JP2024008254A - Machine tool apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a machine tool apparatus that reduces molding cost by automating the supply of materials in molding and prevents adhesion of materials.

SOLUTION: A machine tool apparatus is for molding by injecting materials into a three-dimensional space composed of mutually orthogonal x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, and is provided with an injection nozzle for ejecting materials in the z-axis direction from an injection port, a moving device for moving the injection nozzle in the three-dimensional space, a storage part for storing materials to be injected from the injection nozzle by being moved together with the injection nozzle by the moving device, a transfer part for transferring the materials stored in the storage part to the injection nozzle by being moved together with the injection nozzle by the moving device, and a discharge device for discharging static electricity charged to the materials by discharging ions to the materials stored in the storage part.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a machine tool device.

Conventionally, 3D is a method in which materials are layered layer by layer to form a modeled object (workpiece) based on 3D data created using 3D (Three-Dimensional)-CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or 3DCG (computer graphics). Printers are known. Various modeling methods are used for 3D printers. For example, there is a 3D printer using FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), which forms a workpiece by layering materials melted by heat. FDM type 3D printers have a main shaft that moves a discharge part that discharges materials such as molten resin in three dimensions (or two dimensions), and a control unit that controls the main shaft moves the main shaft in three dimensions. Shape the workpiece.

Furthermore, there is a device in which a discharge section of a 3D printer is attached to the main shaft of a machining center (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-207744

However, the amount of materials required for printing differs depending on the object to be printed, so depending on the object, it may be necessary to manually replenish the material during the printing process. There were cases where costs increased.

Further, when replenishing materials, static electricity is generated due to friction between the materials, and the charged materials may adhere to the parts where the materials are stored.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a machine tool device that can reduce modeling costs by automating the supply of materials during modeling and can prevent material from adhering. Have one purpose.

In order to solve the above problems, the machine tool device of the embodiment is a machine tool device that injects material into a three-dimensional space composed of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. An injection nozzle that injects material from an outlet in the z-axis direction, a movement device that moves the injection nozzle in three-dimensional space, and a storage section that is moved together with the injection nozzle by the movement device and stores the material that is injected from the injection nozzle. a transfer section that is moved together with the injection nozzle by a moving device to transfer the material stored in the storage section to the injection nozzle; and a transfer section that releases ions to the material stored in the storage section to remove static electricity charged on the material. A static eliminator that eliminates static electricity is provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the machine tool device injects the material from the injection nozzle in the z-axis direction, moves the injection nozzle in three-dimensional space, and moves the material with the injection nozzle so that the material is injected from the injection nozzle. The material used in printing is stored and moved with the injection nozzle, and the stored material is transferred to the injection nozzle, and ions are emitted to the stored material to eliminate static electricity charged on the material. By automating the supply of materials, it is possible to reduce molding costs and prevent material from adhering.

It is a figure showing an example of the appearance of the machine tool device in an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing (A) an example of when a tool is attached to the spindle, and (B) an example of when a modeling device is attached to the spindle, in the embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the static elimination method of the material in an embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of the machine tool apparatus in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect of static elimination by the static eliminator in embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a machine tool device 1 in an embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of polarity selection operation in an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of workpiece production in an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of static elimination operation in an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows another example of static elimination operation in an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A machine tool apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components in each figure may be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a machine tool device in an embodiment. In FIG. 1, the machine tool device 1 includes a main spindle 11, a clamp mechanism 111, a material supply section 112, a tool storage area 12, a modeling device storage area 13, a production area 14, a tool shutter 15, a modeling device shutter 16, and a moving device 4. have.

In this embodiment, the machine tool device 1 is a device that injects material into a three-dimensional space constituted by mutually orthogonal x, y, and z axes, and is, for example, a 3D printer. In FIG. 1, the x-axis is the horizontal direction on the drawing, the y-axis is a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing (not shown), and the z-axis is the vertical direction on the drawing. That is, FIG. 1 is a plan view on the xz plane. Details of the modeling method will be described later.

The moving device 4 includes a drive section 41, an x-axis slide section 42x, a y-axis slide section 42y, and a z-axis slide section 42z. The x-axis slide section 42x, the y-axis slide section 42y, and the z-axis slide section 42z (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the x-axis slide section 42, etc.) are arranged along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis (hereinafter, x-axis It is a device that linearly slides (slides) a driven object such as the main shaft 11 by driving in the drive unit 41 in the drive unit 41, and is, for example, a slide guide or a ball spline. The drive unit 41 is a device that drives a drive target that is slid by the x-axis slide unit 42 or the like. The drive unit 41 is composed of, for example, a ball screw, a ball nut, a motor, etc., and positions the moving object by linearly moving the moving object fixed to the housing of the ball nut by rotation of the ball screw.

The machine tool device 1 has a main shaft 11 . The main shaft 11 has a clamp mechanism 111 and a material supply section 112.

