Tool evaluation device

Abstract

A tool evaluation device (10) is characterized by comprising a first cleaning unit (36) and a second cleaning unit (38), a bottom-surface-side imaging unit (42) and a side-surface-side imaging unit (44) that are disposed adjacent to the first cleaning unit (36) and the second cleaning unit (38) along a horizontal direction (D1), the bottom-surface-side imaging unit (42) imaging a tool (26) at a first imaging position (TP1) and the side-surface-side imaging unit (44) imaging the tool (26) at a second imaging position (TP2), a tool conveying device (20) that includes a tool holding unit (24) and a rotating unit (22) for rotating the tool holding unit (24) and that conveys the tool (26) along the first direction (D1), and a guide unit (32) that moves the first cleaning unit (36), the second cleaning unit (38), the bottom-surface-side imaging unit (42) and the side-surface-side imaging unit (44) relative to the tool conveying device (20) along a second direction (D2), wherein the tool evaluation device (10) evaluates wear of a blade portion (50) using captured images of the tool (26).

Description

Tool evaluation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool evaluation device.

[0002] In a machine tool, a tool used for machining mainly consists of a holder and a cutting edge portion. The cutting edge portion that contacts the machining target wears as machining is repeated. As wear progresses, it becomes impossible to achieve the accuracy required for machining, and the risk of tool breakage increases. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the appropriate progress of wear.

[0003] Generally, the observation and evaluation of the progress of tool wear are visually performed by an operator taking out the tool from the machine tool. For this reason, in Cited Document 1, a machine tool is disclosed that includes a camera that images a tool located in an imaging area so that the state of the tool after machining can be confirmed, a tool holding part to which the tool can be attached, and a machining control part that controls the tool holding part according to a machining program and machines a workpiece with the tool.

[0004] When trying to image the cutting edge portion in order to appropriately observe the progress of wear, it is necessary to wash the cutting edge portion in advance to remove oil and chips adhering to the surface of the cutting edge portion. Since a mechanism for imaging the tool and a mechanism for washing the tool need to be incorporated into the machine tool, the configuration of the machine tool tends to become complicated. Specifically, it is necessary to move the tool between the mechanism for performing machining, the mechanism for imaging the tool, and the mechanism for washing the tool. As the number of moving locations increases, the feed axes for feeding the tool also increase. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to arrange the mechanism for washing the tool and the mechanism for imaging the tool outside the machining chamber so that the tool can be linearly moved from the machining position. However, in order to wash the tool outside the machine tool, there is a need to newly provide a washing chamber, and there is a concern about the risk of new chips and oil adhesion as the movement distance of the tool increases. In addition, such a configuration may result in the need to make the installation space of the entire machine tool wider than before.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-521981

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a tool evaluation device that can wash and image a tool with a simple configuration that suppresses an increase in feed axes.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a tool evaluation device for evaluating the wear of the cutting edge of a tool, comprising: a cleaning unit for cleaning the tool at an internal cleaning position; a first imaging unit arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit along a first direction and imaging the tool from a second direction at a first imaging position; a second imaging unit arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit at a position further away from the first imaging unit along the first direction and imaging the tool from a first direction at a second imaging position; a tool holding unit for holding the tool; a rotating unit for rotating the tool holding unit, and a first transport device for transporting the tool along a first direction between the cleaning position, the first imaging position, and the second imaging position; and a second transport device for moving the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit relative to the first transport device along a second direction, wherein the tool evaluation device evaluates the wear of the cutting edge of the tool using images of the tool captured by the first imaging unit and / or the second imaging unit.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a tool evaluation device is configured such that a first transport device transports the tool along a first direction, and a second transport device moves the cleaning unit relative to the tool along a second direction. This allows the tool to be transported to a cleaning position inside the cleaning unit and cleaned by the cleaning unit. Alternatively, the first transport device can transport the tool from the cleaning position to a first imaging position and a second imaging position along a first direction, and the second transport device can move the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit relative to the tool along a second direction. This allows the first imaging unit to image the tool from a second direction at the first imaging position, and the second imaging unit to image the tool from a first direction at the second imaging position. The tool can be aligned with the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit, and the second imaging unit by linear movement along the first and second directions only, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of feed axes. This allows for the cleaning and imaging of tools using a simple tool evaluation device, and the evaluation of tool wear using the images of the tools.

[0009] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. (a) shows a side view of the tool, (b) shows a side view of the tool from (a) rotated 90 degrees, and (c) shows a bottom view of the tool from (a). Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. (a) shows a side view of the first imaging unit that images the bottom of the tool, and (b) is a view from arrow A in (a), showing the bottom view of the tool. (a) shows a side view of the second imaging unit that images the side of the tool, and (b) is a view from arrow B in (a), showing the bottom view of the tool. Figure 6 shows a transparency view of the inside of the first cleaning unit. Figure 7 shows a transparency view of the inside of the first cleaning unit according to another embodiment. Figure 8 shows a transparency view of the inside of the second cleaning unit. (a) shows the positional relationship between a tool with a large diameter and the cleaning unit, and (b) shows the positional relationship between a tool with a small diameter and the cleaning unit. Figure 10 shows a flowchart of the tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. Figure 11 shows a plan view and a side view of the tool evaluation device according to this embodiment. Figure 12 shows a plan view and a side view of the tool evaluation device that cleans a tool with a first cleaning unit. Figure 13 shows a plan view and a side view of the tool evaluation device that cleans a tool with a second cleaning unit. Figure 14 shows a plan view and a side view of the tool evaluation device that photographs the bottom of a tool with a first imaging unit. Figure 15 shows a plan view and a side view of the tool evaluation device that photographs the side of a tool with a second imaging unit. Figure 16 shows a plan view and a side view of the tool evaluation device according to another embodiment.

