Machining method

Abstract

Provided is a machining method for machining a workpiece with a hubless blade including a blade body that is fixed to a spindle of a machining device via a blade fixing part, and a gripping part that can be handled by being connected to one surface of the blade body and held, the machining method comprising: a step for automatically replacing the hubless blade on the spindle with one to be used for the workpiece; a step for machining the workpiece with the hubless blade that has been installed through the automatic replacement on the spindle; and a step for recycling the gripping part of the hubless blade that has reached a friction limit through machining of the workpiece.

Description

Processing method

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-049872, filed on March 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For example, a circular blade may be used when processing a substrate (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a workpiece) such as a semiconductor material to separate it into chips. A hub blade, in which the blade is held by a hub, is known as one form of blade for stable rotation. A hub blade includes, for example, a hub made of an aluminum alloy and an electroformed blade body formed by nickel plating on one surface of the hub. A hub blade has the hub and the electroformed blade body integrally connected.

[0003] The electroformed blade body can minimize its protrusion, minimizing meandering and tipping. This allows the workpiece to be machined with high quality using the electroformed blade body. Furthermore, by gripping and transporting the hub of the hub blade (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "handling"), the hub blade can be automatically replaced (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-345281

[0005] However, the electroformed blade body of a hub blade uses, for example, nickel as a bond material. This makes it difficult to apply the electroformed blade body to, for example, machining difficult-to-cut materials. Furthermore, if the workpiece is thick, the electroformed blade body must have a large protrusion length. This makes it difficult to apply an electroformed blade body with a small protrusion length to machining thick workpieces. This hinders the expansion of the workpieces that can be used with hub blades.

[0006] Hubless blades, which do not have a hub, are known as blades used to machine workpieces. The blade body of a hubless blade has abrasive grains dispersed and arranged in a bond phase made of, for example, a resin material. Due to the manufacturing process, a wide variety of blade materials can be selected for hubless blades. Furthermore, hubless blades are suitable for machining, for example, difficult-to-cut materials by promoting wear. However, hubless blades do not have a hub, which serves as a gripping portion. Therefore, it is difficult to automate the replacement of hubless blades. This hinders the expansion of workpieces that can be mass-produced efficiently using hubless blades.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a machining method that can expand the range of target workpieces.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means: <1> A processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is a processing method for processing a workpiece with a hubless blade that includes a blade body fixed to a spindle of a processing device via a blade fixing part and a gripping part that can be handled by being connected to one surface of the blade body, the processing method including the steps of automatically exchanging the hubless blade applied to the workpiece with respect to the spindle, processing the workpiece with the hubless blade automatically exchanged with the spindle, and recycling the gripping part of the hubless blade that has reached its friction limit due to processing the workpiece.

[0009] According to the machining method described in <1> above, a workpiece is machined with a hubless blade that includes a blade body fixed to a spindle of a machining device via a blade fixing portion and a gripping portion that can be connected to one side of the blade body and gripped to handle the blade. This allows the hubless blade to be handled by gripping the gripping portion. This allows for automated replacement of the hubless blade. This expands the range of applicable workpieces.

[0010] Here, the blade body wears out during workpiece processing, reducing its protrusion. The protrusion of the blade body affects the processing quality of the workpiece. Therefore, the gripping portion is detachably connected to the blade body. This allows the gripping portion to be peeled off from the blade body and recycled when the blade body reaches its friction limit during workpiece processing and the protrusion becomes so small that it affects the processing quality of the workpiece.

[0011] <2> A processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is a processing method for processing a workpiece with a hubless blade having a blade body fixed to a spindle of a processing device via a blade fixing portion and a gripping portion that can be handled by being connected to one side of the blade body and gripped, the processing method including the steps of automatically exchanging the hubless blade applied to the workpiece with the spindle, processing the workpiece with the hubless blade automatically exchanged with the spindle, and storing the hubless blade that has reached its friction limit due to processing the workpiece and reusing it for applicable workpieces.

[0012] According to the machining method described in <2> above, a workpiece is machined with a hubless blade that includes a blade body fixed to a spindle of a machining device via a blade fixing part and a gripping part that can be connected to one side of the blade body and gripped to handle the blade. This allows the hubless blade to be handled by gripping the gripping part. This allows for automated replacement of the hubless blade. This expands the range of applicable workpieces.

[0013] The blade body wears down as the workpiece is machined, reducing its protrusion. The protrusion of the blade body affects the machining quality of the workpiece. Therefore, hubless blades that have reached their friction limit due to workpiece machining are stored. This allows hubless blades that have reached their friction limit to be reused for applicable workpieces.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to expand the range of target works.

[0015] 1 is a perspective view showing a processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a pallet unit provided in the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a hubless blade and a blade fixing unit. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade according to the first embodiment is fixed by a blade fixing unit. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a bit of a first replacement unit provided in the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a first replacement jig and a second replacement jig of the first replacement unit provided in the processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a flange bolt has been removed from the bit of the first replacement unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view with a portion of the first replacement unit broken away according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first flange according to the first embodiment is temporarily stored in a buffer stage. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view explaining a modified example in which the first flange according to the first embodiment is removed from a spindle. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a hubless blade according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade according to the second embodiment is fixed by a blade fixing unit. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process of processing a workpiece with a hubless blade according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade is fixed by a blade fixing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is fixed by a blade fixing portion. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is fixed by a blade fixing portion. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a hubless blade according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of attaching and detaching a hubless blade at a second replacement portion according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a configuration showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade according to the fifth embodiment is fixed by the blade fixing portion of the fourth embodiment.