The clamp mechanism 111 has a clamping function for automatically exchanging tools. Clamp means to grasp or pinch. The clamp function is, for example, a function (device structure) used for automatic tool changer (ATC) used in machine tools such as machining centers. The clamp mechanism 111 automatically replaces (attaches and detaches) tools to the spindle 11 by clamping or unclamping a tool used for machining from among a plurality of tools. The shape of the clamp mechanism 111 is determined by, for example, the MAS standard (Japan Machine Tool Builders Association standard), DIN standard (German industrial standard), or ANS standard (American National Standards Association standard) as an industrial standard for taper shanks for ATC. It is being The clamping mechanism 111 can perform clamping using, for example, an HSK type (ISO12164-1:2001 or ISO12164-3:2008, ISO: International Organization for Standardization) that restrains two surfaces of the tool 2.

Although FIG. 1 shows the tool 2 being clamped by the clamp mechanism 111, a modeling device can be clamped to the clamp mechanism 111 instead of the tool 2. The material supply unit 112 supplies a modeling material used in the modeling device when the modeling device is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Details of the modeling device and material supply section 112 will be described later.

The tool storage area 12 is an area for storing the tools 2 clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Clamping of the tool 2 takes place in the tool storage area 12. The tool storage area 12 is an area for mounting tools to be clamped by the clamp mechanism 111, that is, an area where ATC is performed. The tool storage area 12 includes an ATC mechanism (not shown) for automatically changing tools (ATC). The tool 2 stored in the tool storage area 12 is moved to a position where the clamp mechanism 111 can clamp the tool 2 by, for example, an ATC mechanism, and is attached to the main shaft 11.

The modeling device storage area 13 is an area for storing a modeling device (described later) that is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Clamping of the modeling device is performed in the modeling device storage area 13. That is, the modeling device storage area 13 is an area for mounting a modeling device that is clamped by the clamp mechanism. The modeling device is placed at a predetermined position in the modeling device storage area 13. The clamp mechanism 111 is attached via the main shaft 11 to the moving device 4 for moving the main shaft 11 of the machine tool device 1 in three dimensions or the like. The modeling device can be clamped by moving the clamping mechanism 111 attached to the main shaft 11 by the moving device 4 to a position where the modeling device can be clamped. The modeling device storage area 13 includes a holding mechanism (not shown) for holding the modeling device. The modeling device stored in the modeling device storage area 13 is moved to a position where the clamping mechanism 111 can be clamped by, for example, a holding mechanism, and is attached to the main shaft 11.

The manufacturing area 14 is a space in which a workpiece is manufactured by processing using a tool or by modeling using a modeling device. The main shaft 11 has a rotation mechanism (not shown) therein for rotating a tool in the production area 14 or for discharging material from a modeling device. The start and stop of rotation of the rotation mechanism or the rotation speed of the rotation mechanism are controlled by a control section described later. The main shaft 11 in this embodiment includes a casing having a rotation mechanism therein. Note that the rotation of the rotation mechanism inside the main shaft 11 may be abbreviated as rotation of the main shaft 11 in some cases.

In the production area 14, a table (not shown) on which a work is placed (setting) can be placed. The table may have a workpiece movement function for rotating or moving the workpiece. The movement of the workpiece in the workpiece movement function may be controlled independently of the main shaft 11.

The tool shutter 15 is a shutter that blocks off the tool storage area 12 and the production area 14. Further, the modeling device shutter 16 is a shutter that blocks the modeling device storage area 13 and the production area 14 from each other. The tool shutter 15 and the modeling device shutter 16 have an opening/closing mechanism, and the opening/closing mechanism is controlled to open and close in accordance with attachment/detachment of the tool 2 in the tool storage area 12 and attachment/detachment of the modeling device in the modeling device storage area 13 .

For example, when the tool 2 is mounted, the tool shutter 15 in the tool storage area 12 is opened, the main shaft 11 moves the clamp mechanism 111 to the clamping position of the tool 2, and the clamp mechanism 111 clamps the tool 2. The clamped tool 2 can process a workpiece (not shown) in the production area 14.

Further, when the modeling device is attached, the modeling device shutter 16 of the modeling device storage area 13 is opened, the main shaft 11 moves the clamp mechanism 111 to the clamping position of the modeling device, and the clamp mechanism 111 clamps the modeling device. The clamped modeling device can model a workpiece (not shown) in the production area 14.

Note that if the printing device described below is a printer head that performs FDM printing, the printing device can become a heat source because the material is melted by applying temperature or pressure to the solid material. . On the other hand, machining accuracy of mechanical parts such as the main shaft 11 of the machine tool device 1 or the workpiece may decrease due to thermal expansion due to temperature changes. The modeling device shutter 16 can prevent heat from being transferred to the production area by thermally shielding the production area from the modeling device that serves as a heat source. Further, the tool shutter 15 and the modeling device shutter 16 can prevent contamination within the manufacturing area 14 due to cutting dust and the like.

Next, using FIG. 2, mounting of a tool or a modeling device on the spindle will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing (A) an example of when a tool is attached to the spindle 11 and (B) an example of when a modeling device is attached to the spindle 11 in the embodiment. 2(A) and 2(B) mainly show details of the main spindle 11 of the machine tool device 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. Here, FIG. 2(A) shows how the tool 2 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Moreover, FIG. 2(B) shows a state in which the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111.

In FIG. 2(A), the main shaft 11 has a clamp mechanism 111, a material supply section 112, and a power supply section 113A.

