JP2009125855A - Machine tool and sensor module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a machine tool extending a life of a sensor in spite of having a distance extension mechanism to make in-machine measurement of workpiece diameters. <P>SOLUTION: A lathe 100 for machining a workpiece is provided with: a support strut 122 mounted to a tool mounting face 110 and extended/shortened in the radial direction of a turret tool post 107; and the sensor 124 mounted to the tip of the support strut 122 to detect contact between the workpiece and a bar-like probe by electrically detecting separation of a connecting element provided at the base end of the probe, from a terminal provided at a housing which holds the base end. The support strut 122 is shortened into such a length that the support strut 122 and the sensor 124 do not interfere with other constitutive parts of the lathe 100 when the turret tool post 107 rotates, and in the shortened state of the support strut 122, the connected state of the connecting element and the terminal is released. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a machine tool that performs metal processing with a tool installed on a turret tool post, and more particularly to a machine tool or the like that includes a sensor that measures a workpiece that is a processing target in the turret tool post.

  Conventionally, a turret lathe provided with a turret which is a rotary tool selection mechanism is used as one of machine tools.

  FIG. 35 is an external perspective view showing an example of a general conventional turret lathe. As shown in the figure, the turret lathe 100 includes a main shaft 102 and a turret 103.

  The spindle 102 is supported by a spindle platform 105 provided on the bed 104, and grips and rotates a workpiece (not shown) by the spindle chuck 106.

  The turret 103 includes a turret tool post 107, an index mechanism 108, and a turret slide 109.

  The turret tool post 107 has a plurality of tool mounting surfaces 110 around the rotation axis and is rotatably supported by the index mechanism 108. A tool 111 such as a tool or a drill is mounted on the tool mounting surface 110 via a tool station 111a.

  A straight line connecting the rotation axis of the main shaft 102 and the rotation axis of the turret tool post 107 is parallel to the X axis (in the horizontal plane) shown in the figure.

  The index mechanism 108 is installed on the turret slide 109, and can rotate the turret tool post 107 to drive the specific tool mounting surface 110 on the workpiece side by driving the motor.

  FIG. 36 is a front view showing the positional relationship between the turret tool post 107 and the spindle 102 in the turret lathe 100.

  As shown in the figure, the tool selected to process the workpiece 112 is placed at the cutting position by rotating the turret tool post 107. Here, the cutting position is a position on the workpiece 112 side on a straight line passing through the rotation axis of the main shaft 102 and parallel to the X axis. Note that positioning a tool such as a cutting tool at this cutting position is generally referred to as “indexing” and is also used in the following.

  The index mechanism 108 can move the turret tool post 107 in the Z-axis direction, which is a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main shaft 102, by driving the motor.

  The turret slide 109 is installed on the bed 104 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction, and moves in the X-axis direction together with the turret tool post 107 and the index mechanism 108 by driving a motor.

  The index mechanism 108 and the turret slide 109 allow the turret tool post 107 to move in the X axis direction and the Z axis direction. Therefore, the indexed tool can process the workpiece 112 held by the rotating main shaft 102 in the radial direction and the axial direction.

  The configuration described above is normally housed in a housing (not shown), and a workpiece is processed in the housing.

  Here, a machine tool such as a turret lathe may be provided with a function of measuring the dimensions of the workpiece within the machine without removing the workpiece from the main spindle. By using this function, the dimension can be measured without taking the workpiece out of the machine, so that the working efficiency of the machine tool can be improved. In addition, high dimensional accuracy can be maintained by measuring the displacement of the work or the body due to environmental changes in the machine such as temperature changes and calibrating the control amount for the machine tool.

  For example, there is a turret lathe having a function of attaching a sensor to a tool attachment surface of a turret tool post via a tool station or a similar attachment and measuring a diameter of a workpiece.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a maximum turning radius and a movable range of a turret tool post including a tool station in a general turret lathe.

  As shown in the figure, in the conventional turret lathe 100, the turret tool post 107 moves in the X-axis direction within a range in which the tool 111 at the cutting position slightly exceeds the rotation axis of the main shaft 102.

  That the movable range of the turret tool post 107 in the X-axis direction is in such a range has no problem in performing cutting and boring of the outer periphery of the workpiece 112.

  However, when the sensor is attached to a fixture such as the tool station 111a, the position opposite to the turret tool post 107 with respect to the rotation axis of the main shaft 102 cannot be measured.

  Of course, if the length of the fixture in the radial direction is long, it is possible to measure the position of the side surface of the workpiece beyond the rotation axis of the main shaft 102.

  However, it is desirable to shorten the maximum turning radius R of the turret tool post 107 including the fixture such as the tool station 111a and the tool to be attached.

  This is because when the turret tool post 107 rotates, fixtures, tools and the like do not interfere with other components in the machine, so that the entire turret lathe 100 can be made compact, and the position of the tool relative to the turret tool post 107. For reasons such as ensuring accuracy.

  As described above, when the diameter is calculated by measuring the outer peripheral position of the work on one side of the rotation axis of the main spindle 102, an accurate value is obtained due to the work or the distortion of the machine due to the environmental change in the machine such as a temperature change. It is difficult to get.

  Therefore, a turret lathe having a mechanism for directly measuring the diameter of the workpiece by measuring the positions of both ends of the workpiece diameter has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a conventional turret tool post having a mechanism for directly measuring the diameter of a workpiece. FIG. 4A is a front view, and FIG. 4B is a top view.

  The turret lathe 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a rail 31 that is pivotally supported by a non-rotating member at the center of the turret tool post 107 in front of the turret tool post 107. A detector 32 is attached to the tip of the rail 31.

  The length of the rail 31 is opposite to that of the turret tool post 107 with the rotation axis of the main shaft 102 among the both ends (P1 and P2) of the diameter of the workpiece 112 when the turret tool post 107 approaches the main shaft 102. This is a length that allows the detector 32 to measure the position of one end (P2) on the side.

  By adopting such a configuration, the turret lathe 100 can measure the positions of P1 and P2, which are both ends of the diameter of the workpiece 112, as shown in FIG. The diameter of the workpiece 112 can be obtained from the difference between P1 and P2 obtained in this way.

  However, according to the prior art, since the arm for attaching the sensor is provided separately from the turret tool post, it is difficult to reduce the size of the turret lathe.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the arm has a relatively large radius of rotation, and thus the arm itself may not be installed.

  Furthermore, since the arm is provided in front of the turret tool post, the arm tends to become an obstacle when changing tools.

Therefore, as a result of diligent efforts, the present inventors have found a machine tool equipped with a distance expansion / contraction mechanism that attaches the sensor to the tool mounting surface of the turret tool post and enables the sensor to move in the radial direction of the turret tool post. It came to. The machine tool can measure the diameter of the workpiece by extending the sensor distance by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism, and can reduce the sensor distance by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism to rotate the turret tool post in another configuration. There is no interference with things.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-3902

  However, when a distance expansion / contraction mechanism with a sensor at the tip is attached to the turret tool post, the vibration generated when the turret tool post rotates or when a workpiece is cut by a cutting tool attached to another position of the turret tool post. The problem that the lifetime of the sensor is remarkably shortened was found.

  This is because the vibration of the turret tool post is transmitted directly or amplified to the sensor due to the structure of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism, and the movable part of the sensor and the fixed part of the sensor are rubbed together by the vibration. I found out that it was caused by wear.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a machine tool capable of extending the life of a sensor even though a distance expansion / contraction mechanism is provided and the diameter of a workpiece can be measured in the machine. .

  In order to achieve the above object, a machine tool according to the present invention is a machine tool for processing a work gripped by a spindle, and includes a turret tool post having a plurality of tool mounting surfaces and a base end of a rod-shaped probe. A sensor for detecting contact between the workpiece and the probe by electrically detecting a separation between a provided connector and a terminal provided on a housing for accommodating the base end; and holding the sensor; A distance expansion / contraction mechanism attached to the attachment surface and extending / contracting a sensor distance, which is a radial distance of the turret tool post between the tool attachment surface and the sensor, and the radial extension of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism In the state where the sensor distance is shortened, when the turret tool post rotates, the distance telescopic mechanism and the sensor interfere with other components of the machine tool. There is a long, the sensor is in a compressed state the sensor distance by said distance expansion mechanism, characterized in that it comprises a releasable releasing means a connection state between the said connectors terminals.