[0016] Hereinafter, a hubless blade, a processing device, and a processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following embodiments, when the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc. of components are mentioned, unless otherwise specified or when the number is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, the number is not limited to the specific number and may be more or less than the specific number.

[0017] Furthermore, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., it includes things that are substantially similar or approximate to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly considered otherwise in principle.

[0018] In addition, the drawings may exaggerate characteristic parts to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional proportions of the components may not be the same as in reality. In addition, in cross-sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted to make the cross-sectional structure of the components easier to understand.

[0019] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a processing device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a pallet unit provided in the processing device. Fig. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of a hubless blade and a blade fixing unit. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the hubless blade is fixed by the blade fixing unit.

[0020] The processing apparatus 1 processes a workpiece (not shown) with a hubless blade 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the processing apparatus 1 includes a processing unit 3, a pallet unit 4, and a stocker unit 5. The processing unit 3 includes a work table 21 (see FIG. 1), a spindle unit 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and a blade fixing unit 23 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The processing apparatus 1 can process a workpiece by mixing the hubless blade 10 with other blades, such as the hubless blade 100 described below or known hub blades. The work table 21 suction-holds the workpiece (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4, the spindle unit 22 includes a spindle (rotating shaft) 221. The hubless blade 10 is fixed to the spindle 221 via the blade fixing unit 23. In the processing unit 3, the workpiece suction-held on the work table 21 is machined with the hubless blade 10.

[0021] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the blade fixing portion 23 fixes the hubless blade 10 by sandwiching it. The blade fixing portion 23 includes, for example, a first flange 231 and a nut 232, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 5, the first flange 231 has a shaft portion 233 fitted onto the spindle 221, and is fixed to the spindle 221 by flange bolts 237. As shown in Figure 5, the first flange 231 has a flange main body 234 and an outer stopper 235 in addition to the shaft portion 233.

[0022] The flange body 234 is provided on the shaft portion 233. The outer stopper 235 protrudes from the outer periphery of the flange body 234 toward the hubless blade 10. The outer peripheries of the flange body 234 and the outer stopper 235 form an outer periphery 231a of the first flange 231.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, the hubless blade 10 includes a blade body 11 and a base metal 12. The blade body 11 is ring-shaped. An attachment hole 13 is provided in the center of the blade body 11 and the base metal 12, into which the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231 is fitted. The blade body 11 has abrasive grains dispersed and arranged in a bond phase made of, for example, a resin material.

[0024] Blade information (barcode information) is engraved on the hubless blade 10. Examples of the blade information include the outer diameter of the blade body 11, the bond phase, the thickness, the type of abrasive grain, the grain size, the concentration, and the serial number. The blade information may be engraved on the blade body 11 or on the base metal 12.

[0025] The base metal 12 is configured in a ring shape. The base metal 12 includes a connection portion 121 connected to one surface of the blade body 11, and a grip portion 122 disposed on the opposite side of the connection portion 121 from the blade body 11 (in other words, on the nut 232 side). The outer diameter D of the connection portion 121 is １２１ is the outer diameter D of the blade body 11 as shown in FIG. １１ and the outer diameter D of the outer periphery 231a of the first flange 231 is smaller than ２３１The outer diameter D of the gripping portion 122 is the same as １２２ is the outer diameter D of the connecting portion 121 １２１ is smaller than.

[0026] The gripping portion 122 is gripped by, for example, a second replacement unit (not shown). Therefore, by gripping the gripping portion 122 with the second replacement unit, the hubless blade 10 can be handled by the second replacement unit. By handling the hubless blade 10 by gripping the gripping portion 122, the mounting hole 13 can be fitted onto the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231, and the hubless blade 10 can be attached to the shaft portion 233. Furthermore, by gripping the gripping portion 122 with the second replacement unit, the hubless blade 10 can be removed from the shaft portion 233. This allows for automated replacement of the hubless blade 10.

[0027] The nut 232 is threadedly coupled to the male threads 236 of the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231. As a result, the hubless blade 10 is sandwiched between the first flange 231 of the blade fixing portion 23 and the nut 232, and fixed by the blade fixing portion 23. Furthermore, the blade fixing portion 23 is fixed to the spindle 221. Therefore, the hubless blade 10 is fixed to the spindle 221 via the blade fixing portion 23. The nut 232 is replaceable by a second replacement portion (not shown).

[0028] Here, the blade body 11 is worn away by machining the workpiece, and the protrusion amount 1 from the base metal 12 becomes smaller. The protrusion amount 1 affects the machining quality of the workpiece. In the hubless blade 10, the outer diameter D of the connecting portion 121 is １２１ and the outer diameter D of the outer periphery 231a of the first flange 231 ２３１ By changing the value, the protrusion amount l can be adjusted.

[0029] 2, the pallet unit 4 includes a rotary table 51, a first exchange unit 52, and a second exchange unit (not shown). The rotary table 51 is rotatably supported by the pallet unit 4. The rotary table 51 is provided with the first exchange unit 52 and the second exchange unit. The first exchange unit 52 corresponds to the exchange unit in this invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a bit of a first replacement unit provided in the processing apparatus. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a first replacement jig and a second replacement jig of the first replacement unit provided in the processing apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 , the first replacement unit 52 can automatically attach and detach the blade fixing unit 23 (specifically, the first flange 231) to and from the spindle 221. That is, the first replacement unit 52 can automatically replace the first flange 231 (i.e., the blade fixing unit 23). As shown in FIG. 7 , the first replacement unit 52 includes, for example, a bit 54 (see FIG. 6 ), a first attachment / detachment jig 55, and a second attachment / detachment jig 56.