[0010] The tool evaluation apparatus according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Similar or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. The scale of the drawings may be changed in the explanation to facilitate understanding.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment. The tool evaluation device 10 is located inside the tool magazine chamber (not shown) of a machining center or adjacent to the tool magazine chamber in a location other than the machining chamber (not shown). The tool evaluation device 10 includes a stand 12 and a tool transport device 20 as a first transport device attached to the stand 12, as well as an imaging device 40 for imaging the tool 26 and a first cleaning unit 36 ​​and a second cleaning unit 38 for cleaning the tool 26 before imaging (see Figure 13). The imaging device 40 has a bottom-side imaging unit 42 as a first imaging unit for imaging the tool 26 from the tip side (bottom side) and a side-side imaging unit 44 as a second imaging unit for imaging the side of the tool 26. Furthermore, the first cleaning section 36 is shaped like a bucket and is configured to clean the tool 26 using a cleaning solution or compressed air, as will be described later, while the second cleaning section 38 is shaped like a bucket and is configured to dry the tool 26 after cleaning using compressed air.

[0012] The frame section 12 has four legs 14, two support columns 16 extending upward from the legs 14 along a second vertical direction D2, and a beam section 18 spanning between the two support columns 16 and extending along a first horizontal direction D1. The tool transport device 20 is attached to the beam section 18 and is configured to be movable along the beam section 18 in the horizontal direction D1. Below the tool transport device 20 is a rotating section 22 having a drive unit such as a servo motor and configured to be rotatable around an axis (R1 direction) along the vertical direction relative to the tool transport device 20, and below the rotating section 22 is a tool holding section 24 for detachably attaching a tool 26.

[0013] Figures 2(a) to 2(c) show a side view and a bottom view of the tool 26. The tool 26 has a shaft portion 28 that is tapered and has a tapered shank portion 28a that is attached to the tool holder portion 24, and a cutting edge portion 50 attached to the tip side (lower end side) of the shaft portion 28. The cutting edge portion 50 is here a cutting edge portion 50 for milling, and when the tool 26 is attached to the tool holder portion 24, the ridge portion that extends along the vertical direction D2 is the main cutting edge 50a, and the ridge portion that extends along the horizontal direction D1 on the tip side (bottom side) is the secondary cutting edge 50b. The cutting edge portion 50 has a main relief surface 52 that is continuous with the main cutting edge 50a, a secondary relief surface 54 that is continuous with the secondary cutting edge 50b, and a rake surface 56, and is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the bottom. The cutting edge 50 is provided in two locations at 180-degree intervals in the tool 26 shown in Figures 2(a) to (c). Here, the length from the gauge line GL to the tip of the cutting edge 50 is defined as the tool length TL, and the length from the gauge line GL to the main imaging position of the cutting edge 50 is defined as the cutting edge imaging length BL. Furthermore, the tool diameter TR is defined as twice the radial length from the center of the shaft portion 28 to the outer end of the cutting edge 50, and the cutting edge imaging diameter BR is defined as twice the radial length to the center of the rake face 56. Here, the tool 26 is described as being for milling and its cutting edge 50 extends in the vertical direction, but it is not limited to this, and a cutting edge that extends in the horizontal direction may be attached to the shaft, and the tool may also be for turning.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, one end of the beam section 18 is connected to a tool magazine 30 that houses multiple tools 26, and the tools 26 can be exchanged between the tool holding section 24 and the tool magazine 30. When a tool 26 needs to be changed, the tool transport device 20 is configured to move to the tool loading / unloading position HP (see Figure 13) in the tool magazine 30 and transfer the tool 26.

[0015] The tool evaluation device 10 is mounted on a stand 12 and includes a guide unit 32 for moving the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 (see Figure 11) up and down relative to the tool 26. The guide unit 32 is configured to move the bracket 34 on which the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 are arranged up and down along the vertical direction D2 using a feed shaft (not shown) located inside. The tool 26, the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 are arranged on the same plane along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Here, the bottom side imaging unit 42 is arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1, and the side side imaging unit 44 is arranged adjacent to the bottom side imaging unit 42 on the opposite side from the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1. As a result, the tool 26, the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 can be aligned using only two linear feed axes.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the tool evaluation device 10. The tool evaluation device 10 has a storage unit 46 for storing information about the tool 26 and its imaging. The storage unit 46 has an imaging information storage unit 60 that stores information about the imaging of the tool 26, a tool information storage unit 62 that stores information about the tool 26 itself, and a tool image storage unit 64 that stores images of the tool 26 captured and acquired by the imaging device 40. Specifically, the imaging information storage unit 60 is configured to store the phase interval and time interval, which are the timings for imaging the tool 26 rotating by the rotating unit 22, and the phase range, which is the range of rotation phases for performing one set of imaging. The imaging information storage unit 60 is also configured to store the tool phase, which is the rotation phase of the tool 26 when capturing a reference image. If there are multiple blades 50 (number of blades n), reference images are acquired for each blade n, so multiple tool phases corresponding to each blade 50 are stored for each blade n. If the types of multiple blades 50 and the mounting positions and angles of each blade 50 relative to the shaft 28 are all the same, then only one reference image needs to be stored for each tool 26. The tool phase, phase interval, time interval, and phase range are set in advance by the operator and stored in the imaging information storage unit 60. Alternatively, instead of being set by the operator, the control unit 48 may automatically set them according to the information of the tool 26. The tool information storage unit 62 is configured to store the number of blades n of the blades 50 attached to the tool 26, the tool length TL of the tool 26, the blade imaging length BL, the tool diameter TR, and the blade imaging diameter BR, as well as the set life, allowable wear amount, and wear state of the tool 26. The tool image storage unit 64 is configured to store the reference image and the tool image after processing, which will be described later.

