Cover fixing structure for automatic tool changing device

Abstract

This cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changing device comprises a turret mechanism part that is capable of holding a plurality of tools of a machine tool, a back surface cover that protects a back surface side of the turret mechanism part, and a support member that is fixed to the turret mechanism part and that supports the back surface cover, wherein the back surface cover has a fixing part which is fixed to the support member and a contact part, other than the fixing part, at which the back surface cover contacts the turret mechanism part.

Description

Cover fixing structure for automatic tool changer

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer provided in a machine tool.

[0002] Conventionally, machine tools are provided with an automatic tool changer that can automatically change tools attached to the machine tool's spindle. When the automatic tool changer is a turret type, the automatic tool changer is installed inside the machine tool where cutting work is performed. In configurations where the automatic tool changer is installed inside the machine tool, a cover is used to protect the tools and the internal mechanism of the automatic tool changer from cutting fluid and chips.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-256635

[0004] Typically, covers are made of sheet metal or thin-walled resin to reduce weight and save space. However, if the material is not rigid enough or if there are only a few fixing points for the cover, there is a risk of the cover flapping or vibrating during tool replacement or cutting. To address this issue, it is possible to increase the number of fixing points, such as those fixed by bolts.

[0005] This can reduce flapping and vibration of the cover, but it has the disadvantage of making the cover easier to assemble and maintain. To solve this problem, there is a need for a cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer that can reduce the number of fixing parts for fixing the cover while still being able to suppress flapping of the cover.

[0006] The cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer disclosed herein comprises a turret mechanism capable of holding multiple tools of a machine tool, a rear cover that protects the rear side of the turret mechanism, and a support member that is fixed to the turret mechanism and supports the rear cover, and has a fixing portion where the rear cover is fixed to the support member, and a contact portion where the rear cover comes into contact with the turret mechanism in addition to the fixing portion.

[0007] The cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer disclosed herein is a cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer that includes a turret mechanism capable of holding multiple tools of a machine tool, a rear cover that protects the rear side of the turret mechanism, and a support member that is fixed to the turret mechanism and supports the rear cover, and has a fixing portion where the rear cover is fixed to the support member, and a pressing portion in addition to the fixing portion where the rear cover comes into contact with the support member and presses the rear cover toward the turret mechanism.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a machine tool to which a cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side. FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view showing a retaining member of the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the front cover removed. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the rear cover being removed. FIG. 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic rear view showing a retaining member of the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic rear view showing a retaining member of the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a retaining member of the cover fixing structure for the automatic tool changer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view showing a holding member of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a holding member of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic rear view showing a holding member of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic rear view showing a holding member of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, with some parts omitted. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a holding member of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic rear view showing a holding member of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0009] A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. A machine tool 1 to which the cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer according to the first embodiment is applied is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a machining center. The machine tool 1 includes a processing device, an automatic tool changer 2, a column 3, a bed portion 4, and a work table 5 (not shown).

[0010] In the following, the front-to-rear direction D1, the up-down direction D2, and the left-to-right direction D3 are defined with the automatic tool changer 2 viewed from the front. More specifically, the direction from the column 3 toward the automatic tool changer 2 (the direction from the upper right to the lower left in FIG. 1 ) is defined as the front direction D11 or front side D11, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear direction D12 or back side D12, and these directions are collectively defined as the front-to-rear direction D1. The upper direction D21 (the upward direction in FIG. 1 ) and the opposite downward direction D22 are collectively defined as the up-to-down direction D2. The left direction D31 (the direction from the lower right to the upper left in FIG. 1 ) and the opposite right direction D32 are collectively defined as the left-to-right direction D3. Arrows indicating these directions are illustrated in some of the drawings.

[0011] The processing device processes an object using a tool. The processing device includes, as its main part, a spindle (not shown) on which the tool is held. The column 3 has an upright portion and an extending portion extending in a forward direction D11 from the top of the upright portion, forming a generally inverted L shape. A drive source 6 (tool drive source) is provided on the extending portion of the column 3, and a drive source 7 (column drive source) is provided on the rear side D12 of the drive source 6. A tool (not shown) held by the spindle can be driven by the drive source 6. For example, when cutting an object, the tool held by the spindle can be rotated by the drive source 6. The tool held by the spindle can be moved up and down by the drive source 7. The drive sources 6 and 7 are, for example, motors.