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which the flange bolt has been removed with the bit of the first replacement part. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the bit 54 is provided so as to be movable forward and backward relative to the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231. The tip portion 54a of the bit 54 can be inserted into the recessed portion 237a of the flange bolt 237 (see Figure 5). The bit 54 rotates with the tip portion 54a inserted into the recessed portion 237a of the flange bolt 237. This allows the flange bolt 237 to be removed from the spindle 221. A plunger 57 is embedded in the tip portion 54a of the bit 54. Therefore, the flange bolt 237 removed from the spindle 221 can be held at the tip portion 54a of the bit 54 by the plunger 57.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view with a portion of the first replacement unit broken away. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the first flange temporarily stored in the buffer stage. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 , the first attachment / detachment jig 55 has a male thread 58 at its tip. The male thread 58 of the first attachment / detachment jig 55 is threadedly coupled to a first female thread 59 of the second attachment / detachment jig 56. The second female thread 61 of the second attachment / detachment jig 56 is threadedly coupled to a male thread 236 of the first flange 231. The male thread 236 of the first flange 231 is provided on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 233. Therefore, the first flange 231 can be removed from the spindle 221 by retracting the first attachment / detachment jig 55 and the second attachment / detachment jig 56 from the first flange 231. The first flange 231 removed from the spindle 221 can be temporarily stored in the buffer stage 63.

[0033] The first replacement unit 52 can remove the first flange 231 from the spindle 221 and then attach a first flange having a different outer diameter to the spindle 221. The first replacement unit 52 can fix the first flange attached to the spindle 221 to the spindle 221 with flange bolts 237. The first flange 231 temporarily stored in the buffer stage 63 is returned to the stocker unit 5 shown in FIG. 1 . This allows the first replacement unit 52 to automatically replace the first flange 231.

[0034] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the first replacement part 52 is provided with two jigs, the first attachment / detachment jig 55 and the second attachment / detachment jig 56, but it is also possible to combine the first attachment / detachment jig 55 and the second attachment / detachment jig 56 into one configuration.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of removing the first flange from the spindle. As shown in FIG. 11 , the tip 54a of the bit 54 is inserted into the recess 237a of the flange bolt 237 to partially loosen the flange bolt 237. The first attachment / detachment jig 55 is attached to the second attachment / detachment jig 56, and the second attachment / detachment jig 56 is attached to the first flange 231. Next, the flange bolt 237 is loosened with the bit 54, and the first flange 231 and the flange bolt 237 are removed together from the spindle 221 using the first attachment / detachment jig 55 and the second attachment / detachment jig 56. This allows the first flange 231 to be removed from the spindle 221. Because the first flange 231 and the flange bolt 237 can be removed together, removal efficiency is improved even in automated systems.

[0036] The replacement of the first flange by the first replacement unit 52 is performed, for example, in the following order of steps (1) to (5). (1) The tip 54a of the bit 54 is inserted into the recess 237a of the flange bolt 237 and rotated to partially loosen the flange bolt 237. (2) The first attachment / detachment jig 55 and the second attachment / detachment jig 56 are retracted from the first flange 231 to remove the first flange 231 and the flange bolt 237 from the spindle 221. (3) The removed first flange 231 and flange bolt 237 are temporarily stored in the buffer stage 63. (4) The first flange 231 and flange bolt 237 are attached to the spindle 221 by performing the operations (1) and (2) in reverse. (5) The first flange 231 and flange bolt 237 stored in the buffer stage 63 are transported to the stocker unit 5. After the first flange 231 is extracted from the spindle 221, the flange bolts 237 may be loosened with the bit 54 to remove the first flange 231 from the spindle 221. Each of the above steps can be performed in a first replacement unit controlled by a known control device. The control device may control the rotary table.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second replacement unit (not shown) is detachable from the blade fixing unit 23 (specifically, the first flange 231) by gripping the gripping portion 122 of the base metal 12, allowing for automatic replacement of the hubless blade 10. The second replacement unit can also be used to grip the hub of a hub blade (not shown). That is, the second replacement unit is detachable from the blade fixing unit 23 (specifically, the first flange 231) by gripping the hub of the hub blade. Therefore, the second replacement unit allows for automatic replacement of the hub blade.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the stocker unit 5 stores, for example, the hubless blades 10, the first flanges 231, and the like used in the processing unit 3.

[0039] According to the first embodiment, the first replacement unit 52 and the second replacement unit (not shown) are provided on the rotatable rotary table 51. This allows the processing device 1 to be made compact.

[0040] Furthermore, the hubless blade 10 can be handled by gripping the gripping portion 122. This allows for automated replacement of the hubless blade 10. This allows for a wider range of applicable workpieces.

[0041] Furthermore, the hub blade (not shown) can be handled by gripping the hub attached to the hub blade. This allows for automated replacement of the hub blade. This allows for automated replacement of both the hubless blade 10 and the hub blade. This further expands the range of applicable workpieces.

[0042] Furthermore, when machining difficult-to-cut materials with the hubless blade 10 or hub blade, wear accelerates, requiring frequent replacement. Even in this case, productivity can be improved by automatically replacing the hubless blade 10 and hub blade. Furthermore, by connecting the gripping portion 122 to the blade body 11, it is not necessary to touch the blade body 11 with one's hand, for example, when manually replacing the hubless blade 10. This reduces the risk of damage or abnormalities to the blade body 11 due to human error.