[0017] The tool evaluation device 10 also includes a control unit 48, which is configured to operate a rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool holder 24 to which the tool 26 is attached, and to operate a first cleaning unit 36 ​​and a second cleaning unit 38 to clean the tool 26. Furthermore, the control unit 48 is configured to operate an imaging device 40 to image the tool 26 at the tool phase and store it as a reference image in the tool image storage unit 64. Here, the tool phase at which the reference image is taken is determined by the operator's visual inspection, and the operator controls the control unit 48 through the input unit to position the tool 26 at the tool phase and take the image. The reference image should be taken when the tool is free from defects or wear, so it is desirable to take the reference image when the tool is new and has not been machined. The control unit 48 is also configured to operate the imaging device 40 to image the machined tool 26, which is rotated by the rotating unit 22, at predetermined phase intervals or predetermined time intervals, and to store the acquired multiple machined tool images in the tool image storage unit 64.

[0018] Furthermore, the tool evaluation device 10 includes a determination unit 66 that compares a reference image stored in the tool image storage unit 64 with a plurality of the processed tool images, and determines the image with the highest degree of agreement with the reference image from among the plurality of processed tool images as the observation image.

[0019] The tool evaluation device 10 also includes a tool evaluation unit 68 for evaluating the condition of the blade portion 50 by performing image analysis on the determined observation images. Specifically, the tool evaluation unit 68 is configured to evaluate whether there are any defects or wear on the blade portion 50. If the tool 26 has two or more blade portions 50, the observation images of all blade portions 50 may be evaluated, or only the observation image of one blade portion 50 may be evaluated. Furthermore, the tool evaluation unit 68 transmits the evaluation result to the storage unit 46. At this time, the cumulative number of machining operations performed by the tool 26 to be evaluated and the evaluation result can be stored in association. The tool evaluation device 10 also includes a notification unit 70, which, if it is determined that there are defects in the blade portion 50 based on the evaluation result of the tool evaluation unit 68, or if it is determined that the amount of wear on the blade portion 50 exceeds a predetermined allowable wear amount, will notify the user to be careful not to continue machining with the tool 26. The notification unit 70 is equipped with a display screen (not shown) that can display information such as whether or not there is a defect, the allowable amount of wear, and instructions for tool replacement when an alarm is issued.

[0020] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show a side view of the bottom imaging unit 42, which images the bottom surface of the tool 26, and a bottom view of the tool 26. The control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to move it in the horizontal direction D1, aligning the tool 26 with the bottom imaging unit 42 in the horizontal direction D1. Specifically, the tool 26 is positioned so that the radial end of the blade imaging diameter BR is at the center of the bottom imaging unit 42. The horizontal movement distance D1 of the tool transport device 20 may be determined by the control unit 48 based on the tool diameter TR, or it may be arbitrarily set by the operator for each tool 26. Next, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 in the vertical direction D2, aligning the tool 26 with the bottom imaging unit 42 in the vertical direction D2. The vertical movement distance D2 of the guide unit 32 may be determined by the control unit 48 based on the tool length TL, or it may be arbitrarily set by the operator for each tool 26. As a result, the position of the tool 26 is set to the first imaging position TP1 (see Figure 14) of the bottom imaging unit 42, and the imaging range IA is determined to include the tool 26. At this time, the rotational phase of the tool 26 is set to the initial phase.

[0021] Once the alignment between the tool 26 and the bottom-side imaging unit 42 is complete, the bottom-side imaging unit 42 images the secondary relief surface 54 of the tool 26. The image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a post-machined tool image associated with the phase information of the tool 26 at the time of imaging. When a post-machined tool image at a certain phase is stored in the tool image storage unit 64, the control unit 48 operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 by a predetermined phase interval θ (for example, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, etc.) and perform the next imaging. The imaging performed by rotating the tool 26 is repeated within a predetermined phase range PR. If the number of teeth n is 2 or more, the phase range PR for one tooth section 50 may be set as 360 degrees / number of teeth n. Here, the bottom-side imaging unit 42 may take images at phase intervals θ while the rotating unit 22 is continuously rotating the tool 26, or the rotation of the tool 26 may be stopped after rotating by the phase interval θ before imaging. Furthermore, imaging may be performed at a predetermined time interval T instead of a phase interval θ. In this case, the image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a post-machining tool image associated with the elapsed time from the start of rotation of the tool 26. The control unit 48 may determine these phase intervals θ and time intervals T according to the shape and dimensions of the tool 26. For example, with a tool 26 having a relatively large tool diameter TR, if the phase interval θ is large, it may not be possible to capture an image at a rotational phase that can be used as an observation image. In such cases, the control unit 48 sets the phase interval θ and time interval T to a smaller value.

