JPH106162A - Tool stocker for automatic tool changer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tool stocker with an inexpensive let-off mechanism in a simple structure. SOLUTION: A restricting plate 7 to restrict the movement of plural tool holders 3 mounted on a tool holding rotor 2 to the axial direction, a radially moving guide 8 for the tool holding rotor 2, a moving engagement 9 for the tool holders 3 engaged with the moving guide 8, a position restricting guide 10 for a fixed frame 6 with the diameter changed to the radial direction of the tool holding rotor 2 and a position restricting engagement 11 for the tool holders 3 engaged with the position restricting guide 10 are provided, the position restricting guide 10 being formed with one of the tool holders 3 protruded outward. The position is considered to be a tool changing position, where the movement of the tool holders 3 to the axial direction is restricted by the restricting plate 7 and a holding member 12 provided on the fixed frame 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tool stocker for holding a plurality of tools of an automatic tool changer for automatically changing tools mounted on a spindle of a machine tool. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvement in a mechanism for sending a tool holder for holding a tool by a tool stocker for an automatic tool changer to a spindle side.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automatic tool changer includes a tool stocker for holding a plurality of tools, and an arm for transferring the tool to and from the tool stocker. This arm also exchanges tools with the spindle of the machine tool. Then, the arm receives a necessary tool from the tool stocker and mounts the tool on the spindle. After use, the arm receives the tool from the spindle and attaches it to the tool stocker.

The tool stocker has a disk-shaped rotating body for holding a tool, and a number of tool holders are arranged along the periphery of the rotating body for holding a tool. In order to reduce the diameter of the tool holding rotating body, the tool holders are arranged close to each other. Therefore, when a predetermined tool is transferred between the tool stocker and the arm, the arm collides with a tool adjacent to the tool. In order to prevent this, the tool holder for delivering the tool to the arm is sent out of the tool stocker, and the tool is delivered at this position. In order to feed the tool holder to the outside of the tool stocker, a motor for rotating the tool holding rotating body and another actuator, for example, a feeding mechanism using an air actuator as a driving source are attached.

[0004]

However, in the tool stocker provided with the above-mentioned feeding mechanism, a dedicated actuator for the feeding mechanism or a component for moving the tool holder is required. Therefore, the cost increases due to an increase in the number of parts. Further, since the delivery mechanism using the actuator has a complicated structure, the assembling work becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost increases.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a tool stocker for an automatic tool changer having a simple structure and an inexpensive feeding mechanism.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a tool stocker for an automatic tool changer according to claim 1 is provided.
A fixed frame rotatably supporting a rotating shaft rotated by a motor, a tool holding rotating body fixed to the rotating shaft, and a plurality of tool holding tool holders attached to the tool holding rotating body. In a tool stocker for an automatic tool changer configured to rotate a tool holding rotating body and take out a tool from a tool holder at a tool changing position, a plurality of tool holders attached to the tool holding rotating body are provided. A regulating plate that regulates movement in the axial direction is provided,
The tool holding rotating body is provided with a radial moving guide portion, while the tool holder is provided with a moving engaging portion which engages with the moving guide portion. The tool holder is provided with a position-regulating guide that changes in diameter, while the tool holder is provided with a position-regulating engaging portion that engages with the position-regulating guide. It is configured so as to protrude, and the position is set as a tool exchange position, and at the tool exchange position, the movement of the tool holder in the axial direction is regulated by the regulating plate and the pressing member provided on the fixed frame.

Therefore, the tool holder at the tool changing position is in a state of being sent out from the tool holding rotating body by the position regulating engaging portion being guided by the position regulating guide portion. That is, when the rotating body for tool holding is rotated by the rotation of the motor, it is pressed against the side wall of the moving guide portion, and the moving engaging portion is turned around the rotation axis. Thus, the tool holder is turned at the same speed as the tool holding rotating body. The position-regulating engaging portion is guided in the radial direction by the position-regulating guide portion as the tool holder is turned. Thereby, the radial position of the tool holder is determined.

When the tool holder is not at the tool change position, the position regulating guide is formed at a position close to the tool holding rotating body, so that the radial position of the tool holder is shifted toward the rotating shaft. Position, that is, a position near the center of the tool holding rotating body. On the other hand, when the tool holder is at the tool changing position, the position regulating guide portion is formed at a position distant from the tool holding rotating body, so that the radial position of the tool holder is the outer circumference of the tool holding rotating body. It will be closer to you. In addition, since the tool holder at the tool change position is far away from the tool holder at another position, the arm does not collide with another tool when transferring the tool to the arm at the tool change position. .