[0043] As described above, in order to manage the protrusion length l of the hubless blade 10, it is necessary to replace the blade fastening part 23 in order to change the outer diameter of the blade fastening part 23 to correspond to the outer diameter of the worn hubless blade 10. Furthermore, repeated attachment and detachment of the hubless blade 10 can cause scratches on the end surface of the blade fastening part 23 due to the hubless blade 10 coming into contact with the end surface. In such cases, the damage can be repaired to some extent by modifying the end surface with which the hubless blade 10 comes into contact, but if the damage is difficult to repair, the blade fastening part 23 must be replaced. Furthermore, the blade fastening part 23 must be attached and detached when cleaning the spindle 221.

[0044] Therefore, the processing apparatus 1 is provided with a first replacement unit 52 and a second replacement unit (not shown). The first replacement unit 52 can be automatically replaced by attaching and detaching the blade fixing unit 23 to and from the spindle 221. The second replacement unit can be automatically replaced by attaching and detaching the hubless blade 10 to and from the blade fixing unit 23. This makes it possible to manage the protrusion amount l of the hubless blade 10 by automatically replacing the blade fixing unit 23. Furthermore, if the damage on the end face of the blade fixing unit 23 is difficult to repair, the blade fixing unit 23 can be automatically replaced by the first replacement unit 52. Furthermore, the blade fixing unit 23 can be automatically attached and detached by the first replacement unit 52 when cleaning the spindle 221.

[0045] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a hubless blade according to this embodiment. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the hubless blade is fixed by a blade fixing portion in the second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the hubless blade and in that the blade fixing portion has a second flange 241. This will be described in detail below.

[0046] 12 , the hubless blade 100 includes a blade body 110 and a gripping portion (hub) 120. The blade body 110 is ring-shaped. A through-hole 111 is provided in the center of the blade body 110, into which the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231 is fitted. Similar to the blade body 11 in the first embodiment, the blade body 110 has abrasive grains dispersed and arranged in a bond phase made of, for example, a resin material.

[0047] Blade information (barcode information) is engraved on the blade body 110. Examples of blade information include the outer diameter, bond phase, thickness, abrasive grain type, grain size, concentration, and serial number of the blade body 110. Note that the markings (printing) on ​​the blade body 110 will be lost with wear. For this reason, the processing device 1 (see FIG. 1) records the blade information in association with gripping portion information (described later).

[0048] The gripping portion 120 is detachably connected, for example, by being bonded to the connecting portion 112 of the blade body 110. The connecting portion 112 is located on one surface of the blade body 110, on the through-hole 111 side. As shown in FIG. 13 , the gripping portion 120 is disposed on the second flange 241 side. Methods for connecting the gripping portion 120 to the connecting portion 112 include, for example, double-sided adhesive tape (including double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape) and connection methods using an adhesive. Other examples include connection methods using various diffusion bonding methods such as ultrasonic bonding, connection methods using welding such as spot welding and brazing, connection methods that fasten the gripping portion 120 and the blade body 110, and various connection methods that can attach the blade body 110 to the gripping portion 120. Examples of double-sided adhesive tape include double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes that are adhesive on both sides, tapes that are adhesive on one side and have an adhesive on the other side that hardens to bond, and tapes that have an adhesive on both sides of a substrate that hardens to bond. The adhesive also includes adhesive resins having fluidity, sheet-shaped adhesive resins formed into sheets, and adhesives that are not fluid at room temperature but become fluid depending on physical conditions such as temperature and function as adhesives.

[0049] The gripping portion 120 is configured, for example, in a ring shape. An attachment hole 130 is provided in the center of the gripping portion 120, into which the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231 is fitted. The gripping portion 120 is used, for example, as a gripping portion that can be handled by a second replacement unit (not shown). Therefore, by gripping the gripping portion 120 with the second replacement unit, the hubless blade 100 can be handled by the second replacement unit. By handling the hubless blade 100 by gripping the gripping portion 120, the attachment hole 130 can be fitted onto the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231, and the hubless blade 100 can be attached to the shaft portion 233. Furthermore, the gripping portion 120 can be gripped by the second replacement unit to remove the hubless blade 100 from the shaft portion 233. This allows for automated replacement of the hubless blade 100.

[0050] The second flange 241 has a flange main body 242 and a stopper 243. The flange main body 242 has an internal thread 244. The internal thread 244 of the second flange 241 is threadedly coupled to the external thread 236 of the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231. Thus, the second flange 241 is fixed to the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231. The stopper 243 protrudes from the outer periphery of the flange main body 242 toward the hubless blade 100. The outer peripheries of the flange main body 242 and the stopper 243 form an outer periphery 241a of the second flange 241. In other words, the stopper 243 of the second flange 241 is provided at a position corresponding to the outer stopper 235 of the first flange 231. The outer diameter of the outer periphery 241a of the second flange 241 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of the outer periphery 231a of the first flange 231.

[0051] With the second flange 241 fixed to the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231, the blade body 110 of the hubless blade 100 is sandwiched between the outer stopper 235 of the first flange 231 and the stopper 243 of the second flange 241. In this state, the blade fixing portion 23 fixes the hubless blade 100. The blade fixing portion 23 is fixed to the spindle 221. Therefore, the hubless blade 100 is fixed to the spindle 221 via the blade fixing portion 23.

[0052] 13 , when the hubless blade 100 is attached to the shaft portion 233, the hubless blade 100 is fixed by the first flange 231 and the second flange 241 of the blade fixing portion 23. The blade fixing portion 23 is fixed to the spindle 221. In other words, the hubless blade 100 is fixed to the spindle 221 via the blade fixing portion 23.