[0022] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show a side view of the side imaging unit 44, which images the side of the tool 26, and a bottom view of the tool 26. The control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to move it in the horizontal direction D1, aligning the tool 26 with the side imaging unit 44 in the horizontal direction D1. The distance the tool transport device 20 moves in the horizontal direction D1 may be determined by the control unit 48 based on the tool diameter TR, or it may be arbitrarily set by the operator for each tool 26. Next, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 in the vertical direction D2, aligning the tool 26 with the side imaging unit 44 in the vertical direction D2. Specifically, the tool 26 is positioned so that the lower end of the blade imaging length BL coincides with the center position of the side imaging unit 44. The distance the guide unit 32 moves in the vertical direction D2 may be determined by the control unit 48 based on the tool length TL, or it may be arbitrarily set by the operator for each tool 26. As a result, the position of the tool 26 is set to the second imaging position TP2 (see Figure 15) of the side imaging unit 44, and the imaging range IA is determined to include the tool 26. At this time, the rotation phase of the tool 26 is set to the initial phase. Alternatively, the rotation phase of the tool 26 may be set to the same initial phase as when it is set to the first imaging position TP1 of the bottom imaging unit 42.

[0023] Once the alignment between the tool 26 and the side imaging unit 44 is complete, the side imaging unit 44 captures an image of the main relief surface 52 of the tool 26. The captured image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a post-machined tool image associated with the phase information of the tool 26 at the time of imaging. When a post-machined tool image at a certain phase is stored in the tool image storage unit 64, the control unit 48 operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 by a predetermined phase interval θ (for example, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, etc.) and perform the next image capture. The imaging performed by rotating the tool 26 is repeated within a predetermined phase range PR. If the number of teeth n is 2 or more, the phase range PR for one tooth section 50 may be set as 360 degrees / number of teeth n. Here, while the rotating unit 22 is continuously rotating the tool 26, imaging may be performed at each phase interval θ, or the rotation of the tool 26 may be stopped after rotating by the phase interval θ before imaging. Furthermore, imaging may be performed at a predetermined time interval T rather than a phase interval θ. In this case, the image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a post-machining tool image associated with the elapsed time from the start of rotation of the tool 26.

[0024] Figure 6 shows a transparent view of the inside of the first cleaning unit 36. Figures 6 through 9 show a solid end mill as the tool 26 for clarity in illustrating the operation and effect. It goes without saying that other tools, such as the milling tool shown in Figure 2, and other turning tools, can also be cleaned. The first cleaning unit 36 ​​is configured to immerse the tool 26 in cleaning fluid WL, and the cleaning fluid is contained within the bucket-shaped interior of the first cleaning unit 36. The control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to raise the first cleaning unit 36 ​​located on the bracket 34, allowing the tool 26 to be immersed in the cleaning fluid WL inside. This allows the tool 26 to be cleaned in the first cleaning unit 36. Furthermore, the control unit 48 operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 immersed in the cleaning fluid WL. Therefore, if chips are attached to the tool 26, they can be easily removed, improving the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with an air nozzle 72, which allows compressed air CA to be injected into the cleaning liquid WL inside. As a result, the bubbles BB generated by the compressed air CA from the air nozzle 72 can also be used to remove chips adhering to the tool 26, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0025] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the first cleaning unit 36. The first cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with a mixing device 74 for mixing compressed air CA and cleaning liquid WL, and can spray the cleaning liquid WL, which has been made into a high-pressure mist, onto the surface of the tool 26 via multiple air nozzles 72 arranged inside the first cleaning unit 36. This improves the cleaning effect of the tool 26. Furthermore, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with a mist suction device 76 at the bottom for sucking up the mist-like cleaning liquid WL that has been sprayed onto the tool 26, dripped down the tool 26, or floated inside the first cleaning unit 36. This prevents the mist-like cleaning liquid WL from vaporizing and diffusing outside the first cleaning unit 36, thus preventing deterioration of the atmosphere inside the machine tool or factory.

[0026] Figure 8 shows a transparent view of the inside of the second cleaning unit 38. The second cleaning unit 38 is configured to blow compressed air onto the tool 26 in order to remove any droplets from the surface of the tool 26 that has been cleaned in the first cleaning unit 36 ​​and to dry it. The second cleaning unit 38 is equipped with a pulse air generator 78 for discharging compressed air CA in a pulsed manner, and can blow pulsed compressed air CA discharged from multiple air nozzles 72 arranged inside the second cleaning unit 38 onto the surface of the tool 26. As a result, the amount of compressed air CA used can be reduced, allowing for efficient cleaning and improving the cleaning effect of the tool 26. Furthermore, the second cleaning unit 38 is equipped with a mist suction device 76 at the bottom for sucking up the mist-like cleaning liquid WL that has been blown onto the tool 26 and has dripped down along the tool 26, or that has floated inside the first cleaning unit 36. Therefore, the mist-like cleaning solution WL vaporizes and diffuses outside the second cleaning unit 38, preventing deterioration of the atmosphere inside the machine tool or factory.

