrees on the angle scale 64. Also, since the ball 62c of any of the six plungers 62 does not coincide with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the tool holder 24 continues to rotate with light torque.

[0063] Then, when the rotation angle θ of the tool holder 24 reaches 57 degrees, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points to the scale line representing 57 degrees on the angle scale 64. At this time, the plunger 62B aligns with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the ball 62c of the plunger 62B enters the countersunk hole 61, and the tool holder 24 is positioned at the angle θ = 57 degrees. At this time, the other plungers 62A, 62C, 62D, 62E, and 62F do not align with the countersunk hole 61.

[0064] When the tool holder 24 is rotated by applying a strong torque from a position where it is positioned at an angle θ = 57 degrees, the plunger 62B disengages from the countersunk hole 61 and rides up onto the convex surface 21c, similar to when it is rotated from a position where it is positioned at an angle of 56 degrees. At this time, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points between the scale line representing 57 degrees and the scale line representing 58 degrees on the angle scale 64. Also, since the ball 62c of any of the six plungers 62 does not coincide with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the tool holder 24 continues to rotate with light torque.

[0065] Then, when the rotation angle θ of the tool holder 24 reaches 58 degrees, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points to the scale line representing 58 degrees on the angle scale 64. At this time, the plunger 62C aligns with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the ball 62c of the plunger 62C enters the countersunk hole 61, and the tool holder 24 is positioned at the angle θ = 58 degrees.

[0066] When the tool holder 24 is positioned at an angle θ = 58 degrees, and a strong torque is applied to rotate the tool holder 24, the plunger 62C disengages from the position of the countersunk hole 61. Since the ball 62c of any of the six plungers 62 does not align with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the tool holder 24 continues to rotate with light torque. At this time, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points between the scale line representing 58 degrees and the scale line representing 59 degrees on the angle scale 64.

[0067] Similarly, when the rotation angle θ of the tool holder 24 reaches 59 degrees, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points to the scale line representing 59 degrees on the angle scale 64. At this time, the plunger 62D aligns with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the ball 62c of the plunger 62D enters the countersunk hole 61, and the tool holder 24 is positioned at the angle θ = 59 degrees.

[0068] When the tool holder 24 is positioned at an angle θ = 59 degrees, and a strong torque is applied to rotate the tool holder 24, the tool holder 24 will continue to rotate with a light torque. At this time, the indicator line 63 will point between the scale line representing 59 degrees and the scale line representing 60 degrees.

[0069] When the rotation angle θ of the tool holder 24 reaches 60 degrees, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points to the scale line representing 60 degrees on the angle scale 64. At this time, the plunger 62E aligns with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the ball 62c of the plunger 62E enters the countersunk hole 61, and the tool holder 24 is positioned at the angle θ = 60 degrees.

[0070] When the tool holder 24 is positioned at an angle θ = 60 degrees, and a strong torque is applied to rotate the tool holder 24, the tool holder 24 will continue to rotate with a light torque. At this time, the indicator line 63 will point between the scale line representing 60 degrees and the scale line representing 61 degrees.

[0071] When the rotation angle θ of the tool holder 24 reaches 61 degrees, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points to the scale line representing 61 degrees on the angle scale 64. At this time, the plunger 62F aligns with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the ball 62c of the plunger 62F enters the countersunk hole 61, and the tool holder 24 is positioned at the angle θ = 61 degrees.

[0072] When the tool holder 24 is positioned at an angle θ = 61 degrees, and a strong torque is applied to rotate the tool holder 24, the tool holder 24 will continue to rotate with a light torque. At this time, the indicator line 63 will point between the scale line representing 61 degrees and the scale line representing 62 degrees.

[0073] When the rotation angle θ of the tool holder 24 reaches 62 degrees, the indicator line 63 of the angle display unit 65 points to the scale line representing 62 degrees on the angle scale 64. At this time, the plunger 62A aligns with the position of the countersunk hole 61, the ball 62c of the plunger 62A enters the countersunk hole 61, and the tool holder 24 is positioned at the angle θ = 62 degrees.

[0074] The angle positioning mechanism 60 positions the tool holder 24 at each angle increment of 1 degree for angles of θ = 63 degrees or more, and at each angle increment of 1 degree for angles of θ = 55 degrees or less, by the same operation as the positioning at each angle increment of 1 degree for angles of θ = 56 to 62 degrees described above.

[0075] Thus, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment can position the swivel tool 20 when the swivel tool 20 is rotated, holding the swivel tool 20 in a state where the indicator line 63 accurately coincides with one of the scale lines of the angle scale 64.

[0076] As a result, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 can prevent or suppress the tool holder 24 from moving unexpectedly due to its own weight or other factors, even if the user has their hand on the tool holder 24 while the swivel tool 20 is positioned, or even if the user takes their hand off the tool holder 24.