Since the clamp mechanism 111 is attached to the lower end of the main shaft 11, it moves together with the main shaft 11. That is, the tool 2 (or the modeling device 3) attached to the clamp mechanism 111 is moved three-dimensionally by the moving device 4. Further, the main shaft 11 causes a rotation mechanism (not shown) to rotate the tool 2 clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. The movement and rotation of the main shaft 11 (rotation of the clamped tool 2) is controlled by a control program executed by a control section, which will be described later. The control program includes, for example, a control command for moving the spindle 11 in three dimensions, a control command for instructing to start or stop rotation of the spindle 11, a control command for specifying the rotation speed of the spindle 11, etc. is included. For example, a numerical control (NC) program is used as the control program.

Since the material supply section 112 and the power supply section 113A are attached to the main shaft 11, they move together with the main shaft 11. The material supply unit 112 is a supply mechanism for supplying modeling material when the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Therefore, when the modeling device 3 is not clamped, no material is supplied from the material supply section 112. The power supply unit 113A supplies power to the modeling device 3 when the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Note that details of the material supply section 112 and the power supply section 113A will be explained with reference to FIG. 2(B).

In FIG. 2(B), a clamp mechanism 111 attached to the lower end of the main shaft 11 clamps the modeling device 3. The tool 2 and the modeling device 3 can be automatically exchanged by the clamp mechanism 111. By automatically exchanging the tool 2 and the modeling device 3, it becomes possible to continuously perform material processing and modeling in the same production area. For this reason, compared to the case where machining and modeling are performed using separate machines, it is possible to reduce equipment costs, reduce man-hours associated with workpiece setting, improve equipment utilization rate, and reduce costs by sharing programs used for machining. It becomes possible to measure the reduction, etc.

The modeling apparatus 3 includes a power receiving section 113B, a discharge nozzle 31, a storage section 32, an inclined section 321, a heating section 322, a heat retaining section 33, a melting section 34, a transfer section 35, and a static eliminator 36.

The modeling device 3 is, for example, a head portion of an FDM printer that melts supplied material and discharges the melted material from a discharge nozzle 31. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a case will be explained where the material modeling method is the FDM method, but the modeling device 3 uses a stereolithography method in which the discharged liquid material is cured with ultraviolet rays or the like, and a material modeling method in which powder and binder are discharged. Other methods used in 3D printers, such as a solidifying powder fixing method, may also be used.

The discharge nozzle 31 injects molten material for modeling a workpiece. The storage section 32 stores the material supplied from the material supply section 112. The heating unit 322 heats and melts the material stored in the storage unit 32 . The inclined part 321 collects the material melted by the heating part 322 by gravity and supplies it to the inside of the heat retaining part 33 . The heat retaining section 33 retains the temperature of the molten material. The melting section 34 reheats or adjusts the temperature of the melted material. The transfer unit 35 transfers the molten material stored in the heat retention unit 33 and discharges it from the discharge nozzle 31 .

The material supply section 112 faces the storage section 32 and supplies material to the storage section 32 when the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111 . By arranging the material supply section 112 and the storage section 32 to face each other when the modeling device 3 is clamped, it becomes possible to continuously and automatically supply material to the modeling device 3. This makes it possible to improve the operating rate of the machine tool device 1, for example, compared to the case where the material is manually supplied each time the material runs out.

The material supply section 112 has a hollow structure, and supplies the material to the storage section 32 by moving the material through the hollow structure (for example, a flexible hose, etc.). The material supply section 112 may utilize compressed air or a transfer pump, for example, when supplying the material to the storage section 32 . The material can be supplied using compressed air, for example, by moving the material inside the material supply section 112 using the pressure of the compressed air. In addition, the material can be supplied by the transfer pump by, for example, moving the material inside the material supply section 112 by a rotary displacement uniaxial eccentric screw pump.

The supply of the material may be controlled, for example, so that the amount of material stored in the storage section 32 is maintained at a constant amount. For example, a sensor (not shown) attached to the storage section 32 may detect that the amount of stored material has decreased, and the material may be automatically supplied. By automatically keeping the stored material at a constant amount, the material supply can be automated.

A heating section 322 is attached to the inclined section 321 and heats the material stored in the storage section 32 . The heating unit 322 includes a diagonally upward heater (indicated by a broken line in the figure) inside the storage unit 32 . This increases the area of contact between the heater and the material, making it easier to melt the material. The heating unit 322 may heat (pre-heat) the material to around the melting temperature at which the material melts. Once the temperature of a material with a large heat capacity increases, it becomes difficult to lower the temperature, making it difficult to control the temperature by lowering the temperature. By pre-heating the material in the heating section 322, temperature control in the melting section 34 can be easily controlled and the heating load on the melting section 34 can be reduced, making it possible to downsize the melting section 34. Alternatively, heating of the material in the melting section 34 may be omitted by the heating section 322 heating the material to a temperature necessary for discharging.