[0027] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) show the positional relationship between the tool 26 and the air nozzle 72, which are positioned in the first cleaning section 36 and the second cleaning section 38. As shown in Figure 9(a), when the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 is relatively large, simply aligning the center of the tool 26 with the center of the first cleaning position WP1 or the second cleaning position WP2 (see Figure 11) in the first direction D1, and then aligning it again in the second direction D2, brings the outer diameter of the tool 26 closer to the air nozzle 72, resulting in high cleaning efficiency. However, as shown in Figure 9(b), when the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 is relatively small, aligning the center of the tool 26 with the center of the first cleaning position WP1 or the second cleaning position WP2 (see Figure 11) in the first direction D1 places the tool 26 far from the air nozzle 72 (the tool 26 shown by the dotted line in Figure 9(b)), reducing the cleaning efficiency of the tool 26. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent this. Therefore, the control unit 48 is configured to control the transport of the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 of the tool transport device 20, by referring to the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62, so as to ensure a horizontal cleaning distance HWD, which is a first cleaning distance, between the tip of the air nozzle 72 that opens along the horizontal direction D1 and the outer surface of the tool 26. Furthermore, the control unit 48 is configured to control the vertical movement of the guide unit 32 along the vertical direction D2, by referring to the tool length TL of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62, so as to ensure a vertical cleaning distance VWD, which is a second cleaning distance, between the tip of the air nozzle 72 that opens upward and the tip of the tool 26. This allows the tool 26 to approach the air nozzle 72 appropriately, thereby improving cleaning efficiency. In general tools, the tool diameter TR and tool length TL are defined by the dimensions from the outer end to the tip of the cutting edge 50, as shown in Figure 2. However, in some tools, the outer end and tip that protrude the most may be located on the shaft portion 28, which is not the cutting edge 50. In ensuring the aforementioned horizontal cleaning distance HWD and vertical cleaning distance VWD, it is necessary to avoid interference between the tool 26 and the inside of the cleaning section, such as the tip of the nozzle 72. This should be done by referring to the dimensions of the shaft portion 28, but the dimensions of the cutting edge 50 are also essential for offsetting the cutting process.In this case, the tool diameter TRX and tool length TLX for the outermost and tip portions of the shaft portion 28 may be stored in the tool information storage unit 62 separately from the tool diameter TR and tool length TL for the blade portion 50.

[0028] Figure 16 shows another embodiment of the tool evaluation device 10. In this embodiment, the side imaging unit 44 is positioned adjacent to the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1, and the bottom imaging unit 42 is positioned adjacent to the side imaging unit 44 on the opposite side from the cleaning unit (second cleaning unit 38) along the first direction D1. This arrangement allows the tool transport device 20 to reduce its required range of movement in the first direction D1, thereby reducing the overall space required for the tool evaluation device 10.

[0029] The effects and advantages of the tool evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment will be explained below through the flowchart of the tool evaluation device 10 shown in Figure 10 and the explanation of the cleaning and imaging of the tool 26 using Figures 11 to 15.

[0030] As shown in the flowchart of Figure 10, the tool evaluation process is started in step S10. Next, the process moves to step S20, where the tool transport device 20 moves to the tool loading / unloading position HP (see Figure 11) in the tool magazine 30, and the tool holding unit 24 holds the tapered shank portion 28a of the tool 26 to be imaged and evaluated. Alternatively, instead of the tool holding unit 24 holding the tool 26, the operator may manually attach the tool to the tool holding unit at the tool loading / unloading position.

[0031] When the tool holding unit 24 holds the tool 26, the process moves to step S30, in which the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 and transports the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 to a position where the central axis of the tool 26 and the center of the first cleaning unit 36 ​​coincide in the horizontal direction D1. Next, as shown in Figure 12, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to raise the bracket 34 along the vertical direction D2 until the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 is housed inside the first cleaning unit 36. At this time, the amount the bracket 34 is raised is determined based on the tool length TL stored in the tool information storage unit 62. Once the blade portion 50 is housed inside the first cleaning unit 36, the process moves to step S40, in which the first cleaning unit 36 ​​sprays cleaning fluid onto the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 housed inside it to clean the tool 26. Once the cleaning of the tool 26 is complete, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to lower the bracket 34 along the vertical direction D2, and removes the tool 26 from inside the first cleaning unit 36.

[0032] Here, when the bracket 34 descends and the tool 26 is removed from inside the first cleaning unit 36, step S30 is executed again, and the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 to a position where the central axis of the tool 26 and the center of the second cleaning unit 38 coincide in the horizontal direction D1. Next, as shown in Figure 13, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to raise the bracket 34 along the vertical direction D2 until the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 is inside the second cleaning unit 38. At this time, the amount the bracket 34 is raised is determined based on the tool length TL stored in the tool information storage unit 62. When the blade portion 50 is inside the second cleaning unit 38, step S40 is executed again, and the second cleaning unit 38 sprays compressed air onto the blade portion 50 of the tool 26 housed inside it to dry the tool 26 after cleaning. Once the tool 26 has finished drying, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to lower the bracket 34 along the vertical direction D2, and removes the tool 26 from inside the second cleaning unit 38.

[0033] When the bracket 34 descends and the tool 26 is removed from inside the second cleaning unit 38, the process moves to step S50, where, as shown in Figure 14, the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 to the first imaging position TP1. The first imaging position TP1 is positioned so that the radial end of the blade imaging diameter BR of the tool 26 coincides with the center position of the bottom side imaging unit 42. When the tool 26 moves to the first imaging position TP1, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 up and down along the vertical direction D2, adjusting the focal length of the bottom side imaging unit 42 that images the tool 26. The amount of movement of the bracket 34 to adjust the focal length may be determined based on the tool length TL stored in the tool information storage unit 62, or the automatic focus adjustment function of the bottom side imaging unit 42 may be used. At this time, the phase of the blade 50 is set to the initial phase.