[0053] The gripping portion 120 is connected to the connecting portion 112 of the blade body 110. As shown in FIG. １２０ is the outer diameter D of the blade fixing portion 23 ２３ The outer diameter D of the gripping portion 120 is smaller than １２０ The outer diameter D of the blade fixing part 23 ２３The reason for making the diameter smaller is as follows: １２０ is the outer diameter D of the blade fixing portion 23 ２３ If the outer diameter D of the gripping portion 120 is larger than the outer diameter D of the blade body 110, the protrusion amount 1 of the blade body 110 is restricted by the gripping portion 120. The protrusion amount 1 affects the processing quality of the workpiece when the workpiece is processed by the hubless blade 100. １２０ The outer diameter D of the blade fixing part 23 ２３ Therefore, the protrusion amount 1 of the blade body 110 can be set to the distance from the outer periphery of the blade fixing portion 23 to the outer periphery of the blade body 110. As a result, the outer diameter D of the blade fixing portion 23 can be set to ２３ By changing the value, the protrusion amount 1 of the hubless blade 100 can be controlled (adjusted).

[0054] Grip information (barcode information) is engraved on the gripping portion 120. Examples of the gripping information include the type, outer diameter, shape, material, adhesive type, and serial number of the hubless blade 100.

[0055] <Processing Method> Next, a processing method for processing a workpiece using the hubless blade 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 13, and 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the steps for processing a workpiece with a hubless blade. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the processing apparatus 1 processes a workpiece using only the hubless blade 100. However, as in the first embodiment, the processing apparatus 1 can also process a workpiece by mixing the hubless blade 100 with other blades, such as the hubless blade 10 or known hub blades. First, an example of recycling the hubless blade 100 (specifically, the gripping portion 120) will be described based on the steps including (S1) to (S10).

[0056] As shown in Figures 1, 13, and 14, first, the blade body 110 of the hubless blade 100 is manufactured in the blade body 110 manufacturing process (S1). Next, in the hubless blade 100 manufacturing process, the gripping portion 120 is connected to the manufactured blade body 110, and the blade body 110 and gripping portion 120 are integrated to manufacture the hubless blade 100 (S2). The blade body 110 has abrasive grains dispersed and disposed in a bond phase of a resin material, for example. The resin material bond phase promotes wear of the blade body 110, making it suitable for machining, for example, difficult-to-cut materials. This ensures the quality of machining with the hubless blade 100. Furthermore, gripping portion information is engraved on the gripping portion 120. Blade information is engraved on the blade body 110.

[0057] In a hubless blade 100 introduction process, the manufactured hubless blade 100 is introduced into the stocker unit 5 of the processing device 1 for storage (S3). The markings (printing) on ​​the blade body 110 will be lost as the workpiece is processed and worn away. For this reason, the processing device 1 records the gripping portion information and blade information in association with each other. In a hubless blade 100 verification process, when a workpiece is processed with the hubless blade 100, the gripping portion information and blade information are verified to select the hubless blade 100 specified for the workpiece type (S4). In a hubless blade 100 automatic replacement process, the selected hubless blade 100 is automatically transported and automatically replaced (S5).

[0058] In the workpiece machining process, the workpiece is machined with the automatically replaced hubless blade 100 (S6). The machining device 1 selects setup conditions (height-related and dressing) for the hubless blade 100 from the blade information and machines the workpiece. The machining conditions for the workpiece are determined by a recipe associated with the workpiece. The workpiece is machined with the hubless blade 100. The blade body 110 wears out as the workpiece is machined. As the hubless blade 100 machined the workpiece, the wear of the blade body 110 reaches its limit (S7). When the wear of the blade body 110 reaches its limit, the hubless blade 100 is automatically replaced in the automatic replacement process (S8). At this time, the machining device 1 acquires outer diameter information of the worn blade body 110 using, for example, a detection sensor (not shown).

[0059] When recycling the hubless blade 100 (specifically, the gripping portion 120), the processing device 1 references type information from the gripping portion information and blade information of the used hubless blade 100 and stores it in a recycle slot (not shown). When the processing device 1 processes a workpiece using a mixture of hubless blades 100 and hub blades, hub blades whose blade bodies have reached their limit of wear are ejected into a disposal slot (not shown) for disposal. Therefore, the hubless blades 100 are prevented from being mixed with hub blades and are stored in the recycle slot.

[0060] In the recovery process, the hubless blade 100 is recovered from a recycle slot (not shown). The gripping portion 120 is peeled off from the recovered blade body 110. The gripping portion 120 peeled off from the blade body 110 is recovered (S9). In the recycling process, the recovered gripping portion 120 is connected to a new blade body 110 and recycled (S10). By connecting and replacing the gripping portion 120 with the new blade body 110, the protrusion amount 1 of the blade body 110 is ensured. To recycle the gripping portion 120, the same gripping portion information is redeployed. However, this does not cause any problems because the gripping portion information is used together with the blade information.

[0061] Next, an example of reusing the hubless blade 100 by managing the protrusion amount of the hubless blade 100 will be described based on steps including (S1) to (S8) and (S11) to (S12). In general workpiece machining, the smaller the protrusion amount of the hubless blade 100, the less meandering and tilting of the blade body 110, and the better machining quality can be obtained. The necessary protrusion amount 1 for the hubless blade 100 is also determined depending on the thickness of the workpiece. In this case, the hubless blade 100 can be reused by automatically replacing it.