The power receiving unit 113B faces the power feeding unit 113A and receives power supplied from the power feeding unit 113A when the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. A combination of the power feeding section 113A and the power receiving section 113B forms a power feeding mechanism 113. The power supplied by the power supply mechanism 113 is utilized by the heating section 322 or the melting section 34. Note that the power feeding unit 113A that faces the power receiving unit 113B and supplies power may be referred to as a power feeding mechanism. For example, even when the modeling device 3 is not clamped by the clamp mechanism 111, the machine tool device 1 is provided with a power supply mechanism (power supply section 113A).

The power supply mechanism 113 supplies power when the contact point of the power supply section 113A and the contact point of the power reception section 113B come into contact when the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Thereby, power can be supplied to the modeling device 3 clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. For the power supply mechanism 113, a connector mechanism with contacts can be used. By using a connector mechanism with contacts, the structure becomes simple and it becomes possible to supply power at low cost. Note that by plating the contacts with gold, for example, it is possible to stabilize the electrical resistance due to contact between the contacts.

The power feeding mechanism 113 also provides a non-contact (wireless) power feeding system in which the power feeding unit of the power feeding unit 113A and the power receiving unit of the power receiving unit 113B come close to each other when the modeling apparatus 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. ) may use a power feeding method. For example, the power feeding unit of the power feeding unit 113A is provided with a power feeding coil, and the power receiving unit of the power receiving unit 113B is provided with a power receiving coil, and power is fed by receiving electromagnetic waves generated from the power feeding coil with the power receiving coil. . By using a non-contact power feeding method in the power feeding mechanism 113, it is possible to prevent problems in power feeding due to poor contact between the contacts.

Moreover, the power supply to the modeling device 3 may use a power generation device (not shown) provided in the modeling device 3. The power generation device may be, for example, a power generator whose rotor is rotated by rotating the main shaft 11. For example, the generator may have a rotor that rotates together with the rotation of a conveyance mechanism that discharges the material. Further, the generator may be one in which the rotor rotates by switching between rotation of a conveyance mechanism that discharges the material and transmission of rotational force. By using the power generation device provided in the modeling device 3 to supply power to the modeling device 3, it becomes possible to omit the power feeding mechanism in the main shaft 11. The power supply mechanism 113 connects the rotation mechanism of the power supply unit 113A and the rotation mechanism of the power reception unit 113B such that rotational force can be transmitted when the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111. Electric power may be generated by rotating a rotor of a generator included inside the generator. For example, by rotating the rotation mechanism of the power supply unit 113A using a control command, the rotation mechanism of the power reception unit 113B may be rotated to rotate the rotor of the generator. By generating power using a generator provided inside the power receiving section 113B, it is possible to omit electrical connection between the power feeding section 113A and the power receiving section 113B.

The heat retaining section 33 retains the temperature of the material supplied from the inclined section 321. The heat retaining unit 33 has a heat insulating layer like a thermos flask, for example, and prevents the temperature of the material from being transmitted to the outside of the modeling apparatus 3. By keeping the material warm by the heat retaining section 33, for example, when the material is melted in the heating section 322, the temperature of the material can be maintained, and changes in viscosity due to changes in the temperature of the material can be reduced.

The transfer unit 35 transfers and pressurizes the molten material stored in the heat retention unit 33 and discharges it from the discharge nozzle 31 . The transfer unit 35 has, for example, a screw inside, and transfers the material by rotating the screw. Rotation of the main shaft 11 can be used to rotate the screw. That is, by making the screw of the transfer section 35 rotate instead of the tool 2 when the modeling device 3 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111, it is possible to control the rotation of the screw by controlling the rotation of the main shaft 11. becomes. For example, the machine tool device 1 can control the rotation of the screw based on a control command for instructing the rotation of the tool 2 to start or stop. This allows the start or stop of material injection to be controlled with the same control command. For example, an M code of an NC program can be used as the control command. The M code is a control command that defines auxiliary functions for machining in an NC program. The M code is defined, for example, in the JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) standard. For example, "M03" is a command for normal rotation of the tool (spindle), and "M05" is a command for stopping rotation of the tool. It is possible to control the material injection to be started by the command "M03" and to be stopped by the command "M05". By rotating the screw of the transfer unit 35 with the rotation of the main shaft 11, it becomes possible to control the start or stop of material injection without adding a new command to control the modeling device 3, reducing the number of manufacturing steps. becomes possible.

Furthermore, the machine tool device 1 controls the amount of material injection by controlling the rotation speed of the transport mechanism of the modeling device 3 based on a control command for specifying the rotation speed of the tool. The control command for specifying the rotational speed of the tool can be implemented, for example, in the S code of the NC program. The S code is a control command that sets the rotation speed of the tool. For example, "S2000" is a command to rotate the tool at 2,000 rpm. The S code is used in conjunction with the M code mentioned above. By controlling the rotation speed of the transport mechanism in the S code, it becomes possible to control the amount of material injection without adding a new command to control the modeling device 3, and it becomes possible to reduce the number of manufacturing steps. .