[0034] Once the alignment between the tool 26 and the bottom-side imaging unit 42 is complete, the process moves to step S60, where the bottom-side imaging unit 42 begins imaging the secondary relief surface 54 of the tool 26. The captured image is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a post-machined tool image associated with the phase information of the tool 26 at the time of imaging. After imaging begins, the process moves to step S70, where the control unit 48 operates the rotation unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 at a predetermined phase interval θ, changing the phase, and repeatedly imaging the secondary relief surface 54 and storing the post-machined tool image associated with the phase in the tool image storage unit 64. Imaging is repeated within a predetermined phase range PR. If the number of teeth n is 2 or more, the phase range PR for one tooth section 50 may be set as 360 degrees / number of teeth n. Here, while the rotating unit 22 is continuously rotating the tool 26, the bottom-side imaging unit 42 may take images at phase intervals θ, or the rotation of the tool 26 may be stopped after it has rotated by the phase interval θ before taking images. In addition, imaging may be performed at predetermined time intervals T instead of phase intervals θ. In this case, the image of the secondary relief surface 54 that is captured is stored in the tool image storage unit 64 as a post-machined tool image associated with the rotation time from the start of rotation of the tool 26. These phase intervals θ and time intervals T may be determined by the control unit 48 according to the shape and dimensions of the tool 26. For example, with a tool 26 having a relatively large tool diameter TR, if the phase interval θ is large, it may not be possible to take images at rotational phases that can be used as observation images, so the control unit 48 sets the phase interval θ and time interval T to be small. The imaging of the cutting edge 50 in this step S70 is repeated for n teeth by shifting the phase range PR. When the rotating unit 22 rotates the tool 26 to the phase range PR, the process moves to step S80 to complete imaging of the sub-flag surface 54, and then proceeds to step S90.

[0035] When the process moves to step S90, the determination unit 66 compares the images of the multiple sub-flare surfaces 54 that have been captured with a reference image of the sub-flare surface 54 before processing, which has been stored in advance. When the image with the highest degree of agreement is identified from the difference between the image of the sub-flare surface 54 and the reference image, the process moves to step S100, and the determination unit 66 determines this image as the observation image of the sub-flare surface 54. Steps S90 and S100 are repeated for n blades, and observation images of multiple sub-flare surfaces 54 are determined. If there are multiple blades 50 and the phase range is 360 degrees / n blades, first steps S70 to S100 are performed for the first blade 50 to determine the observation image. Then, for the second and subsequent blades 50, observation images may be captured at a phase that is added by the phase range (360 degrees / n blades) from the phase associated when the observation image of the first blade 50 was captured. For example, as shown in Figure 2, if the tool has two cutting edges, the phase range is 360 degrees / 2 cutting edges = 180 degrees. Therefore, after determining the observation image of the first cutting edge 50, the rotating part 22 rotates to a phase 180 degrees higher than the phase associated with the image of the machined tool that is the observation image of the first cutting edge 50. As a result, the tool 26 is positioned relative to the bottom side imaging part 42 in a phase suitable for capturing the observation image of the second cutting edge 50.

[0036] Once the observation images of the sub-flag surfaces 54 for n blades are determined, the process moves to step S110. As shown in Figure 15, the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1. Furthermore, the control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 up and down along the vertical direction D2, positioning the tool 26 at the second imaging position TP2. The second imaging position TP2 is positioned such that the position below the gauge line GL, which is the main imaging position of the blade 50, by a blade imaging length BL, coincides with the center position of the side imaging unit 44 in the vertical direction D2. Furthermore, the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to move the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 and adjusts the focal length of the side imaging unit 44 that images the tool 26. The amount of movement of the tool 26 for adjusting the focal length may be determined based on the tool diameter TR stored in the tool information storage unit 62, or the automatic focus adjustment function provided by the side imaging unit 44 may be used. In this case, the phase of the blade portion 50 is set to the initial phase.

[0037] Once the alignment between the tool 26 and the side imaging unit 44 is complete, the process moves to step S120. The control unit 48 operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 and positions the phase of the tool 26 to the phase in which the observation image of the secondary relief surface 54 was acquired. Once the phase is positioned, the control unit 48 operates the side imaging unit 44 to image the main relief surface 52, and this post-machining tool image is determined as the observation image of the main relief surface 52. Step S120 is repeated for n times the number of teeth by changing the phase, and observation images of multiple main relief surfaces 52 are determined. In addition, the main flank surface 52 may also be imaged at phase intervals θ or time intervals T, similar to the secondary flank surface 54. However, since the rotational phases to be imaged for the main flank surface 52 and the secondary flank surface 54 are basically the same, the initial phase before starting imaging can be made the same. By imaging the main flank surface 52 only at the same phase or rotational time as the phase or rotational time associated with the image of the machined tool that became the observation image of the secondary flank surface 54, the imaging of the main flank surface 52 can be streamlined.

[0038] Once observation images of the main relief surfaces 52 for n blades are determined, the process moves to step S130, where the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 to the tool loading / unloading position HP and unloads the tool 26. Next, the process moves to step S140, where the determination unit 66 transmits the observation images for n blades to the tool evaluation unit 68. Once the observation images are transmitted, the process moves to step S150, where the tool evaluation unit 68 performs image recognition on the received observation images and evaluates the condition of the blades. Specifically, it checks for the presence or absence of defects or wear on the blades 50 and acquires this information. If the tool 26 has two or more blades 50, it may evaluate only the observation image of one representative blade 50, or it may evaluate all the observation images of all blades 50. Once the evaluation is complete, the process moves to step S160, where the tool evaluation unit 68 transmits the evaluation results to the storage unit. In this case, the evaluation result, which associates the cumulative number of machining operations performed by the imaged tool 26, may be stored in the tool information storage unit 62.

