JP7133075B1 - Equipment for machine tools - Google Patents

Abstract

A machine tool device that does not need to be equipped with a large battery is provided. A machine tool device is detachably and rotatably attached to a mounting portion of a machine tool, and includes a rotating portion rotatably attached to the mounting portion, and a data communication device with the outside. A fixed part that is provided with an exchangeable electric circuit and fixedly attached to the mounting part is connected to the electric circuit so that a function controlled by the electric circuit can be executed, and the rotating part rotates as the rotating part rotates. a functional part that rotates in the same direction as the rotating direction, and the functional part is attachable to and detachable from the rotating part. [Selection drawing] Fig. 4

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for a machine tool that can be attached to and removed from a machine tool and that can rotate.

Machine tools include a machine that processes a workpiece with a tool attached to its spindle, a machine that processes a workpiece by rotating a workpiece with multiple tools attached to a turret, and a machine that performs additional machining while melting the material with a laser. There are also multi-tasking machines equipped with

In recent years, in addition to machining, the functions that can be performed by machine tools, such as attaching cameras to machine tools and observing workpieces, are increasing. In order to realize these functions, a device for machine tools that can be attached to and detached from a machine tool has been developed (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 6656707

Patent Literature 1 discloses a machine tool camera as a machine tool device that can be attached to and detached from a machine tool. In Patent Literature 1, since there is no power supply for supplying power to a mounting portion for mounting a tool of a machine tool, a battery is incorporated in the machine tool camera. Therefore, the machine tool camera tends to be large.

Accordingly, the present invention provides devices and the like as set forth in the claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a machine tool device that does not need to be equipped with a large battery.

It is an external view inside a machine tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example machine tool device that is attachable to and rotatable from a machine tool; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a spindle, an attachment mechanism, and a rotation mechanism of the machine tool device; 1 is a cross-sectional view of wiring, electrical and optical components in a machine tool device; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cable housing portion and the winding portion at a rotation angle of 0 degrees; It is a cross-sectional view of the cable housing portion and the winding portion at a rotation angle of 360 degrees. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electrical circuit included in a spindle and a device for a machine tool; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a replaceable functional part; 1 is an external view of a machine tool; FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the machine tool device in modification 1;

A device for a machine tool and a machine tool that are detachable and rotatable to and from a machine tool according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

≪Machine tools≫
In this embodiment, in the process of machining based on an NC (Numerical Control) program, when changing tools based on the NC program, the tool to be used next is changed by a tool changer (ATC (Automatic Train Control)). A machine tool that can automatically attach a tool to a mounting portion (for example, a spindle or a turret) of the machine tool will be described.

FIG. 1 is an external view of the inside of a machine tool.
The illustrated machine tool example is a vertical machining center. The machine tool has a bed 802 and a column 804 installed on the bed 802 . A spindle head 806 is attached to the column 804 . The spindle head 806 is movable in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). The spindle 100 is attached to the spindle head 806 . The spindle 100 is attached to the spindle head 806 so as to be rotatable about the Z axis. A tool (not shown) is attached to the tip of the spindle 100 . A machine tool device 600 can also be attached to the spindle 100 .

The bed 802 carries a saddle 810 movable in the Y direction. A table 814 movable in the X direction is installed on the saddle 810 . A workpiece to be processed and measured is placed on the table 814 . The machine tool moves the saddle 810 and the table 814 in the XY directions to change the relative positions of the workpiece and the machine tool device 600 . Similarly, the machine tool changes the distance between the workpiece and the spindle 100 by moving the spindle head 806 up and down.

The spindle 100 is an example of a "machine tool mounting portion" to which the machine tool device 600 is mounted. If the machine tool is a turning center, the turret corresponds to the "mounting part of the machine tool". The machine tool device 600 may be attached to the turret to image the workpiece. Also, the machine tool device 600 may be attached to the multitasking machine. In either case, the machine tool device 600 is detachably and rotatably attached to the "mounting portion of the machine tool". The machine tool device 600 attached to the spindle 100 performs predetermined functions (for example, imaging, touch measurement, laser scanning, etc.).

The machine tool according to the present embodiment includes a mounting portion (for example, a spindle, a turret, etc.) for detachably and rotatably mounting a machine tool device. That is, the machine tool device 600, which is detachable and rotatable from the machine tool, can be automatically detached from the mounting portion of the machine tool by the tool changer. The machine tool also has a control section that controls movement of the mounting section (eg, spindle, turret, etc.). The machine tool of this embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the configuration described above.

<<machine tool device 600>>
Machine tool devices that can be attached to and detached from machine tools include imaging devices, touch probes, laser scanners, angle heads, tools with angle heads, electric tools, tools with functions, ultrasonic generators, and laser oscillators.
The machine tool device 600 of the present embodiment is a machine tool device that can be detachably and rotatably attached to the machine tool among the machine tool devices described above.

The machine tool device 600 includes, for example, electrical components such as an image sensor (imaging device), various sensors such as a temperature sensor and a piezoelectric sensor, and oscillators such as a laser oscillator and a millimeter wave oscillator. The machine tool device 600 may also include mechanical components such as actuators and motors. Of course, the machine tool device 600 may be provided with only one of these electrical components, a plurality of such electrical components, or an electrical component and a mechanical component. Furthermore, the machine tool device 600 may be provided as a module that includes circuits such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that process signals output from these electrical and mechanical components. .

When using the machine tool device 600, it is necessary to supply power to electric and mechanical parts that are driven by electric power. When the machine tool device 600 is an imaging device, it has an imaging unit including an image sensor (for example, CMOS (Complementary MOS)) and an electric circuit for controlling the image sensor as a functional section. In other words, the image sensor and electric circuit in the imaging unit operate based on power supplied from the outside. Power supplied from the outside is preferably supplied using a technology (PoE (Power Over Ethernet) technology) for transmitting data and power through a cable used in Ethernet wiring. The image pickup by the image pickup unit is performed by receiving an operation instruction for image pickup transmitted from the above-mentioned cable to the CPU, which is an electric circuit, and transmitting a charge transmission control signal from the CPU to the image sensor. The captured image data is transmitted to a device outside the machine tool device 600 (for example, a computer inside the machine tool, a server outside the machine tool) via the cable described above.