  As a result, even if vibration is transmitted to the sensor via the distance expansion / contraction mechanism, the sensor contact is not worn by the vibration, so that the sensor can receive the effects of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism such as measuring the diameter of the workpiece. It is possible to extend the service life.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a cover that covers the sensor when the sensor distance is shortened by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism and opens the sensor when the sensor distance is extended by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism.

  Thereby, a sensor can be protected from a facet, cutting oil, etc., and it becomes possible to lengthen the lifetime of a sensor further.

  Further, the driving mechanism, first conversion means for converting the driving force of the driving mechanism into the expansion / contraction of the sensor distance by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism, and the driving force of the driving mechanism between the connector and the terminal of the sensor. A second conversion means for converting to a contact operation, or a drive mechanism; a first conversion means for converting a driving force of the drive mechanism into an expansion / contraction of a sensor distance by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism; and driving of the drive mechanism Second converting means for converting force into separation / contact operation between the connector and the terminal of the sensor, and third conversion means for converting driving force of the driving mechanism into opening / closing operation of the cover may be provided. .

  Accordingly, since one drive mechanism (actuator) can extend / contract the sensor distance by the distance extension / contraction mechanism, release the connection state between the connector and the terminal of the sensor, and further open and close the cover. The number of machine parts is reduced and control becomes easier. It also contributes to cost reduction, and contributes to longer product life and improved reliability.

  Further, a base that is attached to the tool mounting surface, and a movable part that has the sensor at the tip, is rotatably attached to the base, and can change the sensor distance, and the movable part is A rotational drive mechanism that rotates in a plane perpendicular to the tool mounting surface; a conversion mechanism that converts a rotational motion of the movable part relative to the base to a translational motion of the rotational motion in a rotational axis direction; and It is preferable to provide a link mechanism that opens and closes the cover.

Thereby, it can be set as a robust structure.
The distance expansion / contraction mechanism includes a base attached to the tool attachment surface, and a movable part that has the sensor at the tip, is attached to the base so as to be directly movable, and can change the sensor distance. In the machine tool, the movable portion and one end portion are rotatably connected, the base and the other end portion are rotatably connected, and a rotatable first joint is provided at an intermediate portion. The first link mechanism, the movable portion, and one end portion are rotatably connected, the base and the other end portion are rotatably connected, and the intermediate portion has a rotatable second joint. It is preferable to include a second link mechanism and an elastic body that urges the first joint and the second joint toward each other.

  As a result, the elastic body can maintain the extended state of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism, and can also maintain the contracted state of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism. That is, it is possible to continue to maintain the two modes sandwiching the dead point of the link mechanism with the elastic body.

  In order to achieve the above object, a sensor module according to the present invention is a sensor module provided in a machine tool that processes a work gripped on a spindle by a tool attached to a turret tool post having a plurality of tool attachment surfaces. A distance extension / contraction mechanism attached to the tool attachment surface and extending / contracting in a radial direction of the turret tool post, a connector provided at a base end of a rod-like probe, and a housing for housing the base end. A sensor attached to a tip of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism that detects contact between the workpiece and the probe by electrically detecting a separation from a terminal, and the distance expansion / contraction mechanism includes a rotation of the turret tool post. The distance expansion / contraction mechanism and the sensor shrink to a length that does not interfere with other components of the machine tool, and the distance In the contracted state is compression mechanism, connection between the terminal and the connectors is released.

  Thereby, it is possible to perform general-purpose operation on the attachable machine tool while enjoying the above-described effects.

  According to the present invention, even if the vibration of the turret tool post is directly or amplified and transmitted to the sensor by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism, the movable part of the sensor and the fixed part of the sensor are not worn, and The lifetime can be extended.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a turret lathe according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the turret lathe 100 includes a main shaft 102 that grips and rotates a workpiece and a turret 103 that is a rotary tool selection mechanism.

  Further, the turret lathe 100 further includes a sensor module 120 as a characteristic component.

  The sensor module 120 includes a column 122 and a base 121 as a distance expansion / contraction mechanism that expands / contracts the sensor distance in the radial direction of the turret tool post 107, and a sensor 124 for measuring a workpiece dimension.

  The sensor module 120 is attached to the tool attachment surface 110 of the turret tool post 107 in the same manner as the tool station 111a.

  In other words, the sensor 124 is attached to the turret tool post 107 as if it were one tool.

  In the turret lathe 100 of the present embodiment, the rotation axis of the main shaft 102 and the rotation axis of the turret tool post 107 are parallel, and a plane including these two rotation axes is parallel to the X axis.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sensor module 120 in a contracted state.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor module 120 includes a base 121 attached to the tool attachment surface 110, a post 122 that stands up in the radial direction of the turret tool post 107 from the base 121, and a post in a posture when performing measurement. And a sensor 124 fixed to the head 122b.

  The column 122 is composed of a column leg 122a integrated with the separated base and a column head 122b as a movable unit. The support leg portion 122 a includes an air cylinder 123 as a drive mechanism that generates a drive force that reciprocates in the upright direction of the support column 122.

  The column head 122b functions as a movable part, and is connected to the air cylinder 123 via a connection member 132 as a first conversion means.

  Here, the connection member 132 is a member that converts driving force into expansion and contraction of the support column. In the case of the present embodiment, since the air cylinder 123 generates a reciprocating driving force, the connecting member 132 is a simple plate-like member. When the drive mechanism is a motor that generates a rotational driving force, for example, a motor, the first conversion means includes a pinion attached to the motor and a rack that converts the rotation of the pinion into a reciprocating motion. Become a device.

  The air cylinder 123 generates a driving force for the support 122 to expand and contract. That is, the air cylinder 123 causes the entire sensor module 120 to expand and contract in the radial direction of the turret tool post 107.

  Here, air may be supplied to the turret tool post 107 for blowing chips or the like. In this case, since the air cylinder 123 can be driven using the air supplied to the turret tool post 107 and the sensor module 120 can be expanded and contracted, the air cylinder 123 can be suitably employed as the drive mechanism.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the sensor module 120 in the extended state according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor module 120 extends as a whole when the support column 122 extends.

  In the present embodiment, sensor 124 is a so-called touch sensor that detects contact with an object.

  The sensor 124 can detect the positions of both ends of the diameter of the workpiece 112 by moving the turret tool post 107 with the sensor module 120 extended.

  The turret lathe 100 or a computer connected to the turret lathe 100 can obtain the diameter of the workpiece 112 by obtaining the difference between the positions of both ends of the diameter of the workpiece 112 thus obtained.

Details of the sensor 124 will be described later.
Operations such as expansion and contraction of the sensor module 120 and movement of the turret tool post 107 are controlled by a control unit provided in the turret lathe 100.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the turret lathe 100 according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the turret lathe 100 includes a mechanism unit 140 including the above-described turret tool post 107 and the like as a main functional configuration, and a control unit 141.

  The control unit 141 has a function of controlling the operation of the mechanism unit 140, and is realized by, for example, a computer having a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device, and an interface for inputting and outputting information.

  For example, when measuring the diameter of the workpiece, the control unit 141 changes the sensor module 120 from the contracted state to the extended state when the rotational position of the turret tool post 107 is the rotational position where the sensor 124 is positioned on the workpiece side. Change. Further, the turret tool post 107 is moved so as to change the distance between the sensor 124 and the workpiece.

  According to such control, the sensor module 120 is extended and the turret tool post 107 is moved, whereby both end positions of the diameter of the workpiece are measured.

  It is also possible to program the workpiece so that the diameter of the workpiece is measured at a predetermined timing, such as before, during or after the workpiece.