<Generation of static electricity>
In this embodiment, the material is supplied from the material supply section 112 to the storage section 32 . When the materials are supplied to the storage section 32, the materials may become electrically charged due to friction between the materials or friction between the materials and the material supply section 112. For example, when a person supplies materials by hand, the material can be supplied slowly and carefully to avoid friction between the materials. However, when the material is supplied from the material supply section 112 as in this embodiment, it may be difficult to adjust the input speed of the material. For example, when transferring a material using compressed air, if the pressure or amount of compressed air is lowered, the material will not be transferred and will become clogged inside the material supply section 112 or the like. For this reason, when the pressure or amount of compressed air is increased, the input speed of materials stored in the storage section 32 may become faster. Furthermore, when the material is dropped from the material supply section 112 to the storage section 32 by gravity, the falling speed of the material may not be controlled. Therefore, it may be difficult to prevent the material from being charged itself.

<Adhesion of materials due to static electricity>
When the material is electrically charged, the charged material may adhere to the inner wall of the storage section 32 due to static electricity when the material is stored in the storage section 32. The attached material may be melted by the heat from the heating section 322 and become fixed to the storage section 32, for example. When cleaning the adhered material, the operating rate of the machine tool device 1 may be reduced due to the time required for cleaning.

<Static electricity removal>
The static eliminator 36 releases ions to the material stored in the storage section 32 to eliminate static electricity charged on the material. The static eliminator 36 can be operated by power supplied by the power supply mechanism 113. Details of the static eliminator 36 will be explained in FIG. 3 (in FIG. 3, they are described as a static eliminator 36A and a static eliminator 36B).

Next, a method for eliminating static electricity using a static eliminator will be described using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for removing static electricity from a material in the embodiment.

In FIG. 3, the machine tool device 1 includes a storage section 32, an inclined section 321, a heating section 322, a static eliminator 36A, a high voltage cable 361A, a static eliminator 36B, and a high voltage cable 361B. Note that in FIG. 3, explanations of the inclined portion 321 and the heating portion 322 are omitted.

The static eliminator 36A applies a high voltage to the high voltage cable 361A to generate ions. Further, the static eliminator 36B applies a high voltage to the high voltage cable 361B to generate ions. The static eliminator 36A and the static eliminator 36B are AC type static eliminators that simultaneously generate positive ions and negative ions, or DC type static eliminators that generate either positive ions or negative ions.

<Implementation using AC type static eliminator>
The AC type static eliminator has a static neutralizing effect on both positively charged materials and negatively charged materials. Therefore, it can be used regardless of the charging characteristics of the material. In FIG. 3, a case is illustrated in which two static eliminators 36A and 36B are used, but when an AC type static eliminator is used, the present invention can be implemented even with one static eliminator. Furthermore, if it is desired to increase the static elimination capability by expanding the static elimination range, three or more static eliminators may be used. Further, the number of static eliminators operated at one time may be adjusted depending on the charged state of the material. For example, the number of operating static eliminators may be automatically selected based on a preset material type, material input amount (input speed), or the like. Furthermore, the voltage applied to the static eliminator may be automatically selected based on a preset material type, material input amount, or the like. Further, the waveform of the applied voltage is arbitrary, and may be a sine wave or a pulse wave.

<Implementation using DC type static eliminator>
A DC type static eliminator has a static neutralizing effect on either a positively charged material or a negatively charged material. For example, a static eliminator that generates negative ions is effective for positively charged materials. Furthermore, for negatively charged materials, a static eliminator that generates positive ions is effective. The charging characteristics of whether the material is positively charged or negatively charged may be stored in advance in the charging characteristics storage section, and the polarity of the ions generated by the static eliminator may be automatically selected in the polarity selection section. The charging characteristic storage section and the polarity selection section can be configured in a control section which will be described later. For example, if the static eliminator 36A is a static eliminator that generates positive ions and the static eliminator 36B is a static eliminator that generates negative ions, the polarity selection section selects which static eliminator (static eliminator 36A or static eliminator 36B) depending on the type of material. automatically selects which one to drive. Further, when the static eliminator 36A and the static eliminator 36B can change the polarity of the high voltage applied, the polarity selection section automatically selects which polarity to apply depending on the type of material. Further, the polarity selection unit may automatically select the voltage applied to the static eliminator based on the type of material, the amount of material input, etc. set in advance.

The high voltage cable 361A and the high voltage cable 361B are arranged inside the storage section 32 and are arranged in the illustrated z-axis direction (downward). As a result, the material charged in the storage section 32 and moving (or falling) in the z-axis direction can approach the high-voltage cables 361A and 361B for a long time, making it possible to improve the static elimination effect. Note that the shapes of the high voltage cable 361A and the high voltage cable 361B are not limited to those shown. The high voltage cable may have a shape that is arranged linearly in the z-axis direction within the storage section 32, or a shape that is arranged in a coil shape within the storage section 32, for example. Furthermore, the high-voltage cable 361A and the high-voltage cable 361B may have a shape in which the cable is a trunk and a plurality of protrusions extend like branches from the trunk. Further, instead of arranging the high voltage cable inside the storage section 32, the static eliminator 36A and the static eliminator 36B may blow ions generated by the high voltage cable into the storage section 32 with air. By performing the air blow in the z-axis direction, it is possible to obtain the same effect as arranging the step-down cable in the z-axis direction in the storage section 32.