Further, when transferring the tool to the arm, the movement of the tool holder in the axial direction is restricted by the regulating plate and the holding plate. For this reason, even when an external force in the axial direction is applied to the tool holder when the tool is attached or detached, the tool holder does not come off from the tool holding rotating body.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The configuration of the present invention will be described below in detail based on an example of an embodiment shown in the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a tool stocker 1 for an automatic tool changer according to the present embodiment includes a fixed frame 6 rotatably supporting a rotating shaft 5 rotated by a motor 4, and a rotating shaft 5. Rotating body 2 for tool holding fixed to
And a plurality of tool holders 3 for holding a tool attached to the rotating body 2 for holding a tool.
Is rotated to take out the tool 13 from the tool holder 3 'at the tool change position.

The tool stocker 1 for an automatic tool changer has a regulating plate 7 for regulating the axial movement of a plurality of tool holders 3 held by a rotating body 2 for holding a tool. The body 2 is provided with a radial movement guide 8, while the tool holder 3 is provided with a movement guide 8.
The moving frame 9 is provided with a moving engagement portion 9 which engages with the rotary member 2. Further, the fixed frame 6 is provided with a position regulating guide portion 10 whose diameter changes in the radial direction of the tool holding rotating body 2. Position-regulating engaging portion 1 that engages with guide portion 10
1 is provided, the position regulating guide portion 10 is configured so that one of the tool holders 3 protrudes outward, the position is set as a tool exchange position, and the regulating plate 7 and the fixed frame 6 are arranged at the tool exchange position. The movement of the tool holder 3 in the axial direction is restricted by the holding member 12 provided at the first position.

The rotating body 2 for holding the tool has a disk shape, and is formed with a moving guide portion 8 radially radial with respect to the rotation axis. The moving guide portion 8 is composed of a groove formed on one surface of the rotating body 2 for tool holding, and has a radial shape from the central portion.
Twelve are formed at intervals of 0 degrees. However, it is not limited to the groove shape as in the present embodiment, and may be a through hole. Also, it is not limited to forming 12 wires every 30 degrees,
It can be set according to the number of tools 13 to be held.

The fixed frame 6 has a fixed plate 6a which is arranged parallel to the back side of the tool holding rotating body 2 and is larger than the tool holding rotating body 2. A position regulating guide portion 10 is formed on a side surface of the fixed plate 6a on the side of the tool holding rotating body 2. The position regulating guide portion 10 is formed of a groove formed over one circumference with a radius larger than the radius of the tool holding rotating body 2. The radius of the position regulating guide 10 is mostly concentric with the tool holding rotator 2 and slightly larger than the radius of the tool holding rotator 2.
The position closer to 4 is larger than that. That is, the position regulating guide portion 10 has a shape most along the periphery of the tool holding rotating body 2 and has a shape protruding in the radial direction near the arm 14. This protruding portion is a tool change position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the tool holder 3 includes a tool holding hole 3a opened on one side, a tool holding mechanism 3b formed at the bottom of the tool holding hole 3a,
It has two moving engaging portions 9 and one position regulating engaging portion 11 attached to the surface opposite to the tool holding hole 3a. The tool 13 can be fitted into the tool holding hole 3a. When the tool 13 is fitted into the tool holding hole 3a, one end of the tool 13 is gripped by the tool gripping mechanism 3b. The tool gripping mechanism 3b has three gripping claws 3c urged inward by a spring (not shown). Then, each gripping claw 3c is engaged with the enlarged diameter portion at one end of the tool 13. For this reason, the tool 13 held by the tool holder 3 does not fall off even if it is turned sideways unless an external force is applied.

The two moving engaging portions 9 and the one position regulating engaging portion 11 are each formed of a rotatable cylindrical member. Each of the moving engagement portions 9 and the position regulating engagement portions 1
Numerals 1 are arranged on a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the tool holder 3. Each of the moving engaging portions 9 is slidably fitted in the moving guide portion 8 of the tool holding rotating body 2. Further, the position regulating engaging portion 11 is
Is slidably fitted in the position regulating guide portion 10.

Therefore, when the moving guide portion 8 is rotated by the rotation of the tool holding rotary member 2, the two moving engaging portions 9 are pushed by the side walls of the moving guide portion 8, about the rotating shaft 5. Turned. Thereby, the tool holder 3 is also turned around the rotation shaft 5. At this time, the moving engagement portion 9
Since the tool holder 3 is attached to the portion, the tool holder 3 is prevented from rotating with respect to the tool holding rotating body 2.