  Next, the effect by the expansion and contraction of the sensor module 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the appearance of the sensor module 120 in a contracted state.
In addition, P1 and P2 which are two points on the outer periphery of the workpiece 112 shown in FIG. 5 are on a plane including the rotation axis of the main shaft 102 (= the rotation axis of the workpiece 112) and the rotation axis of the turret tool post 107. , The distance between P1 and P2 is the diameter of the workpiece.

  In FIG. 5, the plane is represented by a straight line passing through the rotation axis of the main shaft 102 and the rotation axis of the turret tool post 107, and is parallel to the X axis.

  P1 is an example of a first end that is a position measurement target in the measurement method of the present invention, and P2 is an example of a second end.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the radial length of the turret tool post 107 of the sensor module 120 is such that when the turret tool post 107 rotates in a state where the support 122 is contracted, that is, in a state where the sensor distance is shortened, The length of the column 122 and the sensor 124 does not interfere with other components of the turret lathe 100. That is, the sensor module 120 has a length that does not interfere with other components.

  For example, if the length is within the maximum turning radius (R1) of the turret tool post 107 when a tool is attached, the sensor module 120 may interfere with other components even if the turret tool post 107 rotates. There is no.

  Therefore, when the support 122 is in a contracted state, that is, in a state in which the sensor distance is shortened, the turret tool post 107 is not affected by the presence of the sensor module 120, and can process a workpiece or replace a tool. Can rotate freely for.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when R1 is defined as the distance from the rotation axis of the turret tool post 107 to the tip of the tool station 111a, a part of the sensor module 120 may exceed R1.

  Even in such a case, when the turret tool post 107 rotates, if the sensor module 120 is within an area that does not interfere with other components (non-interference area), the turret tool post 107 rotates. It has no effect.

  That is, the length of the column 122 in the contracted state may be a length that allows the column 122 and the sensor 124 to be within the non-interference area.

  In other words, the length of the column 122 when the sensor distance is shortened may be a length that does not hinder the rotation of the turret tool post 107.

  Here, the turret tool post 107 can move in the X-axis direction to the extent that R1 reaches the rotation axis of the main shaft 102. Therefore, even in the state where the support column 122 is contracted, the position of P1 close to the turret tool post 107 can be measured out of both ends of the diameter of the workpiece 112.

  However, the position of P2 far from the turret tool post 107 cannot be measured among the both ends.

  Therefore, the turret lathe 100 of the present embodiment enables the position measurement of P2 by the sensor 124 by extending the support 122.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view showing the appearance of the sensor module 120 in the extended state according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the sensor module 120 extends in the radial direction due to the extension of the column 122, the sensor 124 is positioned outside R <b> 1.

  When the sensor module 120 is extended in this manner and the turret tool post 107 approaches the direction of the main shaft 102, the sensor 124 is moved away from the rotation axis of the main shaft 102, that is, with respect to the rotation shaft. The tool post 107 can be positioned on the opposite side.

  This makes it possible to measure the position of P2 far from the turret tool post 107 out of both ends of the diameter of the workpiece 112.

  For example, it is assumed that the maximum diameter of the workpiece that can be gripped by the spindle 102 is about 100 mm. In this case, the position of P2 can be measured by the sensor 124 if the sensor 124 is positioned about 60 mm outside from R1 in a state where the support column 122 is extended.

  That is, in the state where the sensor distance is extended, the length in the radial direction of the support column 122 is the same as that of the turret tool post 107 sandwiching the workpiece when the spindle 102 grips the workpiece having the maximum diameter that the spindle 102 can grip. Is the length to position the sensor 124 on the opposite side.

  If the length of the state in which the support column 122 is extended is such a length, for example, even when workpieces of various sizes are sequentially processed, the diameters of the workpieces can be measured.

  Next, the flow of operation when the turret lathe 100 measures the diameter of the workpiece will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is an operation outline diagram showing an example of an operation flow when the turret lathe 100 according to the embodiment measures the diameter of the workpiece 112. The series of operations shown in the figure is controlled by the control unit 141 described above.

  First, [1] When the turret tool post 107 rotates, the sensor module 120 is indexed to the workpiece 112 side.

  The rotational position of the turret tool post 107 at this time is a rotational position where the sensor 124 is positioned on a straight line passing through the rotational axis of the main shaft 102 and the rotational axis of the turret tool post 107 (see FIG. 5).

  Next, [2] The turret tool post 107 moves in the direction of the main shaft 102 in parallel with the X axis in a state where the sensor distance is extended. As a result of this movement, the position of P1 is measured when the sensor 124 detects contact with the workpiece 112.

  Next, [3] the turret tool post 107 moves in the forward direction (downward in FIG. 7) parallel to the Z axis. Further, it moves parallel to the X axis in the direction opposite to P1 (leftward in FIG. 7) across the rotation axis of the main shaft 102. By this movement, the sensor 124 comes to a position beyond the workpiece 112.

  Next, [4] The turret tool post 107 moves backward (upward in FIG. 7) parallel to the Z axis. Further, it moves in the direction of the main shaft 102 (to the right in FIG. 7) parallel to the X axis. As a result of this movement, the position of P2 is measured when the sensor 124 detects contact with the workpiece 112.

  The turret lathe 100 according to the present embodiment can measure the diameter of the workpiece gripped by the spindle by such an operation.

  Specifically, the diameter can be measured by directly measuring the positions of both ends of the diameter of the workpiece. As a result, the displacement of the workpiece 112 and the turret lathe 100 due to changes over time and temperature can be canceled, and an accurate value of the diameter of the workpiece 112 can be obtained in the machine.

  Further, the sensor module 120 that performs such measurement is attached to the tool attachment surface 110 of the turret tool post 107 in the same manner as a tool such as a tool.

  That is, the sensor module 120 is provided in the turret lathe 100 in a manner that enables accurate measurement of the workpiece diameter without unnecessarily consuming the space in the turret lathe 100.

  The sensor module 120 is in a contracted state except when measuring the diameter of the workpiece, and does not hinder the rotation of the turret tool post 107.

  Furthermore, the sensor module 120 can be developed independently. If the shape or size of the base 121 is changed, the sensor module 120 can be used for in-machine measurement of workpiece dimensions with various turret lathes.

  As described above, the turret lathe 100 according to the present embodiment is a machine tool that can accurately measure the diameter of a workpiece and can be miniaturized. In addition, the sensor module 120 of the present embodiment is a sensor module that can bring such an effect to the machine tool.

  The turret lathe 100 as an example of the machine tool of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

  Unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention, what made the various deformation | transformation which those skilled in the art conceivable to this Embodiment is also contained in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the workpiece dimension measured by the sensor module 120 is the workpiece diameter, specifically, the outer diameter of the workpiece as shown in FIG.

  However, other dimensions of the workpiece may be measured using the sensor module 120. For example, the inner diameter of the hole, which is the diameter of the hole formed by boring, may be measured.

  As described above, the sensor module 120 can position the sensor 124 at both ends of the outer diameter of the workpiece gripped by the main shaft. That is, it is possible to position the sensor 124 at both ends of the inner diameter that is shorter than the outer diameter of the workpiece, and thereby the inner diameter value can be obtained accurately.

  In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism is employed as the air cylinder 123. However, a solenoid or an electric motor may be employed as the drive mechanism.

  A machine tool including a turret tool post as a rotary tool selection mechanism may include a machining center in addition to a turret lathe. Therefore, even in machine tools other than the turret lathe, it is possible to measure the dimensions of the workpiece using the sensor module of the present invention.

Next, the sensor 124 will be described in detail.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sensor 124.

  As shown in the figure, the sensor 124 detects contact between the sensor 124 and the workpiece 112 by converting contact with the workpiece 112 into separation / contact of the electrical contact and electrically reading out the separation / contact of the contact. The sensor includes a probe 144, a housing 142, and release means 146.

  The probe 144 is a member that directly contacts the workpiece 112, and is a member in which a partial true sphere is integrally attached to the tip of a cylindrical member. The probe 144 is disposed so as to protrude from the inside of the housing 142 through one end of the housing 142 to the outside of the housing 142.