Further, the static eliminator 36A and the static eliminator 36B may be switched between continuous operation and intermittent operation. Continuous operation refers to operation regardless of the operating state of the machine tool device 1. In continuous operation, static electricity is continuously removed while the machine tool device 1 is powered on. On the other hand, in intermittent operation, the static elimination operation is changed depending on the operating state of the machine tool device 1. Materials become electrostatically charged when they experience friction, and friction occurs when the materials move.

<Static charge removal according to material transfer>
The static eliminator 36A (the static eliminator 36B operates similarly, so only the static eliminator 36A will be described below) emits ions in response to the transfer of material from the transfer section 35. When the material is transferred by the transfer section 35 (the material is discharged from the discharge nozzle 31), the material stored in the storage section 32 moves in the z-axis direction. Static electricity generated in the material may be eliminated in a few seconds by ions emitted from the static eliminator 36A. The static eliminator 36A emits ions in response to the transfer of the material from the transfer unit 35, thereby preventing wasteful release of ions and saving power.

<Static charge removal according to material supply>
The static eliminator 36A emits ions in response to the supply of material from the material supply unit 112. When the material is supplied from the material supply section 112, friction with the material stored in the storage section 32 occurs, and static electricity is generated. The static eliminator 36A can save power by preventing wasteful release of ions by emitting ions in response to the supply of material from the material supply unit 112.

Next, another example of the machine tool device 1 will be described using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the machine tool device in the embodiment.

In FIG. 4, the machine tool device 1 includes a material supply section 112, a storage section 32, an inclined section 321, a heating section 322, a static eliminator 36A, a high voltage cable 361A, a static eliminator 36B, and a high voltage cable 361B.

The storage section 32 has a viewing window so that the inside of the storage section 32 can be checked from the outside. Since the storage section 32 in FIG. 4 is longer in the z-axis direction than the storage section 32 in FIG. 3, the distance that the material falls in the storage section 32 becomes longer, and the material becomes more likely to be charged due to friction between the materials. Since the machine tool device 1 includes the static eliminator 36A (and the static eliminator 36B), it is possible to eliminate static electricity from the material generated in the storage section 32, thereby making it possible to increase the amount of material stored.

Next, the effect of static elimination by the static eliminator will be explained using FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect of static elimination by the static eliminator in the embodiment.

In the graph of FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time (seconds) from the start of static elimination using the static eliminator 36A and the static eliminator 36B, and the vertical axis represents the electrostatic voltage (V) of the material in the storage section 32. In this embodiment, the static eliminator 36A and the static eliminator 36B are AC type static eliminators using a pulse waveform. The material used was a cylindrical pellet with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 10 mm.

Before neutralization, the material is charged at about 8 KV. The charging voltage decreases to approximately half, 4 KV, one second after the start of static elimination, and decreases to approximately one quarter, approximately 2 KV, two seconds later. That is, it was confirmed that the static electricity of the material put into the storage section 32 was almost completely eliminated during the few seconds that the material was stored. Even if static electricity was removed for a long time (for example, 10 seconds or more) after the materials were added, there was no significant change in the charging voltage. As a result, it was found that it is effective to operate the static eliminator 36A and the static eliminator 36B for several seconds (for example, 6 seconds) after charging the material. Note that although there were some differences in charging voltage and static elimination time depending on the type of material and the amount added, the static elimination effect was almost the same.

Next, the structure of the machine tool device 1 will be explained using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the machine tool device 1 in the embodiment.

In FIG. 6, the machine tool device 1 includes a control section 10, a main spindle 11, a clamp mechanism 111, a tool storage area 12, a modeling device storage area 13, a production area 14, a tool shutter 15, and a modeling device shutter 16.

The control section 10 includes an input section 101, a charging characteristic storage section 102, and a polarity selection section 103. The input unit 101 is, for example, a switch, a numeric keypad, or an interface for inputting a program. The charging characteristic storage unit 102 stores charging characteristics of materials. The charging characteristics are information on how the material is charged, such as information on whether it is positively charged or negatively charged, or information on charging voltage. The polarity selection unit 103 automatically selects the polarity, applied voltage, voltage waveform, etc. of the ions supplied from the static eliminator 36A based on the charging characteristic information stored in the charging characteristic storage unit 102.

The control unit 10 is, for example, a computer that controls the machine tool device 1, and controls the above-mentioned NC program. The control unit 10 controls the clamping operation by the clamp mechanism 111, the rotation control (rotation/stop, and rotation speed control) of the main shaft 11, the material supply control by the material supply unit 112, the tool shutter 15, and the modeling device shutter 16. , heating control of the heating section 322 and the melting section 34 , movement control of the moving device 4 , and the like. Note that the control unit 10 may have an output means such as a lamp or a display.

Next, the operation of the machine tool device 1 will be explained using FIGS. 7 to 10. First, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of polarity selection operation in the embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 7 to 10, the description will be made assuming that the main body of the operation is the control unit 10, but the operation may be performed by a configuration other than the control unit 10 (for example, another control unit). .

In FIG. 7, the control unit 10 determines whether the type of material has been selected (step S11). The determination in step S11 can be made based on, for example, whether there is a manual input from the input unit 101 or whether a manufacturing program is input to the control unit 10.