By using the above-described PoE technology in the machine tool device 600, it becomes possible to make the device more compact than a machine tool device with a built-in battery or a wireless power supply type machine tool device. As the size of the machine tool device increases, the possibility of interference occurring in the machine tool increases.

Further, by using the above-described PoE technology (performing data communication via a wired cable) in the machine tool device 600, communication is more stable than wireless communication.

(Battery system, wireless system, wireless communication system for equipment for machine tools)
Differences from other configurations will be described below.
First, a method of supplying electric power by providing a battery inside a machine tool device and storing power in the battery will be described. With such a built-in battery system, there is no need to provide an electrical contact between the machine tool and the device for the machine tool. However, since the battery is built in, the machine tool device itself becomes large. In addition, the operation time of the machine tool device is limited because it does not operate when the battery runs out.

Next, a method for wirelessly supplying power using electromagnetic induction will be described. With the wireless power supply method, there is no need to provide a mechanical contact for power supply between the machine tool and the device for the machine tool. However, it is necessary to provide coils in both the machine tool and the device for machine tools, and in order to obtain sufficient power, the volume occupied by the coils becomes large, and there is a risk that the device for machine tools will become large.

Furthermore, a wireless communication system based on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) will be described. Wi-Fi is an example of a wireless LAN. With Wi-Fi, it takes time to establish a wireless communication channel between the machine tool device and the communicating device. There is also an effect on radio waves from other devices between the machine tool device and the device that communicates via Wi-Fi. In addition, since it may take time to transmit and receive signals and data, real-time communication is low when the machine tool device is operated from the outside.

As described above, data and signals to be sent to the machine tool device 600 and data and signals output from the machine tool device 600 are connected to the machine tool device 600 using the PoE technique, thereby enabling Miniaturization of the machine device 600 becomes possible.

[Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example machine tool apparatus 600 that is attachable to and rotatable from a machine tool.
(Overview of machine tool device 600)
A machine tool device 600 of the present embodiment is an image probe mounted on a machine tool and used for imaging a workpiece. As will be described later, the machine tool device 600 is electrically connected to the machine tool by a connector, so that it is possible to supply power and communicate by wire.

The machine tool device 600 has a shank 202 on the spindle side, which is a mounting portion. The machine tool device 600 is attached to the spindle 100 by fitting the shank 202 to the rotating member 106 of the machining center, which is a machine tool. The mounting method is the same as for the tool. A machine tool tool changer may grasp the gripper 204 to move the machine tool device 600 and attach it to the rotating member 106 .

(Overview of function unit 400)
The machine tool device 600 includes a functional portion 400 on the side opposite to the mounting side when mounted on the mounting portion. The functional unit 400 is a unit capable of executing predetermined functions (for example, imaging, touch measurement, laser scanning, etc.). The functional unit 400 of this embodiment includes an imaging device and an optical system (for example, a lens, a mirror, and a splitter), and has an imaging function of performing imaging with the imaging device upon receiving an imaging instruction. Note that the machine tool device 600 has a connecting portion 300 not shown in FIG. Connector 300 will be described later in connection with FIG. The functional part 400 is attachable to and detachable from the connecting part 300 , the part that joins with the connecting part 300 is called a joint part 401 , and the part other than the joint part 401 is called a main body part 403 . The body portion 403 includes an action portion that causes the machine tool device 600 to perform a predetermined function. In this example, body portion 403 is cylindrical. However, the body portion 403 does not have to be cylindrical.

When the rotating member 106 rotates about the rotation axis within a range of 0 to 360 degrees, the shank portion 200, the connecting portion 300, and the functional portion 400 rotate together, and the fixed portion 500 does not rotate. Thereby, the functional unit 400 can change its orientation within a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees around the optical axis. In other words, it is possible to pick up images while changing the orientation within the range of 0 to 360 degrees. Note that the rotation axis of the rotating member 106 is the center line of the cylindrical rotating member 106 . The optical axis of functional unit 400 coincides with the extension of the rotation axis of rotating member 106 .

(Overview of fixed portion 500)
The machine tool device 600 includes a stationary part 500 . The fixed portion 500 is fixedly attached to the spindle 100 (an example of the “mounting portion of the machine tool”). Therefore, when the rotating member 106 rotates, the fixed part 500 does not rotate together with the rotating part 601 (see FIG. 3) having the shank part 200 and the coupling part 300 . A cylindrical support portion 502 of the fixed portion 500 functions as a housing that supports the rotating portion 601 so that it can rotate. Therefore, the fixed part 500 is arranged so as to surround the rotating part 601 when viewed along the rotation axis of the rotating part 601 .

(Outline of locking block 108)
A fixed portion 500 of the main shaft 100 has an extension portion 508 protruding from a side surface of a cylindrical support portion 502 . The extension 508 is locked (engaged and locked) with a locking block 108 protruding from the front cover 102 of the main shaft 100 . Locking block 108 is a member that does not rotate on main shaft 100 . Locking block 108 may be referred to as a fixed portion, a non-rotating portion, or a locking portion. Extension 508 and locking block 108 prevent locking portion 500 from co-rotating. In other words, the fixed portion 500 is fixedly attached to the spindle 100 (an example of the “mounting portion of the machine tool”). Means of locking are described in connection with FIG.

The locking block 108 and extension 508 are also provided with electrical contact means. Signal lines and feed lines (power lines) are secured by this contact means. Contact means are described in connection with FIG. The communication and power supply in this example shall comply with the PoE (Power over Ethernet) standard. PoE is based on the Ethernet, and has specifications that allow power to be supplied. Ethernet is a type of wired LAN (Local Area Network) standard.