  The housing 142 is a member that is directly attached to the column head 122b, determines the position of the sensor 124, and protects electrical contacts (connectors and terminals) and other mechanisms. It has a covered cylindrical shape.

  The release means 146 is a member that can release the contact between the terminal and the connector by the probe urging means 152, which will be described later, and reciprocates the probe 144 relative to the housing 142 so that the probe 144 is moved to the sensing position and the release position. This is a convertible member. The release means 146 is disposed so as to protrude from the inside of the housing 142 to the outside of the housing 142 through the other end of the housing 142. The release means 146 includes a positioning flange 147 and a first engagement flange 153 outside the housing 142.

  The positioning flange 147 is a member that determines the position of the release means 146 with respect to the housing 142 by contacting the other end of the housing 142.

  The first engagement flange 153 is a member for transmitting driving force to the release means 146 and reciprocating the release means 146 by engaging with an external mechanism (described later).

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the inside of the sensor 124.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the inside of the sensor 124 with a part cut away.

  As shown in the figure, the probe 144 includes a connector 149 and a second engagement flange 151 inside the housing 142. The probe 144 includes a holding member 160 outside the housing 142. The housing 142 includes a terminal 148 inside and a holding hole 162 at one end. The releasing unit 146 includes a substrate 150, an engaging claw 154, a probe urging unit 152, and a positioning flange urging unit 158 inside the housing 142.

  The connector 149 is a cylindrical metal member that functions as an electrical contact that ensures electrical continuity by making contact with the terminal 148, and is fixed to three intermediate portions of the probe 144. All connectors 149 are fixed perpendicular to the axis of the probe 144. The connectors 149 are evenly arranged on the same circumference, and the angle between the connectors 149 is 120 degrees. That is, the connector 149 is fixed to the probe 144 so as to be radially uniform with respect to the axis of the probe 144.

  The second engagement flange 151 is a member that engages with the engagement claw 154 of the release means 146 and transmits the driving force in the direction in which the probe 144 is retracted into the housing 142 to the probe 144 and is fixed to the proximal end of the probe 144. It is a disk-shaped member.

  The holding member 160 is a member that fits into the holding hole 162 provided in the housing 142 and fixes the probe 144 to the housing 142 when the probe 144 is located at the release position. The holding member 160 has a truncated cone shape that decreases in diameter toward the housing 142, and is fixed to an intermediate portion of the probe 144.

  The terminal 148 is a member that functions as an electrical contact that ensures electrical continuity by contacting the connector 149, and includes two columnar electrodes 148a and 148b arranged in a V shape. The two electrodes 148a and 148b are insulated from each other and from the housing 142. The two electrodes 148a and 148b are attached to the inner end surface of the housing 142 with the open portion directed inward in the reciprocating direction of the probe 144. Three terminals 148 are arranged at positions corresponding to the connectors 149.

  The holding hole 162 is a hole provided in the center of one end surface of the housing 142, and has a tapered shape that expands outward. The holding hole 162 is fitted with the holding member 160.

  The substrate 150 is a member for reciprocating the release means 146 with respect to the housing 142 while smoothly sliding, and a connecting rod for connecting the disc portion matching the internal cross-sectional shape of the housing 142 and the positioning flange 147. Department.

  The engagement claw 154 is a member that engages with the second engagement flange 151 at the proximal end portion of the probe 144 and transmits the driving force of the release means 146 to the probe 144, and reciprocates the substrate 150 from the peripheral portion of the substrate 150. It is a key-like member that projects integrally in the moving direction. Three engaging claws 154 are equally provided integrally on the peripheral edge of the disk portion of the substrate 150, and each engages with the second engaging flange 151, and the probe 144 is moved along the axis of the housing 142. Can be pulled straight. When the positioning flange 147 is in contact with the housing 142 (sensing position), the engagement claw 154 does not engage with the second engagement flange 151 and does not disturb the tilt of the probe 144.

  The probe biasing means 152 is a coiled spring that gently presses the connector 149 against the terminal 148 when the positioning flange 147 is in contact with the housing 142 (sensing position). The probe biasing means 152 has a biasing force in the direction in which the probe 144 moves away from the substrate 150. In addition, the biasing force is such that the connector 149 is pressed against the terminal 148, but when the tip of the probe 144 touches the work 112 slightly, the three connectors 149 and the terminal 148 are pressed. The biasing force is such that at least one of them is released.

  The positioning flange urging means 158 is for maintaining the state in which the positioning flange 147 is in contact with the housing 142 (sensing position), and the other end of the housing 142 and the opposite substrate 150 are mutually connected. It has an urging force in the direction of moving away. The urging force of the positioning flange urging means 158 is stronger than the urging force of the probe urging means 152 and has an urging force capable of maintaining the sensing position even if some vibration is applied to the sensor 124.

Next, a sensing method of the sensor 124 will be described.
When the release means 146 of the sensor 124 is in the sensing position, there is no difference from the conventional sensor. As shown in FIG. 11, three terminals 148 are connected by conducting wires 131. Since the connector 149 is pressed against the terminal 148, the two electrodes 148a and 148b are electrically connected by the connector 149 as shown in FIG. From the above, the two lead wires 131a and 131b are in a conductive state. Note that the terminal 148 is held in a V shape by an insulator 133.

  Next, when the probe 144 contacts the workpiece 112, the probe 144 tilts with respect to the housing 142. At least one of the connectors 149 fixed to the probe 144 is lifted from the terminal 148 with the other connector 149 as an axis. As a result, the two electrodes 148a and 148b are insulated, and the two lead wires 131a and 131b are insulated.

  Therefore, the contact between the probe 144 and the workpiece 112 can be detected by observing whether or not the two lead wires are in an insulated state.

Next, the protection state of the sensor 124 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a comparison between the sensing state of the sensor 124 and the protection state. FIG. 2A shows the sensing state, and FIG. 2B shows the protection state.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when the release means 146 is in the sensing position, the release means 146 such as the substrate 150 is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the housing 142, and the position is set by the positioning flange biasing means 158. It is fixed. In this state, the engaging claw 154 and the second engaging flange 151 of the releasing means 146 are separated from each other, and the connector 144 is pressed against the terminal 148 by the probe urging means 152 in the probe 144.

  Therefore, although the slight contact between the probe 144 and the workpiece 112 can be detected as described above, the probe 144 is greatly swung with respect to the housing 142 by centrifugal force and acceleration each time the turret tool post 107 rotates. Therefore, the collision between the connector 149 and the terminal 148 is repeated. Further, when vibration or the like when cutting the workpiece 112 with another tool attached to the turret tool post 107 is amplified by the support 122 and transmitted to the sensor 124, the connector 149 and the terminal 148 are rubbed by vibration. Combined.

  As a result, the connector 149 and the terminal 148 are worn to increase the coefficient of static friction, and problems such as the sensor 124 not reacting when the probe 144 is slightly in contact with the workpiece 112 may occur.

  Therefore, when the sensor 124 is not used, the release means 146 is set to the release position as shown in FIG. That is, the release means 146 is pulled out from the housing 142. As a result, the engaging claw 154 of the releasing means 146 engages with the second engaging flange 151, the probe 144 is immersed in the housing 142, and the connection between the connector 149 and the terminal 148 is forcibly released. .

  Thereby, even if some vibration is applied to the sensor 124, the connector 149 and the terminal 148 are not rubbed together, so that the connector 149 and the terminal 148 are not worn. Further, since the holding member 160 of the probe 144 and the holding hole 162 of the housing 142 are fitted, the probe 144 is fixed to the housing 142, the turret tool post 107 rotates, and centrifugal force and acceleration are applied to the sensor 124. However, since the probe 144 does not swing with respect to the housing 142, the connector 149 and the terminal 148 do not collide violently.

  As described above, the sensor 124 can be protected and the life of the sensor 124 can be extended.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the protected sensor with a part of the housing cut away.