If it is determined in step S11 that no material type has been selected (step S11: NO), the control unit 10 ends the operation shown in the flowchart.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of material has been selected (step S11: YES), the control unit 10 searches for charging characteristics stored in the charging characteristics storage unit 102 (step S12). For example, if a code indicating the type of material and a charging characteristic (positive charging/negative charging, charging voltage, etc.) are stored in correspondence with each other in the charging characteristic storage unit 102, the control unit 10 selects the code in step S11. Based on the material code, the charging characteristics of the material can be searched.

After executing the process of step S12, the control unit 10 selects the polarity of ions used for static elimination based on the retrieved charging characteristics (step S13). For example, it is assumed that the static eliminator 36A generates positive ions and the static eliminator 36B generates negative ions. In step S13, if the material has negative charging characteristics based on the retrieved charging characteristics, the control unit 10 automatically selects the static eliminator 36A and performs static elimination using positive ions. On the other hand, if the material has positive charging characteristics based on the retrieved charging characteristics, the control unit 10 automatically selects the static eliminator 36B and performs static elimination using negative ions. By automatically selecting a static eliminator based on the charging characteristics of the material stored in the charging characteristics storage unit 102, it becomes possible to appropriately eliminate static electricity from various materials.

After executing the process of step S13, the control unit 10 starts controlling the operation of the static eliminator (the static eliminator 36A or the static eliminator 36B) (step S14). Control of the operation of the static eliminator includes, for example, the timing of static elimination by turning the static eliminator ON/OFF, adjustment of the applied voltage, selection of the voltage waveform, and the like. After executing the process of step S14, the control unit 10 ends the operation shown in the flowchart.

Next, the workpiece manufacturing operation will be explained using FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of workpiece production in the embodiment.

In FIG. 8, the control unit 10 determines whether a workpiece is to be modeled using the material (step S21). The term "material modeling" refers to the modeling of a material using the modeling device 3, and refers to operating the machine tool device 1 as a so-called 3D printer. When determining that the material is to be modeled (step S21: YES), the control unit 10 clamps the material modeling device (modeling device 3) that models the material (step S22). Clamping of the modeling device 3 is performed by the clamp mechanism 111 in the modeling device storage area 13 mentioned above.

After executing the process of step S22, the control unit 10 shapes the workpiece while controlling the discharge of the material (step S23). In controlling the material discharge, the rotation of the transfer section 35 of the modeling device 3 is controlled by controlling the rotation of the main shaft 11, and the amount of material discharged from the discharge nozzle 31 is controlled. A workpiece is modeled by controlling discharge while moving the discharge nozzle 31 with the moving device 4. After executing the process of step S23, the control unit 10 unclamps the modeling device 3 and places it at a predetermined position in the modeling device storage area 13 (step S24).

After executing the process of step S24, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to process the material using the tool (step S25). If it is determined not to process the material using the tool (step S25: NO), the control unit 10 ends the operation shown in the flowchart. In this case, the machine tool device 1 only shapes the workpiece using the material.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the material is to be processed using the tool (step S25: YES), or if it is determined that the material is not to be shaped in the process of step S21 (step S21: NO), the control unit 10 2 is clamped by the clamp mechanism 111 (step S26). The clamp mechanism 111 clamps a tool used for machining from among a plurality of tools based on a control program. After executing the process of step S26, the control unit 10 executes machining of the workpiece using the tool 2 (step S27). Processing of a workpiece is cutting the workpiece using a tool (including polishing, drilling, tapping, boring, etc.).

In this embodiment, the machine tool device 1 can be controlled in three operations: an operation of only modeling processing, an operation of only machining, or an operation of continuously performing modeling processing and machining. By performing only printing processing or processing only, it is possible to reduce equipment costs because the equipment can be shared without having to prepare separate equipment for printing and processing. becomes. In addition, in operations where modeling and processing are performed continuously, by processing the workpiece that has been modeled in the modeling device 3 as it is, there is no need to set the workpiece, and it is possible to reduce the number of man-hours required to create the workpiece. becomes. Further, since the workpiece can be processed without moving, the processing accuracy can be improved.

After executing the process of step S27, the control unit 10 unclamps the tool 2 in the tool storage area 12 and places it at a predetermined position (step S28). After executing step S28, the control unit 10 ends the operation shown in the flowchart.

Next, the static eliminating operation in the static eliminator 36 will be explained using FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the static elimination operation in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the static elimination operation in the embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a method for releasing ions in response to the transfer of material from the transfer section 35. On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows a method of releasing ions in response to the supply of material from the material supply section 112 to the storage section 32.

In FIG. 9, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the transfer unit 35 has started transferring the material (step S31). When the material is transferred from the transfer section 35, the material is discharged from the discharge nozzle 31, and the material is also supplied from the storage section 32, so the material stored in the storage section 32 moves in the z-axis direction (downward). Friction between materials occurs and static electricity is generated. The material is transferred in the transfer section 35 by rotating the main shaft 11 as described above. When it is determined that the transfer of the material has started in the transfer section 35 (step S31: YES), the control section 10 starts static elimination using the static eliminator 36 (step S32).