(rotating part and non-rotating part)
Organize the rotatable and non-rotatable parts. As the rotating member 106 rotates, the shank 202, the gripping portion 204, and the functional portion 400 of the machine tool device 600 rotate. In addition, a connecting portion 300 (see FIG. 3) of a machine tool device 600, which will be described later, also rotates. The rotation axes of the shank 202, the grip part 204, the connection part 300, and the function part 400 are aligned with the extension of the rotation axis of the # rotary member 106$. On the other hand, the machine tool front cover 102, housing 104, locking block 108, and the fixed part 500 (cylindrical support part 502 and extension part 508) of the machine tool device 600 do not rotate.

As illustrated, the diameter Dy of the functional portion 400 is shorter than the outer diameter Dx of the fixed portion 500 . Therefore, when the machine tool device 600 is attached to the main shaft 100 (an example of the "mounting portion of the machine tool"), the functional portion 400 is viewed from the direction along the rotation axis of the rotating portion 601 (see FIG. 3). is located inside the outer circumference of the fixed part 500 . The outer diameter Dx of the fixed portion 500 here is specifically the outer diameter of the cylindrical support portion 502 , and the outer circumference of the fixed portion 500 is the outer circumference of the cylindrical support portion 502 . The diameter Dy of the functional portion 400 here is specifically the diameter of the main body portion 403 , and the outer circumference of the functional portion 400 is the outer circumference of the main body portion 403 . As will be described later, since the electric circuit board is provided in the fixed portion 500 rather than in the functional portion 400, the functional portion 400 can be miniaturized.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment mechanism and rotation mechanism of the spindle 100 and the machine tool device 600 .
The attachment mechanism and rotation mechanism are mainly shown, and the electrical and optical configurations are omitted. Wiring, electrical and optical components, etc. within the machine tool apparatus 600 are described below in connection with FIG.

(Structure of spindle 100)
The rotating member 106 is rotatably supported by the housing 104 and rotated by being driven by a servomotor. A front cover 102 is provided at the front end of the main shaft 100 and covers the housing 104 . A front end of the rotating member 106 protrudes from a hole in the front cover 102 . By rotating the rotating member 106 to a predetermined rotation angle with a servomotor, the functional part 400 can be adjusted to the predetermined rotation angle.

(Rotating part 601)
A machine tool device 600 includes a rotating portion 601 composed of a shank portion 200 and a connecting portion 300 . The rotating portion 601 is rotatably attached to the main shaft 100 (an example of the “mounting portion of the machine tool”). Also, the functional portion 400 is attached to the rotating portion 601 . Accordingly, the functional portion 400 rotates in the same direction as the rotating portion 601 as the rotating portion 601 rotates.

Specifically, the shank portion 200 includes a shank 202 that is fixed to the rotating member 106 and a gripper portion 204 that is gripped by the tool changer. The connecting portion 300 is fixed to the shank portion 200 with a tool holder mounting bolt 302 . The connecting portion 300 is supported inside the fixed portion 500 so as to rotate.

Functional portion 400 is fixed to connecting portion 300 by bolts 402 . Therefore, the functional section 400 is attachable to and detachable from the rotating section 601 . As a method other than the fixing method using the bolts 402, the functional unit 400 may be detachable by a fitting mechanism of a mechanical mechanism. The connecting portion 300 has a third connector 340 on a surface that contacts the functional portion 400 , and the functional portion 400 has a fourth connector 440 at a position facing the third connector 340 . When the functional part 400 is fixed to the connecting part 300, the third connector 340 and the fourth connector 440 are joined. Both the third connector 340 and the fourth connector 440 are connectors for USB (Universal Serial Bus). Spring connectors may be used as the third connector 340 and the fourth connector 440 . However, the contact parts are not limited to this example. USB wiring will be described later. The fourth connector 440 and the hole through which the bolt 402 is passed are included in the joint portion 401 .

(fixed part 500)
The machine tool device 600 comprises a fixed part 500 consisting of a cylindrical support part 502 and an extension part 508 . A support portion 502 of the fixed portion 500 rotatably supports the connecting portion 300 by a first bearing 504 and a second bearing 506 . That is, the support portion 502 corresponds to a housing that accommodates the rotating connecting portion 300 as a mechanical element.

A cylindrical positioning portion 510 is provided on the extension portion 508 of the fixed portion 500 . The positioning part 510 fits into the non-rotating part 110 formed in the locking block 108 of the main shaft 100, serves as a guide during mounting, and fixes the fixing part 500 so that it does not rotate. In addition, locking block 108 has first connector 120 on the surface in contact with extension portion 508 , extension portion 508 has second connector 520 at a position facing first connector 120 , and positioning portion 510 is non-removable. When inserted into the rotating portion 110, the first connector 120 and the second connector 520 are joined. Both the first connector 120 and the second connector 520 are connectors for Ethernet. Spring connectors may be used as the first connector 120 and the second connector 520 . However, the contact parts are not limited to this example. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the rotating member 106 rotates, the rotating portion 601 (the shank portion 200 and the connecting portion 300) and the functional portion 400 rotate together, but the fixed portion 500 locked to the locking block 108 does not rotate.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the wiring, electrical and optical components within machine tool apparatus 600 .
(Outline of Ethernet wiring)
An Ethernet cable and an Ethernet connector are used as wiring for Ethernet communication and PoE power supply. Specifications of Ethernet cables and Ethernet connectors are defined as standards. As described above, the first connector 120 and the second connector 520 are both Ethernet connectors and are connected to Ethernet cables. Spring connectors may be used as the first connector 120 and the second connector 520 . However, the contact parts are not limited to this example.

The second connector 520 of this embodiment is a male connector with eight contact pins. The first connector 120 is a female connector with eight contact holes. When the machine tool device 600 is brought closer to the spindle 100 by the tool changer, the second connector 520 and the first connector 120 are brought closer so that each contact pin fits into each contact hole. When the machine tool device 600 is attached to the spindle 100, the second connector 520 and the first connector 120 are connected. Here, an example of an 8-pin connector is shown, but a connector with 9 or more pins may be used, or a connector with 7 or less pins may be used. Since Ethernet communication and PoE can be realized with at least four lines, connectors with four or more pins can be used. For example, a 4-pin connector may be used.