[0039] When the tool evaluation unit 68 transmits the evaluation result to the storage unit, it proceeds to step S170 to determine whether or not there is any damage to the cutting edge 50. If there is no damage, it proceeds to step S180 to determine whether the amount of wear on the cutting edge 50 exceeds a predetermined allowable wear amount. If the amount of wear on the cutting edge 50 does not exceed a predetermined allowable wear amount, it proceeds to step S200 to terminate the tool evaluation process. Here, if the tool 26 has two or more cutting edges 50, only one representative cutting edge 50 may be evaluated, or all cutting edges 50 may be evaluated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S170 that there is damage to the cutting edge 50, or if it is determined in step S180 that the amount of wear on the cutting edge 50 exceeds a predetermined allowable wear amount, the control unit 48 determines that machining cannot be continued with the tool 26 and activates the notification unit 70 to sound an alarm. The alarm may include information such as whether or not there is damage, the allowable wear amount, and instructions for tool replacement. When an alarm is triggered, the process proceeds to step S200, and the tool evaluation process is terminated.

[0040] According to the tool evaluation device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 48 operates the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1, and operates the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34, on which the first cleaning unit 36 ​​and the second cleaning unit 38 are arranged, relative to the tool 26 along the vertical direction D2. As a result, the tool 26 can be transported to a first cleaning position WP1 inside the first cleaning unit 36, and the tool 26 can be cleaned by the first cleaning unit 36. Furthermore, the tool 26 can be transported from the first cleaning unit 36 ​​to a second cleaning position WP2 inside the second cleaning unit 38, and the surface of the tool 26 cleaned by the first cleaning unit 36 ​​can be dried.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the tool evaluation device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 48 can operate the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 from the second cleaning position WP2 to the first imaging position TP1 along the horizontal direction D1. The control unit 48 can also operate the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 on which the imaging device 40 is mounted relative to the tool 26 along the vertical direction D2, thereby adjusting the focal length of the bottom side imaging unit 42. Moreover, the control unit 48 can operate the tool transport device 20 to transport the tool 26 from the first imaging position TP1 to the second imaging position TP2 along the horizontal direction D1, and at the same time operate the guide unit 32 to move the bracket 34 on which the imaging device 40 is mounted relative to the tool 26 along the vertical direction D2. Furthermore, the control unit 48 can operate the tool transport device 20 to move the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1, thereby adjusting the focal length of the side side imaging unit 44. According to the tool evaluation device 10 of this embodiment, the tool 26 can be cleaned and imaged by relatively moving the tool 26, the first cleaning unit 36, the second cleaning unit 38, and the imaging device 40 in the same plane along the horizontal direction D1 and the vertical direction D2. For this reason, the tool evaluation device 10 can be easily constructed using only two linear feed axes, and the wear of the cutting edge 50 of the tool 26 can be evaluated using the image of the tool 26 that has been cleaned and imaged.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the tool evaluation device 10 of this embodiment, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is configured to immerse the tool 26 in cleaning liquid WL, and the cleaning liquid WL is contained inside the bucket-shaped first cleaning unit 36. The control unit 48 operates the guide unit 32 to raise the first cleaning unit 36 ​​located on the bracket 34, allowing the tool 26 to be immersed in the cleaning liquid WL inside. As a result, the tool 26 can be cleaned in the first cleaning unit 36. The control unit 48 also operates the rotating unit 22 to rotate the tool 26 immersed in the cleaning liquid WL. As a result, if chips are attached to the tool 26, they can be easily removed, improving the cleaning effect. Furthermore, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with an air nozzle 72, which can inject compressed air CA into the cleaning liquid WL inside. As a result, the bubbles BB generated by the compressed air CA from the air nozzle 72 also make it easier to remove chips attached to the tool 26, improving the cleaning effect.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the tool evaluation device 10 of this embodiment, the first cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with a mixing device 74 for mixing compressed air CA and cleaning liquid WL, and the cleaning liquid WL, which has been made into a high-pressure mist, may be sprayed onto the surface of the tool 26 via a plurality of air nozzles 72 arranged in the first cleaning unit 36. This improves the cleaning effect of the tool 26. The first cleaning unit 36 ​​is further equipped with a mist suction device 76 at the bottom for sucking up the mist-like cleaning liquid WL that has been sprayed onto the tool 26, dripped down the tool 26, or floated in the first cleaning unit 36. This prevents the mist-like cleaning liquid WL from vaporizing and diffusing outside the first cleaning unit 36, thus preventing deterioration of the atmosphere inside the machine tool or factory.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the tool evaluation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the second cleaning unit 38 is configured to blow compressed air onto the tool 26 in order to remove and dry the droplets on the surface of the tool 26 cleaned by the first cleaning unit 36. The second cleaning unit 38 includes a pulse air generator 78 for discharging the compressed air CA in a pulsed manner, and the pulsed compressed air CA discharged from a plurality of air nozzles 72 arranged inside the second cleaning unit 38 can be blown onto the surface of the tool 26. Therefore, the amount of compressed air CA used can be reduced and the cleaning can be performed efficiently, and the cleaning effect of the tool 26 can be improved. Further, the second cleaning unit 38 includes, at the bottom, a mist suction device 76 for sucking the mist-like cleaning liquid WL that is blown onto the tool 26 and drips downward along the tool 26 or floats in the first cleaning unit 36. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the mist-like cleaning liquid WL from vaporizing and diffusing outside the second cleaning unit 38 and deteriorating the atmosphere inside the machine tool or the factory.