Next, transmission of driving force for putting the sensor 124 in the protected state will be described.
FIG. 15 is a side view showing the sensor module in the extended state.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing the sensor module in a degenerated state.
As shown in these drawings, the sensor 124 is attached to the column head 122b perpendicular to the expansion / contraction direction. A lever member 181 is pivotally supported on the column head 122b corresponding to the first engagement flange 153 included in the sensor 124. One end of the lever member 181 can come into contact with the first engagement flange 153 from the housing 142 side.

  On the other hand, a plate-like cam member 182 is attached to the support leg portion 122a. The cam member 182 is a member having a shape and rigidity capable of coming into contact with the other end portion of the lever member 181 approaching as the column head 122b contracts and pushing the other end portion toward the housing 142 ( (See FIG. 16).

  By providing the lever member 181 and the cam member 182 as described above, the driving force is not transmitted to the release means 146 from the outside when the sensor module 120 is in the extended state, that is, when sensing by the sensor 124 is necessary. Due to the urging force of the positioning flange urging means 158, the releasing means 146 is fixed at the sensing position, and the sensor 124 is in the sensing state.

  On the other hand, when the sensor module 120 is in a degenerated state, that is, when it is necessary to protect the sensor 124 from vibration or the like, the driving force of the air cylinder 123 is transmitted to the release means 146 via the lever member 181, and the release means 146 It is pulled out with respect to the housing 142. That is, the release means 146 is disposed at the release position in conjunction with the degeneration of the sensor module 120. In other words, the lever member 181 and the cam member 182 function as second conversion means for converting the reciprocating driving force of the air cylinder 123 into the separating operation of the connector 149 of the sensor 124 and the terminal 148.

  By adopting the configuration as described above, it is possible to simultaneously perform expansion / contraction of the sensor distance by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism provided in the sensor module 120 and conversion between the sensing state and the protection state of the sensor 124 by one air cylinder. It becomes.

Next, the sensor module 120 further provided with a cover will be described.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the sensor module attached to the turret tool post 107.

  The sensor module 120 shown in the figure includes a first cover piece 225 and a second cover piece 226 that constitute a cover, in addition to the sensor module 120 described above. The first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are collectively referred to as a cover 220.

  The first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are box-shaped members that can cover approximately half of the support column 122 and the sensor 124, respectively, and when the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are combined, The cover 122 can function as a cover that covers the column 122 and the sensor 124. The first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are supported by support shafts 239 (see FIG. 19) provided on both sides of the support 122 of the base 121 so as to be openable and closable in the circumferential direction of the turret tool post 107. .

  The sensor module 120 further includes a bracket 235, a first arm 233, and a second arm 234 as third conversion means for converting the driving force of the air cylinder 123 into the opening / closing operation of the cover 220.

  The bracket 235 is an L-shaped plate-like member that is fixed to the column head 122b and moves together with the column head 122b.

  The first arm 233 is a component of the first link mechanism. One end of the first arm 233 is pivotally connected to the column head 122b via the bracket and 235, and the other end is the first cover piece. 225 is rotatably connected. A connecting portion between the first arm 233 and the first cover piece 225 functions as a first joint 241 that is a component of the first link mechanism. The first cover piece 225 is pivotally supported on the base 121 by a support shaft 239 so as to function as a component of the first link mechanism. As described above, the first link mechanism is configured by connecting the components.

  Similarly, the second arm 234 is a component of the second link mechanism. One end of the second arm 234 is rotatably connected to the column head 122b via the bracket and 235, and the other end is connected to the second arm 234. Two cover pieces 226 are rotatably connected. A connecting portion between the second arm 234 and the second cover piece 226 functions as a second joint 242 that is a component of the second link mechanism. Further, the second cover piece 226 is pivotally supported on the base 121 by a support shaft 239 so as to function as a component of the second link mechanism. As described above, the second link mechanism is configured by connecting the components.

  Further, the sensor module 120 includes a spring 236 as an elastic body. The spring 236 is a coiled spring that urges the first joint 241 and the second joint in the approaching direction. In this way, if the first joint 241 and the second joint are biased, if the column head 122b is in an extended state beyond the dead center of the first arm 233 and the second arm 234, The biasing force of the spring 236 acts in the direction in which the column head 122b is extended. Further, if the column head 122b is in the retracted state beyond the dead point of the first arm 233 and the second arm 234, the urging force of the spring 236 acts in a direction to retract the column head 122b.

  FIG. 18 is an external perspective view showing the sensor module 120 in a state where the cover 220 is closed (that is, a state where the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are in contact).

  The state in which the cover is closed corresponds to a state in which the column head 122b is retracted to the end on the inner peripheral side of the turret.

  In this closed position, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 cover the support column 122 and the sensor 124 and, when the turret tool post 107 rotates, within the turning radius of the tool that does not interfere with other components. Be contained.

  The first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 move between the open position and the closed position by the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism as the column head 122b moves. That is, as the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism cooperate, the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism function as third conversion means that converts the driving force of the air cylinder 123 into the opening / closing operation of the cover. is doing.

Next, a mechanism for stably holding the open state and the closed state of the cover 220 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing the cover open / closed state simultaneously.

  The position when the column head 122b is at the inner end of the turret is indicated by a solid line and a dotted line, and the position when the column head 122b is at the outer end of the turret is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  Both ends of the moving range of the column head 122b are provided at positions where the column head 122b is pressed against each end by the biasing force of the spring 236.

  When the column head 122b is at the end on the inner peripheral side (right side of the drawing) of the turret, the connection point on the bracket 235 side of the first arm 233 is on the right side of the connection point on the first cover piece 225 side. Further, the connection point on the bracket 235 side of the second arm 234 is on the right side of the connection point on the second cover piece 226 side.

  At this position, the urging force of the spring 236 acts in the direction of pushing the bracket 235 to the right, so that the column head 122b is held by the end of the moving range on the inner peripheral side of the turret.

  The opening angle of the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 increases as the column head 122b moves to the outer side of the turret (left side of the drawing). And the opening angle of the 1st cover piece 225 and the 2nd cover piece 226 becomes the maximum in the position where the 1st arm 233 and the 2nd arm 234 become perpendicular | vertical with respect to the moving direction of the support | pillar head part 122b. When the column head 122b passes through the position, the cover piece starts to close, and the opening angle of the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 decreases until the end of the moving range reaches the outer end of the turret.

  When the column head 122b is at the end on the outer peripheral side of the turret, the connection point on the bracket 235 side of the first arm 233 is on the left side of the connection point on the first cover piece 225 side, and the second arm 234 The connection point on the bracket 235 side is on the left side of the connection point on the second cover piece 226 side.

  At this position, the urging force of the spring 236 acts in the direction of pushing the bracket 235 to the left, so that the column head 122b is held by the end of the movement range on the outer side of the turret.

  With this configuration, even when the air supplied to the air cylinder 123 is interrupted and no driving force is generated, that is, even when the driving force from the driving mechanism is interrupted, the cover 220 is opened by the biasing force of the spring 236. In addition, since the closed state is stably maintained, it is useful for fail-safe in an emergency power outage or the like.

  Furthermore, in the sensor module 120 in the present embodiment, the expansion and contraction of the support 122, the change of the release position and the sensing position of the release means 146 of the sensor 124, and the opening and closing of the cover 220 are interlocked. Even in a situation where no driving force is generated, such as air interruption, due to the urging force, the support 122 is contracted, the sensor 124 is in a protected state, and the cover 220 is closed. Further, the state where the column head 122b is extended, the sensor 124 is in the sensing state, and the cover 220 is opened is maintained.

Next, the operation of the turret lathe 100 configured as described above will be described.
When measuring the workpiece 112, the control unit 141 (see FIG. 4) of the turret lathe 100 controls the index mechanism 108 so that the tool mounting surface to which the sensor module of the turret tool post 107 is mounted is directed to the workpiece 112. Position to.

  Then, by supplying air to the air cylinder 123, the column head 122b is advanced to the turret outer peripheral side end. With this movement, the cover 220 is opened and the sensor 124 is in a sensing state.