If the first connector 120 on the machine tool side is a female connector, there is an aspect that foreign matter such as metal chips are less likely to get caught. However, the relationship between males and females may be reversed. That is, the second connector 520 may be a female connector with eight contact holes and the first connector 120 may be a male connector with eight contact pins. The contact pins and contact holes have the functions of power terminals and communication terminals. An Ethernet cable includes a feeder line (power line) and a communication line, and the contacts included in the Ethernet connector function as a feeder terminal (power terminal) connected to the feeder line (power line) and a communication terminal connected to the communication line.

This wiring electrically connects a PSE (Power sourcing equipment) module on the spindle 100 side and a PD (Powered device) module on the functional unit 400 side. PSE refers to power supply equipment in PoE. In this example, spindle 100 is the PSE. A PSE module is an electric circuit for realizing the power supply function and communication function of the PSE. PD refers to a power receiving device in PoE. In this example, machine tool device 600 is a PD. A PD module is an electric circuit for realizing the power receiving function and communication function of the PD. The PSE module and PD module are described below in connection with FIG.

An Ethernet cable 122 that connects to the PSE module passes through the interior of locking block 108 and connects to first connector 120 . An Ethernet cable 521 connected to a second connector 520 connected to the first connector 120 is connected to the inside of an electric circuit board 544 through a wiring path 523 . In this way, the fixed part 500 arranges the Ethernet cable 521 (including the feeder line) connected to the spindle 100 (an example of the "mounting part of the machine tool").

Each transmission line included in Ethernet cable 521 connects to a PD module in electrical circuit board 544 . Therefore, when the first connector 120 of the spindle 100 and the second connector 520 of the machine tool device 600 are joined together, the PD module and the PSE module are electrically connected. This allows the PSE module to detect the PD module, perform initialization operations in the PSE module and the PD module, and enable power supply and communication between the PSE module and the PD module.

(Overview of USB wiring)
A USB cable and a USB connector are used as wiring for USB communication and power supply between the electric circuit board 544 and the imaging unit 446 . Specifically, the electric circuit board 544 and the imaging unit 446 are connected via the USB cable 525 , the third connector 340 , the fourth connector 440 and the USB cable 445 . Specifications of USB cables and USB connectors are defined as standards. Both the third connector 340 and the fourth connector 440 are USB connectors and are connected to USB cables. Spring connectors may be used as the third connector 340 and the fourth connector 440 . However, the contact parts are not limited to this example. Although not shown in FIG. 4 , the coaxial epi-illumination 454 and the ring illumination 456 are also connected to the electric circuit board 544 via the USB cable 525 , the third connector 340 , the fourth connector 440 and the USB cable 445 . In this way, functional unit 400 is connected to electric circuit board 544 via a communication path of USB cable 525 , third connector 340 , fourth connector 440 and USB cable 445 .

Either of the third connector 340 and the fourth connector 440 may be male and either may be female. However, the number of contact pins and contact holes is determined by the USB standard. In addition, the USB cable includes a power supply line (power line) and a communication line, and the contacts included in the USB connector function as a power supply terminal (power terminal) connected to the power supply line (power line) and a communication terminal connected to the communication line. .

(Cable housing portion 526)
The fixed portion 500 includes a cable housing portion 526 . The cable accommodating portion 526 is located in the wiring path connecting the electric circuit board 544 and the third connector 340 . The cable accommodating portion 526 forms an annular space around the rotation axis of the rotating portion 601 at the boundary of the fixed portion 500 and the rotating portion 601 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The cable accommodating portion 526 accommodates the USB cable 525 wound multiple times. A margin is also provided for multiple turns of the USB cable 525, as described below in connection with FIG. That is, in the cable accommodating portion 526 , a gap is provided so that the shape of the USB cable 525 wound multiple times can be changed according to the rotation angle of the rotating portion 601 .

(Winding portion 304)
Coupling portion 300 comprises a winding portion 304 having a gripping portion 306 . A midpoint of the USB cable 525 leading from the cable accommodating portion 526 to the inside of the connecting portion 300 is gripped by the gripping portion 306 of the connecting portion 300 (held in a gripped state). The gripping portion 306 is provided inside the winding portion 304 forming an annular space integral with the cable housing portion 526 and rotates as a part of the rotating portion 601 . As a result, the gripping portion 306 acts to move the midpoint of the USB cable 525 circularly. The end of the USB cable 525 fixed to the grip portion 306 is connected to the third connector 340 provided on the end surface of the connecting portion 300 through the wiring path 324 leading forward from the winding portion 304 . . Details of the cable housing portion 526, the gripping portion 306 and the wrapping portion 304 are described below in connection with FIGS.

A USB cable 445 connected to a fourth connector 440 that joins with the third connector 340 leads to an imaging unit 446 , coaxial epi-illumination 454 and ring illumination 456 through wiring path 425 .

(optical parts)
The functional unit 400 has an imaging unit 446 and a lens 448 as optical components. The imaging unit 446 includes an image sensor (eg, CMOS) that visualizes the received light. Lens 448 is, for example, a telecentric lens. A lens cover 450 is attached to the tip of the functional portion 400 with a bolt 452 . The functional unit 400 is further provided with a coaxial epi-illumination 454 and a ring illumination 456 . Either or both of the coaxial epi-illumination 454 and the ring illumination 456 emit light during imaging. The imaging unit 446, coaxial epi-illumination 454 and ring illumination 456 are powered by USB power. As described above, an example of the functional unit 400 is an imaging unit including an imaging device (CMOS) and a lens, which is a so-called camera.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the electric circuit board 544 is provided inside the fixed portion 500 rather than inside the functional portion 400 . Therefore, the functional unit 400 can be miniaturized.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cable housing portion 526 and the winding portion 304 at a rotation angle of 0 degrees. FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the cable accommodating portion 526 and the winding portion 304 as seen from the main shaft 100 side.

(Cable housing portion 526)
As described above, the cable accommodating portion 526 forms an annular space around the rotation axis of the rotating portion 601 at the boundary between the fixed portion 500 and the rotating portion 601 . The cable accommodating portion 526 accommodates the USB cable 525 wound multiple times (five times in this example). The space of the cable accommodating portion 526 provided in the fixed portion 500 has a width sufficient to accommodate the USB cable 525 about ten turns. In other words, the plurality of turns of the USB cable 525 are provided with extra space.