[0012] The automatic tool changer 2 automatically changes tools attached to the spindle of the machining device. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the automatic tool changer 2 includes a turret mechanism 8, a front cover 9, a rear cover 10, and a turret drive source 11 as its main components.

[0013] The turret mechanism 8 is an internal mechanism of the automatic tool changer 2 and includes a rotating plate 12, a tool holder 13, and a holding member 14. The rotating plate 12 is disk-shaped, with its plate surface facing forward and backward. A plurality of tool holders 13 are radially arranged on the front surface of the rotating plate 12. The tool holders 13 hold tools to be attached to the spindle. The tool holder 13 is a generally L-shaped plate and includes one side 15 and another side 16. The one side 15 is elongated along the radial direction of the rotating plate 12, and the other side 16 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction. The other side 16 is a generally rectangular plate extending rearward from the one side 15. The other side 16 has a tool attachment portion 17 to which a tool of the processing device is attached. The tool attachment portion 17 is a notch-shaped portion that opens rearward and is formed at the rear end of the other side 16.

[0014] 3 and 6 , with the other end of one piece 15 of the tool holder 13 abutting against the front surface of the rotary plate 12, a bolt 18 is screwed into the rotary plate 12 via the one piece 15, thereby fixing the tool holder 13 to the rotary plate 12. When the tool holder 13 is fixed to the rotary plate 12, the other piece 16 of the tool holder 13 extends rearward from the one piece 15. In this way, the multiple tool holders 13 are fixed radially to the rotary plate 12. When the multiple tool holders 13 are fixed to the rotary plate 12, gaps are formed between adjacent tool holders 13.

[0015] The rotating plate 12 is rotatably mounted on a holding member 14. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the holding member 14 is substantially disk-shaped, with its plate surface facing forward and backward. The diameter of the holding member 14 is smaller than the diameter of the rotating plate 12.

[0016] The holding member 14 has an attachment portion 19 that is used when attaching the rear cover 10, which will be described later, to the holding member 14. The attachment portion 19 is provided on the rear surface of the holding member 14. The attachment portion 19 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the holding member 14. A screw hole 20 that opens rearward is formed on the tip surface of the attachment portion 19. In the illustrated example, the holding member 14 is provided with two attachment portions 19. The two attachment portions 19 are provided at the upper end of the rear surface of the holding member 14, spaced apart on the left and right.

[0017] The holding member 14 has a contact portion 21 with which the rear cover 10 comes into contact. The contact portion 21 is provided on the rear surface of the holding member 14. The contact portion 21 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the holding member 14. The tip surface of the contact portion 21 is the surface with which the rear cover 10 comes into contact. In the first embodiment, the tip surface of the contact portion 21 is flat. In the illustrated example, the holding member 14 is provided with two contact portions 21. The two contact portions 21 are provided spaced apart from each other on the left and right at approximately the center in the vertical direction on the rear surface of the holding member 14.

[0018] The holding member 14 has an attachment piece 22 used when attaching the automatic tool changer 2 to the column 3. The attachment piece 22 has a generally triangular plate shape in side view and is provided on the rear surface of the holding member 14. The attachment piece 22 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the holding member 14 so as to taper rearward. In the illustrated example, the holding member 14 is provided with two attachment pieces 22. The two attachment pieces 22 are provided spaced apart on the left and right in the approximate center of the rear surface of the holding member 14 in the up-down direction. The two attachment pieces 22 are disposed between two contact portions 21, 21 spaced apart on the left and right. The holding member 14 has a cam follower attachment piece 23 used when connecting the automatic tool changer 2 to the spindle. In the illustrated example, the cam follower attachment piece 23 is provided on the lower right side of the holding member 14. The cam follower attachment piece 23 protrudes downward from the holding member 14.

[0019] The holding member 14 has a holding piece 24 that holds the turret drive source 11, which will be described later. The holding piece 24 is plate-shaped and is provided on the outer edge of the holding member 14. When the holding piece 24 is provided on the holding member 14, the plate surface of the holding piece 24 faces forward and backward. When the holding piece 24 is provided on the holding member 14, the holding piece 24 extends outward from the holding member 14. In the illustrated example, the holding piece 24 is located on the left side of the lower end of the holding member 14.