[0077] As a result, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 can prevent the orientation of the tool holder 24 from changing during the operation of fastening the hex socket head bolt 29 into the screw hole 22 to fix the tool holder 24.

[0078] The angular positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment can accurately position the tool holder 24 at an angular position defined by the angle Δθ (=θ1-θ2), which is the difference between the angle θ1 of the spacing between the countersunk holes 61 and the angle θ2 of the spacing between the plungers 62.

[0079] Here, for example, positioning can be achieved with a resolution of 1 degree using a single plunger 62 and countersunk holes 61 formed at 1-degree intervals. However, if the countersunk holes 61 are formed in a row at intervals corresponding to the resolution, for example, at 1-degree intervals, the countersunk holes 61 have physical size, so adjacent countersunk holes 61 become connected and form a single unit. Therefore, it is not possible to form individually independent countersunk holes 61, and a clear sense of demarcation cannot be generated at 1-degree intervals.

[0080] In contrast, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment allow both the plunger 62 and the countersunk holes 61 to be arranged at an angle larger than the desired resolution angle, thereby facilitating the arrangement of the plunger 62 and the countersunk holes 61 or enabling miniaturization of the entire configuration.

[0081] In this embodiment, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 have six plungers 62 arranged in two rows, one on the inner circumference and the other on the outer circumference, with an angle θ2 between them. Compared to a configuration where six plungers 62 are arranged in a single row with an angle θ2 between them, a larger space can be secured for arranging the plungers 62.

[0082] Therefore, the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment does not require the selection and use of smaller plungers, such as arranging six plungers 62 in a row at an angle θ2 interval.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 have six plungers 62 arranged in two rows, one on the inner circumference and the other on the outer circumference, with an angle θ2 between them. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which six plungers 62 are arranged in a single row with an angle θ2 between them, this configuration can be said to have the effect of increasing the resolution of angular positioning when using plungers of the same size.

[0084] The angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post according to the present invention are not limited to those in which multiple plungers are arranged in two rows, but may also be arranged in a single row on the circumference of a circle of a single radius. In this case, the angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post according to the present invention do not need to have countersunk holes formed in two rows, but only on the circumference on which the plungers move.

[0085] Furthermore, the angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post according to the present invention may be configured such that multiple plungers are arranged in three or more rows.

[0086] The angular positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment use six plungers 62. The spacing between the plungers 62 is an angle θ2 = 5 degrees, and based on the angle θ1 = 6 degrees for the spacing of the countersunk holes 61 and the angle 1 degree for the positioning resolution, the overall angular range of the plungers 62 is set to 30 degrees, which is the least common multiple of angles θ1 and θ2.

[0087] Therefore, if the spacing between the plungers 62 is an angle θ2 = 6 degrees, the spacing between the countersunk holes 61 is an angle θ1 = 7 degrees, and the positioning resolution is an angle of 1 degree, then to make the overall angular range of the plungers 62 42 degrees, which is the least common multiple of angles θ1 and θ2, the number of plungers 62 should be set to 7.

[0088] Furthermore, in the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60, the relationship between the angle θ2 of the spacing between the plungers 62 and the angle θ1 of the spacing between the countersunk holes 61 may be reversed from the relationship in the above-described embodiment. In this case, the number of plungers 62 may remain at 6.

[0089] Thus, the number of plungers 62 in the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment can be changed in various ways depending on the angle θ2 of the spacing between the plungers 62, the angle θ1 of the spacing between the countersunk holes 61, and the resolution of the positioning angle. Therefore, the number of plungers in the angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post according to the present invention is not limited to the six in this embodiment.

[0090] In this embodiment, the number of plungers 62 in the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 is set to 1 degree because the positioning resolution is set to 1 degree. However, if the positioning resolution is set to 0.5 degrees, the difference between the angle θ2 of the spacing between the plungers 62 and the angle θ1 of the spacing between the countersunk holes 61 should be set to 0.5 degrees. In this case, for example, the countersunk holes 61 arranged on the inner circumference and the countersunk holes 61 arranged on the outer circumference can be offset by 2.5 degrees, and the plungers 62 arranged on the inner circumference and the plungers 62 arranged on the outer circumference can be offset by 2 degrees, thereby increasing the number of plungers 62.

[0091] In this embodiment, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the plunger 62 in the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 are configured to apply a pressing force to the ball 62c by a coil spring 62b. However, the plunger 62 may also be configured to apply a pressing force to the ball 62c by air pressure or the like instead of a coil spring 62b.