(Winding portion 304)
The winding portion 304 provided in the connecting portion 300 forms an annular space that is not separated from the space of the cable accommodating portion 526 . The space of the winding portion 304 can accommodate the USB cable 525 for one turn. A gripping portion 306 provided on the winding portion 304 grips a midpoint of the USB cable 525 . Cable housing portion 526 does not rotate, but winding portion 304 rotates as part of rotating portion 601 . Therefore, when the rotating portion 601 and the functional portion 400 rotate 360 degrees, the gripping portion 306 makes a full circle.

(Shape of USB cable 525)
The shape of the USB cable 525 will be described along the flow from the wiring path 527 side of the fixing portion 500 to the wiring path 324 side of the connecting portion 300 . The USB cable 525 coming in from the wiring path 527 goes around the inside of the cable accommodating portion 526 five times from the outside to the inside of the space. The USB cable 525 can be bent in the cable accommodating portion 526 with sufficient margin. A portion that has been moved into the winding portion 304 after making five turns is gripped by the gripping portion 306 . The other end changes direction, passes through the wiring path 324 , and is connected to the third connector 340 .

(rotation angle 0 degrees)
As shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the rotation angle is 0 degree when the gripping portion 306 is closest to the entrance from the wiring path 527 . When the rotation angle is 0 degrees, the USB cable 525 inside the cable housing portion 526 is located on the outer side, and the USB cable 525 is not wound inside the winding portion 304 .

(counterclockwise rotation)
It is assumed that the rotational angle increases as the rotating portion 601 and the functional portion 400 rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the spindle 100 side. As the rotation angle increases, the gripping portion 306 rotates counterclockwise and pulls the USB cable 525 inside the cable housing portion 526 inward. Then, the pulled USB cable 525 is wound around the winding portion 304 . Since the USB cable 525 in the cable accommodating portion 526 is correspondingly shortened, it is drawn inward as a whole.

(rotation angle 180 degrees)
Although not shown, when the rotation angle reaches 180 degrees, the gripping part 306 moves to the right, which is opposite to the case of 0 degrees. Therefore, the USB cable 525 is wound around the gripping portion 306 by a half turn. At this time, the third connector 340, the fourth connector 440, the wiring path 425 and the USB cable 445 shown in FIG. 4 move to the right side in FIG.

(rotation angle 360 degrees)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cable housing portion 526 and the winding portion 304 at a rotation angle of 360 degrees.
When the rotation angle reaches 360 degrees, the third connector 340, the fourth connector 440, the wiring path 425 and the USB cable 445 return to the original left side as in FIG. At this time, the USB cable 525 is wound around the winding portion 304 once. In addition, the USB cable 525 inside the cable accommodating portion 526 is moved inward. Since the USB cable 525 is loosely wound, no excessive tension is applied to any part of the USB cable 525 even when the rotating part 601 rotates.

(clockwise rotation)
When the rotating portion 601 and the functional portion 400 are rotated clockwise as viewed from the main shaft 100 side and the rotation angle is decreased, the gripping portion 306 rotates clockwise to insert the USB cable 525 into the cable housing portion 526. push in. Therefore, the portion wound around the winding portion 304 is shortened, and the portion accommodated in the cable accommodating portion 526 is correspondingly lengthened. As a result, the USB cable 525 inside the cable housing portion 526 is pushed outward as before. In this way, even when the rotating portion 601 and the functional portion 400 are rotated clockwise (as viewed from the spindle 100 side), the USB cable 525 is not subjected to excessive load.

(Function of Cable Accommodating Portion 526)
As shown in FIG. 5, the cable accommodating portion 526 has a gap in the USB cable 525 that is wound a plurality of turns. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The shape of the separated USB cable 525 can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the rotating portion 601 and the functional portion 400 within a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees without applying excessive force to the USB cable 525 . Note that even if the rotating portion 601 and the functional portion 400 rotate, the USB cable 525 in the wiring path 527, the USB cable 525 in the wiring path 324, and the USB cable 445 in the wiring path 425 do not change their shapes. Only the portion of the USB cable 525 included in the cable housing portion 526 and the winding portion 304 changes its shape as it rotates.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an electric circuit included in the spindle 100 and the machine tool device 600. As shown in FIG.
(Ethernet wiring (transmission line))
As mentioned above, spindle 100 is a PSE and has PSE module 760 . The PSE module 760 is an electric circuit for realizing the PSE power supply function and communication function. The machine tool device 600 is a PD and has a PD module 560 . The PD module 560 is an electric circuit for realizing the power receiving function and communication function of the PD. The PSE module 760 and PD module 560 are connected by the above wiring (Ethernet cable 122, first connector 120, second connector 520 and Ethernet cable 521). and power supply from the PSE module 760 to the PD module 560. The number of transmission lines of each Ethernet cable and the number of pins of each connector are the same. However, the number may be 9 or more, or may be 7 or less.According to the Ethernet communication and PoE standards, the number may be 4 or more.In addition, in FIG. , and only two communication lines indicated by thin lines are drawn, but as an implementation, more transmission lines are provided.

(PSE module 760)
PSE module 760 comprises communication circuitry 762 and power supply circuitry 764 . The communication circuit 762 mainly controls communication according to the Ethernet communication standard. The communication circuit 762 is connected to an external device 703 (for example, an information processing device) via a communication line. The power supply circuit 764 mainly controls power supply according to the PoE standard. The power supply circuit 764 is connected to the external power supply 701 via a power supply line (power line).

(PD module 560)
PD module 560 includes communication circuitry 562 and power receiving circuitry 564 . The communication circuit 562 mainly controls communication according to the Ethernet communication standard. The power receiving circuit 564 controls power reception mainly in accordance with the PoE standard. The PD module 560 is provided on the electric circuit board 544 of the fixed part 500 .