[0020] The rotating plate 12 is rotatably held by the holding member 14 configured as described above. Specifically, when the rotating plate 12 is held by the holding member 14, the axial direction of the rotating plate 12 is the same as the axial direction of the holding member 14. In the illustrated example, the rotating plate 12 is arranged on the same axis as the holding member 14. When the rotating plate 12 is held by the holding member 14, the rotating plate 12 is rotatable around its own axis.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the front side of the turret mechanism 8 is covered by a front cover 9. The front cover 9 is cylindrical and has a bottom and an opening toward the rear. The peripheral side wall of the front cover 9 is tapered, increasing in diameter toward the rear. The peripheral side wall of the front cover 9 has a tool penetration portion 25 through which a tool attached to the tool holder 13 can pass. The tool penetration portion 25 is a notch that opens toward the rear. The front cover 9 having this configuration is provided on the turret mechanism 8 so as to cover the front side of the turret mechanism 8. Specifically, the peripheral side wall of the front cover 9 abuts against the outer surface of the other piece 16 of the tool holder 13, and bolts are screwed into the other piece 16 of the tool holder 13 through the peripheral side wall of the front cover 9. This allows the front cover 9 to be detachably attached to the turret mechanism 8. When the front cover 9 is attached to the turret mechanism 8 , the tool penetration portion 25 of the front cover 9 corresponds to the tool attachment portion 17 of the other piece 16 of the tool holder 13 .

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rear side of the turret mechanism 8 is covered by a rear cover 10. The rear cover 10 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an opening toward the front. The rear cover 10 has an insertion portion 26 through which the rear portion of the turret mechanism 8 passes. The insertion portion 26 is a notch that opens radially outward of the rear cover 10. The peripheral side wall of the rear cover 10 is tapered, increasing in diameter toward the front. The bottom wall of the rear cover 10 has a recess 27 that is recessed toward the front. The recess 27 is circular in rear view and opens toward the rear. In the illustrated example, the rear cover 10 can be split into two parts, left and right. The rear cover 10 configured in this way is provided on the turret mechanism 8 so as to cover the rear side of the turret mechanism 8. Therefore, the rear cover 10 can protect the rear side of the turret mechanism 8.

[0023] The turret driving source 11 rotates the rotating plate 12 attached to the holding member 14. The turret driving source 11 is provided on the holding piece 24 of the holding member 14. For example, the turret driving source 11 is detachably attached to the holding piece 24 of the holding member 14 with a bolt or the like. In the illustrated example, the turret driving source 11 is a motor. When the rear cover 10 is attached to the turret mechanism unit 8, the turret driving source 11 passes through the insertion portion 26 of the rear cover 10.

[0024] With the front cover 9 and rear cover 10 attached to the turret mechanism 8, the inside and outside of the automatic tool changer 2 can communicate with each other via the tool through-hole 25 of the front cover 9. Therefore, the tools attached to the tool holders 13 of the turret mechanism 8 are exposed to the outside of the front cover 9 via the tool through-hole 25. In this way, the turret mechanism 8 can hold a plurality of tools of the machine tool 1.

[0025] With the front cover 9 and rear cover 10 attached to the turret mechanism 8, the two mounting pieces 22 of the holding member 14 of the turret mechanism 8 penetrate the insertion portions 26 of the rear cover 10. In other words, the two mounting pieces 22 protrude rearward beyond the rear cover 10. The automatic tool changer 2 is mounted on a column 3 using these two mounting pieces 22. A spindle that holds a tool is supported on the column 3 so that it can move up and down. The column 3 is erected on a bed portion 4 that is installed on, for example, the floor. A work table 5 on which an object to be machined is placed is provided on the bed portion 4.

[0026] As described above, the automatic tool changer 2 is mounted on the upper part of the column 3 via the two mounting pieces 22. Specifically, the automatic tool changer 2 is supported on the column 3 by attaching the two mounting pieces 22 to a shaft (not shown) that is provided on the column 3 along the left-right direction. When the automatic tool changer 2 is supported on the column 3, the shaft is disposed so as to bridge between the two mounting pieces 22, 22. With this configuration, the automatic tool changer 2 is supported on the column 3 so as to be swingable about the axis of the shaft.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the automatic tool changer 2 is supported on the column 3 in an inclined state with the front cover 9 facing diagonally downward. Therefore, the automatic tool changer 2 is connected to the spindle by a cam follower (not shown). One side of the cam follower is attached to the cam follower attachment piece 23 of the holding member 14, and the other side of the cam follower is attached to the spindle. When the spindle is moved up and down, the automatic tool changer 2 can swing by the cam follower that moves along the cam of the spindle.