[0092] Furthermore, in the angular positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angular positioning mechanism 60 of this embodiment, a pin may be used instead of a ball 62c for the plunger 62.

[0093] The angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post having the angle positioning mechanism according to the present invention may use a convex member other than the plunger 62 as the convex member. Such a convex member can be displaced, for example by elastic force, between a position where it protrudes toward a recess such as a countersunk hole 61 formed in the base plate 21 and enters the recess, and a position where it is pushed upward from the recess and rests on the convex surface 21c of the base plate 21. Furthermore, the angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post having the angle positioning mechanism according to the present invention may use a recess other than the countersunk hole 61 as the recess.

[0094] In this embodiment, the angle positioning mechanism 60 and the turret tool post 100 equipped with the angle positioning mechanism 60 use a plunger 62 as an example of a convex portion and a countersunk hole 61 as an example of a concave portion. However, the angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post according to the present invention may also be configured to have a convex portion other than the plunger 62 as a convex portion, or a concave portion other than the countersunk hole 61 as a concave portion.

[0095] The angle positioning mechanism 60 in this embodiment is applied as a mechanism for positioning the rotation angle of a swivel tool 20 provided on a turret tool post 100. However, the angle positioning mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to a mechanism for positioning the rotation angle of a swivel tool provided on a turret tool post, but can also be applied as a mechanism for positioning the rotation angle of other rotating bodies.

[0096] The angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post equipped with the angle positioning mechanism according to the present invention do not use power-consuming sensors such as optical sensors, magnetic sensors, or electrical sensors for detecting the angle position. Therefore, the angle positioning mechanism and turret tool post according to the present invention can reduce power consumption compared to those that use power-consuming sensors such as optical sensors, magnetic sensors, or electrical sensors, and are an environmentally friendly technology. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 10 Turrets 20 Swivel Tools 21 Tool mounting base plate (base plate) 24 Tool holder (rotating body) 25 Housing 60 Angle positioning mechanism 61 Countersunk hole (recess) 62 Plunger (convex member) 65 Angle display section 100 Turret Tool Rest C2 axis

Claims

1. An angular positioning mechanism provided on a base plate, for positioning the angular position of rotation of a rotating body that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the base plate, The base plate has a plurality of recesses formed at first angular intervals along the circumferential direction of a predetermined radius centered on the axis, which are recessed toward the rotating body, The rotating body comprises a plurality of convex members that project toward the base plate, arranged at second angular intervals along the circumferential direction of a predetermined radius centered on the axis, The multiple convex members are arranged separately along the circumferential directions of two different radii, and the convex members aligned along the inner circumferential direction and the convex members aligned along the outer circumferential direction are arranged alternately according to their angular position around the axis. The multiple recesses are arranged separately along the circumferential directions of two different radii, and the recesses aligned along the inner circumferential direction and the recesses aligned along the outer circumferential direction are positioned at the same angular position around the axis. An angle positioning mechanism that positions the rotational angle of the rotating body relative to the base plate with a resolution angle of the difference between the first angle and the second angle, by having the convex member protrude into the concave portion.

2. An angular positioning mechanism provided on a base plate, for positioning the angular position of rotation of a rotating body that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the base plate, The base plate has a plurality of recesses formed at first angular intervals along the circumferential direction of a predetermined radius centered on the axis, which are recessed toward the rotating body, The rotating body comprises a plurality of convex members that project toward the base plate, arranged at second angular intervals along the circumferential direction of a predetermined radius centered on the axis, The multiple convex members are arranged separately along the circumferential directions of two different radii, and the convex members aligned along the inner circumferential direction and the convex members aligned along the outer circumferential direction are arranged alternately according to their angular position around the axis. The multiple recesses are arranged separately along the circumferential directions of two different radii, and the recesses arranged along the inner circumferential direction and the recesses arranged along the outer circumferential direction are arranged alternately according to their angular position around the axis. An angle positioning mechanism that positions the rotational angle of the rotating body relative to the base plate with a resolution angle of the difference between the first angle and the second angle, by having the convex member protrude into the concave portion.

3. The angle positioning mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the convex member is a plunger and the concave member is a countersunk hole.

4. A swivel tool having a base plate fixed to the turret surface and a tool holder rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the turret surface relative to the base plate, A turret tool post comprising: an angle positioning mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tool holder is the rotating body and the tool holder is positioned at a predetermined angular position around the axis.

5. An angle scale, which shows the angle of rotation relative to the base plate, is displayed on one of the rotating body and the base plate. The angle display unit includes an indicator line that points to the angle scale, which is displayed on the other of the rotating body and the base plate. The turret tool post according to claim 4, wherein the angle positioning mechanism positions the tool holder at an angle where the indicator line coincides with one of the scale lines of the angle scale.

Images