Further, with the turning of the tool holder 3, the position regulating engaging portion 11 is guided by the position regulating guide portion 10. When the tool holder 3 is moved between the tool change position and other positions, the position regulating engaging portion 11 is guided in the axial direction by the position regulating guide portion 10. At this time, the moving engagement portion 9 is guided by the moving guide portion 8, and the tool holder 3 is moved in the radial direction with respect to the tool holding rotating body 2.

Further, a regulating plate 7 is attached to the side surface of the tool holding rotating body 2 on the tool stocker 1 side.
The regulating plate 7 has a disk shape, and its center is fixed to the center of the tool holding rotating body 2. The radius of the regulating plate 7 is a length that reaches the end on the center side of the tool holder 3 ′ at the tool changing position. The holding member 12 is fixed to the fixed frame 6 at a position where the outer end of the tool holder 3 ′ at the tool changing position is located. Holding member 1
The mounting position 2 is a position where the tip of the tool holder 3 is located between the flange of the holding member 12 and the fixed frame 6.

Therefore, even if the tool 13 held in the tool holding hole 3a of the tool holder 3 'is pulled out when the tool holder 3' is at the tool change position, the base end of the tool holder 3 'is restricted. 7 is the holding member 1 at the tip
Since the tool holder 3 'is abutted in the axial direction, the tool holder 3' itself does not move in the axial direction. This allows
The tool holder 3 ′ at the tool changing position is prevented from coming off the tool holding rotating body 2.

When the tool holder 3 is not at the tool changing position, the regulating plate 7 limits the movement of the tool holder 3 in the axial direction. Therefore, the tool holder 3 does not come off from the tool holding rotating body 2.

Further, a metal plate 15 is fixed to the tool holding hole 3a at the base end and the tip end of the tool holder 3. Therefore, when the tool holder 3 receives the external force in the axial direction and comes into contact with the regulating plate 7 and the holding member 12, the metal plate 15
Abuts on the regulating plate 7 and the holding member 12. Thereby, the rigidity of the tool holder 3 can be improved.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an arm device 16 is provided adjacent to the tool stocker 1. The arm device 16 includes an arm 14 that holds the tool 13.
A rotating shaft 17 for rotating the arm 14; and an arm driving mechanism (not shown) for rotating and sliding the rotating shaft 17.

The arm 14 has tool holding portions 14a at both ends.
have. The center of the arm 14 is fixed to the tip of the rotating shaft 17. The tool holding part 14a has a semicircular holding frame 14b and a tool holder 18 that can appear and disappear. Then, the holding frame 14b is engaged with one end of the tool 13 from the opening side, and in this state, the tool holder 18 projects to hold the tool 13 from falling off. Then, the rotation shaft 17 and the arm 14 are rotated or slid in the axial direction by the arm driving mechanism. Since the structure of each part of the arm device 16 is not directly related to the present invention, another structure such as a conventionally known structure or a new structure may be used.

The tool 1 is used by the arm device 16 of this embodiment.
The procedure for moving the tool 3 from the tool stocker 1 to the spindle 19 of the machine tool will be described below. In this description, when the arm 14 is slid in the axial direction, the position where the tool 13 held by the tool stocker 1 can be held as shown in FIG. The position where the tool is completely pulled out from the tool stocker 1 is denoted by H (imaginary line in the figure).

As shown in FIG. 5, before the operation of the machine tool, the arm 14 includes the tool stocker 1 and the spindle 19.
(A position), and the position in the axial direction is the L position. And spindle 1
When the tool 13 to be mounted on 9 is located at the tool change position,
The arm 14 is rotated to hold the tool 13 (position B). Here, since the tool 13 cannot be pulled out from the tool holder 3 when the position of the arm 14 in the axial direction remains as it is, the arm 14 slides in the axial direction while rotating.
Then, when the arm 14 is slightly rotated, the axial H
Reach position. For this reason, the arm 14 can be rotated without the tool 13 being caught on the tool holder 3. Then, the arm 14 is rotated while keeping the position in the axial direction (C position), and is rotated to the position of the spindle 19 (D position). Here, the arm 14 is slid in the axial direction,
The tool 13 is mounted on the spindle 19. Then, the arm 14 rotates in the reverse direction and returns to the standby position (E position).

When the tool 13 of the machine tool is automatically changed using the tool stocker 1 as described above, the arm 14 is set in a standby state by an arm driving mechanism as shown in FIGS. Then, the motor 4 is driven to rotate the tool holding rotating body 2, and the tool 13 to be mounted on the spindle 19 is rotated.
To the tool change position. Here, the arm 14 is rotated to hold the tool 13. Then, the arm 14 turns the tool 13 and mounts it on the spindle 19. Further, the arm 14 is returned to the standby state, and the machine tool can be driven.