[0062] Specifically, when the hubless blade 100 is reused, the steps (S1) to (S8) of recycling the hubless blade 100 are generally the same. That is, after the automatic replacement step (S5), in the workpiece processing step, the processing device 1 processes, for example, a thick workpiece (S6). When the hubless blade 100 processes the workpiece, wear on the blade body 110 causes the protrusion length 1 to reach its limit (S7). In the automatic replacement step when the protrusion length 1 reaches its limit, the processing device 1 determines the wear limit from the detected amount of wear on the blade body 110 and automatically replaces the hubless blade 100 with a new hubless blade (S8).

[0063] In the storage process of the hubless blades 100, used hubless blades 100 are temporarily stored in a reuse slot (not shown) together with gripping portion information, blade information, and protrusion information of the blade body 110 (S11). In the reuse process, when similar types of thin workpieces are processed in the processing device 1, hubless blades 100 with a small protrusion amount 1 are preferentially reused from among the hubless blades 100 temporarily stored in the reuse slot (S12).

[0064] Furthermore, there are cases where a plurality of processing devices 1 are owned and workpieces are divided among the plurality of processing devices 1 for processing. In this case, when used hubless blades 100 are temporarily stored in the reuse slot, information on the protrusion amount 1 of the blade body 110 is shared with the server. The information on the protrusion amount 1 of the blade body 110 is printed on the blade body 110, for example. When a thin workpiece variety is processed in another processing device 1 among the plurality of processing devices 1, the used hubless blade 100 is transferred from the reuse slot to the other processing device 1. Based on the information on the protrusion amount 1 of the blade body 110, the processing device 1 reuses hubless blades 100 that can be processed and have the smallest protrusion amount 1.

[0065] According to the hubless blade 100 of the second embodiment described above, the gripping portion 120 is connected to the blade body 110. Therefore, the hubless blade 100 can be handled by gripping the gripping portion 120. This allows for automated replacement of the hubless blade 100. This also allows for a wider range of applicable (machinable) workpieces.

[0066] Furthermore, the gripping portion 120 is detachably connected to the blade body 110. This allows the gripping portion 120 to be peeled off from the blade body 110 and recycled if the protrusion amount 1 becomes too small and begins to affect the processing quality of the workpiece.

[0067] In addition, the outer diameter D of the gripping portion 120 １２０ The outer diameter D of the blade fixing part 23 ２３ Therefore, the outer diameter D of the blade fixing portion 23 is ２３ By changing the outer diameter D of the gripping portion 120, the protrusion length l of the hubless blade can be controlled. １２０ By making the hubless blade 100 smaller than the standard size of the hub in a hub blade, for example, the hubless blade 100 can be used for a longer period of time than a hub blade.

[0068] Furthermore, the protrusion amount 1 of the hubless blade 100 can be managed by replacing the blade fastening portion 23 with one having a different outer diameter in the processing device 1. The protrusion amount 1 can also be managed by providing blade fastening portions 23 with different outer diameters in multiple processing devices 1. This allows the hubless blade 100 to be used over a long period of time while managing the protrusion amount 1 of the hubless blade 100.

[0069] Furthermore, because the gripping portion 120 can be detachably connected to the blade body 110, when the blade body 110 reaches its wear limit due to workpiece processing and the protrusion length l becomes so small that it affects the processing quality of the workpiece, the gripping portion 120 can be peeled off from the blade body 110 and recycled. Alternatively, the hubless blade 100 that has reached its wear limit can be reused for applicable workpieces.

[0070] Next, third to sixth embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 19. In the third to sixth embodiments, the same or similar components as those of the processing device 1 and the hubless blade 100 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] [Third Embodiment] A blade fixing portion according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade is fixed by the blade fixing portion according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, a blade fixing portion 23A is provided in the processing apparatus 1 in place of the blade fixing portion 23 of the first embodiment. The blade fixing portion 23A according to this embodiment fixes a hubless blade 100. The blade fixing portion 23A according to this embodiment includes a first flange 231A and a second flange 241. The first flange 231A has an inner stopper 238 in addition to a shaft portion 233, a flange main body 2, and an outer stopper 235.

[0072] The inner stopper 238 is provided at a position on the flange main body 234 that is smaller in diameter than the outer stopper 235. A tip 238a of the inner stopper 238 is disposed flush with a tip 235a of the outer stopper 235 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft portion 233. The connecting portion 112 of the blade main body 110 contacts the tip 238a of the inner stopper 238 on the first flange 231. A gripping portion 120 is connected to the connecting portion 112 on the opposite side of the inner stopper 238.

[0073] With the second flange 241 fixed to the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231A, the blade body 110 of the hubless blade 100 is sandwiched between the outer stopper 235 of the first flange 231A and the stopper 243 of the second flange 241. The connecting portion 112 of the blade body 110 contacts the tip 238a of the inner stopper 238 of the first flange 231A. The gripping portion 120 is connected to the connecting portion 112 on the side opposite the inner stopper 238. In this state, the blade fixing portion 23A fixes the hubless blade 100. The blade fixing portion 23A is fixed to the spindle 221. Therefore, the hubless blade 100 is fixed to the spindle 221 via the blade fixing portion 23A.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the blade body 110 of the hubless blade 100 is sandwiched between the outer stopper 235 of the first flange 231A and the stopper 243 of the second flange 241, the connection portion 112 of the blade body 110 can be brought into contact with the tip 238a of the inner stopper 238. This allows the connection portion 112 of the blade body 110 to be supported by the inner stopper 238. This prevents the blade body 110 from being damaged at the portion 113 sandwiched between the first flange 231A and the second flange 241. In other words, damage to the blade body 110 when sandwiched between the first flange 231A and the second flange 241 can be prevented. In this embodiment, the first replacement unit 52 is configured to automatically replace the second flange 241.