[0028] In this way, the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the first embodiment is applied to the automatic tool changer 2 provided in the machine tool 1. The cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer includes the turret mechanism 8, the rear cover 10, and the support member 28. The turret mechanism 8 and the rear cover 10 are as described above. The cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer includes the fixing portion 29, the contact portion 21, and the retaining portion 30.

[0029] The support member 28 is fixed to the turret mechanism 8 and supports the rear cover 10. The support member 28 is used when fixing the rear cover 10 to the turret mechanism 8, and has a fixing portion 29, a holding portion 30, and a connecting portion 31.

[0030] The fixing portion 29, which fixes the rear cover 10 to the support member 28, is a plate-like member that is generally T-shaped in rear view. Specifically, the fixing portion 29 has one piece 32 that is generally rectangular in rear view and another piece 33 that is generally rectangular in rear view and is provided on one long side of the first piece 32. The other piece 33 extends outward from the long side of the first piece 32. The fixing portion 29 has a screw hole 34 that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction. A plurality of screw holes 34 are provided in the one piece 32 of the fixing portion 29. In the illustrated example, the fixing portion 29 has two screw holes 34. The two screw holes 34 are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the one piece 32 of the fixing portion 29.

[0031] In addition to the fixing portion 29, the retaining portion 30 contacts the rear cover 10 and the support member 28 to press the rear cover 10 toward the turret mechanism portion 8. The retaining portion 30 is a generally rectangular plate when viewed from behind. The retaining portion 30 has through holes 35 that penetrate in the front-to-rear direction. A plurality of through holes 35 are provided at one end of the retaining portion 30 in the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the retaining portion 30 has two through holes 35. The two through holes 35 are arranged along the short sides of the retaining portion 30.

[0032] The connecting portion 31 connects the fixed portion 29 and the pressing portion 30. The connecting portion 31 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate. The connecting portion 31 connects the tip of the other piece 33 of the fixed portion 29 to the other longitudinal end of the pressing portion 30. Specifically, one long side of the connecting portion 31 is connected to the tip of the other piece 33 of the fixed portion 29, and the other long side of the connecting portion 31 is connected to the other longitudinal end of the pressing portion 30. When the fixed portion 29 and the pressing portion 30 are connected to each other, the fixed portion 29 and the pressing portion 30 extend from the connecting portion 31 in opposite directions. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 31 is formed in a stepped shape by bending a plate material, but the fixed portion 29, the pressing portion 30, and the connecting portion 31 may each be separate members. In this manner, the support member 28 has a fixing portion 29 that is fixed to the rear cover 10 and a holding portion 30 that is fixed to the turret mechanism portion 8 .

[0033] The contact portion 21 is a portion where the rear cover 10 comes into contact with the turret mechanism 8, in addition to the fixed portion 29. The configuration of the contact portion 21 is as described above. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the turret mechanism 8 has the contact portion 21.

[0034] 2, 3, 5, and 6, the rear cover 10 is supported on the turret mechanism 8 by a support member 28. Specifically, with the fixing portion 29 abutting against the edge of the rear surface of the bottom wall of the rear cover 10, a cover bolt 36 is screwed into a screw hole 34 of the fixing portion 29 through the rear cover 10 from the front, and with the retaining portion 30 abutting against the tip surface of the mounting portion 19 of the turret mechanism 8, a support member bolt 37 is screwed into a screw hole 20 of the mounting portion 19 through a through hole 35 of the retaining portion 30 from the rear. When the rear cover 10 is supported on the turret mechanism 8, the front surface of the retaining portion 30 contacts the bottom of the recess 27 of the rear cover 10.

[0035] In this way, the rear cover 10 is attached to the turret mechanism 8 by the support members 28. In the first embodiment, a first attachment member 38 and a second attachment member 39 are used when attaching the rear cover 10 to the turret mechanism 8. The first attachment member 38 is fixed to the turret drive source 11. The second attachment member 39 is fixed to the turret mechanism 8.