  In this state, the workpiece 112 is measured. That is, the control unit 141 measures the diameter of the workpiece 112 by moving the turret slide 109 and specifying the two X coordinates on the diameter of the workpiece 112 by the contact of the sensor 124.

  Since the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are opened and closed in the circumferential direction of the turret tool post 107 without greatly deviating from the turning radius of the tool, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are retracted. Therefore, it is not necessary to take a space for the turret lathe, which is advantageous in terms of downsizing the turret lathe.

  In addition, since the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are opened away from the work 112, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 and the work 112 are unlikely to interfere with each other. It is desirable that the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are wide open from the viewpoint of avoiding interference with the workpiece 112 as long as interference with an adjacent tool does not occur.

  Furthermore, the clearance between the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 and the sensor 124 is increased by the sensor 124 advancing in the work direction together with the column head 122b. The first cover piece 225 and the second cover This is advantageous in avoiding interference between the piece 226 and the large workpiece 112.

  When the measurement of the workpiece 112 is completed, the control unit 141 supplies air to the air cylinder 123 again to move the column head 122b to the turret inner peripheral side end of the movement range. As a result, the sensor 124 is pulled into the inner peripheral side of the turret together with the column head 122b, the cover 220 is closed, and the sensor 124 is in a protected state.

  In this state, the columnar leg part 122a, the sensor 124, and the columnar head part 122b are covered with the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226, and are protected from the flying and contact of chips and coolant. Further, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are accommodated within the turning radius of the tool and do not interfere with other components even when the turret tool post 107 rotates.

  In a state where such protection is obtained, the control unit 141 rotates the turret tool post 107 to position a suitable tool in the direction of the workpiece 112, and continues the machining of the workpiece 112.

(Embodiment 2)
As a second embodiment of the present invention, a turret lathe 100 including a sensor module 120 that can expand and contract a sensor distance by rotating an arm 322 including a sensor 124 at an end will be described. The turret lathe 100 is another example of the machine tool of the present invention.

  The basic configuration of the turret lathe 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the turret lathe 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the sensor module 120 which is a characteristic component in the second embodiment will be mainly described.

  First, the basic configuration of the sensor module 120 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of the sensor module 120 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  The sensor module 120 includes a base 121, an arm 322 that is attached to the base 121 and rotates, a gear box 323 that rotates together with the arm 322, a drive unit 324 that drives the rotation of the arm 322, and a sensor. The first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 that cover 124 (not shown in FIG. 20), and the rear cover 327 attached to the tip of the arm 322 are included.

  FIG. 20 shows the sensor module 120 in a state where the arm 322 is housed inside and the sensor distance is shortened. From this state, the drive unit 324 can rotate the arm 322 by 180 degrees.

  The sensor 124 held at the end of the arm 322 extends the distance (sensor distance) from the tool mounting surface 110 when the arm 322 rotates.

  FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view showing the appearance of the sensor module 120 in a state where the arm 322 is rotated 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG.

  22 is an enlarged perspective view showing the external appearance of the sensor module 120 in a state where the arm 322 is further rotated 90 degrees from the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are opened as the arm 322 rotates. Details will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 22, when the arm 322 is rotated 180 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 20, the sensor distance is extended, and the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are completely opened.

  Thus, the sensor module 120 can bring the radial position of the sensor 124 to a position far from the tool mounting surface 110 by rotating the arm 322. That is, the sensor distance can be increased.

  By extending the sensor distance in this way, the positions of both ends of the workpiece diameter can be directly measured by the sensor 124.

  The drive unit 324 includes, for example, an air cylinder and a rack and pinion, and the arm 322 can be rotated using the air cylinder as a drive source.

  Moreover, when an air cylinder is used for the drive part 324, as above-mentioned, the air supplied to the turret tool post 107 for blow of chips etc. can be utilized.

  Further, the arm 322 and the drive unit 324 implement a distance extension / contraction mechanism in the machine tool and sensor module of the present invention.

  In addition, when the arm 322 is rotated 180 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 22, the state shown in FIG. 20, that is, the sensor distance is shortened, and the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are closed. It becomes a state.

  Such opening and closing operations of the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are realized by the gear box 323 and the link mechanism in the present embodiment. Details of the link mechanism will be described later.

  When the sensor module 120 is in a state where the sensor distance is shortened, the length of the sensor module 120 in the radial direction is a length that does not interfere with other components of the machine tool.

  FIG. 23 is an enlarged front view showing the appearance of the sensor module 120 according to Embodiment 2 in a state where the sensor distance is shortened.

  As shown in the figure, when the sensor module 120 is in a state where the sensor distance is shortened, in the present embodiment, a part of the sensor module 120 exceeds R1 which is the above-mentioned maximum turning radius.

  However, since the sensor module 120 is within the non-interference area (inside the circle indicated by R2 in the figure), the sensor module 120 does not hinder the rotation operation of the turret tool post 107.

  As described above, the sensor module 120 according to the second embodiment is also attached to the turret tool post 107 in a manner that does not hinder the rotation of the turret tool post 107, like the sensor module 120 according to the first embodiment.

  Further, when the sensor module 120 is at the cutting position on the workpiece side, the arm 322 rotates to extend the sensor distance. This enables direct measurement of the workpiece diameter.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the sensor module 120 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the configuration of the sensor module 120 of the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the sensor module 120 includes a cam 328 and a slide member 329 in addition to the components such as the arm 322 described above.

  The drive unit 324 has a drive shaft 324a parallel to the rotation axis of the turret tool post 107, that is, in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

  The arm 322 is connected to the drive shaft 324a, and the drive unit 324 can rotate the arm 322 via the drive shaft 324a.

  At this time, the gear box 323 attached to the arm 322 rotates together with the arm 322. Along with this rotation, the gear in the gear box 323 rotates to move the cam 328 in a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction.

  As the cam 328 moves in this manner, the slide member 329 connected to the cam 328 moves in the same direction.

  Note that the slide member 329 can slide only in a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction with respect to the arm 322 and the gear box 323. As a result, the cam 328 connected to the slide member 329 does not rotate with respect to the arm 322 and the gear box 323.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the cam 328.
The cam 328 includes a cam groove 328a in which a protrusion on the inner periphery of the gear in the gear box 323 engages and slides, and a slide member attachment portion 328b that is a portion to which the slide member attachment portion 328b is attached.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an outline of the internal structure of the gear box 323.
As shown in FIG. 25, the gear box 323 includes a gear case 323a, a first gear 323b, a second gear 323c, and a third gear 323d.

  Of these three gears, only the first gear 323 b does not rotate with respect to the base 121. Specifically, it is fixed to the cylindrical portion 121a (see FIG. 24) of the base 121.

  Therefore, when the gear box 323 rotates about the drive shaft 324a, the first gear 323b rotates relative to the gear case 323a.

  Further, a protrusion 323e is provided on the inner periphery of the third gear 323d, and is engaged with a cam groove 328a of a cam 328 inserted into an inner hole of the third gear 323d. The direction of the cam groove 328a is an oblique direction with respect to the rotation surface of the third gear 323d.

  In this structure, when the third gear 323d rotates, the cam 328 that does not rotate with respect to the gear box 323 moves in a direction parallel to the Z axis, that is, in the back direction or the near side in FIG.

  For example, when the drive shaft 324a rotates clockwise as shown in FIG. 26, the gear box 323 rotates in the same direction.

  At this time, the first gear 323b fixed to the base 121 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the gear case 323a.

  The rotational force of the first gear 323b is transmitted to the third gear 323d via the second gear 323c, and the third gear 323d rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the cam 328 moves in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing how the cam 328 moves.
As shown in the figure, the protrusion 323e moves in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis while tracing the cam groove 328a. As a result, the cam 328 moves in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

  For example, when the left direction in FIG. 27 is the back direction in FIG. 26, the third gear 323 d rotates counterclockwise as the gear box 323 rotates clockwise. As a result, the cam 328 moves in the forward direction in FIG. 26 (right direction in FIG. 27).

  Further, when the gear box 323 rotates counterclockwise, the cam 328 moves in the rear direction in FIG. 26 (left direction in FIG. 27).