[0075] [Fourth Embodiment] A blade fixing portion according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a hubless blade is fixed by the blade fixing portion according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, a blade fixing portion 23B is provided in the processing apparatus 1 in place of the blade fixing portion 23A of the third embodiment. The blade fixing portion 23B includes a first flange 231A, a second flange 241A, and a nut 251. The second flange 241A has a through-hole 245 instead of the female thread 244 of the second flange 241 of the third embodiment. The nut 251 is threadedly coupled to the male thread 236 of the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231.

[0076] Therefore, the second flange 241A is pressed against the first flange 231 via the blade body 11 on the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231 by the nut 251. This allows the blade body 110 to be sandwiched between the first flange 231 and the second flange 241A of the blade fixing portion 23B. The hubless blade 100 is fixed by the blade fixing portion 23B with the connecting portion 112 in contact with the tip 238a of the inner stopper 238.

[0077] By providing the blade fixing portion 23B of the fourth embodiment in the processing device 1 instead of the blade fixing portions 23, 23A, it is possible to expand the range of applicable workpieces, as in the second and third embodiments.

[0078] Fifth Embodiment Next, a hubless blade and a second replacement part according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a hubless blade according to the fifth embodiment secured by a blade securing part. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a hubless blade. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the hubless blade 100A includes a gripping part (hub) 120A, unlike the gripping part 120 of the second embodiment. That is, the hubless blade 100A includes a blade body 110 and a gripping part 120A. For example, similar to the gripping part 120 of the second embodiment, the gripping part 120A is detachably connected to the connecting part 112 on one surface of the blade body 110. However, the gripping part 120A differs from the gripping part 120 that is secured to the second flange 241 in that the gripping part 120A is located on the first flange 231 side.

[0079] The gripping portion 120A is ferromagnetic and is formed in a ring shape from, for example, magnetic stainless steel. An attachment hole 121A is provided in the center of the gripping portion 120A, into which the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231 is fitted. The attachment hole 121A has a smaller diameter than the through-hole 111 of the blade body 11. The gripping portion 120A is used, for example, as a gripping portion that can be handled by the second replacement unit 90, which will be described later. Therefore, by gripping the gripping portion 120A with the second replacement unit 90, the hubless blade 100A can be handled by the second replacement unit 90. By gripping the gripping portion 120A and handling the hubless blade 100A, the attachment hole 121A can be fitted onto the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231, and the hubless blade 100A can be attached to the shaft portion 233. Furthermore, the gripping portion 120A can be gripped by the second replacement portion 90 to extract the hubless blade 100A from the shaft portion 233. This allows the replacement of the hubless blade 100A to be automated.

[0080] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of attaching and detaching a hubless blade using a second replacement unit according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19 , the second replacement unit 90 includes an attachment portion 91 and a relaxation portion 92. The attachment portion 91 is provided in the second replacement unit 90. The attachment portion 91 is configured as a magnet in a ring shape. A through-hole 94 is provided in the center of the attachment portion 91, and the through-hole 94 is fitted onto the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231. The through-hole 94 of the attachment portion 91 has approximately the same inner diameter as the through-hole 111 of the blade body 110. While the third embodiment describes an example in which the attachment portion 91 is configured as a magnet, the attachment portion 91 may also be configured as an electromagnet instead of a magnet.

[0081] The relaxation portion 92 is formed in a ring shape and made of a non-magnetic material such as resin. A through-hole 95 is provided in the center of the relaxation portion 92, into which the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231 is fitted. The through-hole 95 of the relaxation portion 92 has approximately the same inner diameter as the through-hole 111 of the blade body 110. The relaxation portion 92 contacts the connecting portion 112 of the blade body 110. The connecting portion 112 is provided in a position facing the tip 238a of the inner stopper 238 in the axial direction of the shaft portion 233. In other words, the relaxation portion 92 is disposed in a position facing the tip 238a of the inner stopper 238. The second replacement part 90 is provided with an adsorption portion 91, and the relaxation portion 92 is detachably provided on the surface (outer surface) of the adsorption portion 91.

[0082] When the second replacement unit 90 secures the hubless blade 100A to the blade securing unit 23A, the relaxation unit 92 of the second replacement unit 90 comes into contact with the connecting unit 112 of the blade body 110. When the relaxation unit 92 comes into contact with the connecting unit 112, the suction unit 91 attracts the gripping unit 120A. The gripping unit 120A is gripped by the magnetic force of the suction unit 91. In other words, the hubless blade 100A is gripped by the magnetic force via the gripping unit 120A from the surface of the blade body 110 opposite the gripping unit 120A. The gripped gripping unit 120A is handled by the second replacement unit 90. The handled hubless blade 100A is placed on the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231A. Specifically, the through hole 111 of the blade body 110 and the mounting hole 121A of the gripping portion 120A are fitted onto the shaft portion 233, and the through hole 94 of the suction portion 91 and the through hole 95 of the relaxation portion 92 are fitted onto the shaft portion 233.

[0083] Here, the mounting hole 121A of the gripping portion 120A has a smaller diameter than the through-hole 111 of the blade body 110, the through-hole 94 of the suction portion 91, and the through-hole 95 of the relaxation portion 92. Therefore, when the hubless blade 100A is fixed to the blade fixing portion 23A, the through-holes 111, 94, and 95 (particularly the through-hole 111 of the blade body 110) can be prevented from contacting the shaft portion 233. This prevents the through-hole 111 of the blade body 110 from contacting the shaft portion 233 and damaging the blade body 110.