[0036] The first mounting member 38 is plate-shaped and has a cover-side piece 40 and a drive-source-side piece 41. The cover-side piece 40 is a generally rectangular plate when viewed from behind. The drive-source-side piece 41 is erected at the end of the cover-side piece 40. The first mounting member 38 has screw holes 42 that penetrate in the front-to-rear direction. A plurality of screw holes 42 are provided in the cover-side piece 40 of the first mounting member 38. The first mounting member 38 has through holes 43 that are used when fixing the first mounting member 38 to the turret drive source 11. A plurality of through holes 43 are provided in the drive-source-side piece 41 of the first mounting member 38.

[0037] The second mounting member 39 is plate-shaped and has a cover-side piece 44 and a mechanism-side other piece 45. The cover-side piece 44 is a generally rectangular plate when viewed from behind. The mechanism-side other piece 45 is erected at the end of the cover-side piece 44. The second mounting member 39 has screw holes 46 that penetrate in the front-to-rear direction. A plurality of screw holes 46 are provided in the cover-side piece 44 of the second mounting member 39. The second mounting member 39 has through holes that are used when fixing the second mounting member 39 to the turret mechanism 8. A plurality of through holes are provided in the mechanism-side other piece 45 of the second mounting member 39.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the rear cover 10 is attached to the turret mechanism unit 8 by a first attachment member 38 and a second attachment member 39 in addition to the support member 28. Specifically, with the cover-side piece 40 of the first attachment member 38 abutting against the edge of the rear surface of the bottom wall of the rear cover 10, a bolt 48 is screwed into the screw hole 42 of the first attachment member 38 from the front through the rear cover 10, and with the drive-source-side other piece 41 of the first attachment member 38 abutting against the side surface of the turret drive source 11, the bolt is screwed into the turret drive source 11 through the through-hole 43 of the drive-source-side other piece 41. Furthermore, with the cover side piece 44 of the second mounting member 39 abutting against the edge of the rear surface of the bottom wall of the rear cover 10, a bolt 49 is screwed into the screw hole 46 of the second mounting member 39 from the front through the rear cover 10, and with the mechanism side other piece 45 of the second mounting member 39 abutting against the cam follower mounting piece 23 of the turret mechanism unit 8, a bolt is screwed into the cam follower mounting piece 23 through the through hole of the mechanism side other piece 45.

[0039] In this way, the rear cover 10 is attached to the turret mechanism 8 by the support member 28, the first attachment member 38, and the second attachment member 39. When the rear cover 10 is attached to the turret mechanism 8, the rear cover 10 is in contact with the contact portion 21. Specifically, the tip surface of the contact portion 21 is in contact with the front surface of the bottom of the recess 27 of the rear cover 10. When the rear cover 10 is attached to the turret mechanism 8, the pressing portion 30 presses the rear cover 10 toward the turret mechanism 8 as described above. Therefore, the rear cover 10 is sandwiched between the contact portion 21 and the pressing portion 30.

[0040] As described above, with the rear cover 10 attached to the turret mechanism 8, the support member 28 is fixed to the turret mechanism 8 by the support member bolts 37, and the rear cover 10 is fixed to the support member 28 by the cover bolts 36. The support member bolts 37 are screwed into the turret mechanism 8 from the rear, while the cover bolts 36 are screwed into the support member 28 from the front. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the orientation of the support member bolts 37 and the orientation of the cover bolts 36 are different from each other in the front and rear directions.

[0041] 6 and 7, the operation for disassembling the automatic tool changer 2 will be described. When disassembling the automatic tool changer 2, first, the front cover 9 is removed from the turret mechanism 8. To remove the front cover 9 from the turret mechanism 8, it is sufficient to remove the bolts that are threaded into the tool holder 13 through the front cover 9. Because the bolts are threaded into the tool holder 13 through the peripheral side wall of the front cover 9, they can be removed from the front side of the automatic tool changer 2.