After executing the process of step S27, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the transfer of the material in the transfer unit 35 has been stopped (step S33). If it is determined that the transfer of the material in the transfer section 35 has not been stopped (step S33: NO), the control section 10 repeats the process of step S33 and waits for the transfer of the material in the transfer section 35 to be stopped. do.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the transfer of the material in the transfer unit 35 has been stopped (step S33: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (time-up) after the transfer was stopped. (Step S34). If it is determined that the time has not expired (step S34: NO), the control unit 10 repeats the processing of steps S33 to S34 and waits for the time to expire. The process in step S34 is a so-called off-timer operation, and by waiting for a predetermined time to elapse after the transfer is stopped, the static eliminator 36 secures the static eliminator 36 time and also reduces wasteful power consumption in the static eliminator 36. It becomes possible to prevent this. Note that the off timer is desirably set to about 5 to 10 seconds in the implementation results explained in FIG.

If it is determined that the time has expired (step S34: YES), or if it is determined that the transfer of the material has not started in the transfer section 35 in the process of step S31 (step S31: NO), the control section 10: Finish the operation shown in the flowchart.

In FIG. 10, the control unit 10 determines whether the supply (replenishment) of the material from the material supply unit 112 to the storage unit 32 has started (step S41). Replenishment of material from the material supply unit 112 to the storage unit 32 can be determined, for example, based on whether the amount of material stored in the storage unit 32 has fallen below a predetermined amount. The amount of the stored material can be measured, for example, by detecting the height of the material stored in the storage section 32 with a sensor or the like. In the present embodiment, the machine tool device 1 is continuously or intermittently supplied with material from the material supply section 112, thereby making it possible to prevent operation stoppage due to running out of material. By determining the supply of material through the process in step S41, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption in the static eliminator 36.

If it is determined that the replenishment of the material from the material supply unit 112 has started (step S41: YES), the control unit 10 starts static elimination using the static eliminator 36 (step S42).

After executing the process of step S42, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the supply of material from the material supply unit 112 has been stopped (step S43). If it is determined that the supply of material from the material supply unit 112 has not been stopped (step S43: NO), the control unit 10 repeats the process of step S43 to stop the supply of material from the material supply unit 112. wait for the

On the other hand, if it is determined that the supply of material from the material supply unit 112 has been stopped (step S43: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (time-up) after the supply has been stopped. A judgment is made (step S44). If it is determined that the time has not expired (step S44: NO), the control unit 10 repeats the processing of steps S43 to S44 and waits for the time to expire. The process in step S44 is a so-called off-timer operation, and by waiting for a predetermined time to elapse after the supply is stopped, the static eliminator 36 secures the static eliminator 36 time and also reduces wasteful power consumption in the static eliminator 36. It becomes possible to prevent this. Note that the off timer is desirably set to about 5 to 10 seconds in the implementation results explained in FIG.

If it is determined that the time has expired (step S44: YES), or if it is determined in the process of step S41 that replenishment of material from the material supply unit 112 has not started (step S41: NO), the control unit 10 ends the operation shown in the flowchart.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It will be done.

1 Machine tool device 10 Control section 101 Input section 102 Charging characteristic storage section 103 Polarity selection section 11 Spindle 111 Clamp mechanism 112 Material supply section 113 Power supply mechanism 113A Power supply section 113B Power reception section 12 Tool storage area 13 Modeling device storage area 14 Production area 15 Tool shutter 16 Modeling device shutter 2 Tool 3 Modeling device 31 Discharge nozzle 32 Storage section 321 Inclined section 322 Heating section 33 Heat retention section 34 Melting section 35 Transfer section 36 Static eliminator 36A Static eliminator 361A High voltage cable 36B Static eliminator 361B High voltage cable 4 Moving device 41 Drive section 42x x-axis slide section 42y y-axis slide section 42z z-axis slide section

Claims (6)

A machine tool device that injects material into a three-dimensional space composed of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis that are perpendicular to each other to create a model,
an injection nozzle that injects the material from the injection port in the z-axis direction;
a moving device that moves the injection nozzle in the three-dimensional space;
a storage section that is moved together with the injection nozzle by the moving device and stores material to be injected from the injection nozzle;
a transfer unit that is moved together with the injection nozzle by the moving device to transfer the material stored in the storage unit to the injection nozzle;
A machine tool device comprising: a static eliminator that discharges ions to the material stored in the storage section to eliminate static electricity charged on the material. further comprising a polarity selection unit that selects the polarity of ions emitted from the static eliminator,
The machine tool apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the static eliminator emits ions of a polarity selected by the polarity selection section. The machine tool device according to claim 1 , wherein the static eliminator emits ions in the z-axis direction in the storage section. The machine tool device according to claim 3, wherein the static eliminator emits ions in response to the transfer of material from the transfer section. further comprising a material supply unit that supplies material to the storage unit,
The machine tool device according to claim 3, wherein the static eliminator emits ions in response to supply of material from the material supply section to the storage section. a charging characteristic storage section that stores charging characteristics according to the type of material;
further comprising an input unit for inputting the type of material injected from the injection nozzle,
The machine tool device according to claim 2, wherein the polarity selection section selects the polarity based on the type of material input from the input section and the charging characteristics stored in the charging characteristics storage section.

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