  As the cam 328 moves, the slide member 329 moves, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are opened and closed by the link mechanism as the third conversion means, and the sensor 124 is turned by the second conversion means. Is converted into a sensing state and a protection state.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are closed.

  As shown in the figure, the first cover piece 225 is rotatably connected by a rear cover 327 and a first pin 225a, and can be rotated using the first pin 225a as a rotation axis.

  Further, the second cover piece 226 is rotatably connected by the rear cover 327 and the second pin 226a, and can be rotated using the second pin 226a as a rotation shaft.

  Each of the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 is connected to the slide member 329 by a third conversion means link.

  When the cam 328 moves in the direction in which the sensor 124 exists from the state shown in the figure, that is, in the right direction in the figure, the slide member 329 also moves in the right direction.

  When the slide member 329 moves in the right direction, the first cover piece 225 is rotated upward in the drawing by the link mechanism. Further, the second cover piece 226 rotates downward. That is, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are rotated so as to open.

  Thus, as the cam 328 moves in the right direction, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 gradually open, and the state shown in FIG. 30 is obtained after the state shown in FIG.

  FIG. 29 is a view showing a state before the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are completely opened, and FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which they are completely opened.

  As shown in FIG. 30, each of the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees, so that these cover pieces do not get in the way when the dimensions of the workpiece are measured by the sensor 124. .

  Even when dust such as chips exists in these cover pieces, the dust can be discharged from the cover pieces to the outside. That is, dust can be prevented from accumulating in these cover pieces.

  Note that the first cover piece 125 and the second cover piece 226 return to the positions shown in FIG. 28 by moving the cam 328 to the left from the state shown in FIG.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a flow of operation of the sensor module 120 when the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are opened.

  The upper part of the figure corresponds to FIG. 28, the middle part of the figure corresponds to FIG. 29, and the lower part of the figure corresponds to FIG.

  The upper part of the figure shows a state where the sensor distance is the shortest. When the arm 322 rotates 90 degrees from this state, the state shown in the middle part of the figure is obtained. Further, when the arm 322 is rotated 90 degrees, the state shown in the lower part of FIG.

  Thus, when the arm 322 is rotated, the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 are gradually opened by the above-described link mechanism.

  Further, as shown in the lower part of the figure, when the sensor distance is extended, the arm 322 stops rotating, the sensor 124 enters the sensing state, and measurement of the dimension of the workpiece 112 is started.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the sensor module in a state where the sensor distance is shortened.
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing the sensor module with the sensor distance extended.

  Since the sensor 124 used in the second embodiment is exactly the same as the sensor 124 used in the first embodiment, the description of the configuration and functions is omitted, and the same components are denoted by the same numbers. I will explain.

  As shown in these drawings, the sensor 124 is attached to the tip of the arm 322 in a fixed state. The sensor 124 is disposed in parallel with the rotation axis of the arm 322. The first engagement flange 153 inserted into the cylindrical cam 328 whose one end is closed engages with an engagement rod 341 attached to the inside of the cam 328. Further, the engagement between the first engagement flange 153 and the engagement rod 341 is in a relationship of engaging the first engagement flange 153 in the direction in which the engagement rod 341 is pulled against the positioning flange biasing means 158. ing.

  As described above, since the first engagement flange 153 and the cam 328 operate in conjunction with each other, the cam 328 approaches the arm 322 when the sensor distance is extended, that is, when sensing by the sensor 124 is necessary. Since the engagement state of the first engagement flange 153 with the engagement rod 341 is released, the release means 146 is fixed at the sensing position by the urging force of the positioning flange urging means 158, and the sensor 124 is in the sensing state. .

  On the other hand, when the sensor distance is shortened, that is, when it is necessary to protect the sensor 124 from vibration or the like, the cam 328 moves away from the arm 322, so the engagement rod 341 pulls the first engagement flange 153 to release it. Is transmitted to means 146. Therefore, the release means 146 is pulled out with respect to the housing 142, and the sensor 124 is in a protected state.

  That is, the rotational force of the arm 322 is converted into a reciprocating driving force of the cam 328 with respect to the arm 322, and the reciprocating driving force of the cam 328 is converted into a contact / separation operation between the connector 149 of the sensor 124 and the terminal 148. These mechanisms function as the second conversion means.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the sensor module 120 and the workpiece 112 when the diameter of the workpiece 112 is measured.

  As shown in the figure, by rotating the arm 322 and extending the sensor distance, not only the position of P1 close to the turret tool post 107 but also the position of P2 far from the turret tool post 107 can be measured. That is, the diameter of the workpiece 112 can be directly measured.

  The movement of the turret tool post 107 when measuring the diameter of the workpiece 112 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  That is, the positions of P1 and P2 are measured by repeating the movement of the turret tool post 107 in the direction parallel to the X axis and the movement in the direction parallel to the Z axis with the sensor distance extended.

  Note that the rotation of the arm 322 and the movement of the turret tool post 107 are controlled by the control unit 141 in the same manner as the expansion and contraction of the column 122 in the first embodiment.

  The turret lathe 100 according to the second embodiment can directly measure the diameter of the workpiece gripped by the spindle 102 by the above-described operation, like the turret lathe 100 according to the first embodiment. Thereby, an accurate value of the diameter can be obtained.

  Further, the sensor module 120 in the second embodiment does not unnecessarily consume the space in the turret lathe 100 and does not hinder the rotation of the turret tool post 107, like the sensor module 120 in the first embodiment. .

  Further, only when necessary, the dimensions of the workpiece can be directly measured by rotating the arm 322 and extending the sensor distance.

  The sensor module 120 can also be developed independently, and can be used for in-machine measurement of workpiece dimensions with various turret lathes by changing the shape or size of the base 121.

  As described above, the turret lathe 100 according to the second embodiment is a machine tool that can accurately measure the diameter of a workpiece and can be miniaturized. In addition, the sensor module 120 of the present embodiment is a sensor module that can bring such an effect to the machine tool.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the drive shaft 324a serving as the rotation axis of the arm 322 of the sensor module 120 is parallel to the rotation axis of the turret tool post 107. However, the drive shaft 324a may face another direction.

  In short, the direction of the drive shaft 324a can be expanded and contracted by rotating the arm 322 so that the rotation of the turret tool post 107 is not hindered and the diameter of the workpiece to be measured can be directly measured. Any direction is acceptable.

  Moreover, you may measure dimensions other than the diameter of a workpiece | work using the sensor module 120. FIG. For example, the inner diameter of the hole, which is the diameter of the hole formed by boring, may be measured.

  Further, a solenoid or an electric motor may be adopted as a drive source in place of the air cylinder as a drive source of the drive unit 324.

  The sensor 124 does not have to be a touch sensor, and may be a sensor that optically measures the shape and position of a workpiece. Furthermore, it may be a sensor that measures physical property values such as temperature other than dimensions.

  Also, in a machine tool other than the turret lathe, the dimensions of the workpiece can be measured using the sensor module of the second embodiment.

  The turret lathe as an example of the machine tool of the present invention has been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention, what made the various deformation | transformation which those skilled in the art conceivable to this Embodiment is also contained in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, the drive mechanism can be realized by an oil cylinder, an electromagnetic solenoid, or an electric motor instead of the air cylinder.

  The elastic body that biases the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 in the closing direction is not limited to the spring 236. For example, it may be a torsion spring that spans between the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 and the base 121.

  Moreover, you may arrange | position the support shaft of the 1st cover piece 225 and the 2nd cover piece 226 non-parallel which narrows toward the front side of a turret. If it does so, since the front-end | tip part by the side of the sensor 124 of each of the 1st cover piece 225 and the 2nd cover piece 226 will move to the front side of a turret, it can move away from the workpiece | work 112 further. This is advantageous in avoiding interference between the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226 and the large workpiece 112.

  In addition to a turret lathe, a machine tool including a turret as a rotary tool selection mechanism may include a machining center.