[0042] When the front cover 9 is removed from the turret mechanism 8, the cover bolt 36 and the bolts 48, 49 are positioned between the adjacent tool holders 13, 13 and therefore can be seen from the front side of the automatic tool changer 2. That is, the turret mechanism 8 is not positioned in the direction of removal of the cover bolt 36 or the bolts 48, 49. Therefore, after removing the front cover 9 from the turret mechanism 8, the cover bolt 36 and the bolts 48, 49 can be removed from the front side of the automatic tool changer 2. By removing the cover bolt 36 and the bolts 48, 49, the rear cover 10 can be removed from the support member 28, the first mounting member 38, and the second mounting member 39. As described above, in the first embodiment, the rear cover 10 is configured to be separable in two. Therefore, the rear cover 10 can be removed from the turret mechanism 8 by separating it into left and right halves, as shown in FIG. 7 . Therefore, the rear cover 10 can be removed from the front side of the automatic tool changer 2.

[0043] In the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the first embodiment, the rear cover 10 is sandwiched between the contact portion 21 and the retaining portion 30. Therefore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the first embodiment, flapping and vibration of the rear cover 10 can be reduced when the automatic tool changer 2 moves during machining by the machine tool 1 or during tool change. Furthermore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the first embodiment, the number of bolts used to fix the rear cover 10 can be reduced compared to conventional structures. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the rear cover 10 and the maintainability of the rear cover 10 can be improved.

[0044] In the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the first embodiment, the rear cover 10 is sandwiched between the contact portion 21 and the retaining portion 30. Therefore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to increase the thickness of the rear cover 10 in order to suppress flapping or vibration of the rear cover 10, and therefore there is no increase in the weight of the rear cover 10 or a reduction in the installation space for the rear cover 10.

[0045] In the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of this embodiment 1, the orientation of the cover bolt 36 and the bolts 48, 49 is different from the orientation of the support member bolt 37. In the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of this embodiment 1, the turret mechanism 8 is not located in the removal direction of the cover bolt 36 and the bolts 48, 49. Therefore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of this embodiment 1, even when it is difficult to perform work on the automatic tool changer 2 from the rear side of the machine tool 1, maintenance work and the like can be performed on the automatic tool changer 2 from the front side of the automatic tool changer 2.

[0046] Next, a cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore, their description may be omitted below.

[0047] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the turret mechanism 8 is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the turret mechanism 8 does not have a contact portion 21. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. That is, in the second embodiment, the support member 28 has a retaining portion 30.

[0048] In the case of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the second embodiment, the rear cover 10 is pressed down toward the turret mechanism 8 by the retaining portion 30. Therefore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the second embodiment, flapping and vibration of the rear cover 10 can be suppressed with a simpler configuration.

[0049] Next, a cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore, their description may be omitted below.

[0050] In the third embodiment, the configuration of the turret mechanism 8 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the support member 28 does not have a retaining portion 30. The support member 28 is not formed in a stepped shape, but is formed in a flat plate shape. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. That is, in the third embodiment, a fixing portion 29 having a screw hole 34 is located on one end side of the support member 28, and a through hole 35 is located on the other end side of the support member 28.

[0051] In the case of the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the third embodiment, the rear cover 10 contacts the contact portion 21 of the turret mechanism 8. Therefore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the third embodiment, flapping and vibration of the rear cover 10 can be suppressed with a simpler configuration.

[0052] Next, a cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore, their description may be omitted below.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the tip surface of the contact portion 21 is flat, but in the fourth embodiment, it is curved. Specifically, the tip surface of the contact portion 21 is curved so as to bulge rearward from both the left and right ends toward the center in the left-right direction. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the fourth embodiment, the rear cover 10 can be in line contact with the contact portion 21.

[0054] Next, a cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore, their description may be omitted below.

[0055] In the fifth embodiment, the configuration of the contact portion 21 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the contact portion 21 is substantially hemispherical. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, according to the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer of the fifth embodiment, the rear cover 10 can be brought into point contact with the contact portion 21.

[0056] Next, a cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16, 17, and 18. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and therefore, their description may be omitted below.

[0057] In the sixth embodiment, the configuration of the contact portions 21 differs from that of the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the contact portions 21 are located further inside the holding member 14 than in the first embodiment. For example, the contact portion 21 located on the left side protrudes leftward from the mounting piece 22 located on the left side, and the contact portion 21 located on the right side protrudes rightward from the mounting piece 22 located on the right side. The tip surface of the contact portion 21 is curved and has a groove slit 50 into which the insertion portion 26 of the rear cover 10 is inserted.