[0084] When the hubless blade 100A is placed on the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231A, the blade body 110 contacts the tip 235a of the outer stopper 235. The connecting portion 112 of the blade body 110 also contacts the tip 238a of the inner stopper 238. The buffer portion 92 is in contact with the connecting portion 112. Therefore, the blade body 110 can be placed in a position where it contacts the tip 235a and the tip 238a. This prevents the hubless blade 100A from moving toward the rear of the tip 235a of the outer stopper 235. Therefore, bending or damage to the blade body 110 can be prevented. After the hubless blade 100A is placed on the shaft portion 233, the suction portion 91 is separated from the buffer portion 92 as shown by the arrow. After the suction portion 91 is separated from the buffer portion 92, the buffer portion 92 is separated from the connecting portion 112 of the blade body 110.

[0085] 17 and 19 , after the relaxation portion 92 is separated from the connection portion 112, the second flange 241 is fixed to the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231A. Specifically, the female threads 244 of the second flange 241 are threadedly coupled to the male threads 236 of the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231A. By threading the female threads 244 to the male threads 236 of the shaft portion 233, the second flange 241 is fixed to the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231A. In this way, the hubless blade 100A is sandwiched between the second flange 241 and the first flange 231A, and the hubless blade 100A is fixed by the blade fixing portion 23.

[0086] Next, when the second replacement unit 90 removes the hubless blade 100A from the blade fixing unit 23, the second flange 241 is removed from the shaft portion 233 of the first flange 231A. After the second flange 241 is removed from the shaft portion 233, the suction portion 91 and the relaxation portion 92 of the second replacement unit 90 are brought into contact with the connecting portion 112 of the blade body 110. By bringing the relaxation portion 92 into contact with the connecting portion 112, the suction portion 91 adsorbs and grips the gripping portion 120A. After gripping the gripping portion 120A, the second replacement unit 90 removes the hubless blade 100A from the shaft portion 233. This enables automatic replacement of the hubless blade 100A by the second replacement unit 90.

[0087] According to the hubless blade 100A and second replacement part 90 of the third embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 17 and 19, it is possible to expand the range of applicable workpieces, similar to the second embodiment.

[0088] The hubless blade 100A is fixed to the blade fixing part 23 by fitting the through hole 111 of the blade body 110 and the mounting hole 121A of the gripping part 120A onto the shaft 233. Therefore, when fixing the hubless blade 100A to the blade fixing part 23A, it is conceivable that the through hole 111 may come into contact with the shaft 233, damaging the blade body 110. Therefore, the mounting hole 121A of the gripping part 120A has a smaller diameter than the through hole 111 of the blade body 110. This prevents the through hole 111 from coming into contact with the shaft 233 when fixing the hubless blade 100A to the blade fixing part 23A. This prevents the through hole 111 from coming into contact with the shaft 233, damaging the blade body 110.

[0089] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the sixth embodiment, in which the hubless blade of the fifth embodiment is fixed by the blade fixing portion of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, in the sixth embodiment, the hubless blade 100A can be automatically replaced with the blade fixing portion 23B of the fourth embodiment. According to the sixth embodiment, as with the second embodiment, it is possible to expand the range of applicable workpieces.

[0090] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0091] For example, the stocker unit 5 in the first embodiment stores the hubless blades 10 and the first flange 231, but it can also store the hubless blades 100, the second flange 241, hub blades, etc.

[0092] In addition, the components in this embodiment can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Processing device 3 Processing section 4 Pallet section 5 Stocker section 10, 100, 100A Hubless blade 11 Blade body 12 Base metal 13 Mounting hole 21 Work table 22 Spindle unit 23, 23A, 23B Blade fixing section 51 Rotary table 52 First replacement section 54 Bit 54a Tip section 55 First attachment / detachment jig 56 Second attachment / detachment jig 57 Plunger 63 Buffer stage 90 Second replacement section 91 Suction section 92 Relaxation section 94 Through hole 95 Through hole 110 Blade body 111 Through hole 112 Connection section 113 Section 120, 120A, 122 Grip section (hub) 121 Connection section 121A, 130 Mounting hole 221 Spindle (rotating axis) 231, 231A First flange 232 Nut 233 Shaft portion 234 Flange body 235 Outer stopper 237 Flange bolt 238 Inner stopper 241, 241A Second flange 242 Flange body 243 Stopper 245 Through hole 251 Nut

Claims

1. A processing method for processing a workpiece with a hubless blade having a blade body fixed to the spindle of a processing device via a blade fixing part, and a gripping part that can be handled by being connected to one side of the blade body and gripped, the processing method comprising: a step of automatically exchanging the hubless blade to be applied to the workpiece with respect to the spindle; a step of processing the workpiece with the hubless blade automatically exchanged with the spindle; and a step of recycling the gripping part of the hubless blade that has reached its friction limit due to processing the workpiece.

2. A processing method for processing a workpiece with a hubless blade having a blade body fixed to the spindle of a processing device via a blade fixing part, and a gripping part that can be handled by being connected to one side of the blade body and gripped, the processing method comprising: a step of automatically exchanging the hubless blade to be applied to the workpiece with the spindle; a step of processing the workpiece with the hubless blade automatically exchanged with the spindle; and a step of storing the hubless blade that has reached its friction limit during processing of the workpiece, and reusing it for applicable workpieces.

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