  According to the turret lathe as an example of the machine tool of the present invention, the support column 122 and the sensor 124 are covered with the first cover piece 225 and the second cover piece 226, and at least the sensor 124 is covered so that chips and coolant are covered. As a result, the sensor 124 can be extended in its service life, and the following features can be obtained which are useful for downsizing the turret lathe.

  In other words, the telescopic mechanism, the sensor, and the cover are provided on the tool mounting surface of the turret. Unlike the conventional configuration in which the arm for mounting the sensor is provided separately from the turret tool post, the space in the machine is wasted. It will not be occupied. Moreover, it is difficult to interfere with the attachment / detachment of the blade to / from another tool attachment surface.

  Furthermore, the structure above the base 121 can be designed independently of the turret 103 as a sensor module attached to the tool mounting surface, and the turret 103 does not add a complicated mechanism such as a conventional arm. . Therefore, rational design and development of the turret lathe is possible, and it is useful for improving the reliability of the turret lathe.

  The machine tool of the present invention can be widely used as a machine tool having a turret as a tool selection mechanism such as a turret lathe or a machining center.

  The sensor module of the present invention can be widely used as a workpiece dimension measuring mechanism in a machine tool having a turret as a tool selection mechanism.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the turret lathe concerning this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the state which the sensor module shrunk. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the state which the sensor module extended. It is a block diagram which shows the main function structures of a turret lathe. It is a front view which shows a main axis | shaft and a turret. It is a front view which shows the state which the sensor module extended. It is a figure explaining the flow of operation which measures the work diameter of a turret lathe. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a sensor. It is sectional drawing which shows the inside of a sensor typically. It is a perspective view which notches some sensors and shows an inside. It is a top view which shows the connection state of a terminal. It is a side view which shows the state of a terminal and a connector. It is a figure which contrasts and shows the sensing state of a sensor, and a protection state. It is a perspective view which cuts off a part of housing and shows the sensor of a protection state. It is a side view which shows the sensor module of an expansion | extension state. It is a side view which shows the sensor module of a degenerated state. It is a perspective view which shows the sensor module attached to the turret tool post. It is a perspective view showing a sensor module in the state where a cover was closed. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the open / close state of a cover simultaneously. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sensor module in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sensor module in the state which the arm rotated 90 degree | times. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sensor module in the state which the arm rotated 90 degree | times further. It is an enlarged front view which shows the external appearance of the state which the sensor module shortened sensor distance. It is a top view which shows the structure of a sensor module. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a cam. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the internal structure of a gear box. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that a cam moves. It is a figure which shows the state which the 1st cover piece and the 2nd cover piece closed. It is a figure which shows the state before a 1st cover piece and a 2nd cover piece open completely. It is a figure which shows the state which the 1st cover piece and the 2nd cover piece opened completely. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of a sensor module at the time of a 1st cover piece and a 2nd cover piece opening. It is sectional drawing which shows the sensor of a protection state. It is sectional drawing which shows the sensor of a sensing state It is a figure which shows an example of the positional relationship of a sensor module and a workpiece | work at the time of measuring the diameter of a workpiece | work. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the principal part of a general turret lathe. It is a front view which shows the positional relationship of the turret tool post and main spindle in a general turret lathe. It is a figure which shows the maximum turning radius and movable range of a turret tool post in a general turret lathe. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the conventional turret tool post provided with the mechanism for measuring the diameter of a workpiece | work.

Explanation of symbols

32 Detector (Conventional)
100 Turret lathe 102 Spindle 103 Turret 104 Bed 105 Spindle base 106 Chuck 107 Turret tool post 108 Index mechanism 109 Turret slide 110 Tool mounting surface 111 Tool 111a Tool station 112 Work 120 Sensor module 121 Base 122 Column 122a Column leg 122b Column head Portion 123 Air cylinder 124 Sensor 132 Connection member 140 Mechanism portion 141 Control portion 142 Housing 144 Probe 146 Release means 147 Positioning flange 148 Terminals 148a and 148b Electrode 149 Connector 150 Substrate 151 Second engagement flange 152 Probe biasing means 153 First Engagement flange 154 Engagement claw 158 Positioning flange biasing means 160 Holding member 162 Holding hole 181 Lever member 182 Cam member 22 0 cover 225 first cover piece 226 second cover piece 233 first arm 234 second arm 235 bracket 239 support shaft 241 first joint 242 second joint 322 arm 323 gear box 323a gear case 323b gear 323c gear 323d gear 323e protrusion 324 Drive portion 324a Drive shaft 327 Cover 328 Cam 328a Groove 328b Member mounting portion 329 Member 341 Engagement rod

Claims (7)

A machine tool for machining a workpiece gripped by a spindle,
A turret tool post having a plurality of tool mounting surfaces;
A sensor for detecting contact between the workpiece and the probe by electrically detecting a separation between a connector provided at a base end of a rod-shaped probe and a terminal provided on a housing accommodating the base end;
A distance expansion / contraction mechanism that holds the sensor, is attached to the tool attachment surface, and extends / contracts a sensor distance that is a radial distance of the turret tool post between the tool attachment surface and the sensor;
The radial length of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism is such that, when the sensor distance is shortened, the distance expansion / contraction mechanism and the sensor interfere with other components of the machine tool when the turret tool post rotates. Not length,
The sensor is a machine tool including release means capable of releasing a connection state between the connector and the terminal in a state where the sensor distance is shortened by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism. further,
The machine tool according to claim 1, further comprising a cover that covers the sensor in a state where the sensor distance is shortened by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism and opens the sensor when the sensor distance is extended by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism. further,
A drive mechanism;
First conversion means for converting the driving force of the driving mechanism into expansion / contraction of a sensor distance by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism;
The machine tool according to claim 1, further comprising: a second conversion unit that converts a driving force of the driving mechanism into a contact / separation operation between the connector and the terminal of the sensor. further,
A drive mechanism;
First conversion means for converting the driving force of the driving mechanism into expansion / contraction of a sensor distance by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism;
Second conversion means for converting the driving force of the drive mechanism into the separation / contact operation of the connector and the terminal of the sensor;
The machine tool according to claim 2, further comprising third conversion means for converting a driving force of the drive mechanism into an opening / closing operation of the cover. A base attached to the tool mounting surface;
A movable portion having the sensor at the tip, rotatably attached to the base, and capable of changing the sensor distance;
A rotation drive mechanism for rotating the movable part in a plane perpendicular to the tool mounting surface;
A conversion mechanism that converts a rotational motion of the movable portion relative to the base into a translational motion of the rotational motion in a rotational axis direction;
The machine tool according to claim 1, further comprising a link mechanism that opens and closes the cover by the translational motion. The distance expansion / contraction mechanism is
A base attached to the tool mounting surface;
A movable portion having the sensor at the tip, attached to the base so as to be directly movable, and capable of changing the sensor distance;
The machine tool further includes:
A first link mechanism in which the movable portion and one end portion are rotatably connected, the base and the other end portion are rotatably connected, and a first link mechanism having a rotatable first joint in an intermediate portion;
A second link mechanism in which the movable portion and one end portion are rotatably connected, the base and the other end portion are rotatably connected, and a second link mechanism having a rotatable second joint in an intermediate portion;
The machine tool according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic body that biases the first joint and the second joint toward each other. A sensor module provided in a machine tool for machining a work gripped on a spindle by a tool attached to a turret tool post having a plurality of tool attachment surfaces,
The distance expansion and contraction detecting the contact between the workpiece and the probe by electrically detecting the separation between the connector provided at the base end of the rod-shaped probe and the terminal provided on the housing accommodating the base end. A sensor attached to the tip of the mechanism;
A distance expansion / contraction mechanism attached to the tool attachment surface and extending / contracting the sensor distance;
The radial length of the distance expansion / contraction mechanism is such that, when the sensor distance is shortened, the distance expansion / contraction mechanism and the sensor interfere with other components of the machine tool when the turret tool post rotates. Not length,
The sensor module in which the connection state between the connector and the terminal is released when the sensor distance is shortened by the distance expansion / contraction mechanism.

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