(Electric circuit board 544)
The electric circuit board 544 is provided with a power supply circuit 580 and a main circuit 570 in addition to the PD module 560 . The power supply circuit 580 converts the power supply voltage obtained by PoE into a power supply voltage for the main circuit 570 and supplies the power supply voltage to the main circuit 570 . Furthermore, the power supply circuit 580 converts the power supply voltage obtained by PoE into a USB power supply voltage, and outputs it to the power supply line of the USB cable 525 . The main circuit 570 includes a CPU 572 and a memory 574, and performs control processing for realizing the functions of the functional unit 400 (for example, photographing of a work according to remote control). A main circuit 570 (an example of an electric circuit) is connected to the functional section 400 via a communication path formed by the USB cable 525 and the third connector 340 .

(power flow)
When machine tool device 600 is attached to spindle 100, PSE module 760 of spindle 100 detects PD module 560 of machine tool device 600, and PSE module 760 and PD module 560 perform predetermined initialization operations. After that, power supply from the PSE module 760 to the PD module 560 is started. The power supply circuit 764 of the PSE module 760 obtains power from the external power supply 701 and outputs DC power according to the PoE standard through the above wiring (transmission path). The PD module 560 receives the DC power through the wiring. The power supply circuit 580 receives DC power from the power receiving circuit 564 and distributes the DC power to the main circuit 570, the imaging unit 446, the coaxial epi-illumination 454, and the ring illumination 456, respectively. That is, the power supply circuit 580 supplies necessary power to each internal module included in the functional unit 400 . In this way, the functional unit 400 receives power through the Ethernet cable 521 (including the feeder line) arranged on the fixed unit 500 and the USB cable 525 (including the feeder line) arranged between the fixed unit 500 and the connecting unit 300 . receive supply.

(Communication flow)
The machine tool device 600 receives an image pickup instruction signal from the external device 703 and sends image data picked up in response to the signal to the external device 703 . Specifically, the communication circuit 762 of the PSE module 760 transmits the imaging instruction signal received from the external device 703 to the PD module 560 using the wiring (transmission path) described above. When the communication circuit 562 of the PD module 560 receives the imaging instruction signal, it transfers the imaging instruction signal to the CPU 572 of the main circuit 570 . The main circuit 570 controls the imaging unit 446, the coaxial epi-illumination 454, and the ring illumination 456 of the functional unit 400 via USB according to the imaging instruction from the external device 703 to perform imaging and illumination (example of functions). , obtain image data from the imaging unit 446 . The operation of the main circuit 570 is realized by the CPU 572 sequentially executing programs stored in the memory 574 . The main circuit 570 causes the image data to be transmitted from the PD module 560 to the external device 703 . At this time, the communication circuit 562 of the PD module 560 transmits the image data to the PSE module 760 using the wiring described above. A communication circuit 762 of the PSE module 760 receives the image data and transmits it to the external device 703 .

As described above, the main circuit 570 (an example of an electric circuit) provided in the fixed part 500 can exchange data with the outside (for example, the external device 703). The spindle 100 (an example of a “mounting portion of a machine tool”) is a fixed portion 500 of a machine tool device 600 having a main circuit 570 (an example of an electric circuit) capable of exchanging data with the outside (for example, an external device 703). fixedly installed (see Figure 2).

Furthermore, the functional unit 400 is connected to a main circuit 570 (an example of an electric circuit), is controlled by the main circuit 570 (an example of an electric circuit), and can perform functions such as imaging and illumination. The spindle 100 (an example of a “mounting portion of a machine tool”) is for a machine tool that integrally rotates a functional portion 400 of a machine tool device 600 capable of executing functions controlled by a main circuit 570 (an example of an electric circuit). A rotatable portion 601 of the device 600 is rotatably mounted (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a replaceable functional unit 400. As shown in FIG.
The functional unit 400a is an imaging device having a lens 448a having a length La and a maximum diameter Da. The length of the main body 403a is represented by L1, and the diameter of the main body 403a is represented by D1. The functional part 400a can be separated from the rotating part 601 by removing the bolt 402 (see FIG. 3). And it is replaceable with the function part 400b. Functional portion 400 b can be fixed to rotating portion 601 with bolts 402 . Alternatively, the functional portion 400b may be fixed to the rotating portion 601 by a fitting mechanism of a mechanical mechanism. In this way, different functional units 400 can be exchanged.

The functional unit 400b is an imaging device having a lens 448b with a length Lb and a maximum diameter Db. The lens 448b has a shorter length (Lb<La) and a smaller maximum diameter (Db<Da) than the lens 448a. Further, the functional portion 400b has a main body portion 403b shorter in length (L2<L1) and smaller in diameter (D2<D1) than the functional portion 400a. In this way, the rotating part 601 can be attached and detached by exchanging a plurality of types of functional parts 400 having different outer diameters.

FIG. 9 is an external view of the machine tool.
The machine tool has an openable and closable door on the front. This figure shows the door open. A machine tool includes an operation panel. An external device 703 (for example, an information processing device) is connected to the machine tool. A configuration in which the machine tool is connected to the external device 703 (for example, an information processing device) is an example. The machine tool may include a function of an information processing device equivalent to that of the external device 703 .

The door can be opened to change tools. An image of the workpiece can be captured by an imaging device during processing, and there is a method of extracting edges and surfaces of the workpiece from the captured image as feature points. For example, the processing may be temporarily stopped with the door closed, and the image of the workpiece may be captured by the imaging device without opening the door. Furthermore, after that, it is possible to correct the correction value of the tool on the operation panel and restart the machining without opening the door. Moreover, it is possible not only to correct the correction value of the tool on the operation panel, but also to change the rotational speed of the tool.

According to the present embodiment, since a wired power supply path is provided, it is possible to provide a machine tool device that does not need to be equipped with a large battery. In particular, by providing the electric circuit board 544 inside the fixed part 500, it becomes unnecessary to provide the electric circuit board 544 inside the functional part 400, and the functional part 400 can be miniaturized.