[0058] With this configuration, when the rear cover 10 is attached to the turret mechanism 8, the insertion portion 26 of the rear cover 10 is inserted into the groove slit 50 of the contact portion 21. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] Next, a cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer according to embodiment 7 will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in embodiment 1 have the same functions, and therefore, their description may be omitted below.

[0060] In the seventh embodiment, the configuration of the contact portion 21 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, a predetermined range of the peripheral edge of the holding member 14 functions as the contact portion 21. In this case, the portion of the holding member 14 corresponding to the contact portion 21 is formed to be thicker than the other portions. In the illustrated example, the surface of the contact portion 21 that contacts the rear cover 10 is flat, but it may also be curved. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the number of bolts used to attach the rear cover 10 to the turret mechanism 8 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer that can reduce the number of fixing parts for fixing the cover while satisfying the requirement of suppressing flapping of the cover.

[0062] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0063] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment: (Supplementary Note 1) A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer includes a turret mechanism (8) capable of holding a plurality of tools of a machine tool (1), a rear cover (10) that protects the rear side of the turret mechanism (8), and a support member (28) that is fixed to the turret mechanism (8) and supports the rear cover (10), and the cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer includes a fixing portion (29) at which the rear cover (10) is fixed to the support member (28), and a contact portion (21) at which the rear cover (10) comes into contact with the turret mechanism (8) in addition to the fixing portion (29).

[0064] (Supplementary Note 2) The cover fixing structure of an automatic tool changer includes a turret mechanism (8) capable of holding a plurality of tools of a machine tool (1), a rear cover (10) that protects the rear side of the turret mechanism (8), and a support member (28) that is fixed to the turret mechanism (8) and supports the rear cover (10), and further includes a fixing portion (29) that fixes the rear cover (10) to the support member (28), and a pressing portion (30) that, in addition to the fixing portion (29), brings the rear cover (10) into contact with the support member (28) and presses the rear cover (10) toward the turret mechanism (8).

[0065] (Appendix 3) In the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, the support member (28) is fixed to the turret mechanism part (8) by a support member bolt (37), the rear cover (10) is fixed to the support member (28) by a cover bolt (36), and the orientation of the support member bolt (37) and the orientation of the cover bolt (36) may be different.

[0066] (Appendix 4) In the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the rear cover (10) is fixed to the support member (28) by a cover bolt (36), and the turret mechanism (8) does not have to be positioned in the removal direction of the cover bolt (36).

[0067] (Appendix 5) The cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer in Appendix 1 may further include a retaining portion (30) that contacts the rear cover (10) with the support member (28) to press the rear cover (10) toward the turret mechanism portion (8), and the rear cover (10) may be sandwiched between the contact portion (21) and the retaining portion (30).

[0068] (Supplementary Note 6) In the cover fixing structure of the automatic tool changer according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, the rear cover (10) may be made of synthetic resin.

[0069] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 machine tool 2 automatic tool changer 8 turret mechanism 10 rear cover 21 contact portion 28 support member 29 fixing portion 30 retaining portion 36 cover bolt 37 support member bolt

Claims

1. A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer comprising: a turret mechanism capable of holding multiple tools of a machine tool; a rear cover that protects the rear side of the turret mechanism; and a support member fixed to the turret mechanism and supporting the rear cover, the cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer having a fixing portion where the rear cover is fixed to the support member; and a contact portion other than the fixing portion where the rear cover comes into contact with the turret mechanism.

2. A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer comprising: a turret mechanism capable of holding a plurality of tools of a machine tool; a rear cover that protects the rear side of the turret mechanism; and a support member fixed to the turret mechanism and supporting the rear cover, the cover fixing structure having a fixing portion where the rear cover is fixed to the support member; and a pressing portion, in addition to the fixing portion, where the rear cover comes into contact with the support member and presses the rear cover toward the turret mechanism.

3. A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support member is fixed to the turret mechanism by a support member bolt, the rear cover is fixed to the support member by a cover bolt, and the orientation of the support member bolt and the orientation of the cover bolt are different.

4. A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear cover is fixed to the support member by a cover bolt, and the turret mechanism is not positioned in the direction of removal of the cover bolt.

5. A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer as described in claim 1, further comprising a retaining portion that contacts the rear cover with the support member to press the rear cover toward the turret mechanism, and the rear cover is sandwiched between the contact portion and the retaining portion.

6. A cover fixing structure for an automatic tool changer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rear cover is made of synthetic resin.

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