When returning the tool 13 of the spindle 19 to the tool stocker 1, the tool holder 3 that does not hold the tool 13 is positioned at the tool change position of the tool stocker 1. Then, the arm 14 is rotated and the spindle 19 is rotated.
Is held in the tool holder 3 at the tool change position.

The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the tool stocker 1 suitable for a so-called direct-acting automatic tool changer in which the axial direction of the tool 13 held by the tool stocker 1 and the axial direction of the tool 13 held by the spindle 19 are parallel. Explain. That is, the tool holder 3 is configured to slide within one plane so that the axial direction of the tool 13 does not change even when the tool holder 3 is sent to the tool changing position.

However, the present invention is not limited to the direct-acting type automatic tool changer, but may be applied to a so-called rotary type automatic tool changer. Here, the rotary type automatic tool changer is a device in which the axial direction of the tool 13 held by the tool stocker 1 and the axial direction of the tool 13 held by the spindle 19 are non-parallel. In this case, the tool stocker 1
Is sent out to the tool change position, the axial direction of the tool 13 changes by, for example, 90 degrees. Specifically, the tool holder 3 is made rotatable, and the position regulating guide 10 is formed as a three-dimensional cam groove. When the tool holder 3 reaches the tool changing position, the tool holder 3 changes its direction by 90 degrees. None, it is conceivable to automatically change the direction held by the spindle 19 with respect to the direction of the tool 13 held by the tool stocker 1.

[0031]

As is apparent from the above description, in the tool stocker for an automatic tool changer according to the first aspect, the fixed frame is provided with a position regulating guide portion whose diameter changes in the radial direction of the tool holding rotating body. On the other hand, the tool holder is provided with a position-regulating engagement portion that engages with the position-regulating guide portion, and the position-regulating guide portion is configured such that one of the tool holders protrudes outward. Since the position is the replacement position, the position-regulating engaging portion is guided by the position-regulating guide portion, and is sent out from the tool holding rotating body to the tool changing position. For this reason, it is not necessary to use a separate actuator other than the motor for rotating the tool holding rotating body, and it is not necessary to attach a complicated feeding mechanism, so that the number of parts can be reduced. This allows
The manufacturing cost can be reduced, the possibility of failure can be reduced, and the weight of the tool stocker can be reduced. Further, maintenance can be facilitated and control of the apparatus can be simplified.

Further, a regulating plate for regulating the axial movement of the plurality of tool holders attached to the rotating body for holding the tool is provided, and the tool holder is held by the regulating plate and the pressing member provided on the fixed frame at the tool changing position. Of the tool holder in the axial direction, the tool holder does not come off from the tool holding rotating body even if an external force in the axial direction is applied to the tool holder when transferring the tool to the arm. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a main part of a tool stocker and an arm for an automatic tool changer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a state cut along a line II-II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a tool holder.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a state cut along line IV-IV in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the movement state of the arm, FIG. 5A is a front view showing the rotation position of the arm, and FIG. 5B is a graph showing the position in the axial direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tool stocker for automatic tool changers 2 Rotating body for tool holding 3 Tool holder 4 Motor 5 Rotating shaft 6 Fixed frame 7 Restriction plate 8 Moving guide section 9 Moving engaging section 10 Position regulating guide section 11 Position regulating section Joint 12 Holding member 13 Tool

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A fixed frame for rotatably supporting a rotating shaft rotated by a motor, a tool holding rotator fixed to the rotating shaft, and a tool holding rotator attached to the tool holding rotator. A tool stocker for an automatic tool changer, comprising: a plurality of tool holders; rotating the tool holding rotator; and taking out a tool from the tool holder at a tool change position. A regulating plate for regulating movement of a plurality of tool holders attached to the tool in the axial direction; a guide for moving in the radial direction is provided on the rotating body for holding the tool; and the moving guide is provided on the tool holder. A moving engagement portion that engages with the portion, and a position regulating guide portion whose diameter changes in a radial direction of the tool holding rotating body is provided on the fixed frame; The holder is provided with a position-regulating engaging portion that engages with the position-regulating guide, and the position-regulating guide is configured such that one of the tool holders protrudes outward. At the exchange position,
A tool stocker for an automatic tool changing device, wherein at the tool changing position, the control plate and the pressing member provided on the fixed frame restrict the axial movement of the tool holder.