[Modification 1]
In the embodiment, the third connector 340 connected to the USB cable 525 on the extension part 508 side and the fourth connector 440 connected to the USB cable 445 on the functional part 400 side are connected to perform power supply and communication. . Modification 1 shows an example in which power supply and communication are performed in a non-contact manner.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the machine tool device 600 in Modification 1. As shown in FIG.
A power supply communication unit 590 is provided near the surface of the support unit 502 near the functional unit 400 . Power supply communication unit 590 includes a power supply unit that performs contactless power supply. The power feeding portion of the power feeding communication portion 590 is connected to a power feeding line included in a cable 592 connected to the electric circuit board 544 .

A power receiving/communicating section 490 is provided near the surface of the functional section 400 near the support section 502 . The power receiving communication unit 490 has a ring shape. The functional unit 400 has a disc-shaped projecting portion at a position close to the supporting portion 502, and the power receiving/communicating unit 490 is installed inside the projecting portion. Communication of the power receiving communication unit 490 coincides with the rotating shaft of the rotating unit 601 . Power reception communication unit 490 includes a power reception unit that receives power in a non-contact manner. A power receiving unit of the power receiving communication unit 490 is connected to a power supply line included in a cable 492 connected to the imaging unit 446 , the coaxial epi-illumination 454 and the ring illumination 456 .

When the machine tool device 600 is attached to the spindle 100, the power supply section of the power supply communication section 590 and the power reception section of the power reception communication section 490 come close to each other. When the power supply unit of the power supply communication unit 590 and the power reception unit of the power reception communication unit 490 approach each other, the power supply unit of the power supply communication unit 590 supplies power to the power reception unit of the power reception communication unit 490 in a non-contact manner. Non-contact power supply is, for example, electromagnetic induction power supply.

The imaging unit 446 , the coaxial epi-illumination 454 and the ring illumination 456 are operated by power received by the power receiving unit of the power receiving communication unit 490 . Since the power receiving/communicating section 490 is ring-shaped, power can always be supplied regardless of the orientation of the rotating section 601 .

Power supply communication unit 590 also includes a communication unit that performs contactless communication. A communication section of the power supply communication section 590 is connected to a communication line included in the cable 592 . Power receiving communication unit 490 includes a communication unit that performs contactless communication. The communication section of power receiving communication section 490 is connected to a communication line included in cable 492 .

When the machine tool device 600 is attached to the spindle 100, the communication section of the power supply communication section 590 and the communication section of the power reception communication section 490 come close to each other. When the communication unit of the power supply communication unit 590 and the communication unit of the power reception communication unit 490 approach each other, two-way communication by a non-contact method becomes possible. Non-contact two-way communication is, for example, millimeter wave wireless communication.

The electric circuit board 546 is connected to the imaging unit 446, the coaxial epi-illumination 454, and the ring illumination 456 via a communication path including the cable 592, the communication unit of the power supply communication unit 590, the communication unit of the power reception communication unit 490, and the cable 492. . This communication path allows the electrical circuit board 544 to communicate bi-directionally with the imaging unit 446 , the coaxial epi-illumination 454 and the ring illumination 456 . Since the power receiving/communicating section 490 is ring-shaped, two-way communication is always possible regardless of the orientation of the rotating section 601 .

Although an example of two-way communication is shown, one-way communication from the electrical circuit board 546 to the imaging unit 446 to the coaxial epi-illumination 454 or ring illumination 456 may also occur. One-way communication may also be provided from imaging unit 446 , coaxial epi-illumination 454 or ring illumination 456 toward electrical circuit board 546 . Note that the cables 592 and 492 may be USB cables as in the embodiment.

[Other Modifications]
In the embodiment, an imaging unit including an image sensor (imaging element) such as CMOS, a lens, and an illumination device is shown as an example of the functional unit 400, but the functional unit 400 is not limited to this example. The imaging unit that is the functional unit 400 may be an imaging unit for measurement (measurement probe) or an imaging unit for observation. Also, the functional unit 400 may be a laser scanner unit, a laser generator, an angle head, or the like. Furthermore, functional part 400 may be a tool.

Wired communication may be performed by a method other than Ethernet or USB. Wired power supply may be performed by a method other than PoE or USB. Alternatively, wireless power supply or a battery may be used as power means, and only communication may be performed by wire. Alternatively, a wireless medium such as Wi-Fi may be used as communication means, and only power may be supplied by wire.

Since the machine tool device 600 is connected to the machine tool by wire, power supply from the outside (for example, 10 W or more) and stable high-speed communication with the outside (from 100 Mbps) are possible. As a result, the machine tool device 600 can be used without interruption of communication or delay.

In particular, in the case of an image probe for measurement, a larger lens is used than an image probe for observation, which makes the image probe larger. can contribute to If the imaging probe is large, the distance between the imaging probe and the work becomes short, which causes the problem of narrowing the imaging range.

When a camera (imaging unit) is used as the functional unit 400, it is necessary to calibrate the camera (camera calibration) in order to correct the positional deviation between the main axis 100 and the camera optical axis. Generally, a calibration plate printed with a predetermined pattern is used. By determining the relative positional relationship between the calibration plate and the camera, the positional deviation between the main axis 100 and the camera optical axis is corrected.

Specifically, a calibration plate is set at an arbitrary position in the machining chamber (the space containing the spindle 100 and the workpiece) of the machine tool. However, it is assumed that the position and orientation of the calibration plate are specified. Then, a camera captures an image of the calibration plate set in this manner. A predetermined pattern of the calibration plate reflected in the resulting captured image is extracted, image analysis is performed on the extracted predetermined pattern, and the angle of the camera, that is, the camera, is determined based on the degree of deformation of the shape of the predetermined pattern. Identify the direction of the optical axis. Since the position of the spindle 100 at this time is known, the relative positional relationship between the spindle 100 and the camera can be determined. Then, when the camera is actually used for measurement, the position of the camera and the direction of the camera optical axis are specified based on the position with respect to the main axis 100 at that time, and the posture of the camera at that time is considered. It is possible to correct the measured value.