[0045] Also, according to the tool evaluation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 48 refers to the tool diameter TR of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62, and the control unit 48 is configured to control the conveyance of the tool 26 along the horizontal direction D1 of the tool conveyance device 20 so as to secure a horizontal cleaning distance HWD as a first cleaning distance between the tip of the air nozzle 72 that opens along the horizontal direction D1 and the outer peripheral surface of the tool 26. Further, the control unit 48 refers to the tool length TL of the tool 26 stored in the tool information storage unit 62, and the control unit 48 is configured to control the vertical movement along the vertical direction D2 of the guide unit 32 so as to secure a vertical cleaning distance VWD as a second cleaning distance between the tip of the air nozzle 72 that opens upward and the tip of the tool 26. Thereby, the tool 26 can be appropriately approximated to the air nozzle 72, and the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

[0046] As described above, the tool evaluation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can clean and image the tool 26 with a simple configuration including only two linear motion feed shafts that suppress an increase in the feed shaft and one rotation shaft.

[0047] Although embodiments of the tool evaluation device 10 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. In addition to the above, it is expected that those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications of the above embodiments are possible. For example, a second conveying device may be provided to the tool conveying device 20 so that it can operate in the vertical direction D2 in addition to the horizontal direction D1, and the bracket 34 may be fixed.

[0048] 10 Tool evaluation device 20 Tool transport device (first transport device) 22 Rotating part 24 Tool holding part 26 Tool 32 Guide part (second transport device) 36 First cleaning part (cleaning part) 38 Second cleaning part (cleaning part) 42 Bottom side imaging part (first imaging part) 44 Side side imaging part (second imaging part) 46 Storage part 48 Control unit 50 Blade part D1 Horizontal direction (first direction) D2 Vertical direction (second direction) HWD Horizontal cleaning distance (first cleaning distance) TL Tool length TP1 First imaging position TP2 Second imaging position TR Tool diameter VWD Vertical cleaning distance (second cleaning distance) WP1 First cleaning position WP2 Second cleaning position

Claims

1. A tool evaluation device for evaluating the wear of the cutting edge of a tool, comprising: a cleaning unit for cleaning the tool at an internal cleaning position; a first imaging unit arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit along a first direction and imaging the tool from a second direction at a first imaging position; a second imaging unit arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit at a position further away from the first imaging unit along the first direction and imaging the tool from a first direction at a second imaging position; a first transport device having a tool holding unit for holding the tool and a rotating unit for rotating the tool holding unit, transporting the tool along the first direction between the cleaning position, the first imaging position and the second imaging position; and a second transport device for moving the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit relative to the first transport device along the second direction, wherein the wear of the cutting edge of the tool is evaluated using images of the tool captured by the first imaging unit and / or the second imaging unit.

2. The tool evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the tool evaluation device comprises a plurality of cleaning units.

3. The tool evaluation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of cleaning units comprises a first cleaning unit configured to immerse the blade in a cleaning solution and a second cleaning unit configured to blow compressed air onto the blade.

4. The tool evaluation device according to claim 3, wherein the first cleaning unit is configured to rotate the blade portion immersed in the cleaning solution.

5. The tool evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the compressed air in the second cleaning section is generated using a pulsed air method.

6. The tool evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first cleaning unit is configured to supply compressed air to the cleaning liquid in which the blade portion is immersed.

7. The tool evaluation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second cleaning unit is configured to spray a mist of compressed air and cleaning liquid at high pressure, and is equipped with a mist suction device for sucking up the mist.

8. The tool evaluation device according to claim 1, comprising: a storage unit for storing the tool diameter, which is the diameter of the tool; and a control unit disposed inside the cleaning unit, which controls the transport of the tool along the first direction of the first transport device by referring to the tool diameter, so as to ensure a first cleaning distance between the tip of a nozzle that opens along the first direction and the outer surface of the tool transported to the cleaning position.

9. The tool evaluation device according to claim 1, comprising: a storage unit for storing the tool length, which is the length of the tool; and a control unit disposed inside the cleaning unit, which refers to the tool length and controls the relative movement of the second conveying device along the second direction with respect to the first conveying device, so as to ensure a second cleaning distance between the tip of a nozzle that opens along the second direction and the outer surface of the tool conveyed to the cleaning position.

10. A tool evaluation device for evaluating the wear of the cutting edge of a tool, comprising: a cleaning unit for cleaning the tool at an internal cleaning position; a first imaging unit arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit along a first direction and imaging the tool from a second direction at a first imaging position; a second imaging unit arranged adjacent to the cleaning unit at a position closer than the first imaging unit along the first direction and imaging the tool from a first direction at a second imaging position; a first transport device having a tool holding unit for holding the tool and a rotating unit for rotating the tool holding unit, transporting the tool along the first direction between the cleaning position, the first imaging position and the second imaging position; and a second transport device for moving the cleaning unit, the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit relative to the first transport device along the second direction, wherein the wear of the cutting edge of the tool is evaluated using images of the tool captured by the first imaging unit and / or the second imaging unit.

Images