In such a calibration operation, instead of moving the main shaft 100 to the position of the calibration plate as in the conventional art, a movement mechanism such as a tool presetter arm is used to carry the calibration plate to a predetermined position near the camera. You may make it provide. For example, an arm is fixed to a rotatable shaft, and a calibration plate is held at the tip of the arm in a predetermined posture. Then, by rotating the shaft, the calibration plate is moved to a predetermined position near the camera and rests facing a predetermined direction. Therefore, there is no need to move the camera. Since the position and orientation of the camera are known, the calibration plate facing a predetermined direction and standing still at a predetermined position is imaged, and the image analysis of the predetermined pattern reflected in the captured image is performed. , it is possible to identify the direction of the camera optical axis.

In this way, only the operation of the moving mechanism is required, and the time required for moving the main shaft 100 can be saved, so the time required for camera calibration can be shortened.

As described above, the above embodiment and the above modifications have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate.

The machine tool, the machine tool device 600, and other devices of the present disclosure are realized not only by machine elements but also by cooperation with hardware resources such as processors, memories, and programs.

In the embodiment, since the functional unit 400 is detachable from the rotating unit 601 , a plurality of functional units 400 can be used by replacing one rotating unit 601 . For example, the functional part 400X or the functional part 400Y can be attached to the rotating part 601A suitable for a certain machine tool A. Therefore, normally, the frequently used functional unit 400X is attached to the rotating unit 601A and used, and when the rarely used functional unit 400Y is used, the functional unit 400X is replaced with the functional unit 400Y. can be considered. Since one rotating part 601A can be reused, the cost burden on the user is lower than when the machine tool device 600 (function X device for machine tool A, function Y device for machine tool A) is provided for each type of function. Few.

One functional unit 400 can also be shared by two machine tools. For example, in a case where the functional unit 400X is shared by machine tool A and machine tool B, a rotating unit 601A suitable for machine tool A and a rotating unit 601B suitable for machine tool B are prepared in addition to functional unit 400X. . When the functional part 400X is used in the machine tool A, the functional part 400X is attached to the rotating part 601A. On the contrary, when using the functional part 400X in the machine tool B, the functional part 400X is attached to the rotating part 601B. Since one functional unit 400X can be used, the cost burden on the user is less than when the machine tool device 600 (function X device for machine tool A, function X device for machine tool B) is prepared for each machine tool. .

In addition, maintainability is improved. For example, when the durability of the rotating portion 601 is high and the durability of the functional portion 400 is low, two functional portions 400 are prepared for one rotating portion 601 . Then, if the function part 400 is replaced with the other function part 400 when the function part 400 is inspected, the machine tool device 600 can be used continuously. In addition, it is cheaper than preparing two machine tool devices 600 .

In addition, since parts can be shared, the burden on the manufacturing site is reduced. For example, the rotating part 601A suitable for the machine tool A and the rotating part 601B suitable for the machine tool B are kept as inventories, and the functional parts 400X and 400Y are also kept as inventories. Then, when an order is received for a device of function X for machine tool A, the function part 400X is attached to the rotating part 601A and shipped. Also, when receiving an order for a device of function Y for machine tool B, the functional unit 400Y is attached to the rotating unit 601B and shipped. In addition, a device with function Y for machine tool A and a device with function X for machine tool B can also be used. In this way, for example, it is possible to flexibly cope with high-mix low-volume production.

The combination of functional units 400 to be exchanged is arbitrary. In addition to replacing with a different functional unit 400, the same functional unit 400 may be replaced as in the example of maintenance. As an example of exchanging with a different functional unit 400, the imaging unit for measurement and the imaging unit for observation may be exchanged. An imaging unit for one measurement may be replaced with an imaging unit for a different type of measurement. One viewing imager may be exchanged for a different type of viewing imager. The imaging unit may be replaced with a functional unit 400 other than the imaging unit. The functional units 400 other than the imaging unit may be exchanged.

In addition, in the embodiment, since the cable accommodating portion is provided to accommodate the USB cable wound multiple times with a gap so that the shape of the USB cable can be changed according to the rotation angle of the rotating portion 601, the USB cable is prevented from being damaged. function 400 can be rotated without giving

100 Main shaft 102 Front cover 104 Housing 106 Rotating member 108 Mounting part 110 Non-rotating part 120 First connector 122 Ethernet cable 200 Shank part 202 Shank 204 Grip part 300 Connecting part 302 Tool holder Mounting bolt 304 Winding part 306 Grasping part 324 Wiring path 340 Third connector 400 Functional part 401 Joint part 403 Body part 402 Bolt 425 Wiring path 440 Fourth connector 445 USB cable 446 imaging unit, 448 lens, 450 lens cover, 452 bolt, 454 coaxial epi-illumination, 456 ring illumination, 490 power receiving communication unit, 492 cable, 500 fixing unit, 502 support unit, 504 first bearing, 506 second bearing, 508 extension part, 510 positioning part, 520 second connector, 521 Ethernet cable, 523 wiring path, 525 USB cable, 526 cable housing part, 527 wiring path, 544 electric circuit board, 560 PD module, 562 communication circuit, 564 power receiving circuit, 570 main circuit, 572 CPU, 574 memory, 580 power supply circuit, 590 power supply communication unit, 592 cable, 600 machine tool device, 601 rotating unit, 701 external power supply, 703 external device, 760 PSE module, 762 communication circuit, 764 power supply circuit

Claims (1)

A machine tool device detachably and rotatably mounted on a machine tool spindle or turret ,
a rotating part rotatably attached to the main shaft or the turret ;
a fixed part that has an electric circuit capable of exchanging data with the outside and is fixedly attached to the main shaft or the turret ;
a functional part connected to the electric circuit, capable of executing a function controlled by the electric circuit, and rotating in the same direction as the rotation direction of the rotating part as the rotating part rotates;
The functional unit is detachable with respect to the rotating unit ,
The fixed part forms an annular space centered on the rotation axis of the rotation part at the boundary with the rotation part in the path of the wiring connected to the electric circuit, and has a shape according to the rotation angle of the rotation part. Apparatus for a machine tool comprising a cable receiving section for receiving a cable wound multiple times with a gap so that it can be changed .

Images